Welcome to ‘The Happy Sensory Corner in Special Ed’ – the podcast where we explore the world of sensory enrichment and environmental enrichment in special education.
We interview experienced special education directors to learn from their successes (and from some of their failures too!) in solving the challenges of teaching students with special needs.
In each episode, we also share practical strategies, sensory enrichment protocols, and evidence-based practices that address specific areas, such as behavior regulation, self-awareness, social skills, learning abstract concepts, hyperactivity, etc.
Reducing Restraints
This is the topic for this quarter: If you have ideas, stories, or this is a big problem in your district we would like to interview you.
See available times for recording an episode
If you want to save yourself for other topics next quarter, we will be exploring developing social skills from the inside out.
Welcome to ‘The Happy Sensory Corner in Special Ed’ – the podcast where we explore the world of sensory enrichment and environmental enrichment in special education.
Through insightful discussions, interviews with experienced special education directors, and inspiring stories of resilience, we uncover the secrets to success in special education. Discover practical strategies, sensory enrichment protocols, and evidence-based practices that can transform the lives of special education students and educators.
[14:47] ”Unlocking Calm: The Sensory Secrets to Student Success”
In this essential training segment, Claudie Pomares targets the foundational need for students to feel safe and secure, crucial for their success in life and learning.
She explains that the protocol engages key brain functions related to stress response and emotional regulation, primarily focusing on lowering cortisol levels and enhancing dopamine and serotonin production.
Through simple sensory inputs like dim lighting, soothing scents, and calming music, the protocol directly stimulates these brain functions, promoting a calm, ready-to-learn state in students.
This approach not only helps in creating an environment conducive to learning but also supports neurological development and emotional stability.
Episode Highlights
- [1:31] ”We're All in This Together: Building Strong Student-Teacher Relationships Post-Pandemic” – Chris Sacocco shares insights from his dissertation on the importance of relationships in special education.
- [3:31] ”The Calling of Education: From Marine to Mentor” – Chris discusses his unique journey from the Marine Corps to special education, emphasizing the transferable skills that enhance teaching effectiveness.
- [6:36] ”Military Precision Meets Classroom Compassion” – Chris explains how military training principles can be adapted to support special education students.
- [10:46] ”RESPECT: A Framework for Handling Classroom Challenges” – Chris outlines his RESPECT framework for developing effective student-teacher relationships to prevent and de-escalate conflicts.
- [14:47] ”Sensory Enrichment: A Neurological Approach to Calm” – Claudie details how environmental factors like scent and sound can drastically improve student behavior and learning outcomes.
- [22:19] ”Empathy in Action: Success Stories from the Classroom” – A heartwarming account from Chris about the power of empathy in transforming student behavior and engagement.
Some of the most popular protocols and strategies from the podcast
Letter on the Back
Protocol for attention span, mental visualization, tactile processing, crucial for learning abstract concepts like math.
Check out Charles Bertram’s episode or book a call.
We would be happy to teach it to you.
Mr. Pokey
Game for Self-awareness and Visualization.
Aids in understanding and retention of abstract concepts like mathematics and language.
Check out Shelley Halverson’s episode or book a call.
We would be happy to teach it to you.
Art and Stickers
Game for calm, self-control and speech development.
Check out Lorren Lucas’s episode or book a call.
We would be happy to teach it to you.
Gentle Claw
10 seconds for calm and attention and induce an elevated state of neuroplasticity.
Check out Anthony Caporaso’s episode or book a call.
We would be happy to teach it to you.
Art – Copy with Colored Paper
Reproducing art as a pretext to boost dopamine and Serotonin and for more joy in learning.
Check out Justin Bradford’s episode or book a call.
We would be happy to teach it to you.
Squeeze 2 different objects
Bridging the 2 sides of the brain for faster cognitive processing.
Check out Heather O’Connor’s episode or book a call.
We would be happy to teach it to you.
Board Walk, Holding a Spoon
Game to help with hyperactivity.
Check out Fran English’s episode or book a call.
We would be happy to teach it to you.
Very useful techniques for kids with autism