What is a Sensory Space?
A Sensory Space is exactly what you would think. It is a therapeutic space with equipment or resources that provide our students with special needs the appropriate kind of sensory input. It is a calming space when our students get overwhelmed. In addition, the sensory room ideas can include a corner in the room or a separate room depending on what you have available. You can have a few sensory items or you can have high tech sensory items. There is a way to get started with every budget.
What Classrooms Need a Sensory Space?
First, every classroom would benefit from a sensory space and these sensory rood ideas can help. The self-contained classroom is the most obvious place in the school building. Students with autism specifically benefit from a sensory space so easy access is needed. It can also be needed in a special education resource classroom.
Many of our students are able to function outside the self-contained space for large chunks of the day. However, they sometimes need a quiet corner where they can safely go when they do get overwhelmed. Moreover, even general classrooms can find a need for sensory spaces. Especially after the pandemic, we found all students had moments where things just became too much for normal functioning. Having a sensory space would allow them a safe space to decompress as well.
What items should I include in a Sensory Space?
There is not really a wrong answer to this question. There are literally thousands of options for resources and items that you can put in a sensory space. If you are just getting started then you want to focus on a few key items. In addition, you will want some seating space for your students. Bean Bag chairs or exercise balls are a good place to start here. You can add a few fidgets to the space.
Also, I love to head to Target and search through their dollar spot for some new fidgets for my sensory room ideas. Stress balls are also relatively cost effective and can help your students calm down if overwhelmed. If you have a larger budget you can add things like a bubble wall. We have one in my classroom and we leave it on all day because we love it so much. Some teachers will add a swing or a trampoline to their sensory space. It helps to get the students moving some.
How do I fund all of this?
Next, I know that being a teacher can often mean a lot of money from our own pockets for these sensory room ideas. This time, you might not have to find the money. There is actually a grant option that can help you with getting your sensory space ready to go. It is easy to fill out and I know plenty of teachers who have been awarded the funding for different projects.
Need more help? Let’s Connect On Instagram and DM me for more support.
Finally, if you need more help with how to set up a sensory space, check out my latest podcast for even more ideas and tips. I always want to be here to help so I’ve put together a list of sensory essentials for calming down. We can also connect on Instagram and you can ask me any questions you have.
