Post Avenue Occupational Therapist Shares Sensory Friendly Summer Tips
Summer session is in full swing at Post Avenue Preschool. During summer school days, students continue the same skill-building and learning-fueled experiences they enjoy throughout the school year, but with an added dose of fun. This is especially valuable for students who benefit from available clinical services, as they can continue to attend weekly sessions with Rachel Beachamp, an occupational therapist (OT) at Post Avenue school.
One to two days a week students meet with Rachel to work on activities that develop their fine and gross motor skills—where delays may be attributed to sensory processing needs. As students strengthen these skills, they’ll be better equipped to engage in meaningful activities and improve social participation.
Sensory Processing Challenges
Sensory challenges can be difficult to cope with. “While the original cause might be sensory, they quickly become learned behaviors because it’s the only way a child learned to interact with the environment in order to get what they need,” said Rachel.
Tackling a child’s sensory challenges is rooted in care and acceptance. All children experience sensory processing fluctuations based on how they take in and process information from their senses, and not every behavior requires intervention.
“We need to ask ourselves, why are we trying to fix the behavior. Is it really important, like keeping them safe—like brushing teeth, which is very important? Or is it less important, such as wearing fancy shoes that might be uncomfortable?” Rachel explained.
Fortunately, many of the same evidence-based strategies used in therapy sessions can easily be done at home. Rachel shared a few – with a refreshing summer twist.
Sensory Friendly Activities
On hot summer days, Post Avenue students enjoy water play – filling buckets and pails to splash, having water balloon tosses, and running through sprinklers, all of which satisfy sensory input needs. At home, that can translate to swimming or a day at the beach.
For crafty students, fine motor skill development can happen through finger painting, modeling Play Doh, or getting very creative by “painting” the house walls with water—or invisible paint.
Establishing morning and evening routines are essential—incorporate deep pressure bear hugs before bedtime, and try dynamic stretches and jumping exercises when waking up. These simple practices can help regulate a child’s mood and prime them for the next activity.
According to Rachel, one of the best strategies for addressing sensory needs is to keep routines simple and consistent – and adopt a sensory diet: a set of go to activities that meet a child’s unique sensory needs. These can make daily life smoother and more enjoyable for both children and their families.
Addressing sensory needs can be tricky, but sensory activities are beloved by students and offer a great way to reinforce learning through play.
For parents interested in learning more about sensory friendly strategies or how to support their child’s development at home, please feel free to reach out to your child’s classroom teacher who can help guide you and connect you with additional resources.