Sensory Integration Education for Preschool Teachers and Classroom Enhancements to Support the Sensory Needs of Typically Developing Preschool Children
Graduation Date
2008
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
Department or Program Chair
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Thesis Advisor
Stacy Frauwirth, MS, OTR/L
Second Advisor
Joanne Figone, MS, OTR/L
Abstract
This thesis project focused on improving the quality of preschool education for typically developing children by educating their teachers on sensory integration (SI) theory, a fundamental occupational therapy frame of reference. Methodology involved a presentation on SI theory and strategies to the teaching staff, followed by engagement in hands-on sensory activities. For the second phase of the project, the occupational therapy student implementing this project collaborated with the teachers to create classroom modifications that would benefit and support the children's individual sensory needs. Assessment of the project entailed a pre- and post-test to determine an increase in SI knowledge and theory, as well as feedback from the participants about the importance, applicability, and their satisfaction with the project information. Overall results were positive, informative, and demonstrated a benefit to teachers working with typically developing preschoolers.