Amazing sensory walls are fun and interactive experiences that help students manage and explore their feelings. After creating the space at our school, I wanted to share insights from my journey. Our school just lost our Title 1 funding and had to get creative with our budgets. Here are four things that I have learned.
Get Creative With The Space
Our school was growing, so we had to think about where we could put an amazing sensory wall experience for our students. Unfortunately, a traditional classroom room was not an option. As I looked around our school, I notice there were a few hallways with nooks and open walls. The space we chose was 3 feet deep and 10 feel long nook, and it was previously used for colored butcher paper. Unboundedly, it turned out to be perfect for our sensory wall.
Get Local And Use Your Funds
At this point, many schools and districts still have a good bit of ESSER funds to use towards SEL resources. In addition to ESSSER funds, we were able to attain a grant. Quickly, I realized that I alone did not have the skillset to create the space alone. Fortunately, we collaborated with a local woodworking company. With tour budget, they took our design idea and created out beautiful space.
Understand Your Students
Above all, we knew we were going to budget for two separate spaces, one for primary and secondary elementary students. The primary wall had to include elements that our students could reach, be durable, and allow students play and creative expression. We measured the heights of our installs, considered our theme (we are a school on the coast), and planned the layout for two to three students to use it at a time.
Set Expectations Ahead Of Time
As a counselor, I showed the teachers how best use the space with students and I also shared the expectations with the students. An adult brings the students to the space and a timer (up to 15 minutes) is set for the students. There are curtains there for students to close when they are in the space. They are high enough to all me to always see their feet. The space is respected and utilized in the appropriate way.
Creating an amazing sensory wall is such a fun an interactive way to support the social and emotional needs of students! Time to think outside of the box and create one for your school!
