Sensory play is an important part of childhood development, especially for young kids. One of the most common ways we engage children is by sitting on the floor and playing with toys. Incorporating specific sensory activities into this floor time can help kids learn how to interact with their environment, learn from their experiences and improve both fine and gross motor skills.

At SensoryOne, we do more than sell sensory room equipment – we design whole sensory rooms for clients as part of our services. From floor to wall to ceiling, let us create your optimal multi-sensory room environment!

Top ideas for sensory engagement on the floor

Sensory play can include a wide variety of activities and toys. There really are no rules about what constitutes a good sensory experience, so feel free to get creative! Here are a few suggestions for some sensory fun on the floor.

A sensory path

A sensory path is set of markings, stickers or unique textures on the floor that guide a child through a set of movements. Popular in school hallways, sensory pathways are a fan way to keep kids moving in the direction you’d like them to move in, while releasing some energy and engaging with their surroundings. Sensory paths are also perfect for helping to develop gross motor skills in kids of all ages.

Sensory paths are a great option in schools where you are unable to created a dedicated sensory space. Once you teach kids to use the sensory path quietly, kids can be offered the opportunity to work off their feelings of anger, frustration or overwhelm by stepping out into the hall to walk the path a few times.

Sensory bins

Just like how it sounds, a sensory bin is often a large bin that has various sensory items inside of it for kids to play with. Sensory bins hold a child’s attention very well, and can be played with by kids of all ages. They are also excellent for adults experiencing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

There are no limits to what you can include in a sensory bin, so this is your opportunity to have some fun! Things like rice, sand, dried beans or chick peas, slime, shredded paper, shaving cream, Jell-O, dried cereal, ice cubes and so much more can be put in a sensory bin!

The biggest limitation is how easy you’d like the clean up to be, so keep this in mind when looking for things to add. Also consider the age of the kids playing with this, as you don’t want to use small, inedible items if the child is likely to put them in their mouth.

Sensory floor and wall panels

Play games and get moving with sensory stimulating, motion activated floor panels. Also, while not technically on the floor, sensory wall panels can be installed low on the wall so that young kids who are on the floor can engage with them. Whether you choose a pre-made sensory wall mural or want to make one yourself, they are a great way to engage a child in a variety of settings. Wall murals and tiles can also be installed on the floor.

An interactive projector

With many built-in games and engaging experiences, interactive motion-activated projectors are a fun way to involve both kids and adults in imaginative play. Installed in the ceiling or high in the room, an interactive projector sends an image to the floor and responds to touch on the image. If getting to the ground is difficult, the image can be projected onto a tabletop as well! This adaptability is great for adults with dementia and Alzheimer’s who might benefit from sensory engagement as well.

Interactive floor and wall panels

Electronic panels that light up or make sounds when touched are a fun and unique way to experience sensory floor play. These interactive panels can be installed on the wall or floor, and include a variety of interactive games, adjustable difficulty levels and volume and light level controls to create a customized experience for your space.

Sensory fun and benefits for kids and adults alike

Although we most commonly think of sensory play as geared for children, it can also benefit adults who may benefit from cognitive activation and increased mobility. That goes for seniors with dementia, mobility issues or simply for leisure. Getting down to the floor and getting up again after is a great way to exercise muscles that aren’t often used, especially in seniors.

Sensory floor play is a great way to help calm and distract those who are feeling overwhelmed by their surroundings, provide fun, and helps kids explore the world around them.

Sensory rooms are becoming a fairly common presence in spaces like schools and health care settings, and sensory walls are another great option for reducing anxiety and encouraging interaction. These dedicated wall spaces are created with various tactile features that invite visitors to explore their senses, especially the sense of touch. Sensory walls are a beneficial addition to many public spaces including hospitals, schools, airports, and childcare centers.

A sensory wall for any space

A sensory wall is quite like how it sounds: space on a wall that uses a variety of high-touch toys and other items that encourage visitors to touch, feel and experience the effects of the sensory wall. Created on a wall that can be easily reached and experienced, a sensory wall should be accessible for everyone who visits.

Benefits of a sensory wall

Just like a sensory room, there are a number of benefits to installing a sensory wall in your space. Whether the intended users are children or adults, the benefits of a dedicated sensory space have been shown to have a positive effect on many parts of their lives.

Helps improve concentration and focus

When a child’s attention is drawn to a sensory wall, they are able to practice their concentration skills. Focused play will help them detach from high stress or anxiety-causing situations.

Can improve coordination and fine- and gross-motor development

The various activities included on a sensory wall, panel or tile can help a child improve fine motor skills like closing a button or zipper and picking up small objects, and gross motor skills involving their arms and torso.

Encourages social interaction

Playing with a sensory wall teaches kids how to interact with the world around them, including people. Interacting with adults and other children is a valuable skill that they’ll use throughout their lives.

Can help reduce anxiety and aggression

The ability to retreat from a stressful situation and instead focus on the calming effects of a sensory wall can help to reduce anxiety and aggressive behaviour. Being able to emotionally separate from a high-stress situation can help a child process their emotions before they become overwhelming and turn into aggression.

Promotes sharing

When sensory walls are located in an area that might have more than one child playing with it at once, they are able to practice their sharing skills together.

Improves creativity & problem-solving skills

Sensory walls present an excellent opportunity for kids to explore their creativity thanks to the open-ended nature of sensory play. With no set rules or guidelines, kids are able to play with the sensory wall in any way their imagination leads them to.

Stimulates senses

A sensory wall can engage not only the sense of touch, but also sight, smell and hearing. When one sense is stimulated, it’s common for others to become more sensitive as well.

Where to install a sensory wall

Sensory walls can be installed in a wide variety of settings where children and adults may benefit from a sensory experience. Since sensory walls can be as small as you’d like them to be, there are very few barriers to installing one.

Businesses and places that may benefit from a sensory wall can include:

• health centres and hospitals
• schools
• office spaces
• sports venues
• shopping malls
• airports
• daycares or day homes
• kids’ camps

Top products to include on a sensory wall

Sensory wall can be made as simple or complex as you’d like them to be. Some common things to include might be:

Pieces of carpeting or flooring – a variety of different carpet scraps including soft and coarse surfaces, or pieces of vinyl, wood, tile or plank floor samples can all provide unique tactile experiences.

Interesting fabrics – Textiles that include sequins, mesh, or fur are especially appealing.

Tactile wall tiles with a variety of touch experiences built in – These pre-made wall tiles make creating a sensory wall easy.

Wall panels that include a variety of tactile experience and UV or fibre optic lights – Larger than a wall tile, a wall panel includes a variety of different sensory experiences on one ready-made panel.

Beads, feathers and chains – Any materials that can provide an interesting or unique touch experience can be included in a sensory wall.

Velcro and zippers – Both the act of opening and closing Velcro and zippers, and just the feel of them under your fingers makes these a good addition to a sensory wall.

Wall murals – Custom designed for your space, sensory wall murals include a variety of different tactile items on a frame or mounted directly onto the wall.

Sensory walls are a great tool to incorporate into many spaces

Whether you have a full wall or just a small section to work with, incorporating a sensory wall into your home, school, office or other setting is a great way to encourage visitors of all ages and development levels to feel comfortable, relaxed, and welcome.  

Although sensory spaces are becoming quite common in places that focus on children, like schools and libraries, they aren’t yet the norm in other frequently visited public areas like airports, hospitals and shopping centers. Unfortunately, some of these settings are bound to offer quite a bit of sensory overload for someone that is already struggling. When a designer or architect is able to include some form of sensory room in their initial design process, the task is mush easier than trying to figure out how to create one after construction has been completed.

How to focus on sensory experiences in interior design

The practice of considering sensory needs when designing public spaces is a fairly new trend, however it’s one that is growing in popularity and importance. As more people are finding themselves coping with anxiety, stress and both diagnosed and undiagnosed mental processing disorders, the ability to take a pause is more needed than ever.

When designing public buildings, a great way to support these individuals is to incorporate sensory spaces as part of the initial design process, rather than as an afterthought. Creating a dedicated room or space for a sensory experience is a great way to ensure all public spaces are safe and welcoming to everyone, including those who may have troubles processing more engaging or busy places.

Even outside of a sensory room a building designer can include features and experiences that appeal to a wider audience. Incorporating wood, warm colours and plants can help turn a cool and stark space into something cozier and more welcoming, while installing carpet and sound dampeners can help muffle distracting and overwhelming sounds, for example.

Benefits of sensory spaces in public buildings

Much like in a school setting, a sensory room in a public building is meant to create a calming environment for anyone who visits. The ability to step away from a high energy space and into a calmer and more relaxing one can help both children and adults to better manage their mental health. Some top benefits of creating a sensory space in a public area may include:

• Helps reduce overstimulation
• Reduces anxiety and offers the chance to learn new coping mechanisms
• Encourages visitors to take on tasks that they may otherwise avoid, like going shopping or booking a trip
• Offers a place for people to retreat to when the outside space is becoming too overwhelming
• Engages the senses, without overwhelming or stressing them
• Offers an engaging space for education and development

Types of sensory spaces and tools to include

When adding a sensory space to a building that is already being used, we’re left at the mercy of what sort of space is available for the purpose. However, when creating new buildings designers are able to incorporate a dedicated space right from the get go during the design process. There are a number of difference sensory room styles and activities that could be included, depending on how much space we’re given to work with. Some ideas might include:

A dark room – Geared more for those who have vision impairments, a dark room might feel almost like a glow room. Tools like UV lights, florescent colours and soft, cushy set against a dark and dim background can offer a relaxing and calm oasis from the chaos outside.

An interactive room, or interactive tools within the room – Interactive projectors and virtual reality games encourage visitors to remove themselves from their current reality and instead engage with their immediate surroundings. This can help reduce the anxiety tied to their experience outside of the sensory space.

A garden space – Although not traditionally considered a sensory space, a garden is an excellent way to incorporate sensory space tools in a unique way. Being outdoors is often a relaxing experience for most, and if the space is designed with comfortable furniture and an abundance of peace and quiet, along with tactile experiences it can be the perfect option.

A traditional calming room – The most common sensory space is one that includes a variety of calming tools like dimmable lights, comfortable furniture, sensory toys, tactile rugs and wall panels and interactive technology. This combination of activities is suitable for visitors of all ages and cognitive abilities, so remains a top choice in any public space.  

Incorporating a sensory space is good for everyone

Although many people may not understand the need for a sensory space in a public building, the positive effects it can have will benefit everyone who comes in contact with someone who find value in it. The ability to step away from the anxiety-inducing needs of a public space and into an area that will allow them to breath and refocus their mind in a more manageable direction will help visitors approach the overstimulation outside in a healthier way.

Sensory Room Environment in Children’s Hospital

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For Educators & Parents, Sensory Spaces are Invaluable and Supportive for Kids

Creating a sensory space in a home or a school is growing trend, and has many benefits for both students and educators. Dedicating a space or a room to the sensory needs of students can help educators create the most beneficial learning environment for all of their students. It is not uncommon for educators to have a student that may need an adjustment in their attitude or surroundings, so the ability to offer them a time out in a sensory space can help them take time to calm down, while allowing teachers to make a non-punitive removal from the classroom.

[Time outs] are recommended by most pediatricians as a way to curb negative behaviors ranging from talking back to physical aggression. Research indicates that when used properly — along with other techniques that balance nurture and structure — time outs are effective and do not cause harm.

Child Mind Institute “Are Timeouts Harmful for Children“

One of the arguments (dismissed by most child psychologists) against timeouts is that it isolates children. As noted above, when used properly, they’re effective. However, time outs in sensory spaces contribute to positive behavours and outcomes. It enhances the child/student’s experience and aides in calming behaviour and aggression.

Sensory space in a school can have a calming effect

Although the goal of a classroom is to foster inclusion and acceptance, there are times when a child may need to be removed due to attitude or behaviour issues. However, punishing this behaviour can often lead to a child acting out further, whether out of anger or confusion. Having an on-site sensory space can present the teacher with an opportunity to give the student space to calm down on their own, without the pressure of their classmates nearby. Often removing a child from a situation and placing them in a calming space will have a more positive result than punishing them would.

A sensory space that is filled with calming features can help these students naturally release their anger and anxiety, leading to a calmer interaction when they return. Features like dim lights, comfortable chairs, quiet music, and low stimulation toys can help a child improve their reactions and behavior naturally.

Beneficial for everyone involved

When a child is being disruptive in class, they can be a distraction to everyone in the room. In these situations, the most beneficial option for everyone is to remove the disruptive child from the space so that the remaining students can continue on with their day. However, simply sending the child into the hallway or down to the office isn’t likely to heal the issue that led to their disruptions in the first place. A sensory space can offer children a dedicated and quiet place to take a time out and reflect on the situation, without pushing for an immediate resolution. This option is beneficial for everyone involved for many reasons.

• Helps relieve the teacher during a stressful situation
• Offers the removed student the opportunity to calm down and distance from the situation in their own unique way
• Provides a place to retreat to when the school setting becomes triggering or stressful
• Gives teachers a safe space to interact with and learn about their unique students
• Allows providers to understand and learn about the needs of individual students, and cultivate a space that helps them feel safe
• Allows the rest of the class to be separated from disruptive behaviour
• Sometimes participants need space from each other, which a sensory room can provide
• Kids with sensory processing and learning disorders like ADHD and Autism

A sensory space doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated

When you start looking into the features to include in a sensory space there are nearly endless options of activities, toys and tools. However, a sensory space doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy. Simply providing a space for students to retreat to when they need it can make the difference for many kids. Including a projector or virtual reality tech can be a fun and helpful addition, but often starting simple with good lighting, a variety of books, interactive toys, and calming sounds with comfortable places to sit is a great way to go.

A sensory space is not a punishment

Regardless of why a child is encouraged or led to visit a sensory space, it is essential that they do not come to see it as a punishment. Many children process things in unique ways, so a sensory space is a great way to honour their uniqueness while also removing them from a triggering situation. This removal helps the remaining children feel safe and cared for, while also offering the disruptive student a break without being punished.

Many options for creating a great sensory space

Whether you’re able to dedicate an entire room or are just looking to furnish a small space or mobile cart, there are no rules for how to create a sensory space. Teachers can band together to plan and fill the space with tools they think would help, or they can contact a professional to help them create the perfect space. Sensory room concierge services are designed to evaluate the needs of everyone involved and advise or curate the tools that will have the biggest impact. Teachers spend so much of their time looking out for the best of their students, and creating a great sensory space is another tool that will help them continue to do that.