Tools for Staying Regulated in the Classroom

A classroom can be a busy place full of sights, sounds, transitions, and expectations. For many children, especially neurodivergent learners, these demands can be overwhelming to the nervous system, making it harder to focus, follow directions, or stay emotionally regulated.

The good news? You don’t need an elaborate sensory gym or huge budget to support regulation. Just a few intentional tweaks can make a big difference. Here are five simple, evidence-based strategies you can start using right away:

1. Create a Calm Corner

A calm corner is a cozy, designated area in the classroom where kids can go to reset and regulate. This space gives children permission to take a break when they're feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, or dysregulated by empowering them to listen to their bodies.

A calm corner might include:

• A bean bag or soft seating

• Weighted blanket or weighted stuffed animal

• Oil timer for calming visual input

• Tactile sensory tools like stress balls, marble mesh, or

2. Build in Movement Breaks

As academic demands increase, students are sitting still for longer periods of time and for a lot of kids movement is what they need to regulate and focus. Regular movement breaks throughout the day help provide sensory input, release physical energy, and reset attention.

These can be quick and playful and are great if your students have been sitting for a long period of time

• Touch your toes and reach for the sky

• Do 10 jumping jacks in place

• March like a dinosaur at your desk

• Do a favorite yoga pose

3. Reduce Visual Clutter to Support Focus

Visual overstimulation can be a hidden barrier to regulation and attention. For some kids, just trying to focus on a worksheet while there is lots of visual stimuli on the walls or at their desk can be enough to derail their thinking.

A few ways to reduce visual load:

• Keep classroom walls organized and purposeful, not overcrowded

• Provide a clear line of sight at desks to minimize distractions across the room

• Use “focus folders” for independent work: these can be made by taping two file folders together to create a mini visual shield

• Minimize unnecessary designs or logos on worksheets and allow students to use an index card to focus on one line or problem at a time

4. Offer Flexible Seating Options

Not every child can focus best sitting in a traditional chair for extended periods. That’s where flexible seating comes in to give kids choices that support movement while learning.

Some flexible seating ideas include:

• Theraband wrapped around chair legs for feet to push against

• Wiggle cushions on chairs or under their feet

• Opportunities to work on the rug or floor

• Weighted lap pads for deep pressure input

5. Use Tactile Fidgets to Support Focus

Some kids need their hands to be busy to help them concentrate. Fidgets can be used as tools for self-regulation when used intentionally. For students who need something in their hands to stay focused or calm, tactile fidgets can offer just the right amount of sensory input without being disruptive.

Some classroom-friendly fidgets include:

• Fidget rings; small, quiet, and wearable

• Sensory strips; stuck to desks or under tables

• Stress or koosh balls; for squeezing and kneading

• Artist erasers; a functional and subtle alternative for older students