I’m starting a newly created position as a counselor in this school. I am in the works of creating an environment for students that promotes feelings of calm and safety. However, many items typically used to help create a sense of calm are now off limits due to COVID disinfecting restrictions. As a result, I've had to get creative in finding items students will enjoy!
Flexible seating allows students to choose how and where they want to sit and re-regulate. Wiggle stools and swivel chairs give students the chance to wiggle and swivel as they work to regain control of their brains, helping them switch from focusing on swirling emotions to maintaining their balance. Also, studies have shown that these chairs increase blood flow, which means more oxygen gets to the brain! With more oxygen, brain function increases, allowing kiddos to think and focus more clearly. Floor and wobble cushions let students choose to sit cozily on the floor, or to transform those boring office chairs into wobbly safe havens. These cushions are great options for students who get fidgety behind a desk, and learn best when they can move their bodies.
Even with flexible seating, sensory toys would provide students with additional options to ease uncomfortable and big feelings. Students can use objects such as glitter wands, ooze tubes, gel pads, handheld tactiles, and games, to help slow their breathing and ground them. Sensory tools also help bring students back to the present moment, by shifting their focus to what’s in front of them and in their hands. These items will be used during sensory breaks, and in times when students need a quiet space to calm down.
Your donation will help bring my students wiggly, glittery, and ooze-y ways to feel calm and safe!
About my class
I’m starting a newly created position as a counselor in this school. I am in the works of creating an environment for students that promotes feelings of calm and safety. However, many items typically used to help create a sense of calm are now off limits due to COVID disinfecting restrictions. As a result, I've had to get creative in finding items students will enjoy!
Flexible seating allows students to choose how and where they want to sit and re-regulate. Wiggle stools and swivel chairs give students the chance to wiggle and swivel as they work to regain control of their brains, helping them switch from focusing on swirling emotions to maintaining their balance. Also, studies have shown that these chairs increase blood flow, which means more oxygen gets to the brain! With more oxygen, brain function increases, allowing kiddos to think and focus more clearly. Floor and wobble cushions let students choose to sit cozily on the floor, or to transform those boring office chairs into wobbly safe havens. These cushions are great options for students who get fidgety behind a desk, and learn best when they can move their bodies.
Even with flexible seating, sensory toys would provide students with additional options to ease uncomfortable and big feelings. Students can use objects such as glitter wands, ooze tubes, gel pads, handheld tactiles, and games, to help slow their breathing and ground them. Sensory tools also help bring students back to the present moment, by shifting their focus to what’s in front of them and in their hands. These items will be used during sensory breaks, and in times when students need a quiet space to calm down.
Your donation will help bring my students wiggly, glittery, and ooze-y ways to feel calm and safe!
Read more