We will begin by introducing the concept of sensory spaces and their impact on students’ focus and emotional well-being. Participants will engage in a brief reflection activity, sharing challenges they observe in their learning environments through a quick digital poll.
Next, we’ll explore simple design thinking strategies that students can use to co-create sensory spaces. Real student projects will be showcased to illustrate practical applications. Participants will analyze examples in pairs, identifying key design choices and their purposes.
Participants will then work in small groups to design their own sensory space concept using templates and digital tools. Each group will define user needs, brainstorm solutions, and create a quick prototype layout. Peer feedback will be integrated to refine their designs.
Finally, groups will share their concepts in a mini-gallery walk. A collective reflection will close the session, focusing on how these strategies can be adapted to different contexts.
Process
Throughout the session, engagement will be fostered through peer-to-peer discussion, collaborative design activities, digital polls, and quick prototyping. Participants will use devices for interactive components and collaborate actively to apply new concepts immediately.
After this session, participants will be able to identify students’ sensory needs and apply design thinking strategies to co-create inclusive sensory spaces. They will explore practical tools, plan adaptable layouts, and prototype simple solutions that foster focus and emotional well-being in diverse learning environments.
American Psychological Association. (2019). Creating emotionally healthy learning environments. https://www.apa.org/education-career/k12/emotionally-healthy
CAST. (2018). Universal Design for Learning Guidelines version 2.2. http://udlguidelines.cast.org
Barrett, P., Zhang, Y., Davies, F., & Barrett, L. (2015). Clever Classrooms: Summary Report. University of Salford. https://www.salford.ac.uk/clever-classrooms
Ayres, A. J. (2005). Sensory Integration and the Child: Understanding Hidden Sensory Challenges. Western Psychological Services.
Nind, M., Flewitt, R., & Payler, J. (2010). The social experience of early childhood for children with sensory needs. European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, 18(2), 147–161. https://doi.org/10.1080/13502931003784586
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