Saratoga Sensory
What makes Saratoga Sensory enrichment classes and social groups different? Not only are they provided in a sensory enriched environment, but they are also run by a pediatric occupational therapist with extensive sensory expertise. Enrichment classes and social groups are limited to 4 participants to ensure adequate individualized support. These classes and groups are open to everyone and can accommodate the needs of children with learning and developmental differences. All are welcome!
Currently offering summer camp enrichment classes and enrolling for school year sensory enrichment classes and social groups. For more information on summer camp enrichment classes, please visit our website. School year offerings are described below. Feel free to contact Saratoga Sensory with any questions you may have!
Sensory Explorers Class
Does your child seem more active than other children? Do they crave play in sensory bins and with fidgets? Or maybe your child struggles in situations where a lot of input is present, tending to shy away from group activities and messy sensory play that most children love. Whatever your child’s sensory strengths or challenges may be, Sensory Explorers will be a great fit! This class is designed to help sensory seekers improve self-regulation and sensory avoiders become more comfortable with a variety of sensory inputs. Each week, children will participate in sensory-based play that becomes gradually more challenging. Class will start with a gross motor activity designed to promote regulation and attention and a sequential motor activity with vestibular, proprioceptive, and tactile inputs. Both dry and messy tactile activities will be included, as well as a fun social game to end the class. All activities can be modified to meet the needs of each individual child.
Sensory STEAM Class
Welcome to the world of Sensory STEAM! How can STEAM activities and experiments be even more exciting? Add some extra sensory fun! This class will focus on a different sensory-based STEAM activity each week. Themes will change monthly and be based on different areas of science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Themes will include Sensory Scientists, Sensory Artists, Sensory Chefs, Sensory Engineers, Sensory Creators, Sensory Astronauts, and more! Each class will begin with a gross motor activity designed to promote regulation and attention as well as a tactile activity related to the main theme. During each sensory-based activity, children will have the opportunity to participate in a manner that helps meet and respects their individual sensory needs.
Sensory Handwriting Class
This enrichment class is designed to help children gain skills related to handwriting. While this group is open to all children, it may be especially helpful for children who are struggling with pencil grasp and/or handwriting yet do not qualify for services through their school district. Enrollment includes individual Handwriting Without Tears materials, including HWT chalkboard, mini chalk pieces, mini sponge pieces, and developmentally appropriate Handwriting Without Tears workbooks. This class will incorporate a gross motor warmup activity to promote regulation and attention and sensory-based fine motor warmup activity to develop strength and improve sensory registration, as well as a fine motor social game to end the class with some fun.
Sensory Social Group
Do you have a child who is friendly but struggles to make friends? Are group situations too challenging to navigate? Or maybe they become so excited when talking about their favorite characters, subjects, or activities that they have difficulty participating in peer-to-peer conversation. If this sounds like your child, a Sensory Social Group could be the perfect fit! Each group will be limited to 4 children, similar in age, and facilitated by a pediatric occupational therapist. In these groups, children will be able to develop social skills naturally rather than on the basis of a predetermined curriculum. Each group will incorporate sensory input and activities to promote emotional and sensory regulation, with a pediatric occupational therapist available to help children navigate challenging social interactions as they occur. Group games and activities will help children to form authentic friendships and make meaningful social connections. Each group will meet weekly.