Question:

My student has difficulty following classroom instruction. He sucks his thumb to calm down. He bit another student. He flaps his arms, and constantly move and touches everything. He doesn't qualify for special ed services. What can I do?

- L.B., teacher

 

In response, Tyler Michael, MS OTRL, recommended strategies to offset the sensory seeking behavior before it occurs. Tyler is an occupational therapist at Creative Technologies Academy, a charter school in Michigan.

To help the student get sensory input throughout the day, Tyler prepared a checklist for the teacher with sensory diet activities (highlights below).

At the Desk

  • Wiggle Cushion on the seat
  • Velcro to touch under the table
  • Noise cancelling headphones during independent tasks
  • Intermittent wear of compression vest or heavy backpack
  • Chair Push-Ups
  • Foot fidget with latex band around the chair legs
  • Chewy pencil toppers, chewy necklace or bracelet
 

During Floor Time

  • Sit close to teacher to minimize visual distraction
  • Lay on tummy or propped forearms to increase proprioceptive input
  • Squeeze or pull a fidget
 

Periodically throughout the day

  • Use sensory tools from the Break Box to calm or increase focus
  • Squeeze a ball, do hand pushes and finger pulls (joint compression)
  • Walk like a bear or crawl like a crab
  • Carry a stack of books or push a cart
  • Row with a classmate or teacher
  • Apply deep pressure from a therapy ball or roller
  • Wear a chewy necklace or hold a pocket-size chewy fidget
 

Ready for more ideas?

Check out Fun and Function's illustrated guide, 10 Minute Strategies to Refocus Tired, Hyper or Restless Students without Leaving the Classroom. Register for our recorded webinars with step-by-step guidance on Sensory Strategies and Movement Strategies. Available at FunandFunction.com