Touch
A student refuses to touch glue, sand, or finger paint. This may be called tactile _______.
What is defensiveness?
Students who chew on pencils, shirts, or objects may be seeking this type of sensory input.
What is oral sensory input?
Students who rock, spin, or bounce may be seeking this type of sensory input.
What is movement input?
Fire drills, loud classrooms, and sudden noises may cause this reaction in sensory-sensitive students.
What is covering ears, distress, or anxiety?
A cluttered classroom wall may cause this for some students.
What is visual overload?
This strategy can help a student who seeks touch input during class.
What are fidgets, textured tools, or sensory bins?
A helpful classroom support for students who chew on items is providing this tool.
What are chewelry or chew tools?
Name a classroom strategy that can provide safe movement breaks.
• Stretch breaks
• Wall push-ups
• Carrying books
• Walking errands
These tools can help reduce noise for sensitive students.
What are noise-reducing headphones or ear defenders?
These supports help students organize visual information.
What are visual schedules or visual supports?
A student constantly touches peers, walls, and objects to feel input. This student may be a tactile _______.
What is a sensory seeker?
Strong smells in classrooms (markers, cleaners, perfumes) may cause students with sensory sensitivities to do this.
What is become overwhelmed, distracted, or upset?
This type of sensory input helps students know where their body is in space.
What is proprioception?
Some students may seek auditory input by doing this.
What is humming, tapping, or making noises?
Students who stare at lights, spinning objects, or moving items may be seeking this input.
What is visual sensory input?
Name one classroom strategy that can help students who are sensitive to touch.
• Allow tools instead of finger paint
• Use gloves
• Provide warning before touch
• Offer alternative materials
Name one strategy to support students sensitive to smell.
• Limit strong scents
• Allow fresh air
• Seat student away from smells
• Use unscented materials
A student who constantly leaves their seat may actually need this rather than punishment.
What is a movement break or sensory regulation support?
Name one classroom support for students sensitive to sound.
• Quiet space
• Headphones
• Soft voices
• Warning before loud noises
Name one strategy to reduce visual overstimulation in the classroom.
• Reduce wall clutter
• Use calm colors
• Use study carrels
• Provide visual breaks