25TRA186 Sensory Strategies: Nurturing Self-Regulation in Schools (5-Part Webinar Series)

DATES:    WEDNESDAYS - 8TH, 15TH, 22ND, 29TH JANUARY & 5TH FEBRUARY 2025
TIMES:     7.00PM - 8.30PM
VENUE:   ONLINE VIA ZOOM

Target Audience: Suitable for Primary and Post-Primary teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs)

Sensory strategies are techniques that increase or decrease sensory input to help pupils to focus and learn. They are particularly useful when working with children impacted by sensory-processing difficulties arising from trauma, ADHD, Autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

This five-part webinar series is designed specifically for Primary and Post-Primary teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) seeking to enhance their understanding of sensory processing and application of sensory strategies to support regulation in educational settings. The series will delve into the world of sensory processing and provide practical tools to create an inclusive and harmonious learning environment.

Participants will:

• Explore the concept of sensory processing and its impact on behaviour, attention, and learning.
• Explore essential steps to foster self-regulation in pupils while deepening understanding of co-regulation, emotional awareness, and recognition of sensory behaviours.
• Uncover the potential of movement breaks, alerting, organising and calming activities, and sensory circuits as powerful tools to promote engagement, regulation, and learning.
• Discover sensory tools and resources that can be used to create sensory-rich spaces.
• Gain the confidence to create an enriched learning environment that nurtures engagement, self-regulation, and overall well-being for all pupils.
• Explore the powerful framework of the Zones of Regulation and gain practical strategies for implementing it in the classroom.

Session 1

• Understanding the senses, arousal and regulation
• Understanding the impact of sensory processing differences
• Recognising sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behaviours in school

Session 2

• Co-regulation precedes self-regulation
• Linking body sensations, emotions and arousal states
• Creating sensory-inclusive spaces: environmental considerations
• Sensory equipment and resources

Session 3

• Movement Breaks & Sensory Circuits
• Alerting, Organising & Calming Activities
• Meditation, mindfulness & breathing exercises

Session 4

• Tools and techniques to gather information about sensory preferences, sensitivities, and seeking behaviours
• Creating sensory diets to meet individual needs
• Setting goals and tracking progress
• Using social stories to support sensory goals

Session 5

• Introduction to the Zones of Regulation framework and its significance in promoting self-awareness and self-regulation
• Strategies for introducing and teaching the language of the Zones
• Effective ways to integrate the Zones into daily classroom routines and instruction
• Using social stories to support the Zones programme

 Bio of Presenter: Lucy Mannion, Director of TINT Education

With extensive experience in therapeutic education as a teacher and senior leader, Lucy has supported many children and young people with sensory challenges arising from trauma, ADHD, autism, and other conditions. Her postgraduate studies in psychology and psychotherapy have deepened her understanding of pupil behaviour and wellbeing. Collaborating with occupational therapists and clinicians, Lucy has honed multidisciplinary strategies for sensory processing difficulties, supporting pupil regulation and learning. As Director of TINT Education, she merges psychological theory with educational practice, offering training and consultancy for trauma-informed, neuroinclusive and therapeutic strategies in schools.