Are you a teacher, parent, or caregiver concerned about your students’ engagement and learning? You’re not alone. In a recent episode of “We Can Learn to Learn”, Mina Roustayi sat down with Dr. Anna Len, Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education at Hofstra University, to discuss the often-overlooked but crucial role that sensory integration and physical needs play in classroom success.
Why Sensory Integration Matters in Education
Many classrooms put a heavy emphasis on academic performance, but as Mina Roustayi points out, not enough attention is given to the physical and emotional needs of students. When students struggle physically, it often shows up as behavioral challenges – fidgeting, slumping at their desks, or daydreaming – which in turn can lead to disciplinary action rather than support.
Dr. Anna Len, with over 30 years of experience in the special needs field and expertise in pediatric physical therapy, emphasizes this crucial point: “Behaviors…occur not because kids are trying to be bad, but because they are communicating that they are struggling with something.” Understanding and addressing these struggles can be a game-changer for both students and educators.
Spotting Red Flags: When Physical Needs Impact Learning
Common red flags include:
Poor posture: Students who are slumped, with shoulders by their ears, or look exhausted
“W” sitting: Children sitting on their knees with legs splayed out
Struggles with sitting still or staying awake
Aversion to crawling or bending down
These signs often point to issues with sensory regulation, strength, or both.
Understanding the Sensory Spectrum
Dr. Anna Len explains that children may be outside their “optimal zone of engagement”—either in a sleep-like state (low arousal) or in a fight-or-flight mode (over-arousal), neither of which are conducive to learning.
For sleepy or low-arousal students:
Fast-paced movement, animal walks, and activities that get the head moving through space can help “wake up” the brain and body.
For students in fight-or-flight:
Calming, deep-pressure activities, like pushing into a wall or specific sensory tasks, can help bring them back to a regulated state.
Tools for Teachers: Simple Strategies to Make a Difference
The good news? There are actionable steps teachers can take, even without a background in therapy.
Observation is key: Use standardized checklists like the Sensory Profile or Sensory Processing Measure to gather information across classroom, gym, cafeteria, and at home.
Movement breaks: Incorporate regular, structured movement throughout the day. Animal walks or assigning students to push chairs or carry heavy objects (safely) can be energizing or calming.
Sensory-friendly environments: Create opportunities for deep pressure and heavy work, such as crashing into pillows, crawling through tunnels, or tug-of-war games.
Be patient and repetitive: Some children may need repeated demonstrations—especially those with difficulty interpreting language or planning movements.
When Specialized Support Is Needed
Sometimes, challenges go beyond what teachers can manage alone. Signs that a referral for physical therapy or further assessment is warranted include:
Persistent difficulties with posture or movement
Extreme reactions to sensory input (either seeking or avoiding)
Inability to generalize learned physical skills to new situations
Understanding the “Why” Behind Student Actions
Dr. Anna Len offers insight into common puzzling behaviors:
Students who resist crawling or bending down may have underdeveloped muscles, difficulty interpreting sensory input, or feel overwhelmed by head movement.
Children who crash into objects or bang their heads may be seeking intense proprioceptive input (deep pressure that helps them regulate) or may not be interpreting other sensory information adequately.
Pro Tips: Do’s and Don’ts for Classroom Sensory Support
DO provide opportunities for active, student-led movement and sensory input—these have the greatest impact.
DO collaborate and communicate with parents and therapists.
DON’T use techniques like brushing or weighted vests without appropriate guidance or training.
DO observe, adapt, and adjust expectations—every child has unique sensory needs.
Championing the Whole Child
The message from Dr. Anna Len and Mina Roustayi is clear: When we recognize and support the sensory and physical needs of children, we empower them to participate, learn, and thrive. Small changes in the classroom can have big impacts on student success, especially for those with special needs or sensory processing differences.
Want to learn more? Stay tuned for future episodes where Dr. Anna Len will discuss her specialization in sensory integration for intellectual disabilities and autism, and her advocacy work with the New York Special Olympics Healthy Athletes Program.
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