Have you been struggling to understand the connection between children’s behaviours and their sensory needs? If you’re like most Early Childhood Educators, you’re probably overwhelmed by the complexities of behaviours and I want to introduce a new perspective, one about sensory processing and behaviour.

If you’re a visual learner, today is your lucky day!

The infographics below break down the three most crucial senses that impact behaviour as Dr. Carol Kranowitz calls them the Big 3—tactile, proprioceptive, and vestibular—so you can better understand and support the children in your care.

A Quick Overview of Sensory Processing and Behaviour

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. 

These infographics bring the concept of sensory processing to life in an easy-to-understand way, focusing on how the tactile, proprioceptive, and vestibular senses directly impact children’s behaviour.

If you take a closer look at the tactile sense section of the infographic, you’ll see how important it is for children to feel comfortable with touch to regulate their emotions and actions. A child who seems overly sensitive to textures may struggle with certain activities, leading to behaviours that can be challenging to know what to do.

One thing that really stands out is how the proprioceptive sense—which helps children understand their body’s position in space—can be calmed through activities like jumping or pushing. Fascinating, right? Understanding this could inspire you to incorporate more proprioceptive activities into your daily routine to help children self-regulate.

Finally, the vestibular sense is crucial for balance and spatial orientation. When a child spins, swings, or rocks, they’re often seeking vestibular input to feel more centered and secure. Recognizing these behaviours as sensory needs rather than disruptions can transform your approach to managing them.

The Tactile Sense: How It Affects Behaviour

Signs of Tactile Sensitivity in Children

Children with tactile sensitivities might react strongly to certain textures, leading to behaviours that engage a seeking or avoiding response.  For example, my little guy would always be scratching different items as he was seeking out the different textures.   

How to Support the Tactile Sense in Your Classroom

Incorporate a variety of textures in your classroom, such as soft fabrics, smooth surfaces, and textured toys, to help children explore and regulate their tactile needs.  One very economical idea is a sensory path with using towels, tin foil and old dvd’s taped to the floor for exploration.

This was the first sense I learned about that started my journey to discovering connections between sensory processing and behaviour, which you can read about in the blog, Our Sensory Journey.

The Proprioceptive Sense: Understanding Its Role in Self-Regulation

Recognizing Proprioceptive-Seeking Behaviours

Children who are proprioceptive seekers may frequently engage in behaviours like jumping, pushing, or carrying heavy objects to satisfy their need for sensory input. For example, my little guy would run back and forth in a line and crashing into a wall during pick-up time. He was getting impact in his joints which was helping him cope during a busy transition.

Incorporating Proprioceptive Activities in Daily Routines

Simple activities like obstacle courses, heavy work tasks, or tight hugs/squeezes can help children feel more centered and calm.  Don’t forget about all the wonderful sensory stimulation that is provided with loose parts variables and the dynamic aspect they bring for children.  So this means that filling up boxes or carts with rocks and tree cookies helps children engage in heavy work…ultimately helping with self-regulation.

The Vestibular Sense: Why It Matters in Early Childhood

Common Vestibular Needs in Early Childhood

Some children may seek vestibular input through spinning, swinging, or rocking, which helps them maintain equilibrium and emotional stability.  If a child is avoiding actions in this sense, they might be more sedentary or avoid specific play.  For example, my little guy didn’t like going upside-down and doesn’t much too this day.  

Creating a Vestibular-Friendly Environment

Consider adding swings, balance beams, or rocking chairs to your learning environment to support children’s vestibular needs effectively.  We liked to use tape on the floor or wooden planks as a balance beam.  Scooters and wobble boards also help to engage the vestibular sense.

My 3 Favourite Insights From These Infographics

The biggest takeaway for me is how interconnected these senses are with a child’s ability to manage their emotions and behaviours. Understanding this connection between sensory processing and behaviour allows us to create more supportive environments.

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.

• Tactile Sense: Don’t overlook the impact of touch on behaviour. Something as simple as offering a variety of textures in the classroom can make a big difference.
• Proprioceptive Sense: This sense is easily misunderstood, but it’s key to helping children feel grounded. Activities that engage muscles and joints can be very calming.
• Vestibular Sense: Never skip opportunities for movement. Swings, balance beams, and rocking chairs aren’t just fun—they’re essential for some children to feel stable and focused.

Whenever I learn something about sensory processing, I always think about how it applies to my practice. For instance, when I noticed my son constantly seeking out movement, I realized that providing him with more vestibular input was crucial for his emotional well-being.

Why Sensory Processing is Key to Understanding Behaviour

Understanding these three senses isn’t just about managing behaviours—it’s about creating an environment where all children can thrive. By tuning into their sensory needs, you can reduce frustration (both theirs and yours) and create a more harmonious classroom.

For example, a fellow educator found that by incorporating more sensory-friendly activities into her day, she was able to reduce the number of behavioural incidents significantly. This not only made her job easier but also created a more positive learning experience for the children.

Online Workshop for Early Childhood Educators

Are you looking for more tips on understanding and supporting sensory needs in your classroom? Join my upcoming online workshop, “Supporting Sensory Needs,” on September 19 + 26, 2024. You’ll dive deep into these concepts and learn practical strategies that you can implement right away. Registration will open soon!

Quick Recap

Through these infographics, I hope you’ve learned how the tactile, proprioceptive, and vestibular senses play a crucial role in understanding behaviours. Most surprisingly, simple adjustments to your environment can make a big difference in helping children feel more regulated.

To understand sensory processing and 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

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 and behaviour helped me understand our son and create an inclusive learning environment for all the children to thrive in.

Here at Cultivating Confidence, we’re committed to helping Early Childhood Educators create supportive, sensory-friendly environments.

Want more insights on how to create a sensory-friendly classroom? Check out my blog on “Creating Sensory Nooks & Quiet Spaces”.

If you want more Cultivating Confidence – EYC in your life, join my email list for the latest updates and resources!

LINKS MENTIONED

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