Supporting Sensory Processing Differences in the Classroom - March 2025

Aims

To understand how we process sensory information
To understand how sensory preferences and differences impact on learning and behaviour
To review sensory- based strategies that address sensory differences within the context of a busy classroom setting

Overview

This course will explore:
Defining sensory processing in the context of our 8 senses
The relationship between a ‘calm/alert state’ and a child’s ability to engage and learn in class
Strategies that can be used in class to help children maintain a calm alert state

We should ask the children we work with “What matters to you?” rather than “What is the matter with you?*. In this course, we reframe our understanding of sensory processing and explore how we can support children’s sensory processing differences in the class using practical class room based strategies. {​​​​​* Adapted from Virginia Stoffel, PhD, OT, BCMH, FAOTA}​​​​​