By Claire Heffron
These sensory processing resources for kids are the perfect place to begin giving kids a better understanding of their sensory systems and how they all work together.
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Search the internet and you’re sure to find lots of resources about sensory processing. You’ll find information about how to explain sensory processing issues to a child’s family and caregivers. Information about the sensory systems and how they work together. Andresources to help parents and teachers discuss kids’ sensory needs.
As teachers, parents, and therapists, we work hard to get to the bottom of kids’ behaviors and to support them in every aspect of development. And while it’s important for us to educate ourselves, what better way to set kids up for success than to put the information they need right into their hands in a format that is easy to understand?
There are several sensory processing resources that are designed to help kids gain a better understanding of their sensory systems and the magic of sensory processing.
A great place to start is with giving an overview of the basic senses with this five senses preschool craft.
10 Sensory Processing Resources for Kids
1 || Color My Senses: The Sensory Detective Coloring Book
This simple activity book is a companion to The Sensory Detective Curriculum
and is a great way to introduce the sensory systems to youngerchildren. The language and illustrations are easy to understand and the book uses practical, everyday examples to explain how the senses work.
2 || This is Gabriel Making Sense of School: A Book About Sensory Processing Disorder
A great option for taking a closer look at the challenges that children with Sensory Processing Disorder face in the classroom and school setting.
3 || The Magic 7: A Guide to Teaching Kids About Sensory Processing
The Magic 7 is a resource designed to teach children about sensory processing in an engaging, hands-on way. Ideal for use in a classroom or in agroup setting, the lesson guide includes overviews of the sensory systems, printables, and an instructor’s guide.
4 || Sensitive Sam: Sam’s Sensory Adventure Has a Happy Ending!
In this kid-friendly book, the main character, Sam, describes his hypersensitivities and talks about how they affect his everyday functioning. Occupational therapy is introduced, along with the concept of a sensory diet – great for startingthe discussion about these aspects of sensory processing challenges.
5 || How to Introduce Fidget Toys and Other Sensory Materials in the Classroom
Interested in using fidget toys or other sensory materials in the school setting? Want to learn how to introduce these materials so they’re actually used effectively? This is a great place to start! Learn about sensory materials that might be beneficial to your students, and follow the steps to help introduce them successfully in your classroom by involving the kids in the process.
6 || Arnie and His School Tools: Simple Sensory Solutions That Build Success
This sensory resource for kids is a great way to begin talking about the different sensory tools and materials that can be used in the school setting to address kids’ sensory needs and to help them stay focused and attentive in class.
7 || How to Introduce Alternative Classroom Seating
In this post, we talk all about alternative classroom seating – the benefits, the options, and how to introduce different types of seating to the students in your classroom successfully. Again, it’s about letting kids in on the process by teaching them about how their bodies, brains, and sensory systems work.
8 || The Kids’ Guide to Staying Awesome and In Control: Simple Stuff to Help Children Regulate their Emotions and Senses
This is an awesome option for talking to older kids (recommended for ages 7 to 14) about strategies, tools, and tips for helping them stay regulated and in control. It also includes visual charts and checklists to track learning and progress.
9 || My Sensory Book: Working Together to Explore Sensory Issues and the Big Feelings They Can Cause: A Workbook for Parents, Professionals, and Children
This workbook is a hands-on way to get kid involved in understanding their sensory systems. Strategies are broken down by sensory system to give kids, teachers, and parents ideas for helping kids stay regulated at home and at school.
10 || Sensory Processing 101
Older kids may be able to dive right in and read along with you as you learn about each of the sensory systems. But all kids will benefit from the Sensory Activities section of this colorful, easy-to-read overview of sensory processing. Try one or more of the activities and use them as starting points for discussing sensory preferences and the sensory systems!
What are your favorite sensory processing resources for kids? Share them in the comments below!
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Claire Heffron
Claire Heffron is co-author at The Inspired Treehouse and a pediatric occupational therapist in a preschool/primary school setting. She began her career with a bachelor's degree in magazine journalism but quickly changed course to pursue graduate studies in occupational therapy. She has been practicing therapy for 10 years in public and specialized preschool/primary school settings. She is a mom to three funny, noisy boys and relies on yoga, good food, and time outside to bring her back to center.
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