Hi, Kristina,
You have a challenging situation.
Since this young boy has a sensory issue, the fact that he and his younger brother come in crying has already tipped his scale onto its side. With sensory issues lighting, sound, sights, smells, touches all can and will effect his overload. Would it be possible to set up a semi-private corner in the room.
Add a moon chair: the high profile of the seat will feel protective, a soft blanket and pillow to put on his lap will also add to his feelings of security.
Dim the lights if at all possible around the area, even if you have to put a partial 'tent' over the area. Think outside the box for a simple covering. Keep it a solid color, preferably light blue
Keep the wall areas blank or with just one very simple picture.
Add a few simple books to the area. Many book that are published now are very visual stimulating, where simple picture books will help him to adjust to the classroom situation better.
Add a plant, driftwood and river stone, a fish tank, or small class room pet to the area.
Place him in this area as soon as he comes in. When he settles down show him a nearby station that is simple and quiet. like a sand or water table, wood blocks, or an art table or coloring. Remember that coloring resets the brain in a child or adult that is in a high stress environment. This will calm his anxiety.
Try to keep the noise down to a dull roar, with NO classroom music. But the singing of a teacher, a simple repetitive song will sooth him.
I know that this sounds like a lot to do, but remember you will be a lifeline to this mom and her sons when you make this effort. You will prove yourself a trusted advocate for her and her sons, and help them along this new path they have found themselves on.
This Calming Corner' is an investment in your classroom and can be used by all students that are overstimulated and just need some quiet time of their own, where they can choose to enter.
I hope this helps.
Best of Hope to you all.
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Christine Luna
Newborn Specialist
Parenting Coach
Only Happy Noises
Painesville. OH
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-07-2019 07:51 AM
From: Kristina Collins
Subject: Preschooler who is inconsolable
I recently had 2 brothers start at our center. One is 5, the other 3 1/2. This is the first childcare situation for either & mom is VERY attached to both children. The first couple of days went fairly well, but on the 3rd day, they both came in crying at drop-off, originally due to the fact that mom had discussions the night before & that morning about the younger child needing to use the "big boy potty". The three remaining days for that week were somewhat trying with intermittent crying throughout the morning until mom picked them up. Yesterday (Monday), they were back & both were crying again, however once Mom left, the younger child was fine & adjusted well, which is what I would normally expect. The older boy literally cried ALL morning until Mom picked them up. We tried every technique that we know of from distractions to consoling to ignoring the behavior & on & on. Nothing worked. I am praying that today goes better & that this post is for nothing, however I am completely at a loss as to what we can do to help this child get through this transition.
Mom put on his application that he has a sensory processing disorder that generally always presents as anxiety, but has not given us any indication of the best way to handle those anxieties. She is suffering from some separation issues as well & has left every day crying, then texts me every hour to check on them. We are only there for 3 1/2 hours each morning. I feel like her anxieties about drop-off are only contributing to the issues as well.
I'm just looking for some guidance on this one...been doing this for about 18 years & have never come across a child who just could not be comforted in some way. Thanks in advance!
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Kristi Collins
Director
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