#spedchat Archive
#spedchat is a Twitter hashtag used for (1) daily, continuous research and resource sharing on issues related to and effecting students with disabilities, & (2) a scheduled weekly Twitter chat on Tuesday nights from 9:00-10:00 EST.
Tuesday January 26, 2016
Welcome to - Introduce yourself, tell where you are from, & what you do. Don't forget to use the hashtag for each tweet.
Welcome to - Introduce yourself, tell where you are from, & what you do. Don't forget to use the hashtag for each tweet.
We'll miss you, but hope you feel better soon!!
Hello ! Missing you all tonight but have a great hour with and See you next week.
I'm Jodi from Indiana. SpEd teacher in alternative HS placement & private AT/AAC consultant.
Hi Everyone! I'm Laura Cope, Assistant Director of Special Education for INI Schools
I am excited to welcome as a guest co-moderator tonight! Laura has a lot to contribute to our chat.
Hi ! I'm Rachel from NE Indiana. HS Mod to Severe Sped Teacher and ED Consultant.
Welcome to ! Glad you could join us tonight! :)
Tonight's will discuss sensory integration.. Looking forward to great discussions.
Alicia from Philly. Former AS teacher currently providing 1:1 comp ed services while working on Ed. D.
Thanks for joining tonight!
Where are all our -ters tonight? Only two people so far... is there something exciting on TV I don't know about?
We will post questions as Q1, Q2, etc.. Please tweet your response with A1, A2, etc. Don't forget to add to each tweet
We will post questions as Q1, Q2, etc.. Please tweet your response with A1, A2, etc. Don't forget to add to each tweet
I have the fireplace going. Brrr.
Andrea from Spartanburg, SC. Grad student w/ focus in LD
Q1: What do you think of when you hear “sensory integration?”
I was recharging da batteries while slurping down a bowl of Cheerios (gotta feed the machine baby!)
Thanks for joining us tonight for !
I was afraid everyone had forgotten us tonight!
A1: how people use the information provided by all the sensations coming from within the body and from the external environment
A1: I define sensory integration as the body's way of receiving & processing all information from the world around it.
Thanks for joining tonight!
A1: Sensory integration can be activities and experiences that help regulate how the bodies motor runs
Yay! People came! Now we're talking. Or chatting. Whatever. ;)
haha! Sadly, im always hungry like the wolf...
A1: program of activities 2 provide sensory stimulation to reduce sensory based issues (self stim, aversion 2 touch or sound, ect)
A1: Accessibility for sensory loss. Deaf and blind. OT for students w/ ASD
I think I forgot to eat tonight. I'll put that on my to-do list for later. Oops.
Q2: What are some of your favorite go-to sensory activities/interventions?
What said & I think it's how we individually cope with sensory experiences in everyday life https://t.co/HFNwugHROf
A1: I define sensory integration as the body's way of receiving & processing all information from the world around it.
A2: Easy sensory interventions are adjusting lights, posture/seating, weight/pressure, volume, smells, & providing fidgits.
A2: sensory box in the corner filled with objects that have different textures and
A2: Love sensory bins. Playing with shaving cream, sand or paint. Worked with blind Ss who were tactile defensive.
A2: lava lamp or fish aquarium soothing to look at
A2: Tension band on front legs of student chair. Subtle and provides sensory support without being distraction to others.
Q3: Do you know what a sensory diet is and how it works or why they are used?
A2: When addressing sensory issues, you need to start by looking at their environment. When in doubt,try heavy lifting activities
A2: the list is long and it depends on individual sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behaviors...
A3: Sensory diets are prescribed sensory activities programmed into the day at scheduled times to meet specific sensory needs.
A2: small rings or fidgets are helpful for concentrating in class too.
A3: activities specifically scheduled to fit a child’s day??
A3: Sensory diets are routine activities to help regulate the body's motor.
Ah, that is a way better never definition then mine!! Nailed it! https://t.co/1wDrvdykMd
A3: Sensory diets are prescribed sensory activities programmed into the day at scheduled times to meet specific sensory needs.
A3: I struggle with how often and how much when creating a sensory diet for students.
A3: Love and lived by it with some of my students. Crunchy stuff for deeper pressure, lots of different textures
A3: sensory diet is a CONSISTENT sensory program developed for individual. consistent implementation increase effectiveness of SI
You said the same thing, goober!
A3: yes I am very familiar however I'm hearing " zones of regulation" and students toolbox used more often for regulation
I watch the response of the child - is it helping or escalating? Then adjust accordingly. Trial & error & data.
A3: love sensory diets. They have transformed our classroom
CONSISTENT being the key word here! (Bet that's why she used all caps!) :) https://t.co/pFKQ51IGR9
A3: sensory diet is a CONSISTENT sensory program developed for individual. consistent implementation increase effectiveness of SI
What do others think about the frequency? https://t.co/2B1ECkPtSB
A3: I struggle with how often and how much when creating a sensory diet for students.
Q4: Who is responsible for determining sensory needs & planning interventions for your Ss?
It really needs to be whenever the Ss show they need additional support. Basically, when is all hell breaking lose?
I do believe there are some general rules for how much weight and how often for certain activities
A4: Sensory diets & interventions are supposed to be under the OT's hat, but I find it usually falls on me as the teacher.
A4: The child's team including family is responsible
There are! Let me see if I have the guidelines saved in a bookmark somewhere.
A4: I've had the experience that OT planned it out
I think I have them somewhere as well. I will look.
A4: OT is great resource but teacher implementing must be heavily involved as well as parent. All about .
I find that most of the OTs I've had in my classroom had minimal training in sensory integration.
A4: We are fortunate to have someone trained to conduct sensory evaluations, but it is not a specific service. Ts are responsible.
Q5: What are some of your favorite resources for sensory activities, ideas, & interventions?
it also depends on when child needs it most, could even be lunch, special, or recess... Teamwork baby!
Hi Jill, director of sped stopping in to chat.
Fortunately, I worked for the School for the Deaf & Blind in SC, so sensory integration was a must
A6: If you buy/own/read nothing else ever on sensory integration, get/read this: https://t.co/K1qGGIwAaS Worth every penny.
A4 we work with our OT and sometimes AT.
A5: If you buy/own/read nothing else ever on sensory integration, get/read this: https://t.co/K1qGGIwAaS Worth every penny! Love!!
very interesting to work with blind students with ASD. Everything is sensory driven
A5: When SI materials are coming out of my pocket, the dollar store is the best place to stock up if you can be creative.
Q6: What are some challenges you have when dealing with sensory needs in the classroom?
I might have a minor addiction
We have a treadmill program which works w zones of proximal dev, hand-eye-coordination and while running read sight words or math
A5: Yogarillaz is another favorite for the younger ones and who doesn't wanna hop on bolster swing?
A6: Figuring out the basis of the behavior in the classroom is tough. What sensory need isn't being met? Also variable at times.
what! that is amazing!!! I love that https://t.co/UR0gUIluzX
We have a treadmill program which works w zones of proximal dev, hand-eye-coordination and while running read sight words or math
A5 I also use Pinterest as a resource and various articles online depending on the student needs.
A6: appropriateness of some items. Chewies are great, but not always okay for outside of class or for older kids.
Pinterest is the greatest educator professional development to ever happen, isn't it?
A6: As an ED consultant I set up plans for Ss and Ts. The for them is finding time and being consistent.
Yes! Finding ways to make things age/social/lifelong-appropriate can be a huge challenge! We have to be creative!
sometimes we don't have the ability to stop the classroom for sensory break so we get creative(push box of books down hall n back)
A6 consistent implementation from teachers and teaching students to independently access tolls in the classroom when needed.
It can definitely be a struggle when the student has limited communication skills.
A6: Esp w older chl SI needs 2 be discrete when it can Need materials 2be age app/socially approved(weighted vests aren’t “cool”)
This makes it more appropriate to being used in real life forever, anyway, which is our true goal! https://t.co/gtYu345rVe
sometimes we don't have the ability to stop the classroom for sensory break so we get creative(push box of books down hall n back)
I could certainly see how this would get lost in the shuffle of the day
https://t.co/3b7anO3fn4
A6 consistent implementation from teachers and teaching students to independently access tolls in the classroom when needed.
A6: it's also important that classroom community be aware and supportive of individual student's sensory needs. Makes us unique❤️
A6 using the tools incorrectly! eg: throwing exercise ball instead of sitting on it! (crazy right?)
totally agree with finding the time for teachers to consistently implement strategies is tough.
Really good point. Anyone else had luck with being discrete? https://t.co/GZyrDg7YQ8
A6: Esp w older chl SI needs 2 be discrete when it can Need materials 2be age app/socially approved(weighted vests aren’t “cool”)
If they don't feel safe, they won't do it and then the maladaptive behaviors return. This is so important!
agreed! I use it all the time for sensory and OT needs.
Oh for sure, I've seen kids do that. Great point! https://t.co/MsO71lu8bk
A6 using the tools incorrectly! eg: throwing exercise ball instead of sitting on it! (crazy right?)
Just working on this w/HS Ss today - tapping on leg, kicking chair, handing out things - what do you need? https://t.co/PXyMMoMnA8
Really good point. Anyone else had luck with being discrete? https://t.co/GZyrDg7YQ8
A6: Esp w older chl SI needs 2 be discrete when it can Need materials 2be age app/socially approved(weighted vests aren’t “cool”)
Q7: How do your colleagues respond when behaviors are contributed to being a “sensory need?”
backpacks filled books,pushing or lifting boxes (seriously one year I moved out and moved back in my room)
I can totally see you packing up your whole room for 1 kid's sensory need! I <3 you!
YES, that is absolutely true with my Gr8-12 students. It is "uncool" to use alternate seating, etc.
A7: Ts are getting on board because they are seeing the difference.
A7: Behaviors contributed to sensory are usually met with eye-rolls & sighs. Until the sensory diet works. :)
A7: Behaviors contributed to sensory are usually met with eye-rolls & sighs. Until the sensory diet works. :)
That is hilarious! Whatever it takes right! https://t.co/xq1oGtHzm5
backpacks filled books,pushing or lifting boxes (seriously one year I moved out and moved back in my room)
A7: I love seeing things like and brain breaks school wide to incorporate more movement in Ss day
What SpEd teacher hasn't said "Hold your balls. Don't throw your balls. Everybody grab your balls."?? =D
A7: Great ?! Often a disconnect & produce other excuses for possible triggers Very difficult 2 get buy in esp with high func kids!
The proof tells the truth! https://t.co/dgslbTzy9J
A7: Behaviors contributed to sensory are usually met with eye-rolls & sighs. Until the sensory diet works. :)
has amazing simulations where you truly can experience what a child experiences daily and it hits home..hard...
A7 it depends on how manageable the sensory tool is. Once Ts see the difference it can make they are onboard.
LOL!!!!! Here is one more for the books: Stop touching his balls. You have your own.
My IA's and I collect of oddly shape balls. We love the bumpy ones for the classroom.
Oh Jodi, no you didn't!! I'm cracking up! Yep, rookie mistake! Year one taking kids out for recess https://t.co/EQGvBXVtue
What SpEd teacher hasn't said "Hold your balls. Don't throw your balls. Everybody grab your balls."?? =D
This, my friends, is why we became SpEd teachers. Because we can SAY that. At work. And it's okay! https://t.co/Bzm2geA2wk
LOL!!!!! Here is one more for the books: Stop touching his balls. You have your own.
Very nice! I bet your students love that! https://t.co/8NubNATZ84
My IA's and I collect of oddly shape balls. We love the bumpy ones for the classroom.
Q8: Families deal with sensory deficits 24/7. How can we help support S’s sensory needs at home & in the community?
I love the balls for Halloween that have squishy eyeballs inside them!
I love the sensory balls that feel fuzzyish & you can grip... I'm blanking on the name!
A8: Listen to parents about behaviors at home. Do sensory assessment w/them like do for school. Give resources. Help try stuff.
build supports for families and students in the community as part of IEP goals. Support them at school based community events!
A8: I already posted this, but it's a great resource for parents w/understandable info & activities: https://t.co/qUpo6OgP7C
A8: for friends, offer to babysit and give the parents a night out! Send text pics showing all the fun to ease parents minds
A8: Create home & school at same time. Discuss at IEP and progress meetings. Provide parent resources: https://t.co/FOgRY2ilAK
A8: Communicate and educate parents on sensory needs an resources.
As part of our parent training I share newsletters with Ts and parents of ideas/articles. Many this year in sensory and behavior.
initially build a positive relationship, provide resources (apps etc), demonstrate and ensure you are checking in.
Interesting, can you give some examples of supporting at community events. I'd love to learn more https://t.co/86mgOAPo6G
build supports for families and students in the community as part of IEP goals. Support them at school based community events!
A8: Talk about activities that over stimulate! IE: too much screen time
Relationships are EVERYTHING aren't they? Apps are a good idea, got a favorite? https://t.co/L0Jk1dd4xx
initially build a positive relationship, provide resources (apps etc), demonstrate and ensure you are checking in.
Q9: If you could explain sensory dysfunction to a student in one statement so he understands himself, what would you say?
love that parent training idea. What is included in that? https://t.co/M7V3Zu92jr
As part of our parent training I share newsletters with Ts and parents of ideas/articles. Many this year in sensory and behavior.
school dances, assemblies, sports games, dinners to raise $ for community, arts and craft fair, book fair, n more
Good idea, parents may not know about those things https://t.co/bONvAeIYwJ
A8: Talk about activities that over stimulate! IE: too much screen time
A9: sometimes people need more stuff happening to feel good. Sometimes people need less. It's about finding the right amount
A9: "Your brain attends to EVERYTHING. Sensory activities distract the over-attentive part so you can process what you want/need."
oh my goodness, love these. Does everyone else do similar events? This is good stuff! https://t.co/MCaePWJpPC
school dances, assemblies, sports games, dinners to raise $ for community, arts and craft fair, book fair, n more
A9: SPD can be just way too much or not enough...
Don't you wish you were part of ' school??
A student told me "It's like there's a big party going on in my brain all day." ❤️
A.9 I found a cartoon of a child with descriptions of what the child was feeling. Very helpful for kids to see and identify
A9: I like when the student tells me what it's like to be in their shoes everyday. I NEED to know in order to understand
All the sensory activities are like entertaining a lot of drunk friends in there so they'll hush up for awhile.
One of my Ss had a buddy system set up through his church-HS kids would take him to FB and BB games.
This is WAY too entertaining. I could stay here all night!
that is a fantastic way to get community support. What an awesome idea. Buddy system, anyone else tried? https://t.co/dzihahhaJt
One of my Ss had a buddy system set up through his church-HS kids would take him to FB and BB games.
If you don't love it & reuse it a million times, I'll buy your copy from you so you don't lose any money.
Me too, I was sleepy at 9 but now I just want to go try all this stuff lol https://t.co/9bxYh4OF71
This is WAY too entertaining. I could stay here all night!
Q10: What big idea, strategy, concept, or intervention did you see tonight that you want to try or want to do more research about?
A10: My big idea is for us all to move to ' town so we can teach at her school together. We'd be epic! :)
I missed most of this chat but I can't wait to join in again. Next week, same time?
Time to wrap up tonight! Thanks for the great dialogue & collaboration. Continue to use the hashtag as you finish your chats.
Oh Bloom. I like how easy this is to follow & tons of apps! Thanks again!
A10: App suggested by already DLed! Cant wait to try it out.
Any topic requests for upcoming chats? Taking requests - now is your chance!
