Top 5 Tools for Supporting Sensory Seekers and Neurodivergent Proprioceptive Systems
As a classroom teacher, you know that creating an environment that supports sensory regulation is key for neurodivergent students. Some of the products below will make your stressful day better as well… trust me you will end up using some of these! Here are five highly rated products from Amazon (affiliate link included) that help sensory seekers thrive. I use them in my resource classroom and/or I provide them to the teachers I work with to use in their classrooms with neurodivergent learners.
Creating a classroom environment that supports sensory regulation is key for neurodivergent students, as I've discussed in previous blog posts. The following five highly-rated Amazon products (affiliate link included) can help create a supportive environment and are beneficial for both students and teachers. I use these products in my resource classroom and recommend them to teachers who work with neurodivergent learners.
My personal favorite for my students (and myself ;)
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LifePro Vibration Plate - Lifepro Compact Vibration Plate Exercise Machine, Mini Full Body Vibration Platform Exercise Machine for
Product Link: https://amzn.to/3ZJDVtE
WARNING: You will want to use it yourself!!!
Description: A vibration plate that stimulates proprioceptive and vestibular systems, offering calming and organizing input for sensory regulation.
- Pros: Compact design, adjustable intensity levels, quiet, and remote control for easy use. Besides the actual product description of benefits which include lymphatic drainage, acupressure nodes where you stand, burning calories, and helping to alleviate back & joint pain this vibration plate satisfies the sensory seeker with several vibration levels and a remote control for you. It includes resistance bands so students can do heavy lifting simultaneously. Plus you can use it at the end of a long day in the classroom. I have yet to see anyone get on it without a huge smile appearing!
- Cons: Requires some supervision (you have a remote control to turn it on and off) and is limited to short use intervals, but in a classroom that is really all you want.
- Classroom Benefit: Great for sensory breaks, helping students reset, reduce stress, and increase focus for the next activity. It is extremely beneficial for sensory seekers but also works to calm the student with ADHD. Top that off with the fact that all your students will want to use it making it a great motivational tool in the classroom.
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Gaiam Kids Balance Ball Chair
Product Link:https://amzn.to/41TnA8r
Description: A stability ball chair that encourages active sitting and subtle movement.
- Pros: Improves posture, allows movement while sitting, and includes casters for mobility.
- Cons: May not be suitable for older or taller students; may require an adjustment period for balance and rules for use so the student doesn’t take advantage of the casters to wheel around the room.
- Classroom Benefit: Promotes focus and energy regulation, allowing students to engage in learning tasks more effectively.
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Resistance Bands
Product Link: https://amzn.to/4gzQzCe
Description: Latex resistance bands ideal for proprioceptive input.
- Pros: The anti-slip feature ensures bands stay securely in place, reducing the need for frequent adjustments. Quiet and Durable: Made from heavy-duty, natural latex, they provide quiet, non-disruptive fidget outlets and withstand long-term use. Easy Installation: Installs quickly on most chairs or desks without special tools.
- Cons: Limited Compatibility: May not fit chairs or desks outside the 10” to 24” range. Potential Overuse: Some students might become overly reliant on the bands, using them as a distraction rather than a tool for focus. Elastic Wear: Frequent heavy use could eventually reduce elasticity over time.
- Classroom Benefits: Improves Focus: Transforms nervous energy into productive engagement, helping students concentrate during lessons. Reduces Anxiety and Stress: Provides sensory input and an outlet for fidgeting, calming students with sensory needs. Enhances Classroom Quiet: Encourages movement without noise or disruption, maintaining a calm environment. Budget-Friendly Solution: An affordable tool that supports flexible seating and sensory needs, making it accessible for teachers and parents alike.
- Inflatable Wobble Cushion Set for Sensory Kids Balance Disc with 3 Balance Pods and 4 Spiky Massage Balls, Wiggle Seat Stepping Pads
Product Link: https://amzn.to/3VFtXbb
Description: The Balance Exercise Equipment Set includes a gray balance pad, 3 spiky balance pods, 4 massage balls, and a hand pump with a built-in needle. Ideal for improving balance, coordination, and focus, the set features anti-slip designs for safety. Perfect for yoga, PE classes, sensory seating, or group activities, it provides a versatile tool for physical and sensory needs.
- Pros: Versatile Components: Includes a balance pad, wobble cushion, balance pods, and spiky massage balls, offering various sensory input options. Promotes Focus and Coordination: Wobble cushion helps kids stay seated and focused, while balance pods improve balance and coordination. Wide Range of Uses: Suitable for classroom activities, PE classes, yoga, and even therapy sessions. Durable and Safe: Anti-slip design reduces the risk of injuries during use. Portable: Lightweight and easy to set up in various settings.
- Cons: Setup: Pumping and adjusting items like balance pods and wobble cushions may require extra effort. Overstimulation Potential: Spiky textures may be too intense for some sensory-sensitive students.
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Classroom Benefits: Improves Focus and Engagement: Wobble cushion serves as a wiggle seat, helping students with sensory needs stay engaged during lessons. Encourages Physical Activity: Balance exercises enhance motor skills and provide a productive outlet for excess energy. Supports Diverse Sensory Needs: Spiky massage balls and textured balance pods provide tactile stimulation, promoting sensory regulation. Versatile Use Across Ages: Effective for both younger and older students, making it adaptable for group or individual activities.
- Storex Wiggle Stool – Active Flexible Seating for Classroom and Home Study, Adjustable 12-18 Inch Height, Black
WARNING: You may want one for yourself!!
Product Link: https://amzn.to/4iAo1u6
Description: The Storex Wiggle Stool features a soft cushioned seat for all-day comfort and a rubberized, non-slip base that prevents tipping and protects floors. Its adjustable height (12-18”) grows with children aged 6+, and the tamper-proof design ensures safety. Lightweight at 6 lbs, it’s easy to move, promotes core engagement, and offers a safe outlet for movement without distractions.
- Pros: Comfortable Design: Soft, thick cushion ensures comfort even during extended use. Sturdy and Safe: Rubberized bottom prevents tipping and slipping, protecting floors from scratches. Adjustable Height: Seat height adjusts in 2-inch increments (12–18"), making it suitable for a range of ages. Core Engagement: Encourages subtle movement and core muscle use, turning sitting into an active experience. Lightweight and Portable: Weighs only 6 lbs, allowing students to move it easily.
- Cons: Limited Weight Capacity: May not be ideal for older students or adults with higher weight limits. Single Use: Primarily functions as a seat and may not cater to other sensory needs. Initial Adjustment Needed: Height adjustments require manual setup and cannot be done mid-use.
- Classroom Benefits: Promotes Focus: Allows students to wiggle and move without leaving their seats, channeling energy in a non-disruptive way. Encourages Active Sitting: Improves posture and engages core muscles, benefiting physical health and energy regulation. Inclusive Seating: Adjustable height makes it versatile for a range of students, supporting flexible classroom arrangements. Portable Solution: Easily moved between areas, making it practical for group work or individual activities.
Why These Products Work
These tools support proprioceptive and sensory needs, helping students self-regulate emotions, focus on tasks, and manage their energy. Incorporating them into the classroom fosters a more inclusive, supportive environment where all learners can succeed.
These products offer simple yet effective solutions for improving classroom behavior and engagement. Try integrating one or more to see the difference it makes!
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For more on why these tools help read the blog:
Dysregulation and Its Potential Impact on a Classroom Environment
https://whendoesshesleep.com/blogs/news/dysregulation-and-its-potential-impact-on-a-classroom-environment-3-questions-you-want-to-ask-yourself
