ToolDeep pressureCalming
Weighted lap pad
Helps a wiggly body settle for circle time or table work.
In class: About 5% of the child's body weight, on the lap for 15–20 minutes, then take a break.
Sensory toolkit
Tools, materials and DIY crafts for your room
What to buy, what to fill your sensory bins with and what you can make this weekend — with what each one helps and how to use it in class.
Sense:
Effect:
Showing 21 of 21 ideas.
ToolMovementAlerting
Wobble / wiggle cushion
Gives safe movement so a child can stay in their chair and listen.
In class: Inflate softly. Keep it for seated work, not for standing on.
ToolSoundCalming
Noise-reducing headphones
Lowers assembly, hallway and fire-drill noise for sound-sensitive learners.
In class: Keep a labelled pair in the break corner and let the child choose to put them on.
ToolTouchCalming
Fidget basket
Busy hands during story time, waiting and transitions.
In class: Offer 3 choices only. Rotate weekly so they stay interesting.
ToolMouthCalming
Chewable necklace or pencil topper
A safe option for children who chew sleeves, collars or pencils.
In class: One per child, name-labelled, washed daily.
ToolSightCalming
Liquid motion timer
Something slow to watch while a big feeling gets smaller.
In class: Turn it over together and breathe until the drops finish.
ToolDeep pressureCalming
Body sock or compression vest
Whole-body squeeze for children who seek deep pressure.
In class: Always supervised, always the child's choice, face free.
ToolMovementAlerting
Mini trampoline or crash mat
Big movement before sitting work, or a safe place to crash.
In class: Ten jumps, then a drink of water, then back to the table.
MaterialTouchCalming
Rainbow rice
A dry, pourable filler that is easy to sweep up.
In class: Scoops, funnels and small cups. Best in a tray with a towel underneath.
- Put 2 cups of dry rice in a zip bag.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vinegar and a few drops of food colouring.
- Shake, spread on a tray and dry for 1 hour.
MaterialTouchCalming
Taste-safe cloud dough
Soft, mouldable and very forgiving for children who mouth materials.
In class: Great for hand strength — squeeze, press and cut with shapes.
- Mix 8 cups of flour with 1 cup of oil.
- Stir until it holds a shape when squeezed.
MaterialTouchAlerting
Water beads
A cool, bouncy texture that many children love to scoop.
In class: Only for children who do not mouth materials, with an adult beside the bin.
MaterialTouchCalming
Dry pasta and pom-poms
Cheap, light and quiet — good for a first sensory bin.
In class: Add tongs and cups for fine-motor practice at the same time.
MaterialTouchCalming
Kinetic sand
Holds shape, stays in the tray, very little mess.
In class: Moulds, rolling pins and a plastic knife for cutting practice.
MaterialSightAlerting
Smell jars
A gentle way to wake up a sleepy group and build vocabulary.
In class: Cotton wool with lemon, mint or vanilla in a lidded jar. Check allergies first.
DIY craftSightCalming
DIY glitter calm-down bottle
A visual timer for big feelings — shake, watch, breathe.
In class: Keep one in the break corner and one in your calm-down basket.
- Fill a clear plastic bottle three-quarters with warm water.
- Add 2 tablespoons of clear glue and a spoon of fine glitter.
- Top up with water, glue the lid shut and shake.
DIY craftTouchCalming
DIY squish bag
A mess-free squish for children who don't like sticky hands.
In class: Tape it to the table or the back of a chair for standing work.
- Half-fill a strong zip bag with hair gel.
- Add sequins, beads or foam letters.
- Press the air out and tape all four edges shut.
DIY craftTouchAlerting
DIY texture board
Teaches touch words: soft, rough, bumpy, smooth, furry.
In class: Pair each square with the matching word symbol from your board.
- Cut a piece of cardboard into six squares.
- Glue on sandpaper, felt, bubble wrap, foil, fur and ribbon.
- Label each square with a picture and the word.
DIY craftDeep pressureCalming
DIY balloon stress ball
Hand squeezing for children who need pressure while they listen.
In class: Squeeze 10 times slowly, counting together.
- Stretch a balloon over a funnel.
- Pour in flour or dry lentils.
- Knot the balloon and cover it with a second balloon.
DIY craftTouchCalming
DIY lavender playdough
Warm, soft and softly scented for after-lunch regulation.
In class: Store in a sealed tub. Makes enough for six children.
- Mix 1 cup flour, ½ cup salt, 2 teaspoons cream of tartar.
- Add 1 cup hot water and 1 tablespoon oil with a few drops of lavender.
- Stir, then knead on the table until smooth.
DIY craftSoundCalming
DIY rain stick
A soft sound cue for tidy-up time or the end of a break.
In class: Tip it slowly and wait until the sound stops before you speak.
- Push foil spirals into a cardboard tube.
- Add a handful of rice or lentils.
- Tape both ends closed and decorate.
DIY craftMovementAlerting
DIY busy board
Latches, zips and switches for hands that need a job.
In class: Mount it low on the wall in the break corner.
- Screw a bolt, latch, light switch and zip onto a sanded board.
- Sand every edge and check every screw on the back.
- Wipe clean weekly.
Safety reminders
- Check food allergies and latex before any recipe or balloon craft.
- Small parts, water beads and beads stay away from children who mouth objects.
- Weighted and compression items are always the child's choice and always supervised.
- Wash chewables and dough tools daily; label everything with the child's name.
- Follow your therapy team's sensory plan for each student.