Tag Archives: classroom strategies

Classroom strategies encompass OT-informed approaches that support attention, posture, sensory needs, and motor skills to help students succeed academically and socially.

Creating Sensory Spaces for Wellbeing

December 10, 2024Calming Tools, Sensory, Sensory Regulationclassroom strategies, occupational therapy (OT) tools, self-regulation, sensory strategiesGuest Blogger

In today’s fast-paced world, having a calming retreat is essential for individuals who may experience sensory overload, including children and adults with autism, ADHD, sensory processing challenges, or anxiety. Sensory spaces provide these much-needed areas of refuge, offering tools to regulate emotions, improve focus, and promote overall wellbeing. Whether you’re a therapist designing a clinic, an educator enhancing a classroom, or a parent creating a calming corner at home, sensory spaces can make a significant difference.

What is a Sensory Space?

A sensory space is a carefully designed environment that provides sensory input to help individuals regulate their emotions, behaviors, and sensory processing needs. These spaces are often used to support children and adults with sensory processing challenges, such as those with autism, ADHD, or sensory integration disorders. Sensory spaces can include calming elements like soft lighting, weighted blankets, and gentle music, as well as stimulating features such as textured surfaces, bubble tubes, and interactive activities. The goal is to create a balanced setting that promotes relaxation, focus, or engagement, depending on the individual’s needs.

The Importance of Sensory Spaces

Sensory spaces are vital for individuals with sensory processing challenges as they provide a safe, controlled environment to meet unique sensory needs. These spaces are essential for promoting emotional regulation, reducing anxiety, and fostering focus and engagement. These spaces are more than just calming zones—they empower individuals by offering opportunities to explore sensory experiences in a controlled, therapeutic manner. Whether it’s the soothing glow of a bubble tube or the tactile engagement of sensory-rich objects, these elements foster relaxation, learning, and emotional balance. By offering a mix of calming and stimulating elements, sensory spaces empower individuals to better navigate their environments, enhance self-awareness, and build skills for independence. For children in therapeutic, educational, or home settings, these spaces are a critical tool for supporting holistic development and well-being.

Therapro’s Plug-and-Play Sensory Solutions

At Therapro, we understand the importance of accessible sensory solutions. Creating a sensory space doesn’t have to involve extensive renovations or large areas. Products like the Luminea Corner, SENcastle All-In-One Sensory Room, and Luminea Bubble Tube Kits offer practical, ready-to-use options for therapists, educators, and parents.

The Luminea Corner, a compact yet impactful sensory environment

Luminea Corner: This innovative solution combines sensory integration with skill development through its compatibility with the Luminea app. The app enables dynamic interaction with the bubble tube and fiber optic lights, offering a customizable light display that can be used to work on fine motor skills, visual perception, and speech goals. This dual-purpose setup not only creates a calming sensory retreat but also transforms the space into an engaging therapeutic tool tailored to individual developmental needs.

The SENcastle: Perfect for small spaces or as a cozy corner within a larger sensory room, the SENcastle All-In-One Sensory Room provides everything needed to create a calming and engaging environment for self-regulation and relaxation. Its centerpiece, a captivating light column, integrates visual and auditory elements to stimulate multiple senses. Additionally, the SENcastle includes weighted, vibrating, and tactile pillows that target the tactile, auditory, proprioceptive, and visual senses, making it a compact yet comprehensive solution for sensory integration and therapeutic support.

Luminea Bubble Tube Kits: These versatile kits are designed to adapt to a variety of spaces, with three distinct base options that cater to different sensory and therapeutic needs. The simple protector module provides a sleek, minimalist design that safeguards the electronics while maintaining easy access. The square base offers a sturdy seating area, allowing users to sit comfortably and view the bubble tube from multiple angles, ideal for group or one-on-one sessions. The corner base is perfect for maximizing space efficiency, enabling users to interact with the bubble tube from a seated or floor-level position while enjoying a cozy, immersive experience. Each of these options ensures that the bubble tube is both functional and accessible, providing visual stimulation to support sensory integration and therapeutic goals.

Tips for Designing Your Sensory Space

Adapt to Your Space: With Therapro’s modular options, even small spaces can become sensory havens.
Prioritize Accessibility: Ensure the sensory tools are easy to access and interact with for users of all abilities.
Maximize Comfort: Incorporate soft seating, cushions, or mats to create a welcoming environment.
Incorporate Multi-Sensory Elements: Combine visual, tactile, and auditory stimuli for a holistic sensory experience.

Make the Most of Your Space with Therapro

At Therapro, we understand the challenges of designing sensory spaces. That’s why our solutions are thoughtfully designed to be effective, user-friendly, and adaptable. Whether you’re a professional or a parent, our sensory tools provide the perfect foundation for creating spaces that enhance well-being and promote regulation.

Explore the Luminea Corner, SENcastle, and Luminea Bubble Tube Kit to get started on your sensory space journey. Together, we can create environments where individuals feel calm, supported, and ready to thrive.

Challenges of Low Vision in Children

September 19, 2024Assistive Technology, Visual Perceptionclassroom strategies, low vision, therapist resourcesGuest Blogger

Definition and Impact:

Vision is the interpretation of what an individual sees. The visual system includes the following components: acuity, binocularity, fixation, and visual tracking. Low vision is a condition characterized by reduced vision that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. “Challenged vision” seems to be a more descriptive term for this multi-faceted diagnosis because low vision seems to imply decreased visual acuity whereas challenged vision is a broader term and implies how vision problems affect visual perception. However, for this article, the term “low vision” will continue to be used to be inclusive of the many difficulties that are more inclusive than only visual acuity. Low vision may manifest with a number of problems including blurry vision, decreased depth perception, poor reading skills, discomfort sustaining visual attention, headaches, and more. Low vision can severely affect children’s ability to learn, develop social skills, and participate in daily activities.

The Vision Council is an organization that aspires to be a vision care leader in “enabling better vision for better lives.” Its mission includes promoting growth in vision care through advocacy, education, research, and consumer outreach. In June 2024, The Vision Council published a report: Focused inSights: Patients with Low Vision. Results were based on two Focus Groups representing participants with low vision (adults) and primary caregivers of children with low vision. Children were diagnosed, primarily by optometrists (41%), typically when a child began school. Symptoms included: blurry vision, light sensitivity, inability to see in low light, and struggles with reading. From there they were referred to other providers including low vision specialists, occupational therapists, and assistive technology specialists.

Developmental Challenges for Children with Low Vison:

Children with low vision often face developmental delays, particularly in motor skills, visual-spatial tasks, and academic skills including reading and writing. These challenges can lead to difficulties in reading, writing, and navigating the environment. The lack of visual cues can also hinder their social interactions and ability to learn from their surroundings. Low vision can lead to emotional and psychological challenges, such as frustration, anxiety, or social withdrawal, which are common in children dealing with impaired visual functioning.

Educational Needs for Children with Low Vision:

Education for children with low vision must be tailored to their specific needs. This often includes the use of assistive technologies, such as screen readers, to support their learning. Schools provide individualized education plans (IEPs) to accommodate these children effectively. Additionally, teachers can arrange their classrooms to avoid visual overstimulation for all students. Incorporating movement into a teaching activity, like pairing up with a classmate to throw and catch letter beanbags to learn letters, works on learning letters while using bilateral skills and spatial skills.

Highlighter Strips on a book page — Raised Line Paper

Therapeutic Interventions for Children with Low Vision:

Vision is considered more than optical clarity or muscle and nerve functioning; it examines vision development and is influenced by what the child sees along with their physical actions. Occupational therapy, vision therapy with a behavioral/developmental optometrist, and a vision professional with specialized training can help children with low vision
develop compensatory skills. These therapies focus on improving the child’s ability to perform daily activities, enhancing their remaining vision, and promoting independence.

The June 4, 2024 Therapro webinar recording: Getting and Keeping Your Child’s Vision in Sync and the September 10, 2024 webinar, In-Sync Child Activities to Help Kids Develop and Enhance Visual Processing Skills by Joye Newman, are available to watch on demand. Joyce Newman provides a wonderful overview of how vision develops, components of the visual system, symptoms of dysfunction, and suggestions for treating them. Therapro has materials Joye recommended to address vision issues.

A Year Of Mini-Moves For The In-Sync Child; movement activities to support vision — A Year Of Mini-Moves For The In-Sync Child

The In-Sync Activity Cards Book; activities to support vison development in children — A Year Of Mini-Moves For The In-Sync Child

Parental and Caregiver Support:

Parents and caregivers play a vital role in supporting children with low vision. This support includes advocating for appropriate services, creating an accessible home environment, and helping children develop self-care and independence skills. Family involvement is crucial in helping children adapt to their visual challenges. Family is a crucial component of the
child’s team. Consistent carryover of teachers’ , therapists’, and vision specialists’ recommendations optimizes a child’s visual skills and visual development at home, school, and in the community.

Summary:

Early detection, intervention, and support are crucial to managing the impact of low vision on a child’s development. The quality of vision affects a child’s intellectual, emotional, behavioral, and social growth and development. Working as a team with teachers, therapists, and vision
specialists will empower parents and caregivers to support their child with low vision effectively.

Guest Author: Filomena Connor, MSOT-Retired

Creating a Successful, Sensory-Friendly, Learning Environment

August 9, 2024Sensoryclassroom strategies, therapist resourcesGuest Blogger

As the new school year approaches, setting up an effective, sensory-friendly, home learning environment is essential for your child’s success. A well-organized and sensory-friendly space can enhance focus, reduce stress, and make learning more fun. Adapting a learning environment to your child’s specific needs and learning style are crucial elements for a happy, productive learning experience. Therapro offers a wide range of products designed to meet the unique needs of every child, ensuring a smooth and successful back-to-school transition. Here are 5 strategies that will help your child sail smoothly into Fall:

1.) Designate the Ideal Learning Space: Choosing the right location for your child’s learning space is the first step. It should be quiet, well-lit, and free from distractions, such as visual clutter and noise. Ergonomic furniture is essential to ensure comfort and proper posture during study sessions. Therapro’s seating solutions, including Kore Kid’s Wobble Chair and Wiggle Seat Sensory Cushions, are perfect for creating a customized learning environment that grows with your child. Choose from several different sizes of the Wobble Chair to accommodate your child’s height while allowing movement back and forth, front to back, and all around without tipping. The Wiggle Seat comes in 4 colorful shapes to help your child stay focused and stable when seated.

Kore Kids Wobble Chair for a Sensory-friendly learning environment — Wiggle Seat Sensory Cushion

2.) Provide Organizational Tools for Success: Organization plays a key role in effective learning. A consistent routine helps children feel secure and understand what to expect each day. Establishing a daily schedule that includes time for learning, breaks, and play is essential. Visual schedules, planners, and other organizational tools help children understand their daily tasks and manage their time efficiently. Therapro offers a variety of these tools from SchKiDules that are engaging and easy to use. The magnetic 2-Sided Star Board is a versatile tool that unfolds into three 6 inch panels to build a daily visual schedule. Time Timer Original 3-inch timer provides a 60 minute countdown to keep your child on track.

Schkidules visual schedule display — Time Timer

3.) Set Up a Sensory-Friendly Environment to Enhance Focus and Attention: Many children benefit from a sensory-friendly learning environment. Addressing sensory needs can help improve focus and reduce anxiety. Therapro provides a range of sensory products, such as fidgets, weighted items, and sensory materials to create a calming and supportive space for learning. Be sure to check with your child’s occupational therapist to collaborate on what sensory tools would be best for your child. The weighted Sit -Tight Lap Pad’s gentle pressure helps children achieve calm and focus. It easily fastens around the waist with a clip. The adorable Puppy Shoulder Wrap helps active, younger children stay calm and focused as well.

Sit Tight Weighted Lap Pad in a Sensory-friendly learning environment — Sit Tight Weighted Lap Pad

weighted Puppy Shoulder Wrap in a sensory-friendly learning environment — Sit Tight Weighted Lap Pad

Maintaining focus can be challenging for many children. Simple strategies, like using Noise-Canceling Headphones to block out distractions, or visual timers to manage breaks, can make a significant difference. Therapro’s focus tools, including concentration aids and stress-relief items, are designed to help children stay on task. Universal Bouncy Band for Home and School Chairs is a heavy-duty rubber bungee cord that attaches to chair legs allowing the student to support their feet and move, resulting in greater productivity because they are attending to the task.

Bouncy Band for Elementary School Chair — Hush-Buddy Earmuffs

4.) Incorporate Assistive Technology: Assistive technology can greatly enhance a child’s learning experience. Therapro offers a variety of technological aids that cater to different learning needs and styles. These tools not only support academic success but also boost confidence and independence. The compact GoTalk Button records a 10 second message and has a built-in magnet for display on the refrigerator or on any metal surface. Teaching Rings is a tool that provides a fun new technique in teaching and keyboarding or touch typing skills for all ages and skill levels. The child wears 8 teaching rings to teach them the “Home Row” of keys where fingers should always rest when not typing. As the child learns all the keys that each finger types, they can remove the rings.

GoTalk Button — Animal-Shaped Computer Mouse

5.) Offer Parental Involvement and Support: Parents play a crucial role on the school team in their child’s education. By being involved and providing support, you can help your child navigate challenges and celebrate successes. Therapro offers resources and products designed to support parents in creating a positive learning environment at home. Ongoing consultation with your child’s teachers and occupational therapists can help guide you in selecting the best tools for your child’s learning environment at home.

A well-organized, sensory-friendly, and technology-equipped home learning environment can significantly impact your child’s academic success. By exploring and incorporating Therapro’s extensive range of products, you can tailor a positive learning space that meets your child’s unique needs and fosters a love for learning.

Guest Blogger: Filomena Connor, MSOT – Retired