Sensory Signal Detection

This 8th-grade sequence guides students through a self-reflective investigation of sensory processing, focusing on identifying the physiological and behavioral precursors to sensory overload. Students explore the seven sensory systems, visualize their neurological thresholds using the 'sensory cup' analogy, and learn to monitor internal biological signs like heart rate and muscle tension to predict and prevent overload through a personalized 'Sensory Dashboard'.

The Sensory Matrix

Students explore the seven distinct sensory systems (including vestibular, proprioception, and interoception) through an interactive station rotation to understand how the brain processes and categorizes environmental data as alerting, calming, or organizing.

The Overflow Point

This lesson introduces the 'sensory cup' analogy to explain neurological thresholds, helping students visualize how cumulative stressors lead to overload and how variables like sleep or hunger affect their capacity.

Internal Biofeedback

Focusing on interoception, students learn to recognize internal biological signs of rising sensory distress (like heart rate changes) through a biofeedback activity and document these 'early warning signs'.

Response Radar

Students analyze case studies to distinguish between willful behavior and involuntary sensory responses (fight/flight/freeze), building empathy and the ability to recognize non-verbal cues of dysregulation.

Mission Control Dashboard

In this culminating workshop, students synthesize their data into a personal 'Sensory Dashboard' that maps their triggers and physiological signs to serve as a self-advocacy tool.