Short Sensory Tips

This is Kim’s first book with an external publisher (Bloomsbury).  As promised in the title, it includes 100 ideas to help you understand sensory processing in the classroom.  There’s quick teaching tips and bonus ideas included as well.  The book is divided into ten sections which cover

  • The eight senses and how sensory differences might present in the classroom

  • Relevant sensory supports for school

  • Which equipment you can use at school to support sensory needs

  • Tips for supporting sensory processing at home

100 ideas for primary teachers sensory process book picture with pens beside it

Short Sensory Tips

This is Kim’s first book with an external publisher (Bloomsbury).  As promised in the title, it includes 100 ideas to help you understand sensory processing in the classroom.  There’s quick teaching tips and bonus ideas included as well.  The book is divided into ten sections which cover

  • The eight senses and how sensory differences might present in the classroom

  • Relevant sensory supports for school

  • Which equipment you can use at school to support sensory needs

  • Tips for supporting sensory processing at home

Buy the book!!

100 Ideas for Primary Teachers: Sensory Processing is published by Bloomsbury Publishers. It is available from many book sellers. The RRP is £14.99, but distributors offer different discounts and postage options. Here are three of the easiest ways to buy it

From the publishers – Click here for Bloomsbury

From Amazon – Click here for Amazon UK

From booksellers in the UK like WHSmith 

100 ideas for primary teachers sensory process book picture with pens beside it

Who is the book written for?

The book is written for anyone working in primary education.  I know it says teachers in the title, but it’s also a great resource for teaching assistants and senior leaders.  If you’re a parent of a child who needs supports with their senses, it could be a great book for you to gift to your child’s school.

What does it look like inside?

Here is an example idea

Idea 77 Ear defenders

‘We used the ear defenders during assembly and lunchtimes as they really helped Oscar to stay in the space and engage.’

Ear defenders, or noise-blocking headphones, are a common piece of sensory equipment. They can be helpful for pupils who are sensitive to sounds. They are readily available commercially.

The available products are all similar price points, and you will easily be able to find them in sensory catalogues and general suppliers (e.g. Amazon). Some pupils prefer ear plugs over ear defenders. Ear defenders won’t work for all pupils, as some pupils don’t like wearing them as they muffle sounds.

Typically, pupils will use the ear defenders during noisier periods. This might be during music lessons, assembly or when in the lunch hall. Sometimes, pupils will wear them when they need to sit and focus on work. Other pupils will use them when their classmates start to become louder.

The pupil should be reasonably independent in putting these on and off. Some pupils might need a reminder to put them on. Other pupils will independently decide when they will use them.

More recently, noise-cancelling headphones are being used by some pupils. These can be expensive, and typically parents have purchased them. The noise-cancelling feature can be used with or without music playing.

Teaching tip

Teach the pupil to access the headphones when they need them. Have them freely available for the pupil to access and put on and off.

Bonus idea

For pupils with larger heads, sometimes gardening noise protection headphones are more comfortable as these come in adult sizes.

If you would like to read the other 99 ideas, use the links above to purchase the book!

Boy standing at bubble tube text Sensory Processing Disorder Training with GriffinOT

Our online sensory training

To continue your sensory journey you can join Kim’s online sensory training.  Here you will learn even more about sensory processing and how to identify and support children’s sensory needs in the classroom.  In course Kim explores the world of sensory in further depth.  You learn more here.  Or, ask your school to add it to their CPD plan.

Do you already have a copy of the book?

There a number of additional links within the ideas.  But I know it’s impossible to click on links in printed books!  So, here are live links for all of the website or articles mentioned in the book. I hope you’re finding it helpful.  Kim

Idea 4 – Touch

Idea 5 – Proprioception

Idea 8 – Sensory processing

  • Sensory processing from a child’s perspective – click here.

Idea 13 – Hearing sensitivity

  • For for more information and the autism and sound sensitivity clip click here.

Idea 14 – Touch sensitivity

Idea 18 – Chewing

Idea 29 – Referral to occupational therapy

  • Kim explains this process and gives links to the private practice register here.
  • Kim also offers an online screening assessment for families.  Parents can book this screening assessment and complete it online.  Kim aims to have the reports returned within ten days of receipt of questionnaires.  The assessment includes access to Kim’s online training.

Idea 35 – Sensory Stims

  • Kim explores sensory stims in further depth here.  This page includes the Amy Laurent talk.

Idea 36 – Biting and hitting

Idea 39- Fussy eaters

Idea 43 – Messy play

Idea 56 – Posture and core strength

Idea 57 – Bilateral coordination

Idea 59 – Heavy work

Idea 60 – Movement minutes

Idea 64 – Animal walks

Idea 65 – Breathing

Idea 66 – Yoga

Idea 68 – Sensory Stories

Idea 69- Fidget toys

  • Kim’s article on fidget toys is here.

Idea 81 – Won’t hold a pencil

  • Here are Kim’s videos on pencil grips.

Idea 82 – Handwriting

Further resources

Attachment

Meditation apps/resources

Emotional regulation

Thank you

And a huge thank you from Kim for purchasing the book and wanting to learn how to support sensory processing differences in the classroom.

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