Sensory processing and integration is the ability for the brain and body to take in sensory information from the environment and the body and adequately understand the meaning of the sensory information coming in and organize it so the child can learn from the environment and respond adequately and efficiently to it. Most often sensory integration difficulties are recognized due to a child seeking extra movement and therefore having a hard time focusing during their day because they need the input fidgeting, wiggling, standing, walking around, shaking their head, etc. provides them. Sensory integration can also be a difficulty in the following sensory systems:
Touch
Proprioception/Vestibular
Hearing
Visual
Taste
Smell
Movement breaks are key in a child's day whether at school or at home. Allowing the body to move, fidget, wiggle, and get proprioceptive/vestibular input and feedback during the day is proven to increase focus and attention. Here are some resources for how to include sensory/movement breaks into the daily routine at home and in the classroom. Click on each underlined title below to access the link.
For more information on sensory processing disorder or to learn more about it CLICK HERE.
Disclaimer: Sensory processing disorder is a serious condition and should be evaluated by professionals if it interferes in various areas of life beyond what is manageable, I advise you to seek outside help from a skilled OT in sensory processing. These websites are not mine and are individually copyrighted.
Great description and ideas from Tools To Grow
Ideas for movement breaks that increase physical activity levels for school-age kids
Step by step instructions with fun stories to follow along
Based on high-intensity interval training for kids
Tools To Grow OT
Outdoor Sensory Diet Activities
Proprioceptive input ideas for home
Help with regulation and focus
Ideas for home
Sensory-based play ideas that are simple and creative
Website for movement breaks in the classroom that are fun and interactive
Can be used with a full classroom of kids on a regular basis
Ideas for classroom motor breaks and videos to demonstrate
Blog post for sensory inputs to use in classrooms
Home ideas for children who like extra movement or input during their day
How to make your home sensory friendly
Additional Sensory Strategies for Kids
Additional sensory strategies that can be done in the home
Explanations of how long to do sensory breaks and how to incorporate them into routines
Deep Pressure and Heavy Work Activities for School Age Children
Website by Livestrong for sensory activity ideas
72 sensory strategies for deep pressure and heavy work
What are they?
How to easily create one for your child
How to monitor the impact it is having on your child
Sensory Books for Kids to Read
"This is Gabriel Making Sense of School: A Book about Sensory Processing Disorder" by Hartley Steiner: Click Here to buy on Amazon.
"The Kids Guide to Staying Awesome and In Control" by Lauren Brukner: Click Here to buy on Amazon.
"Arnie and his School Tools" by Jennifer Veenendall: Click Here to buy on Amazon.
"Sensitive Sam" by Marla Roth-Fisch: Click Here to buy on Amazon.
Sensory Books for Adults to Learn More about Sensory Processing
"Sensational Kids" by Lucy Jane Miller: Click Here to purchase on Amazon
"The Out-Of-Sync Child" by Carol Kranowitz and Lucy Jane Miller: Click Here to purchase on Amazon