Social Emotional Learning-Exploring Interoception

Interoception is defined as ‘the collection of senses providing information to the organism about the internal state of the body. This can be both conscious and subconscious. It encompasses the brain’s process of integrating signals relayed from the body into specific subregions allowing for a nuanced representation of the physiological state of the body. This is important for maintaining homeostatic conditions in the body and, potentially, facilitating self-awareness’ (Wikipedia)

Our SEL Inquiry Team met with our District Coordinator for Mental Health and our Inclusion Support Teacher to discuss the facets of SEL and how we feel we are doing as a school in each area. As we had been noticing a need to support learners with self-regulation, we were curious about the Interoception Curriculum as a possible starting point. We worked with our Inclusion Support Teacher to teach several body awareness lessons with our K/1 and 4/5 classes. We were curious to find out if students would have improved self-regulation skills if they developed and strengthening their body awareness skills. Students were engaged in the lessons and shared positive feedback. We may expand our work with Interoception in the fall.