Calming Sensory-Friendly Classroom for Teachers with SPD

SPD as a teacher? Learn effective methods to thrive in educational environments. Boost your impact immediately!

Calming Sensory-Friendly Classroom for Teachers with SPD

Why Sensory-Friendly Classrooms?

Imagine you are telling a story to a group of eager learners. They sit with perked ears, their bodies still and calm, listening intently to every word that falls from your lips.

Suddenly, you pause, as you notice sweat beading and dripping down your back. The lightweight ‘breathable' shirt you paid good money for is actually hot as an oven.

You take a sip of water, and return to the thread of your delivery. But every time another drop falls, your attention involuntarily drifts that direction.

You, my friend, have sensory processing disorder (SPD). What can be done about it, specifically in an educational setting? Read on to learn more.

This blog offers educational content; not medical advice. Please, consult a healthcare professional for personal mental health concerns.

Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) refers to differences in the way that a person experiences reality through their senses. Sometimes people will be hyper-sensitive to certain stimuli; while others will be hypo-sensitive.

You might be affected, or know someone who is. This neurological condition affects both children and adults.

Adults might need to wear extra dark sunglasses, for example, to block out painful light where others may not notice it. Or they may appear clumsy, bumping their hips on table corners when misjudging distances.

Sensory input categories include sight, sound, touch, taste, smell; as well as proprioceptive (inner awareness) and vestibular (balance).

While students affected by SPD may cover their ears or wear noise-cancelling headphones during mandatory pep rallies; teachers who suffer from the condition tend to either internalize the discomfort or seek ways to mitigate pain in very discreet ways.

SPD in the classroom can make working much more challenging for the teacher who has the disorder; and learning a more cumbersome task for the student.

Assessing Your Classroom Environment

If you as a teacher feel that your SPD is affecting your performance, there are actions you can take.

Some of them, such as requesting accommodations, would likely fall under the legal category. Please consult your legal advisor for more information.

However, some other practical suggestions you can take in the meantime, include taking an inventory of known triggers for yourself in your classroom.

Make a list of any lights, colors, noise levels, echoes, textures, temperatures, smells, air quality issues, and any other items that have distracted you in the past.

Next, create a sensory-friendly checklist for your classroom. Use this at the start of every day to ensure that you are setting yourself, and your students, up for success.

Strategies for a Sensory-Friendly Classroom

Visual Supports

In general you want to try to minimize visual distractions. This may mean turning the blinds enough to block out searing rays while still emitting some light.

If you cover your bulletin boards, consider using neutral colors that feel calming and comforting to you. Think of pale greens or blues as opposed to louder neon yellows and pinks.

Auditory Supports

Reduce decibels with more pegboards or displays to hang on walls. If you have tile floor, adding a few throw rugs can help knock out some bothersome echoes.

Make it a habit to wear your own noise-cancelling headphones, ear buds, or ear plugs, as often as possible. Any chance you can give your nervous system a break, take it.

Tactile Supports

Having an array of fidgets, bouncy balls, squishy balls, and rougher texture toys, can comfort you and your students. For example, sequined pillows are weirdly gratifying.

Wobble chairs, chair bands, or floor cushions, can give you and your students some relief in your seating arrangements.

If you teach elementary or preschool, you probably already use sensory bins. If not, consider having a sand garden or smooth stones nearby to bring comfort.

Olfactory Supports

Thankfully many schools now have a ban on wearing scented colognes, deodorants, lotions, or perfumes.

In the unlucky instance that your students come in smelling like an essential oil gone wrong, have a fan or an air purifier ready.

You could even consider donning a mask in conjunction with a eucalyptus cough drop.

This can help your brain relax and allow you to get back to managing your classroom.

Proprioceptive Supports

Make it the norm that you and your students are allowed to stand up and wander a bit around the room.

This can help release muscle tension and refresh attention by increasing oxygen to the brain.

Also, weight-bearing activities like wall presses, push-ups, or even squats, can give that extra input to those who need it.

Consider setting a silent timer and having a student be responsible for alerting you when it goes off.

Every time it does, the whole class and yourself is expected to do one to three minutes of a brain break activity like those.

Clear Communication

Depending on your situation you could consider talking to your class(es) about listening to one's body, and honoring its sensory preferences.

It is important to instill in students an acceptance of this neurodiversity.

Different people need different things. Some might prefer wool turtleneck sweaters (ugh!), while others may need to only wear ankle socks.

The important thing is to find what works for you, and to then give that permission to your learners.

FAQs

What is sensory processing disorder (SPD)?

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition where the brain processes and responds to sensory information from the environment in unexpected ways.

People with SPD may be over-sensitive (hyper-) or under-sensitive (hypo-) to certain sensory stimuli, such as sounds, lights, textures, or smells.

How does SPD affect teachers in the classroom?

Teachers with SPD may experience sensory overload or distress in the classroom due to various stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells.

This can lead to difficulties with concentration, focus, and overall well-being. It can impact their mental health and teaching effectiveness.

Why is it important to create a sensory-friendly classroom environment?

Creating a sensory-friendly classroom environment can help reduce sensory overload and provide a more comfortable learning space for both teachers and students.

What are some examples of sensory-friendly classroom strategies?

Some examples include adjusting lighting levels, minimizing background noise, providing flexible seating options, using natural or unscented cleaning products, and incorporating movement breaks or calming exercises.

How can teachers with SPD practice self-care in the classroom?

Teachers with SPD can practice self-care by identifying personal triggers and coping mechanisms, creating a sensory-friendly workspace or quiet area, and practicing stress management techniques such as exercise, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.

Takeaways

By tuning into your body's signals, you can learn what it needs and how to honor that even at work.

In doing so, you can make your environment more inclusive for both yourself and your students.

For more tips on neurodivergent teacher accommodations, read the “Top 10 Essential Neurodivergent Teachers Accommodations” round-up!