DIY Sensory Room in 5 Easy Steps
Providing a Helping Hand for Special Needs Children and Families.
Does your child have a sensory processing disorder or a sensory sensitivity? We explain 5 easy steps to create a sensory room that fits their needs and the benefits of these rooms.
What is a Sensory Room?
A sensory room is a safe space for your child with sensory sensitivity. It can be a room or a corner in the house with dimmed lighting and a quiet/calm atmosphere.
Create a Room at Home
Supplies
- Bins
- Kinetic sand
- Star projector/string lights
- Speaker and calm music
- Dry rice/dry beans
- Slime
- Pom poms
- Fidget items
- Pillows/blankets/chairs/tables
Step One: Prepare the Space
First, prepare the room or corner that you want to be your child’s sensory area. These areas can be permanent or temporary. Remove any unnecessary clutter or objects from the area, it should be filled with your sensory items only. This helps your child focus and assists them with feeling calm.
Step Two: Set Up
Add your tables, chairs, pillows, and blankets to the room. Lay your bins around the room and fill them with sensory products. For example, one bin can hold the kinetic sand and a different bin can hold the dry rice or beans. Keeping these items in separate bins is key so the child doesn’t feel overwhelmed.
Step Three: Add the Music
Music is a great tool to use for children with sensory sensitivities. It can help soothe them when they need a break or need to self-regulate. We suggest tranquil music for the room.
Step Four: Add Lights to the Darken Room
A dark room with soft lights sets a very calm mood. Use lights with calming colors like blue, yellow, orange, and green. It can be a light that projects stars or multiple string lights with a warm undertone.
Step Five: Finishing Touches
Add any finishing or customized touches you see fit and your room is ready for your child to enjoy!
What are the Benefits of a Sensory Room?
According to St Jude’s, benefits include
- Improved focus
- Develop communication skills
- Encourages socializing
- Relieves stress
- Improves balance and movement
Tender Care’s DIY Sensory Room
We made our own DIY sensory room at our Special Needs Resources Expo on April 1st at our St. Augustine location. See the video below.
Why should my child go to Tender Care PPEC?
Tender Care PPEC provides care for medically complex and fragile children from birth to 21 years of age in a daycare-like environment staffed with nurses, CNAs, and therapists. We are the first independently owned PPEC in the State of Florida with our initial center opening in 1988. This means we have an abundance of experience and knowledge in providing loving care to this special pediatric population. We have 6 Tender Care PPEC centers throughout Florida, with our newest facility located in Lake Park.
Our goal is to enhance the development of each child through collaborative relationships between families, physicians, nurses, and therapists. This holistic approach to care is carried out in an environment that allows the child to engage in social interactions with their peers. This results in thriving children, well-positioned to achieve their greatest potential. We also offer transportation at no cost and provide nutritious meals throughout the day.
What sets us apart is that we care for and treat every child like family. We have passion in our hearts for our children and a desire to see them succeed.
*This is not medical advice, always consult with your child’s doctor before making any changes to their lifestyle.