When Learning Is at Home
Sensory integration plays an important role in the social, emotional, and cognitive development of a child. A “sensory smart” space to learn at home provides children with many opportunities for heavy work, movement, and other calming or alerting sensory activities to improve their ability to attend and focus during school-related tasks. Here are some strategies to implement:
Alternative Seating Positions - Have your children sit on a therapy ball/ball chair if they need to move, or if they need space by themselves, have them lie on a beanbag chair or on their tummy.
Allow for movement breaks and schedule structured movement such as stretching and yoga positions, to reenergize your children throughout the day.
Organize interactive indoor/outdoor activities (Red Rover, Red Rover; hopscotch; leapfrog; parachute activities; ball games) during break times.
Provide your “on the go” children with a weighted neck/shoulder wrap or weighted lap pad to help them stay in their seats and finish their work. (See previous blog post on making a lap buddy.)
Heavy Work/Organizing Activities - Use these strategies as preparatory activities for desk time or at transition times throughout the day. Give children who seek out “heavy work” special jobs pushing or lifting weighted (e.g., chairs, tables, etc.) or erasing a chalkboard or dry erase board.
Alternative Writing Utensils - Have your children use a wrist weight, or adaptive grips to provide more feedback and awareness to their hands during writing activities.
Introduce chewy and resistive snacks (gum, granola bars, and bagels) or mouth fidgets for your children who need oral sensory input to organize themselves.
Environmental Changes and Equipment for a Sensory Smart Learning Space: Design a quiet area with comfortable cushions and beanbag chairs, headphones with calming music, a study table for kids.
Minimize visual distractions by organizing materials in bins or cabinets. A natural environment with sunlight, green plants, and fish tanks, also promotes a calm learning environment.
Add equipment to your space that will provide both calming and alerting sensory inputs, for example a rocking chair, net or hammock swing, and small exercise trampoline.