Creative Child October 2022 | Page 10

OCTOBER IS SENSORY AWARENESS MONTH

Why Do Kids Need to Wiggle , Stomp & Squeeze ?

Have you ever felt the need for a wiggle , stomp , or squeeze ? Wanted to zoom around the room , or know a child that loves to spin and twirl ? These actions are your body looking for sensory input !
We all know the 5 senses : touch , sight , hearing , smell , and taste . Did you know there are 3 more ? Vestibular , Proprioception , and Interoception . These may sound confusing — but you feel them every day !
Interoception is the sense of what is going on inside our bodies , if we feel hungry , thirsty or have to go to the bathroom . Our vestibular sense is what catches you when you fall , the feeling of spinning around in a circle , or rocking a baby to sleep . Your proprioception helps you know where your body is in space . Try stomping your feet or giving yourself a big hug !
October is Sensory Awareness Month , and 1 in 6 children struggles daily with sensory processing challenges . You probably know one or two ! Maybe that is even you ?
Picture books are a great way to introduce concepts to kids and adults alike , to make them feel seen , and create empathy for those with different lived experiences !
Picture books that explore sensory differences help kids to find the language they need to express how they ’ re feeling and better understand themselves .
Adding stories about sensory differences to your inclusive library , school , or bookshelf at home empowers kids to feel seen , known , and loved — just as they are .
“ Original , charming , joyful , and certain to be an immediate and enduringly welcome addition to family , daycare center , preschool , elementary school and community library collections ...” - Midwest Book Review
Award-winning . Available in English & Spanish ISBN : 9781945448928
Buy Now At wigglesstompsandsqueezes . com