Sensory Diets! Tools for Distance Learning

The Learning Challenges Committee worked hard to provide sensory tools for distance learning last year to schools in Mountain View and Los Altos. Here are some resources from that program, the Wellness Wish List!

Better Learning Through Sensory Diets – What is a Sensory Diet? Mejor aprendizaje con ¡dietas sensoriales!

A list of items that were distributed to student and instructions on how to use each:

(desplácese hacia abajo en cada enlace para obtener instrucciones en español )

Yoga Ball Chair – How do I Use this Tool?

Wiggle Cushion- How Do I Use this Tool?

Fidget Focus Toys – How Do I Use this Tool?

Stress Ball – How Do I Use this Tool?

Theraband – How Do I Use this Tool?

Blue Light Blocking Glasses – How Do I Use this Tool?

Headphones with Microphone – How Do I Use this Tool?

External Computer Mouse – How Do I Use this Tool?

HDMI Cable to attach computer to TV – How Do I Use this Tool?

Children need all their senses stimulated, every day. But they have spent a lot of time inside and distance learning does not provide all the input they need.

Some children overreact to outside stimulation and become overwhelmed and hyperactive. Some under-react and seek out sensory stimulation. Other children may seem sluggish. Some children may even show a combination of these reactions. “Feeding the senses” can really help improve focus and engagement.

A sensory diet has nothing to do with food. It’s a series of physical activities chosen to give each child the sensory input they need. Having a sensory diet routine can help children get into a “just right” state and better pay attention in school and learn new skills.

What does getting into a “just right” state mean? If a child tends to get overstimulated, a sensory diet can help them calm down. For children who appear sluggish, sensory activities can help them feel more alert.

You know your child best, and you can figure out what will work best for them. Ideas for a sensory diet include (but are not limited to!):

  • Jumping jacks
  • Lying on the ground doing “snow angels”
  • Somersaults
  • Hopping up and down
  • Bouncing or sitting on a yoga ball
  • Yoga poses
  • Pushing against a wall as hard as possible for at least 10 seconds
  • Using fidget toys to keep hands busy
  • Chewing gum or chewing on a silicone chewie
  • Listening to soft music, or having headphones on to reduce outside noises
  • A theraband (like a big rubber band) across the legs of their chair so they can kick or push against it while sitting
  • Wiggle cushions