We had our first "real" snow here a few days ago. By "real", I mean snow that stuck to the ground and left evidence of its visit. The snow we had in October was more of a tourist snow. It visited, we saw it briefly and by the time the sun came up, it was gone. This snow stayed for awhile and along with it came some pretty frigid weather.
As a seasoned teacher, I view major weather changes the same way I view full moons. They have the capability to create huge shifts in behavior. What better way to alleviate the challenges of that than with sensory play?
As a seasoned teacher, I view major weather changes the same way I view full moons. They have the capability to create huge shifts in behavior. What better way to alleviate the challenges of that than with sensory play?
This is the time of year where we can really expand what we do. I looked at our "works" to see what to expand and the sensory tub popped out at me. We've had a little sensory tub as a choice during our 1:1 period the entire year. It was just some expired dried beans and rice with random treasures hidden in it. It's definitely one of the most popular choices and something the kids enjoy doing alone and in pairs. I've also pulled it out when one of my friends seems to be having a particularly challenging day. It's quite a soothing mixture of items. I even find myself unconsciously running my hands through it when the lid is left open.
My ideas came from my observation of the choices they've been making during our Quest Rest period. Their favorite quiet activities are the Hidden Pictures from the High Five magazine and scouring through the classic I Spy books.
Taking those books as inspiration I decided to add a little counting and reading practice into the play. I drew a map of what to find on the lid of the sensory box and hid a slew of new treasures inside.
My ideas came from my observation of the choices they've been making during our Quest Rest period. Their favorite quiet activities are the Hidden Pictures from the High Five magazine and scouring through the classic I Spy books.
Taking those books as inspiration I decided to add a little counting and reading practice into the play. I drew a map of what to find on the lid of the sensory box and hid a slew of new treasures inside.
My son spent the weekend exploring it since he was stuck in the house. It's always interesting to see how the addition of the map, numbers, and picture reading expands their play and provides new learning opportunities. My son started creating songs and stories from what was hidden inside.
A sensory diet is a wonderful and fun way to manage challenging behavior in a group or individual setting because the integration of a sensory diet prevents the behaviors. Managing a classroom environment of 3-6 year old kids can be tricky as the cold weather pushes us indoors. I'll be sure to keep you up with how we're doing.
