When looking to set up a sensory-friendly space – whether in a home or a school – lots of thought is given to both form and function. We’re examining what each item’s purpose is and trying to meet the needs of those who use the space in the most efficient, effective way possible. Simultaneously, we’re striving to bring pieces together that look, and most importantly, feel good. Why not consider form and function while infusing a huge dose of fun as well?!
Setting up a sensory area with a space theme can really offer a design that’s out of this world! Kids of all ages enjoy gazing at the stars and imagining life on another planet. Visual input can be strategically used within the design to offer a stimulating effect or to produce a calm, soothing atmosphere, depending on individual needs at any given time.
We’ve rounded up the top 10 fdmt items that could be used to create perfect space-themed sensory fun!
1. Liquid Tile: Let’s set the stage for our space-themed area by incorporating liquid floor tiles! We’ve just discovered a new planet and as we set out across its unique surface – with all its tectonic plates, hills and ravines – the coloured liquid shifts beneath our feet.
2. Light Moon: No better way to add a warm glow to your space than by the light of the moon. Feel free to shut off the harsh overhead lights, flick on this light moon, and create the most soothing environment!
3. Reflective Balls: The discovery of a new planet is incomplete without identifying asteroids not yet found on Earth! These four reflective balls provide such satisfying visual input and are perfect for even our youngest ones. Curiosity and exploration abound as kids explore just how light and objects are reflected.
4. Textured Sensory Light Balls: Apparently, meteors come in all shapes and sizes. This one’s awfully unique as it contains six smaller textured balls that fit snuggly right inside its surface craters. Perfect for all ages (six months+), these balls support coordination and fine-motor skills.
5. Glow-in-the-dark putty: For some hands-on action within your space-themed set-up, this putty offers tactile stimulation. Activated by light, the soft glow creates an ethereal (and soothing) effect.
6. Colour Paddles: I spy with my little eye… kids having fun spotting the stars with these fun (& easily portable) colour paddles! It’s all about visual input, switching up perspectives, and open-ended play! Explore what objects look like in orange, blue, green, and yellow. Or mix and match the paddles for different hues.
7. Fiber Optic: Fiber optic sensory lights are truly mesmerizing! The changing colours can provide visual stimulation, while watching the colours change rhythmically can be calming. Touching the optic strands provides amazing tactile input too!
8. Silishapes Sensory Circle Set: These circles offer endless exploration and lots of sensory input. The larger textured circles would be awesome set up as a discovery path on a new planet! Use the smaller circles to guide you.
9. Ghost: What’s a space mission without encountering aliens? Kids can become spooky extraterrestrials while developing stronger body awareness inside this lycra body sock.
10. Lava Lamp: Lightning bolts across the galaxy? Lava bubbling up from planetary volcanoes? This lava lamp is out of this world! Watch what happens as colours float up and down. Enjoy this unique sensory light show!
Leave A Comment