6/9/20

1

Introduction to Sensory Stories

1

Stories are great because: • They are a narrative on life• They teach beginning, middle, end • Help us solve problems• Learn about places we’ve never been• Fuel imagination• Shared experiences• Stimulate the senses• Emotional literacy• You can learn anything about

everything

2

A sensory story consists of concise text, typically under ten sentences. Each section of the text is be partnered with a rich sensory experience . Through the course of a Sensory Projects sensory story you can expect to have seven sensory systems stimulated. There is no limit to what the stories can be about or who their audience can be. Jo Grace http://www.thesensoryprojects.co.uk

3 4

Being able to engage with a story without relying wholly on words can support those with poor communication skills.

“Sensory stimulation is important for everyone as it enriches life. When the senses are stimulated more of the brain becomes engaged with a task, so sensory stimulation can help with learning and memory, as well

as just being fun.” Joanna Grace

5

Choose a story:

• Familiarity works best

• Are the characters interesting

• What places are there in the story

• What are the props

• Why are these interesting to the child?

6

6/9/20

2

Choose a story:

• A family holiday• The Apollo’s journey to the moon• A walk in the woods• Wearing a mask on the bus• A trip to the zoo

• We’re going on a bear hunt• Bear and the Picnic Lunch …

7

Write / re-write a story:

• Simplify the story if necessary

• 8 -10 key sentences work well

• Choose 1 sensory experience for each sentence

• Learn the story

8

9

Sensory ExperiencesSight:• Lights, torches, fairy lights, batter candles• Colours, scarves, fabrics• Shiny things• Interesting shapes• Glitter bottles, • Movement – bubbles, spinning toys• Things hanging from hoops and

umbrellas

10

Sensory ExperiencesSound: • Rhythm, chanting, refrains• Repetition, patterns• Onomatopoeia (words that make a

sound eg. BOOM!)• Voice changes• Volume and pace • Instruments – bang, strum, blow, shake• Sound effects

11

Sensory ExperiencesTouch: • Texture – rough, smooth, hard, soft,

cold, hot, stretchy• Shape – round flat, solid, hollow, • Fabrics• Natural objects – leaves, bark, cones,

grass• Pressure on skin – soft, deep, vibrating,

brushes, press, squeeze, breeze

12

6/9/20

3

Sensory ExperiencesSmell: • Home smells – people’s clothes, soap,

perfume, • Outdoor smells – herbs, flowers, grass,

twigs,• Food and drink• Essential oils, scented candles

Be careful…

13

Sensory ExperiencesMovement: (Balance & Body)• Arms and legs - High, low, fast, slow,

straight, waving, • Repetitive movements• Makaton signing• Copying / mirroring• Sensory story walk around house /

garden• Dancing, making shapes, swaying,

jumping

14

Sensory ExperiencesTaste: • Food, drink• Snacks – crunch, melt, sharp, sweet,

sour, chewy, soft, • Blow, suck, warm, cold

Be careful…

15

Sensory ExperiencesEmotional: (interoception)• Stomach – nervous• Heart – excited• Face – expressions• Muscles – shaky when afraid• Mouth – yawn when tired• Hands – clench when angry• Eyes – cry when happy or sad

16

Presenting the story• Get your resources ready• Organise (beginning, middle, end)• Put in a box or bag to add anticipation• Start with a key rhyme or song• Take it slowly – give time to enjoy and

process• Repeat often

17 18

6/9/20

4

Visuals can help emerging readers follow the story.

19

Should take into account:

• Sensory sensitivities

• Safety (eg. mouthing/PICA)

• Respecting their ‘no’

20

Let the child respond:

• In their own way

• It may take time to become familiar

• Works well if enticed, not a demand

• If non-verbal – look for signs of response (+ & - )

21 22

23 24

6/9/20

5

25