How to Be a Sensory-Friendly Teacher

Understanding Sensory Sensitivities in the Classroom

As awareness of sensory sensitivities grows, it’s becoming clear that many students face unique challenges in school environments. Research such as Juliana Bunim’s “Breakthrough Study Reveals Biological Basis for Sensory Processing Disorders in Kids” (2013) estimates that up to 16% of school-aged children may be impacted by sensory processing disorders. These children often struggle to process sensory stimulation, which can result in hypersensitivity to sound, sight, or touch, poor fine motor skills, and increased distractibility (Bunim, 2013).

In a busy classroom, these difficulties can lead to students withdrawing or displaying disruptive behaviors as they try to cope with overwhelming stimuli. Balancing a vibrant learning environment with the needs of these students is undoubtedly a challenge, but it’s one that teachers can address. Through thoughtful classroom design and inclusive teaching practices, educators can make learning more accessible and welcoming for all.

Elementary school teacher Anne E. has spent 28 years teaching Grades 1 and 2. Over her career, she has developed practical strategies to include more children in her lessons, ensuring that every student has the chance to succeed. In this blog, she shares her tried-and-true tips for becoming a sensory-friendly teacher.

What Does It Mean to Be a Sensory-Friendly Teacher?

A sensory-friendly teacher is an educator who adapts their communication, teaching style, and classroom environment to be more inclusive of all students’ needs. This approach acknowledges that traditional classrooms can pose challenges for students with autism, sensory processing disorders, or learning difficulties. Factors such as noise, fluorescent lighting, or rigid learning structures often contribute to these difficulties.

By focusing on individualized learning, sensory-friendly teachers recognize and incorporate students’ unique preferences and needs. However, being sensory-friendly doesn’t look the same in every classroom. Instead, it’s about creating a comfortable and welcoming environment while building trusting relationships with students. This flexible, student-centered approach helps foster a space where every learner can thrive.

Don’t Put Too Much Pressure on Yourself

One of Anne’s key pieces of advice for becoming a sensory-friendly teacher is to avoid putting excessive pressure on yourself. Many educators feel the weight of trying to adapt their teaching style to meet every student’s unique needs. Additionally, limited classroom support or insufficient training in addressing sensory sensitivities can leave teachers feeling overwhelmed and unsure of their abilities.

It’s important to acknowledge these challenges and the internal pressure they create. However, remember that becoming a sensory-friendly teacher is a journey that takes time, practice, and experience. Focus on small, meaningful steps, and allow yourself the grace to grow and learn along the way.

How Can You Become a Sensory-Friendly Teacher?

Becoming a sensory-friendly teacher is not solely about the educator—it’s also about understanding the unique needs of the students and adapting the classroom environment accordingly. Anne shares a variety of practical tips and strategies designed to help all students feel more comfortable and supported. Her advice provides elementary school teachers with actionable steps they can incorporate into their daily routines, fostering a more inclusive and welcoming learning environment for every child.

Create a Sensory-Friendly Learning Environment

Anne prioritizes creating a sensory-friendly classroom environment to make learning more comfortable and accessible for all her students. She incorporates thoughtful adjustments that cater to diverse sensory needs, such as:

• Visual Schedules: Help students anticipate transitions and prepare for what’s next.
• Timers: Provide structure and reduce anxiety about time management.
• Calming Music: Playing different genres of soothing music sets a relaxed tone.
• Flexible Seating Options: Standing tables, stools, weighted lap pads, cushions, and wedges allow students to choose how they interact with their environment. Everything You Need to Know About Weighted Lap Pads and Blankets   
• Natural Light: Minimizing harsh fluorescent lighting by using natural sunlight when possible.
• Noise Reduction Tools: Tennis balls on chair legs and noise-cancelling earmuffs help lower noise levels and reduce auditory stress. The Best Solutions: Chair Socks, Chair Glides and Tennis Balls for Chairs

These strategies work together to create a calming, supportive atmosphere. For example, a visual schedule and timer can ease transitions and reduce anxiety, while alternative seating options, such as standing tables or weighted chairs, allow students to work in ways that feel most comfortable to them.

Additionally, Anne emphasizes the importance of reducing sensory overload. By incorporating natural light and using noise-minimizing strategies, she fosters a classroom environment that is not only welcoming but also conducive to learning for all students.

Provide Students with Effective Coping Strategies

Anne emphasizes the importance of equipping students with diverse coping strategies to help them manage their emotions and sensory experiences. She incorporates a variety of tools and techniques to ensure her students feel supported and empowered when they feel overstimulated.

For example, Anne provides stuffy buddies (stuffed animals) and weighted cushions to help students feel more relaxed and calm during the school day. For students with greater sensory sensitivities, she keeps sensory tools like noise-cancelling headphones readily available to minimize loud classroom noises.

Anne also collaborates with parents, encouraging them to send comfort items from home for students who benefit from familiar, soothing objects. Additionally, she facilitates optional movement breaks, offering students the chance to release energy and reset without the pressure to participate.

To further support emotional regulation, Anne incorporates structured programs like Emotional ABCs and yoga. These activities teach students practical coping mechanisms to manage their emotions and calm themselves when needed, fostering independence and resilience.

By offering these strategies, Anne creates an environment where all students, regardless of their sensory needs, can thrive. Her approach not only addresses immediate challenges but also equips students with valuable life skills.

Additional Tools and Strategies

Category	Tools/Strategies	Benefits

Classroom Environment

– Soft lighting (e.g., lamps instead of harsh fluorescents) – Quiet corner with calming materials

Creates a soothing space for students who need breaks or reduced sensory input.

Sensory Tools

– Fidget toys – Sensory bins with textured materials – Chewelry for students who self-soothe orally

Helps students self-regulate and stay focused during lessons.

Communication Aids

– Visual emotion charts – Individualized communication boards – Sign language for basic needs

Supports students with limited verbal skills or who prefer non-verbal communication methods.

Movement Breaks

– Yoga mats for stretching – Balance boards or wobble cushions – Short dance or stretching videos

Allows students to release energy and reset, improving concentration and engagement.

Personalized Supports

– Quiet headsets for specific students – Individual workstations with dividers – Flexible deadlines

Tailors learning to individual needs, reducing anxiety and promoting inclusivity.

Creating Open and Honest Communication with Students

Establishing open and honest communication with students is one of the most impactful ways to create a more sensory-friendly classroom. Anne emphasizes that it’s essential to understand that students’ behaviors are not acts of defiance or entertainment. Instead, behavior often serves as a form of communication, expressing emotions or unmet needs.

To foster trust and build strong relationships with her students, Anne uses several effective strategies, including:

• Talking Circles: A collaborative way for students to share their thoughts and feelings.
• Weekly “Campfires”: Informal class discussions to connect and reflect together.
• Non-Verbal Techniques: Standing shoulder-to-shoulder rather than face-to-face to reduce perceived aggression.
• Adjusted Communication: Slowing her speaking pace when a student feels agitated.
• Active Listening: Truly hearing what students say and validating their experiences.
• Observing Non-Verbal Cues: Paying attention to students’ actions and body language to better understand their needs.
• Self-Regulation: Monitoring her own emotions and energy levels to model calm behavior.
• Avoiding Assumptions: Approaching situations with curiosity rather than preconceived notions.
• Proactive Breaks: Scheduling breaks as needed instead of making students “earn” them.
• Visual Tools: Allowing students to use visuals to express emotions when words are difficult.
• Transparent Communication: Letting students know when she feels low on energy, modeling self-awareness.

These strategies enable Anne to create an environment where students feel safe and respected. By prioritizing communication and emotional understanding, she helps students feel heard and supported, ultimately enhancing their ability to learn and thrive.

“Behaviour is communication.”

Anne E., Elementary School Teacher, New Brunswick, Canada

Flexibility in Teaching

Anne emphasizes the importance of maintaining flexibility in teaching to accommodate the diverse and ever-changing needs of her students. She explains that each day brings unique interactions and challenges, making it essential to adapt teaching methods to suit various sensory preferences.

To achieve this, Anne offers students the freedom to choose their workspace within the classroom, empowering them to learn in the environment where they feel most comfortable. Additionally, she incorporates both visual and auditory cues to guide learning, ensuring her teaching methods resonate with all students. She also encourages students to listen to their bodies, helping them develop self-awareness and better manage their sensory needs.

Collaboration is another cornerstone of Anne’s flexible approach. She frequently works with colleagues, other teachers, and parents to create a more sensory-friendly learning experience. By gathering input and ideas from her team, she develops personalized and effective learning plans, especially for students who may be struggling academically. This collaborative effort ensures that every student receives the support they need to succeed.

Anne’s adaptable teaching style, combined with her commitment to teamwork, highlights the value of flexibility in fostering a sensory-friendly classroom environment.

“I accept responsibility for making my own adjustments in order to better meet their needs. I don’t put the demand on them in order to adjust the way I am doing something.”

Anne E., Elementary School Teacher, New Brunswick, Canada.

Use these tips in the classroom to create a more accessible space and learning experience for your students. Huge thank you to Anne for sharing her experiences and amazing suggestions to be a more inclusive educator!

Frequently Asked Questions About Being a Sensory-Friendly Teacher

How can I improve focus and reduce distractions in my classroom?

Sensory activities might be the key! Discover effective strategies for promoting focus and reducing distractions by checking out our blog: The Ultimate Guide to Classroom Sensory Activities.

How can I create a sensory-friendly classroom?

Creating a sensory-friendly classroom involves adapting the environment to meet the needs of all students, including those with sensory sensitivities. For detailed tips and strategies, read our blog, How to Create a Sensory-Friendly Classroom.

What is a sensory-friendly school bus, and how does it help students?

A sensory-friendly school bus is designed to minimize sensory overload, making the ride more comfortable for students with sensory sensitivities. To learn more about the features of a sensory-friendly bus, check out our blog, What Is a Sensory-Friendly School Bus?

How can I make an after-school program more sensory-friendly?

Creating a sensory-friendly after-school program means ensuring the environment and activities are inclusive and supportive of students with sensory needs. Learn how to set up a program by reading our blog, How to Create a Sensory-Friendly After-School Program.

What are some practical sensory classroom ideas I can implement?

There are plenty of simple ways to make your classroom more sensory-friendly, from lighting adjustments to sensory zones. For more ideas, visit our blog, Sensory Classroom Ideas.

What accommodations can I implement to support students with sensory needs in the classroom?

Accommodations like flexible seating, quiet zones, and sensory tools can make a big difference in supporting students. For a comprehensive list of ideas, refer to our blog, Accommodations in the Classroom: A Comprehensive Guide.

How can I create a welcoming classroom environment that supports students with sensory sensitivities?

Sensory-friendly greetings let students choose how to say hello, reducing stress and fostering a welcoming, inclusive classroom for all: The Importance of Classroom Greetings

Become a Sensory-Friendly Teacher: Start with Our Sensory Friendly 101 Course

If you’re ready to make your classroom more inclusive and supportive for all students, our Sensory Friendly 101 course is the perfect starting point. Thether you’re new to the concept or looking to deepen your understanding, Sensory Friendly 101 will equip you with the knowledge and tools to create a more welcoming classroom for every student.

Unlock Access to All Our Courses with a Sensory Friendly All Access Training

Interested in diving deeper into sensory-friendly practices? Watch this video from our founder, Christel Seeberger, to learn more about the benefits of training.

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