I just read a great piece on Edutopia and immediately thought of so many CLASS conversations we’ve had about self-regulation, proactive supports, and creating emotionally supportive classrooms.
The article digs into how sensory play (water, sand, tactile tools) can help preschoolers find calm, especially when emotions are running high or kids are feeling dysregulated. What I loved is how simple and doable the strategies are.
A few takeaways that really stood out:
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Sensory play gives children a predictable, soothing experience, which can help reset their bodies and emotions.
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Activities like water or sand play naturally support self-regulation and sustained attention.
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These moments create great opportunities for teacher sensitivity—noticing cues, offering calm support, and being present without over-directing.
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Sensory experiences can also support behavior management by proactively meeting children’s needs rather than reacting once things escalate.
It reminded me that sometimes the most powerful CLASS-aligned strategies aren’t flashy. They’re about intentional interactions, thoughtful environments, and meeting kids where they are in the moment.
Curious how others are using sensory play. Is it part of your daily routine?
Here’s the article if you want to check it out:
👉 https://www.edutopia.org/article/sensory-play-preschool-helps-promote-calm
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Liz Savage
Sr Marketing Manager, Community and Events
Teachstone
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