Top 6 DIY Sensory Support Tools For Classroom and Home Use

Improve sensory processing with these top 6 do-it-yourself (DIY) sensory support tools for both home and school. These sensory aids provide support for both children and adults to organize and regulate the sensory system with more ease and comfort. Furthermore, sensory support tools help users to feel more grounded, decrease anxiety, and improve focus. These step-by-step occupational therapy tutorials will guide you through the project-making process with ease.

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A Special Note On Sensory Support Tools

Sensory support tools can have a big impact on the daily lives of its users who experience sensory processing differences. Before using any type of sensory support tool it’s important to consult with your occupational therapy practitioner. This will help ensure the sensory aid is a good fit for you or your child.

Sensory tools can be essential for some children to support learning in the classroom, while home navigating the day to day, and within the community.

Here is a list of activities or places sensory tools may help to provide support:

Classroom
Home
Waiting for or during appointments
When feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated
Increased anxiety
During sensory breaks at home or school
When feeling understimulated
After a challenging event or activity
Need for improved focus and attention
Seeking out a self-regulation calming device
Before running errands, social events, and any activity that can cause heightened sensory experience
And for handwriting support depending on the device

6 Top DIY Sensory Support Tools

#1 Sensory Body Sock: A Sensory Support Tool

A sensory body sock is a type of sensory aid that provides the user with tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive input. This fun, transportable body sock is essentially a spandex fabric sack that a child or adult can climb into. The sensory body sock allows for flexibility and movement within the sock. The super stretchy material provides deep pressure (proprioceptive and tactile sensory input). In addition, through changes in head position, this sensory tool will challenge the vestibular system as well.

Check out this guest post I created for Growing Hands On Kids for the full body sock tutorial answering all your questions.

#2 Weighted Lap Pad: The Easy Way

My version of the weighted lap pad is specially designed for a quick project with the beginner seamstress in mind. By using a strong, thick pillowcase, less sewing is required than the traditional version which makes this project quick and easy.

Weighted lap pads are a great support tool that can be used both at school and home to help organize the sensory system. This handy sensory tool can help improve attention and instill a sense of calm and relaxation. Above all, this complete guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. This resource will also answer all your questions regarding the use of a weighted lap pad.

#3 Sensory Kick Bands For The Classroom

Sensory kick bands or fidget bands are a unique sensory tool designed for school use. These quick to make bands help kids self-regulate their sensory system without disturbing their peers. An elastic resistance band is tied to the front legs of a school chair so that the child can kick forward or bounce their feet. Because of the tactile and proprioceptive input provided by this sensory support device, it helps kids to better focus. Plus, it doesn’t distract or bother peers. Quick step-by-step tutorial with implementation guide.

#4 Weighted Stuffed Animal: A Sensory Support Tool

For children with sensory processing differences, weighted stuffed animals can provide kids not only a calming effect, but also a sense of comfort during times of heightened anxiety. This quick and easy tutorial will guide you through upcycling a favorite stuffy into a gentle, deep pressure, cuddly companion. Plus, game and activities are included using the weighted stuffy.

#5 Built Up Foam Pencil Grip

Built up foam pencil grips are a type of handwriting aid that provides users with an improved pencil grasp and comfort. This sensory tool provides additional tactile sensory input to the hand while writing. As a result, this quick-to-make handwriting aid can help improve body awareness to the hand. Furthermore, it can also help enhance the fine motor control needed for writing letters. The built up foam pencil grip allows the user to grasp the pencil with ease while also maintaining improved pressure on the pencil.

#6 Weighted Pencil

Our last sensory support tool is a weighted pencil. A weighted pencil is another type of sensory device used to help improve fine motor control. In addition, weighted pencils can also improve body awareness to the hand and help improve pressure on the pencil. This tutorial will guide you through making your own weighted pencil. It features the best comfort and feel, weight distribution, and ergonomic comfort which is essential when using weighted pencils.