Active Discovery: Designing Sensory Spaces for Skill-Building

Welcome to part 3 of our multi-part 'Designing Sensory Spaces' blog series, where we go behind the scenes to explore what it takes to design, build, and utilize effective sensory environments. Throughout this series, we’ll look at the clinical reasoning, technology, and strategies behind spaces that empower individuals with sensory processing differences.

To help us dive deep into this topic, we interviewed Sara Kurniadi, Occupational Therapist for the Early Learning Program (Move Learn Grow Program) at March of Dimes.

The Move Learn Grow program delivers a play-based approach to early childhood learning that enhances the development of children with disabilities, emphasizing social integration, emotional well-being, and building long-term life skills. You will be able to find a program description and schedule in the following link:

https://www.marchofdimes.ca/en-ca/programs/children/Pages/Move-Learn-Grow-Classes.aspx 

In Part 1 and Part 2 of our series, we reviewed how proactive planning and dedicated down-regulating environments help children regulate their nervous systems. Now, we shift our focus to how intentional sensory room design can foster active exploration, fine motor development, and hands-on discovery.

Sensory Spaces for Active Skill-Building

Therapeutic sensory environments are not one-size-fits-all. While some individuals need to unwind, others require active visual or tactile feedback to perk up their nervous system, focus their attention, and build confidence through play. 

"In our program, we aim to use evidence-informed, play-based approaches to early learning for children and youth with disabilities. We want to make sure every child has access to inclusive activities, experiences, and opportunities, and is able to engage to the best of their ability."

— Sara Kurniadi, OT

By designing spaces meant for discovery, clinicians can target specific developmental milestones through play without the pressure of a traditional clinical setting.

Quiet Discovery Room

Located on the upper level of the March of Dimes facility, the Quiet Discovery Room provides a visually captivating environment. The space includes vibrant, light-based tools that invite participants to reach, touch, and experiment.

Interactive Lighting and Wall Projection 

While the purpose of the the light in the Flagship Sensory Room is to soothe the children using the space, the dynamic visual effects in the Quiet Discovery Room invite children to track movement in their surroundings.

"The Quiet Discovery Room is a really fun room. It's got a lot of light-up smaller pieces of equipment that all go together. We have the projector, which is amazing because you can change the speed of things, and you can also change the visuals that go in there to create a warm ambiance with lighting."

— Sara Kurniadi, OT

Deluxe Aura Projector Kit is a vibrant, colourful, and budget-friendly addition to any sensory space. This engaging projector is perfect for visual tracking, allowing users to follow the mesmerizing shapes and colours as they shift and form captivating patterns. The Liquid Effect Projector Wheels are easy to install and there are many to choose from. 

Sensory Mood Table

The Sensory Mood Table serves as a glowing surface for tactile manipulatives, transparent shapes, and fine motor activities. Sara explained that the high contrast between the illuminated table and the objects placed on it makes it easier for children with visual or motor processing challenges to see materials clearly and stay engaged in precise hand movements.

Both the Sensory Mood Discovery Table and Sensory Mood Water Table are rechargeable, making them easy to move and use anywhere in the room. Choose from 16 captivating colours and four lighting modes to create different sensory experiences. They can be used indoors and outdoors with water, sand, and foam and can be easily emptied because of their light weight. 

Light Up Toys

Light-up components such as Glow Houses, Glow Trees, Glow People, Glow Rainbow, Glow Pebbles, and Glow Bricks provide immediate, rewarding visual feedback. On one hand, these resources teach foundational cognitive concepts through direct cause-and-effect relationships. They are also a wonderful way to practice fine motor skills, encouraging children to press buttons or tap bricks together to activate the glow or change colour. Additionally, the playful and open-ended design of these toys leaves plenty of room for imaginative play and loose-parts exploration.

This space would also be ideal for Switch Adapted Toys. 

• Switch Adapted Bubble Machine - Gazillion Tornado
• Switch Adapted - Inclusive MP3 Player
• Switch Adapted - Adjustable Desktop Fan

Bringing It All Together

Throughout this three-part series we have demonstrated that a successful sensory space relies on variety, access, intentional layout, and purpose-driven tools.

By offering a spectrum of environments, from embedded quiet nooks to synchronized down-regulating rooms and active discovery zones, March of Dimes ensures that anyone, regardless of their need, have an equitable opportunity to move, learn, and grow.

Thank you!

A special thank you to Sara Kurniadi for sharing her time, expertise, and clinical insights with us throughout this series, as well as to our readers for following along. We hope this series gives you actionable ideas and inspiration for your own classroom, clinic, or community facility.

CLICK HERE to view the full Bridges Sensory Collection.