Educating Young Children Volume 1 – Spring 2025 | Page 44

Tips for Early Childhood Leaders: Incorporating Outdoor Sensory Spaces

To create and support outdoor sensory experiences, our entire school community got involved. Each member contributed to ensure that all of the children and staff had access to the sensory spaces. Here, we briefly outline the actions that were taken and by whom, which can offer a starting point for early learning leaders and staff as they consider incorporating sensory explorations into their outdoor spaces.

1. Identify the need for an outdoor sensory area. Talk about the benefits and feasibility of an outdoor sensory area. What’ s already in place? What might be needed that is new? Who can help with logistics? Include teachers, support staff, administrators, and families in these conversations.

2. Set teaching and learning goals for the space. Schedule dedicated time during individual and team meetings to discuss planning and implementation of the sensory space. What questions do educators have? What supports will they need— both immediately and over time? These conversations should include teachers, instructional assistants, support staff, and administrators. Work with key staff members to ensure that the outdoor areas serve an instructional need in addition to an outlet for emotional regulation.

3. Create a committee, and meet to develop a plan of action. Building on previous conversations, this group can make decisions about what resources and supplies will benefit the student population and community. Where will funding come from? What community partnerships can be fostered? Develop a timeline and determine individual roles for the successful completion of the project. This committee should include representatives from the community and staff.