Page 44 - spaces4learning, Fall 2020

spaces4learning LEARNING SPACES
YOU MIGHT HAVE A CALMING SENSORY ROOM. DO YOU HAVE
A 'WIGGLE ROOM,' TOO?
There is another type
of sensory room that
is just as important:
a sensorimotor space
or motor lab room, sometimes fondly referred to as a “wiggle room.”
By Cecilia Cruse, MS, OTR/L
RECOGNIZING THE LEARNING BENEFITS OF SENSORY
rooms, a growing number of schools are adding these spaces within their buildings to help students build intrinsic self-regulation skills that may support better focus, attention, and behavior.
When people think of sensory rooms, they often think of quiet, calming spaces (or “chill zones”) where students can go to relax and regroup. These spaces may help all students focus better and learn to manage their emotions, but students with anxiety or sensory processing issues may find these calming spaces
especially beneficial.
However, there is another type of sensory room that is just as important: a senso-
rimotor space or motor lab room, sometimes fondly referred to as a “wiggle room.” This article examines what a wiggle room is, how it can help students learn more
effectively, and what elements a successful wiggle room should have.
What is a wiggle room?
As part of a sensory-rich experience to support better focus, attention, and behavior, students might need both opportunities for cozy spaces that promote calming and sensorimotor spaces that provide opportunities for gross motor movement.
A wiggle room addresses the latter need. It’s an active space where students are encouraged to move, play, and explore using a variety of sensory activities, including opportunities for vestibular input (movement), tactile input (touch), and propriocep- tive input (deep touch pressure and heavy work).
Wiggle rooms are often used by early childhood learning environments, where movement and play are an integral part of learning and development. Yet, they may also be an effective strategy for improving focus and learning for elementary and middle school students.
Why are wiggle rooms important?
There is a growing body of research that suggests children who are physically active tend to do better in school. Movement increases blood flow, which awakens our cells and stimulates our brains. In turn, students feel more alert and can focus more effectively on their learning.
Dr. John J. Ratey, an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, has studied the relationship between movement and learning. His research has found that students’ brains tend to go on autopilot if they sit still for more
than 20 minutes. On the other hand, moving around boosts blood flow to the brain and stimulates cognitive activity, improving students’ ability to concentrate, learn
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