Self-Regulation & Sensory Processing
07.23.2014
Are you looking for a simple intervention for use as part of a child’s sensory diet to help with self-regulation? If so, we have a practical and effective tool for you!
Did you know that there is a process that occurs within everyone’s brain and body that organizes the sensory input that he or she receives from their eyes (vision/sight), ears (auditory/hearing), skin (tactile/touch), nose (olfactory/smell), mouth (gustatory/taste), muscles and body joints (proprioception/body position), and inner ear (vestibular/position of head/balance)? This process is known as sensory processing. It makes it possible for your child to use the input he or she is receiving from his or her body and the environment in a functional manner. Multi-sensory integration is necessary for almost every activity that we perform because the combination of multiple sensory input is essential for comprehending our surroundings. This blog will explore Tools to Grow, Inc.'s "Sensory Star" Program, which includes two categories: "Sensory Star" at Home and "Sensory Star" at School.
A child with well developed sensory processing skills has many advantages. He or she may have the ideal foundation for completing daily living tasks, succeeding at school, playing or using leisure time well, and maintaining friendships. Children with challenges in sensory processing may display poor modulation. He or she may over react to sensory input and appear defensive. On the other hand, he or she may under react to sensory input and appear sensory seeking. Finally, he or she may fluctuate between these. Such disturbances can have a negative impact on the child’s life. A preschooler with impairments in sensory processing may have difficulty with daily routines such as riding in the car, sitting at “circle time”, using the climbing toys at the park, and eating meals with the family. A school age child with sensory processing impairments may have difficulty with getting dressed and bathed, riding the school bus, sitting still at their school desk, eating meals in the school cafeteria, and making friends.
The “Sensory Star” illustrations were designed to be easily copied and used by a child. The illustrations provide a visual cue to remind a child to consider using the pictured strategy to achieve or maintain self regulation. “Sensory Star” illustrations include:
- Squeeze a Ball
- Stretch Arms
- Push Fingertips Together
- Give Yourself a Hug
- Hands on Lap
- Hands on Head
- Deep Breath
- Pointer Finger Under Nose
- Chair Push Ups
- Wall Push Ups
- Chew Gum
- Finger to Thumb
The use of these tools can be modified based upon the needs of the child. Ultimately the use of these tools can be faded so the child can self-regulate without the use of the illustrations or an adult’s intervention.
The “Sensory Star” Program is a great tool to:
- Promote self-regulation
- Promote optimal arousal
- Promote a calm body
- Minimize fidgeting and restlessness
- Decrease stress and anxiety
- Improve focus and attention
The “Sensory Star” Program includes two versions based on the child’s environment - school and home.
Be a “Sensory Star” at School - This program includes three product areas:
(1) Teaching Posters – Included is a set of 3 teaching posters. Each 8.5 by 11 inch poster includes 4 different sensory strategies. The illustrations are on the front and written instructions are on the back. While displaying the poster to the child(ren), the adult reads the written instructions to explicitly teach each sensory star strategy. These colorful posters can be displayed to allow for a visual of strategies.
(2) Picture Cards – Included is a set of 12 picture cards. Each 4 by 4 inch card has an attractive, easy to copy image of a different sensory strategy. In addition to the teaching posters, the adult can also use these cards to explicitly teach the strategies to the child(ren). Based upon the needs of the child, the adult will select and customize the most appropriate strategy card(s). Each card can be placed on the table, on a ring, or flip chart to allow for a visual of strategies. These picture cards can be utilized in a variety of school settings, when the child does not have access to the posters or desk strips.
(3) Desk Strips – Included is a set of 12 different desk strips. Each strip measures 10.5 by 2.5 inches. Each strip includes 8 strategies that can be laminated and placed on a child’s desk. These strips aim to promote independence with self-regulation.
Be a “Sensory Star” at Home - This program includes picture cards.
Picture Cards – Included is a set of 12 picture cards. Each 4 by 4 inch card has an attractive, easy to copy image of a different sensory strategy. The parent/caregiver can use these cards to explicitly teach the strategies to the child(ren). Based upon the needs of the child, the adult will select and customize the most appropriate strategy card(s). Each card can be placed on the table, on a ring, or flip chart to allow for a visual of strategies. These picture cards can conveniently be utilized in a variety of home and community settings. It is easy to integrate these sensory strategies into busy schedules, especially if a child is having a particularly hard time during a part of the day, such as morning or bedtime.
"Sensory Star" is a convenient and appealing way to promote self-regulation in both the school and home/community settings. These invaluable resources will provide you with the tools necessary to help with the most important job there is … helping children grow!
Our “Sensory Star” Program can be found here: Tools to Grow, Inc.'s "Sensory Star" Program
Tools to Grow has lots of additional resources regarding Sensory Processing. Read about our Sensory Challenge Educational Series here!
Related Topics: School Based OT, Sensory Processing/Self-Regulation, Tools to Grow at Home , Tools to Grow at School
