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Sensory Board Project for Kids

Sensory boards help children with sensory processing disorders to learn how to process tactile sensory input. Sensory boards are also useful for typically developing children. The ideal sensory board will be inviting to the child so he or she wants to play with it. Sensory boards are play with a purpose. Sensory boards are a project any parent or teacher can make for the children in their care with sensory processing disorders.

  1. Foundation of the Sensory Board

    • The foundation of the sensory board can be made of almost any hard surface, from wood to the surface of an unused wall. A sensory board can be made from wooden cork coasters that are very inexpensive. Items for the sensory board can be glued to the surface of the cork. The coasters can be mounted to a piece of plywood using a glue gun.

    Soft Surfaces

    • To make a sensory board for children, it is important to integrate some items into the table that will allow the child to experience the touch of soft items. Some examples of soft items that can be included when building a sensory table are the following: A lock of hair, cotton balls, a feather duster or fur cut from a stuffed animal. Attach any of these items securely to the sensory table using glue or a short string that connects the board to the object.

    Hard Surfaces

    • To build a sensory board for kids, hard items should be built into the board. These are the easiest to attach because many hard items can be glued directly to the cork. Examples of hard items that can be built into a sensory board are: Wooden letters, a piece of sand paper, a metal chain and a smooth polished stone.

    Surfaces with Different Textures

    • Textured surfaces are among the most important items to include because these stimulate the tactile senses the most. Examples of textured items that can be attached to a sensory board include: Double sided sticky tape, wool fabric, velvet fabric, paper with embossed letters, a hair brush, a rubber wash glove, a coconut shell or a piece of hook and loop tape.

    Smooth Surfaces

    • Smooth surfaces should be included on the sensory board project. Smooth surfaces give children the opportunity to sense the differences between smooth surfaces and textured surfaces. Examples of smooth materials to include on a sensory board are: A piece of silk fabric, a piece of cotton fabric or a compact disk.

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