Charlotte Verity Professional Learning (School Based)

 Sensory Profile Each child brings their sensory profile with them everywhere they go, including to school. Adults also have a sensory profile, and this impacts their preferences, needs and how (well) they operate in different environments.  When we understand a child's sensory profile, we can plan with these in mind. We can tailor planning and make adaptations to better accommodate a child's sensory profile, thereby providing a more engaging and happier learning environment.  e.g. someone who is vestibular seeking would likely benefit from frequent movement breaks, yoga or stretching during learning, using a standing desk etc.  We can also use this insight in supporting our colleagues, by observing, noting and allowing for their sensory needs. Full presentation by Elisa McConnochie Classroom Guide: what sensory profiles look like in terms of behaviour and needs Strategies teachers can use to accommodate student's sensory profiles

We have 3 other sensory zones, on top of the 5 traditional one. Vestibular: our ability to maintain balance and body posture. Strategies: wobble stool, wobble cushion, hanging upside down on playground equipment, rocking on a swiss ball, yoga activities. Proprioceptive: our ability to sense the position, location, orientation and movement of the body and its parts. What does it look like?  Frequent hiding, chewing, often rough play.  Strategies: Heavy work activities - running, jumping, swinging, climbing, weighted blanket Interoceptive: provides information about our internal sensory system. What does it look like?  not knowing when to drink, go to toilet, eat etc. Frequent moving/fidgety, possible melt downs, may find managing body a challenge.  Strategies: guided noticing of what our bodies look, sound and feel like when we’re thirsty, hungry, hot/cold and experiencing big emotions. Calming activities, breathing exercises, yoga - stretching, visua...

Resource:  Incredible Teachers  by Carolyn Webster-Stratton, PH D Chapter 11,12,13 & IYT Workshop 3.8.17 A child needs to have conflict management skills and social problem solving skills to help them regulate their emotions. Children who have difficulty emotionally regulating may also have trouble reading social situations and cues (p. 406 of text). When a child acts out/yells/hits frequently etc (cannot emotionally regulate), this will often result in negative social experiences and possible alienation/loneliness. This child then does not have the peers to practise positive social skills with, and they may become 'labelled' as difficult, defiant etc. Teachers can try to stop this by sharing praise publicly and personally with the child, being explicit with praise, social coaching, connecting with parents and maintaining positive self-talk//thought about that child.  Emotional regulation includes: * Nervous system * Cognitive (reasoning) and language systems ...