Our building has a purposefully designed, calming sensory room which we have called the ‘imaginarium’. Our imaginarium is a space for children to relax and imagine in an environment filled with soothing lights, sounds and calming colours. A sensory room provides physical and mental stimulus for children and also supports children’s learning within the EYFS – see below for more information.
A safe space for self regulation
Used as part of our daily routine
Children can experience a range of sensory resources including light and sound
A calming environment for children to regulate their own emotions
Has blue soft play aspects as research shows this is the most calming colour
Used as part of a sensory diet for children who benefit from this
7 Area's of Learning in the Imaginarium
Language and Communication
Engagement in experiences with objects that have undefined uses provides children with opportunities to discover the world around them. A wide variety of language will be instigated when children are focusing intently.
Physical Development
In the imaginarium children have many opportunities to develop their motor skills, which aids them in becoming experts of important tasks like tying shoes, holding a pencil or turning the pages of a book. Gross motor skills are practised through exploring surfaces, lifting, throwing and rolling.
Social & Emotional Development
As well as supporting emotional wellbeing, the engaging qualities of our imaginarium provide a safe place for children to be in complete control of their actions and experiences, aiding their confidence, decision-making skills and cooperation, and motivating their engagement in learning
Literacy
Children express thoughts and feelings in forms other than words, it aids them in the process of finding meaning behind the language they are exposed to. Words that would be rarely used outside of the context of the sensory room will need no explanation as the children will be able to gain first-hand experience about their meaning through exploration.
Mathematics
By experimenting with different objects during sensory play, children develop problem-solving skills and decision-making skills. Children are also using skills useful for science and math in measuring, guesstimating and learning about cause and effect as they begin to find solutions to obstacles they come across during sensory play.
Understanding The World
As humans we perceive all of the world around us through our senses. Our imaginarium supports children to use their senses to the full potential. This active involvement in their own play, learning and discovery changes and transforms their knowledge, their skills and abilities, their values and their ways of seeing the world.
Expressive Arts and Design
Sensory experiences motivate children to find solutions and engage with new situations. Given the nature of the sensory education there are no expected outcomes; therefore all children can experience success on a personal level. The positive sensory experience will encourage the children’s desire for future learning.