My students need a variety of sensory materials to help with their sensory needs. The light cube will provide visual stimulation for sensory seekers and under-responders. It also provides a calming effect.
I teach preschool children with autism ages 3 to 5 years old in a public elementary school. Many of my children are tactile defensive. Which means they hypersensitivity to touch/tactile input) will avoid touching, become fearful of, or bothered by the following: textured materials/items messy things, light touch, light touch, etc. Some children cannot even stand to be hugged by their mom or dad. Can you imagine not ever being able to hug your child because your hug feels like thousands of needles going into his or her skin? Many of my children with tactile defensiveness will only use their fingertips (if they even DO touch certain things) when playing with sand, glue, paint, play-doh, food, glitter etc. Consequently, their play is limited and so is their ability to engage in learning experiences.
My children become fearful, avoid activities, withdraw, or act out as their body responds with a "fight-or-flight" response.
My Project
The selected magic forest tent will provide a calming area when children become overstimulated and need to take a break. The liquid tiles will stimulate sensory and perceptual development. The Roylco sensory tray produces simultaneous tactile, auditory and visual effects. The electric mood jellyfish provide a visual calming effect.
The materials I have selected will help me build a sensory area in my classroom.
The LED activity tablet will provide a bright, evenly-lit surface for sensory motor visual stimulation and fine motor activities like tracing and building with materials I've already purchased. As for the light cube, there are just so many benefits science, math, and writing!
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