Sensory Learning Ideas

Developing the senses

Visual and Audio tracking activities can be done at home using simple materials, these are great for helping to maintain and extend visual and audio fields. Tracking is the ability to track a moving object, and the ability to switch fixation from one to the other. Visually this can be done by moving a brightly coloured or illuminated object horizontally or vertically in front of the eyes, noting when interest is lost. You can also use two different items to see which catches the eye better or is preferred. There are also a number of online videos which can be used to support visual tracking, an example can be found below and links to further examples can be found to the side of the page.

Below you will find a basic overview of the types of resources which can be used to help develop individual senses. A downloadable version of this plus a lesson programme for the development of each sense including examples of resources are also provided.

• Sight (Visual Stimuli): Lights, Reflective Surfaces, Colours, High Contrast, Monochrome
• Hearing (Auditory Stimuli): Music, Instruments, Sound Effects
• Touch (Tactile Stimuli): Textured, ‘Fluid’ Textures, Shape
• Smell (Olfactory Stimuli): Natural, Manmade
• Taste (Gustation Stimuli): Sour, Sweet, Bitter, Salty, Umami (Savoury)
• Vestibular (Movement – Balance – Stimuli): Rocking motions, Bouncing motions, Turning motions, Swinging motions, Jumping motions, Rolling motions, Spinning motions
• Proprioception (Movement – Pressure): Pressure, Movement (body awareness), Sensation,

Symbols from 7 senses foundation

Sensory sessions

Sensory sessions should be done alongside an adult who supports access to the stimuli. The amount of support given will depend on individual abilities.

TACPAC uses different audible, tactile, proprioceptive and vestibular stimuli in order to support communication. They are currently offering one of their packs at no cost. In order to access this offer follow the link to the website below and enter the following code at the checkout; 8Q7A3TXS

TACPAC

Sensology sessions are the idea of Flo Longhorn (Author of A Sensory Curriculum For Very Special People) and are designed to ‘wake up’ the senses. Each sense is introduced and stimulated in turn, enabling students to work on their awareness, anticipation, engagement, interaction and preference making skills. There is a lesson example provided.

Sensology

Resource Ideas for Independent Work

Sensory resources are great for helping students explore their world, reduce tactile defensiveness and have a whole lot of fun. I have provided links to PDFs of recipes to make items for messy exploratory play such as paint, slime and playdoh.

Students also enjoy exploring suspended resources, umbrellas are great for this and can be used when in a chair or on the floor. I have provided instructions for making mobile frames either in PVC or wood (if you are feeling super adventurous), however the same can be achieved with a simple cardboard box with holes in the top and string attached to pencils (to stop them dropping through the holes). You can find some more sensory activities via the links on the Helpful Information and Resources Tile on the Class Home Page

Curriculum

A number of lessons are taught through multi-sensory approaches, please use the tiles below where you will find specific resources for each.