GERMANTOWN HILLS, Ill. – Students at the Easterseals Learning Academy have a space that uses play to help develop social and motor skills.
The facility held a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday for its Active Sensory Gym. The gym has been open since January.
The gym is a room in the Learning Academy that features a rock climbing wall, a flying trapeze swing, and a playhouse with a ramp and floor pads.
In addition to developing essential skills, the room lets students burn off energy and focus more in the classroom.
Building Administrator Shawn Joraanstad says there’s been improvements made since the gym opened.
“We’re seeing fewer aggressive behaviors from students, we’re seeing fewer crises from students,” Joraastad said. “This room serves as a motivator. So when students are having difficultly with behaviors, teachers remind them of their opportunities to come in here. And we do see students make better choices.”
The gym was funded by a more than $33,000 donation from the Easterseals Giving Circle.
Ellen Monteith of the Giving Circle says the unique nature of the gym was a factor in donating to the project.
“Something that could always be overlooked by the school as too much to have to spend on one particular thing. So that was what was really, I think, exciting for us to help the students learn,” Monteith said.
The Active Sensory Gym is the second such room at the facility. A calming room was in place before.
