Teachers’ Perceptions of The Wiggle Whomper Kit: Improving Sensory Regulation in the General Education Classroom®: A Pilot Study

Increased emphasis on Response to Intervention and population based approaches in school systems is gaining popularity in literature. The current study examined the perceived effectiveness and patterns of use of The Wiggle Whomper Kit, a sensory regulation activity tool kit that was provided in all classrooms at a suburban elementary school. Thirty-six teachers and support personnel who had access to The Wiggle Whomper Kit were surveyed electronically, and member checking was performed through an interview with the school principal who was involved in The Wiggle Whomper Kit development and implementation. Responses (N = 9) indicated that The Wiggle Whomper Kit was most effective in increasing levels of attention, decreasing levels of hyperactivity, and increasing engagement in activities. Tools in The Wiggle Whomper Kit were used more often than activities, and tools were used by individual students more than by the class as a whole. Results also indicated that those who had a relationship with the school occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant rated The Wiggle Whomper Kit as effective more often, indicating that collaboration is an essential component for successful implementation of any tool or program