The support teachers provide is crucial to ensuring all students have the opportunity to engage in learning in safe, supportive and well-managed learning environments. Students may require varying supports depending on their strengths and needs, including reasonable adjustments to the learning environment, teaching or curriculum.
This practice guide will support teachers in implementing helpful practices for students with sensory differences so they can successfully engage in learning and experience success at school. It’s part of a suite of resources developed in partnership with MultiLit and the Institute of Special Educators to help teachers refine or refresh their understanding and practice of supporting students with diverse needs.
This guide outlines the following practices for supporting students’ sensory differences:
- Identify students’ preferences, strengths and needs.
- Conduct a sensory audit to inform environmental adaptations.
- Use strategies to support sensory differences.
- Provide students with a break from overstimulating environments.
The advice in these guides is designed to complement – not replace – existing school and system policies, procedures and guidance.
Keywords: classroom management, student engagement