Sensitivity to touch refers to students sensitive to contact with another human being or object. Tips include approaching a student from the front and giving him a verbal cue that a light touch is about to occur. Place his desk on the periphery of the room so he sees when everyone is moving in front of him around the room. During a group gathering, place younger children in the lap of an adult or next to another quiet student. If the students are older, place the child toward the back of the gathering. This reduces the risk of accidental bumps and contact that may upset the child.
Sensory seekers are those who actually become more organized if they receive periodic movement. Ideas include allowing a student to sit on an air disc cushion. These cushions are partially filled with air and have two sides, smooth and rough. Because the student is constantly trying to balance, she always feels as if she's moving. Other ideas include rocking chairs or using therapy ball as a chair, which have a similar effect. During recess, encourage her to swing or climb for five minutes before returning to class so she is more focused. Finally, for extra movement during the day, assign the child tasks such as erasing the blackboard or running notes to other teachers or office personnel.
Some students need to constantly use their mouth or hands. Ideas include allowing students to keep water bottles at their desks. If the child is older and can use items such as straws or coffee stirrers, allow him to chew on them while completing work. Finally, provide the child with toys that squeeze. Balloons filled with air, dog toys and even sandwich bags filled with flour allow the child some hand stimulus while working.
Smell stimulation refers to students who become calm when they are allowed to smell objects. Ideas include lighting a scented candle, working with scented markers or providing scented lotions students may smell when accomplishing a task. Conversely, these students may be reactive to smells they find negative. Refrain from using cologne, perfume or scented soaps or detergents that could be found unappealing while working around this student.