Who is this useful for?
Parents, teachers and caregivers
Sensory exploration activities carried out in a dedicated workshop, where children interacted with lights, textures, sounds, and tactile materials in an environment designed to stimulate the senses and support multisensory development.
In June, on the occasion of the International Helen Keller Celebration, the “Vasile Pavelcu” Special Technological High School in Iași, with the support of Sense Internațional România Foundation, organized a special event dedicated to children with deafblindness and multisensory impairments: the sensory workshop “Exploring the Wonder Within Us.” The activity took place at the Sensory Life Center in Iași, an adapted space where children had the opportunity to explore, feel, and engage with their environment in new and varied ways.
The main aim of the event was to develop sensory exploration skills and stimulate functional communication in a safe and friendly environment.
Sensory Exploration Activities
One of the central activities of the workshop took place in the “Universe Room” — a magical space where soft lights, various textures, changing colors, and delicate scents created a captivating setting for sensory exploration.
The children interacted with light tubes, scented flowers, and various tactile materials, being encouraged to touch, smell, and communicate their reactions through gestures, signs, or expressions. This room was designed specifically to offer a complete multisensory experience, adapted to each child.
Image description: Collage of three photos: on the left, a little boy is sitting in a pool with glowing balls; in the center, a little girl is sitting on a yellow platform that lights up; and on the right, another little girl is playing in a sensory room with pink light columns and mirrors.
The activities also included other sensory islands such as the Softplay Room – a space for relaxation and stories where children enjoyed the soothing cradle of the willow and the aquarium with exotic fish – and the Nature and Water Room, where children interacted with swimming pools with luminous balls and vibrations, panels with lights and active liquid and tubes with water bubbles.7
The Importance of Sensory Exploration
Sensory exploration is essential in the early development of children, especially in the case of those with multiple sensory impairments or deafblindness. It contributes to the formation of neural connections, develops emotional regulation skills, motor coordination, attention, language and self-awareness. In addition, it provides the child with concrete opportunities to learn through direct experience, build trusting relationships and understand the world around them through their senses.
The impact of the activity was significant: the children were active, curious, more communicative, and the parents were impressed by the joy and reactions of the little ones. The workshop strengthened the child-parent-teacher relationships and highlighted the value of adapted educational contexts.
The Voice of Parents
“I was amazed by my daughter’s reactions when she discovered the room with lights. It was an experience that we will not soon forget.” – M.’s father, 3 years old
“It was a unique moment of connection. I want more such contexts for our children.” – N.’s mother, 6 years old
“Everything was prepared with such care! For us, it was more than an activity – it was a holiday.” – D.’s mother, 3 years old
Image 2 description: A group of adults and children gathered in a room decorated with a large artificial tree, sitting together on the floor in front of the tree. Two of the adults hold a colorful sign that reads “Helen Keller – Iași 2025”.