Sensory Saturdays are a fun, social monthly event held for children up to 18 years of age. During these sessions, we develop skills through a sensory approach. Sensory activities are vital for children with additional needs as they help stimulate the brain, support cognitive, emotional, and physical development. Many children with additional needs, such as those with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorders, may have difficulties interpreting and responding to sensory information.
Engaging in sensory activities—such as playing with textured materials, listening to different sounds, or participating in movement-based activities—helps children process sensory input more effectively. This can lead to improvements in attention, behaviour, and motor skills, and also reduce anxiety. Additionally, sensory activities can enhance social interaction and communication, providing a fun and therapeutic way for children to explore their environment and develop essential life skills. This Saturday club links with Denbighshire County Council Social Services and provides welcomed respite for parents.
Georgia loves coming to Saturday Club, she is so happy when she knows it is on. It is really great, we get chance to go and have breakfast together, do some shopping without having to push him around as he doesn’t like the shops, and we know that he is happy and doing things he likes to do.
Sensory art benefits children with additional learning needs by engaging their senses and offering a hands-on approach to learning. For children with conditions like ADHD or autism, sensory activities can improve focus and calm overstimulation by giving them a structured, tactile way to interact with their environment.
By using materials like clay, sand, or textured fabrics, children can improve their fine motor skills while engaging in problem-solving as they explore how different elements work together. This form of art promotes cognitive development by building neural pathways, helping children process information in ways that suit their individual needs.
In addition to cognitive benefits, sensory art supports emotional development. It provides a creative outlet for non-verbal expression, reducing anxiety and allowing children to communicate feelings they might otherwise struggle to express. The multi-sensory engagement makes learning more interactive, inclusive, and tailored to a child's unique way of understanding the world.
Outdoor classrooms greatly benefit children with additional learning needs by providing a flexible, natural environment that supports various learning styles. The open space allows movement, improving focus and engagement, especially for children with ADHD or hyperactivity. The sensory-rich setting of nature—textures, sounds, and sights—helps children with sensory processing issues feel calm and engaged.
Outdoor learning fosters social skills through group activities and promotes problem-solving and creativity with hands-on tasks like exploring, gardening, or building. Additionally, exposure to nature reduces stress and boosts emotional well-being, offering a holistic learning experience tailored to their needs.
Wheelchair cycling provides numerous benefits for children with additional learning needs, offering physical, cognitive, and emotional advantages. It promotes movement and physical activity, improving muscle strength, coordination, and overall fitness in a fun, engaging way.
For children with sensory processing disorders or ADHD, the rhythmic motion of cycling can have a calming effect, helping them focus and manage energy levels. Wheelchair cycling also fosters independence and boosts confidence as children navigate their surroundings.
In addition to the physical benefits, the activity encourages social interaction, teamwork, and outdoor exploration, all of which contribute to emotional well-being and cognitive development. It provides an inclusive and empowering way for children with different abilities to stay active and engaged.
TACPAC (Tactile Approach to Communication) is a sensory tool that helps individuals, particularly those with additional learning needs, engage through touch and sound. Often used with children with autism or sensory processing issues, TACPAC combines tactile stimulation and music to support communication, emotional regulation, and cognitive development.
A TACPAC session involves using different textured objects, such as sponges, brushes, or fabrics, paired with specific pieces of music. The facilitator guides the participant through these sensory experiences by using the objects on their skin, creating a connection between the touch sensation and the corresponding sound or rhythm.
The goal is to establish a two-way communication system. Even for non-verbal individuals, the reactions to the sensory stimuli—whether it’s a movement, facial expression, or sound—become a form of communication. Over time, participants may begin to anticipate certain sensations or sounds, promoting interaction.
TACPAC sessions provide a calming, structured environment where individuals can feel safe and relaxed. The repetitive nature of the sessions helps children with sensory sensitivities regulate their emotions and responses to stimuli.
Through the tactile and auditory stimuli, participants improve their fine motor skills, sensory processing abilities, and cognitive connections, as they learn to associate different sensations with the sounds and objects used.
Overall, TACPAC offers an accessible, multi-sensory way to help individuals with communication challenges engage with the world around them, fostering interaction, emotional regulation, and learning.
Rebound Therapy uses trampolines to help children with additional learning needs by improving physical, sensory, and emotional well-being. It enhances coordination, balance, and muscle strength through low-impact bouncing. The movement provides sensory input, which helps children with sensory processing difficulties regulate their responses to stimuli. The repetitive motion can also have a calming effect, reducing anxiety and improving focus.
Rebound Therapy builds confidence, promotes independence, and supports communication development, especially for non-verbal children. It also encourages social interaction in a fun, engaging environment, making it a versatile therapy for various needs.
Sensory rooms provide a controlled environment that helps children with additional learning needs by offering calming or stimulating sensory experiences. These rooms are equipped with lights, sounds, textures, and other sensory elements designed to support sensory processing, communication, and emotional regulation.
For children with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorders, sensory rooms can reduce stress and anxiety by creating a safe space for self-regulation. The tailored environment allows them to explore different sensory inputs at their own pace, helping improve focus and cognitive skills.
Sensory rooms also enhance communication and social skills through guided activities, promoting interaction and engagement in a soothing, structured setting. They help children process sensory information in a way that supports emotional well-being and development.
The first stage involves becoming aware of sensory stimuli, such as sights, sounds, textures, or smells. This helps the individual recognise and identify their different sensory inputs.
The individual actively engages with the sensory stimuli, exploring and interacting with the environment. This can involve touching, listening, or moving in response to the sensory input.
Here, the brain processes and interprets the sensory information, making sense of what is being experienced. This stage is crucial for understanding how different stimuli affect the individual.
Here, the brain processes and interprets the sensory information, making sense of what is being experienced. This stage is crucial for understanding how different stimuli affect the individual.
Please reach us at Train4Aln@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Saturday club is held one Saturday a month in the morning.
No Saturdays are the same, we have a list of activities which can take place and are always adding new ideas!
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