Understanding the Just Right Sensory Modulation Curriculum Helping Children Find Balance Through Sensory AwarenessEvery child experiences the world differently, especially when it comes to how they process sensory input. Some children might be overwhelmed by loud sounds, while others may not respond to touch or movement in expected ways. The Just Right Sensory Modulation Curriculum is designed to help children better understand and regulate their sensory experiences, improving emotional control, attention, and behavior. This topic explores the purpose, structure, and benefits of this curriculum, especially for children with sensory processing difficulties.
What Is the Just Right Sensory Modulation Curriculum?
The Just Right Sensory Modulation Curriculum is an evidence-informed educational framework that helps children recognize and regulate their sensory responses. Developed by occupational therapists, the program teaches students how sensory input affects their emotions and behaviors and how to use strategies to stay in a ‘just right’ state for learning, social interaction, and daily tasks.
This curriculum is especially useful for children with
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
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Emotional or behavioral regulation challenges
Core Concepts of the Curriculum
The main idea behind the Just Right Curriculum is to teach children about their engine level or sensory state using simple language and engaging visuals. These sensory states are typically described in three zones
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Too Low – The child might feel sluggish, sleepy, or unmotivated.
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Just Right – The child is alert, focused, and ready to learn.
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Too High – The child might feel anxious, overwhelmed, or hyperactive.
By learning to identify their current state and what triggers shifts in their sensory levels, children become more self-aware and capable of managing their emotions and actions.
The Role of Sensory Modulation in Daily Life
Sensory modulation is the ability to respond appropriately to sensory input. A well-regulated sensory system helps a child participate fully in school, play, and social situations. When modulation is off, children may either overreact (become overstimulated) or underreact (seem disengaged) to their surroundings.
The curriculum helps children answer questions like
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How do I feel right now?
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What caused this feeling?
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What can I do to feel more calm or more alert?
These questions become part of a child’s self-talk, helping them independently navigate sensory challenges.
How the Curriculum Is Taught
The Just Right Sensory Modulation Curriculum is often taught in small groups or individual sessions led by occupational therapists, special educators, or trained school staff. It includes
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Visual aids such as charts and emotion cards
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Hands-on activities like stretching, bouncing, or fidgeting
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Stories and examples to help children relate the concepts to their lives
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Tools and strategies (sensory breaks, breathing, movement, deep pressure)
The activities are designed to be engaging and adaptable for different ages and ability levels.
Benefits of the Just Right Curriculum
Many children benefit from learning about sensory modulation. Some of the most commonly reported benefits include
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Improved self-regulation Children learn to notice early signs of distress or distraction and respond appropriately.
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Better attention and focus Knowing how to stay in the just right zone helps children succeed academically.
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Reduced behavioral issues When children understand their triggers, they’re less likely to act out or shut down.
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Enhanced social skills Regulating sensory input helps children stay connected and engaged in social interactions.
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Greater independence Over time, students rely less on adults and more on their own strategies.
Key Sensory Strategies in the Curriculum
To help children find their just right zone, the curriculum introduces them to a range of sensory tools and strategies. These might include
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Heavy work activities (pushing, pulling, carrying) to increase body awareness
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Movement breaks like jumping or skipping to release energy
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Calming techniques such as deep breathing or squeezing a stress ball
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Visual supports to remind children of their available choices
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Sensory diets, which are personalized activity plans that provide needed sensory input throughout the day
Each child learns which strategies work best for them through guided practice and reflection.
Integration in Schools and Homes
One of the strengths of the Just Right Sensory Modulation Curriculum is its flexibility. It can be used in schools, therapy clinics, and even at home. In school settings, it often complements other social-emotional learning programs and supports students who need help with behavior or emotional regulation.
Parents and caregivers can also be involved by
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Learning the same vocabulary and tools
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Reinforcing strategies at home
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Using visual cues and sensory tools consistently
This consistent use across environments helps children generalize their skills and feel more confident in different settings.
Who Can Benefit from This Curriculum?
While the curriculum is often used for children with diagnosed sensory disorders, it can benefit a wide range of learners, including
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Children with anxiety or emotional outbursts
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Kids who struggle with transitions or new routines
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Students with difficulty paying attention or staying seated
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Those who find loud noises or bright lights overwhelming
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Children who seem constantly tired or overly energetic
The Just Right approach is inclusive and supportive, not punitive. It meets children where they are and helps them grow at their own pace.
The Just Right Sensory Modulation Curriculum offers a thoughtful, practical approach to helping children understand their own sensory needs and learn how to manage them. By teaching kids how to identify their state of alertness and use strategies to reach a balanced, focused zone, this curriculum builds essential life skills that support success in school, relationships, and beyond.
With the right support and tools, every child can learn how to feel ‘just right’ calm, alert, and ready to thrive.