Creating Inclusive Multi-Age Classrooms with Sensory Supports at Glenwood School

Submitted by: Jason Ritchot

Thanks to the generous support of MAME, Glenwood School was able to purchase a variety of sensory items—including peanut exercise balls, magnetic tiles, stress balls, plasma cars, a floor keyboard, and sensory lights. These tools have had a meaningful impact on student engagement, emotional regulation, and classroom inclusivity, particularly within our multi-age learning environment.

Our multi-age classrooms, which serve students across a range of developmental stages and learning needs, have especially benefited from these flexible, sensory-based strategies. Students now have access to active seating and calming tools that help them regulate their bodies and emotions throughout the day. Items like peanut balls and stress balls have improved focus, while sensory lights and the floor keyboard support emotional well-being through movement and self-regulation. By making these resources available to all students, not just those with identified needs, Glenwood has fostered a culture of empathy, acceptance, and shared responsibility.

Beyond individual support, these tools have also encouraged social-emotional learning and collaboration. Resources like magnetic tiles and plasma cars promote turn-taking, problem-solving, and peer interaction. Neurodiverse students in particular have become more confident and engaged during both structured and unstructured play, helping them build essential social skills.

This initiative also strengthened professional collaboration. Teachers, student service staff, and clinicians at Glenwood worked together to share strategies and co-create routines that integrate sensory tools seamlessly into classroom life. This unified approach has enhanced consistency and deepens our collective commitment to inclusive education.



Other multi-age classrooms can benefit from similar approaches. Sensory supports offer practical, student-centered solutions that meet the diverse needs found in mixed-age learning settings. When intentionally integrated, these tools help create calm, connected, and inclusive environments where all students can learn, grow, and thrive.