Sensory Strategies and Literacy Learning

Abstract

This research explores the effects of sensory integration on literacy engagement. The purpose of this study is to observe different sensory strategies during literacy activities to see if specific strategies promote student engagement. Through my data collection I explored if literacy engagement increased when sensory strategies were implemented. This qualitative study was conducted with 14 first grade students over a six week period. The majority of research in this field addresses ways sensory integration helps children with disabilities and challenging behaviors. Limited research has been done on the impact of literacy engagement when literacy skills are combined with sensory integration. I collected data though student interviews, observational notes, a reflection journal, and student work samples to discover if sensory integration can help all students achieve literacy success.