Sensory-Friendly Homeschool Supplies
Hey Loves!
Time is flying! I’m wrapping up my planning and prep for our new homeschool year and wanted to share how the tools we have for my sweet babes to help them cope with sensory integration while learning, playing and living their best life.
Flexible Seating: Bilibo Spin Seats, Scoop Rockers, Floor Cushions, Sensory Seats, Exercise Ball, and Wobble Stools… yes, I know that sounds like a lot and yes, we have them all. However, these were accumulated over the years and purchased as gifts, from consignment sales and even yard sales. Do you need it all? No! We plan on homeschooling as long as God allows it so we felt these were investments into our home. They use them way more than when we are learning. It was also important for me to give my kids the best possible environment for them to learn, not for me to teach. I also didn’t want to emulate traditional school and force them to sit in one spot and still. Depending on seating you have available, I’ve heard great things about “kick bands”
Movement Jar: Sensory kids needs to move! Depending on they’re hypo and hyper sensitivity levels, the will needs some sort of proprioceptive and/or vestibular input. I’ve been at this for a few years now and it is still hard for me to remember all the different movements. So, I found a free printable with movement activities and stuffed them in a jar. This way, this gives the child ownership and lets them identify their needs, advocate for their needs and meets their needs. It also gives my brain and heart a break.
Fine Motor Tools: To make this easier, I compiled a list here. Lots of kids have an un-diagnosed fine motor delay. Their little hands need help and that’s ok. This year, I’m venturing to make some pencil weights and I’ve learned through experience having a small variety of writing tools and letting the writer choose is what works for us. I also had help from my occupational therapist. To see these tools in action, check out the video here.
Coping, Calming, Fidgets & Weighed Items: I’m a big advocate for teaching kids to advocate for themselves. Having these tools around helps in two ways: It helps me see a need and have a tool to meet it. It also helps me train them to advocate for themselves. If I see seeking, I can ask, “do you need _______” and allow them to answer and get the item. I did have to teach them how to use these properly and work through some discomfort because some things they need they don’t love. Our main items in these categories are weighted vests and lap pads; stress balls, something to massage, and something to occupy their hands.
I want to reiterate Rome wasn’t built in a day. It may not be super easy to identify their needs. You’ll misread a behavior. You may not have chewelry handy. There may be a transitional meltdown. I’ve spent years crying over my mistakes and if there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that I am but mere mortal. My humanity is what makes me error but it also the reason I have for error. Grace. Extend it and receive it, always. I didn’t get all these items in a day. I didn’t even know the purpose of some of them the first I saw or read about them. I started with one or two and maximized use for those and then added as needed.
