What is Sensory Play and Why is it Important?
Sensory play refers to activities that engage one or more of the senses. This can include sight, sound, touch, movement, and even balance. For many students with SEN — including those with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorders — these kinds of activities help regulate behaviour, reduce anxiety, and build key skills such as attention span, memory, and problem-solving.
Where traditional teaching methods may fall short, sensory play offers an accessible entry point. It creates opportunities for hands-on discovery, emotional expression, and meaningful communication. When paired with the right tools, it becomes an incredibly effective part of any SEN strategy.
The Role of Technology in Modern SEN Settings
Technology is now playing a central role in making sensory play more dynamic and inclusive. Products like Tover and Obie are excellent examples of this shift. These interactive projection systems turn walls, floors, and tables into responsive, game-based environments that are easy to adapt for different needs and settings.
Unlike static resources, these systems respond in real time to user input. That might be movement on a mat, a hand wave across a wall, or even a footstep in a projected game. For children who may struggle with verbal instructions or traditional learning formats, this creates a more immediate and rewarding form of engagement.
Key Benefits of Interactive Sensory Tools
1. Encourages Movement and Exploration
Motion-activated games help students engage in physical activity in a safe and structured way. Whether it’s popping projected bubbles or chasing light-based patterns, these interactions promote motor skills, balance, and spatial awareness.
2. Supports Social Interaction
Many SEN students face challenges around social communication. Multi-user games and collaborative activities allow children to play side-by-side, take turns, and build peer relationships in a non-verbal, low-pressure setting.
3. Aids Cognitive Development
Games can be tailored to support memory, sequencing, cause and effect, and problem-solving. Because these tools provide instant feedback, they help reinforce learning in a way that feels fun and rewarding.
4. Inclusive and Adaptable
Systems like Tover are designed with accessibility in mind. From brightness settings to game difficulty, every feature can be adjusted to suit different physical, sensory, or cognitive needs.
Real-World Applications
SEN schools across the UK are increasingly integrating these technologies into their classrooms, therapy rooms, and sensory spaces. Teachers report increased attention spans, improved behaviour, and more frequent peer-to-peer interaction.
Therapists and support staff also benefit from the data and insights some systems provide. They can track engagement levels and use this information to personalise learning strategies further.
Final Thoughts
Technology is not a replacement for human connection or skilled teaching. But in the SEN sector, it is proving to be an invaluable partner. When used thoughtfully, tools like Tover and Obie create opportunities for discovery, connection, and growth that many students might otherwise struggle to access.
As schools continue to adapt to the needs of diverse learners, investing in inclusive, sensory-based technology isn't just innovative. It's essential.