Page 29 - spaces4learning, July/August 2020

more engaged in classroom activities af- ter using a sensory room.
Aside from helping students focus, the stimulating environment of a sensory room may heighten awareness, provide a sense of security and comfort, improve creativity, promote mental and physical relaxation, and even decrease aggressive behaviors.
Not Just for Students with Special Needs
Although many people think of senso-
ry rooms as an intervention aimed primar-
ily at special-education students, in reality
any student may benefit from spending time in a sensory room.
As a result of COVID-19, it’s possible that a large number of students (and not just those with IEPs!) might need assistance
with managing their emotions and cop- ing with anxiety or trauma when schools reopen. Sensory rooms are one strategy that may help.
Even before the pandemic, a growing percentage of students were experiencing anxiety: The Washington Post reports that the number of anxiety diagnoses among youth ages 6 to 17 rose by 20 percent in the five-year period from 2007 to 2012.
The coronavirus pandemic is only esca- lating this issue. A survey from Common Sense Media and SurveyMonkey found that 61 percent of teens are worried they
or someone in their family will get sick; 63 percent are concerned about their family’s ability to earn money; and 42 percent feel lonelier than usual.
BUBBLE TUBES GIVE STUDENTS SOMETHING SOOTHING TO WATCH THAT HELPS PROMOTE A CALMING, POSITIVE VIBE.
Photo © ABO PHOTOGRAPHY
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