Sensory Issues in Children: Understanding and Supporting Students with Sensory Processing Difficulties

Sensory processing involves receiving and interpreting sensory information from the environment. The sensory system includes touch, taste, smell, sight, sound, and movement. Sensory processing difficulties can occur when the nervous system has trouble receiving or interpreting this information. Children with sensory processing difficulties may be oversensitive or under-sensitive to certain stimuli. For example, some children may be oversensitive to touch and avoid hugs or certain fabrics, while others may crave touch and seek out hugs or tight clothing.

Sensory Processing and Behavior

Children with sensory processing difficulties may exhibit challenging behavior in the classroom. For example, a child who is oversensitive to noise may become agitated or cover their ears when the class is noisy. A child who is under sensitive to touch may seek out physical contact with others, which can be disruptive to learning. Teachers may notice that these students have difficulty with transitions, following directions, and participating in group activities.

Sensory Processing and Learning

Sensory processing difficulties can also affect a child’s ability to learn. For example, a child who is oversensitive to touch may have difficulty writing with a pencil or holding a book. A child who is sensitive to movement may have difficulty sitting still and attending to a lesson. These difficulties can lead to frustration, avoidance of certain activities, and decreased engagement in learning.

Supporting Students with Sensory Processing Difficulties

As teachers, there are several ways we can support students with sensory processing difficulties in the classroom. Here are some ideas:

1. Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment: The classroom environment can play a big role in supporting students with sensory processing difficulties. Consider the lighting, noise levels, and furniture arrangement. Use soft lighting, provide quiet spaces, and allow for movement breaks throughout the day.
2. Provide Sensory Tools: Sensory tools can help students regulate their sensory systems and stay focused during learning activities. Some examples of sensory tools include fidget toys, weighted blankets, and chewable necklaces.
3. Offer Choice: Giving students a choice in their learning can be empowering and help them feel in control of their sensory experiences. Offer choices in seating, writing tools, and assignments.
4. Use Visual Supports: Visual supports can help students understand routines, expectations, and transitions. Use picture schedules, visual timers, and social stories to support learning and behavior.
5. Incorporate Sensory Activities: Sensory activities can be incorporated into learning activities to help students engage and regulate their sensory systems. For example, use bubbles during a science experiment or cotton balls to represent clouds in an art project.

Cotton as a Sensory Tool

Cotton is a common sensory issue that is frequently encountered in the classroom. Some children may find cotton uncomfortable or unpleasant to touch, while others may seek out its soft texture as a source of comfort. Cotton can be used as a sensory tool to help regulate the nervous system and provide comfort to students with sensory processing difficulties.

One way to incorporate cotton into the classroom as a sensory tool is through the use of sensory bins. Sensory bins are containers filled with various materials that provide tactile stimulation and promote exploration. A cotton-filled sensory bin can provide a calming and soothing sensory experience for some students. Other soft materials, such as fabric scraps or pom-poms, can be added to the bin for variety and texture.

Another way to incorporate cotton as a sensory tool is through the use of sensory cushions. Cotton-filled cushions or pillows can provide extra sensory input during learning activities. Students who seek out tactile stimulation can benefit from using a cushion during seatwork or class discussions. Sensory cushions can also be used during story time or independent reading to help students stay focused and engaged.

Cotton can also be used in art projects. In particular, cotton balls are commonly used to represent clouds in the sky. This activity provides a fun and engaging way for students to learn about different types of clouds and their characteristics. Students can glue cotton balls onto a paper sky and discuss cumulus clouds, stratus clouds, and other types of clouds. This activity can also be used as a way to promote language development and descriptive language skills.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sensory processing difficulties can have a significant impact on a child’s behavior, emotions, and ability to learn. As teachers, it is important to understand and support students with sensory processing difficulties in the classroom. By creating a sensory-friendly environment, providing sensory tools, offering choice, using visual supports, and incorporating sensory activities, we can help these students engage in learning and regulate their sensory systems. Additionally, using materials like cotton can be a simple and effective way to support students with sensory processing difficulties. By working together, we can create a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students. To find more videos your students might be interested in, visit The Learning Experience’s Bubbles and Friends YouTube channel.