In the latest Tier 1 Interventions podcast episode, we had the pleasure of delving deep into the often overlooked but crucially important proprioceptive strategies that can significantly enhance core classroom learning. Joined by my co-host Jonily Zupancic, we explored proprioceptive input—a key element that can transform the educational experience, especially for students who struggle with memory and recall.
What is Proprioception?
Proprioception refers to the sensory input that tells us about the position of our body parts and the effort needed in movement. It’s like a hidden sense that helps the brain process how much pressure to apply, for instance, in holding a pencil or stabilizing oneself in a chair. In this episode, we discussed how proprioceptive activities, such as carrying books, using therapy balls, or even simple tasks like brushing hair or squeezing putty, can prime the body for learning.
Proprioception: receptors in muscle spindles, Golgi Tendon Organs, and joint capsules tell the brain what the body is doing at that specific location. Deep pressure is required to activate these sensory nerves. If you work in the school, you may have heard that kids with sensory needs require heavy work. Heavy work activates these receptors.
Classroom Proprioceptive Strategies That Work
We highlighted several practical strategies that teachers can implement right in the core classroom settings:
1. Dynamic Seating and Movement: Encouraging small movements, like pushing a cart of books or using a therapy ball as a seat, can help wake up the body’s sensory receptors, making students more receptive to learning.
2. Task-Based Activities: Incorporating activities that involve squeezing, tearing, and cutting can engage the proprioceptive sense during more sedentary tasks, helping to maintain focus and engagement.
3. Structured Physical Tasks: Simple structured tasks, such as wall push-ups or carrying a set of books to another classroom, offer joint compression that helps ground students and prepares them mentally for academic tasks.
The Impact of Proprioceptive Strategies on Learning
Proprioceptive input is essential for physical coordination and cognitive processes, particularly memory and retention. When students engage in proprioceptive activities, they are more likely to remember and recall information because their bodies and brains are fully activated and prepared for the task at hand.
Engage, Educate, Empower
The core message of our discussion is clear: by integrating sensory strategies into daily classroom activities, educators can create a more inclusive and effective learning environment. These interventions are not just beneficial for students with specific sensory needs; they enhance learning for all students, making the classroom a dynamic, engaging, and supportive space for everyone.
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