Sensory cushions and flexible seating are becoming much more common in classrooms, but as with any sensory support, understanding why we are using them is really important.
From an occupational therapy perspective, a sensory cushion, whether that’s a balance cushion , a sit and twist cushion or a move n sit wedge cushion isn’t there to make a child sit still. It also isn’t there to replace the sensory and movement breaks a child may need throughout their school day to support their regulation, concentration and attention. Instead, it’s another support we can offer to help meet a child’s individual sensory needs and make participation in the classroom more accessible.
The goal is regulation and the goal is participation.
Why might a child need a sensory cushion?
Sitting on a standard classroom chair can look like a very simple task, but there's actually a lot happening underneath it. A child needs postural stability, body awareness and the ability to regulate and maintain an appropriate level of alertness while also listening, looking, thinking, writing and filtering everything else happening around them.
For some children, movement helps support this. You might notice a child constantly shifting position, rocking their chair, wrapping their feet around the chair legs, getting up repeatedly or seeming to find every possible position except sitting in the way we traditionally expect them to.
Rather than immediately asking, “How do we stop the movement?”, an OT perspective encourages us to ask a different question:
“What is this movement doing for this child?
Movement isn't necessarily the problem
We can be very quick to see movement as something that needs to be stopped, particularly in a classroom where children are traditionally expected to sit at a desk. But movement can serve an important purpose. For some children, moving their body may help them feel more organised, alert or regulated and better able to participate in what is happening around them.
A balance cushion, for example, can allow small amounts of movement while a child is seated. Depending on the type of sensory cushion being used, it may also provide additional sensory input or offer a slightly dynamic surface that requires the body to make small postural adjustments.
The important part is that we're not trying to remove the child's need for movement.
We're recognising it and finding ways to support it.
What a sensory cushion is NOT for
A sensory cushion should never be introduced with the goal of “getting them to sit still” or “keeping them in their seat.” It isn't a behaviour management tool and success shouldn't be measured by how long a child can remain sitting once we give them one.
If a child's body is telling them that they need to stand up, walk, stretch, push, pull or have a proper movement break, a cushion shouldn't be used to replace that.
This is where we need to be careful with sensory tools. We don't want to take something designed to support a child's sensory needs and turn it into another way of asking their body to comply with an environment that isn't meeting those needs.
So what ARE we trying to achieve?
We're trying to reduce a barrier to participation.
Perhaps sitting on a standard chair requires so much effort from a child that very little capacity is left for handwriting. Perhaps they seek movement to maintain their level of alertness during whole-class teaching. Perhaps having an opportunity to gently move while seated makes that particular activity more comfortable and accessible.
The sensory cushion isn't making the child learn, concentrate or complete their work. Instead, we're asking whether changing the seating environment might support their body enough to make participation in that particular activity a little easier.
That distinction really matters.
Flexible seating should actually be flexible
Flexible seating isn't particularly flexible if a child is then expected to remain on that seat for the entire lesson. A sensory cushion might be useful during handwriting but not during story time. A child might choose it one day and not want it the next. They might use it alongside movement breaks, alternative working positions or opportunities to stand. What works for one child also won't necessarily work for another.
There are different types of flexible seating supports, and each offers a slightly different experience. A balance cushion provides a dynamic surface that allows subtle movement and postural adjustments while sitting, while a sit and twist cushion allows a child to access a different type of movement while remaining part of a seated activity. A move and sit wedge cushion can provide another option for children who benefit from movement and changes in their seated position during particular classroom activities.
The important thing is that the seating option is supporting the child, not simply making the child fit the seating.
Start with the child, not the product
Before introducing any sensory tool, one of the most useful things we can do is take a step back and observe. What are we seeing? When does the child seem to need more movement? Are there particular activities that are harder? What does the child naturally do with their body when they're trying to concentrate? And importantly, what is the child themselves telling us?
Rather than starting with “Which sensory cushion should we buy?”, start with “What are we seeing, and what might this child's body be telling us?” Once we understand the need we're trying to support, we can consider whether a balance cushion, sit and twist cushion, move and sit wedge cushion or perhaps something completely different might be appropriate.
Sometimes a sensory cushion will be a helpful part of supporting that child. Sometimes what they actually need is an opportunity to get up and move. Often, it may be a combination of different supports throughout their day.
Because ultimately, the aim isn't a classroom full of children sitting perfectly still.
It's a classroom where children's bodies are supported so they can participate, learn and belong.
If your school would like more support in understanding sensory needs and creating more supportive classroom environments, Everyday OT offers school workshops, our online Webinar Hub and CPD training for teachers and school staff.
Explore our training and supports to find the option that works best for your school here.
