Introduction
Did you know that nearly 1 in 6 students struggles with sensory processing challenges that can directly impact learning, behavior, and participation in school?

As school-based OT practitioners, we’re uniquely positioned to transform a child’s school day using simple, intentional sensory-informed strategies. But with full caseloads, limited time, and high student needs, it can be hard to know where to start—or how to train staff to follow through.

This blog post will walk you through the essential sensory strategies that every school-based OT and OTA should be using, teaching, and modeling. Whether you're looking for whole-class supports, quick wins for overloaded students, or systems that help create a sensory-friendly school, you’ll find actionable steps you can apply immediately.

In this article, you’ll learn:

● How to identify sensory needs using simple observation tools
● How to design quick and effective sensory strategies for classrooms
● How to collaborate with teachers for consistent carryover

Keep reading to discover tools you can use tomorrow—without needing new equipment or extra prep time.

Identifying Sensory Needs Through Quick Observation

Before we can support students well, we need clear, actionable ways to understand their sensory needs in real time. Many OTs and OTAs feel stuck between lengthy assessments and “guessing.” This section gives you a middle-ground approach.

Why Sensory Observation Matters

A strong sensory observation routine helps you:

• Catch triggers early
• Communicate patterns more clearly to teachers
• Choose the right intervention in less time
• Reduce trial-and-error

What to Look For

You can complete a sensory scan of a classroom in under 3 minutes. Identify:

• Movement patterns: Are students fidgeting, avoiding, roaming?
• Posture + muscle tone: Are they slouching, collapsing, or constantly bouncing?
• Auditory responses: Startle, distractibility, covering ears
• Visual overload: Avoiding eye contact, staring at lights, hyper-focusing
• Self-regulation cues: Increased breathing rate, rigidity, withdrawal, irritability

Occupational Therapy Friendly Tools to Use

• ABC Data (Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence) adapted for sensory triggers
• Sensory Snapshot Cards (quick check boxes for teachers)
• Environmental Mapping: Identify loud areas, bright lights, temperature variations, seat placement

Try This Script With Teachers

“Before we change the strategy, let’s look for the pattern. What is the student’s body telling us before the behavior happens?”

Using shared language increases buy-in and reduces the idea that sensory needs are random or behavioral.

Quick and Effective Sensory Strategies for Classrooms

Every school-based OT and OTA needs a set of go-to interventions that can be used without special equipment. These require minimal time, minimal training, and fit seamlessly into classroom routines.

Movement-Based Strategies

These help students who are under-responsive, restless, or seeking input. Try:

• Wall push-ups between transitions
• Carrying “heavy work” items (books, crates, water bottles)
• Chair push-backs or foot resistance bands
• Classroom stations with purposeful movement

Calming + Regulation Strategies

For students who become overstimulated or overwhelmed:

• Deep breathing visuals (triangle breathing, star breathing)
• Hands-to-shoulders squeezes (teacher-guided or self-directed)
• Using a “quiet box” with fidgets, paper tear strips, or textured cards
• Body breaks: slow, deep pressure movements

Environmental Adjustments

Small changes can make a huge difference:

• Preferred seating (front, side, away from door or pencil sharpener)
• Light filters or soft lamp alternatives
• Reducing visual clutter on classroom walls
• Predictable routines with visual schedules

These strategies are highly effective because they match the student’s sensory profile—and they’re easy for busy teachers to implement.

Strengthening Collaboration With Teachers and Staff

Even the best sensory strategies fall flat if classroom teams aren’t confident or consistent. Collaboration isn’t optional—it’s the most important part of your sensory program.

Start by Making Sensory Language Simple

Use statements such as:

• “His body needs movement before writing.”
• “Let’s give her deep pressure before transitions.”
• “He learns best with reduced visual load.”

Clear language increases confidence and reduces overwhelm.

Create Predictable Systems

Help teachers set up routines like:

• A 3-minute movement warm-up at the start of class
• Scheduled sensory breaks during long academic blocks
• A visual menu of sensory options posted in the room
• A calm corner that is restorative—not punitive

Train Staff to Notice, Then Intervene

Teach them:

1. What the body is showing
2. Why it matters
3. What they can do right now

The goal is to make them feel empowered, not reliant on you.

Show, Don’t Tell

Modeling is the fastest path to alignment. Spend 5 minutes demonstrating:

• How to use a sensory break effectively
• How to guide deep pressure input
• How to cue calming breaths

Simple modeling increases carryover exponentially.

Now let’s pull it all together and address common questions OTs and OTAs often ask.

Conclusion — Sensory Strategies for the School-Based OT Practitioner

Supporting sensory needs in the school environment doesn’t have to be complicated. When you can quickly identify sensory patterns, choose targeted strategies, and collaborate effectively with teachers, you transform classrooms—and students' lives.

Key Takeaways

● Sensory observation helps you pinpoint real needs quickly
● Simple, low-prep strategies can dramatically improve participation
● Collaboration is the secret to long-term success

Now you have a clear roadmap for bringing sensory-informed practices into busy classrooms, even with limited time or resources. You can walk into school tomorrow with tools that genuinely make a difference.

Want to dive deeper and learn practical demonstrations, templates, and real-world examples?

Register for my webinar: Sensory Strategies for the School-Based OT Practitioner
You’ll get actionable tools, printable guides, and strategies you can use immediately.