How to Build a Sensory-Friendly Classroom: 7 Easy Wins | Sensory Tools That Boost Focus

Why do we love a sensory friendly classroom? Because everyone has a sensory system! Which means that even students who are not visibly struggling with sensory processing, can still benefit from sensory tools! By having sensory tools available for the entire classroom, you'll likely see improved learning, attention, and behavior! Today's video shares 7 tips for setting up a sensory friendly classroom!

Table of Contents
0:00 Intro
0:32 Everyone has a sensory system → benefits for all students
1:45 Meeting sensory thresholds
3:23 The 8 senses
3:28 Tip 1 — Flexible seating (wiggle seats, bands, standing, balls)
4:48 Tip 2 — Sensory sticks (alerting vs calming choices)
5:52 Tip 3 — Regular sensory breaks (simple movement before/after transitions)
6:38 Tip 4 — Multi-sensory teaching (movement/tactile/music in lessons)
7:29 Tip 5 — Visual schedules (classwide & individual; first-then)
8:56 Tip 6 — Calming strategies at seats (lap pads, chair push-ups)
9:40 Tip 7 — Teach self-regulation

This video had SO MUCH good information, but trust us when we say it's just the tip of the iceberg! Take advantage of all we have to offer by taking our New Eduction Course! Improving Focus & Behavior In The Classroom
https://harkla.co/products/classroom-...

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#SensoryFriendly #InclusiveClassroom #OccupationalTherapy #OTTips #TeacherTips #ClassroomManagement #SensoryProcessing #FlexibleSeating #SensoryBreaks #Proprioception #VisualSchedules #ZonesOfRegulation #AlertProgram #MultiSensoryLearning #StudentRegulation

Links:
Harkla
https://harkla.co/

Hakla Blog
https://harkla.co/blogs/special-needs

All Things Sensory Podcast by Harkla
https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast

New Eduction Course! Improving Focus & Behavior In The Classroom
https://harkla.co/products/classroom-...

Top 8 Sensory Breaks for Kids in School
   • 8 Easy Sensory Breaks for Focus, Calm & Re...  

Weighted lap pad
https://harkla.co/collections/focus/p...

Weighted vest
https://harkla.co/collections/focus/p...

Free Sensory Sticks PDF Download
https://harkla.co/collections/courses...

Podcast # 4 - VISUAL SCHEDULES: HOW TO GET STARTED
https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/4-vis...

BrainWorks
https://sensationalbrain.com/brainworks/

Noise canceling headphones: 1. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LWYWH43/...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MBRXDZN/...

Weighted pencil
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001FY19DC/

Alert Program
https://www.alertprogram.com

The Just Right! Curriculum
https://sensationalbrain.com/shop/bra...

Zones of Regulation
https://zonesofregulation.com/index.html

Wiggle seats
https://www.amazon.com/Wiggle-Seat-In...

T-stools
https://www.amazon.com/Kore-Kids-Wobb...

Bouncy bands
https://www.amazon.com/Gafly-Chair-Ba...

Therapy ball
https://www.amazon.com/Exercise-Ball-...

*Sensory over-responsivity in elementary school: prevalence and social-emotional correlates - National Library of Medicine
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19153...