Creating a multi-sensory space

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Creating a multi-sensory space

 

Having a sensory space within your classroom provides a safe place where children can go if the classroom environment gets too much. It doesn’t need to be a separate room, and many schools don’t have the budget for this. As an SBM, this is something you will need to consider. It’s more inclusive to keep the child within the classroom but provide the additional tools and space they need to stay regulated and ready to learn. For some children, this could even be something simple such as having a sensory muff to hand with sensory items inside, dependent upon their individual needs.

 

As with anything, you could have the best sensory space in the world, but there’s no point in having this if the adult in the room doesn’t understand the ‘why’ behind it. It’s crucially important for the adult to understand the benefit and use of the sensory space to be able to support the child using it appropriately. It shouldn’t be used as a ‘baby sitting area’, it shouldn’t be a space where an adult is directing what the child should do in it and it shouldn’t be a corner with nothing in it. So, what should it be?

 

Why create a multi-sensory space?

Children with Special Educational Needs often struggle to cope with the world around them – loud noises, bright lights, unwelcome textures – so this can provide a place for them to regain control of their emotions. The room can be adapted for all ages and capabilities. Welcoming a low-stress, fun environment, children can learn to work through their emotions and reactions to certain stimuli.

Although a multi-sensory space is mainly focused on helping children in a therapeutic way, they are also ideal for learning, stimulation, relaxation, and fun.

Other benefits include:

  • Improves mood and reduces aggression
  • Encourages social interaction
  • Helps to increase verbal & non-verbal communication
  • Improvement in their self-esteem

 

Creating an effective multi-sensory space for your school depends on choosing the right multi-sensory equipment. With each child having different needs and trying to accommodate them all, we have put together some furniture that will be perfect for your school.

 

A comfortable and safe space

Adding some comfortable cushion slabs and a soft floor creates a safe environment for children to play in. This promotes their safety as well as their learning and creativity. Our cushion slabs bring an inspiring and calm feeling to any learning environment as children will be able to use them during reading time or to snuggle up.

Another way to make things comfortable for your multi-sensory space is by using cushions. Specifically designed to create a calm feeling within the classroom, our cushions are ideal to use for your school.

 

Organise your space

Having an organised sensory space is vital to keep a calm environment. Our pebble tray unit is perfect for maintaining an organised atmosphere around the classroom. As part of the pebble range of furniture, this tray unit was designed specifically to create a calm feeling within the classroom with thick and durable materials. Students can store their own sensory toys and materials in the trays and keep them all tidy.

To store the class sensory toys and equipment, our jumbo trays and drawers are ideal. With enough space and storage, you can also wheel them around the classrooms and areas around the school.  

To organise books in the classroom, you need to make sure as an SBM, that you have enough storage space for your classes. Our beautifully created and hand-built library storage with a seat and bookcase will be the perfect asset for an organised yet creative learning environment. There is plenty of space for your school’s books.

 

Setting up a multi-sensory space can be challenging but by following these steps, you are ensuring every child in your classroom has the option for a time-out and some stimulation. It provides a safe space that combines stimulating activities and equipment for each sensory need so that the individual can either choose or be guided to the right sensory stimulation for their needs.

 

For more blogs to help you out as an SBM, check out our energy saving tips and the best writing essentials for your school.