The diverse sensory needs of children were celebrated at Mandalay Elementary School during Neurodiversity Spirit Week from April 7-11. It culminated on the Friday with Sensory Exploration Day. 

Each class visited the library for a 20-minute session to experience three sensory stations. At the movement center, students could jump on trampolines, rock in an inflatable boat, hop across stepping stones, use a spinner and crawl through a tunnel. Zen zone was all about promoting calm minds and bodies, with beanbag chairs, blankets, pillows, glitter sticks and dim lights. The fidget station featured Pop Its, putty, sensory snakes, stress balls and a xylophone.

Every group got to spend a few minutes at each center and explore sensory strategies that can help regulate their minds and bodies. Special education teacher Kelsey Riegger said that these strategies and tools can be beneficial to all students.

“Hopefully they found one tool that they really liked that they could incorporate into their day to day,” she said, adding that each student completed an exit ticket highlighting strategies that they found beneficial. 

Ms. Riegger and her fellow special education teachers and support service providers planned Sensory Exploration Day, showcasing tools that are used by many students in the school. The goal was to foster inclusivity and understanding. 

Throughout Neurodiversity Spirit Week, morning announcements included facts about Autism Acceptance Month from fifth grade peer buddies. Students wore crazy hair or hats on Magnificent Mind Monday and celebrated how everyone is different and unique on Mismatch Tuesday. Classes also watched a video read aloud from two Wantagh High School life skills students of “My Brain is Magic” about the different sensory experiences that people face.