Sensory Bin Exploration: Connecting Tools to Zones

Objective

Participants will actively explore various sensory items and identify how each item might be used to support individuals in different Zones of Regulation.

Materials

• A variety of sensory items (e.g., stress balls, fidget toys, textured fabrics, scented items, noise-canceling headphones, weighted items, visual timers, squishy toys, stretchy bands, essential oil diffusers with calming/alerting scents, crunchy snacks, chewy candy)
• Small bins or containers to organize items (optional)
• Index cards or small pieces of paper
• Markers or pens

Instructions

1. Introduction (5 minutes):

   • The facilitator will introduce the sensory bin(s) and the purpose of the activity: to get hands-on with different sensory tools.
   • Explain that participants will explore the items and consider their potential impact on regulation.
   • Remind participants that sensory preferences are highly individualized – what works for one person may not work for another.

2. Exploration & Connection (10 minutes):

   • Participants will be invited to freely explore the items in the sensory bin(s).
   • As they interact with each item, encourage them to ask themselves:
     • "How does this item make me feel? (e.g., calm, alert, focused, overwhelmed)"
     • "Which Zone do I think this item would best support?"
     • "Why do I think this item would be helpful for that particular Zone?"
   • For each item, participants should take an index card and write:
     • The name of the item (or a brief description).
     • The Zone(s) it might support.
     • A quick note on why (e.g., "Blue Zone - energizing smell," "Yellow Zone - deep pressure for calming").

3. Group Share & Discussion (5 minutes):

   • After exploration, bring the group back together.
   • Ask participants to share one or two items they found interesting and explain their reasoning for which Zone(s) they thought it would support.
   • Facilitate a discussion on the diversity of responses and the importance of understanding individual sensory needs.
   • Collect the index cards to review later if desired, or use them as a springboard for further discussion.

Discussion Prompts

• "Were there any items that surprised you in terms of how they made you feel or which Zone they might support?"
• "How can we encourage individuals to explore and choose their own sensory tools?"
• "What are some considerations when introducing new sensory items to individuals? (e.g., safety, preferences, overstimulation)"

Sensory Strategy Planning Sheet

Name(s):



Date:

Objective

To identify and plan specific sensory strategies to support individuals in navigating their Zones of Regulation.

Instructions

Consider an individual you support (or a hypothetical scenario). For each Zone, brainstorm and list specific sensory strategies that could be helpful. Think about proactive strategies (to prevent entering a less regulated Zone) and reactive strategies (to help return to the Green Zone).

Individual/Scenario Focus:

Describe the individual or scenario you are focusing on for this planning sheet:

Zone-Specific Sensory Strategies

1. Blue Zone (Low Alertness: Sad, Tired, Bored, Moving Slowly)

• Goal: To gently increase alertness and engagement.

• Sensory Strategies (List 3-5 specific ideas):

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• When would these be used? (e.g., morning routine, after a quiet activity, when disengaged)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

2. Green Zone (Just Right Alertness: Happy, Focused, Calm, Ready to Learn)

• Goal: To maintain an optimal state of regulation and focus.

• Sensory Strategies (List 3-5 specific ideas):

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• When would these be used? (e.g., during independent work, transitions, calming moments)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

3. Yellow Zone (Heightened Alertness: Frustrated, Anxious, Excited, Silly, Wiggly)

• Goal: To calm down, organize thoughts, and regain control before entering the Red Zone.

• Sensory Strategies (List 3-5 specific ideas):

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• When would these be used? (e.g., when showing early signs of agitation, during high-energy activities, before a challenging task)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

4. Red Zone (Extreme Alertness: Angry, Terrified, Yelling, Hitting, Out of Control)

• Goal: To de-escalate, ensure safety, and provide intense organizing input.

• Sensory Strategies (List 3-5 specific ideas):

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• When would these be used? (e.g., during a meltdown, when highly distressed and unsafe)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Reflection Questions

1. What was one new insight you gained about sensory strategies today?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What challenges do you anticipate when implementing these strategies, and how might you address them?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. How will you involve the individual (if appropriate) in choosing and using sensory tools?