Tools for Schools: Sensory Smart Strategies for School-Aged Children Seminar

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General Description
Help is on the way for those who either have or are working with tots (toddlers or young children). This seminar is designed to offer practical S.O.S. (Sensory Options and Strategies) to improve your tots ability to function in their environment through a variety of sensory diet activities and environmental strategies. S.O.S. topics include Wake Up Wonders, Picky Eater Tidbits, Tooth Brush Tamers, Dressing Diversions, Potty Pleasers, Hair Care, Nail Nippers, Tubby Time Tips, Beddie Bye Bliss, and more! Learn how to help Touchy Tots, Sensitive Ears, Busy Bees, Fumbling Tots, Tippy Toe Tots, Cautious Tots, and Spirited Tots get along. Updates in sensory processing, treatment videos and case histories will be shared. Participants will also have the opportunity to do some detective work of their own. Dress comfortably to personally experience some S.O.S.!

This seminar requires purchase of the handbook Tools for Tots S.O.S. (Sensory Options and Strategies) for Toddlers and Young Children. Orders may be taken at the time of registration, but will be distributed at the seminar.

Audience
Teachers, parents/caregivers, day care workers, psychologists, social workers, psychologists, behavior analysts and technicians, administrators, and developmental, occupational, physical and speech therapists.

Audience size is unlimited. Sponsors may open workshops to the general public for their own set fee or combine with other business to help with costs. Movement breaks will be designed as appropriate for the group size.

Session Length
This virtual or in person workshop is usually set for 5.5 hours. It may shortened to a 1 hr overview, or lengthened based on needs.

Presentation Format
In person or virtual

Course Level
Customizable to group experience (generally beginner to intermediate)

Objectives:
Participants will:
  • Describe how sensory processing affects attention, behavior, motor development, and learning within the school environment.
  • Identify common sensory needs observed in school-aged children and the classroom behaviors that may signal sensory-based challenges.
  • Demonstrate at least five movement-based activities that promote regulation, improve focus, and prepare students for learning tasks.
  • Integrate brief sensory-based strategies—such as movement breaks, environmental adjustments, and activity modifications—into daily classroom routines.
  • Compare various forms of alternative seating and explain the research supporting their use for postural control, engagement, and self-regulation.
  • Describe the developmental and neurocognitive benefits of recess and justify its role in enhancing classroom participation and academic performance.

Speaker Biography
Susan Swindeman, OTR Sue Swindeman is the CEO of Tot Talks, LLC which she launched in 2025. Through Tot Talks, she gets to do what she loves — share simple, sensory-based strategies and other tools that make everyday life easier and more joyful for children, parents, caregivers, teachers, therapists, and practice owners. At the heart of her approach is a deep belief in the power of family engagement and team communication to create meaningful outcomes for children and the heroes who support them.

Susan Swindeman, OTR/L, has been transforming the lives of children since earning her degree in occupational therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1984. She is certified in the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests and has advanced training in sensory processing, sensory-based strategies, neurodevelopmental treatment, and feeding.

In 1994, Sue founded Wee Care Therapy, Ltd. and led the organization through 2024, growing it from a single-therapist practice to a multidisciplinary team of 45 passionate providers including behavioral, developmental, occupational, physical and speech therapies, along with many related services and programs. In 2024, she sold the practice to new hands that shared the same heart and philosophy.

Sue believes in the continual pursuit of excellence through advanced training, mentoring, and collaboration. She shares her experience and knowledge through international presentations and is co-author of the books Tools for Tots: Sensory Strategies for Toddlers and Preschoolers and Tools for Infants: Sensory-Based Strategies for Parents, Caregivers, and Early Intervention Providers. These valuable resources have been translated into German, Turkish, and Brazilian Portuguese. Sue leads workshops around the world and, when schedules allow, presents with Maureen Kane-Wineland, PhD, OT/L, or other like-minded professionals with diverse experience.

References
Guldag, O., & Turan, F. (2025). Review of studies on routine-based interventions in early childhood in terms of bibliometric features. Cypriot Journal of Educational Sciences, 20(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v20i1.9686.

Piller, A., McHugh Conlin, J., Glennon, T., Andelin, L., Auld-Wright, K., Teng, K., & Tarver, T. (2025). Systemic review of sensory-based interventions for children and youth (2025-2024). Frontiers in Pediatrics 13:17220179. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2025.1720179.

Honorarium & Further Information
Contact sueswindeman@tottalks.org for pricing and more detailed information on customized workshops, or consultations to meet your needs.

Disclosure
Sue Swindeman receives compensation for her book sales as well as products presented as an Amazon affiliate through Tot Talks.

Disclaimer
Tot Talks content is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, medical or legal advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Individuals should always consult with a qualified healthcare provider or licensed attorney for guidance specific to their situation. Users of these materials and activities are presumed to be aware of any physical or medical limitations that may contraindicate their use. Techniques and equipment demonstrated may carry a risk of injury, however minimal, and should only be used under the supervision of trained professionals.  

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