Top 10 Sensory Activities for SPED Teachers

Sensory activities are vital for children with special needs, as they help engage their senses in ways that promote learning, focus, and development. These activities can provide comfort, improve concentration, and support emotional regulation. Whether working on motor skills, sensory processing, or calming techniques, SPED teachers can create a supportive, hands-on learning environment with the right materials. Here are 10 sensory activities using Roylco products that will engage students in meaningful and fun ways:

 

 

 

1. See-Through Sorting Trays

Sorting activities are an effective way to improve cognitive skills, fine motor skills, and sensory integration. Roylco’s See-Through Sorting Trays are perfect for visual learners and children who benefit from hands-on activities. Fill the trays with different objects (like colored beads, buttons, or shapes), and students can practice sorting by color, shape, or size. The transparent trays allow students to see their progress, creating a visual reward that encourages continued engagement.

 

 

2. Sensory Paper

Sensory Paper is an excellent resource for children who benefit from tactile stimulation. This textured paper offers a variety of surfaces, such as rough, smooth, or bumpy, which can be explored using fingers or tools like crayons and markers. Students can trace letters, numbers, or shapes, feeling the different textures as they work on their fine motor and sensory skills. This activity can be calming and help students focus on the tactile sensations, offering a sensory experience that supports mindfulness.

 

 

3. Sensory Rice

Sensory Rice is a versatile material for a variety of tactile experiences. Teachers can use it in a sensory bin, allowing students to scoop, pour, and feel the rice. The texture provides calming and soothing input for students who seek sensory stimulation. You can even add small toys or objects to the rice for hidden object activities, which encourage exploration and fine motor skills. It’s an ideal material for creating a sensory-rich learning space.

 

 

4. Scents Sort Match-Up Kit

For children who are sensory-seeking and enjoy smell-based activities, Roylco’s Scents Sort Match-Up Kit offers an engaging way to stimulate the olfactory senses. The kit contains a variety of scents that can be matched to their corresponding images, helping students develop their sense of smell while also working on sorting, matching, and cognitive skills. This activity is particularly helpful for students who need to practice discrimination and association skills.

 

 

5. Sensory Squishy Bits

Sensory Squishy Bits are great for children who need tactile input and enjoy squeezing or manipulating objects. These soft, squishy bits come in little pieces that turn any container into a sensory bin. Using Sensory Squishy Bits helps improve hand strength, fine motor coordination, and sensory processing, while also providing a calming outlet for students who may need a break or who struggle with anxiety. Teachers can incorporate them into calming corner activities or stress-relief exercises.

 

 

6. Light Learning Rocks

Light Learning Rocks are a fantastic tool for combining tactile and visual sensory experiences. These smooth stones come in various colors and can be illuminated with light to create a beautiful glowing effect. Children can explore the rocks by feeling their texture, using them in sorting activities, or incorporating them into light tables for visual stimulation. The combination of light and touch helps engage multiple senses, promoting focus, relaxation, and sensory awareness.

 

 

7. Texture Exploration Bin

Fill a bin with a mix of textures like soft fabric, sandpaper, foam, and more to create a texture exploration activity. Students can explore each texture and discuss how it feels, helping them develop tactile sensitivity. You can add Roylco’s Sensory Paper and Sensory Rice into the bin for additional sensory inputs. This activity helps children with sensory processing issues engage with their environment in a safe and controlled way.

 

 

8. Sound Matching Game

Pair different objects with distinctive sounds to create a sensory game that targets the auditory sense. For example, try door closing and door slamming. By focusing on sound recognition, children can develop their auditory discrimination skills. Adding sound effects, such as soft music or nature sounds, can enhance the sensory experience and provide a relaxing atmosphere.

 

 

9. DIY Sensory Bottles

Create sensory bottles using everyday materials like glitter, beads, water, and plastic water bottles. These bottles provide visual and tactile sensory experiences that help students focus and calm themselves. Colored rice can be a perfect filler for these bottles, adding both texture and color. Sensory bottles can be used in the classroom for self-regulation, sensory exploration, or as calming tools during transitions.

 

 

10. Sensory Garden

Build a small “sensory garden” in the classroom by using Light Learning Rocks, Sensory Rice, and textured objects. Children can explore the garden with their hands, feeling the different materials and experiencing them with all of their senses. This type of sensory space can be used for mindfulness breaks or quiet time, allowing students to ground themselves and refocus.

 

 

Conclusion

Sensory activities are an essential tool for SPED teachers, offering students with special needs opportunities to develop and explore their sensory processing abilities. With Roylco’s innovative sensory products, teachers can create a sensory-rich classroom that supports learning, focus, and emotional regulation. From tactile exploration with Sensory Squishy Bits to calming activities with Light Learning Rocks, these engaging materials are designed to foster a supportive, sensory-friendly learning environment. Ready to incorporate sensory learning into your classroom? Explore Roylco’s full range of products today and watch your students thrive!