SEL READINESS GAP: Why Emotional Growth Needs a Sensory Foundation – Part 3
Many educators hesitate to weave sensory strategies into SEL for practical reasons: limited time, tight budgets, and the fear of “over-pathologizing” students. But sensory readiness isn’t an add-on — it’s the foundation that makes SEL work. When schools embed simple sensory supports into daily routines, they’re not adding complexity; they’re re-sequencing the steps so every student can access emotional learning. A quick movement break, a fidget tool, a calming visual cue, or shared regulation language can shift a classroom from scattered to centered. By starting with the body, we give students the physiological stability they need to fully engage in reflection, empathy, and problem-solving — making SEL strategies stick. Read more »