Regulation Rendezvous-- Calming Classroom Environment

Dealing with the myriad of sensory information within the school setting can be very challenging for a student with autism. When a student with autism experiences sensory overload, (s)he may have a behavioral meltdown. One strategy to avoid or reduce the likelihood of meltdowns is to create a Calming Classroom Environment. Today's Regulation Rendezvous will provide 5 easy steps to creating a calmer classroom environment.

1. Provide Comfortable Seating Options
Options can be provided for when students are completing work or when they are taking a break between activities. 

Kelly Sewell
Kleptz ELC, Northmont

Khristie Reed
Kettering Middle School, Kettering

Jordan Bauman
Baker Middle School, Fairborn

Karen Shires
Valley Elementary, Beavercreek

Rachel Hatton
Normandy Elementary, Centerville

Kate Pennington
Kettering ECEC, Kettering

2. Reduce Visual Clutter
Limit the amount of visual clutter hanging on the walls so students do not become visually distracted or overwhelmed. 

Kelly Sewell
Kleptz ELC, Northmont

Cover shelving with simple fabric in calming colors with little or no pattern.

Katy Boston
Morton Middle School, Vandalia

Traci Parker
Forest Elementary, Troy

Stephanie Foreman
South Vienna Elementary, Northeastern

Use portable dividers to further reduce distractions during times when students need to focus. 

Laurie Maravetz
Schaefer Middle School, Springfield

Christine Scarborough
Tecumseh Elementary, Xenia

Brittany Sword
Valley Elementary, Beavercreek

Jamie Minnish
Prass Elementary, Kettering

Sarah Moore
Warder Park Wayne, Springfield

Beth Young
Snyder Park Elementary, Springfield

3. Use Dim Lighting

Kelly Sewell
Kleptz ELC, Northmont

Denise Sanders
Hollingsworth Elementary, Eaton

Rachel Hatton
Normandy Elementary, Centerville

Gail Wright
Eastmont Elementary, Dayton

Taylor Ruef
Stevenson Elementary, Mad River

Sandy Beck
Broadway Elementary, Tipp City

Athenia Eversole
Versailles Elementary, Versailles

4. Provide Sensory Neutral Space for Sensory Breaks

Amy Beanblossom
Arcanum Elementary, Arcanum

Keelin DiMuccio
Fairbrook Elementary, Beavercreek

Angela Crum
Parkwood Elementary, Beavercreek

 



5. Avoid Auditory Clutter
Use visuals such as visual schedules or cue cards to limit the amount of auditory clutter from talking and redirections.

Taylor Ruef
Stevenson Elementary, Mad River

Gail Wright
Eastmont Elementary, Dayton

Kendall Koehler
Normandy Elementary, Centerville

Also, playing calming background music during quiet work times can help to block out other distracting noises. Use Youtube or a music streaming site to find music using search terms such as: acoustic, meditation, nature sounds, binaural beats, 60-80bpm.