Classroom Strategies

Connecting the Dots: Between Development and Behavior in the Learning Environment, Home, and Community Learning

By Karen Hyche, OTD, and Vickie Maertz, OTD

The goal of this book is to enlighten caregivers, parents, teachers, and families about sensory processing disorder (SPD) and its impact on a child’s behavior and overall development. But it goes beyond that. Connecting the Dots explores how social, emotional, environmental, and neurological factors work together to influence a child’s growth in every setting, from home to classroom to community.

Together, Karen Hyche and Vickie Maertz help readers connect the dots between behavior, development, and sensory processing. This comprehensive resource is filled with practical strategies that help caregivers and educators better understand and support the unique needs of children with sensory differences.

A teacher smiles as she observes three young children playing with colorful wooden building blocks at a table in a classroom.

What You’ll Learn

  • How sensory processing affects a child’s attention, emotions, and learning

  • Signs and symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) in different settings

  • Effective coping tools that help children feel calm and confident

  • How to create inclusive environments that support growth and well-being

  • Practical ideas families and teachers can use right away to foster development

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AMeet Vickie Maertz, Founder of PALS

Why Readers Love This Book

Connecting the Dots offers clear, actionable insights for anyone who works with or cares for children. The strategies are simple to apply and help transform daily routines into opportunities for growth and understanding.

Educators, therapists, and parents appreciate that the book speaks from both professional expertise and lived experience. It bridges clinical insight with real-life application, making it an invaluable tool for early childhood professionals and families alike.

Whether you are an educator seeking new classroom strategies or a parent wanting to better understand your child, this book will help you build the knowledge and confidence to support every child’s journey.

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