We are always looking for ways to meet the needs of all our students. Near the end of last year, I met with local Occupational Therapist, Michaela Gordon. I have had the pleasure of working with Michaela over the last ten years, and I have learned so much from her. (https://www.michaelagordon.com/)

Michaela walked through our learning spaces and gave suggestions on small changes we could make that would make our classrooms more inclusive. I mentioned wanting to create a sensory kit or calm kit for each teacher to have in their classrooms, and Michaela shared some of her favorite items for sensory-seeking children. Look at what we came up with! (You will find affiliate links for the items featured in this video below.)

Mindful Maze Set

Fat Brain Simpl Dimpl Fidgit

Marble Mesh Fidget

Liquid Motion Bubbler

Noise-Canceling Headphones

Calm Strips

Kick Bands

Watch me make the kits!

Viola!

I presented these Calm Kits during our in-service week. In addition to learning about how to support students with sensory needs, we welcomed Michaela Gordon to campus where she presented on the topic of self-regulation. She has written a wonderful children’s book where she shares the concept of an energy bubble. Take a peek:

Zoey and Her Amazing Energy Bubble

This book is well suited for children ages 5-9 with ADHD, Autism, Sensory Processing Challenges, Anxiety, and the Highly Sensitive Child. However, children develop regulation skills over time and interact socially with other children, so this book would be helpful to all children.

You may be familiar with the terms self-regulation and emotional regulation, but have you ever heard of sensory regulation? If you haven’t, you may not realize that regulating sensory information plays a part in helping us manage our emotions, helps us engage in goal-oriented tasks, and supports our ability to cultivate meaningful relationships. This happens because your thoughts, emotions, and the sensations you physically experience, all work together to help you adapt and respond appropriately to daily situations.

Some children struggle to regulate themselves during their daily activities. This can show up as hyperactivity, inattention, impulsive decision-making, strong emotional reactions, and a lack of social awareness. Parents, teachers, and adults alike can feel frustrated and at a loss when it comes to addressing these concerns. Finding the right tools to help children learn self-regulation skills is crucial to their developmental growth.

Zoey and Her Amazing Energy Bubble was written to help children understand how their thoughts, emotions, and felt sensations cause their energy levels to change. Zoey’s Grandma Rosie, teaches Zoey and her brother Milo about energy bubbles, which change in size and color. They learn about how the size of their energy bubble can cause other people to feel a certain way when they are around them, especially when the bubble gets very big. Grandma Rosie then teaches them about the energy bubble dial, which can be used to make their energy bubble smaller or bigger, depending on the situation.

Zoey and Her Amazing Energy Bubble is a great read for children of all ages, and I am excited to implement this concept into my classroom this year!