NATURE BASED SENSORY DEVELOPMENT FOR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN

We aimed to strengthen teachers’ capacity by having nature as a supportive environment for the sensory development and well-being of children with special needs. We wanted to equip educators with ...

We aimed to strengthen teachers’ capacity by having nature as a supportive environment for the sensory development and well-being of children with special needs. We wanted to equip educators with practical methods, training and resources so they could confidently implement outdoor sensory activities. Another objective was to design and model three Sensory Play Areas using natural, low-cost materials that make sensory learning more accessible and sustainable. Through two international training courses, we aimed to exchange knowledge, combine expertise from different sectors and develop an innovative nature-based sensory development model.

During the project, we implemented a series of international and local activities to develop nature-based sensory practices. We first held a kick-off meeting in Helsinki to plan roles, timelines and responsibilities. Two LTT Learning, Teaching and Training Activities followed: the first in Antalya focused on sensory integration, outdoor play, what inclusive nature is and collaboration with occupational therapists; the second in Slovenia included inclusive nature practices. Partners created three SPAs (Sensory Play Areas) in their school gardens or found other solutions using natural, low-cost materials. We also organized pilot sessions with 15 children with special needs to test the activities designed in the trainings. In addition, we developed the Nature-Based Sensory Development Handbook and translated it into partner languages. Throughout the project, we held online meetings, shared materials on a common drive and organized local workshops and an online seminar to disseminate results to educators, parents and Operational Therapists.