Sensory Goals
Groups such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), World Health Organization (WHO), and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) convene experts to review research findings and clinical observations and have come to a consensus on the following sensory goals for children upto the age of 13 years.
Age Group | Visual Goals | Auditory Goals | Tactile Goals | Proprioceptive and Vestibular Goals |
Infants (0-12 months) | Tracking moving objects, focusing on faces | Recognizing and responding to sounds | Exploring objects with hands and mouth | Gaining head control, rolling over, sitting up |
Toddlers (1-3 years) | Identifying objects and colors, simple puzzles | Following simple instructions, identifying sounds | Manipulating toys with different textures | Climbing, running, jumping, balancing on one foot |
Preschoolers (3-5 years) | Recognizing letters and numbers, copying shapes | Following multi-step directions, enjoying stories | Engaging in arts and crafts, using scissors | Skipping, hopping, catching a ball, riding a tricycle |
Kindergarten (5-6 years) | Beginning to read simple words, writing letters | Following detailed instructions, enjoying rhymes | Writing and drawing with control, fine motor activities | Riding a bike with training wheels, improving balance |
1st & 2nd Grade (6-8 years) | Reading simple sentences, improving handwriting | Understanding complex instructions, conversations | Building with small blocks, using tools precisely | Participating in team sports, basic gymnastics moves |
3rd to 5th Grade (8-11 years) | Reading fluently, understanding visual presentations | Following classroom instructions, detailed discussions | Writing and drawing with refined control, crafts | Enhancing sports skills, mastering coordination activities |
6th to 7th Grade (11-13 years) | Reading and analyzing complex texts, detailed visual info | Engaging in advanced discussions, complex verbal instructions | Detailed projects, efficient typing | Excelling in physical activities, advanced sports skills |