My students need opportunities for sensory input! Sensory regulation allows children to maintain an appropriate level of alertness in order to meet the cognitive, communicative and social/emotional demands put on them in a school setting.
My school is one that truly puts students first and believes that learning should be an interactive process that focuses on individual student needs. To do this, we incorporate small group instruction, technology, project-based learning, social emotional learning, and flexible thinking. We want all students to be successful and do so by proactively providing them with the tools they need!
As a special education teacher, I work with a group of amazing, unique kiddos who each bring their own set of talents and challenges, and make me smile and laugh each day.
My kiddos work hard each and every day to access academic content, manage their emotions, practice social skills, build relationships, and develop into contributing members of society and good humans!
My Project
We are taught to help a child self-regulate by giving them the sensory tools they may need, and to do so independently. If we don't have the tools, how can we teach them? If basic needs aren't being met, we can't expect our scholars to attend to a task and focus on academics. We are creating a safe space to punch a boxing bag, throw some slam balls, and get energy out with some battle ropes.
We are developing a sensory room filled with a variety of different objects for different types of input (compression, movement, balance, position).
By doing so, we will be setting up scholars for success by giving them an appropriate outlet for the input they are seeking!
We will work with each student to create a sensory menu that meets THEIR needs. Some students may access these tools on a set schedule or proactively, while others may use the space and tools as needed throughout their day. For example, a frustrated student who is dysregulated may need a quick five minute sensory break using the slam balls to get the proprioceptic input their body is needing. Another student may start their day using the battle ropes to get the same type of input to ensure their body remains regulated throughout the day. Students seeking vestibular input can use the hammock or balance boards to get their body is a state that is ready to learn. A student that is in a state of anger can utilize the crash pad or punching bag, thus teaching him/her an appropriate outlet to manage those big emotions they are feeling. Since each student has unique needs, we need a variety of tools to meet those needs.
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