Occupational Therapists have been studying and treating sensory integration for many years using both remedial and compensatory strategies to treat people. (Bodison & Parham, 2018). Additionally, practice standards state that as an occupational therapy practitioner, we may intervene within the dimensions of the person, their environment and in the occupation itself. A person’s environment might be physical, social, societal, cultural, economic and/or attitudinal (RCOT).
Before watching the Education mini-series, please watch our What is Sensory Integration? video mini-series. This will provide you with an explanation of sensory integration, and self-regulation as well as demonstrate activities to support arousal levels. Some of these activities can also be used in classrooms.
The education mini-series will provide you with an opportunity to notice when your pupil responds differently to sensory input, understand how it may impact on their behaviours and ability to effectively perform in school.
From watching this video, we aim:
- To increase your confidence in recognising and meeting your pupils' sensory needs
- Provide ideas for strategies and equipment that can be used in a classroom
- Provide you with an individual problem-solving tool that can be used when considering a problem
- Look at the school environment from a sensory perspective
- Provide information on general principles and strategies which could support a whole school
- Provide ideas on how to set up a sensory smart classroom
- Provide some resources/equipment ideas that can be used in a classroom
- Provide you with further useful reading and resources
Transcripts of the video clips can be dowloaded and printed:
Other options to explore;
- Feel Good Box
- Heavy Work Activities
- Tactile System
- Hand Warm Up
- Move n'Sit - How To Video
- Chewing
- Sensory Circuits in Schools
- Equipment List
- Gudiance for Ear Defenders
- Gudiance for Weighted Equipment
Please see the Sensory Resources Section for further reources and information