Multiple Multi Sensory Rooms

Multisensory rooms are widely used across the country in schools, care settings, hospitals and homes. Even settings such as football stadiums and airports are installing multisensory environments. Nevertheless, a significant lack of effective research has led to a sense of unease around sensory rooms. This crucial book explores the use of multisensory rooms in order to ease that anxiety; taking the mystery out of multisensory rooms, and supporting the reader to reflect and make the most out of their space. Key features include: Guidance on creating sensory spaces on any budget, to suit any level of need. An overview of the history of multisensory rooms, and a detailed exploration of the actual way in which the rooms are used today. A framework for evaluating existing practices and equipment, in order to maximise the potential of the room. A focus on the practitioner as the most important piece of ‘equipment’ in any sensory room. Written by a leading sensory specialist in a fully accessible way, this book is an invaluable tool for anybody who uses, or is considering using, a multisensory room.

Multisensory rooms are widely used across the country in schools, care settings, hospitals and homes. This crucial book explores the use of multisensory rooms in order to ease the anxiety that surrounds them; taking the mystery out of multisensory rooms, and supporting the reader to reflect and make the most out of their space.

This unique, fully photocopiable resource offers guidance and materials to aid those developing multisensory environments - artificially engineered spaces that encourage relaxation, social skills and learning by stimulating the five senses. Particularly useful for those working with people with multiple disabilities, this resource explains the theory underlying multisensory environments, describes the different types, and outlines the practicalities of planning, setting up and equipping a multisensory space. The resource also features useful checklists and tools for creating multisensory experiences in both designed and everyday settings, such as the kitchen, bathroom, garden or beach. Multisensory Environments is published using photocopy-friendly lay-flat binding and is an essential tool for any professional working with individuals with multiple disabilities. It is the perfect complement to Sensory Stimulation: Sensory-Focused Activities for People with Physical and Multiple Disabilities, also authored by Susan Fowler and published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

First published in 1999. This book is written in four parts. Part I 'Foundations', starts with Chapter 1 'What is a multisensory environment?' and provides a general introduction to the field. The MSE can be different things to different people. It can describe an actual space, or the impact that space has on an individual. Furthermore, it can be for adults or children, for recreation, leisure, therapy or education. Part II 'Design and construction' explores the what, who, why and how of the open-minded, Part III 'Curriculum development' begins with Chapter 8 'Curriculum development in the MSE. The final section, Part IV 'Future developments', consists of two chapters. The goal of Chapter 11 'Conducting research in the MSE' is to demystify research and thereby encourage all members of the transdisciplinary team to become actively involved in MSE related research; Chapter 12 'Where are we going?', the MSE is re-examined to identify possible ways this development could contribute to the increased pluralities that will constitute education in the twenty-first century.

We learn about the world constantly through our senses and by interacting with it. Children explore and play in different environments and in doing so they find out what burns them or hurts them, what can be eaten, which things smell nice and what different sounds signify. This process of exploration and learning continues throughout our lives. Because of physical, sensory or intellectual disabilities many people have not had the same opportunities to explore and interact with their environment. Sensory-focused activities are designed to provide environments in which people with disabilities can have the opportunity to use their senses to learn about and interact more meaningfully with the world. This photocopiable resource provides the reader with a step-by-step approach to organising sensory-focused activities for carers and other professionals working with people with physical, multiple or complex disabilities. Importantly, it also presents information on sensory stimulation within a framework that embraces the person's daily environment. Activity ideas are based around food, drink, personal and household care and crafts and are kept simple so they can be slotted into daily routine with minimum disruption. Assessment forms and checklists will help carers and support staff to monitor and understand their clients' needs and progress.

The revised edition of this highly practical guide to creating and using multi-sensory environments is packed full of ideas for low-cost, easy-to-assemble multi-sensory environments suitable for children of varying ages and abilities. Each creative learning environment is designed to be constructed in a classroom or school hall, encouraging creative thinking and learning, and the development of social and emotional skills. Each environment idea is accompanied by suggestions for use for children with special educational needs. Key features of the revised edition include: Ideas for creating sensory experiences that stimulate all the sensory channels – auditory, visual, kinaesthetic, olfactory and gustatory Suggestions for extension or differentiation depending on student capability or time available A summary of the theory and background to multi-sensory learning, to allow you to adapt the suggested scenarios according to the needs of individual learners Although these activities will be of particular value for children with special educational needs or sensory impairments, they are more broadly designed to provide stimulating learning environments, as promoted in the themes and principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance. This is an invaluable resource for teachers and other professionals in education.

A fun and creative way to increase general well-being, improve concentration and self-awareness, and encourage relaxation in children aged 3-11, this book offers a hands-on guide to story massage. Central to the book are step-by-step, illustrated instructions for ten easy-to-learn basic strokes which are given through clothes on the back, head, shoulders and arms. These basic strokes have then been used to create over 25 story massages which vary in length and complexity. The stories range from traditional tales such as 'Humpty Dumpty' to hands-on learning stories such as 'Deep in the Rainforest.' The massages can be carried out by adults in one-to-one or group sessions, or taught to children to practice on each other. An enjoyable and interactive way of sharing the benefits and safe and appropriate use of positive touch with all children, this book will be of interest to parents and carers, bodyworkers, teachers and other school staff, care workers and arts therapists.

Sensory needs are being recognised as a vital part of learning, development and engagement within the classroom and are being used more often to make education both accessible and fun. To harness the full potential of sensory supports, using these strategies correctly is key! This is the essential guide to using sensory strategies successfully with school children, from occupational therapist, Kim Griffin, who has 20 years of experience supporting sensory needs. As you make your way through the book, you will be joined by Isla and Noah, two children whose stories will help illustrate how information in the book can be used practically. In addition, the book includes personal anecdotes from Kim, links to further reading, reflective questions and teacher perspectives to show how a teacher might use the information in the classroom. These features will help you easily identify sensory needs and use sensory tools effectively.