Benefits of Sensory Gardens to Promote Inclusive Play

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Norma E. Rodriguez (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Judy Kinney

Abstract: Sensory garden components were added to the playground of the Curry Child Care Center in order to promote sensory stimulation, inclusive play among peers, and creative play among several other benefits for the children in the preschool classrooms. This project was completed in partnership with a Masters student in the Human Development and Family Studies Department who is also a preschool teacher at the Curry Child Care Center. We worked together on the planning and implementation phases of the project to include sensory pathways, a music wall, mud kitchen, and other sensory stimulating components such as, gardening and sun catchers. I was able to take lead with some aspects including directing volunteers, focusing on the implementation of sensory pathways, planning the sun catchers painting activity for the children, and conducting an evaluation. Donations were gathered from parents, family, and Lowe's Hardware store donated a gift card that was used to buy materials. The children were involved through the entire process to encourage respect towards the space that they would be using. An evaluation was then created and sent to the classroom teachers to test the effectiveness of the sensory garden. Overall ratings of the expected outcomes were very high as well as the overall satisfaction of the sensory garden addition to the playground.

Additional Information

Publication
Honors Project
Language: English
Date: 2018
Keywords
sensory, garden, playground, inclusive, play, children

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