Within the classroom, a calming sensory space should be a specific location where the student feels safe, comfortable, and typically has minimal alerting sensory input. Dimmed lighting and increased visual or physical boundaries can be an effective way to decrease this input.
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| Kara Cripe Smith Elementary, Oakwood |
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| Taylor Ruef Stevenson Elementary, Mad River |
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| Heather Balkcom Springcreek Primary, Piqua |
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| Steve Mahle Miamisburg Middle School, Miamisburg |
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| Amy Beanblossom Arcanum Elementary, Arcanum |
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| Catherine Anderson Rushmore Elementary, Huber Heights |
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| Lindsay Fox-Bush Kemp Elementary, Dayton |
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| Jessica Stewart Trotwood ELC, Trotwood |
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| Debi Gnau Mad River Early Childhood Center, Mad River |
The Classroom Calming Sensory Space may contain items to facilitate self-calming such as comfortable alternative seating options. Some seating options even provide additional vestibular or proprioceptive input.
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| Annette Baker Miami East Elementary, Miami East |
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| Annette Black Springfield High School, Springfield |
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| Lisa Bauer Northmont Middle School, Northmont |
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| Nikki Tinnermann Kleptz ELC, Northmont |
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| Heather Balkcom Springcreek Primary, Piqua |
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| Karen Neeley Wogaman Middle School, Dayton |
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| Robbie Whorton Demmitt Elementary, Vandalia |
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| Kendra Krumpe EJ Brown Middle School, Dayton |
Preferred calming activities can also be self-soothing. Be sure to include activities that are not considered reinforcers or motivators for work completion. These should be reserved for reward times.
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| Debi Gnau Mad River Early Childhood Center, Mad River |
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| Washington Primary, Piqua |
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| Heather Balkcom Springcreek Primary, Piqua |
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| Mound Elementary, Miamisburg |
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| Washington Primary, Piqua |
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| Lori Stemmer Springfield High School, Springfield |
Organize the Classroom Calming Sensory Space so any needed materials are readily accessible. This will help the student be more independent and reduce the demands to locate or request needed items.
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| Annette Baker Miami East Elementary, Miami East |
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| Brenda Cogan Kettering Middle School, Kettering |
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| Washington Primary, Piqua |
The use of a calming sensory space can be recommended by a staff member or initiated by the student. Often a break card can be used to help with facilitating the transition to the Classroom Calming Sensory Space. Additional visual supports within the space can be helpful in communicating expectations and walking students through the steps to regulate.
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| Tara Henriksen Beavertown Preschool, Kettering |
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| Taylor Ruef Stevenson Elementary, Mad River |
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| Taylor Ruef Stevenson Elementary, Mad River |
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| Denise Williams Twin Valley South Elementary, Twin Valley South |
A calming sensory space is a place where a student can plan or review daily events, assist in managing stressors from the environment, or regain control if a meltdown has occurred. Going to a calming sensory space should be viewed in a positive way and not associated with punishment or “time out”.
For more ideas on implementing a Classroom Calming Sensory Space, check out our previous posts:
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