In a November 2009 article in OT Practice magazine, the formation and use of Sensory Boxes was discussed. Sensory boxes are intended to allow students a variety of items for use with their prescribed sensory diet. If you have any questions or would like to develop something like this for one of your students, contact your Occupational Therapist!
Here are some thoughts from the article.
1. Establish rules for the box – take care of the items, get permission from a staff member, return items before returning to class, etc.
2. Determine types of equipment for box dependent on student needs –
a. Weighted deep pressure / calming equipment such as weighted blanket, weighted animals, spandex hugs, large balls, music makers.
b. Tactile equipment such as shaving cream, flarp, silly putty, sensory ball, rice and bean / cornmeal container, moon sand.
c. Oral – motor equipment such as hard candy, gum, licorice, pretzels, bubbles.
d. Scented equipment – choose scents that are not irritating to the students who are using them or the others who will come into contact with them.
How is this different than what you are already doing for students with sensory needs? It may not be. It may be simply putting an organizational structure to the activities and focusing on teaching the student to use the objects needed at appropriate times.
Here is a website that provides additional information for you and your OT to discuss for your students.