Sensory and Movement Needs
The gauge image has helped me to better understand students with extra sensory needs, movement needs (e.g. ADHD). That squiggle of self-control can represent what they can cope with physically as well as emotionally, particularly for sitting still for any period of time. I am trying to consider this when implementing lessons, and reading their physical signs for overload and the need to move.
Having designated, agreed upon activities for a student to do when they have reached overload has been very helpful; minimising intrusion to the lesson and maximising success for the child. A goal, which takes some time to achieve in the early years, is encouraging a child to be able to say “I need a movement break” when they are feeling dysregulated. We used the mini tramp and a 5-minute sand timer. The student takes a friend (supporting social skills) and they take it in turns to jump and count to 20, until the timer ran out. Students often come back in with a better ability to concentrate.
