3 Ways to Add Sensory Input to a Traditional Classroom Desk and Chair

Categories: OT Perspective | Resources | Sensory

As an OT, I am always looking for ways to meet my students’ sensory needs. Many of my classrooms have adopted various flexible seating options as one way to support students, which often include separate pieces of furniture such as wobble chairs, ball chairs, standing desks, etc. However, there are some times when a more traditional classroom desk and chair setup may be the only option available. The good news is that there are ways we can add sensory input to this setup as well! Here are some of my favorite tools and ideas.

Desk Fidgets

You can add fidgets directly on top of, on the side of, or under a student’s desk. Some options include a strip of velcro, calming strips with a tactile component, or specially made desk fidgets that have pieces of fabric to manipulate.

Wiggle Wobble Chair Feet

This is my new favorite tool from the Bouncyband Company. These discs slip right onto a traditional classroom chair, turning it into a dynamic wobble chair. This is a great option if you want something that is easy to use and install. Check out their website for a video on how to use this awesome tool!

Bouncy Band

A bouncy band is a great option that can be easily installed on a classroom desk. It allows a student to push his/her feet against it for sensory input. You can purchase the official kit from the Bouncy Band company, which is nice because it includes a high quality band as well as plastic pieces that stop the band from falling down to the ground. If you don’t have the funds to purchase the official kit, you can try tying a piece of Theraband on the desk as an alternative option.