Benefits
For the hundreds of thousands of children in the UK who have additional educational needs, sensory products are an engaging way of encouraging development in a range of sensory skills, as well as promoting relaxation and de-escalation to improve a distressed or overstimulated child’s state of mind. Time spent in sensory rooms can help pupils relax and focus, and prevent the distraction of classmates and disruption of lessons.
Multi sensory learning environments can be tailored to the needs of the students, regardless of age or ability, encouraging them to take more interest and learn more effectively. This helps develop skills including cause and effect, colour and shape recognition, along with gross and fine motor skills. Sensory learning environments can be a really important tool for people with acute special needs who can learn independence and valuable life skills in an inspiring, rewarding, even magical, environment.
Sensory rooms are also great in mainstream schools. They enable teachers to be more creative with their lessons, bringing the information alive rather than simply reading from a textbook. For example, students can be inspired in STEM with visits to the International Space Station, using interactive lighting effects, sounds of rocket boosters, plus the Fog Machine and Jet Stream wind effects initiated in time with video. The full sensory experience can really help to cement ideas and lessons into a pupil’s memories.
