12 Sensory School Supplies to Aid Special Needs Students
Check out our list of essential tools to enhance learning and focus.
By Rachel Sokol
School supply shopping can be a lot of fun—it's almost a rite of passage. I loved shopping for school supplies with my parents as a kid. While my older daughter buys the typical back-to-school essentials like pens, pencils, and binders with swirly patterns; my second child, who has special needs, requires more niche supplies; specific items that help with her handwriting, focus, emotions, self-regulation, redirection, and more. I've rounded up some items that have helped her academically and socially and asked pediatric occupational therapists (OTs) what school accessories they recommend for sensory kids.
Mabel’s Labels Textured Sensory Name Stickers
You can always count on Mabel’s Labels to ship you personalized, cute, and colorful stickers to identify your child’s backpack, pencil case, folders, and more. The brand’s new collection of textured name stickers provides sensory input, allows for more focus and concentration, and ensures that belongings don't get lost. They’re great for finger tracing and are a nice option for kids who like to fidget or anyone who finds a sensory surface soothing. Choose from eight fun design options, including butterflies, lightning bolts, and more. (Each sheet contains three large labels.) They’ll keep fidgety fingers busy! Additionally, they’re durable and waterproof. (Retail price at press time: $16.00)
What’s Next? Special Needs Set
I’m a big fan of anything that doesn’t involve a screen, such as this interactive, life-sized board game designed for neurodivergent and neurotypical players of all ages. It comes with 25 large tiles to stand on; one large, very soft die; and a mesh carrying case. Just line the tiles in a “path,” roll the die (or toss it to another player as a roll), and follow along with what the tile you land on says, such as: do 3 squats, stick out your tongue, do a silly dance, or give another player a high-five. Basically, YOU are the game piece that moves from tile to tile. Instructions are included (we modify the game a bit, for example, my child doesn’t understand what a “squat” is, so we say “sit”), and the game teaches gross motor skills, physical development, and speech therapy. (Retail price at press time: $54.99)
Certain noises can be uncomfortable, or triggering, for some children. Noise-canceling ear muffs for kids are ideal for blocking out loud noises from events like concerts, sporting events, clapping, and yard work, ensuring reliable safety. These ear muffs have been thoroughly tested and proven to provide a sound reduction of up to 28 dB, effectively reducing noise while protecting children's hearing. The adjustable, lightweight design is recommended for children aged 3-16, and the earmuffs are plush and soft against the ears. My daughter sometimes wears these to better focus on her schoolwork when our house gets loud, or when we’re around construction. (Retail price at press time: $9.99)
Dr. Adriane Ransom, a Los Angeles-based occupational therapist from Bloom Pediatrics, recommends chewable jewelry from ARK. For many students, chewable jewelry prevents them from chewing on their shirt collars and pencils. Made in the USA, ARK's "chewelry" sensory chew necklaces provide convenient and immediate oral sensory input for students who need it. There are numerous colorful options to choose from in various shapes, sizes, thicknesses, and toughness levels, with three color-coded levels: mild, moderate, and avid chewing. Items for sensory input include chewable necklaces that are discreet and stylish, chew bracelets, pencil topper chews, oral motor chew items with extra bumps for enhanced sensory input, chew bangle bracelets, and more. (Retail prices vary.)
Dr. Ransom also likes this cushion, which is designed to improve posture by allowing the body to consistently find a balanced pelvic position, strengthening the core muscles. By elongating the spine with proper posture, the pressure on the lower back is reduced, which relieves stress and pain. The company, Gymnic, claims good posture also promotes improved memory, focus, and productivity. This cushion is recommended for small chairs you’ll usually find in pre- and primary schools and best for ages 3 and up. The inflation intensity can be adjusted to customize the stability level needed, and it’s made from durable, latex-free vinyl. Online customers also liked this for kids who fidget in their seats. Measurement: 26 cm L x 26 cm W x 7 cm H. (Retail price at press time: $39.99)
Junior Learning Slant Board
Last year, my first grader loved using this slant board at school. It supports correct posture for writing and helps alleviate back pain. This board folds flat for easy storage and can be used with whiteboard markers or magnets. (It comes with alphabet magnets, or you can buy your own separately.) One feature that stands out is its versatility—it can be used in slant, display, and flat modes, and reviewers agree it’s easy to carry. There are many slant boards on the market, but I like that this one’s magnetic and has white spaces to stick magnets or draw pictures. (Retail price at press time: $13.9
Ticonderoga myfirst pencils
These mini, triangular 4.5" Ticonderoga pencils, recommended by Dr. Ransom, are far from ordinary. They promote a more natural grip and fit easily in a small bag or compartment. Designed to be easy for small hands to grip, they teach correct pencil grip and support mature hands in maintaining a steady hold. They’re non-toxic, pre-sharpened, and made from premium wood. My child really struggles with grasp, resulting in uneven, crooked letters – she uses these pencils in the classroom and with her occupational therapist at school. They’re helping to improve her handwriting on paper and in notebooks! (Retail price at press time: $11.46 for 1 package of 12)
This sloth-shaped weighted lap blanket makes for a huggable sensory companion. A favorite of Dr. Ransom’s, this cuddly buddy provides comfort and relaxation wherever it’s needed. It measures 17” x 22”, weighs 4 lbs, and contains a removable glass bead-filled pad with a hand-washable exterior. It’s super cozy and can be microwaved for additional relaxation, thanks to its fluffy stuffing that ensures pillowy softness. Reviewers like that it relaxes the nerves both in and out of the classroom. This weighted lap blanket isn’t just a toy—it’s a therapy aid recommended for children with sensory issues, providing comfort and support in a fun and snuggly form. (Retail price at press time: $31.95)
Crystal Barchacky MSOT, OTD, OTR/L, is a pediatric occupational therapist and educator based in Winchester, VA. She recommends chair bands for kids who need to kick their feet while sitting, or like to bounce. Among the many options available, Solace’s Kick Bands stand out with their color options, including rainbow. Kick Bands are fidget chair bands designed to increase focus and attention, helping fidgety students with self-regulation. Installation is simple—just stretch the band over the front two legs of a chair; and the bands fit most chairs.
They come in convenient packages of 3, 12, and 24. (Retail price at press time: $29.99 for a GREEN 12-pack)
Barchacky’s a fan of this NeeDoh squishy square that resembles an ice cube and returns to its original shape when squeezed and squished. It feels nice on the hands and provides kids with a soothing sensory sensation thanks to the goo inside that provides the squishy sensation. (The cube is pretty sturdy!) Barchacky’s advice when handing kids a sensory object is to “teach the child when to use the items, and offer it to them during non-stressful times to teach them how to use them appropriately.” Also, avoid anything “sticky or anything that will make noise, as that will distract other kiddos. When it comes to fidgets, opt for something the child can move without having to look down at it.” Thankfully, NeeDoh fits the bill. (Retail price at press time: $14.99)
My daughter with special needs spells and writes better on screens than on traditional paper and school workbooks. Go figure. So, we practice our basic math equations and grammar on this kid’s writing tablet. The pressure-sensitive, 15” LCD screen offers a safe and comfortable experience for young children, and the pen-like stylus is comfortable to hold and glides smoothly across the large screen space. Just click the large erase button for quick content removal, or use the lock key to save your screen image. It comes with a built-in battery that lasts up to 12 months and can be easily replaced. It’s also extremely lightweight, high quality, and fun to doodle on. (Retail price at press time: $32.99)
I can’t sugarcoat it—both my kids are messy. Very messy. I’m convinced that traditional fabric pencil pouches frustrated my kids because they shoved so much (crap) into them that digging around for what they needed wasted time and caused stress. However, these colorful elastic bands fit snugly over most small notebooks and hold 2 to 3 pens. No more digging through an overstuffed pencil case to find your favorite writing utensil. I love anything that keeps my kids neat and organized, and these bands are practical and lightweight. Each pack includes four bands, and they make a nice gift for students of all ages. I can’t recommend them enough! (Retail price at press time: $9.99)
SMILE!
I hope you find this round-up informative and useful for your back-to-school shopping! Of course, every child is unique, with individual sensory needs. Finding helpful school accessories may require some “trial and error,” since what works well for one child may not be ideal for your kid. Consider consulting with your child’s teachers, academic social workers, and therapists to gain insights into what tools and approaches best support your child. And, of course, keep being your child’s biggest cheerleader!
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