sensory activities for special education students

10 GREAT SENSORY TOOLS FOR YOUR SPED CLASSROOM

Sensory tools were essential in my special education classroom! Having sensory tools available helps students stay on task, helped with sensory regulation, and helped decrease stress and anxiety. Here are ten of my favorite sensory tools for the special education classroom.

This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you click on the qualifying links at no additional cost to you.

Water bead beanbags

These beanbags are so fun to play with! They're also great for learning shapes and colors in a hands-on way!

I bought some of this slimy sand for my son for Christmas and when he tried it out, I knew I had to get some for my classroom! It's like kinesthetic sand and slime combined! Use with caution, some students may eat this or make a huge mess! Also, your students will need to wash their hands afterward.

Wobble board

A wobble board is a great option for your wigglers! Students who need constant movement will love to stand and balance on a wobble board. This was a hit in my classroom!

Chewy necklaces

My students who liked to chew loved these necklaces ! And they don't go nearly as far when chucked across the room as the chewy tubes! 😂 A pack of 8 lasted us over a year.

Sensory bottles

I love making sensory bottles with my students. You can use any type of clear bottle for these. I recommend plastic because things do get thrown occasionally. I found some clear reusable water bottles at Walmart for a quarter each and bought a ton of them! Just add warm water, glitter glue, and whatever other fun items you want! I bought this slime kit and we used the different items in our sensory bottles.

Stress balls

These started as something I purchased for myself, but my students loved them so much that I had to share! Stress balls are great for taking out to general education classes too.

Wobble stool

Another great option for your students who struggle to sit still. I find these wobble stools to be way less distracting than yoga balls and my students (and paras) loved them.

Desk elliptical or exercise bike

I found an under the desk elliptical on Facebook Marketplace for $40. Score! It was always being used! This is a great option for your students who need constant movement

Water beads

Water beads are not one of my personal favorites because they always end up squished into the carpet, but my students love them! I like to fill a Ziploc baggie and tape the top so it's a contained mess. Or if you're feeling brave, make a sensory bin with them. Your students will love it!

Fidget poppers

Last but not least, fidget poppers are all the rage right now, and I think they're worth the hype. There are so many ways you can use these academically, but they also make great sensory tools for regulation. I have a small keychain one in my car that I pop on my leg while driving to help keep my mind focused and my anxiety down when I'm driving to different schools!

What are your favorite sensory tools? Did I miss any of your favorite ones?

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42 Sensory Crafts for Kids with Autism, SPD and ADHD

by Bonnie Landau | Sep 8, 2018 | Autism , Blog , Coping Strategies , Fun Stuff , Sensory Processing

Tactile (Touch) Sensory Input

• Pineapple Thumbprint Drawing
• DIY Sidewalk Chalk Pops
• Bouncy Ball Stamp Pufferfish
• Textured Hot Air Balloon Sensory Craft
• Worry Pet Buddies for Anxiety
• Pool Noodle Pom Pom Shooter
• Puffy Paint Octopus
• Ocean Slime
• Stretchy Slime
• 20 Easy Ways to Make Slime
• Handprint Rainbow Painting
• Make Your Own Floam
• Texture Balloons for Sensory Play
• Do-it-yourself Sensory Blocks
• Worry Stones
• Desk fidget for School
• Rainbow Tissue Paper Snail

Visual (See) Sensory Input

• Mermaid Tail Sensory Bottle
• Shark Sensory Bottle
• Minion Sensory Bottle
• Mini Aquarium Sensory Bottle
• Paper Plate Earth Craft Collage
• Bug Magazine Collage
• Heart Photo Collage
• Mixed Media Collage for Kids
• DIY LIght Table
• DIY Dyed Rainbow Blocks

Olfactory (Smell) Sensory Input

• Bubblegum Play Dough
• Candy Cane Finger Paint
• Mystery Scented Play Dough
• Scratch and Sniff Watercolors
• Scented Fizzy Paint
• Colorful and Scented Explosions

Auditory (Hear) Sensory Input

• Rain Sticks that Sound Like Rain!
• Rainstick Musical Sensory Bottle
• Suncatcher Windchime
• Recycled Spoons Windchime
• DIY Key Windchime

Gustatory (Taste) Sensory Input

• Neon Edible Finger Paint
• Chocolate Play Dough
• Edible Jello Fingerpaints

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Sensory Activities for Kids (PDF): 50+ Sensory Play Ideas for Kids of All Ages!

Sensory Activities for Kids ( 5 Senses Activities for Kids): in this post, you will be able to explore sensory processing and the benefits of sensory play. We will also share a comprehensive list of senses activities for kids of all ages. You will be able to download the PDF “My Sensory Menu” with the complete list of suggested activities indicating the sensory system involved (sight, smell, hearing, touch, taste, proprioception, and vestibular systems).

This post was written in collaboration with Dani, a support worker and a special education aide, who has significant first-hand knowledge of how you experience the world when you have sensory processing issues.

She has been a terrific help for us during the last four years. Her understanding of this topic has helped us meet our son’s sensory needs better. And, she keeps coming to us with great sensory activity suggestions. 

A few words from Dani:

Before we jump into this post, let me take the time to explain a little bit about my background and my interest in sensory processing and activities. I am a twenty-eight-year-old woman who works with children and young adults with disabilities. I also previously studied and worked in the early childhood education sector.

I also happen to be an Autistic adult with other additional diagnoses, including a sensory nervous system dysfunction, which has made me rather acutely aware of sensory needs. So, let’s expand our understanding of sensory processing and sensory play benefits. And, I will enumerate a list of sensory activities for kids you may wish to consider. 

What is Sensory Processing?

Sensory processing is how the body and brain organize sensations, both internal and external, making it possible for the body to function effectively and make sense of the world.

Five primary senses are widely recognized. These senses are sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste. I will briefly explain these senses below, and also two lesser-known senses, proprioception and vestibular perception, and their importance in development.

Proprioception and vestibular perception are part of the internal sensory and perception systems that would also include nociception (pain).

Let’s take a brief look at these seven human senses.

• Sense of Sight Sight is the process of perceiving the world through the eyes.  It is achieved through a complex process involving the various parts of the eye. The eye perceives light, and the brain interprets it as visual images.
• Sense of Smell Smell is the acquisition of information through the stimulation of chemical receptors in the nose and upper airway.
• Sense of Hearing Hearing is the brain interpreting vibrations in the inner ears as sound information.
• Sense of Touch Touch is made up of an array of sensations that are communicated between neurons in the skin and brain. These sensations include but are not limited to pressure, pain, temperature, and vibration. Touch is considered to be more than just a sense used to interact with the physical world. It is also recognized as essential to human wellbeing.
• Sense of Taste Taste is made up of the perception of five flavors, sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami or savory. Taste is sensed through the taste buds on the tongue. There is a myth that the tongue has zones that are flavor-specific. But, although the tongue’s sides are more sensitive than the middle, we can sense all five tastes on all parts of the tongue.
• Proprioception Proprioception is the sense of place in space and includes the sense of movement and the position of our limbs and actions of our muscles. It allows us to do things such as climb steps without looking at them as we climb. People with poor proprioception may appear clumsy and uncoordinated.
• Vestibular perception The vestibular system is the sensory system responsible for providing our brains with information about motion, head position, and spatial orientation.

What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sensory Processing Disorder, which used to be referred to as Sensory Integration Dysfunction, is a neurological disorder characterized by an abnormal or unusual response to perceived sensory information from the world.

Unlike individuals with a sensory impairment (visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing), those with Sensory Processing Disorder still take in sensory information. But it becomes “muddled up” in the brain and causes the individual to react in a way that is considered inappropriate or disproportionate to the situation.

Symptoms will vary depending on:

• whether the child presents hyposensitivity or hypersensitivity (not easily vs easily stimulated senses)
• the sense/s affected.

Children with sensory processing disorders may struggle with loud noises, bright lights or food textures, just to mention a few common manifestations.

A few extreme real-life examples that I have come across include:

• a child would gag or vomit at the mere smell of pumpkin
• an adult would go under the table to isolate from stimuli saturation
• an adult would express the desire to headbang when overwhelmed with their environment

What is Sensory Play?

Sensory play is any activity that stimulates an area of your child’s senses.

These activities facilitate the child’s learning and exploration of the world.

Sensory play allows the child to redefine how they perceive sensory information and respond to sensory input.

For example, a child with autism might find it challenging to sit still and focus on an activity. Nevertheless, if the child is allowed to sit in a chair that wriggles (which stimulates the vestibular sensory system), they may focus for a more extended period.

Picky eaters and fussy eaters who are allowed to explore their food with all of their senses, including touch, often become more willing to try new foods.

Why is Sensory Play Important for Kids?

Sensory play has many benefits. 

Sensory play has been linked to the building of nerve connections in the brain’s pathways that aid in completing complex learning tasks.

Sensory play is also shown to support:

• language development
• cognitive skills
• fine and gross motor skills
• problem-solving
• social development

Sensory play is beneficial in helping to calm anxious and frustrated children .

Who benefits from sensory play?

In short, I believe that everyone benefits from sensory play. Whether it be for the calming effects, the acquisition of new skills, or to have fun, sensory play activities are a great addition to your day and a fun learning experience.

By incorporating sight, touch, smell, taste, and hearing, sensory learning taps into our innate curiosity and creates memorable learning experiences.

(Disclosure: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There may also be other affiliate links in this post. You can also read our Disclosure & Disclaimer policy here )  

Sensory Activities for Kids (Babies, Toddlers, School-age Children, Special Needs) / 5 Senses Activities & More!

Check out this list of ideas for sensory activities for people of all ages below (babies, toddlers, young and older children – and even adults)!

The age groups you will see below are just a guide. Most of the sensory activities mentioned below are great for all ages!

Sensory Activities for Babies

•   Water play Any play that includes water will be a fun multi-sensory activity that will allow them to explore the environment and develop a range of skills.
• Texture ring Babies use not just their hands but also their mouth to explore their environment.
• Rattles, instruments, etc These activities stimulate babies’ senses (sounds, textures, colors ) and help develop their motor skills (grasping, shaking)
• Nature play Nature play can be as simple as playing in the garden or going for a nature walk. This type of activity is a treat for your baby’s senses. They can enjoy the different colors, the sounds, the smells, the textures.
• Ball pit A visual and tactile experience for older babies and beyond that can also help them explore cause and effect and develop motor skills. 
• Textured storybooks / Senses book Adding to the visual input the possibility of exploring different textures
• Massage Massage is an excellent sensory activity not just for babies but for older children too. Anxiety reduction, aggressive behavior improvement, better sleep patterns, and increased parent-child bonding are some of the benefits research suggests for massage. ⇒Learn fun massage ideas for kids of all ages .

Sensory Activities for Toddlers

• Sandpit Sand introduces kids to a world of sensory exploration (texture, temperature, sight). Playing with toys in the sandpit also allows them to work on their motor skills (dexterity and hand-eye coordination )
• Bubbles Making bubbles strengthens mouth and abdominal muscles, develops motor and visual skills, and is fun and visually pleasant. It’s a lot more than just fun!
• Shaving foam Grab a tray and spray a can of shaving foam on it. Things will get messy, but your toddler will get a terrific sensory experience manipulating the foam. Add a few drops of food coloring, and you will add a visual sensory input. Or hide a few toys, and ask them to guess what they have found before taking them out of the foam.
• Gloop Have you heard about gloop? Is it solid? Is it liquid? Playing with gloop is a super cool sensory experience. When you press the mixture, it feels solid. But when you let it slip away through your fingers, it feels like liquid. Would you like to try it? Put two cups of cornflower in a bowl and slowly add a cup of cold water. Stir until the water is absorbed, and add a bit of food coloring for extra fun.
• Gardening/mud play Gardening can be a stimulating sensory experience that engages all senses. And, mud play is a related activity ideal for practicing motor skills and improving hand-eye coordination. 
• Finger painting Touch, smell, sight, motor skills, creativity, learning about colors. This sensory activity is a must-try on our list.
• Playdough Playdough is another sensory activity that helps develop fine motor skills. It provides different sensory inputs such as touch and sights.
• Sensory bins A sensory bin is a large container filled with a variety of materials selected to stimulate different senses.
• Water painting It can’t get less messy than this. Take a bucket of water and head to your fence or your deck (any surface that temporarily shows the traces of the brush strokes) and let them paint with just water!
• Bubble baths / Bath bomb Bubble baths are a fun sensory activity. But we took this activity to the next level when we discovered bath bombs. Bath bombs are a treat to your child’s senses, the fizziness, the color explosion, those delicious smells. And it is so relaxing!

Sensory Activities for Young Children

These are some great senses activities for young kids:

• Sensory stories Any story can become a sensory story when you add external stimuli to it. Splash a few drops of water when there’s rain in your story,  imitate the sounds of the animals, apply a warm wheat pack to feel the sun on their face, a bit of movement when they gallop on your lap.
• Clay A tremendous tactile sensory experience that also helps develop fine motor skills and creativity
• Baking/cooking Baking can provide a full range of sensory experiences: – the yummy and exciting smells – the tactile experience of working the dough – the ingredients’ visual appeal -a flavor explosion in our taste buds.
• Blind Taste Test Let’s continue with the sense of taste, but this time it will be heightened because once you cover your kid’s eyes, they will be able to focus on the senses of smell and taste fully. You can discuss the different flavors and smells.
• Bath paint Get a few bath paints or bath crayons ( like these ones ) and unleash their creativity while they enjoy the soothing water sensory input (don’t worry, they come off super easily!)
• Volcano experiment This is one of those science experiments that my son has done a thousand times. A fun way to enjoy tactile, visual, and hearing sensory inputs. Shape a mountain with playdough, leaving a nice hole in the middle. Place a teaspoon of baking soda inside the volcano, and pour a small quantity of vinegar to make it erupt! Use red food coloring if you want to give it a bit of realism. Or, go with any color that pleases you! Let’s have some fun.

Sensory Activities for Older Children

• Lego Visual, touch, and sound sensory inputs while they nurture their creativity and their motor skills.
• Kinetic sand If you can’t go to the beach, bring the beach home! Feel the texture, squeeze it, let it flow through your fingers. And let the imaginative play begin!
• Making slime / Playing with Slime Making slime is a fun arts & crafts activity. And, playing with slime helps: -improve motor skills -provides multi-sensory input -relax (lots of people find manipulating slime very  relaxing. 
• Paper mache  ( Papier-mâché) It is as much fun to make papier-mâché as it is to use it to make objects. And, it provides a very interesting tactile sensory input. You can find plenty of recipes online (with and without glue)
• Cornflour bouncy balls Two in one! A science experiment and a sensory experience, all in one activity. This is an example of a tutorial, there are plenty of them on line. 
• Texture Collage Ask your kids or student to work on an art project that incorporates materials and objects with different textures. A great activity for the senses of sight and touch, as the texture collage also emphasizes the tactile qualities of the materials used.
• Mystery Bag Play Mystery Bag! Place various small objects inside a bag or a container, concealing them from view. Kids will take turns reaching into the bag, feeling the objects without looking at them, and attempting to guess what each object is based solely on touch and texture.
• Blindfold Games Blindfold games are activities or games that require wearing blindfolds (or having their vision restricted in some way). By limiting their sight, these games enhance other senses. Some examples of blindfold games: “Pin the Tail on the Donkey,” a blindfolded taste game (we mentioned that one in our senses activity 21) or blindfolded drawing.
• Degustation Menu! Take your older kids to a restaurant to try a degustation menu! Tasting menus offer a curated selection of small portions of various dishes. It is designed to showcase a chef’s culinary skills, creativity, and the flavors, textures, and presentation of different dishes. A real treat to the senses! You can also organize your own home version of a degustation menu with a nice selection of different foods (Tapas style!)
• “Listening walk”: focusing on tuning into the sounds around you
• “Sightseeing walk”:  exploring and appreciating the visual aspects of your surroundings:  architecture, landmarks, and scenic views.
• “Tactile walk” or “touch walk”:  engaging with different textures, such as running your hands over tree bark, feeling different types of leaves or flowers, or touching surfaces with varying tactile qualities.
• “Aromatic walk” or “smell walk”:  paying attention to the different scents and aromas present in the environment, such as flowers, plants, trees, and even not-so-nice smells.

You can have different types of Scavenger Hunts and choose different senses as a theme!

• Smell Scavenger Hunt Organize a scent hunt game with a list of various scents or fragrances the kids need to find. The scents can be a wide range of things, such as flowers, fruits, spices, perfumes, or even everyday objects like coffee or freshly cut grass. And, if you want to make it even more fun, make sure you also include bad smells!
• Texture Scavenger Hunt Create a list of various textures for participants to find and feel. For example, include items like rough bark, smooth pebbles, soft feathers, bumpy surfaces, or fuzzy fabrics. 
• Sound Scavenger Hunt Instead of focusing on physical objects, this scavenger hunt revolves around finding different sounds. Prepare a list of specific sounds or categories such as animal noises, musical instruments, or natural sounds. 
• Visual Scavenger Hunt Create a list of visual cues such as specific colors, shapes, patterns, or objects found in nature. 
• Taste Scavenger Hunt Yummy! In this scavenger hunt, kids can sample and identify different tastes (sweet, sour, salty, or bitter.) 

Fun Sensory Activities for All Kids but Children with Autism May Especially Love Them

• Sensory Rice Playing with sensory rice provides visual, auditory, and tactile input
• Swings Swings provide vestibular and proprioceptive sensory input. Most kids love swings, but benefits go way beyond the pleasure of the experience. Therapeutic swings are often used with kids with special needs as a way to increase balance and coordination. Some of them have a “cocooning effect” that helps kids feel safe and soothed. And the back and forth movement of a swing is incredibly soothing.
• Trampoline Jumping on a trampoline has many developmental benefits, like improving gross motor skills and providing proprioceptive and vestibular sensory inputs.
• Fidget toys Fidget toys have become very popular tools to help reduce /manage anxiety or stress. They also provide a variety of interesting touch sensory inputs Tip: Learn how to use fidget toys to focus in the classroom
• Threading Threading would be any activity involving threading beads through a string. You can also thread string through holes (different shapes cut-outs or wooden objects) ⇒ an example
• Sensory jars A Sensory Bottle (or a Calm Down Jar) is a bottle or jar container usually filled with a liquid solution where different materials can float and flow, creating a visually soothing and pleasant experience. Preparing a Calm Down Jar is a great arts & crafts family activity. The bottles provide an excellent multi-sensory experience and can be used to help kids soothe or calm down.
• Lava Lamps Look at the relaxing motion of a lava lamp (like this one )  can be a very soothing sensory experience.
• Smell boxes (boxes with different smelling items such as coffee beans, soaps, essential oils, etc.). Decide if your kid or student would also like to add bad smells
• Vestibular activities like dancing, bouncing on an exercise ball, or jumping

Compression / Deep Pressure Touch Many kids find deep pressure touch very calming. These are some examples of items that provide deep pressure input:

• Weighted blankets Many kids find the pressure of a weighted blanket very comforting . If you are considering using a weighted blanket, I recommend you read my post on how to use a weighted blanket  and learn from my mistakes! (I didn’t get it right the first time)
• Weighted vests
• A weighted stuffed puppy
• A body sock  (⇒ an example of body sock )
• Blanket wrap Put a blanket on the floor and ask your child to lie down on it. Wrap the blanket around tight enough to give a gently hug (obviously, the head should stick out)
• Baby Swaddle Wrap (for those who are not babies anymore!) This activity is similar to the blanket wrap one, and I use it with a big boy, not a baby. Instead of a complete swaddle wrap, I wrap him from the waist up with a big towel.

My Sensory Menu: Vision, Hearing, Smell, Touch, Taste, Proprioception, and Vestibular Sensory Inputs

I though it would be useful to have a checklist with all the sensory activities that we have listed here, organized by sensory system involved.

Most of these activities provide a multi-sensory input, so you will see them assigned to more than one sensory system.

• Visual Sensory Input / Sight ( water play, texture ring, rattles, nature play, ball pit, textured books, bubbles, finger painting, sensory bins, water painting, sensory stories, bath paint, volcano experiment, lego, slime, cornflour bouncy balls, sensory rice, fidget toys, sensory jars)
• Auditory Sensory Input / Hearing (water play, rattles, nature play, sensory bins, sensory story, volcano experiment, sensory rice, sensory jars)
• Olfactory Sensory Input / Smell ( nature play, massage (oils), shaving foam, sensory bins, bubble baths, sensory story, baking, smell boxes)
• Tactile Sensory Input / Touch ( water play, texture ring, rattles, nature play, ball pit, textured book, massage, sandpit, shaving foam, gloop, mud play, finger painting, playdough, sensory bins, water painting, bubble baths, sensory stories, clay, baking, lego, kinetic sand, making /playing with slime, paper mache, cornflour bouncy balls, sensory rice, fidget toys, threading, weighted blanket, weighted vest, body sock, weighted stuffed puppy, blanket wrap, swaddle wrap)
• Gustatory Sensory Input / Taste (baking)
• Proprioception Sensory Input / Body Awareness (texture ring, ball pit, massage, swings, trampoline, fidget toys, weighted blanket, weighted vest, body sock, weighted stuffed puppy, blanket wrap, swaddle wrap)
• Vestibular Sensory Input / Movement (water play, nature play, ball pit, swings, trampoline, jumping, dancing, bouncing on an exercise ball, wiggle cushions)

Download your free Sensory Menu PDF ⇓ 

Thank you for this blog it will help me alot in the future.

Thanks, Michelle. I’m really happy that you found it useful.

Clara Thanks for the helpful content

Thank you very much Clara this will really help me with my son.

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10 Tools for a Sensory Informed Classroom

by Alescia Ford MS OTR/L, ATP July 26, 2018 1 Comment

If you’ve got a sensory child who’s of school-age, most likely sensory supports will be needed in the classroom. 

When talking to teachers and administrators about the need for sensory tools in the classroom, it’s important to frame your discussion in terms of your child’s “readiness to learn.”

Before we get into our top 10 list, take a look at our video on 7 Tips for a Sensory Friendly Classroom. Then, in this blog post, we'll discuss why it's important to have a sensory informed classroom!

7 Tips for a Sensory Friendly Classroom

Why is a Sensory Friendly Classroom Important? 

Sensory tools are intended to promote regulation, improve focus, and increase participation, therefore enabling your child to be available for learning!

The key to a sensory-informed classroom is that it supports the various sensory needs of the students in the classroom in a way that is as natural as possible. Not all students learn the same, nor do they have the same sensory needs. When you include sensory supports or tools in a classroom, they will be used differently by kids depending on what their bodies need, when they need input, and how they choose to use the tools!

No matter how they are used, sensory tools that are naturally embedded into the existing school day are more likely to be used by more than just your sensory child, therefore decreasing the social stigma of needing something “different.”

By creating a sensory-informed classroom, teachers are setting the tone or culture of the classroom to be one of inclusion, acceptance, and differentiation, no matter what the students’ needs are!  

The goal of sensory tools in school is to support participation, engagement, and interactions that promote skill development and learning. Whether your child is working to develop social skills with peers, behavioral and emotional regulation, improve attention/focus, develop organization skills, or manage classroom behaviors, sensory tools can regulate a child’s arousal level in order to get at these higher-level skills needed for classroom success!

If you'd like to learn more about how to make sensory breaks work better in the classroom, check out this article .

A Facebook Live Session about Sensory Tool Ideas

Below this video, you'll find our top 10 list of sensory tools for school, but we wanted to include this Facebook live session that covers more sensory toolbox ideas and how to implement them at school or home.

 Sensory Tool Video Show Notes

6:00 Support your child's OT by integrating activities into your daily routine. 

7:30 Toolbox supplies will cover the different sensory systems.

7:40 Vestibular input ideas

9:45  Harkla Sensory Swing 

11:40 Scooter Boards are great!

14:30 Body Sock activities

16:06 Vibrating or buzzing massager

18:07 Exercise ball

21:00 Weighted objects

23:00 Fidgets

Our 10 Favorite Sensory Tools for the Classroom

1. flexible/alternative seating.

Did you know that school-aged children need 4-5 hours of movement per day to meet their developing central nervous system’s sensory needs? That’s a hard recommendation to follow when much of their day is spent in school!

• Tabletop seating on T-Stools (see photo), ball chairs,  or Move n’Sit cushions
• Floor seating in a beanbag chair, backjack chair,  or  sensory floor cushion
• Standing stations with standing desks or easels

2. Heavy Work Activities  

Heavy work activities are designed to provide proprioceptive input that has a calming, organizing effect on students. When you put everyday classroom objects (books, lunch bags, recess equipment) into a laundry basket, students can carry/push/pull these heavy baskets for extra doses of proprioceptive input.

Better yet, assigning these heavy work tasks as daily classroom “jobs” will ensure these heavy work activities are embedded into natural classroom routines:  chair stacker, library book returner, white-board eraser, recess equipment carrier, door holder!

Check out the   American Occupational Therapy Association’s OT Connections Blog  for some heavy work chores and activities that are appropriate for home and school.

3. Manipulatives or Fidget Toys

Manipulatives are often used as a multi-sensory way to teach concepts in school.

If you’ve read our article on  fidget toys  you know how tactile tools are used as fidgets to help some kids to focus.

Sensory-informed classrooms can incorporate tactile manipulatives and fidgets to support a multitude of students. Consider distraction-free fidgets like pencil top fidgets, bouncy bands on chairs and desks, and set expectations with a classroom poster of fidget rules!

Whether reinforcing math concepts with popsicle sticks or segmenting and blending words with unifix cubes, manipulatives allow for a hands-on approach to new learning. For kinesthetic learners or students who learn best when actively touching, moving, and manipulating materials, these manipulatives make learning happen. 

4. Oral Sensory Input 

The easiest way to incorporate consistent oral motor sensory input into the school day is to look at what you’re sending your child for snacks and lunch. Just as you vary the nutritional contents of those foods you send, you should also be varying the textures, flavors, and consistencies. Chewy, crunchy foods will offer proprioceptive input to the mouth/jaw and offering liquids to suck through a thick straw (i.e. water bottle w thick straw like this) will also require the use of mouth muscles!

• “Chewelry” (chewable jewelry) offers necklaces,  dog tags, and bracelets that are fashionable and functional.
• Some classrooms and schools allow gum or chewy candy to be proactively used to meet oral sensory needs. In these cases, “gum rules” are enacted to ensure appropriate use.
• Pencil toppers allow your child to safely chew on the end of his pencil

5. Movement  

When you get your child’s school schedule, take note of the movement opportunities in the form of gym class, specials, and recess. Are those times sufficient to help your child regulate and get a good dose of vestibular input?

If not, you’ll need to look at additional movement opportunities in the form of whole-class activities.

• GoNoodle is a free favorite with teachers and students alike!
• Student-specific movement activities on key rings, flashcards, or classroom posters can cue kids to take movement breaks to help regulate.
• Movement-minded classroom jobs like a mail carrier, materials manager/paper passer, or office runner allow for movement within natural routines

If you’re lucky enough to have a classroom therapy ball, there are a multitude of movement-based sensory breaks using the ball from bouncing to rolling and  more !

6. Deep Pressure 

Weighted objects and weighted lap pads are a must-have in every classroom for seated tabletop tasks and carpet times! Weighted materials like Harkla’s weighted lap pad offer deep pressure input that has a calming and organizing effect.

Read more on the effects on deep touch pressure here .

Some students prefer compression garments worn under regular clothing or compression vests are worn on top of their clothing. These are student-specific considerations that are appropriate sensory tools for school depending on your preference and your child’s sensory needs.

  Click here to visit Harkla's Catalog of Weighted Vests, Blankets, and Lap Pads  

7. Sensory Deprivation Area 

Because a classroom can be a noisy, visually overwhelming, overstimulating place for a sensory student, it’s important to have a designated “quiet corner” that could be as simple as the reading nook in the corner of the class or as complex as a teepee with a beanbag chair and headphones!

Take a look at the Harkla Hug ! It provides a calming place for a child to sit while it  applies  much-needed pressure  to sensitive areas of the body, helping your child feel grounded and in control.

Having an identified sensory deprivation area will allow your child to initiate taking a break when needed, proactively de-escalating when he feels overstimulated. 

It’s important to look at visual supports for learning as well as for regulation assistance in a classroom. When visuals are effective, they reduce the amount of verbal direction, reminders, or prompting needed.

For some sensory students, these strategies could make a huge difference in supporting positive classroom behaviors and self-regulation.  Visual timers and visual calm-down bottles both offer non-verbal ways of prompting transitions and behavior supports.

For other students, reducing the amount of visual distraction is key to helping them maintain attention and complete classroom tasks. Desktop or tabletop partitions, privacy boards, or “offices” are sometimes all it takes to help a student to focus on his work!

9. Tactile Tools for Teaching 

Think back to preschool and kindergarten - so much new learning took place through tactile mediums! Fingerpaint tracing shapes, shaving cream letter writing, even playdoh letter rolling -- using the tactile (touch) sensory system helps some students learn new concepts!

For elementary-aged children, using tactile tools can support continued concept development, so bring out the sand tray, raised line paper, tactile bins, and sensory table. There’s a way to make most new concepts multisensory!

10. Auditory  

We’ve talked about reducing sensory stimulation with a quiet corner in the classroom, but there are times when auditory information can help sensory students identify transitions and learn new information. Familiar songs, rhymes, and music can prompt students through the routine expectations of the classroom.

We all remember Barney’s Clean Up song, right? Predictable musical prompts, whether they are a song or an instrument like a chime, can ease transitions from preferred to nonpreferred activities.

For the reluctant reader, include audiobooks along with text to draw on auditory interests and strengths. Sometimes, listening to the rhythmic, calming voice of the narrator can help engage a reluctant reader and avoid some behaviors in the classroom.

Check out our video on the Top 5 Products for an Elementary Classroom!

Conclusion and Takeaways

No matter the type of classroom setting your child is in, or the type of learner he is, there are countless ways to modify the school environment with sensory-informed choices.

For more information on sensory tools for school, check out Adapt & Learn’s Sensory-Informed Classroom Pinterest page .

WATCH  6 Sensory Strategies to Improve Your Child’s Attention Span!

We at Harkla would love to hear from you about what your sensory-informed classroom is doing to keep all students engaged and learning!

Alescia Ford MS OTR/L, ATP

Alescia strives to help children by fostering a love of learning and supports families with her parent-friendly, informative blog posts. Alescia founded Adapt & Learn, LLC on the mission that children of all abilities can play, learn, adapt, and develop with the right therapeutic, family, and educational supports.

You can get more information on Alescia and her practice at www.adaptandlearn.com .

Taylor Bishop

February 27, 2018

I’m glad you mentioned in the article to maybe have some kind of quiet corner where there could be a beanbag chair and headphones. It’s good to know that having this sensory deprivation area can help a child breath and take a needed break. I wonder if it would be possible to have an area that has a child’s interests in there, like something related to reading or classical music. http://www.learningheadphones.com/

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Sensory Space Ideas for a Special Education Classroom

• fullspedahead
• October 4, 2021
• Curriculum , Functional Life Skills , Guest Blogger , Helpful Tips , Social Emotional Learning , Teacher Tips

I’m excited to introduce this week’s guest blogger, Dawn from Cultivating Exceptional Minds to talk all about a sensory space!

How to incorporate sensory in a self contained classroom

A sensory corner is exactly what you would think. It is a therapeutic space with equipment or resources. These resources provide our students with special needs the appropriate kind of sensory input. It is a calming space when our students get overwhelmed. In addition, sensory room ideas include a corner in the room or a separate room depending on what you have available. You can have a few sensory items or you can have high tech sensory items.

There is a way to get started with every budget. Sensory corners are not limited to just special education, self-contained classrooms or even resource rooms. They are effective in those settings, but they can also be implemented in general education classrooms as well. It’s important to know that it really can be used anywhere.

Especially after the pandemic, we, as educators, have found all students have moments where things just become too much for normal functioning. Having a sensory area would allow them a safe space to decompress as well. 

Items to include in a sensory space

There is not really a wrong answer to this question. There are literally thousands of options for resources and items that you can put in a sensory area. If you are just getting started then you want to focus on a few key items that work well with your students’ needs. In addition, you will want some seating space for your students. Bean Bag chairs or exercise balls are a good place to start.

Teachers should add a few fidgets to the space. Some sensory corner ideas include playing soft music, weighted blankets, reversible sequin pillows, motion timers, bubble blowers, balance boards or a small trampoline (if your space allows). Also have different types of fidgets, such as squishy balls or kinetic sand.

Sensory boxes are filled with sand, rice, or dried beans also work well for students to use. Options for dimming the light in the area would be to cover a window nearby or use light covers and use lamps or twinkle lights. If space allows, being able to use a small tent or a swing in the sensory area would be amazing. Each sensory area is different and should be based on how it will best benefit your students.

How to get funding

Next, being a teacher can often mean a lot of money from our own pockets for these sensory room ideas. This time, you might not have to find the money. There is actually a grant option that can help you with getting your sensory space ready to go. It is easy to fill out and I know plenty of teachers who have been awarded the funding for different projects. This link will tell you everything you need to know about getting started on your own grant to fund your sensory space creation!!

Need more help? If you need more help with how to set up a sensory corner, check out this podcast episode for even more ideas and tips. I always want to be here to help so I’ve put together a list of sensory essentials for calming down . 

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Sensory Play for Kids with Special Needs

by Ellen Metrick View Bio

Ellen Metrick has been an active participant in the toy industry for 30 years. She has consulted with major toy manufacturers and retailers on toy design and quality; has created systems to research and evaluate toys’ impact on childhood development; and has been a major contributor to numerous publications focusing on creative applications for play products. She currently is a Human Factors Specialist with UL, LLC, providing safety risk assessments on children’s products through the lens of child development. With a background in special education, she has spent her career focused on how toys and play impact development for all children.

• Encourage more sensory play! When kids use their senses, they are more likely to be able to recall information later
• Ask your child questions about what they’re feeling, what they’re hearing, etc. while playing, to help increase vocabulary!
• Be cautious! While sensory play is beneficial to a child’s development, it is important to make sure that they do not consume objects or play with anything out of their age range.

Play Ideas for Kids with Special Needs

Sensory play is essential for all kids to learn how their bodies work, and how to process and interpret the world around them. Sometimes the reality of a special need, like Down syndrome or autism spectrum disorder, provides a few barriers, but the need and importance of sensory play remain the same for all children.

What is sensory play?

Sensory play is any activity that stimulates the senses. There are five main senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch, and two other less-known senses, vestibular (sense of balance) and proprioceptive (sense of where each body part is in relation to the rest of the body). The more kids use their senses, the more they develop them and the ability to learn using them.

Why is sensory play so important?

• Helps kids learn. The more senses a child uses when learning something new, the better equipped that child is to remember and recall information later.
• Builds language. When kids describe a sensory play activity and how it feels as they experience it, they gain an understanding of words and that helps them develop a rich, descriptive vocabulary.
• Promotes social interaction. Children of all abilities can participate in sensory play. Peers who are typically developing may be apprehensive to approach a child who looks or acts different than they do. Sensory play activities can naturally entice kids to come close and investigate. Getting kids in close proximity to one another is the first step to interaction.
• Develops motor skills. Whether kids are making waves in a water table or drawing circles in shaving cream, they are strengthening the muscles in their body that are needed for daily living activities like zipping a jacket or brushing their teeth.

When you contemplate a sensory play activity for a child in your life with special needs, take into consideration not only what they’ll learn, but also how they’ll experience it —and then promote the areas that make the most sense for each child.

• Kids who are blind or visually impaired may not gain a tremendous amount of value from fourteen different shades of green crayon on simple, white copy paper. They may benefit more from enjoying a coloring activity on different textured paper – like bumpy, corrugated, and scratchy (e.g. sand paper).
• Kids who are deaf or hard of hearing may miss the verses in a song, however, they can feel the beat of the drum and the vibration of whistles and kazoos. Music can be part of sensory play for kids who are deaf or hard of hearing if you can help them feel the music.
• Kids who have physical limitations may not have the control to easily follow intricate paint by number patterns, but may find success with stamps and washable stamp pads, where elaborate masterpieces are created with simple movements.
• Kids who have sensory processing issues are a little trickier. Some are highly sensitive to sensory stimulation while others have low sensitivity. For kids who crave more stimulation, add scented extracts or small beads into homemade playdough. Or finger paint instead of using a brush so their fingers feel the coolness and movement directly. For kids who are overly sensitive, finger painting may still be an option – but have the kids wear rubber gloves or put different colored paints in a sealable plastic bag so they can experience how the colors mix and move without ever having to get paint on their hands.

With sensory play, as with all play, safety is important. Keep these tips in mind when you are preparing your sensory play activities…

• Supervise. Whether it’s directly or within earshot, children should always know there is an adult nearby to help, if needed.
• Be aware of overstimulation. For some children, flashing lights are a sensory delight to watch; for others, those same lights may instigate seizures. Be aware of your child’s needs and limitations.
• Make sure they are developmentally appropriate. Keep age, abilities, and skill in mind when choosing an activity. If children are still exploring with their mouths, make sure the activities you introduce have pieces large enough to not present a choking hazard and are non-toxic.

By providing opportunities to explore in different ways, you are helping children identify what they like and dislike. How they learn best. What calms them and what excites them. Use the senses to guide you in understanding your kids and helping them learn.

More Expert Advice

Multi-Sensory Instruction in the Classroom: 5 Activities to Use

• #Expert Insight
• #Orton-Gillingham In the Classroom

For the last 25 years, IMSE has been training educators in an explicit, systematic and sequential, multi-sensory teaching approach. Our goal is for every classroom to have proper techniques to help ensure that all students learn how to read.

Multi-sensory (or multimodal) instruction can be broken down into four pathways:

• Auditory (Sense of Hearing)
• Visual (Sense of Sight)
• Tactile (Sense of Touch or Fine Motor Movement)
• Kinesthetic (Body Movement or Gross Motor Movement)

Typically, one of these modalities is usually predominant in each student. Some prefer to use their hands when learning, while others might need to see a visual representation of an image or picture to grasp the concept.

As Dr. Samuel Orton indicated in his research, brain dominance has a substantial impact on learning to read. Both hemispheres of your brain act and react, think and process, and solve problems in very specific ways. Each is quite different from the other, and one is usually dominant.

When a lesson utilizes all four learning pathways, it capitalizes on student strengths and strengthens their weaknesses. By using lessons that engage multiple modalities, educators have a much better chance for students to grasp a concept on initial instruction.

While some still think the Orton-Gillingham reading approach only belongs in special education or reading intervention programs, we have seen firsthand the type of impact it can have on all students.

Multi-Sensory Activity Examples

Students learn at different paces. However, by using multi-sensory strategies, students are given multiple opportunities through various delivery styles to reach their full learning potential.

Here are five multi-sensory activities that you can implement in your classroom today!

Read it, Build it, Write it

This multimodal activity is perfect for teaching Red Words, or irregular words (i.e., ‘said’ or ‘does’). For these words that don’t fit the expected spelling patterns, students need to be able to master them and identify the irregularities.

In this activity, students are given a sheet of paper with three boxes on it, labeled “Read It”, “Build It,” and “Write It.” Each student is also given flashcards that have Red Words already written on them, magnetic or block letters, and a writing tool.

The students and the teacher will read the irregular word that is in the “Read It” box. With the teacher’s help, students can identify what makes the word irregular. Identify what is unexpected in the spelling pattern. From there, your students will use magnetic letters to build the word they just read in the “Build It” box. Once they’ve successfully built the word, the student writes it in the “Write It” box.

Writing in Sand/Shaving Cream

This multi-sensory technique incorporates visual, auditory, and tactile pathways to reinforce letter-sound correspondence.

Using cookie sheets, plastic trays , tables, paper plates, or other mediums, teachers can have sand prepared or shaving cream ready ahead of time. The teacher calls out a known sound. The student repeats the sound, then uses their pointer and middle fingers to write the letter that makes that sound while verbalizing the letter name and sound (/b/ b says /b/). By using their fingers to write, they are accessing thousands of nerve endings that transfer patterns to the brain.

If you choose to use this strategy for whole words instead of letters, make sure you are choosing phonetic words that follow expected spelling patterns.

Air Writing

This is a similar activity to writing in sand or shaving cream but uses gross motor (and is less messy!) Air writing, also called sky writing, helps reinforce the letter and sound that each letter makes through muscle memory.

When air writing, have students stand and air write with their dominant arm. Students should move from their shoulder to promote large muscle movement. Tell your students to visualize the letter in a specific color. As students air write, have them verbalize the letter name and sound.

Arm Tapping

This activity is aimed at helping students master irregular words through multi-sensory review.

To begin this activity, have a stack of cards that contain the words your students are studying. One-by-one, state the word and hold the card in front of you with your non-dominant hand. Make sure the card is at the eye-level of your students as they need to be focused on seeing the words.

Always have students arm tap left to right using their dominant hand. Right-handed students place their right hand on their left shoulder. Left-handed students place their left hand on their right wrist. Say each letter of the word while you tap down your arm using your flat hand. When students have tapped out each letter, state the whole word again while sweeping left to right (shoulder to wrist or wrist to shoulder). Think of it as underlining the word.

Blending Boards

Blending boards are used for students to practice segmenting sounds and blending the sounds into syllables. This helps prepare students for decoding multisyllabic words. Our IMSE blending boards can hold up to three large card stacks that feature individual letters, as well as blends and digraphs.

These are placed in CVC (consonant vowel consonant) order on the board. The teacher places a hand over each card while students state each sound. Then the teacher sweeps a hand over all of the letters while students state the word or syllable.

If students struggle with the CVC pattern, try using the VC pattern. Starting with a continuant sound versus a stopped sound will also help struggling students.

Additional Resources

The possibilities are endless when you bring multi-sensory strategies into your classroom. The strategies we listed are just the tip of the iceberg. For more insights and strategies, visit the links below:

• The IMSE YouTube Channel has several helpful videos about teaching open and closed syllables, three-part writing drills, and more!
• A simple search of “Orton-Gillingham Activities” or “Multi-sensory Activities” on Pinterest reveals hundreds of exciting ideas you can take straight to your classroom. IMSE also has a Pinterest page.
• Be sure to log in to your imse.com account to check out all our other free resources .

IMSE believes that all children should be able to read. To achieve this end, IMSE wants to bring Orton-Gillingham to all educators to give children the best literacy instruction possible.

Learn more about what you can do to improve literacy for all using the  Institute for Multi-Sensory Education’s Orton-Gillingham  training.

Please connect with us on  Facebook ,  Twitter , and  Pinterest  to get tips and tricks from your peers and us. Read the  IMSE Journal  to hear success stories from other schools and districts, and be sure to read the OG Weekly email series for refreshers and tips.

Feeling stuck writing your IEPs? Download the 10 IEP Writing Commandments for FREE here!

Movement Break Ideas for the Special Ed Classroom

Movement breaks are an essential part of any classroom, especially for special education classrooms. These breaks provide students with an opportunity to release excess energy, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being.

In this blog post, we will explore a variety of movement break ideas specifically tailored for special education classrooms. These ideas can be incorporated into daily routines to promote engagement, improve behavior, and support the physical and emotional development of students.

The Importance of Movement Breaks in Special Education Classrooms

Movement breaks play a crucial role in supporting the needs of special education students. Here are a few reasons why they are particularly important:

Improving Focus and Attention

Students with special needs often struggle with sustaining attention for extended periods. Engaging them in short bursts of physical activity can help improve their focus and concentration. Movement breaks provide an opportunity for students to reset their minds and return to the learning environment with increased attention spans.

Enhancing Sensory Integration

Many special education students have sensory processing difficulties. Movement breaks can help regulate their sensory systems by providing proprioceptive and vestibular input. These breaks allow students to engage in activities that promote balance, body awareness, and coordination, ultimately improving their overall sensory integration.

Managing Behavior and Reducing Anxiety

Challenging behaviors and anxiety are common among special education students. Movement breaks serve as a proactive strategy to manage behavior by providing an outlet for excess energy and frustration. These breaks can also reduce anxiety levels, allowing students to feel more calm and focused.

Movement Break Ideas for Special Education Classrooms

Now that we understand the importance of movement breaks in special education classrooms let’s explore some practical ideas to incorporate into daily routines:

Yoga or Stretching Sessions

Yoga and stretching sessions are excellent movement break options for special education classrooms. These activities promote flexibility, body awareness, and relaxation. Incorporate simple yoga poses or stretching exercises that are easy to follow and accommodate the diverse needs of your students.

There are some great YouTube yoga videos for kids that can work in the classroom!

Dance or Movement Games

Dancing and movement games are fun ways to incorporate physical activity into the classroom setting. Consider playing freeze dance, where students dance freely until the music stops, and they freeze in their current positions. This activity encourages coordination, following directions, and gross motor skills.

These Musical Brain Breaks that were developed by a special ed teacher are also a great way to get kids moving and dancing to kid-friendly tunes!

Sensory Paths or Obstacle Courses

Designing a sensory path or setting up obstacle courses in your classroom provides students with opportunities for movement and sensory exploration. Create a path on the floor using colorful tape or utilize mats with various textures and shapes to encourage students to jump, hop, crawl, or balance.

Brain Break Videos

Brain break videos are readily available online and offer engaging visual prompts for movement breaks. Look for videos that feature simple exercises like jumping jacks, lunges, or stretching routines. Play these videos on a projector or interactive whiteboard to guide students through the movements.

Sensory Tools and Equipment

Introduce sensory tools and equipment into your classroom environment to encourage movement breaks. Items such as therapy balls, balance boards, fidget toys, or resistance bands can be incorporated into students’ daily routines as a means of providing both physical activity and sensory input.

Implementing Movement Breaks Effectively

While incorporating movement breaks is essential, it is equally important to implement them effectively in the special education classroom. Here are some tips to consider:

Schedule Regular Breaks

Create a structured schedule that includes regular movement breaks throughout the day. Consistency is key when it comes to reaping the benefits of these breaks. Aim for shorter, more frequent breaks rather than one long break to maintain student engagement.

Individualize Breaks

Consider the individual needs of your students when planning movement breaks. Some students may require vigorous activities to release energy, while others may benefit from calming exercises. Differentiate the types of breaks based on each student’s needs to ensure inclusivity.

Provide Clear Expectations

Before implementing movement breaks, establish clear expectations for behavior during these times. Teach students specific rules and guidelines for safe participation. Reinforce positive behavior during movement breaks to encourage appropriate engagement.

Incorporate Academic Concepts

Integrate academic concepts into movement breaks whenever possible. For example, incorporate counting or spelling exercises into yoga sessions or dance routines. This integration ensures that students are not only moving but also reinforcing important academic skills.

Monitor Progress and Effectiveness

Regularly assess the impact of movement breaks on student behavior and engagement. Monitor changes in attention span, behavior management, and overall classroom climate. Make adjustments as needed to optimize the effectiveness of these breaks.

Incorporating movement breaks into special education classrooms can significantly benefit students’ well-being and academic success. Through yoga or stretching sessions, dance or movement games, sensory paths or obstacle courses, brain break videos, and sensory tools, teachers can provide opportunities for students to release energy, improve focus, and manage behavior effectively. By implementing movement breaks consistently and individualizing them based on student needs, special education teachers can create an inclusive and engaging classroom environment that supports the growth and development of all students.

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How to Create a Sensory room ideas for special education

What is a sensory space.

A Sensory Space is exactly what you would think. It is a therapeutic space with equipment or resources that provide our students with special needs the appropriate kind of sensory input. It is a calming space when our students get overwhelmed. In addition, the sensory room ideas can include a corner in the room or a separate room depending on what you have available. You can have a few sensory items or you can have high tech sensory items. There is a way to get started with every budget.

What Classrooms Need a Sensory Space?

First, every classroom would benefit from a sensory space and these sensory rood ideas can help. The self-contained classroom is the most obvious place in the school building. Students with autism specifically benefit from a sensory space so easy access is needed. It can also be needed in a special education resource classroom.

Many of our students are able to function outside the self-contained space for large chunks of the day. However, they sometimes need a quiet corner where they can safely go when they do get overwhelmed. Moreover, even general classrooms can find a need for sensory spaces. Especially after the pandemic, we found all students had moments where things just became too much for normal functioning. Having a sensory space would allow them a safe space to decompress as well. 

What items should I include in a Sensory Space?

There is not really a wrong answer to this question. There are literally thousands of options for resources and items that you can put in a sensory space. If you are just getting started then you want to focus on a few key items. In addition, you will want some seating space for your students. Bean Bag chairs or exercise balls are a good place to start here. You can add a few fidgets to the space.

Also, I love to head to Target and search through their dollar spot for some new fidgets for my sensory room ideas. Stress balls are also relatively cost effective and can help your students calm down if overwhelmed. If you have a larger budget you can add things like a bubble wall. We have one in my classroom and we leave it on all day because we love it so much. Some teachers will add a swing or a trampoline to their sensory space. It helps to get the students moving some. 

How do I fund all of this?

Next, I know that being a teacher can often mean a lot of money from our own pockets for these sensory room ideas. This time, you might not have to find the money. There is actually a grant option that can help you with getting your sensory space ready to go. It is easy to fill out and I know plenty of teachers who have been awarded the funding for different projects.

Need more help? Let’s Connect On Instagram and DM me for more support.

Finally, if you need more help with how to set up a sensory space, check out my latest podcast for even more ideas and tips. I always want to be here to help so I’ve put together a list of sensory essentials for calming down . We can also connect on Instagram and you can ask me any questions you have.

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Special Education and Inclusive Learning

Sensory Stories for PMLD and SLD

Free sensory stories for pmld and sen learners, what is a sensory story.

A sensory story serves to activate each of the senses to encourage engagement in a range of learning situations. These range from simple engagement to knowledge recall, memory, communication , vocabulary development, social skills, literacy, movement and so on. Each has a different purpose. This may be to calm, to share experiences, purely to encourage joint attention or interaction. There are many ways to link a sensory story to learning outcomes we have written about that in our post on sensory stories and learning intentions .

Sensory Story Experiences

This page collates all the free PDF sensory stories published on inclusiveteach.com.

Each sensory story has a focus on both the narrative and the sensory experiences. The rhythm and cadence of delivery are important and I try to ensure my sensory stories rhyme. Each story published contains recommended sensory resources. Some of which are free and simple some of which I have bought specially for that story. Generally, these can be replaced with a bit of imagination and creativity. No story should cost money if it can be helped but sensory storytellers need to become expert wombles and hoarders – expect your cupboards to be full to bursting within weeks!

Some of these multi-sensory stories also contain suggested movement opportunities. If using these it is essential that postural care and any physiotherapy is taken into account. You will know your learners well enough to decide what is appropriate for each to be actively engaged in the session.

There is no official progression within sensory stories. I have tried here to group mine into categories that reflect the content and sensory experience each may provide. I write all of these for an 11-16 age bracket of pupils with PMLD or SLD. However many have been delivered to a wider pupil group with adaptations.

Suggested Progression of Sensory Stories

This is an attempt to provide an element of guidance as to the level of complexity of each story. Most practitioners and passionate sensory storytellers are adept at developing bespoke stories for their learners. Some may deliver the same story differently to multiple learners at the same time. Picking out key themes, words and experiences to make them meaningful for each learner. If there is one “rule” to follow when delivering multi-sensory storytelling it is to ensure each learner (or sensory being) has an active role in the sensory storytelling process (1 more rule is don’t just tell these once – repeat and repeat again (up to 20 times) to build anticipation and familiarity.

For those practitioners who are accountable for capturing progress of their learners I have tried to develop these levels. These allow us to more easily link the stories with any SCRUFFY targets, Routes for Learning systems or tracking systems.

We are defining “complexity” here as both the level of understanding required to relate the story to the learners lives and the number of stimuli used. It also takes into account the complexity of the vocabulary used in the story. For example, even the title “Blitz”, in level 6, is not a word many of our learners will be exposed to. Sorting Socks at level 3 is a shorter and less complex sensory story. The learner will also probably hear the word “socks” daily.

Complexity Levels For Multi-Sensory Stories

• Experiences
• Life Skills
• Immersive Storytelling

Our Free Sensory Stories By Complexity Level

These sensory stories are all written by Joe White and available to download as free PDFs. I will be adding stories here as I write them. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the comments with ideas or suggestions. If you have written a sensory story that would complement this list and would be happy for me to include it on this site let me know. A Range of free sensory stories in pdf format.

1 . My World Sensory Stories

• Hot & Cold- Here

2. Experiential Sensory Stories

• The Autumn Forest
• Blue Abyss :The Sea and seaside – Here
• Town and Country Sensory Story – Here
• Am I a Pirate? – Here
• Are You an Elf? – Here
• Are You a Monster? – Here
• You Might be an Alien – Here
• You Might be a Dragon – Here
• You Might Be A Reindeer: Free Sensory Story
• You Might be Santa – A Christmas Sensory Story
• You Might Be A Snowman – Dressing up sensory story
• Walking In a Winter Wonderland

3. Life Skills Sensory Stories

• Sorting Socks – Here
• Lily Lace and the Silly Socks – Here
• Washing Up – Here
• Stancake Day Pancake Day – Here

4. Knowledge

• The Human Body – Here
• An Easter Sensory Story – Here
• Snow Bear: A Winter Sensory Adventure – Here
• We are knights – Here
• Line of Duty – A TV Police Inspired Adult Sensory Story – Here
• The Hobbit a Middle Earth Sensory Adventure

6. Immersive Multi-Sensory Storytelling

• Blitz: A WW2 Sensory Adventure – Here
• Dunkirk – Here
• Spitfire: A VE Day Sensory Adventure – Here
• A Sensory Odyssey: Troy – Here
• Egypt: It’s Miles To The Nile – Here
• Darwin: The Voyage of the Beagle – Here

5 Key Resources For Sensory Storytelling

It is easy to go over the top with ideas and resources for your sensory stories. I will often fall into this trap and end up carrying boxes of stuff to the sensory room . Top tip is stick to one bag, bucket or box and at least one umbrella ! Here are 5 resources that should form the core of your supplies. I wrote about our recommended sensory resources that I have used.

• Big Mac/Sound Button

How Do I Write a Sensory Story?

Whether you’re a parent/carer, teacher, or storyteller, here’s a quick guide to get you started writing sensory stories for PMLD or special needs learners. You don’t need specific training to deliver or write a sensory story:

• Begin by selecting a story, book, or theme that you and your audience will enjoy or that fits into your curriculum topic. Remember that you don’t necessarily need a book to tell a story. It could be an original tale or a well-known classic.
• Summarise the story into short sentences. Aim for about 10 sentences to cover the entire narrative. Keep it concise and straightforward.
• Think about roughly 10 keywords from the story. These keywords are essential for conveying the plot and capturing the essence of the tale. They often include who, what, where, and action words. You are looking for language rich but meaningful words.
• Look around your home or classroom for props that can bring the story and senses to life. These props should represent the keywords you’ve chosen. Be creative! Props can range from everyday objects to simple materials. Consider using items like scarves, textured fabrics, or even kitchen ingredients (like coffee grains for “mucky dirt”).
• Use sounds, songs, clapping, and actions to enhance the sensory experience. Encourage your audience to participate by making their own sounds and movements.
• Remember that not everything has to be literal. For example, rain could be represented by the sound of fingers tapping on a table, a water spray, or waggling fingertips to mimic raindrops falling.
• Be prepared to tell the same sensory story several times. Repetition is crucial for young learners to absorb and learn from the experience.

Sensory storytelling is about engaging all five senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell . It’s a delightful way to ignite imagination and create memorable moments. Feel free to adapt and personalise your sensory stories based on your audience and available resources.

Sensory Stories For Older Learners

One of the reasons I wrote the complexity levels is that during lockdown I led the 6th form department. Here I adapted the stories for older learners (see the Line of Duty one). These are some general things to bear in mind when writing a sensory story for adults.

1. Content and Themes

• Sensory Stories for Older Learners : These narratives tackle mature themes relevant to grown-ups. They explore complexities such as love, loss, identity, and personal growth. Adult sensory stories may delve into the intricacies of relationships, mental health, or life-changing events. Real-world scenarios resonate with adult learners, allowing them to connect deeply with the content.

2. Complexity and Emotional Depth

• Adult Stories : Complexity can be increased in adult sensory stories. Characters grapple with layered emotions—joy, sorrow, regret, and resilience. These narratives acknowledge the messiness of life, portraying flawed protagonists who evolve through their experiences. Adult learners appreciate stories that mirror their own struggles and triumphs. They can be a channel for teaching a new skill or prior to going to a new place.

3. Sensory Elements and Stimulation

• Adult Sensory Stories : Subtlety guides sensory elements in adult narratives. I found you can be more subtle avoiding overwhelming stimuli. A hint of perfume, the texture of a weathered photograph, or the distant hum of traffic—all contribute to the sensory tapestry. For adults with dementia they can be powerful triggers, nuanced details evoke memories, triggering introspection.

4. Learning Goals and Exploration

• Adult Stories : Sensory stories for adults can align with specific learning objectives. Whether it’s improving communication skills, fostering empathy, or enhancing memory, each sensory element serves a purpose. Adult learners engage intentionally, drawing connections between sensory experiences and practical knowledge. Or you can go all out fantasy embracing whatever their interests are.

Adult sensory stories and children’s multi-sensory storytelling coexist on a spectrum of imagination. Whether we’re navigating adulthood or embarking on childhood adventures, these stories remind us that our senses are portals to understanding, connection, and maybe even wonder.

Other Fantastic Sensory Storytellers

These storytelling practitioners are the reason this page exists, each of my stories has been influenced and shaped by their practice and ideas. These sensory storytellers are the best of those that I have found – I hope one day I can develop an inclusive sensory story that is as good as theirs. Many of these stories are great for adults and young people.

• Joanna Grace – A Voyage to Argan
• Joanna Grace – The Sensory Projects.
• Pete Wells – The Sensory Story Podcast – Great Inclusive stories and links here
• Victoria Navin – Rhyming multi-sensory storytelling – Lots of Stories and more here .

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Simple Sensory Activities For An Autistic Teenager

As parents of an autistic teenager, you might notice that your child sometimes struggles with sensory issues daily.

Their reactions to sounds, sights, touch, or smells can be either very intense ( hypersensitive ) or relatively muted ( hyposensitive ). Sensory difficulties can make it challenging to grasp a sense of the world around them.

Also, your child’s responses to these sensory experiences can change from one day to the next, making it even more crucial to be understanding and patient. 

Recognizing and supporting their unique sensory needs and preferences can help create a loving and compassionate environment for your autistic teenager. 

What are Sensory Activities?

Sensory activities are designed to engage and stimulate one or more of the five senses providing an enriching and immersive experience.

The Five Senses 

• Sight (Visual)
• Hearing (Auditory)
• Touch (Tactile)
• Smell (Olfactory)
• Taste (Gustatory)

Sensory activities benefit autistic teenagers because they can be customized to meet their specific needs.

So, as a caring parent, introducing sensory activities to your teenager’s routine can make a big difference in their overall happiness and development while keeping their sensitivities in mind. 

Through a sensory activity, your teen can learn to understand better and process the sensory information surrounding them daily. These experiences can help develop crucial skills such as: 

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• Problem-solving
• Coordination
• Cognitive skills
• Overall well-being 
• Language skills

Sensory activities also provide an opportunity for social skills and emotional growth , as they can be shared with family members, teachers, and peers, promoting connection and understanding. 

What are the Benefits of Sensory Activities For An Autistic Teenager?

Sensory activities can transform the lives of autistic teenagers by providing a unique and engaging way to explore their world. 

In addition, these activities help in nurturing their cognitive, physical, and emotional development while offering a comforting and soothing experience. 

Autistic teenagers often face sensory sensitivities , and through these sensory activities, they can gradually learn to navigate their surroundings and better manage sensory overload. 

Moreover, these activities foster creativity, improve concentration, and enhance problem-solving skills , paving the way for a brighter and more fulfilling future.

The social and emotional benefits of sensory activities for autistic teens are equally significant. Participating in these activities can help reduce anxiety and stress, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. 

Check out our  STRIDE group classes  for your teen today!

Sensory Activity Ideas for Autistic Teenagers

Sensory activities for sight .

For autistic teenagers, sensory activities can be crucial in unlocking their potential, and visual stimulation can be particularly beneficial. 

In this section, we will explore nine simple yet creative activities. These activities are designed to captivate and inspire the autistic teenagers in our lives, creating a world of wonder and opportunity for them to grow and thrive.

#1 Colorful Light Patterns

Using a light projector or a lava lamp, you can cast calming, colorful patterns onto the walls, engaging your teenager’s sense of sight and providing a relaxing visual experience. 

This activity can become an enjoyable part of their daily routine or a unique way to unwind together after a long day.

#2 DIY Sensory Bottle

Invite your autistic teen to create their own sensory bottle, which can be a fun and therapeutic activity. 

To make one, fill a clear plastic bottle with water, then add various items from the list below. 

Filler Ideas 

• Colored sand
• Food coloring
• Rubber bands
• Rubber or plastic toys
• Shaving cream

After sealing the bottle, your teen can shake it to see the beautiful creation inside.  

This mesmerizing visual experience can be a calming and engaging way for your teenager to explore their sense of sight.

#3 Bubble Blowing

Who doesn’t love bubbles? This timeless activity is a delightful way to engage your autistic teen’s visual senses. 

Blow bubbles and encourage them to observe the bubbles as they float, pop, or even try catching them. 

This simple but fun activity can provide an opportunity for outdoor play and create precious bonding moments between you and your teenager.

#4 Painting 

Provide paint and a piece of paper, allowing your teenager to express themselves through colorful artwork. Painting also helps with fine motor skills. 

Various types of paint can stimulate the senses, providing an engaging and multisensory experience. Here are some examples:

• Fingerpaint: This type of paint encourages tactile exploration and creativity, as they can use their fingers to create patterns, shapes, and images on paper or other surfaces.
• Textured paint:  By adding materials like sand, rice, or small beads to paint, you can create textured paint that offers a unique sensory experience when touched or manipulated.
• Scented paint:  Adding a few drops of essential oils or food extracts to paint can create a scented color that engages the sense of smell, enhancing the sensory experience.
• Glow-in-the-dark paint:  This paint is charged under light and glows in the dark, providing a visual sensory experience that can be incredibly engaging in dimly lit environments.
• Temperature-sensitive paint:  This type changes color with temperature, providing a multisensory experience as individuals can observe the visual changes while feeling the temperature differences.
• Washable paint: Easy to clean and remove, washable paint allows for worry-free sensory exploration without concerns about staining clothes or surfaces. Watercolors are a great option. Acrylic paints are washable but only while still wet. 

When using paints for sensory stimulation, always ensure that they are non-toxic and safe, especially if they come into contact with the skin.

#5 Nature Walks 

Take a walk in a park or garden, observing the various colors, shapes, and textures of plants, flowers, and trees. 

Walking, stooping, and bending over can help your teen with gross motor skills . Check out our blog Best Outdoor Activities for Kids to Learn About Nature All Year Round . 

#6 Kaleidoscope Exploration

Introduce your special needs teen to the magical world of kaleidoscopes, where they can explore ever-changing patterns of color and light. 

This visually stimulating activity can captivate their attention, offering a unique sensory experience that’s both engaging and soothing. 

Here is a super easy way  to make your own kaleidoscope  at home. 

#7 Sensory Wall 

Create a sensory wall using textured materials like faux fur, bubble wrap, and sandpaper to engage your autistic teen’s sense of sight. 

Encourage them to explore the different textures and patterns visually, making it a fun and interactive way to enhance their sensory experiences. 

This can also be an enjoyable project to work on together, customizing the wall to suit your teenager’s preferences.

#8 Mirrored Illusions 

Invite your autistic teen to explore the captivating world of mirrored illusions. Experiment with mirrors of different shapes and sizes, observing reflections and angles to create intriguing visual experiences. 

This activity can stimulate their sense of sight while sparking curiosity and wonder, providing a unique opportunity for sensory exploration and shared discovery.

#9 Light Table Art 

Set up a light table and provide them with various translucent materials, such as colored tissue paper or plastic shapes. 

This activity allows your teenager to arrange the materials on the table, creating unique, glowing designs that capture their imagination. 

Enjoy watching their artistic talents shine as they explore this visually engaging and delightful sensory experience with you.

Sensory Activities for Hearing

Next, let’s explore the sound world with sensory activities for your autistic teen. As we know, the auditory experiences we encounter every day can have a profound impact on our lives, and this is especially true for teenagers with an autism spectrum disorder . 

Here are ten fun activities to captivate their attention and inspire their imagination to support their growth and development.

#10 Karaoke Sessions 

As a parent, you might find it fascinating that your special needs teen can often sing better than they can speak . Even if they’re nonverbal , they may still hum along with their favorite tunes, showing how music can touch their hearts and connect with them in an extraordinary way.

Karaoke is a great family activity or one they can do with friends. Give them a chance to choose songs.

#11 Nature Soundscapes 

Record calming nature sounds, such as gentle rain, rustling leaves, or bird songs, and immerse them in the soothing audio experience. This can help ease anxiety and stress while promoting relaxation and better focus.

These peaceful nature sounds can make your autistic young adult feel more comfortable in their environment and even help them cope with sensory overload by masking overwhelming noises.

#12 Musical Instruments 

Ignite your autistic teen’s love for music by allowing them to try playing various musical instruments. Some are relatively cheap such as harmonica, recorder, and drums. 

You can even build diy instruments using household items like a rice-filled bottle shaker or a homemade drum. 

Explore different rhythms and sounds together, making this a fun and interactive bonding experience that nurtures their creativity and appreciation for music.

#13 Use Audiobooks 

Audiobooks can be a helpful tool for improving your autistic teen’s reading comprehension . Sometimes, teens with autism or other neurodiverse conditions might struggle to pick up on tone or sarcasm when reading. 

With audiobooks, they can hear those cues, making it easier for them to understand and enjoy the story. Consider giving audiobooks a try to support your teen’s learning journey and make reading more engaging for them.

#14 Sound Matching Game 

A Sound Matching Game for an autistic teen can involve a variety of interesting and distinct sounds to engage their auditory senses. Here are some ideas for different sounds you can mix and match to create a fun and stimulating game:

• Animal sounds:  Dog barking, a cat meowing, cow mooing, birds chirping, or a horse neighing.
• Musical instruments:  Piano, guitar, drums, violin, or trumpet.
• Nature sounds:  Rain, wind, ocean waves, rustling leaves, or a crackling fire.
• Household items:  Doorbell, telephone ring, alarm clock, blender, or a kettle whistling.
• Transportation sounds:  Car horn, airplane taking off, train whistle, bicycle bell, or a motorcycle revving.

Choose sounds that your teen is familiar with and comfortable hearing. You can create sound clips or use a sound-matching app to set up the game and encourage your teen to identify and match the sounds they hear. 

This engaging sensory activity can help improve their listening skills, focus, and auditory memory. Check out our  blog on music therapy.  

#15 Guided Meditation 

Introduce your teenager to the calming power of guided meditation. Play a gentle meditation that promotes relaxation, focus, and self-awareness in a quiet place in your house. Practice deep breathing and calming the mind. 

This relaxing activity can help them develop valuable coping skills for stressful situations and create a peaceful space within their daily activities. And meditation is a good idea for people of all ages. 

Here’s a short gratitude guided meditation to try.

#16 Echo Game 

Play the Echo Game to build your autistic teen’s listening skills and foster interaction. Have them listen to a sound or word you make, and then encourage them to repeat it. 

This simple but fun activity can boost their auditory processing and communication skills while promoting a fun connection between you.

#17 Storytelling Circle 

Create a storytelling circle by gathering as a family or group and taking turns telling stories. The sillier, the better! 

This fun group activity encourages your teenager to listen and contribute their own imaginative tales, fostering creativity, social interaction, and family bonding.

#18 Rhythm and Movement 

Expose your autistic teen to various types of music with distinct beats, encouraging them to move, dance, or clap along to the rhythm. 

This enjoyable activity can help them develop coordination, body awareness, and a sense of rhythm while having a great time together.

#19 Sound Exploration Walks 

Embark on sound exploration walks in your neighborhood or a park, focusing on the different sounds, from the rustle of leaves to the hum of passing cars. 

These walks can cultivate mindfulness and auditory awareness in your autistic teen while providing a refreshing opportunity to explore the world together.

Sensory Activities for Touch

Now, it is time to move on to tactile sensory play activities. These ten fun activities are designed to encourage exploration, learning, and growth for your teen. 

These hands-on experiences will provide sensory stimulation and help your teenager develop essential motor skills and hand-eye coordination. 

#20 Clay or Pottery Fun

Provide soft, colorful clay for your teenager to mold, shape, and create, engaging their tactile senses and sparking creativity. 

Make homemade clay with different scents also to incorporate the sense of smell. 

Try infusing it with natural scents like lavender, citrus, or vanilla, helping your teenager to enjoy calming or invigorating aromas during play.

This tactile activity can also help them become more comfortable with different sensations while promoting fine motor skills.

#21 Fidget Toys 

Fidget toys aren’t just for young children. Teens love these almost as much as video games , especially since they can practically go anywhere with them.

Offer a selection of fidget toys, such as stress balls, putty, or sensory rings, to engage their hands and provide a calming tactile experience.

Check out this blog post for more  ideas on using fidget toys to keep autistic children still and focused .

#22 Art with Texture 

Encourage your autistic teenager to explore their creativity through textured art, which combines self-expression and sensory exploration. 

Here are some ideas to help them dive into the world of textured art:

• Finger Painting: Offer washable, non-toxic paints and large sheets of paper, allowing your teenager to create artwork using their fingers, hands, or feet. 
• Collage with Natural Elements: Collect various natural materials, such as leaves, twigs, and small stones. Guide your teenager to create a bird’s nest using these materials, introducing them to various textures and promoting a connection with nature.
• Textured Stamps: Create or purchase textured stamps, like those with raised patterns, and have your teenager experiment with stamping on paper, fabric, or even canvas. They can create t-shirts or tote bags with their designs. 
• Layered Paper Art: Encourage your teenager to create multi-layered art using different types of paper, such as tissue paper, construction paper, or corrugated cardboard. This can help them explore depth and texture in their artwork while experimenting with color and shape.

#23 Gardening 

Plant flowers or vegetables together, offering your autistic teen the opportunity to feel the soil, seeds, and plants as they grow and develop. 

This hands-on activity nurtures a connection with nature and provides a rich tactile experience.

#24 Cooking and Baking 

Include your teenager in simple cooking or baking activities. Allow them to mix ingredients and knead dough to experience various textures. 

This can be a great way to spend quality time together while teaching valuable life skills and encouraging sensory exploration.

#25 Quilting

Quilting can be a rewarding tactile sensory activity for teens, offering numerous benefits for their cognitive, emotional, and social development.

Here are several reasons why quilting can be a beneficial sensory experience:

• Variety of Textures: Quilting involves working with fabrics with a wide range of textures, such as cotton, flannel, velvet, or silk. Handling and manipulating these different materials can provide a rich tactile experience for your teenager.
• Fine Motor Skills: The process of cutting fabric, sewing, and assembling the quilt pieces requires the use of fine motor skills. This can help improve hand-eye coordination, agility, and precision.
• Creativity and Self-Expression:  Quilting offers a creative outlet for your teenager. It allows them to choose fabric colors, patterns, and quilt designs that reflect their style and preferences.
• Calming and Therapeutic:  The repetitive nature of quilting, such as cutting, sewing, and arranging the fabric, can be calming and therapeutic for many individuals, including autistic teens. This relaxing activity may help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
• Sense of Accomplishment:  Completing a quilt can instill a sense of pride and accomplishment in your teenager, boosting their self-esteem and confidence.
• Social Interaction:  If your teenager participates in a quilting group or class, it can provide opportunities for social interaction and collaboration, helping them develop communication and teamwork skills.

Sensory Activities for Taste and Smell

#26 taste testing game .

Organize a lighthearted taste test game with your teen and another family member or friend. Feature a variety of flavors such as sweet, salty, bitter, and sour. 

Encourage your teenager to explore each taste, guess the flavors, and discuss their preferences. 

This can be a fun way to engage their sense of taste and make them more aware of the different flavors they encounter.

#27 Aromatherapy Exploration 

Introduce your teenager to aromatherapy by using essential oils and a diffuser to create a calming, fragrant atmosphere in their space. 

Experiment with various scents and help them discover which ones positively impact their mood and well-being. 

#28 Herb Garden 

Work with your teenager to plant a small herb garden in your backyard or use pots indoors. This activity can help them connect with nature while introducing them to various scents and flavors. 

As the herbs grow, they can learn about each plant’s different uses and benefits, fostering an appreciation for the natural world and its sensory experiences.

Then you can take these herbs to the kitchen to experience the aroma of cooking them. 

#29 Scent Matching Game 

Design a fun scent-matching game for your teenager. Try using small containers filled with aromatic items such as coffee beans, cinnamon sticks, or lemon peels. Encourage your teenager to smell each container and match the scents to the corresponding items. 

This activity can help them develop their sense of smell while enjoying the fragrances surrounding them daily.

#30 Brand Challenge

When I was a kid, my dad took us to weekend boat shows. There would be a Pepsi vs. Coke challenge that I loved to participate in. 

You can recreate a brand challenge similar to this. 

Set up a tasting station with different brands or flavors of the same product. You can try various types of soda, chips, or even fruit juices. 

Invite your teenager (and their siblings or friends) to taste each one and pick their favorite. Or to try to identify the different flavors or brands. 

This activity can be a fun way to help them explore and appreciate the subtle differences in taste and smell that various products can offer.

What Other Sensory Activities Can You Think Of? 

By embracing sensory activities tailored to the unique needs of autistic teenagers, we can create a nurturing environment that empowers them to flourish, unlocking their full potential and paving the way for a life filled with joy, growth, and self-discovery.

By participating in sensory activities, your young adult can immerse themselves in a world of exploration, discovery, and growth, unlocking their full potential and paving the way for a life filled with joy and fulfillment.

Do you have any sensory activities for autistic teenagers to share? Drop them in the comments below. 

Here are some additional resources you may want to consider reading next…

Additional Resources 

• 10 Strategies For Teaching Children With Autism
• Social Stories For Teens: Empower Your High School Student With Special Needs
• Special Needs Tutoring For Autism
• Life Skills For Teens: What Your Teen Can Confidently Master This Summer

Do you have a special needs teen that needs one-on-one special education tutoring  that can be done from anywhere? Our special education experts conduct their sessions online! Get them started with a free  consultation !

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Hands-On Activities for Special Education Students

There are many different types of activities that can be done with special education students to help them learn. Many times, these students need more concrete and hands-on activities to help them understand concepts.

What are Some Teaching Strategies for Special Education Students?

Every student has unique needs, and what works for one may not work for another. However, there are some general strategies that can be effective for many students with special needs. One important strategy is to provide clear and concise instructions. This means breaking down tasks into small, manageable steps and using language that the student can understand. It can also be helpful to use visual aids such as pictures or diagrams to accompany verbal instructions. Another useful strategy is to allow ample time for the student to complete a task. This means giving them plenty of time to process information and avoiding rushing them through an activity. It can also be helpful to provide breaks throughout the lesson so the student can take a break from concentrating if needed. It’s also important to be flexible in your approach and be willing to adjust your plans as necessary based on how the student is responding. Some days may require more or less review than others, and it’s important to go at the student’s pace rather than trying to stick rigidly to a plan.

What are Examples of Hand-on Activities?

There are countless examples of hands-on activities that can be beneficial for children and adults alike. Here are just a few examples:

What are Some Common Hands-on Activities for Special Children?

Here are some ideas for hands-on activities that can be used with special education students: 1. Use manipulatives when teaching math concepts. Manipulatives are objects that can be touched and moved around to help explain a concept. For example, use blocks or counters to teach addition and subtraction. This will allow the student to physically see and touch the numbers they are working with.

2. Get creative with art projects. Art is a great way for students to express themselves and it can also be used as a tool to teach academic concepts. For example, have students create a collage to represent fractions or use clay to sculpt three-dimensional shapes.

5. Painting – Like modeling clay, painting is another activity that can help students understand concepts like colors and mixing colors together. It’s also a great way to encourage creativity and self-expression.

6. puzzles – Puzzles are not only great for building problem-solving skills, but they can also be very calming and relaxing for students. If you have some extra time, try working on a puzzle as a class! 7. sensory bins – Sensory bins are perfect for kids who need some extra tactile input. You can fill them with anything from rice to shaving cream to water beads. Just make sure you supervise closely so that the kids don’t end up eating any of the materials!

How Do You Engage Students With Special Needs?

4. Encourage social interaction among classmates. It’s important for all students – including those with special needs –to feel like they belong in the classroom community. Help facilitate socialization by organizing group work or project-based learning opportunities where everyone can contribute equally.

Fun Activities for High School Special Education Students

It can be difficult to find activities that are both fun and appropriate for high school special education students. However, there are a number of options available if you know where to look. Here are some ideas for fun activities for high school special education students:

Fun Activities for Special Education Students at Home

Social skills activities for special needs students.

Special needs students often have a difficult time socializing with their peers. However, there are many activities that can help these students develop the social skills they need to be successful. Here are a few social skills activities for special needs students:

Fun Activities for Special Education Students Online

Teaching students with autism through hands on activities- special needs.

Special education students often benefit from hands-on activities that help them to learn and retain information. In this blog post, we share some ideas for hands-on activities that can be used with special education students. These activities can be used to teach a variety of subjects, including math, science, reading, and writing.

Dwight Hughes Sr

I am Dwight Hughes Sr., your specialist in Special Education and Preschooler topics at EduEdify.com. Holding a PhD in Early Childhood Education, I bring a depth of knowledge and experience to guide parents and educators in nurturing the younger minds. My mission is to share evidence-based insights, cultivated from years of academic and field research, to help every child flourish during their formative years.

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The Chaos and the Clutter

175 Sensory Activity Ideas for Kids

By Sharla Kostelyk

(This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosure policy .)

Sensory activity ideas don’t have to be complicated to be effective. These suggestions can easily be done without a lot of prep work in the home or in the classroom. Sensory exploration is beneficial for all children, but for children with Sensory Processing Disorder, it is a critical piece of the puzzle for better sensory integration, preventing sensory meltdowns , and successfully navigating the world around them.

To make the list less overwhelming and also to help you focus on specific sensory areas, I have divided the ideas by sensory systems, though there will be some overlap.

Auditory Sensory Activities:

• use noise reduction headphones
• use a sound machine or white noise such as a fan or fountain
• simplify language when giving verbal instruction
• play clapping games (you can find great ones on YouTube)
• read books with rhyming or repetitive patterns
• snap, clap or stomp
• play a sound discrimination game (near, far, loud, soft, high, low)
• blindfold child and call out directions for them to find a treasure
• play a game where you quietly sit and listen to find as many sounds as you can
• listen to music
• have your child learn to play an instrument
• go for a walk and listen to sounds in nature
• make instruments out of household items and have a marching parade around the house
• teach your child to anticipate noises that may occur such as the sound a balloon will make when it pops
• drum patterns on the table with your hands and have your child copy the pattern
• make a rainfall rattle together or rainfall sensory bottle
• egg shakers can be held in the palm of the hand and provide a calming sound for some kids
• use microphones or voice changers
• play games such as “Simon Says” that involve following directions
• pop bubble wrap
• the steady tick of a metronome can be calming
• add jingle bells, whistles, harmonicas, or plastic eggs filled with rice or popcorn seeds to sensory bins 
• have them close their eyes and guess the sound (ripping paper, grinding coffee beans, popping popcorn)
• play the telephone game where you whisper something and see if the message changes

Oral Sensory Activities:

• blow bubbles ( lavender bubbles are extra calming)
• chew bubble gum
• bubble painting  
• keep a feather in the air across the room
• drink a thick milkshake or smoothie through a straw
• learn to play on a recorder
• play a harmonica
• party blower
• “ suck it up ” (pick up small objects by sucking through a straw)
• drink through a curly straw
• wear chewelry
• try crunchy foods (carrot sticks, apples…)
• try chewy foods (marshmallows, gummy bears…)
• make an edible necklace with Os cereal and string liquorice 
• suck on hard candies (not safe for young kids)
• try candy that is fizzy, spicy, tangy, sweet, or sour
• blow up a balloon
• blow out candles
• use a vibrating toothbrush
• whistle or hum
• lick cold ice cream
• drink through a sports bottle
• blow a pinwheel
• use a firm toothbrush to brush teeth, gums, roof of mouth

Visual Sensory Activities:

• use visual schedules 
• I-Spy books or pages
• sensory bottles
• sensory bags
• reducing clutter
• using toy rotation
• sensory bins
• I-Spy bottles or bags
• making shadow puppets on the wall
• shape matching games or activities
• photo scavenger hunt
• colour mixing activities
• road trip Bingo
• colour matching activities
• glow sticks
• kaleidoscope
• spraying a target with a water gun
• exploring with a magnifying glass
• drawing or painting or crafting
• light table or light box play
• find or copy patterns

Tactile Sensory Activities:

• shaving cream finger painting
• trace letters, shapes or numbers in salt
• kinetic sand
• cloud dough
• sensory bottles or bags
• jump in a pile of leaves in the Fall
• sculpt out of clay
• make slime  
• water beads
• play in the mud
• finger paint with pudding 
• bubble bath
• bathtub paints
• make tactile sensory cards
• make a sensory cube
• sensory balls
• playdough mats
• cotton ball throw painting
• rainbow soap foam
• fill balloons with different things like rice, water beads, flour, playdough
• sensory walk
• use glue to create raised lines
• sand table or sandbox

Olfactory Sensory Activities:

• smelling bottles
• scented bubbles
• scented playdough
• scented sensory bin
• scented oobleck or scented slime
• essential oils
• make cinnamon ornaments
• use scented rice , beans or salt in sensory play
• scented sensory paint
• scented cloud dough
• scratch and sniff stickers
• smelly markers
• take a walk and explore the smells in nature
• scented chalk paint
• finger painting with pudding or pumpkin pie filling 
• play a guessing game with scented candles
• use chapstick with different smells
• match pictures of foods to their smells
• use a spice (like cinnamon) to create a writing tray
• scented fidget toys or chewelry
• chew scented bubble gum
• taste and smell different foods
• strong smells help with alertness (lemon, peppermint, pine)
• softer smells help with calming (lavender, chamomile)

Vestibular Sensory Activities: (movement and balance)

• spin or twirl
• play Ring Around the Rosie 
• play Duck Duck Goose
• summersault
• climbing wall
• parachute play
• trampoline play
• bike or tricycle riding
• run in large circles
• have a marching parade
• Chinese skipping
• ride a scooter
• teeter totter
• log rolling
• spinning chair
• bounce on an exercise ball or large hopper ball
• do handstand
• go through an obstacle course
• swing in a hammock
• climbing and sliding at a playground
• do the Hokey-Pokey

Proprioception Sensory Activities:

• hang upside down
• push a laundry basket full of books
• “wheelbarrow” games
• pretend to be a snake
• rolling a ball
• chewing bubble gum
• theraband activities
• chair sit-ups or wall push-ups
• bubble wrap body slam painting  
• play Twister
• trampoline games
• wearing tight fitting clothing
• yoga stretches
• put theraband on chairs for swinging legs
• Move ’n’ Sit cushion
• pillow fights
• stacking books or wood or bricks
• wearing a weighted vest or shoulder roll

You can also get these ideas in convenient printable lists which are ideal for using in the home, classroom or in a therapeutic setting.

What Does Behaviour Have to do with Sensory Systems?

Exciting & Engaging Field Trip Ideas for Students with Disabilities

• May 8, 2023
• End of year , Special Educators

Sharing is caring!

As the end of the school year approaches, it’s fun to find some field trip ideas that work for your students. Many special education teachers are often seeking meaningful ways to celebrate achievements and create memorable experiences. Field trips offer a fantastic opportunity to provide hands-on learning, socialization, and fun for students with disabilities. In this blog post, we will explore exciting ideas for end-of-year activities that include field trips, specifically tailored to engage and inspire students with disabilities.

Visit a Local Farm or Zoo

Engage students with field trip ideas that involve animals.

A trip to a local farm or zoo can be a wonderful sensory experience for students with disabilities. The sights, sounds, and tactile sensations provide valuable opportunities for learning and engagement. Consider contacting the venue in advance to arrange a guided tour, ensuring that the visit is well-structured and accommodating to sensory needs. Encourage students to observe and interact with animals, plants, and nature, fostering curiosity and connection to the environment.

Explore a Science Museum

Additionally, science museums are treasure troves of hands-on activities and interactive exhibits, making them an ideal option for field trip ideas. These museums often offer dedicated sensory-friendly programs or specific autism-friendly days, providing a more inclusive environment for students to explore. Engage students’ scientific curiosity by encouraging them to participate in experiments, engage with exhibits, and discover the wonders of the natural world.

Plan a Nature Walk or Picnic

Connecting with nature can have a calming and therapeutic effect on students with disabilities. Organize a nature walk in a nearby park or reserve, allowing students to appreciate the beauty of their surroundings. Incorporate sensory activities like observing different textures, listening to bird songs, or feeling the breeze. Consider incorporating a picnic where students can enjoy a shared meal outdoors, fostering socialization and a sense of community. And the best part of that is you can use it as a life skills cooking lesson prior to the trip and get your students to make it!

Arrange a Visit to a Local Fire Station or Police Department

Build community and acceptance with these field trip ideas..

Visiting a fire station or police department can be an exciting and educational experience for students with disabilities. Contact these local community services to arrange a tour where students can learn about the important work they do. Encourage interactive experiences, such as sitting in a fire truck or trying on a police uniform, to make the visit more memorable. These encounters also provide opportunities to discuss safety, community helpers, and emergency preparedness. And, let’s not forget how important it can be for our students to be familiar with emergency responders.

Find a Sensory Friendly Event or Playground

Live theater performances designed specifically for individuals with sensory sensitivities are becoming increasingly popular. Many theaters offer sensory-friendly shows where lighting, sound, and other sensory elements are adjusted to create a more inclusive experience. Attending a theater performance can introduce students to the arts, enhance their communication skills, and nurture their imagination. Check with local theaters for sensory-friendly performances or inquire about the possibility of arranging a private showing for your class.

Also, looking for sensory-friendly playgrounds is getting easier and easier as many are showing up in local communities. These often have equipment meant for students with disabilities to access and enjoy. Swings that work for those in wheelchairs, ramps instead of stairs for slides, and lots of sensory toys. I’ve even seen ones with communication boards for students to work on language while at the playground like in this image below!

Awesome Field Trip Ideas- Create a Local Community Project

Lastly, engage students in a community-focused project that helps develop their social skills and sense of responsibility. Consider organizing a park cleanup, planting flowers in public spaces, or volunteering at a local charity. These activities promote teamwork, communication, and a sense of pride in making a positive impact on the community. Coordinate with community organizations and local authorities to ensure the project is accessible and meaningful for all students.

How Can I Add an Academic Component to the Field Trip Ideas?

And what better way to finish those end-of-year activities than with a memory book with differentiation that you can highlight all the fun you had all year? Grab this freebie and find a version that can work for all the students in your class while making a highlight reel of your amazing school year!

End-of-year activities that include field trips provide special education teachers with the opportunity to create lasting memories and meaningful experiences for students with autism. By carefully selecting destinations that accommodate sensory needs, provide hands-on learning , and foster socialization, these field trips can be transformative for students. Remember to plan ahead, communicate with the venues, and adapt activities to meet the unique needs of your students. These end-of-year adventures will not only celebrate their achievements but also leave a lasting impression, sparking joy, curiosity, and a love for exploration in the hearts of your students.

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🌟 Special Education Teacher + Coach 💡 Empowering teachers with strategies & resources to support diverse learners 📧 [email protected]

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Virginia Spielmann is an Occupational Therapist and the Executive Director of STAR Institute for Sensory Processing. She obtained her PhD in Infant and Early Childhood Development in August 2021 and is Visiting Adjunct Faculty at Salem State University Occupational Therapy Department, and Affiliate Faculty at Colorado State Department of Occupational Therapy. She is a published author, researcher, and well-travelled and masterful public speaker.

Paulina received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She then completed her Master of Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Paulina’s training and clinical experience began centered around the DIR/Floortime model in outpatient pediatric settings both in Chicago and Italy. Paulina has completed the STAR Institute Intensive Mentorship Program Level 1 and holds a Profectum Level 1 Certificate in the Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based Model/Clinician (CL1).

Alexa graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science. She then went on to complete her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy at Belmont University. Alexa’s doctoral capstone was on the role of occupational therapy in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and sensory modulation in POTS. She has spoken on POTS at the AOTA Inspire Conference and Dysautonomia International Annual Conferences. 

Jackie Bartell, M.Ed., has been working in the field of special education for over 30 years. She has worked with special needs children in a variety of settings, including both private and public schools, as well as consulted with families in their homes. She draws on her experiences, that include work with Stanley Greenspan and Serena Weider, with insights that help professionals and parents to understand the relationship they have with their child and how to apply the DIR model within a home or school setting.

Throughout over 25 years as a speech-language pathologist, Jennifer has developed extensive knowledge and experience in the field of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and has presented at the state and national levels.

Mariah Person joined STAR Institute in 2020 excited to partner alongside STAR Institute's commitment to social, occupational and disability justice.

Kieran Rose is a published Writer and International Public Speaker whose essays at www.theautisticadvocate.com have been read by over a million people and cited in numerous research papers.

Ewa joined the STAR team in April 2023 as the Education Coordinator. She has a master's degree in human resources and considers herself a people person. Ewa is a traveler by heart. Her greatest journey started a few years ago when she moved to the US. Since then, Ewa lived in 6 different states, finally choosing Colorado as her home. Now she’s focused on her professional career and ready for new endeavors.

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RaeAnne graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with degrees in Literature, History, and Secondary Education. She taught high school in BVSD before moving to Italy to teach for almost 2 years. She ran an in-home childcare and preschool for almost ten years before her kids both started full time school. Then she worked as the Chief of Staff for Axium Inspections before coming to STAR. RaeAnne loves the mission of STAR and is looking forward to helping us grow. When not working she loves to be dancing, camping, and playing with her kids. 

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Kayla comes to us with a variety of talents and experiences from customer service to education. She has her Bachelor’s in Psychology, and after several years as a preschool teacher decided to pursue her Master’s in Divinity. When she’s not at STAR Kayla leads the children’s program at her church, and enjoys adding to her library, catching up on her favorite TV shows, visiting the family farm, and playing board games, D&D, and PokemonGo.

Cre'ghnaija Moye joined STAR Institute in 2023 as the Client Care Coordinator.  She has a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and hopes to use it alongside her other social and mental health studies to bring holistic thinking/ methods.