The idea
In delivering both a Sensory garden and an Outdoor classroom, we are encouraging creative play, exploring, imagination and also stimulating and engaging the 5 basis senses. These surroundings allow children with additional disabilities to explore their senses in a safe environment. Also, for children who do not suffer with disabilities, it is beneficial as a fun educational tool that allows them to explore and learn about their senses and nature. Our ideas will compose of biodegradable seating benches in a theatre style set up with enclosed fencing, recycled plastic stepping stones pathway to these benches, tree trunks, insect hotel, large planters of sensory plants such as lavender, mint, rosemary etc, raised sand pits, treated timber activity walls. We are surrounded by a biosphere with beautiful views of Tolka Valley Park.
What we'll deliver
- Recycled coloured plastic benches
- Recycled stepping stone pathway to benches
- Tree Trunks
- Bug House
- Green House
- Sensory Planters with Lavender, Mint, Rosemary, Coriander, Elderflower, Curry, Willow
- Stage / Platform ( Treated Timber)
- Raised Sandpit
- Treated Timber Activity Wall Games
- Shade Cover Sail for seating areas
Why it's a great idea
We are committed to making our School community an all exclusive one. We are creating an environment that values and respects all individuals, regardless of their differences. One of the main benefits of inclusion is it can lead to improved peer interactions. Being part of a diverse classroom allows them to learn appropriate social behaviours and communication techniques through observation and peer interaction.
Anecdotal evidence has shown that children who are engaged in learning in an outdoor setting are less likely to exhibit behavioural problems. Positive classroom environment helps improve attention, reduce anxiety and support emotional wellbeing. It enhances enjoyment and relaxes busy minds, it aids physical health and exposes children to natural light.
Our project in bringing inclusivity in an outdoor setting will compose of biodegradable resources, use of our surrounding biosphere and beautiful nature and views of Tolka Valley Park.
Steps to get it done
- Volunteers already sourced and ready to dig
- Prepare soil
- Prepare Planters
- Buy plants
- Buy Treated timber for activity walls
- Talk to Parks, Dcc about sourcing old tree trunks
- Buy recycled benches, quotes already received
- Buy Recycled stepping stones , quotes already received
- Greenhouse already on site, apple, plum and pear trees already planted
- Buy shaded sail for covering and fit
- Buy Raised sand pit and fit
- Attach activity walls to fencing , fill planter and plant flowers
- Official opening of new Sensory Garden and Outdoor classrooms
- Maintain and enjoy
We as a school community encourage integration and inclusion of all our students. We have a weekly schedule where children from the mainstream classes can sign up to engage in fun and games with the children from the Autism classes.
Our main focus with this project is to create a sensory garden and an outdoor classroom, in doing both of these together we are encouraging this inclusivity.
