Webinar 2 – Discussion Forum

[Mairead]

Low lighting, less activities on the walls. Have a quiet place when children have a sensory meltdown. Natural light coming in and more body movement activities.

[Wanderson]

When considering the sensory qualities of our environment within the context of Early Childhood Ireland, it's crucial to recognize their profound impact on children's learning experiences. Each sensory element—light, colour, sound, and texture—plays a pivotal role in shaping how children engage with their surroundings and absorb information.

Light: Natural light promotes a sense of openness and connection to the outdoor environment, which can positively influence children's mood, attention, and circadian rhythm. Integrating ample natural light sources and ensuring adjustable lighting can enhance the learning atmosphere.

Color: Colors evoke emotions and stimulate cognitive processes. Vibrant hues can create an energetic and stimulating environment, while softer tones promote calmness and relaxation. Using a variety of colours strategically throughout the space can evoke different moods and support various learning activities.

Sound: Sound is a powerful tool for creating ambience and facilitating learning. Calming background music or nature sounds can enhance concentration and relaxation, while interactive auditory experiences promote language development and auditory discrimination skills. Ensuring a balance between stimulating and soothing sounds within the environment is essential.

Texture: Tactile experiences through various textures offer opportunities for sensory exploration and fine motor skill development. Incorporating diverse tactile materials such as fabrics, natural elements, and sensory bins filled with different textures can enrich children's sensory experiences and encourage hands-on learning.

To enhance the sensory aspects of our spaces and create a more engaging and enriching environment, we can:

– Design Flexible Spaces: Create adaptable environments that cater to different sensory needs and learning preferences. Incorporate flexible seating options, cosy nooks for quiet reflection, and open areas for active exploration.
– Integrate Nature: Bring elements of the natural world indoors by incorporating plants, natural materials, and nature-inspired artwork. Outdoor spaces can also be designed to provide sensory-rich experiences through sensory gardens, mud kitchens, and outdoor music areas.
– Provide Sensory Tools: Offer a variety of sensory tools and materials such as fidget toys, textured surfaces, and sensory bottles to support children's sensory regulation and self-expression.
– Encourage Exploration: Foster a culture of curiosity and exploration by providing opportunities for children to engage with their senses freely. Incorporate sensory-rich activities into the curriculum, such as sensory play stations, sensory walks, and sensory storytelling experiences.
– Collaborate with Families: Involve families in creating sensory-rich environments by sharing ideas for sensory activities at home and encouraging them to contribute materials or suggestions for enhancing the learning environment.
– By prioritizing the sensory aspects of our spaces and actively engaging children's senses, we can create environments that inspire curiosity, support learning across all developmental domains, and foster a deep appreciation for the world around us.

[Natalie]

having large windows in the room for natural lighting helps for a calm environment, providing a quiet corner/ space for the children with cushions and blankets allow for time to themselves or a space to calm down or just simply reax. having only relevant stuff on walls allow for a more soothing environment and not been overwhelming as well as having colour changes of seasons in the room

[Caroline]

In our room our door is open to the outdoors all day so children have go freely from indoors to outdoors as they wish.The windows allow natural light into the room and in the use of colours the walls are painted in natural colours not strong bright colours.If room is paints in vibrant colours can over stimulate children and wall can be too busy for the children visually.We have fairy lights and floor light to allow children a quiet space to relax. We use a cosy corner with cushions, blanket, teddies on the couch so the children can relax if they want too.We observe the areas in the room every few months to see how we can change or add to the environment to support the children’s learning and development.

[Caroline]

In our environment our doors are opened the whole time to the outdoor environment so the children can use either environments as they wish as it is never closed.This allows natural light in the whole time and the window allow natural light in also.We is fairy lights and floor lava lamp to allow a quiet area for the children to relax.
In the room it is painted in natural colours as too much vibrant colours can over stimulate the children and visually impact some children.
We display art work and materials on the wall but do not over crowd the walls with information.the children need a calm area to play in and we are Reggio inspired so a lot of natural materials and less plastic.
In the cosy area we have cushions,blanket,teddies on the couch so the children can relax with a book in a quieter area if they like too and it links to the home environment with the couch they have at home environment so the children are relaxed.

[Early Childhood Ireland]

It is great to read the considerations and practices implemented in your spaces to support children. I appreciate the strategies used for natural light, colours, flexible spaces, sensory tools, collaborating with families, and integrating nature to create engaging and enriching environments for children. I’m curious to hear more about how you observe and adapt your environments to meet the changing sensory needs of children over time.