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Regardless of why a student steps foot in my office, it's my goal to help them feel comfortable. What a student sees and what they are able to touch is a large part of letting their guard down and knowing my office is a safe place for them to share their feelings. On countless occassions, I've had students enter my office overstimulated, anxious or even in crisis. I have seen the benefits of a child being able to touch a sensory item and the positive effect it has in helping them to share their feelings. Sensory items help students of all ages reduce stress, and naturally produce a calming effort through the tactile stimulation. Research has shown sensory toys support language development, encourage problem solving, increase mindfulness and have many other benefits for kids in distress. I work hard to make my space friendly to students of all ethnicities, backgrounds and cultures. Having dolls of various ethnicities supports students feeling valued, accepted and supports equity. When a child walks into my office and sees a doll that looks like them, it affirms that they are seen. Students gravitate towards dolls that look like them, and playing with dolls helps children work through problems and find solutions, develop socioemotional skills and promotes prosocial behavior. Adding fresh sensory items and more dolls to my two counseling spaces will help students gravitate towards what they need to work through their emotions, find solutions to problems, feel valued and so much more!
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