Lesson 1: What is sensory?
Objective
Learners will identify the history of sensory and its' development into today's classroom by answering a series of multiple choice questions.
Scenario 1
Mrs. Johnson is teaching a science lesson on Habitats to her first grade students. While she is teaching she notices that one of her students, Michael, is constantly fidgeting in his seat and tapping on the desk. At one point, he is moving around so much he falls out of his seat! This has lately become a daily issue with Michael. How should Mrs. Johnson handle this situation? (Please note that there is no right or wrong answer, just to simply get a glimpse into your initial response to this question. We will return to this situation again toward the end of the course).
Remember: This symbol is here to remind you to jot down notes in your reference guide!
Introduction
Sensory integration can be defined as both a theory of neurological function (of the mind) as well as the process of the human body and mind interacting with the environment (Merrilee, 2009). As you will begin to see throughout this course, integrating sensory exercises in the classroom can play such a crucial role in improving learning and focus for many students. This first lesson will explain to you the foundation of sensory integration- where and by whom sensory integration was first discovered and how it developed into the role in plays in our classroom environment today.
Investigation
1. Watch:Importance of Sensory Integration
2. Read: Here you will find a link to some important information on the history of sensory, what sensory integration is, as well as some useful descriptions of how human beings process various sensory input.
3. Answer: Now it's time to put what you've learned about Sensory Integration to use. The following is a short quiz to test you on the information you've learned. Good luck! Unit 1 Lesson 1 Quiz
Application
Throughout this mini-course, you will be working on creating your personal reference guide that will also include a section on specific notes/facts on sensory integration that you will need to record. To apply what you have learned in Lesson 1, please make sure you have included notes on the following:
- Define sensory integration
- List the 3 types of sensory input that make up the Sensory Integration approach and define them.
Reflection
Use the discussion page for Lesson 1 to write a short reflection on what you have learned and any questions you may have and hope to have answered in upcoming lessons. Your reflection should include:
- What you have learned about sensory integration
- Any questions you may have on what you have learned
- What you want to learn more about involving sensory integration
Once you are finished with your reflection, you may move on to Lesson 2: Is sensory only used in special education?
References
Graphic of notepad and pencil. n.d. [File: Images-8.jpg]. Image courtesy of blog.roodoo.com
Merrilee, A. (2009). Definition of sensory integration. www.disabled-world.com/definitions/sensory-integration.php
Pathwaysawareness. (2013, May 14). Importance of sensory integration [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_Iuj8dr9oY
Photograph of girl. n.d. [File:Sensory-services.129181937 std.jpg]. Image courtesy of sensoryfun.com
Sensory integration graphic. n.d. [File:SI.jpg]. Image courtesy of gettingsorted.com