Decorating & Organizing Your Classroom: Considerations For Children With Sensory Processing Disorders

Every teacher wants a beautiful classroom which stimulates their students to want to learn. Having colorful and stimulating classrooms seems to be the norm today, but is it the right thing?

Teachers need to take in mind that some students would find their classroom sensory alluring, but others with sensory processing challenges would find it a bit too much and could not handle your classroom. Behavior problems would result and children in your classroom would not be learning to their fullest potential.

Some children process sensory stimulation (sounds, taste, smells, touch, and what they see) differently than others. Some over react while others seem oblivious to the goings on around them. As a parent of a special needs child, teachers need to take into consideration all the senses and structure the classroom to meet children’s sensory needs.

For many students sensory overload is one of the most detrimental and critical problems in the classroom. An over-stimulating environment can cause some students to shut down, become excited, inappropriate behavioral problems can arise and may escalate which could lead to major meltdowns. Examples of an over sensory environment is: buzzing and flickering lights, clutter, decorations that are vivid in color and different kinds of patterns, loud sudden noises (fire alarm, timers, bells, etc.), students too close or brushing up against you, loud and noisy surroundings, various smells (certain foods, dry erase board markers, cleaning supplies, carpet, mold, etc.), crowded and chaotic classrooms, etc.

When designing children’s environments, it is important to consider the needs of children with sensory processing disorders and to think through the space as an experience. What will the children possibly see, hear, smell, taste, and feel? Are there things that could be designed differently in critical areas so as not to interfere with a child’s ability to learn?


Considerations for the Classroom:

slideshare.net- Sensory Considerations When Teaching And Setting Up The Classroom

sensory-processing-discorder.com- Problem Behavior In The Classroom: Dealing With Children And Sensory Processing Disorders At School

brighthubeducation.com- Activities for Hypersensitive Tactile Teens in the Classroom

sensorysmarts.com- Working with Schools from Raising a Sensory Smart Child