🧠 Why Children Need Sensory Language Early

As an occupational therapist working in schools, I’ve seen it time and time again...young children struggling with big feelings, tricky behaviors, or constant movement, simply because they don’t yet have the words or tools to express how they feel.

That’s where sensory language comes in.

💬 What Is Sensory Language?

Sensory language is how we help kids talk about what their body is telling them. Instead of just saying “Calm down!” or “Sit still!”, we give them words to notice and describe their inner state. Words like:

• “FAST” – when their body is wiggly, hyper, or moving too much

• “SLOW” – when they’re tired or sluggish

• “JUST RIGHT” – when they feel calm, focused, and ready to learn

This kind of language builds self-awareness, which is the first step to self-regulation.

🧒 Why Start Early?

You might think it’s too early to teach 3- or 4-year-olds about their nervous systems - but it’s not!

In fact, preschool is the perfect time to introduce these ideas. Young children are already learning how to name colors, count to 10, and take turns. Why not also teach them how to say:

🗣️ “My body feels fast right now.”🗣️ “I need a hug or a squeeze.”🗣️ “I feel just right and ready to play!”

The earlier we introduce this kind of body talk, the more natural it becomes. Children begin to notice patterns, connect feelings to actions, and ask for help in ways that make sense.

🎯 What the Research Tells Us

There’s growing evidence that early support for sensory processing and emotional regulation has long-term benefits for learning, behavior, and social skills.

When kids don’t understand their sensory needs, they often get mislabeled:

• “Too hyper”

• “Too shy”

• “Too emotional”

• “Too distracted”

But when we give them a framework like “fast, slow, just right,” we reframe the behavior and offer tools instead of shame.

💡 A Curriculum That Teaches It All

That’s why I created Just Right! Jr. A Sensory Modulation Curriculum for Emerging Learners. It’s built for preschoolers and children with developmental differences who are just starting to explore how their bodies feel and what they need.

Through songs, visuals, movement games, fine motor activities, and real-life scenarios, children learn how to:

• Notice their body speed

• Talk about how they feel

• Choose a tool to get “just right”

📣 Let’s Give Kids the Language They Deserve

We don’t wait until kids are 10 to teach them ABCs or how to be kind. So let’s not wait to teach them how to understand and manage their bodies.

Start early. Use sensory words every day. And watch how your students begin to grow in confidence, awareness, and independence - one “just right” moment at a time.

Want to learn more about Just Right! Jr.?👉 [Join the Waitlist Here] and be the first to know when it launches and get a DISCOUNT!