Jason's Sensory Gym

Possible Classroom Issues

1.  Poor handwriting – has poor spacing between letters and words, poor pencil grasp, letters are not written on the bottom line, unable to color within boundaries, switches hands, writes too hard or too light, poorly formed letters or erases a lot, difficulty drawing shapes, does not hold paper when writing.

2.  Poor use of classroom objects/ Fine motor manipulation  – difficulty using scissors, crayons, paint brushes, trouble putting puzzles together, bead stringing, trouble using helper hand.

3.  Avoids getting dirty or using messy substances - sand, mud, clay, glue, play dough, shaving cream.

4.  Easily distracted or short attention span – wanders around aimlessly, doesn’t filter out other noises from objects/people, doesn’t complete work, difficulty remaining seated.

5.  Difficulty sitting in circle time – fidgety, always seeking movement/in constant motion, has poor sitting posture, unable to sit next to other children.

6.  Disorganized – forgets material for class, loses books/backpack, unable to follow the classroom routine, needs directions broken down or repeated several times, decreased ability to sequence thoughts.

7.  Resistant to anything new/Repetitive play - has difficulty learning new concepts, has trouble with changes in routine, difficulty generalizing concepts, lines up objects, little to no symbolic/imaginative play or resorts to primitive play schemes.

8.  Problems with peers – remaining in line while walking in hallways, prefers playing alone, doesn’t like being touched by others, functions best in small groups or individually.

9.  Gross motor muscle weakness – avoids or has difficulty on playground equipment, seems weaker than the other kids, difficulty catching a ball, slouches at desk, difficulty looking at or copying off the blackboard, unable to run, hop, skip, jump, perform jumping jacks, poor balance, poor coordination skills or fatigues easily. 

10.  Emotional Difficulties– seems very anxious, has explosive mood swings, plays in corners or hides under the tables, difficulty handling transitioning between activities or another room.

11.  Poor coping mechanisms – flaps hands, spins around excessively, hums or makes continuous noises, repetitive movements or behaviors, covers ears with loud or unexpected noises.

12.  Impulsive – touches everything in sight, little or no regard for danger, runs away from the classroom.

13.  Poor dressing/eating skills – difficulty manipulating buttons, zippers, snaps, shoelaces, trouble with putting on/off clothing or shoes, using eating utensils improperly or difficulty bringing food to the mouth, opening/closing food or snack containers.

14.  Poor body awareness- clumsy, bumps or trips over objects or people frequently, falls off the chair, misjudges curbs or steps.