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Most people think there are only 5 senses, when in fact there are an additional 3 senses that can help with understanding behaviours.
Have you ever considered the connections between our sensory systems and how behaviours communicate needs?
Our sensory systems develop as a child learns and grows and is naturally done through play.
The different types of play, schemas and loose parts you bring into your environment helps a child develop not only their social, language, physical, emotional and cognitive skills but also their sensory systems.
No other learning can happen unless a child is regulated. This means that feeling safe and comfortable in their bodies will be different for each child.
To understand behaviours with a new perspective, consider reflecting on these aspects:
Behaviours have a deeply rooted connection to our developing sensory systems
These developing sensory systems effect a child’s ability to self-regulate
Providing a learning environment that is conducive to meeting their sensory needs
Often we talk about the need for a child to regulate and understand their emotions and behaviours. But this is no easy task for any child (usually adults too).
For this to happen, it means a child having self-control and higher thinking skills which are part of executive functioning. These skills don’t fully develop until early 20’s!
When a child is struggling, often the child might not fully understand what and why they feel what they feel. Never mind how to resolve it in more socially acceptable way.
Patience is key. But so is our knowledge on how children develop and understanding what their behaviours are communicating.
THE BIG 3 – SENSES THAT HELP WITH BEHAVIOURS
Carol Kranowitz, author of The Out of Sync Child, often talks about THE BIG 3 and to think of these when struggling with self-regulation.
When a child is exhibiting behaviours it is often best to start by looking at the big 3:
Tactile Sense
Proprioceptive Sense
Vestibular Sense
For example, when a child is jumping around while standing in line, this could be the child’s way of self-regulating.
Because the jumping engages the proprioceptive sense from sensory stimulation in their muscles and joints.
For most children this kind of sensory stimulation is calming because standing in line waiting for their turn requires regulation and executive functions.
As many of you know this is a very personal passion of mine to educate others on sensory processing.
Our son has many sensory sensitivities and I completely struggled with knowing what the heck to do.
Expanding my knowledge on sensory processing helped me understand our son and create an inclusive learning environment for all the children to thrive in.
When I learned about our sensory systems and saw the positive effects on our son I began to see the connections and importance for all children.
The idea that our sensory systems develop just as the learning domains inspired me to incorporate this into all areas of my early learning program.
I began to plan for our senses, so that I could nurture and support the development for all the children in a holistic way.
After you watch the video, leave a comment on the blog and share any insights, questions or comments!
INFOGRAPHICS
Use these infographics as a source to refer to in your program and share them with your families.
Simply right click the images to save them to your desktop, or hold your finger on the image and select save on your mobile device. Or pin them on Pinterest!
Supporting Sensory Needs – Online Workshop where I walk you through our 8 senses and what the behaviours might be communicating, I share our sensory journey and provide lots of ways to make accommodations in your environments to support the child.
Lives in the Balance – Find lots of great resources from Dr. Ross Greene to take new perspectives on behaviours and plans to help support the child. www.livesinthebalance.org
Hey there!
I'M VERONICA
I am an Early Childhood Consultant and very passionate about supporting and inspiring my fellow Educators. I will share my reflections and experiences about implementing my philosophy, views, and ideas into my practice.
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VERONICA
POSTED BY:
also known as Ronnie!
SPECIAL NEEDS MOMMA & EARLY CHILDHOOD CONSULTANT
Inspiring and mentoring my fellow educators how to use loose parts to enhance all aspects of their practice. I share my dual roles of educator & momma and how our autistic son has shown me so many new perspectives.
Unlock the possibilities to simplify your planning, become proactive with behaviours & enjoy your role again! I'll guide you to find the beauty in loose parts play.
VERONICA
POSTED BY:
also known as Ronnie!
SPECIAL NEEDS MOMMA &
EARLY CHILDHOOD CONSULTANT
Inspiring and mentoring my fellow educators how to use loose parts to enhance all aspects of their practice. I share my dual roles of educator & momma and how our autistic son has shown me so many new perspectives.
read about my early years journey