Creating Sensory Spaces in Your Early Years settings
Posted by GeorgieMOE, 02 September, 2022Tips and resources for sensory spaces
When it comes to creating sensory spaces in your Early Years settings there are a few easy switches you can make to help design your areas accordingly. Read on for our tips and also to check out the MOE resources we have that are designed with Sensory spaces and tactile play in mind…
Change your lighting
Artificial and bright lighting can be over stimulating for a lot of children, so try to choose an area in your indoors settings that have as much natural light as possible. If you do have fluorescents, try to use some draped fabric to mute the glare. Coloured lamps and lava lamps are also a wonderful addition to Sensory spaces, but do make sure to purchase ones that do not get hot or are a danger to touch!
Switch up your seating
For little ones who feel more comfortable being able to move when seated, scatter cushions and bean bags are an excellent option. It is also important that if your children are seated at a table and chair, their feet should be able to touch the floor in order to improve posture and add a sense of grounding. We have a range of low level, handcrafted furniture at MOE as well as a low level mirrored table that has been specially designed with sensory play in mind. We also have a wonderful, nature-inspired range of bean bags and soft furnishings.
Clear the clutter
Visual clutter can not only be a challenge for children who need extra help in processing their environment, but can also impose physical challenges if there are too many things to manoeuvre around. Less is more so when it comes to not over stimulating your area, so rotate resources and toys and keep the space clutter free. We have a huge range of sustainably made storage options at MOE to help with getting your sensory spaces organised.
Think about colour
Earthy, natural tones in neutral shades are best for keeping over-stimulation to a minimum. Blues, greens and purples can also help to promote calmness so are also a good choice. Don’t make it too fussy though: pick two or three colours at most to prevent the space looking too busy.
MOE sensory resources
We have a wide range of sensory resources here at MOE for both indoor and outdoor sensory spaces. Head over to the website for the full, extensive range, but in the meantime here is a snippet of some of the products we make…
Lock Latch Busy Wall: For your outdoor sensory areas our Lock Latch Busy Wall is the perfect, handcrafted tool for endless tactile play. It helps develops visual, problem solving, sensory and fine motor skills while also being a fun place to hide little treasures. It is also very popular for sensory stimulation or group activities for smaller children.
Mirror Panels: Our Montessori-inspired Domed Acrylic Mirror Panels are excellent for both indoor and outdoor use. Made from scratch resistant acrylic they are safe and ideal for any classroom or nursery setting to help support EYFS-learning including observation and self-awareness.
Music Wall: While sensory play is often associated with calm and quiet, making noise in a positive way is hugely encouraged too. Our handcrafted, giant wooden Music Wall is one such tool that all children love to get busy with.
Under-2’s Step ‘n’ Crawl: A quintessential resource for babies and toddlers, our NEW Step ‘n’ Crawl has a ramp on one side and steps on the other for safe, exploratory adventures for little ones. The grassy surface provides a soft and tactile area for young children to explore and play on and is especially ideal for Early Years settings and sensory areas.
Wooden Tuff Tray: Always a huge sensory hit with endless scope for tactile activities, a Tuff Tray is a fabulous addition to any sensory space. Our handcrafted wooden version is large enough for either group or individual play activities and comes with an integrated plug, shelf, wooden stand and lid.
Blackout Sensory Den Kit: This kit is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and is ideal for creating the perfect quiet space or an area for sensory play. With its unique folding mechanism, the den is simple to assemble and easy to move as required.
Colour Changing Sensory Table: The MOE low-level sensory table with A2 Colour Changing Light Panel has fold out legs which lock into place with a hex key. Panels illuminate with 20 different colours with a wide range of sequence options, making this a great addition to an
y sensory space.
For more information on our huge range of sensory and wellbeing resources do get in touch with our friendly staff at MOE HQ. We are sure you will find many products to suit your spaces and budgets but we do also offer a bespoke service if you have a particular idea you would like to see brought to life. Now, if anyone needs us in the meantime then you’ll find us composing some noise on the MOE music wall we have in our office.
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