Navigating Sensory Needs in the Classroom
Creating a supportive environment for students with sensory needs is crucial for their academic and emotional well-being.
But trying to advocate for sensory supports in schools can often feel like an uphill battle.
When it comes to supporting sensory needs in the classroom, there can often be a variety of challenges and a lot of questions on how to best meet a student's sensory needs.
Here are 4 ways to integrate sensory accommodations seamlessly into the classroom.
- Advocate for Awareness of Sensory Supports - Remember that not everyone has the same information or knowledge about sensory so the best thing we can do is guide others with education and training on how to best meet the sensory needs of our students.
- Integrate Sensory Accommodations into the IEP and Therapy Goals - Provide practical guidance on incorporating sensory accommodations into Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and therapy goals. Discuss the importance of collaboration between educators, therapists, and parents to tailor goals that address a student's unique sensory requirements.
- Collaborate With The Student’s Team - Emphasize open communication between teachers, parents, and the other members of a students team or order to share insights, and work together to implement consistent sensory strategies both at home and in the classroom.
- Provide Sensory Supports in All Settings - Utilize a sensory based approach in the classroom, therapy room, at recess, or wherever the child needs support. When you understand why a student is dysregulated, you can address how to best support them whether they are in a group, small space, or during a push-in lesson.
Supporting sensory needs in the classroom is a collective effort that requires education, collaboration, and practical strategies.
If you want more information on how to implement these 4 steps to integrating sensory accommodations seamlessly into the classroom, check out our Youtube Show on Supporting Sensory Needs in Schools: Making the Shift Episode 56
Together, we can strive to make classrooms a place where every student can thrive.
