Sensory Room Is An Oasis for Students
The Mary J. Tanner School is fortunate to have its own self-contained classroom for students on or suspected of being on the autism spectrum. A sensory room has been created to meet the needs of this neurodivergent population.
Developed and designed by Occupational Therapist Emily Cooke, the room provides a range of sensory cues (auditory, visual, tactile) in a controlled environment to help each student meet their unique sensory needs.
“MJT is now able to provide a space for students to explore sensory experiences that will allow their bodies to feel ready to learn,” said Mrs. Cooke.
The goal of this room is for all students at MJT to have a space that allows them to explore sensory experiences while gaining a better understanding of their emotions.
“Emotions are not a concrete 2+2=4, as it is much harder for our youngest students to comprehend and communicate how they are feeling,” said Mrs. Cooke.
The Under the Woods Foundation granted the funds to create the sensory room. The foundation supports the financial needs of children with special needs so they can attend camps, special events, or other enriching activities to promote health and well-being.
“The Foundation also provides support to special education classrooms who are seeking special equipment or funding an activity that will broaden children’s experiences outside the school curriculum, like our sensory room,” said Mrs. Cooke.
The counseling team has been working diligently with students on using and understanding the zones of regulation. These zones allow students to be better able to describe their emotions. When students enter the sensory room, they will first identify their zone:
Blue-Sad
Yellow-Nervous/Excited
Red-Mad/Frustrated
Green-Happy/Ready to Learn
They then pick an activity card based on their zone. Activities include a sensory swing, kinetic sand, jumping on a trampoline, and more. Following the conclusion of the activities on their card, the student will choose what zone they are in before returning to their classroom.
“The room provides our students with a space with no demands placed on them and for the sole purpose of utilizing what their bodies need. It will alleviate overstimulation and students “checking out” in class as this space can be used as a reset,” said Mrs. Cooke.
Principal Taylor envisions the sensory room positively impacting the overall learning environment at MJT.
“The sensory room is a valuable resource for our students and aligns with our commitment to inclusivity and educational excellence,” she said.