ACTIVE LEARNING ZONE

Creating a Safe and Fun Space for ACTIVe LEARNING

I remember watching my child zoom around the living room during a winter storm, bursting with energy while we were stuck inside.

I knew I needed a way to help her channel that energy into something constructive.

As a mom, you want your child to have a space where they can move freely, feel good, and stay safe—while also giving you a moment to catch your breath 😉.

That’s how the idea of the "ActiveZone'', also known as the ''Active Learning Zone" was born.

It’s a dedicated space where kids can engage in active learning through play, meet their sensory needs, and enhance their overall development.

Why an active Zone Matters for Learning

Research consistently shows that the environment plays a crucial role in cognitive and emotional development, particularly for neurodivergent children.

A well-designed space supports active learning by providing opportunities for physical movement, sensory stimulation, and hands-on activities, all of which are critical for children's growth.

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology highlights that physical activity has a significant impact on focus, emotional regulation, and cognitive function, especially in neurodivergent children.

By creating a space like the Active Zone, you are supporting not just play, but a key aspect of their learning and well-being.

Curious to know more about the advantages and disadvantages of active learning? Read more on What is active learning?

Setting Up an Effective Active Zone for learning

You don’t need a large space to create a Active Zone—just a cozy corner tailored to your child’s unique needs!

Here are some essential tools and tips for promoting active learning while ensuring your child is safe and engaged:

Interior Design Ideas to Enhance Active Learning

Designing a learning-friendly environment at home can have a significant impact on how children engage with educational activities.

By using specific design elements such as color zones, lighting, and ceiling hangings, you can foster a space that not only encourages active learning but also boosts creativity and physical movement.

1. Color Zones: Creating Visual Boundaries

Dividing a room into color zones is an effective strategy for creating distinct spaces that promote various learning activities.

Bold, contrasting colors can help children navigate the space with ease, providing visual separation for different functions, such as study, reading, or play.

Benefits of Color Zones in Learning

• Cognitive Stimulation: Bright, contrasting colors help with memory retention and stimulate brain activity.

• Task-Specific Areas: By associating different colors with certain activities (e.g. blue for creative play), children can move seamlessly from one task to another.

2. Ceiling Hanging Elements

Hang colorful mobiles, pom pom garlands or string lights from the ceiling.

These visual elements stimulate visual tracking, helping children focus and develop their spatial orientation.

3. Adjustable Lighting

Use dimmable lighting to adjust the atmosphere in the room. Colored LED lights can be changed to match the activity or mood, providing visual stimulation or calming effects, depending on your child’s needs.

4. Floor and Wall Cushions

Add soft, colorful cushions to the walls and floor, creating a comfortable and safe environment.

These cushions provide a space for active movement, jumping, or simply resting after energetic play.

Swings have a special way of bringing joy to kids, giving them both the thrill of movement and a feeling of freedom.

For kids who crave vestibular input, swings are especially beneficial, providing that soothing motion they need.

We created a simple yet fun swing at home by using an exercise bar in the hallway and a Hanging Swing Seat hammock.

It’s been a game-changer!

Here are some great swings you can find on the market that are perfect for neurodivergent kids:

1. Sensory Therapy Swings

2. Pod Swings

3. Platform Swings

4. Web Swings

5. Hammock Swings

Read more: The best Sensory Swings for Kids, by Reviewed

• It's essential to hang a sensory swing properly in a safe space, as children often test how high or fast they can swing.

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Use a sturdy support like a floor joist, and never hang it from drywall.

• Regularly check for wear and tear.

• Ensure the swing has ample space to move without hitting objects.

• It's also a good idea to place soft padding beneath the swing and supervise children or those who may use it unsafely to prevent injuries.

ACTIVE LEARNING ZONE ESSENTIALS

1. Sensory Swings

Introducing climbing frames or soft obstacles encourages children to explore their surroundings physically, enhancing both gross motor skills and spatial awareness.

Climbing activities strengthen coordination and allow children to develop essential problem-solving skills as they navigate their environment.

1. SURPCOS Foam Climbing Blocks for Toddlers ($$)

2. Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars Climbing Tower($$)

3. Foldable Climbing Triangle Ladder Toys with Ramp for Sliding or Climbing ($)

4. Step2 Sports-Tastic Climber – 3-In-1 Sports Activity Center($$)

2. CLIMBING STRUCTURES

3. Sensory Walls

Install a sensory wall with textures, mirrors, and interactive panels. This engages tactile exploration, helping children understand different materials and improve spatial reasoning.

4. Movement Paths

Create colorful movement paths using tape or decals on the floor. These can guide children through specific patterns, such as zigzags or loops, fostering coordination and motor planning.

5. Interactive Sensory Mats

Place sensory mats with different textures that react to movement. These can light up or make sounds, encouraging exploration and reinforcing the connection between physical activity and sensory processing.

Interactive Exercises to Promote Active Learning

Incorporating exercises into the Active Zone is another great way to encourage active learning. These exercises stimulate both the body and the mind, fostering key developmental skills like coordination, strength, and sensory processing.

1. Bear Crawls

Bear crawls are excellent for developing body awareness and coordination. They improve strength in the trunk and upper body, which is especially beneficial for children with sensory processing disorder. Create a soft, cushioned path for your child to crawl safely.

2. Medicine Ball Slams

Medicine ball slams are fun and engaging. They build core strength, balance, and coordination while activating brain centers responsible for short-term memory. This physical movement supports both cognitive development and motor skills.

3. Star Jumps

Star jumps help with cardiovascular endurance and strengthen the legs and core. They also enhance body awareness by engaging different muscle groups, making it a great way to support children who need to channel extra energy.

4. Arm Circles

This simple exercise increases shoulder flexibility and strength. Arm circles can reduce repetitive behaviors often observed in children with sensory processing needs, supporting both physical and emotional regulation.

5. Mirror Exercises

Mirror exercises improve coordination, body awareness, and social skills. They allow children to mimic movements and interact with their peers or parents, encouraging active participation in learning through imitation.

Ongoing Adjustments for Continuous Active Learning

As your child grows, their needs evolve. Involving them in the process of designing and adjusting their Active Zone ensures that it remains an engaging and supportive environment for active learning.

Involve Your Child

Allow your child to pick elements for the Active Zone that match their preferences and developmental stage. Their input helps create a space that they find personally exciting and conducive to learning.

Monitor and Adapt

Regularly observe how the Active Zone is being used and make adjustments based on your child’s feedback and changing developmental needs.

By continually adapting the space, you ensure that it remains a dynamic environment that supports ongoing active learning.

By setting up a Active Zone, you’re not just creating a play area; you’re fostering an environment that promotes sensory development, spatial awareness, and active learning.

It's a space where movement is both fun and educational, helping your child channel their energy in ways that support their overall well-being and development.

For more on how active learning benefits children, What is active learning?

Is Your Home Sensory-Friendly?

Are you interested in Homeschooling?

Explore the world of Homeschooling!

Discover the advantages, disadvantages, requirements, and methods used in the United States and Canada.

Read more, HERE!

DdL Mom BLOG

Keep exploring with us! Your curiosity fuels our motivation!