At our international preschool, we are committed to support every child’s unique journey while focusing on every developmental aspect. One of these areas is Sensory Integration. Every day our teachers organise variety of sensory activities which helps children to experience different textures and stimulate their senses (more about those activities in upcoming posts).
Another way of sensory stimulation/integration that our school offers are the Sensory Integration (SI) classes led by our certified specialist Ms. Magda. These sessions take place in our well-equipped sensory classroom, specifically designed to help children with sensory processing challenges.
What is Sensory Integration?
Sensory Integration (SI) is the process by which the brain organizes and interpret sensory information from our environment—things we see, hear, touch, taste, and smell. For most children, this process happens naturally. However, some children experience difficulties in processing sensory input, which can affect their ability to focus, communicate, or perform everyday tasks. Children with sensory processing issues may:
- Feel uncomfortable with certain textures, lights, or sounds.
- Have difficulty focusing or staying calm.
- Struggle with motor coordination or balance.
- Overreact or underreact to sensory input (e.g., seeking excessive movement or avoiding it).
SI therapy provides targeted activities to help children regulate their sensory systems, making it easier for them to interact with their world.
Why SI is Important
- Improves Focus and Attention: SI activities help children regulate their responses to sensory input, allowing them to stay engaged in learning and play.
- Supports Emotional Regulation: By addressing sensory challenges, children feel more secure and better equipped to manage their emotions.
- Improves Motor Skills: Many SI exercises strengthen fine and gross motor abilities, improving coordination and balance which are essential for tasks like writing, dressing, or playing sports.
- Boosts Confidence: A supportive environment helps children overcome sensory challenges, building self-esteem.
- Enhances Social Skills: Learning to regulate sensory input can make it easier for children to participate in group activities and interact with peers
What Happens During SI Classes?
Our sensory classroom is equipped with a certificated variety of equipment and materials that support sensory exploration and development. Under Ms. Magda’s expert guidance, children engage in activities tailored to their individual needs, such as:
- Swing Therapy: Builds balance and body awareness.
- Tactile Play: Activities like exploring textured materials or playing with sensory bins help children process touch stimuli.
- Obstacle Courses: These activities combine jumping, crawling, and climbing to build coordination, motor planning, and spatial awareness.
- Deep Pressure Exercises: Exercises involving weighted blankets, therapy balls, or pressure compressions help children feel grounded and calm
- Sound and Visual Activities: Calming sounds, light-up toys, or color-matching games engage auditory and visual senses
- Proprioceptive and Vestibular Exercises: These activities, like jumping on trampolines or spinning gently, help regulate the senses related to movement and balance.
A Safe and Supportive Space
Our sensory classroom is thoughtfully equipped with tools like swings, climbing structures, tactile boards, and more. It’s a space where children feel encouraged to explore and grow under the expert guidance of Ms. Magda.
Sensory Integration classes have been transformative for many of our students. Parents and teachers often share how these sessions have helped their children feel calmer, more confident, and better equipped to face daily challenges.
We’re proud to provide these essential classes to support children in their sensory development.
We believe that with the right support, every child can grow more confident and comfortable in their world!
