1st Edition
Sensory Spaces An A-Z of Immersive and Creative Environments to Support Sensory Integration
Imagine stepping into a sensory space where you can feel the sand between your toes, smell the sea, listen to the sound of seagulls calling; touch feathers, shells and driftwood…
Sensory spaces invite learners to be curious and try new ideas and skills, inspiring imaginative play, creativity and storytelling. This comprehensive A-Z shows readers how to create easily customisable spaces for learning, sensory engagement and relaxation, using a host of everyday items. It is packed full of:
• tools and strategies to provide positive experiences and the best outcomes for an inclusive education;
• ideas for connecting learners to different areas of the curriculum;
• sensory-rich activities to support the mental health and wellbeing of people with complex and additional needs; and
• case studies and examples from guest contributors to showcase a wide range of sensory spaces in practice.
With a rich selection of colour photographs, this essential guide will inspire you to create spaces for learners to take ownership of their sensory explorations in creative, immersive and stimulating environments. It is a valuable resource for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and mainstream teachers, SEND coordinators, teaching assistants, early years practitioners, play therapists, parents and carers, and anyone with an interest in engaging learners through the senses.
Acknowledgements
Guest Contributors
Foreword
About This Book
How to Use This Book
Part 1: Introducing Sensory Spaces 1
Sensory Processing
Sensory Profiles
The Benefits of Using Sensory Structures and Sensory Spaces
Ownership of Sensory Spaces
Part 2: Getting Started
Health and Safety Guidance
Using Scents and Smells
Choosing a Sensory Structure or Space
Accessorising Sensory Spaces
Part 3: An A-Z of Sensory Spaces to Suit all Budgets
Activity Arches
Beach Shelters
Balloon Arches
Ball Pits
Baths and Hydrotherapy Pools
Beaded Door Curtains
Bedrooms
Bed Canopies
Bedsheets
Blankets and Throws
Body
Canvas and Tarpaulins
Cardboard Boxes
Carpet Tiles
Cavendish Spaces
Colour Wheels and Light Projectors
Cupboards and Small Rooms
Curtains
Dens
Drona Boxes
Eco-nooks
Fishing Nets
Gardens
Garden Arches
Gazebos
Hammocks
Hoists
Hula Hoops
Intergenerational Sensory Spaces
Journey Sensory Pathway
Kitchens
Light Rooms
Mosquito Nets and Insect Screens
Net Curtains
Observation Windows
Outdoor Spaces
Parachutes
Parasols
Partitions and Room Dividers
Peg Spinners
Playhouses
Polytunnels
Plumbing Pipes and Connectors
Quiet Spaces
Rails
Remote Interactive Learning Experiences
Sandpits
Sensory Rooms
Shower Curtains
Side Lyers
Scrim Nets
Space Blankets
Stages
Tents
Trampolines
Trellises
Tunnels
Umbrellas
Vision Impairment Sensory Spaces
Walls
Washing Lines
Wigwams and Tipis
Workspaces
Xylography
Yoga Mat
Ziplock Sensory Bags
Part 4: The ‘Why’
Sensory Zones in the Home
Sensory Zones in the Classroom
Sensory Spaces for People with Dementia
Sensory Zones for Adults with Learning Disabilities
Sensory Spaces for You
Part 5: Sensory Zones
The Senses: Auditory Zone
The Senses: Gustatory Zone
The Senses: Olfactory Zone
The Senses: Tactile Zone
The Senses: Visual Zone
Creativity Zone: Arts
Creativity Zone: Crafts
Diversity Zone
Movement Break Zone
Music Zone
Play Zone
Reading Zone
RE Zone
Roleplay Zone
Science Zone
The Sensory Calendar
Further Resources
Biography
Victoria Navin is a passionate advocate for multisensory storytelling, specialising in creating sensory-rich learning experiences for individuals with SEND. With over two decades of experience, including working at a special school in Cheshire, she connects learners to literature, culture, history and other topics through her unique multisensory stories and sensory activities. Victoria has authored over 45 fully resourced multisensory stories and delivers online workshops for educators and caregivers worldwide. She writes sensory activities for Little Magic Train and has written sensory activities for Marvin’s Storytime Show. She is a frequent speaker at online conferences and has contributed to several books (including Sensory Stories: Making Narratives Accessible Through the Senses by Dr Joanna Grace and Teaching Reading to All Learners Including Those with Complex Needs by Dr Sarah Moseley) and magazines (including SEN Magazine and PMLD Link), making her a leading figure in the field of sensory-based education.
"Victoria stands with teachers, teaching assistants, care workers, family members and anyone who wishes to share fun and engaging times with and support someone with complex disabilities and neurodivergent conditions. This joyful book offers a helping hand, a pick-me-up, a message to say that you are not alone. Thumbing through the pages, you will find ideas from a whole team of contributors ready to take tired hands and say, ‘Let’s have some fun; let’s go on a sensory adventure.’ I invite you to adventure within these pages and within the spaces you may create inspired by them."
Dr Joanna Grace, sensory engagement and inclusion specialist
"This is a practical and empowering guide filled with easy-to-adapt ideas for creating inclusive sensory environments on any budget. Victoria brings together deep knowledge, creativity and compassion to support learners of all ages and needs. A brilliant go-to resource for educators, families and anyone looking to make a sensory difference."
Dr Sarah Moseley, author, consultant and trainer in SEND and inclusive practice
"An essential companion for all educators, this easy-to-use A-Z has inspiring ideas popping from every page. Sensory Spaces is an invaluable guide bursting with dynamic, innovative solutions. Notebook and pen ready, delve in, be excited, be enthused; create amazing sensory spaces for all your learners from the wonderful ideas. A must-have for both first-time educators entering the world of sensory learners and experienced educators seeking new inspiring ideas. The depth and breadth of this guide are phenomenal!"
Gwyn McCormack, director, Positive Eye Ltd
"This thoughtfully designed and accessible book would have been invaluable when I began working with children and young adults. Victoria offers a wealth of knowledge alongside innovative, sensory-rich provocations and experiences for the early years, SEND, young people and adults. A truly multi-generational resource, it empowers educators, carers and parents to foster meaningful learning through imagination, creativity and storytelling. This book is an inspiring and practical guide for anyone committed to enriching developmental experiences across all ages."
Gina Bale, creator and founder, Little Magic Train
