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Schoolyard Blog | Teacher Resources | School Specialty

Classroom must haves for teachers plus essential teacher supplies, lesson plans and activities.

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    child in sensory room with LED bubble tube for light therapy

    Special Needs
    • Dec 4, 2018 • Last Modified: Jul 18, 2022

    Must-Haves for a Classroom Discovery Sensory Space

    Before creating a sensory space in the classroom, or at home, you should consider the goals you have for the space. A discovery sensory space is like a calming sensory space, but the tools and solutions focus on encouraging exploration of different textures and spaces.

    Sensory Spaces in the Classroom

    Sensory spaces serve as an outlet for students who may be feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated. It’s a place where they can find tools and solutions that provide specific sensory input which may help them to self regulate and calm down.

    Read More: Must-Haves for a Calming Sensory Space

    Read More: Creating a Focused Studying Sensory Space

    Tools & Solutions for a Discovery Sensory Space

    These ideas for tools and solutions could help you to create an engaging and useful Discovery Sensory Space in your classroom or home. Give your young learners tools they can use to organize and work through sensory processing challenges. Some students are sensory over responders so may need practice on reducing sensory overload with touch (tactile defensives), while others are sensory under responders who may need tools that provide extra sight, sound or touch input to maximize learning.

    No matter the challenge or need, a Discovery Space gives the opportunity for all learners to explore additional sensory input in a fun and safe manner.

    mat with textured patches
    TFH Feelie Mat with Detachable Textured Patches, 48 x 48 Inches
    textured sensory squares
    Educational Insights Teachable Touchables Texture Squares, Set of 20
    textured sensory fidgets
    Abilitations Textured Sensory MudBall Fidgets, Set of 3
    bubble tube light
    Experia USA Portable LED Bubble Tube Light, 3 Feet Tall
    finger strengthener
    Abilitations GumFun Finger Strengthener
    color changing light cube
    Roylco Educational Color Changing Light Cube
    cube sensory spot with mirror reflection
    Childcraft Reflection Cozy Cube
    sensory oozing tubes
    TickiT Sensory Ooze Tubes, Assorted Colors, Set of 3
    reading canopy for sensory room
    Abilitations Reading Canopy, 7-7/8 Feet Long, Green & White

    More Sensory Space Tools and Inspiration

    Looking for more ways to engage and aid your student as they learn? Check out the Special Needs category page to see what’s new. Also be sure to visit the Sensory Spaces tag page to see more lists of useful tools for varying age groups and sensory needs.

    Read More: Sensory Spaces

    Shop All: Sensory Processing Solutions

    Tagged With: Sensory Spaces

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