A multisensory classroom is an innovative educational space designed to stimulate the senses and enhance children's discovery learning through varied sensory experiences. In today's post we will tell you in detail what a multisensory classroom is, its benefits in cognitive and emotional development, what is worked on in it and how to create one.

What is a multisensory classroom?

A multisensory classroom, also known as a Snoezelen room, is a space specially designed to stimulate the senses of boys, girls or people with some type of disability. In these classrooms, various materials and resources are placed that allow children to explore and experiment with different olfactory, auditory, tactile, etc. stimuli.

What is done in a multisensory classroom?

These classrooms are designed to work on both fine and gross psychomotor skills, promoting comprehensive development in children, through the stimulation of the following senses:

View

Activities are usually carried out that require the use of colors, shapes and sizes of different objects. These activities will be designed to capture attention and improve the ability to distinguish and recognize different visual elements, thus promoting the perception of space and hand-eye coordination.

Ear

Instruments such as musical boxes and toys with different sounds are used to develop auditory discrimination and sensitivity to different types of sounds. Although simple, these activities not only improve hearing ability, but also have both a relaxing and stimulating effect, depending on the sounds used.

Touch

The sense of touch is stimulated through activities with various textures, shapes, sizes and thicknesses. The idea behind these activities is basically to teach the little ones to explore and recognize the space around them. This “exploration” in turn contributes to the development of tactile perception and motor coordination. Both tactile experiences are crucial for the development of fine motor skills, as they require precise and coordinated movements.

Taste and smell

The senses of taste and smell are also worked on in the multisensory classroom, although it is true that they are the senses that are least worked on. The taste mainly for safety reasons, because there could be food allergies. Smell tends to be worked on less, because although it is useful, it is not a “motor skill” to develop.

Who is a sensory classroom beneficial for?

Multisensory classrooms benefit any child. The reality is that this way of teaching is incredibly useful, which is why it has become so popular. But either way, they are used more and deeper benefits are seen in the following groups:

Children with autism spectrum disorder

Multisensory classrooms provide a safe, controlled environment where children with ASD can explore their senses and self-regulate. Sensory stimulation helps them reduce anxiety, improve attention and concentration, and encourages communication and social skills.

Children with learning disorders

Multisensory stimulation can help children with learning pervasive developmental disorders improve their sensory processing, which in turn has a positive reinforcement impact on their reading, writing and math abilities.

Children with intellectual disabilities

This type of classroom offers children with intellectual disabilities opportunities to explore and experience the world in a way that is different from the conventional way and more adapted to them. Sensory stimulation also helps them improve their fine and gross motor skills, as well as their cognitive skills and communication.

Children with physical disabilities

If created adapted, multisensory classrooms will be equipped with materials and resources that allow children with physical disabilities to participate in sensory activities in a safe and rewarding way, motivating their independence, autonomy and self-esteem.

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders

Sensory stimulation helps children with ADHD improve their attention, concentration, and self-regulation. Multi-sensory classrooms provide them with a calm and relaxing environment where they can focus on tasks.

Children with sensory difficulties

Children with sensory difficulties who tend to experience hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity find in multisensory classrooms a safe and controlled environment where they can learn to process and regulate their sensory inputs.

Benefits of a sensory classroom

Multisensory classrooms are gaining great prominence in the field of special education due to their ability to provide children with disabilities with an ideal environment for learning and developing skills through sensory stimuli. But, these spaces not only contribute to cognitive and emotional development, but also offer benefits such as:

Integration of the senses

Multisensory classrooms promote the integration of the senses, helping children with disabilities to process and organize sensory information more effectively. This is especially beneficial for those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), as it improves their ability to concentrate and pay attention.

Improved quality of life

Through stimulus-based learning, students experience a significant improvement in their quality of life. The interaction with various sensory stimuli facilitates the development of motor and cognitive skills, which contributes to greater emotional and psychological well-being.

Stimulation of concentration and attention

As we have already said, multisensory classrooms are especially effective for children with ASD, since the activities designed for these environments stimulate concentration and improve attention span. This allows children to participate more actively and meaningfully in the learning process.

Promotion of social relationships

In a safe and relaxed environment, multisensory classrooms promote social relationships between children. Interaction with peers in a structured, sensory-enriched environment facilitates the development of social and communication skills.

Improved coordination and motor skills

Activities in these classrooms focus on improving coordination and fine and gross motor skills. The variety of materials and equipment available allows children to exercise different parts of the body, encouraging both physical and cognitive development.

Development of communication skills

They improve students' communication skills, which is particularly advantageous for children with autism or disorders that make communication and/or language difficult. Exposure to different sensory stimuli facilitates the expression and understanding of language.

Body activation

These spaces not only exercise the mind, but also the body. Many multisensory classrooms are equipped with specific devices to exercise the legs or arms, among other parts of the body, allowing comprehensive body activation, which complements cognitive development.

Promotion of logical thinking

Activities designed for these environments also contribute to the development of logical thinking. Children learn to relate causes and effects, to solve problems and develop cognitive strategies through interaction with different stimuli.

Increased autonomy and emotional well-being

Finally, multisensory classrooms increase the autonomy of children with disabilities, favoring their emotional and psychological well-being. The ability to explore and experiment in a safe environment gives them confidence and greater independence.

Specifically designed

Children don't explore the world the way we adults do, so the objects they use, whether sunglasses for 10 year old , clothing, supplies, or toddler watches , should be designed specifically with them in mind. These classrooms are created in this way, following safety regulations, considering the age limitations of the children who will use them, etc. 

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How to create a sensory classroom?

In this next section we will give you simple ideas on how you can design and equip a sensory panel classroom, without major complications or requirements:

View corner

To stimulate the sense of sight, the visual corner must have objects of different colors and tones, that is, elements such as:

• Luminous fibers
• bubble columns
• Lava lamps
• Projectors

Smell corner

In the space dedicated to smell you could include:

• Fabric air fresheners
• aroma diffusers
• Essential oils

Touch Corner

This corner should be filled with objects with various textures, weights and temperatures, for example:

• Balls of different sizes, some made of fabric, others with sand or another material that gives them weight.
• Sponges, brushes and pens
• Balloons and strings

Ear corner

To stimulate hearing, the simplest thing is to use elements such as:

• Musical boxes, with different songs, whether animated or more melodic.
• Musical instruments such as tambourines, maracas, sound eggs or rattles.
• Children's songs that also teach something like body parts or the alphabet.

Corner of taste

To create the taste corner you must first know the dietary restrictions that the children have. Once you know which products you should NOT place, you can use:

• Basket of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, nuts and spices, so that they can taste a variety and at the same time can combine.
• Adapted jugs with different juices and smoothies.
• Bowls with jellies of different flavors and mixed flavors.

In addition to the specific corners for each sense, there are important general aspects that you should know to create an effective sensory classroom:

• Dim lighting: Helps keep children focused and relaxed.
• Quiet environment: Minimize external noises that may distract them.
• Accessible and adapted furniture: Make sure all furniture is accessible and suitable for everyone.
• Passive safety elements: It is essential to create a safe and comfortable environment for the little ones.

Sensory classroom examples

These types of things are better understood if they are seen, so here are some photos with examples of sensory classrooms:

Conclusion

In conclusion, a multisensory classroom offers a comprehensive educational approach that enhances the learning and development of children through their senses. This type of environment not only facilitates the acquisition of knowledge, but also improves students' attention, memory, and emotional well-being. By fostering a richer and more diverse learning experience, we contribute to developing more well-rounded individuals prepared to face the challenges of the future.