Nov 28, 2018, Cambridge, MN, Isanti County News: Sensory bins provide calming effects to CPS students https://www.hometownsource.com/isanti_county_news/free/sensory-bins-provide-calming-effects-to-cps-students/article_2d073ce8-f34b-11e8-9980-a7ff8474bb56.html In continuing to embrace the sensory needs of students, Cambridge Primary School has implemented sensory bins in its classrooms. During the Cambridge-Isanti School Board meeting Nov. 15, Cambridge Primary School Principal Rhonda Malecha and school social worker Denise Steinberg described the introduction of sensory bins in all of the classrooms, which has resulted in increased work production, on-task behavior, improved focus and attention, and a happier, more content student, they said. “Sensory bins have been used in special education for years and years, and now general education classrooms are using them too,” Steinberg said. Some of the items in the sensory bins include weighted neck wraps, balls, bottles filled with liquids or beads, a mirror for self-reflection, textured materials, toys, and feathers. … Steinberg explained the classrooms have posters hanging in them describing the different “zones” a child may be feeling: —Blue zone: Sad, sick, tired, bored, moving slowly. —Green zone: Happy, calm, feeling OK, focused, ready to learn. —Yellow zone: Frustrated, worried, silly, wiggly, excited, loss of some control. —Red zone: Mad, angry, terrified, yelling, hitting, elated, out of control. …

Childhood Lost
Children today are noticeably different from previous generations, and the proof is in the news coverage we see every day. This site shows you what’s happening in schools around the world. Children are increasingly disabled and chronically ill, and the education system has to accommodate them. Things we've long associated with autism, like sensory issues, repetitive behaviors, anxiety and lack of social skills, are now problems affecting mainstream students. Blame is predictably placed on bad parenting (otherwise known as trauma from home).
Addressing mental health needs is as important as academics for modern educators. This is an unrecognized disaster. The stories here are about children who can’t learn or behave like children have always been expected to. What childhood has become is a chilling portent for the future of mankind.