Resonance boards

As well as being a lot of fun to play on, resonance boards are an excellent sensory tool that will help your child develop self-awareness. 

What is a resonance board?

A resonance board is a board that you can sit or stand on to feel the vibrations of sounds. 

It’s made from a thin piece of plywood that is raised slightly from the floor by a wooden frame. Any movement on the surface of the board will produce amplified sound and matching vibrations. 

Resonance boards can be expensive to buy but are easy to make if you have the time. Watch our how-to video for a step-by-step guide to making your own board.

What are the benefits of a resonance board?

Playing on a resonance board can also help your child develop an understanding of how their actions can affect other things.  

A resonance board encourages: 

• Communication.
• Large motor skills and mobility. 
• Fine motor manipulation. 
• The use of vision and hearing. 
• Tactile and visual search. 
• Turn-taking. 
• Anticipation. 
• Vocalisation and speech. 
• Problem solving. 
• Sequencing.
• Cause and effect. 
• Rhythm.
• …the list goes on!   

How to play with a resonance board

Remember to start slowly and assess activities by putting your own ear on the board. 

You may want to spend time introducing your child to the board before including any toys. 

Your child may not be used to a hard surface and therefore may notice parts of themselves they had not been aware of before. Make sure that they are always in their preferred position, comfortable and safe. 

Your child can be placed alone on the resonance board or use it with another child or adult if the board is strong enough. 

Standing and walking on the board barefoot can be fun, but your child could enjoy sitting or lying down on the board too. 

When selecting toys and equipment to use on the board, it’s good to think about those that will give an instant response. Items such as portable speakers, wind-up music boxes, vibrating toys, spinning tops, stringed beads and bells are all effective. 

There are various ways that toys can be used on the board. 

Lengthy items such as stringed beads can be laid over your child’s limbs, for example. 

Every time they move an arm or leg, the beads will make a sound that will be amplified by the board. 

By placing portable speakers on the board, any music or sounds you play will be amplified and accompanied by vibrations. Your phone can be used in this way too.