In a room across from the school library is a comfortable space where students at Coal City Intermediate School can take a minute or two to regroup.
“Any student can come here to regulate, to help them calm down, to help them stay focused,” cross categorical teacher Sonja Minnick said of the school’s new sensory room.
The room was designed to meet the needs of all fourth and fifth grade students as it combines two types of equipment—active and calming.
There is a trampoline, a swing, a rocking chair, a fiber optic rainfall, an oversize bean bag and more.
According to Minnick, the active equipment provides a place for those to jump and move around and the calming section of the space is one where students can simply chill for a bit. Both areas serve to help students focus and be actively engaged in their classroom learning.
Students coming to the Intermediate School had access to sensory equipment when enrolled at the Elementary School and Early Childhood Center, so Minnick said this was something that was needed at the Intermediate School.
The space was prepared by Minnick, occupational therapist Jen Swanson and speech pathologist Margaret Marsgalia, and features custom artwork by Rebecca Bajt, the school’s art teacher.
Minnick said she has already seen the positives of having a sensory room open to students with more kids being able to focus and be involved in their classwork.
The new sensory room was funded through a grant.