The revised edition of this highly practical guide to creating and using multi-sensory environments is packed full of ideas for low-cost, easy-to-assemble multi-sensory environments suitable for children of varying ages and abilities. Each creative learning environment is designed to be constructed in a classroom or school hall, encouraging creative thinking and learning, and the development of social and emotional skills. Each environment idea is accompanied by suggestions for use for children with special educational needs. Key features of the revised edition include: Ideas for creating sensory experiences that stimulate all the sensory channels – auditory, visual, kinaesthetic, olfactory and gustatory Suggestions for extension or differentiation depending on student capability or time available A summary of the theory and background to multi-sensory learning, to allow you to adapt the suggested scenarios according to the needs of individual learners Although these activities will be of particular value for children with special educational needs or sensory impairments, they are more broadly designed to provide stimulating learning environments, as promoted in the themes and principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance. This is an invaluable resource for teachers and other professionals in education.

First published in 1999. This book is written in four parts. Part I 'Foundations', starts with Chapter 1 'What is a multisensory environment?' and provides a general introduction to the field. The MSE can be different things to different people. It can describe an actual space, or the impact that space has on an individual. Furthermore, it can be for adults or children, for recreation, leisure, therapy or education. Part II 'Design and construction' explores the what, who, why and how of the open-minded, Part III 'Curriculum development' begins with Chapter 8 'Curriculum development in the MSE. The final section, Part IV 'Future developments', consists of two chapters. The goal of Chapter 11 'Conducting research in the MSE' is to demystify research and thereby encourage all members of the transdisciplinary team to become actively involved in MSE related research; Chapter 12 'Where are we going?', the MSE is re-examined to identify possible ways this development could contribute to the increased pluralities that will constitute education in the twenty-first century.

This unique, fully photocopiable resource offers guidance and materials to aid those developing multisensory environments - artificially engineered spaces that encourage relaxation, social skills and learning by stimulating the five senses. Particularly useful for those working with people with multiple disabilities, this resource explains the theory underlying multisensory environments, describes the different types, and outlines the practicalities of planning, setting up and equipping a multisensory space. The resource also features useful checklists and tools for creating multisensory experiences in both designed and everyday settings, such as the kitchen, bathroom, garden or beach. Multisensory Environments is published using photocopy-friendly lay-flat binding and is an essential tool for any professional working with individuals with multiple disabilities. It is the perfect complement to Sensory Stimulation: Sensory-Focused Activities for People with Physical and Multiple Disabilities, also authored by Susan Fowler and published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Multisensory rooms are widely used across the country in schools, care settings, hospitals and homes. Even settings such as football stadiums and airports are installing multisensory environments. Nevertheless, a significant lack of effective research has led to a sense of unease around sensory rooms. This crucial book explores the use of multisensory rooms in order to ease that anxiety; taking the mystery out of multisensory rooms, and supporting the reader to reflect and make the most out of their space. Key features include: Guidance on creating sensory spaces on any budget, to suit any level of need. An overview of the history of multisensory rooms, and a detailed exploration of the actual way in which the rooms are used today. A framework for evaluating existing practices and equipment, in order to maximise the potential of the room. A focus on the practitioner as the most important piece of ‘equipment’ in any sensory room. Written by a leading sensory specialist in a fully accessible way, this book is an invaluable tool for anybody who uses, or is considering using, a multisensory room.

Multi-sensory environments in the classroom provide a wealth of stimulating learning experiences for all young children whose senses are still under development. Creating Multisensory Environments: Practical Ideas for Teaching and Learning is a highly practical guide to low-cost cost, easy to assemble multi-sensory environments. With a step-by-step guide to each activity, these creative learning environments focus on multi-sensory experiences and: are designed to stimulate all the sensory channels – auditory, visual, kinaesthetic, olfactory and gustatory include suggestions for extension or differentiation depending on the abilities of your pupils, or the time available encourage creative thinking and learning, and development of social and emotional skills feature clear learning Outcomes, linking with P-Scales for children with special education needs can be set up in your classroom or school hall in just a matter of minutes or be a semi-permanent feature in a small area of the classroom, convenient for use at any given moment. Although these activities will be of particular value for children with sensory impairments, they will also provide stimulating learning environments, as promoted in the themes and principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance. Theory and background to multi-sensory learning is provided to enable you to adapt the suggested scenarios according to the needs of individual learners. This practical and easy to use book is an essential companion for busy classroom practitioners wanting to create a stimulating and meaningful learning environment.

This book provides teachers and therapists with a user-friendly bank of practical ideas and suggestions to use in the MSE for pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties. These include equipment and resources that can be used to engineer the environment to promote particular outcomes; a set of photocopiable, fast, easy to complete observation and assessment forms; a selection of practical strategies and methods that can be used in the MSE; and ideas to help teachers integrate environment, assessment and instruction to maximize individual programs.