Sensory Integration
Class 1 & 2 – Morning Circle as Therapeutic Work
A two-day in-person workshop, Friday - Saturday 4-5 April, 2025
At the core of Steiner Education is the recognition of the limitless potential inherent in each human being. This educational approach acknowledges the infinite capacities and faculties that unfold as individuals progress through life’s journey. For healthy development, educators must not only nurture the “I,” the essential self of each child, but also work diligently to remove any obstacles that may impede the child’s path to self-realisation and expression.
Rudolf Steiner’s insights into the soul-spiritual nature of the human being, particularly the importance of the four foundational senses—touch, life, self-movement, and balance—primarily developed during the first seven years of life, offer valuable guidance. These insights help us understand how to support children in feeling at home within their physical bodies.
In Steiner schools, practices such as Curative Eurythmy, Eurythmy, Extra Lesson, the arts and crafts, and Sensory Integration are used to support children’s development. However, significant therapeutic work can also be conducted by class teachers with the entire class, serving as both a method of assessment and remediation.
This workshop is particularly beneficial for teachers and parents of children in Classes 1 and 2, where the capacity for imitation–though not as strong as it was in the early childhood years– still exists, and imaginative faculties are unfolding.
During this workshop, we will explore Sensory Integration activities for the whole class as a therapeutic approach, covering the following topics:
- An overview of Sensory Integration.
- The role of the first four senses in the development of faculties.
- Factors that hinder healthy development.
- Observing behavioural patterns that indicate poor sensory integration.
- Understanding proprioception and vestibular indicators.
- Identifying laterality, dominance, and handedness indicators.
- Engaging the whole class in morning circle movements and exercises specifically designed for Classes 1 and 2.
- Participants will receive a resource booklet containing songs, verses, and poems to incorporate movement and exercises into their teaching.
Practical Information
Term 1, 2025: Friday and Saturday, 4 – 5 April
10.00am – 4.00pm
A face-to-face weekend seminar at 37A Wellington Park Drive, Warranwood VIC. The sessions will not be recorded.
Morning and afternoon tea will be provided. Please bring your own lunch.
Terri McMillan
Terri McMillan is a teacher of 35 years experience in a Steiner School and 5 years in the State system. She has been presenting the Seminar’s part-time Primary Class Teacher 1-6 course for many years. She co-founded the Mansfield Steiner School (previously called Maindample), was a class teacher there for over 10 years, and has been a senior geography teacher high school for 10 years. Terri co-authored the Steiner Geography Curriculum for the Australian Steiner Curriculum Framework.
$425 for the weekend. $380 early bird special if enrolled prior to 4 March 2025.
If you wish to withdraw from a course, please send an email to c.kwong@steinerseminar.edu.au.
- If you withdraw prior to the weekend beginning we will refund any fees paid, less a $100 administration fee. No refunds can be given for non-attendance.
Participants will receive a Certificate of Professional Development upon completion, subject to attendance.
This course does not lead to a qualification.
Please bring your lunch and wear comfortable clothing allowing for movement.
