Dear Home and School,
 Thank you very much for the grant that made it possible for us to purchase a classroom swing..
Many may wonder why a swing in the classroom? The main reason is to help the students who have sensory processing issues. It has also been a great tool to teach turn taking skills and requesting appropriately.
 
Below are some neat facts:
 
*When you swing, different parts of the brain get stimulated simultaneously; this helps the development of interconnected pathways in the brain. These connections play an important role in learning.
*Swinging helps improve our sensory integration. Our sensory integration is how our brain organizes and interprets information. This provides a base for more complex learning.
*When we engage in a rocking motion, such as swinging, the vestibular system is stimulated. This movement through space helps children’s brain development and their ability to pay attention.
*Swinging can be calming/soothing/relaxing, just like rocking a baby. We tend to be more focused when we feel calm. 
*By strengthening hand, arm finger coordination and grip strength swinging improves the development of fine motor skills.
*Perceptual skills are strengthened and developed through the movement of swinging.
*Swinging increases spatial awareness.
*Swinging helps develop gross motor skills – pumping legs, running, jumping (although this will not be done in the classroom)  

THANK YOU VERY MUCH,
 
Mrs. Serra
 

I like to swing because it is fun and when I swing on it I go a little fast.
Thank you Izaiah

When I swing I think I am flying high. Plus. It makes me a little scared. But I like it.
Xzander

Avery is swinging. I like to swing.
Avery

I like to swing because I fly. It makes me feel happy. Thank you!
Eric

I like to swing because it is fun. When I swing I feel happy. After I swing I feel calm.
Thank you,
Richie

I love to swing. It is fun. I feel good.
Thank you,
David

Even Dr. Lazar loves to swing....