Touch Techniques Create Success: How Sensory Boxes Drive Student Growth And Classroom Innovation
How can a box make learning more engaging and effective for students? The answer is a sensory boxes! If you do not have
sensory boxes, it is time for you to join the sensory box revolution. Sensory boxes can transform your teaching and learning. They
can elevate your education game and make a world of difference in helping students to develop valuable motor skills, enhance
visual perception, and boost thinking and memory skills. Your students will love sensory boxes. Stick around to learn more about
how sensory boxes drive student growth and classroom innovation and three tips you can use right now.
1. Sensory Box Use
Sensory boxes are like treasure chests filled with textures, colors, and shapes. These magical boxes can hold anything from
squishy materials to smooth stones to engage multiple senses. The research shows that incorporating sensory elements in learning
environments can significantly impact a child’s ability to focus and comprehend information (Smith, 2020). There are so many
benefits for students to use a sensory boxes.
2. Motor Development
Do some of your students struggle with fine and gross motor skills? By incorporating sensory box activities like picking up small
objects or tracing shapes in the sensory box, you can provide a fun way for students to develop their motor skills. As they explore,
their fingers and hands get a workout, that contributes to improved dexterity and coordination. The use of tools like tongs to grasp
objects in the box will help to strengthen valuable motor skills.
3. Visual Perception
Visual perception is crucial for understanding and interpreting information. When you fill a sensory boxes with vibrant colors,
contrasting textures, and various shapes, they stimulate the visual senses. Activities involving shape recognition and spatial
awareness builds your students’ development. As your students explore the objects in the box, this increases better hand-eye
coordination.
4. Cognitive Development
Sensory exploration can trigger brain connections that support cognitive development. When students engage in activities with
sensory boxes, they are not just playing. Sensory boxes give student opportunities to problem-solve, strategize, and build
memory. These boxes become interactive tools that promote critical thinking and memory retention
5. Create Calm
For many students in special education, creating a calming learning environment is key. Sensory boxes filled with soft fabrics,
calming scents, or soothing textures act as therapeutic tools. As students interact with these elements, they experience reduced
anxiety and stress, fostering a more conducive space for learning.
6. Social Interaction
Learning is not just about academics; it is also about social development. Sensory boxes provide opportunities for students to
engage with each other in a playful and interactive way. Sharing sensory experiences fosters communication, cooperation, and a
sense of community among students.
7. Sensory Implementation
Implementing sensory boxes in the classroom is pretty easy. Whether the boxes are themed and have been tailor for a certain
students’ needs. There are usually three to five different kinds of material in the box for students separate, collect, sort, or count
with their hands or using a tool.
will need extra help to do this. That is why Sensory Play is so important for them” (Homan, 2023, p. 1).
Final Thoughts
Sensory boxes are not just tools. Sensory boxes let students engage and explore using their motor skills. These opportunities allow
them to be able to excel at developing their skills cognitively, socially, and physically to boost their sensory smarts. Make a world
of difference by helping your students to develop valuable motor skills, enhance visual perception, and boost thinking and memory
skills with these learning boxes.
Here Are Three Tips To Keep In Mind:
· Too Expensive or Limited Space – Below are other options for creating sensory materials for your students.
· Sensory Bag – If you do not have the space to house sensory boxes create a sensory bag. You just need a bag with a strong closure such as a zip lock bag. Just add the same materials as you would with a sensory box.
· Sand and Water Table – Using a sand and water table allows you to use more materials. These tables often have a top you can place on them. Do not forget to buy the top for the table. Having a sand and water table will allow more students to work together collaboratively.