Sensory Signals Survey

Overview

This lesson continues “The Ultimate Guide to Me” by helping students decode body signals through a sensory signal survey and a family interview about communication patterns. Students then analyse patterns using a simple explanatory writing framework with visual reasoning support, keeping written load minimal.

Learning intentions

• Students will complete a systematic sensory response survey to identify patterns in how their body reacts.
• Students will conduct a short family interview about how different body signals are understood.
• Students will analyse communication patterns using a structured “claim–evidence–reason” framework.
• Students will create a small visual summary of their findings for inclusion in their owner’s manual.

Success criteria

• I can mark my sensory responses for multiple body signals (e.g., before/during/after).
• I can answer family interview questions using a clear recording method (audio, notes, or picture prompts).
• I can write (or type) 3 short sentences explaining one pattern using Claim–Evidence–Reason.
• I can make a simple visual pattern map (arrows, icons, or colours) that matches my written explanation.

Curriculum links

• Science: Students plan and communicate ideas and findings using appropriate language features, visuals, and units when relevant.
• Mathematics: Students plan and conduct a statistical investigation by collecting data, analysing it, and communicating findings in context (survey data).
• English (Literacy): Students plan, create, edit, and publish informative texts using topic-specific vocabulary and clear structure.
• Personal reflection and communication: Students express preferences and ideas through negotiated or collaborative planning talk (parent-led support for a single student context).

Lesson structure (45 minutes)

1. 0–5 min · Check-in & goal reminder. Teacher explains today’s WALT in one sentence and shows a “pattern tracker” page with colour icons for body signals; student chooses a preferred check-in option (emoji face, quick yes/no, or short audio).

2. 5–15 min · Sensory Signal Survey (burst + visual). Teacher displays a low-reading-friction survey with 6–8 items, each with three time options (Before / During / After) and a 3-point scale (Noticed / Strong / Overwhelming) shown with icons. Student completes the survey using a preferred method (dot stickers, circle, or digital form). Teacher prompts: “What did you feel in your body?” and records any extra notes as the student dictates.

3. 15–25 min · Family Interview (guided prompts). Teacher gives a short script of 4 questions:

• “When you show this signal, what do you think is happening for me?”
• “What helps most in that moment?”
• “What do you notice first—before I say anything?”
• “What is one misinterpretation we want to fix?” Teacher records family responses verbally (parent as scribe/audio). Student picks which two questions matter most today and listens while the parent records answers.

4. 25–35 min · Pattern Analysis (Claim–Evidence–Reason). Teacher models a filled example with icons and minimal writing:

• Claim: “When I feel (signal), I usually notice it (time).”
• Evidence: “My survey shows (2–3 items) at Strong/Overwhelming.”
• Reason: “That makes me need (support) because (body explanation in simple terms).” Student completes one mini paragraph (3 sentences total) or a typed equivalent using sentence starters provided on cards.

5. 35–43 min · Visual Pattern Map (owner’s manual page). Teacher asks the student to create a one-page visual: a central body-signal icon linked by arrows to “sensory need” and “support that helps.” Student assembles using cut-out icons/coloured arrows or a simple digital diagram; teacher checks it matches the written claim.

6. 43–45 min · Exit ticket (quick and gentle). Student answers: “One pattern I noticed is…” and “One support I want people to remember is…” using a single sentence, audio recording, or choice of two options.

Resources

• Sensory Signal Survey (print or digital) with icons and 3-point scale
• Coloured sticker dots or digital annotation tool
• Family interview question cards and audio recorder option
• Claim–Evidence–Reason sentence starter cards
• Visual pattern map template (body icon → arrows → needs/support)
• Dyslexia-friendly support: large font, short lines, icons-only options, audio dictation for written parts

Assessment

• Formative: Observe survey completion accuracy (student selects matching icons/scales for each item).
• Formative: Check family interview notes for clarity (student can identify at least one key message).
• Formative: Review the student’s 3-sentence Claim–Evidence–Reason for a clear match between evidence (survey responses) and the claim.
• Exit ticket: Collect one pattern + one preferred support statement to confirm understanding.

Differentiation

• Support: Provide two versions of the survey (icons-only vs icons + short labels). Use sentence starters and parent scribing to reduce writing fatigue.
• Support: Allow audio responses instead of writing; student can later choose one sentence to “convert” into text.
• Extension (optional within lesson): If time remains, student adds a second claim about a different signal or adds a “misinterpretation to fix” box from the interview.
• Engagement: Include high-dopamine choices—student can pick the colour scheme and body icons; use quick 2–3 minute bursts and frequent movement (sticker placement, arrow building).
• EAL/SEN: Use consistent visual symbols, avoid complex reading, and rely on oral rehearsal before recording answers.