Sensory Minds

Sensory Classroom Screen

Five minutes · classroom observations · free for teachers, families and therapists

Free 5-minute Sensory Classroom Screen

For teachers, parents, and therapists. Think about the last two weeks. Nothing is saved or sent.

Step 1 — Vision first

Squints, covers an eye, or tilts the head to look at work
Loses place when reading or copying from the board
Complains of headaches, blur, or double vision after near work
Avoids bright windows or fluorescent light; prefers dim spaces

Step 2 — How often have you seen this?

1. Covers ears or leaves the area with ordinary classroom noise
2. Distressed by light touch, tags, glue, paint, or being bumped in line
3. Seems not to notice being touched, messy hands, or name being called
4. Bothered by busy walls, bright light, or movement around the room
5. Presses too hard or too lightly with pencil; breaks crayons or tears paper
6. Crashes into peers or furniture; rough in play without meaning to be
7. Has trouble finding items in a desk or bag without looking
8. Constantly moving, rocking, or seeking spinning and jumping during seated work
9. Low energy, slumped, or hard to get going for most of the day
10. Meltdowns, shutdowns, or escape after transitions or noisy events
11. Mouths or chews non-food items beyond what is typical for age
12. Avoids or melts down in the cafeteria, gym, assemblies, or bus
13. Very limited food range or gags with new food textures
14. Avoids playground equipment or swings, or has no sense of danger on it
15. Sensory responses keep the student from finishing class tasks most days

This 5-minute classroom screen is an observation-based triage tool. It does not diagnose sensory processing disorder, developmental coordination disorder, ADHD, or any other condition. Use it to decide what to look at next and to start simple supports.