How to Create a Sensory Room for Your Ministry

Here’s what sensory rooms offer:

• Respite from overwhelming sensory stimulation
• A place for kids to regulate themselves before rejoining others
• Seclusion from distractions, where they can continue learning about Jesus
• A location kids with disabilities can comfortably belong

Ever since we created our sensory rooms, they’ve been a blessing to the families and children who want to be part of a church.

Get Out Those Wiggles

Have kids with the wiggles? Try using a core disk (available on Amazon), which provides just enough input to dissipate kids’ wiggles and help them focus. Kids stay in place while moving their body without being a distraction to others.

 

The “How” on Creating a Sensory Room

Here’s a quick overview of how to get your sensory room ready.

1. Find the space.

The size of your room doesn’t matter as much as ensuring it’s accessible to children with special needs. For example, if your church building doesn’t have an elevator, having the sensory room in the basement won’t work.

2. Dim the lights.

Invest in a light dimmer for the room; soft lights provide a calming effect. Cover windows with heavy curtains and put white Christmas lights around the room for a soft, glowing effect. You can also include other fun lights like lava lamps or ocean light reflectors, which provide movement to the room and are visually stimulating yet also calming.

3. Invest in a therapy swing.

A therapy swing is not the type of swing you find on a playground. A therapy swing provides enough stimulation that it helps a child regulate his or her body. I recommend a lycra or platform swing.

4. Provide soft places to crash.

Think of a comfy beanbag chair, a crash pad, or large pillows or cushions.

5. Play calming sounds.

Have soft music or white noise in the background. Natural sounds such as waves, birds, or other calming sounds also create a relaxing atmosphere.

6. Provide textured rugs or surfaces.

Whether these are on the floor or you’ve mounted them on the wall, some children will migrate toward these as a source of comfort.