As a retired occupational therapist, I think you are putting together an ideal sensory environment for learning. I have also been a 4-H leader with children who have behavior and sensory issues. Kids love to start their own plants from cuttings or seeds. Right now we have spider plants and "maternity" plants ready to pot up for Christmas gifts. Terrariums can be fun also and temporary pets (bugs, amphibians and reptiles) can come in and go back to the wild. Scented geraniums and mints only smell when the leaves are touched. I would be careful of some things like Jasmine or some paper whites that can cause sensory overload. Kids do like to see amarylis bulbs grow and flower at this time of the year. It was fun to measure the daily growth and the flowers are spectacular. Later in the spring you could try a Venus fly trap or pitcher plant. They should be dormant now. Sweet potatoes are interesting to watch vine away across the room. I could go on forever about the interactions between plants and kids...science, math, language arts can all be interwoven.

Hi Bellblue- I know this is a long shot as your post is a couple years old but I know of a couple really sensational things that would be perfect for your classroom. Are you still looking for ideas ?

I'd suggest plants like the following kinds for such a venture: wandering Jew, golden pothos, Christmas cactus, Easter cactus, etc.