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Sensory Strategies for Attention & Focus

 

Below are some ideas for strategies that can be used in the classroom to promote attention and focus. Sensory can be a difficult concept to understand and implement, but the following ideas can be used for any child. Depending on the child's needs, strategies can either provide a calming or alerting effect. For more information, visit http://www.childmind.org/en/posts/articles/2014-4-28-how-sensory-processing-issues-affect-kids-school

 

 

  • Exercise band can be used to release energy and provide input while sitting in a chair

  • Different seating options can be used to increase attention and posture- sit and move cushions, therapy ball chairs, bean bag chairs, and T-stools are all different options for a classroom

  • Different size pencils, pencil grips, raised line paper, and colored paper can all help a child's penmanship

  • Visuals, such as toys, can be used accompany books for multi-sensory learning

  • Headphones, ear buds, and noise cancelling headphones may help eliminate distractions in the environment 

  • Mints, gum, and crunchy, chewy foods, such as trail mix, may help increase focus

  • Sensory/ heavy work: hand weights, small trampoline, vibrating toys 

  • Weighted stuffed animals or balloon buddies can help decrease stress while reading

  • Tactile bins filled with rice, pom poms, feathers, or other materials can be useful to keep

near reading materials for calming or alerting effects

  • Provide one “break card” per day for a student to use if they feel overwhelmed 

  • Zones of Regulation

what "zone" they are in, and identifying strategies of how they can return to or maintain

themselves in the "green zone." 

  • "How Does Your Engine Run?"

    • Similar to the Zones of Regulation, this program helps students identify how their "engine" is running, or how much energy they have, and what they need to do to reach the level of energy required to complete the task at hand. "Engine changers" are used to help the child regulate their energy level to stay focused on the task at hand without getting distracted. 

    • "Engine changers,"​ also referred to as "fidget toys," can include squeeze balls, koosh balls, Velcro, theraputty, yo-yos, and more

  • Quiet corner

    • Forts, bean bag chairs, pillows, and blankets can be used to create a comfortable space with little color and pictures for increased focus

  • A daily schedule board is predictable and can help students prepare for transitions

    • If something is removed from the day, add a “NO” sign to signify that it will not happen that day

    • If something is changing, add a lightening bolt sign”  to signify the changes

  • A step-by-step reference guide will help children independently guide their actions

    • "if I want to check out a book, these are the things I need to do"

  • Play fast music to alert the classroom or play soft music to sooth the classroom

  • Blow bubbles can be calming, organizing, and fun for a quick classroom break activity

  • Change position of chairs/ desks to make them circular or more engaging

    • ​Use a kiddie pool filled with pillows for a fun, engaging space for reading time

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTs share their favorite tools and tips to help kids with sensory issues stay calm, organized and focused in school.

http://occupational-therapy.advanceweb.com/Web-Extras/Online-Extras/Sensory-Strategies-for-the-Classroom.aspx

 

 

Classroom strategies, assistive technology and sensory integration

http://publicschoolot.com/currenttopics/sensory-integration/how-to-guides/113-classroom-strategies

 

 

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