Sensory at Home Ms. Daniels & Mrs. Klein Parent Training #2 Sensory at Home Ms. Daniels & Mrs. Klein Greenwood Elementary School 11412 Dryden Road Princess Anne, MD 21853 Phone: 410-651-0931 Princess Anne Elementary School 11576 Lankford Street Princess Anne, MD 21853 Phone: 410-651-0481

What is a sensory processing disorder?

Sensory Integration activities help your child maximize: Daily function Intellectual, social, and emotional development Development of positive self-esteem Mind and body which is ready for learning Positive interactions in the world around them Achievement of normal developmental milestones

Daily Routine When creating a sensory diet for your home, it is important to fit the activity into your typical daily routine or it will be a struggle to maintain a daily diet. It is important that you first attempt the activity with your child to see how they react Some children are over sensitive and may not react positively to the action If a child is showing fear or distress they should not be forced to participate Have a menu of activities to choose Often times a child will fluctuate between likes/dislikes It is important to remember that no two children are alike, so if you are planning a sensory diet for multiple children, make sure you take into account individual needs

Natural Sensory Experiences Bath Time – Scrub with washcloth or brush Use bar soap vs. body wash Write on the wall with shaving cream or foam Use lotion after bath (deep massage) Use baby powder and rub in to body Cooking – Let them mix ingredients (even when it is thick) Roll or press dough Help carry pots, pans, bowls of water, or other ingredients Tenderize meat with a meat mallet Grocery Shopping – Push cart and/or carry items

Natural Sensory Experiences Mealtime – Encourage eating chewy foods Drink from straw Allow to sit on an air cushion to allow movement Use a weighted lap blanket Household Chores – Allow to help vacuum Allow to push/move heavy furniture Help carry laundry basket Help digging outside

Sensory ‘Play’ At Home Playing on the playground Taking a hike May have to model how to appropriately play on equipment Taking a hike Blowing bubbles Rolling on a big ball Wheelbarrow walking Sitting in rocking chair/bean bag Hanging upside down Taco game Roll child in a blanket with head sticking out Pretend to put toppings on their back (pillows or other lighter objects)

Resources Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children With Sensory Processing Disorder by Lucy Jane Miller and Janice Roetenberg No Longer a Secret: Unique Common Sense Strategies for Children with Sensory or Motor Challenges by Doreit Bialer and Lucy Jane Miller Starting Sensory Integration Therapy by Bonnie Arnwine 101 Activities for Kids in Tight Spaces by Carol Stock Kranowitz The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun: Activities for Kids With Sensory Integration Dysfunction by Carol Stock Kranowitz