Sensory Based Classroom

[ALLISA]

Hey all.....

Erin will be 6 in February. At the end of last year I was pretty sure she would NOT be ready for kindergarten (and sadly I was right).....she stayed in preschool and she needed the extra time....she is making much progress.....but I wish it was quicker !

She had been in the same room with same teachers for 3 years and to be honest I was looking forward to a change in atmosphere hopefully bringing out a change in Erin. Not that I have complaints about her class.... I LOVE it.....but also felt that a change would do her some good.

So her teacher called last week about the possibility of changing her room and lead teacher and (keeping my fingers crossed for luck) I think it is going to be a real good fit for her !

It is still a preschool class (not intergrated) but ALL the kids have sensory issues so every portion of their day has sensory stuff in it.....they ALL do brushing, joint compressions and lotion at the SAME time....like a little circle time !! LOL

Then they sit for an activity....then they do a sensory walk, then sit for an activity, then they do sensory stuff like swinging or jumping, then an activity....you get the point......it's half sitting & focusing and half sensory feedback.

I think it will be great for her.....has anyone else been in a class that paid such attention to sensory needs.....did you find it helpful.....

Sometimes I worry that "giving in" to the sensory stuff makes her then want it even more (erin's "issues" with sensory are that she is a SEEKER...not AVERSION) But I also know that if she DOESN"T get the sensory stuff she is seeking...she can't concentrate, etc.....

So wish us luck ! And if you have been in a class setting like this or have any other suggestiopns.....lpost up ! ;D

[Jessie]

Could you find out who some of the other kids are in that class now and talk to their parents? Sounds like it's a program that would work great, but I can understand your concern too.


Jessie

[Connie]

Allisa,

Collin will be 6 in February too!!! I knew he was not ready for kindy at the end of last year too and refused to let him go on.....Even though the school was not happy with me.

Collin had been with the same teacher for 3 years. We changed schools this year...whole new place and people. I can't tell you enough about how much that helped him. He has made huge leaps and bounds. The biggest place of improvement we have seen is in his speech!!! Completely amazing.

I think this will be a good experience for her!!!

Connie

[momofrussell]

OH Allisa.. that class sounds great!!!! Russell has had sensory type stuff like that back when we replaced him in Illinois.. and one of the schools we looked at before we just replaced him recently.. was alot of sensory stuff too. Russell is very sensory driven but I do understand your need to maybe minimize it?

I think with the right teacher and training Erin could benifit alot from it. I would say maybe if too much is a concern... make sure it's conveyed and written in the IEP just how much sensory stuff you want her to have. Just because all the kids get "brushing therapy" doesn't mean she needs it KWIM? (using that as an example.) I'd say if she needs it to stay on task the take advantage of it for those times. Have you seen the class? I'd love to hear more!!!

A.

[ALLISA]

oh yes, Miss Erin NEEDS the brushing !! LOL

We have done it off & on since about the age of 1.....I would do it regular then would kind of fall by the way-side and every time it has been re-intorduced I see the difference it makes in her.

Right now ( and it is in her IEP) she gets brushed a couple times a day...but she is the ONLY one in her current class.....that's why I thought it was cool that they ALL do it together twice a day !!

I have seen the class and it is very organized very structured.....yes that seems strange to say especially with all the sensory "fun" they incorporate in.

I was a little bummed to realize that she is still with "younger" kids.....but that is what she needs for now.....so that is just what I have to come to terms with myself. Even though she is chronoligically the oldest one there, developmentally she is below the other kids

But I am happy to try something new and I do think she will beneift greatly.....Monday is her first day so I'll let you all know how it goes

Allisa

[andrewsmom]

THat class seems awesome! I also do brushing and the joint compressions with Andrew. He was sick last week and I kind of let it go. We started it again Sunday, and I have to say it really makes a difference with him. He is calmer and so much more focused. He'll also let me hand over hand help him which cuts way down on the fustration for him.
I hope this new class goes good for her. Let us know. Good luck!!
-Trisha

[momofrussell]

Well Cool then Allisa!!!!! Sounds like a great place! I can't wait to hear more!!!! BRUSHING AND ALL!!!!

A.

[ValerieC]

Can I be a part of her classroom? It sounds perfect for me too!

Actually, it sounds like a great place!