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Are you a homeschooling parent looking to optimize your home classroom to cater to sensory needs effectively? Designing a sensory-friendly learning environment is essential to support your child's educational journey. In this guide, we'll provide you with practical tips on creating a conducive home classroom that maximizes learning potential while considering sensory sensitivities.
Understanding Sensory-Friendly Design
Sensory-friendly design focuses on minimizing distractions and creating a comfortable space that suits your child's sensory preferences. By incorporating elements that promote calmness and focus, you can enhance the learning experience for your homeschooler. Let's delve into some key design strategies to transform your space.
If you are new to understanding sensory preferences, or would like some personalized recommendations for a sensory diet or sensory needs for your learner, we recommend speaking to an occupational therapist. This article is not intended to make clinical recommendations for a child, only to provide inspiration and ideas to support your learner at home.
If you do not have an occupational therapist, we recommend reaching out to Harkla. They offer education on sensory diets and provide sensory equipment.
1. Color Psychology
Psychological and scientific research has proven that colors can directly impact a person's mood, productivity, creativity, and focus. This is an important point to keep in mind when considering the design for your homeschool room.
Additionally, some individuals on the spectrum and with ADHD experience a perceptual phenomenon known as synesthesia. Synesthesia is a neurological condition that results in involuntary experiences in a secondary sensory pathway such as taste. This causes folks to experience sensory crossovers, such as tasting colors or seeing sounds. These sensations can at times be distressing and overwhelming.
Research has shown to avoid overly bright or contrasting colors that can be overwhelming:
Red- can trigger tension or anger, increase heart rate
White- associated with increased anxiety levels and lack of comfort
Yellow- overstimulating, intense
Better color choices may include soft, muted tones to create a serene atmosphere ideal for learning.
Neutral & Pastel Tones- These are comforting, calming, and supportive.
Green is ideal as it aids concentration and focus, reduces overstimulation, and is ideal for learning environments.
Pink has been shown to elicit nurturing and safe spaces for some, and for other is closer to red and overstimulating.
2. Lighting
Natural light is the best option for a sensory-friendly room. Consider using sheer curtains or blinds to regulate incoming light. Additionally, adjustable dimmable lighting can cater to individual preferences, creating a soothing ambiance.
Some individuals may feel hypersensitive to bright lights or certain wave lengths.
Different types of lighting can offer different levels of visual stimulation, and as mentioned above, the colors used in them can change the room. Some types of sensory lighting may include:
3. Organization and Layout
Maintain an organized space by incorporating storage solutions to minimize clutter. A clutter-free environment helps reduce sensory overload. Arrange furniture strategically to create a clear flow and designated areas for different activities.
Make organization visual. Label bins or shelves with pictures to assist little ones with identifying where items are located, and where they below after using.
4. Comfortable Seating
Invest in ergonomic and comfortable seating options like bean bags, floor cushions, or stability balls. Flexible seating encourages movement and accommodates various sensory needs, promoting focus and engagement.
We personally use standing desks for our computers, to help add movement during classwork. In addition, stability balls and alternative balance chairs are helpful to provide movement while sitting.
5. Sensory Stations
Integrate sensory stations within the room to provide opportunities for tactile, visual, and auditory stimulation. Consider a reading nook with soft lighting, a cozy rug, and a selection of sensory-friendly books to encourage reading and relaxation.
We have sensory guiding picture books that my kids read and loved in our homeschool room. I have added these to our Book Nook page, if you would like to include these into your school library.
6. Calming Corner
Designate a calming corner equipped with sensory tools like fidget toys, weighted blankets, or noise-canceling headphones. This safe space allows your child to self-regulate and manage sensory input when feeling overwhelmed.
We utilize a natural oil diffuser daily, along with relaxing focus music that helps to set a calm focused ambience.
7. Multi-Sensory Learning
Incorporate multi-sensory learning tools such as textured materials, scented markers, or interactive learning apps. Engaging multiple senses enhances learning experiences and accommodates diverse learning styles.
8. Personalization
Involve your child in the design process to incorporate personal touches and preferences. Let them choose decor elements, seating options, or organizational tools to create a space that reflects their personality and promotes a sense of ownership.
Conclusion
Designing a sensory-friendly home classroom requires thoughtful planning and consideration of your child's unique sensory profile. By implementing these room design tips, you can create a nurturing environment that supports learning, creativity, and overall well-being. Remember, a sensory-friendly space is not just visually appealing but also caters to the diverse sensory needs of your homeschooler.
Embrace the opportunity to transform your home classroom into a haven that inspires growth and learning. Your dedication to creating a sensory-friendly environment will undoubtedly enhance your child's educational experience and nurture their love for learning.
Let your home classroom be a sanctuary where your child's potential blossoms amidst a sensory-friendly backdrop. Happy learning, homeschooling parents!
There are additional items that are popular in homeschool rooms included below, and on our homeschool supplies and sensory supplies pages.
Synesthesia. (n.d.) Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/synesthesia
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Optimize Your Homeschool Classroom for Sensory Needs
Optimize Your Homeschool Classroom for Sensory Needs
Optimize Your Homeschool Classroom for Sensory Needs
Optimize Your Homeschool Classroom for Sensory Needs
Optimize Your Homeschool Classroom for Sensory Needs
Optimize Your Homeschool Classroom for Sensory Needs
Optimize Your Homeschool Classroom for Sensory Needs
Optimize Your Homeschool Classroom for Sensory Needs
Optimize Your Homeschool Classroom for Sensory Needs
Optimize Your Homeschool Classroom for Sensory Needs
Optimize Your Homeschool Classroom for Sensory Needs
Optimize Your Homeschool Classroom for Sensory Needs
Optimize Your Homeschool Classroom for Sensory Needs
Optimize Your Homeschool Classroom for Sensory Needs
Optimize Your Homeschool Classroom for Sensory Needs
Optimize Your Homeschool Classroom for Sensory Needs
Optimize Your Homeschool Classroom for Sensory Needs
Optimize Your Homeschool Classroom for Sensory Needs
Optimize Your Homeschool Classroom for Sensory Needs
Optimize Your Homeschool Classroom for Sensory Needs
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