Back to school can be fun, but change can be hard. Help your little one adjust to the demands with these two sensory-based calming crafts, to be used in the classroom:
Weighted Lap Pad
Stress Ball
Calming Activities Using All the Senses
Calm Down Corner
A great way to limit auditory, visual, and other input so a child can regroup and calm themselves down
- a corner with a bean bag chair
- a small tent
- a private desk
Touch
Promotes full-body relaxation for children who are overwhelmed or anxious
- a shoebox-sized plastic container with sand, dry rice, or dry beans
- weighted blankets or weighted stuffed animals
- squishes with a pillow or bean bag chair
Taste
Chewing and sucking are great for self-soothing
- chewing on oral sensory snacks (fruit leather) or jewelry (Chewigems)
- sucking against resistance (smoothie through a straw)
Sound
Soothing noise can help when kids are overstimulated from school
- using a quite voice
- white noise (rain sounds, using a fan)
- calming music
Sight
Decreasing visual stimulation or providing calming visual input can promote regulation
- turning off or dimming lights
- maintaining a clutter-free workspace
- using dividers
- looking at a glitter jar as it moves
- providing a visual picture schedule to help kids follow a routine
Exercise
Heavy work or moving the body against resistance provides stimulation to the muscles and joints which can be calming and organizing
- squeezing play dough or a stress ball
- pulling against resistance bands
- pushing chairs or desks
- climbing
- carrying books or laundry
Movement
Repetitive and rhythmic movement helps with kids who are overstimulated, overwhelmed, or have tantrums
- rocking in a chair
- swaying in a parent’s arms
- swinging