The Power of Sensory Play: Why Some Students Thrive with Occupational Therapy in the Morning

Imagine walking into a classroom where the first activity of the day isn’t sitting at a desk or flipping open a textbook. Instead, students are greeted with colorful therapy balls, weighted blankets, tactile bins, or swings, and are encouraged to engage in activities designed to stimulate their senses. For some neurodivergent students, this is the ideal way to start their day—a calming and grounding experience that sets them up for success in learning.

This type of sensory play, can have profound effects on a child’s readiness to learn. Research shows that integrating sensory activities into a student’s daily routine—especially in the morning—can help regulate their sensory system, improve focus, and reduce anxiety. But how does this work, and why do some students need this type of support?

The Science Behind Sensory Play

For many neurodivergent students, particularly those with sensory processing disorder (SPD), autism, or ADHD, their sensory systems can become overwhelmed or under-stimulated by everyday experiences. The body’s sensory system is responsible for processing input from our environment—sound, sight, touch, movement—and sending signals to the brain about how to respond. When this system isn’t working efficiently, it can result in challenges such as difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, or feelings of being overwhelmed.

This is where sensory play comes in. Sensory-rich activities such as swinging, using weighted blankets, or playing with tactile objects help students regulate their sensory input, calming the nervous system and preparing their brain for learning.

Medical studies have highlighted the positive effects of sensory integration therapy on children with sensory processing challenges. A 2012 study published in The American Journal of Occupational Therapy found that children who engaged in sensory integration therapy demonstrated improvements in sensory processing, as well as greater self-regulation, social skills, and behavioral outcomes .

Additionally, sensory play can stimulate the vestibular system (responsible for balance) and the proprioceptive system (responsible for body awareness), helping students develop better motor control, coordination, and spatial awareness. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology (2018) showed that proprioceptive activities, like using therapy balls or resistance bands, had a calming effect on children, reducing restlessness and improving attention .

Sensory Play and Learning Readiness

When the body feels regulated, the brain is more prepared to take on cognitive tasks. Sensory play can improve focus, reduce stress, and increase emotional regulation, which are all essential for learning. By engaging in sensory activities in the morning, students can “reset” their nervous system, helping them feel more grounded and ready to focus on academic tasks.

A study conducted by the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (2016) found that children with autism who participated in sensory-based interventions before starting their academic day showed improved attention and reduced problem behaviors in the classroom. These findings suggest that providing sensory input at the start of the day not only helps students feel more comfortable but also directly impacts their ability to learn.

Why Sensory Play in the Morning is Unique

Many schools start their mornings with structured routines—attendance, announcements, and diving right into academic lessons. For some students, this works well, but for neurodivergent students who may struggle with sensory overload, anxiety, or motor control, this structure can feel overwhelming.

Unlike traditional morning routines, Havern prioritize sensory play and OT offer a more individualized approach to learning readiness. For example, instead of expecting every student to sit quietly at a desk, these schools recognize that some children may need a sensory “reset” before they can engage fully in class.

Integrating OT and sensory play into the school day is a key difference between schools that support neurodivergent learners and more conventional education environments. In more traditional settings, students who exhibit sensory or behavioral challenges might be labeled as “distracted” or “disruptive” rather than receiving the sensory support they need. In contrast, Havern School understands that sensory needs aren’t distractions—they’re legitimate physiological responses that, when addressed, unlock a student’s ability to learn and thrive.

The Long-Term Benefits

Beyond just helping students settle into their day, sensory play and OT offer long-term benefits. As students learn how to regulate their sensory systems, they become more aware of their bodies and needs, leading to greater self-regulation as they grow older. This not only impacts their academic success but also their social-emotional development.

Moreover, sensory play builds resilience. Students who are given the tools to manage their sensory needs early on become more capable of handling challenges and adapting to new environments as they progress through school. Research also suggests that early sensory interventions can have a positive effect on cognitive development. According to a study published in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, sensory processing interventions in early childhood can lead to improvements in academic performance and executive function later in life .

A Unique and Personalized Approach to Learning

The integration of OT and sensory play into the school morning is not just a special accommodation—it’s a powerful tool that helps neurodivergent students succeed. We are proud to offer an environment where students’ unique needs are met and celebrated, rather than seen as obstacles. By starting the day with sensory play, we are helping students develop the sensory regulation skills they need to engage fully in their academic and social lives.

If your child struggles with sensory processing or is having difficulty focusing at school, consider whether a school like Havern, that includes sensory play and OT might be right for them. It could be the key to unlocking their full potential and setting them up for a future of success, one sensory-rich morning at a time.

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Interested in how our school supports neurodivergent students through sensory play and OT? Contact us today to schedule a visit and see firsthand how we help children thrive with a personalized approach to learning.