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How To Make A DIY Sensory Wall

How To Make A DIY Sensory Wall

 

Do you ever come across pins on Pinterest that offer advice on how to build a sensory wall for your kids?

I did, and ever since then, I’ve been obsessed with everything even remotely connected to sensory integration.

Consequently, I sat down and got to work coming up with a plan for a sensory wall!

To heighten my child’s sense of wonder and provide him with a tactile (touch) experience, I envisioned a wall adorned with all of his most treasured possessions.

To top it all off, I wanted to make sure that the sensory wall was engaging enough to be used as a tool for calming meltdowns when they occurred.

Now is the time to design and build a sensory wall for your home if this is something you’ve always wanted to do!

Make your own sensory wall into a work of art by following these simple instructions and setting aside some time.

Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you click on them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

Why Create A Sensory Wall?

Children on the autism spectrum and those who suffer from sensory processing disorder can take advantage of the numerous benefits offered by a sensory wall.

However, just because your child does not have sensory processing disorders or autism does not mean that they will not benefit from engaging in activities that promote sensory integration.

According to Autism Research Institute:

“Sensory integration is an innate neurobiological process and refers to the integration and interpretation of sensory stimulation from the environment by the brain.”

Children, whether they have autism or not, benefit from the stimulation provided by sensory walls, which helps their brains function more effectively when it comes to interpreting and processing sensory information received from the outside world.

And the more you incorporate sensory integration into your child’s daily routine, the more your child’s brain will be able to process the sensory stimulation that they receive from their surroundings.

When you introduce sensory integration into your child’s life, you will notice profound benefits, some of which include an improvement in their ability to pay attention and concentrate as well as a reduction in their level of anxiety and stress.

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Benefits Of Sensory Integration

  • Calms meltdowns and sensory overload
  • Helps calm tactile sensitivity
  • Decreases repetitive (stimming) behavior
  • Increases attention span
  • Helps develop emotional regulation
  • Increases brain connections

Tips For Creating A DIY Sensory Wall

Follow Your Children’s Interests

Anything revolving around is fascinating to my son.

Because he suffers from autism, he has a propensity to have an intense interest in revolving or circular objects such as marbles, the wheels on toy cars and trucks, and even rolls of duct tape.

If you observe that your child favors particular textures, such as puffy pom poms, then you should incorporate that type of soft texture into your wall decor.

Choose Vibrant/Bold Colors

There is nothing that captures the attention of toddlers and preschoolers quite like colors that are vivid and eye-catching.

Include as many elements as possible that have the potential to capture the attention of the viewer.

The vitality that is contained within the sensory wall.

Your child will benefit tremendously from spending as much time as possible engaging with it.

Think Outside The Box

Use your imagination. You should look around your home for any craft supplies that you already own that can be hot-glued onto a corkboard, as this will give the corkboard additional color and texture.

Things such as leftover scraps of fabric, unused sponges, pipe cleaners, and other assorted items.

Everything You Need:

While everyone’s sensory wall is different depending on your children’s interests, here is everything I included.

Framed corkboard– this is where you will glue all your sensory items. I suggest a family large size corkboard.

Full size hot glue gun– A large size one.

Fabric– I chose multiple different fabrics by going to a fabric store and touching the fabrics to look for texture variety.

Sequin fabric– I chose a rainbow Sequins and made it the focal point on the sensory wall. These come in a multitude of colors!

Wine corks– I had these lying around.

Dried pasta

Fun shaped beads

Kitchen sponges

Pom poms– Different sizes.

Shapes buttons

Seashells

Marbles

Glass pebbles

Resin glitter numbers

Resin alphabet letters

Large rhinestones

Plastic succulents– Cut off the stems

Colorful straws– I stretched some of the straws out and when you run your nail over them they create different sounds.

Instructions:

1. You should begin by taking the corkboard and using a pen or marker to design a layout for where you want to put all of the items that stimulate the senses on the board. Be sure to label everything!

2. Put the item of tactile stimulation that is most important to you (or the child) front and center as the focal  point.

3. Plugin your glue gun to begin gluing away.

4. Be patient! To complete my sensory wall took me well over two days’ worth of work. It takes a lot of time,     but it is unquestionably worthwhile.

5. Your children will be able to see and touch the objects you hang on the wall for them every day.

Related Articles: What To Do About Sensory Overload

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Final Thoughts

Children with autism or sensory processing disorder can benefit tremendously from using this do-it-yourself sensory wall as a tool for sensory integration or a sensory diet. However, even if your children do not have sensory processing disorders or autism, they can still gain something from participating in a sensory activity on a daily basis.

Therefore, grab all of the necessary components for the sensory wall, and get to gluing!

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