Where I Aut-a Be

Teaching tips, ideas, and resources for Special Education

5 Ideas To Help Create A Sensory Friendly Classroom

Sensory friendly classrooms are so important! They can determine whether or not our students will be successful in their learning environment. These are some of the things that I consider when creating a sensory friendly classroom for my students. It’s important to note that each student will have their own preferences when it comes to sensory input. Please use this list as a starting place to brainstorm and gather ideas! Always consider your own students’ needs and preferences when creating an ideal learning environment.

1. Lighting

Have you noticed how harsh the lights are in classrooms? I use light covers to soften the lighting in my room. I also love the effect of lamps or string lights! Lamps give much softer light especially when the lights are off.

2. Sound

Think about all the sounds in your classroom. The air vent, footsteps walking, teachers prompting, the volume of other students, doors opening and closing, toilets flushing and so much more. Sounds can be overwhelming at times. We love to offer noise canceling headphones that students can grab or request at any time when it all becomes too much.

image featuring a bin of headphones

3. Offer Sensory Input-Fidgets

Some students require movement to be successful. I love promoting movement with fidgets! There are so many fidgets that offer great sensory input like fidgets that spin, light up, shake, vibrate, make sounds, and so much more.

image featuring an assortment of classroom fidgets

4. Decor

My classroom contains several blank black bulletin boards. The reason being you don’t NEED to fill every single space of your walls with decor! Contrary to what you might see on Pinterest, It’s okay to have blank walls. Honestly, it’s less to process for students who struggle with sensory processing. Often times less is more.

5. Flexible Seating

Are there different options for seating your classroom? The chair in which each child sits can offer the sensory input that they need. Think rocking, wiggling, spinning, bouncing, standing, etc. It’s definitely worth exploring some options depending on the movements that help your students regulate.

I hope this list of ideas encourages you to consider something you hadn’t yet considered when creating a sensory friendly classroom. Ultimately, our students want to feel safe and loved in a classroom. Creating a sensory friendly place for their needs  is one aspect that can help with this.

image featuring floor desk for flexible seating

If you liked this content, be sure to check out my other special education teacher blogs.

Happy Teaching!

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