SPD Teaching Toolkit: Empowering Students with Sensory Processing Disorder

SPD Teaching Toolkit: Empowering Students with Sensory Processing Disorder

Creating an inclusive classroom that supports students with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is essential for their academic and social success. This comprehensive SPD Teaching Toolkit is designed to provide educators with practical tools and strategies that cater to the diverse needs of students with SPD. Each component of this toolkit is aimed at fostering an environment where all students feel understood, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential.

Component 1: Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

Tools & Strategies:

• SEL Curriculum: Incorporate SEL activities that focus on self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
  • Calming Choices Chart
  • My Emotions Chart
  • Stop and Think Tools
  • Anger Management Box 
  • How Am I Feeling Blocks 
  • Social & Emotions Binder
  • Coping Skills Game
  • Stress Relief Alpaca
  • Mindfullness Game
  • Feeling Flips
  • 6 Conflicts & Resolutions Game
• Mindfulness Activities: Implement guided meditations, breathing exercises, and yoga sessions to help students regulate their emotions and responses to sensory stimuli.
• Feelings Chart: A visual aid that helps students identify and express their emotions effectively.

Component 2: Visual Supports

Tools & Strategies:

• Visual Schedule: Provide a daily schedule with symbols or pictures to help students anticipate what’s next, reducing anxiety and improving transitions.
• Visual Instructions: Break down tasks into step-by-step instructions using images or icons to aid comprehension and independence.
• Choice Boards: Offer choices for activities or rewards using pictorial or symbol-based boards to empower students and reduce frustration.
• Other Resources:
  • My Communication Cards
  • My Daily Checklist & Rewards
  • Now, Next, Then Board
  • I Can Do It Board

Component 3: Focus Helpers

Tools & Strategies:

• Noise-Canceling Headphones: Minimize distractions in noisy environments to improve focus and comfort.
• Wobble Chairs or Cushions: Allow movement while sitting to help students who need to fidget or adjust their position frequently.
• Fidget Tools: Provide sensory objects such as stress balls, textured tapes, or fidget spinners to help maintain attention during tasks.
• Other Tools: 
  • Squeeze Star
  • Twist Fidgets
  • Chair Bands 
  • Bendy Man
  • Stress Balls 
  • Wooden Fidget Puzzle
  • Bouncy Bands
  • Wiggle Seat with Pump 
  • Push Pop Set
  • Fidget Pens

Component 4: Social Skills

Tools & Strategies:

• Role-Playing Activities: Teach and practice social interactions and appropriate responses in a controlled setting.
• Social Stories: Create or use existing social stories that model positive social behavior and scenarios students might encounter.
• Peer Buddy System: Pair students with peers who can model social interactions and offer support during social activities.
• Other Resources: 
  • Social Skills Game 
  • My Emotions Flipbook
  • Hidden Rules Game 
  • Executive Functioning Workbook 

Component 5: Fine Motor & Handwriting

Tools & Strategies:

• Adaptive Writing Tools: Offer pencil grips, weighted pens, or slant boards to assist with writing tasks.
• Fine Motor Skill Activities: Integrate activities that develop fine motor skills, such as threading, play dough manipulation, or bead sorting.
• Handwriting Worksheets: Use specially designed worksheets that focus on letter formation, spacing, and line adherence.

Component 6: Academic Supports

Tools & Strategies:

• Text-to-Speech Tools: Utilize technology to read text aloud for students who struggle with reading.
• Visual Math Aids: Employ manipulatives and visual aids to teach math concepts for students who benefit from hands-on learning.
• Simplified Instructions: Break down complex instructions into manageable, clear steps to improve task understanding and completion.

Component 7: Speech & Communication

Tools & Strategies:

• Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS): For non-verbal students or those with speech difficulties, use PECS to facilitate communication through pictures.
• Communication Devices: Implement speech-generating devices or apps for students who require assistance to communicate effectively.
• Speech Therapy Games: Incorporate fun, interactive games that target specific speech and language goals.

Component 8: Books

Tools & Strategies:

• Inclusive Storybooks: Choose books that represent and validate the experiences of students with SPD and various abilities.
• Interactive Read-Alouds: Engage students in storytelling that allows them to feel textures, smell scents, or make sounds related to the story.
• Book Talks: Encourage discussions about feelings, characters’ actions, and students’ personal connections to the story to enhance comprehension and empathy.

By implementing these components within your teaching practices, you will create a learning environment that not only accommodates students with SPD but also enriches the educational experience for all students. Each strategy and tool within this toolkit offers a stepping stone towards building a more inclusive, supportive, and engaging classroom for learners of all abilities.