Troy Elementary School has a new tool through the end of the semester that’s making a big difference for over 350 students and teachers—the Motor/Sensory Lab. This space is designed to help students develop important skills like focusing and readiness for learning.
The idea came to Special Education teacher Lisa Browning who shared,

I have taught in other districts where we had motor/sensory labs and utilized them regularly. I have seen first hand how they can help students and staff.
Research in schools indicates that incorporating dedicated movement spaces, often called ‘motor labs,’ can significantly improve children's motor skills, attention, behavior, and academic performance, particularly for students with developmental delays or sensory processing challenges, by providing structured sensory and motor experiences that support brain development and learning readiness. Studies often highlight the positive impact on areas like fine motor skills, gross motor coordination, balance, and self-regulation, especially when integrated with regular classroom instruction.

The lab isn’t just for students with special needs—it’s for all students. In addition to the lab itself, the grant provided indoor recess kits, games, and calm-down kits that teachers can check out as needed. These resources make it easy to bring the benefits of the lab back into individual classrooms. By helping them control their movements and reactions, the lab sets them up for success in the classroom. With the lab, students can practice skills that help them succeed not just academically, but in life.
Teachers have noticed the motor lab is helping students with attention, anger or behavior challenges regulate their emotions and spend more time in the classroom.
Additionally, there has been a decrease in school-wide referrals. This Troy Education Enhancement Foundation’s grant is helping students build the skills they need to succeed, proving that when schools and communities work together, great things happen!