“I really liked making the sensory walk with Ms. S. We used colored tape on the floor to walk and jump across. I like to take breaks from the classroom to move my body.” -Tomy, Grade 2
Not many venture down past the Elementary School Library through the corridor where the building meets the playground, but if you have recently, you can’t help but notice the colorful and tempting path that challenges our body and mind. Meet Tomas, a grade 2 student who demonstrated learner agency and helped with the creation of this tool.
Jane Ayres, American Occupational Therapist, Educational Psychologist and advocate, helped develop meaningful research in the areas of sensory integration. Sensory integration is the process of organizing sensory inputs so that the brain produces a useful body response and useful perceptions, emotions, and thoughts.” (Ayres, 1979, p. 28)
As children grow, they are exposed to a variety of stimuli and learn how to respond. Just as learning is not the same for everyone, nor are the ways in which everyone receives and responds to the world around. Sometimes students need a break to move their body and stimulate their senses and exercises like this help in many areas of their development.
AISB’s sensory walk is one of many ways that we encourage the opportunity for cognitive growth to promote positive development for our students. Venture down and try it with your child! 🙂
Related Articles:
Sensory Processing – Kid Sense Child Development
Sensory Processing Development Chart
Refences:
- Ayres, A. J. (1972). Sensory integration and learning disorders. Los Angeles, CA: Western Psychological Services.
- Ayres, A. J. (1979). Sensory integration and the child. Los Angeles: Western Psychological Services
