Sensory Integration, Orton Gillingham, & Montessori

Sensory Integration

Some children and adults experience what is called sensory overload. As educators, we must be knowledgable about this when setting up our classroom environments. Classrooms must be well balanced without being overstimulating. This means keeping vibrant colors and lighting at a minimum. We want our classrooms to be warm and inviting to all students doing this helps to make sure that happens. Some students and adults experience what is called Sensory Processing Disorder these students can also be diagnosed with Autism or ADHD, but they do not necessarily have to be. There are many ways to provide support to students with a Sensory Processing Disorder. One way could be to include a sensory room or space in your classroom where the students can explore their senses with different activities. It helps to create a safe environment where the students are ready to learn. Another way to help these students is to create an environment where whole-body movement and unstructured play is integrated into the classroom. You can also include sensory activities within your classroom with a variety of activities. It is also important for these students to have a space where they can go and cool down if they happen to get overstimulated. This is known as a "Peace Corner". Peace Corners are equipped with materials such as bean bags, rocking chairs, headphones, and other various calming activities. They help to maintain a sense of safety within the student. If your students have a safe, well-balanced learning environment it will definitely reflect their ability to succeed in your classroom. 

Orton Gillingham 

Orton Gillingham is an active approach to teaching and learning where there is a constant interaction between the teacher and student. It is compromised of listening, speaking, reading, and writing to promote development in all of the language skills. 

Montessori 

This is an example of a Montessori Classroom 

Maria Montessori was an educational theorist that believed in the freedom of learning. The components of her theory were freedom, structure, order, reality, and nature. Montessori believed that students needed the time to explore and learn about things that interested them. This theory emphasized that the learning experience should follow the child and where they are.