10 MUST-HAVE SENSORY TOOLS FOR YOUR SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASSROOM
Laura- Feb 5, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 5
Sensory tools are essential in any special education classroom! Having classroom sensory tools and supports available helps students stay on task, regulate their sensory needs, and decrease stress and anxiety. These calming tools benefit students with a variety of sensory needs and are a staple in inclusive classrooms. Here are ten of my favorite tried and true sensory toys for the classroom.
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These sensory supports are so fun to play with! They're also great for learning shapes and colors in a hands-on way!
I bought some of this slimy sand for my own child for Christmas and when he tried it out, I knew I had to get some for my classroom! It's like kinesthetic sand and slime combined! Use with caution, some students may eat this or make a huge mess! Also, your students will need to wash their hands afterward.
A wobble board is one of my favorite movement-based sensory tools. Students who need constant movement will love it!
My students who liked oral input loved these! These fidget tools for the classroom are durable and student-approved.
I love making sensory bottles with my students. You can use any clear bottle for these. I recommend plastic bottles because things do get thrown occasionally. Just add warm water, glitter glue, and whatever other fun items you want! I bought this slime kit, and we added different items to our sensory bottles.
Great for sensory regulation and for taking to general ed classes—plus, who doesn’t love a squishy stress ball?
Another fantastic sensory strategy for SPED students who struggle to sit still. These stools offer movement without causing too much distraction. You can buy different sizes to work for little kids and high schoolers.
Desk elliptical or exercise bike
I found an under the desk elliptical on Facebook Marketplace for $40. Score! It was always being used! This is a great option for your students who need constant movement. You can also try an under the desk exercise bike.
Water beads are not one of my personal favorites because they always end up squished into the carpet, but my students love them! I like to fill a Ziploc baggie and tape the top so it's a contained mess. Or if you're feeling brave, make a sensory bin with them. Your students will love it! And when they inevitably spill all over the classroom, you can wait for them to dry and vacuum them up.
Last but not least, fidget poppers are all the rage right now, and I think they're worth the hype. There are so many ways you can use these academically, but they also make great sensory tools for regulation. I have a small keychain one in my car that I pop on my leg while driving to help keep my mind focused and my anxiety down when I'm driving to different schools!
What are your favorite sensory tools? Did I miss any of your favorite ones?
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