St. Mary’s Hospital invites children to participate in a fun, interactive program that incorporates sensory integration strategies and motor planning in a four-week class each Thursday beginning July 30 from 2 to 3 p.m.

The program, “Sensory Sensation,” is taught by licensed occupational therapist Samantha Burke and allows children ages 4 to 8 the opportunity to experience sensory exploration in a group setting.  Each session begins with a Brain Gym warm up followed by activities based on the week’s theme.  The first week focuses on sights and sounds; the second week addresses smell and touch; week three’s activities center around vestibular and motor planning; and the final week provides a multi-sensory review with activities such as flashlight tag, following directions in a song, identifying smells and an obstacle course.  Each one-hour class ends with 10 minutes of yoga calming moves to music.    

“The purpose of the class is to help guide children in the use of their sensory skills to explore the environment in an efficient manner,” said Michelle McCloskey, occupational therapist and operational specialist in the hospital’s Rehabilitation Medicine Department.  “The ability to accurately interpret and integrate sensory input is the foundation for learning, focus and interaction skills.”

To find out more about the program or to secure a spot, contact St. Mary’s Hospital’s Health Connections at (301) 475-6019.  The cost is $50 for the hour-long, four-week program.