Sensory Inclusive Schools

In the bustling environment of a school, students are constantly navigating a myriad of sensory inputs while striving to maintain focus and emotional equilibrium. Understanding the link between self-regulation and a student's unique sensory profile can give you insights into how to adjust schedules and environments for a better learning experience for your students. So, for a more sensory-friendly classroom, let's explore self-regulation in school and discover the magic of co-regulation. 

Self-Regulation in the Classroom

Self-regulation is the ability to understand and manage our behaviours and reactions. This, in turn, impacts our ability to focus on daily tasks. Self-regulation occurs within our central nervous system and includes our ability to consciously and automatically regulate our emotions, stress response, alertness and attention. You can help students boost their self-regulation skills because, from managing distractions to staying alert during lessons, self-regulation plays a pivotal role in academic success and overall well-being.

Co-Regulation: A Collaborative Approach

Yet, self-regulation doesn't happen in isolation. Teachers, SENCos, Teaching Assistants and Learning Support Assistants play a crucial role in fostering co-regulation, a collaborative process where staff support students in managing their emotions and behaviours. You can help students develop effective self-regulation strategies by providing a nurturing and structured environment. Whether it's through implementing mindfulness exercises, creating sensory-friendly classrooms, or offering personalised support, co-regulation strengthens the student-teacher bond while promoting emotional resilience and academic achievement.

Your Own Self-Regulation Skills

As educators and support staff, it's important for you to consider your own self-regulation capacities if you are to support your students' self-regulation skills effectively. Are you able to recognise and manage your own emotions and reactions during stressful interactions with students? Can you reflect on your beliefs and perceptions regarding student behaviours? Do you have techniques for self-calming and responding compassionately to students, such as deep breathing or positive self-talk?

By practising self-regulation, you will maintain a sense of calm during challenging situations and serve as a role model for students, demonstrating healthy coping mechanisms. We recognise that navigating stressful interactions amidst the demands of teaching can be demanding. You may find it beneficial to seek support, practice self-care, and receive guidance from peers, mentors, or mental health professionals to cultivate your own resilience and emotional well-being. 

Self-Regulation and Sensory Processing

Sensory processing refers to how our body receives and interprets incoming stimuli through our senses. You'll also see it referred to as sensory integration. It's our brain's way of understanding the world around us and what's happening inside us - and whether to react to or ignore that information.

We all experience differences in how our brain and body deal with sensory input, but some people's differences make everyday activities hard. Their sensory processing differences may mean they under or overreact to sensory input. It can also mean that they have differences in how they plan and coordinate their movements. Sensory processing lays the foundation for essential activities like socialising, learning, and engaging with the environment.

How Sensory Processing Can Impact Self-Regulation

Challenges arising from sensory processing differences can manifest in various ways, from heightened sensitivity to certain stimuli to difficulties focusing and regulating emotions. For instance, a student who struggles with auditory processing may find it challenging to filter out background noise, leading to increased stress levels and difficulty concentrating.

Research indicates that such challenges can significantly impact a student's ability to regulate emotions and behaviour effectively. For example, heightened sensory reactivity may trigger a fight-or-flight response, making it challenging for students to stay calm and focused in the classroom.

Creating a Supportive Environment

As educators, it's imperative to create a supportive environment that addresses the diverse sensory needs of students. Simple adjustments, such as providing noise-cancelling headphones or offering sensory breaks, can significantly promote self-regulation and academic success. Additionally, fostering a culture of understanding and acceptance encourages students to advocate for their needs and develop self-regulation skills that serve them well beyond the classroom. Promoting self-regulation in school really is a win-win.

Fostering self-regulation and sensory integration in schools is not merely about academic performance; it's about nurturing the holistic development of students. By embracing a collaborative approach via co-regulation and implementing strategies that support sensory needs, you can transform a student's experience of school. 

Take Action Today with Sensory Inclusive Schools 

If you would like support in implementing practical strategies to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for students with sensory processing differences, we are here for you. 

Deployable at both the universal and targeted levels of support, Sensory Inclusive Schools is designed to work for and with schools where resources and access to sensory integration experts are limited.

Sensory Inclusive Schools combines high-quality training and ongoing support from qualified sensory integration-trained therapists to help educational settings create environments and curriculums that support all students' unique sensory profiles.

You will have access to live online peer support drop-in sessions where you can ask for advice from a sensory integration practitioner as well as other educators. For rapid answers and support, post in the most relevant community of learning forum to your job role, and we guarantee a response from a sensory expert within three working days. The Sensory Inclusive Schools package includes on-demand training and access to downloadable resources you can immediately use in your school. 

Find out more about how Sensory Inclusive Schools can support you to support your students.

References

_{Cohn, E. S., Kramer, J., Schub, J. A., & May-Benson, T. (2014). Parents' Explanatory Models and Hopes for Outcomes of Occupational Therapy Using a Sensory Integration Approach. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68(4), 454. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.010843}