EmphaSIze September 2023: Importance of Play
By Sensory Integration Education, 1 September 2023
Importance of Play
Welcome to the September issue of EmphaSIze! This month we're focusing on the importance of play and sensory play. While play is pivotal to all learning, sensory play focuses on activities that engage a child's senses. Sensory play plays an important role in children's development as it helps them develop language and motor skills, aids cognitive growth and encourages experimentation. As we get older, play can be just as important for adults too, helping to alleviate stress and improve our mental health and social wellbeing.
In this month's issue, we've included lots of useful information, articles and resources to help us understand more about the benefits of play and sensory play for both children and adults.
News & Features
Final Call to Register Your Place at Our Free SIE Online Conference!
With just over 2 weeks to go before our free week-long virtual conference 'Sensory Inclusion – Empowering All' takes place, don’t forget to head over to our website and book your place!
We have a fascinating programme of speakers lined up for you including:
- Virginia Spielmann: Transforming Health and Wellness Outcomes through the Sensory Domain
- Kim Barthel: Neuroaffirmative Approaches to Supporting People with Sensory Processing Differences
- Emily Price (Lees): Supporting Autistic People's Communication and Processing
- Moyna Talcer: SI Assessment through a Neuro-Affirming Lens
- Jayna Niblock: Advocacy for Sensory Friendly Neurodivergent Educational Support
Find out more and get your free ticket here.
Sensory Snapshot: Moving for Fun
When was the last time you moved your body for fun? Dancing, jumping or just playing? As adults, it is often easy to forget how to move our bodies playfully. Many of the movement activities we do are for a specific purpose such as cycling to a destination or walking to reach a certain number of steps each day.
In her latest Sensory Snapshot blog, Lelanie Brewer, SIE’s Lead for CPD, takes a look at why it’s good for both our physical and mental health to start moving more for fun! Read the full blog here.
SI Highfliers Scholarship September 2023 Winner Announced
SIE and Sheffield Hallam University were delighted to announce last month the SI Highfliers Scholarship Scheme winner for September 2023. Congratulations to our winner Suzy Devey, Occupational Therapist!
The SI Highfliers Scholarship Scheme was launched to enable top occupational therapy, physiotherapy, or speech and language therapy graduates to study for a Postgraduate Certificate in Sensory Integration for a nominal fee of £600 - saving over two thousand pounds. The scheme for January 2024 is now open and the closing date for applications is 2pm on 17 November 2023. Therapists interested in applying can click here to download the application form and to find out more about the eligibility criteria.
Why It's Good for Adults to Play Too
Remember those carefree childhood days when play was everything? Turns out, play is just as important for adults as it is for children. Play therapists also recognise the healing potential of play, particularly in helping individuals express emotions and navigate challenges. Incorporating playfulness in therapeutic settings means creating a safe space where adults can embrace their inner child, shed inhibitions and engage in activities that help to reduce their stress levels.
In our latest blog, we look at why rediscovering the joy of play in our adult lives is so beneficial for us. Read the full blog post here.
Introducing Our Latest Selection of SI Pro Courses
Have you seen our latest selection of SI Pro courses? Designed for therapists interested in using sensory-informed approaches. SI Pro courses are a deep dive into a specific sensory integration topic, providing an enriching learning experience. Topics include: Play and Playfulness; SI and Adverse Childhood Experiences; Polyvagal Theory; Supporting Autistic Adults; and SI Outdoors.
These courses are all included in an ASIP membership which costs only £35 per year. More details on the benefits of signing up as an ASIP member can be found here.
Also see:
Stratford Library launches new sensory offer to support with children’s development
Glasgow Film Theatre and National Autistic Society launch Autism Friendly cinema club
New help service launched for parents of children with autism in Milton Keynes
Resources
We've curated guides, tutorials, books and products including:
- The Importance of Play for Newborns
- What is Sensory Play?
- Sensory Play for Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers
- Sensory Adventures: A Guide to Increasing Literacy Through Sensory Play
See our latest resources ideas here.
SI Research Digest: September 2023
Easy-to-read summaries of all the latest SI research papers, as well as key papers on our theme of the importance of play. Click here to view the summaries of the research and access the direct links to the published papers, including:
- Ayres Sensory Integration® for Addressing Play in Autistic Children: A Multiple-Baseline Examination
- Reimagining Autistic Children's Independent and Social Play with Peers
- What Really Matters in Play
- To Play or Not to Play
Upcoming Courses & Events
We've been busy putting together these amazing events for both professionals and parents and carers. Click here to view a summary of the upcoming live events and instant access courses or select one of the highlighted courses below:
- Making Sense of Play (instant access course)
Polyvagal Theory and Sensory Processing: Creating a Sense of Safety (on-demand webinar available from 25 September 2023)
- Sensory Smart™ Strategies for Managing Stress and Preventing Burnout - 4 September 2023
Latest Job Listings
Are you thinking of making a career move this year? Check out the latest job listings including
- Speech and Language Therapist, The Deaf Academy, Exmouth, Devon, UK
- Paediatric Occupational Therapist required (self-employed, full-time/part-time), Kiki’s Children Clinic, London, UK
Discounts & Special Offers
We've negotiated these exciting discounts for our SIE family!
Please quote DISCOUNT CODE SIE20 for 10% discount on Southpaw orders up to £100. Orders must be placed by phone on +44 (0) 115 718 0020.
Please quote DISCOUNT CODE SIE15 for 15% discount on sensooli.com (Excludes membership and advent boxes).
FREE delivery and set-up (worth up to £250, England and Wales only) on purchases of the omiVista+ and a FREE interactive ball games package worth up to £500. To access this special offer, mention you are an SIE Member when placing your order with OMI.
5% DISCOUNT on purchases of 3 items or more. Orders must be placed by phone and mention you are an SIE member to access this special offer when you are placing your order.
Please quote DISCOUNT CODE SIE2210 for 10% discount when ordering from the online Sensory Smart Store.
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Best wishes,
Sensory Integration Education
NB: Sensory Integration Education is not responsible for the content on external websites. Sharing a resource does not imply endorsement by Sensory Integration Education.
