Sensory on a Budget: Visual Sensory Seeking

Welcome to Part 1/4 of sensory-friendly ideas that won’t break the budget. If you are looking for sensory solutions for your family or children’s program, you are in the right place!

The word “sensory” (much like the words “art,” or “therapy”), has a funny way of increasing the price tag of any item it’s attached to. So, one of the best ways to save money on sensory items, is to avoid packages that say “sensory” on them! Many everyday items can be repurposed for sensory needs.

Here are just a few ideas to incorporate visual sensory-seeking into your home or children’s center.

Lighting

Mood lighting is a quintessential ingredient of any sensory space, but if your budget doesn’t allow for projectors or 4-foot-tall bubble lamps, that’s ok! I’m willing to bet that many of you have a box full of sensory lighting sitting in your garage right now.

Christmas lights.

You can use your usual Christmas lights in the off-season, or stock up on light strings on deep clearance after the holidays. You may even find some cheep-to-free on your local buy and sell pages. Christmas lights come in all kinds of colors, and can be programmed to twinkle in interesting patterns for sensory-seekers. White lights can also be strung around a room to replace harsh overhead lights for people who are sensory-sensitive.

Flashlight Activities

Playing with light is great fun for visual sensory-seekers, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. A simple flashlight can turn any activity into a sensory activity!

Try reading, or doing math flashcards by flashlight. Use your flashlight to make shadow puppet shows. Cast a shadow of any toy onto paper, and trace it for an art project. Or play flashlight tag!

Mural Alternative

Many professional sensory spaces make use of murals to appeal to visual sensory-seekers and to encourage tracking eye-movement in children. But do you know what is hundreds of times cheaper than a mural? A shower curtain.

Some shower curtains have interesting art on them. Others have colorful patterns and swirls. Hanging shower curtains (or wrapping shower curtains around a canvas for a more permanent look), can instantly add color and visual interest to your sensory corner. They’re also cheaper and easier to replace when you need a change of scenery, and don’t need to be painted over when you move!

Sensory Bottles/Tubes

Pinterest if full of inexpensive, do-it-yourself tutorials for sensory bottles. A sensory bottle can provide visual stimulation, encourage eye-tracking, and create a calming environment. Their small size makes them great tools for car rides, or keeping on individual student’s desks.

YouTube

YouTube has a never-ending library of visually appealing videos. Fireplaces, waterfalls, aquarium scenes, and light shows are all options that can please a visual sensory-seeker. Just be sure to screen your video for ads or other surprises before letting it play. Always practice internet safety around kids.

Sensory 101 (Pt 1 of 4)

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