# data[].attributes.headline
When supporting early childhood, it is important to focus on developing social skills alongside academic and cognitive abilities. 

# data[].attributes.subject
When supporting early childhood, it is important to focus on developing social skills alongside academic and cognitive abilities. 

# data[].attributes.body
Many of the skills and strategies need to be explicitly taught, reviewed and practiced with regularity in order for a child to build competencies.

# data[].attributes.body
The classroom environment plays a crutial role in supporting students. An organized space with visuals and dedicated spaces can significantly enhance the learning experience.

# data[].attributes.body
Active listening involves maintaining eye contact, facing the speaker and responding apprpriately.  These skills need to be explicitly taught and practiced. Mindful activities like "Superpower Listening" provide engaging ways to practice listening.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Superpower Listening | Cosmic Kids Zen Den - Mindfulness for kids

# data[].attributes.headline
Sensory work as an early intervention strategy

# data[].attributes.subject
Sensory work as an early intervention strategy

# data[].attributes.body
Focuses on addressing sensory processing difficulties and supprts a childs abilit to organize and interpret sensory input from the environment. It can also help a child improve their ability to self-regulate. Sensory interventions can be done as stand alone work or integrated into other literacy, numeracy, etc. activities.

# data[].attributes.body
Can help desensitize or modulate a childs response to sensory input.

# data[].attributes.body
Sensory work allows for the identification of specific sensitivities and aversons and provides targeted interventions to help to reduce anxiety and improve overall sensory comfort.

# data[].attributes.body
Providing (structured and unstructured) opportunities for children to interact and form friendships increases a childs sense of belonging and confidence.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
"Flaptacular" combines early numeracy skills and the benefits of game play.

# data[].attributes.body
Taking turns, exercising patience, following rules, problem solving, winning & losing, and emotional regulation.

# data[].attributes.headline
Early interventions for literacy and numeracy require individualized and multisensory activities that cater to the specific needs of the child. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Early interventions for literacy and numeracy require individualized and multisensory activities that cater to the specific needs of the child. 

# data[].attributes.body
Strategies and activities that can help are multisensory learning, visual supports, repetition, using manipulatives, sensory activities, interactive technology, phonics and word work as well as read alouds and shared reading activities.

# data[].attributes.body
Emotional recognition and self regulation helps children to recognize and understand their own feelings as well as the feelings of others.

This year we have used the Zones of Regulation as well as mindfulness, read alouds and visual aids to teach students to recognize feelings.

Through guidance lessons and in-class activities we teach and practice strategies for emotional regulation.

# data[].attributes.body
Using the appropriate technology tools can include text-to-speech software, speech recognition tools, graphic organizers and adaptive devices that promote independence.

Unite For Literacy is a free resource to support multiple language learners in the classroom. www.uniteforliteracy.com

# data[].attributes.body
Strategies for emotional regulation - supported by visual aids to remind students of choices they can make when they're feeling overwhelmed.

# data[].attributes.body
Different breathing techniques can help us to calm down, refocus or bring fresh energy back into our minds and bodies.

This bumblebee breath helps soothe the nervous system, calm anxious minds and relax the whole body.

# data[].attributes.body
Taking turns during activities, playing cooperative games, sharing materials, etc. helps students develop patience, empathy and social awareness.

# data[].attributes.body
The aim of fine motor interventions is to develop and improve the coordination and control of small muscles in a child's hands and fingers which can help develop the necessary skills for writing, drawing, cutting and manipulating small objects.

Pictured below are some of the fine motor interventions utilized in KG.

# data[].attributes.body
Builds strength and coordination for writing.

# data[].attributes.body
Activities and exeercises that target the development and improvement of large muscle groups and whole-body movements are beneficial for physical development, sensory integration, cognitive development as well as social emotional skills.

Some examples are outdoor play, obstacle courses, movement and dance, ball games, balancing games, swinging, and yoga.

# data[].attributes.body
Engages core muscles, promotes body awareness and overall coordination.

# data[].attributes.headline
Early interventions for literacy and numeracy require individualized and multisensory activities that cater to the specific needs of the child. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Early interventions for literacy and numeracy require individualized and multisensory activities that cater to the specific needs of the child. 

# data[].attributes.body
Incorporates multiple senses to deepen engagement and improve understanding/competency.

# data[].attributes.headline
Visual Aids: charts, calendars and schedules can support students self-manage, understanding expectations and build independence.

# data[].attributes.subject
Visual Aids: charts, calendars and schedules can support students self-manage, understanding expectations and build independence.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Visual aids further support independence

# data[].attributes.headline
Designated areas for different activities help students navigate the environment more easily.

# data[].attributes.subject
Designated areas for different activities help students navigate the environment more easily.

# data[].attributes.headline
Clear visuals to help students understand expectations.

# data[].attributes.subject
Clear visuals to help students understand expectations.

# data[].attributes.body
Blending sounds to form words - pushing the playdough with each sound adds a kinesthetic and sensory element that further enhances learning.

# data[].attributes.headline
Flexible seating: wobble stools, bean bags, standing desks, working outdoors can help a student be more comfortable and focused.

# data[].attributes.subject
Flexible seating: wobble stools, bean bags, standing desks, working outdoors can help a student be more comfortable and focused.

# data[].attributes.body
Read it, pop it, write it!

# data[].attributes.headline
How were we able to effectively impact strategies utilized to support students with sensory needs.

# data[].attributes.subject
How were we able to effectively impact strategies utilized to support students with sensory needs.

# data[].attributes.body
We made efforts to understand the needs of the students we were working with, how sensory processing disorder looks like, how it affects learning and wellbeing, the difference between sensory seeking and sensory avoidance and what specific strategies could we use to support the different needs.

We collaborated with other teachers and colleagues to include appropriate sensory integration strategies and accommodations in the newly  Sensory Room(Kipepeo) developed by the EC team.

We enrolled in ‘Introduction to Sensory Integration difficulties(For Schools)’ course which deepened our understanding of how sensory integration plays a fundamental role in every child’s development and learning experience and generally how crucial it is in our daily life participation.

We expanded our knowledge on how sensory differences can affect behavior, learning, emotions and communication. Furthermore, we delved into the neuroscience that supports the theory of sensory integration.

We also learned to consider various sensory strategies and environmental adjustments that can be used to promote active participation in activities that are offered at IST.

Collaboratively, we worked as a team to develop and implement individualized plans for students with sensory needs. These plans included tailored accommodations, modifications, and diverse strategies aimed at addressing each student's unique sensory challenges.

Through continuous progress monitoring, strategy adjustments, and regular assessment of effectiveness based on feedback, we were able to make necessary adjustments to enhance support for the students with sensory needs we were assisting.

# data[].attributes.body
Sorting words by rhyming pattern.

# data[].attributes.headline
Quiet spaces that provide opportunities to calm down and self-regulate and/or work peacefully.

# data[].attributes.subject
Quiet spaces that provide opportunities to calm down and self-regulate and/or work peacefully.

# data[].attributes.body
Supports sensory integration, emotional regulation and focus in children.  It connects to our sense of proprioception and allows a child to orient themselves. Examples of this work are animal walks, skipping rope, climbing, wall or floor pushups, stacking chairs, wiping tables, etc.

# data[].attributes.body
Building predictible routines and supporting students thorugh transitions can build self-management and regulation in the classroom.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Circle Time Transition Song for Preschool, kindergarten