Lesson 2: Is sensory only used in special education?
Objective
Learners will reflect on the importance of sensory use in the general education classroom through written response.
Introduction
All children process environmental sensory input in different ways, and children's individual sensory processing patterns and needs may impact their performance in the classroom. In certain instances, children's sensory needs may have a negative impact that interferes with their academic performance, their ability to stay alert and pay attention in the classroom, and their overall daily functioning. However, this problem may be addressed by the use of sensory-based activities (Worthen, 2009).
The benefits of using sensory in the classroom can reach the needs of all learners. Differentiated instruction is something that is instilled in classrooms so often nowadays. By reaching out to the various multiple intelligences of our students through the use of sensory, we can ensure their needs are being met as efficiently as possible. The creation and design of the general education classroom environment should be based around supporting the sensory intelligences of all learners. These strategies are suggested through coordination of the student's sensory profile. By creating a sensory responsive classroom environment, the intelligences of all learners are addressed (Carbone, 2001).
Often when the mention of sensory integration is brought up in a school setting, it is typically in the sense that it is used with children who receive special education services. However, as the previous paragraph tells us, this is not the sole place that sensory integration can be used. So many students who are learning in the general education setting can benefit from sensory integration in so many ways to improve focus and help them with staying alert and engaged with their daily routine. A variety of sensory strategies can be incorporated in the general education setting, the following are just a few simple examples:
- Having students use a pencil grip when writing to help with fine motor focus
- Regulation of classroom lighting
- Use of music during transitional periods
- Having students sit on an inflated ball at their desk to maintain balance and focus
- Incorporating music and dance into lessons to help with attention
- Utilizing Brain Gym or other kinesthetic exercises to help redirect focus and stimulate attention
Investigation
1. Watch: The following short video clip will provide you with some of the simple ways that sensory can be used in a general education setting: Sensory in the Classroom
2. Read: Several sensory uses and other tips for helping improve student focus in the general education classroom: GenEd Accomodations
Application
To apply what you have learned in Lesson 2, you will be assessed in this lesson's reflection section. In order to be fully prepared, please make sure you have notes on the following:
- Examples of how sensory is used in a general education setting
- How sensory benefits students who learn in a general education setting
- Any additional information that you feel may benefit your learning in this course and the application of sensory integration in your own classroom.
Reflection
Use the discussion page for Lesson 2 to write a 1 paragraph (4-5 sentences) reflection in which you first summarize what you learned on how sensory integration is used in general education, and then reflect on how the knowledge you obtained in this lesson will effect your own classroom. You must include information such as:
- At least 2 reasons why sensory integration is important to use in a general education setting, as well as examples of how it could be used. (Feel free to even use examples from any of the pictures of sensory integration you've seen so far in this course!)
- Reflection on how you could possibly use this information in your own classroom.
Once you are finished with your reflection, you're ready to move on to the 2nd unit of this mini course! Hopefully you're starting to make sense of and enjoy learning about all things sensory! Now onto the next lesson... Lesson 3: How can sensory be used as a behavior management tool?
References
Carbone, E. (2001). Arranging the classroom with an eye (and ear) to students with ADHD. Teaching Exceptional Children, 34(2), 72-80.
Graphic of notepad and pencil. n.d. [File: Images-8.jpg]. Image courtesy of blog.roodoo.com
Photograph of teacher and students. n.d. [File:Circletime-fun.jpg]. Image courtesy of sensorysmarts.com
Porteracadamy2000. (2011, January 21). Sensory strategies in the classroom [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZorX_RkuXg
Worthen, E. (2010). Sensory-based interventions in the general education classroom. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, and Early Intervention, 3(1), 76-94.