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Each student is a unique person, their learning styles are different and they have different needs. This is why educators pay special attention to building classrooms at the beginning of each year in a way that meets the needs of all learners. Creating sensory-friendly spaces is just one step towards building inclusive and supportive environments where all students, especially those with sensory processing challenges, can thrive.
Everything from wall display to lighting can transform students’ learning. Latest research from the University of Salford, England found that an effective classroom environment and layout can improve student achievement by nearly 16%! So be prepared to explore some sensory-friendly classroom strategies that can help your students soar to new heights.
1. Build a space without visual overwhelming
Keeping the focus is something that all students may struggle with at one point or another – but it can be especially challenging for students with autism or ADHD. For students with sensory problems, colorful and decorative environments may be seen as harsh sounds of visual noise, according to a 2021 study. So when it comes to creating a sensory-friendly environment, it’s usually more!
Reduce visual noise:
- When decorating a classroom, choose soft or neutral colors.
- For wall displays, make sure that the spatial and visually engaging elements are balanced.
- Make sure that the stuff you hang up has a purpose. For example, you can use the classroom’s front wall to display daily materials such as calendars, learning goals, or visual schedules.
- You can also align any decoration with what you are currently teaching. This way, if students are distracted by what is on the wall, they are still focused on the relevant information.
Special Education Focus Wall: Calm Green Sensory Friendly Classroom Decor
Adapted by Kimmie D
Level: Prek-2nd
This sensory friendly classroom decoration is designed to support speech therapy and enhance learning for special education students. Focusing on maximizing overstimulation, the black and white visuals are ideal for neurodifferential students who thrive in a structured but soothing environment. It includes over 200 black and white cards.
2. Organize classroom chaos
Often, organizational tools are teachers’ best friends, but even more so for sensory-friendly classrooms. A good classroom organization can help students feel comfortable and control their environment, and it can help you manage your time efficiently and effectively.
Leverage marked trays and bathtubs, designated storage areas and other classroom organization tools to get your space organized and make sure everything has a place. Remember: you don’t need to look social media to be perfect. You just need to choose the tool that suits you.
Boho Rainbow Classroom Decoration Organization, Rolling Chain and Book Trash Can Tags
By Superhero Teacher
Results: Any
These beautifully designed organization, book box and roller cart labels were created for classrooms themed with a soft rainbow! The collection also includes an editable file, so you can create any tags that do not exist in the collection.
Teacher Toolbox Tag Editable Boho Classroom Decor Neutral Modern
Through differentiation angle
Results: Any
This editable teacher toolbox tag set is very easy to edit in PowerPoint. Also included are clear instructions and teacher tips to make editing easier and the tags are suitable for the most common classroom drawer units.
3. Combining ways to minimize noise
Noise is often disturbing or overwhelming students with sensitive students. While you may not be able to use the carpet or provide students with noise-noise headphones (which is great if you can), you can try to create a quieter classroom environment.
For example, Voice Level Display is a great classroom management tool that helps students understand the voice levels required for each activity. You can also encourage nonverbal communication in the classroom by using hand signals to ask for a pencil or bathroom break.
Voice Level Chart | Ready to Print and Editable | Boho Neutral
Learning in Wonderland
Results: K-3rd
This set of files contains ready-made versions that can be customized and editable. The display can be used as is or light can be added for extra touch! (The three-inch puck light will fit into the circle.)
Hand Signal Poster | Spotty Pastel Classroom Decoration | Editable
Miss Jacob Little Learner
Results: Prek-6th
Created with multicultural hand signals clipart, you can choose to simply print and use pre-made hand signals, or customize them by adding your own text to the text box in the editable version (PowerPoint & Canva) included in the download. Show these hand signs in prominent positions in the classroom so your students can refer to them regularly.
4. Provides designated quiet space for rest
Designate a quiet area in the classroom where students can retreat if they start to feel overwhelmed for any reason. Having such space can help students reset when sensory overload occurs so that they can continue to learn. This space can also double a calm (or peaceful) corner to help children struggling to cope with strong emotions like anxiety, stress, or depression.
5. Flexible seating options available
Including flexible seating in your classroom seating arrangement gives students the option that suits them. Maybe it stands on a table, or sits on a bean bag chair in the quiet corner of the room. Either way, the idea behind flexible seating is that students know what can help them learn the best. Of course, this option may not be per classroom (or per budget), but if you decide to merge it, make sure to set rules and norms with your students.
Build a sensory friendly classroom with wise resources with TPT
When creating sensory friendly classrooms, use sensory friendly classroom decorations and resources that you already have. You don’t need to make large changes, because a little bit can be very helpful. But most importantly, remember that your efforts now will help ensure that each of your students has everything they can succeed in their learning journey. While you may not have the ability or implement ideas for each sensory classroom, even some adjustments can benefit students’ focus and learning abilities.
