Is interior design important in a classroom? YES. And so is sensory design. The way a classroom is set up affects not only the aesthetic image of the room, but also the flow, the “vibe”, and how neurologically supportive the space is for each child’s optimal development.
We believe in multisensory learning when it comes to tabletop tasks, because we know it enhances the effectiveness of learned material. But why is a sensory design an important consideration in a classroom or even a school building? Children have different sensory profiles, meaning that they have varying sensory needs. They may reach their sensory thresholds sooner, leading to meltdowns, or need more sensory input to feel complete, leading to mislabeled misbehavior. A school and classroom environment rich in sensory options helps support individual differences. An occupational therapist can assist in identifying the sensory needs of specific children, or suggest general environmental modifications that a school can incorporate into their specific space.
