Clearcreek Elementary students are getting a brand new addition to
their school this year thanks to the staff and Springboro community.
The new sensory garden is a self-contained environment that allows students and educators to enjoy a variety of sensory experiences, helping to stimulate each child’s senses. The garden, started by four staff members at Clearcreek Elementary, features a water play station, hop scotch, music wall, weaving wall, and lavender plants.
Students in Preschool, Kindergarten, and 1st grade will have the opportunity to explore the garden area. These grade levels are when it’s imperative for children to develop and sharpen their sensory skills. “We are noticing more and more that when kids come to school, they don’t have the necessary skills to sit still and learn. With all of the technology, children are coming to us lacking certain sensory skills,” Occupational Therapist Sarah Wilguess said.
The garden provides an extra learning environment for the Clearcreek Elementary students. “They can experiment with water play to incorporate touch, a Lego wall to build shoulder strength to support handwriting, and lavender plants to incorporate smell,” said Wilguess.
Fundraising
and volunteer work have largely contributed to the success of the
garden. Staff hosted an Ice Cream Social event in May and the
Springsboro Schools Board donated $1000 to the sensory garden project.
Each week, there are different opportunities for volunteers to get
involved. The staff runs a public Facebook page where volunteers can
learn about upcoming events and ways they can help out.
The staff
provided FOX 45 with additional sensory activities for parents to set
their children up for success including climbing slides, balancing
games, building blocks, scavenger hunts, blowing bubbles, and playing
with sensory dough.