Our Sensory Family May 2024: Sensory Integration in School
Sensory Integration in School
Welcome to the May issue of Our Sensory Family where this month we're focusing on Sensory Integration in School!
Challenges in processing sensory information can significantly impact a child’s educational experience. With 1 in 6 children having sensory processing differences that make it hard to learn and function in school, it’s likely there are undetected and unsupported sensory needs in many classrooms today.
In this month's newsletter, we've put together useful information, articles, books, and product ideas to help better inform ourselves of how sensory processing differences can affect our children’s and adolescents’ behaviour and learning at school as well as useful tips and suggestions on how we as parents and carers can help make their school experience a more enjoyable one!
News & Features
How to Advocate for Your Child's Sensory Needs at School
School can be a challenging environment for children, especially those with sensory processing differences and additional needs. From noisy classrooms and bright lights to uncomfortable uniforms, or activities that are challenging for children with gross and fine motor difficulties, the school day can be overwhelming.
Whilst there are many things that you can do at home to prepare your child for school, you can’t control what happens during the school day. In order for the school to be able to make changes to better meet your child’s sensory needs, they need to understand how sensory processing can affect behaviour and participation in school activities.
In our ‘How to Advocate for Your Child’s Sensory Needs at School’ guide, we set out some suggestions and recommendations on how to keep your child’s school informed about their sensory needs and what else you can be doing to help the school understand what sensory integration and processing is all about and, crucially, what sensory processing differences can look like in schools.
5 Playground Activities for Sensory Regulation
Playgrounds offer a wealth of sensory benefits for young people of all ages, making them invaluable spaces for both recreation and development. Through activities like climbing, ziplining, sliding, and utilising outdoor gym equipment like the cross-country skier and rower, individuals can engage in proprioceptive, vestibular and bilateral coordination exercises.
In this blog post, we look at 5 popular pieces of playground and outdoor gym equipment and how these not only offer physical benefits such as strength-building and endurance but also contribute to sensory regulation and overall well-being.
Sensory Snapshot: Exam Stress and Sensory Processing
Exam time is upon us for schools and colleges in the UK. While this can be a stressful time for all students, it can be particularly challenging for those with sensory processing differences.
In this month’s Sensory Snapshot blog, SIE’s Lelanie Brewer looks at how exam season can impact young people with differing sensory needs and suggests ways we as parents and their schools can support them to prepare for exams and cope in an exam environment.
Find out more by reading the full blog here.
School Supply Suggestions for Children with Fine Motor Challenges
Navigating the school environment can present unique challenges for children with fine motor difficulties. From holding a pencil to using scissors, these tasks can become overwhelming and hinder a child's academic progress. However, the learning experience can be significantly enhanced with the right supplies. In this blog post, we'll explore a range of school supplies specifically designed to support children with fine motor challenges.
Also see:
Gloucestershire charity announces UK's first equine-facilitated sensory room for SEND children
Worthing High School special support centre gets over £2.4m funding
Government’s investment in new special schools ‘may be too little too late’
Award recognises museum's support for autistic visitors
Mabel Prichard School pupils begin creating sensory mural
Derbyshire man's mission to aid autistic people in Ukraine war
Resources
We've curated articles, guides and blogs focused on this month's theme of sensory integration in school including:
- How Sensory Processing Issues Affect Kids in School
- How to Help Your Autistic Child Relax After School
- ADHD in Teens: How Symptoms Manifest as Unique Challenges for Adolescents and Young Adults
See our latest resources ideas here.
Books and Product Ideas
Every month we bring you a selection of books and sensory products covering all ages. If there’s a particular book or product you’d like us to feature, let us know! Find out what we have lined up for you this month...
Discounts & Special Offers
We've negotiated these exciting discounts for our Sensory Help Now family!
Please quote DISCOUNT CODE SIE20 for 10% discount on Southpaw orders up to £100. Orders must be placed by phone on +44 (0) 115 718 0020.
Please quote DISCOUNT CODE SIE15 for 15% discount on sensooli.com (Excludes membership and advent boxes).
FREE delivery and set-up (worth up to £250, England and Wales only) on purchases of the omiVista+ and a FREE interactive ball games package worth up to £500. To access this special offer, mention you are an SIE Member when placing your order with OMI.
5% DISCOUNT on purchases of 3 items or more. Orders must be placed by phone and mention you are an SIE member to access this special offer when you are placing your order.
Please quote DISCOUNT CODE SIE2210 for 10% discount when ordering from the online Sensory Smart Store.
Best wishes,
Sensory Help Now
NB: Sensory Help Now is not responsible for the content on external websites. Sharing a resource does not imply endorsement by Sensory Help Now.
