--- title: "Sensory Learning Ideas" url: "https://torview.org/pupils/home-learning/sensory-learning-ideas" school: "Tor View School" --- # Sensory Learning Ideas - Sensory Learning Ideas - Developing the senses - Sensory sessions - Resource Ideas for Independent Work - Curriculum A large part of the P-Groups learning centers around enabling and developing the use of their senses. Sometimes we may focus on just one sense (Developing the Senses) – such as during visual tracking activities, or we may work on all 7 (Sensory Sessions) as we do during ‘Sensology’ sessions. ### Sensory Learning Ideas Resource: Taste Safe Slime 84 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/tor-view-school/files/documents/pupils/taste-safe-smile.pdf) Resource: Puffy Paint 71 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/tor-view-school/files/documents/pupils/puffy-paing.pdf) Resource: Taste Safe Paint 84 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/tor-view-school/files/documents/pupils/taste-safe-smile.pdf) Resource: Fizzy Blocks 98 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/tor-view-school/files/documents/pupils/fizzy-blocks.pdf) Instructions: Wooden Tabletop Mobile Frame 220 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/tor-view-school/files/documents/pupils/wooden-tabletop.pdf) Instructions: PVC Mobile Frame 156 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/tor-view-school/files/documents/pupils/pvc-mobile.pdf) Lessons: Sensology - Summer 1 1.14 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/tor-view-school/files/documents/pupils/sensology-summer-1.pdf) Resource: Sensory Stimuli Guide (overview) 1.09 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/tor-view-school/files/documents/pupils/sensory-stimull.pdf) Lessons: Sensory Development - Summer 1 896 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/tor-view-school/files/documents/pupils/sensory-development.pdf) Lessons: Sensory Development - Summer 2 895 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/tor-view-school/files/documents/pupils/sensory-development-2.pdf) Lessons: Sensology - Summer 2 (alternate resources 1.14 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/tor-view-school/files/documents/pupils/sensology-summer-2.pdf) **[DIY light table for visual sensory play](https://www.danyabanya.com/diy-light-table/)** **[Visual Tracking - Sensory Bear 'Popcorn'](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiAfKr1n8jc)** **[Visual Tracking - Sensory Bear 'High Contrast'](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuUYHR74xv0)** **[Visual Tracking - Piano Lights: Into the Unknown](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlHheZbblT0)** **[Visual Tracking - Einaudi 'Night'](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9NM-yK1C2I&list=RDk9NM-yK1C2I&start_radio=1)** **[Visual Tracking - Happy Hearts Disco](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1MuOLT5UmI)** **[Visual Tracking - Eyeball Exercises](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPg0x_nVPXg&list=PLLsWnl3Th9Ivwik78OzpiayOXpLwpl3N3&index=2)** **[Visual Tracking - Breathe](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMk-QEx6iZo)** **[Visual Tracking - Wee See Collection 1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNzpPclGLaQ)** **[Visual Tracking - Clar de Lune](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkgyOZxIw0k)** **[Visual Tracking - Star Wars Theme Visualiser](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq6g_4AwUWs)** **[Visual Tracking - Rainbow visualiser](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFvFglPa3Eg)** ### 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. [YouTube video](https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/kS7H75jQu0A?rel=0) 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. ![](https://torview.org/images/images/25222.png) - **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 Resource: Sensory Stimuli Guide (Overview) 1.09 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/tor-view-school/files/documents/pupils/sensory-stimull.pdf) Lessons: Sensory Development - Summer 1 896 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/tor-view-school/files/documents/pupils/sensory-development.pdf) Lessons: Sensory Development - Summer 2 895 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/tor-view-school/files/documents/pupils/sensory-development-2.pdf) ### 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. ![](https://torview.org/images/images/23610.png) **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 ](https://tacpac.co.uk/product/set-5)** ![](https://torview.org/images/images/23684.png) **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 Lessons: Sensology - Summer 1 1.14 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/tor-view-school/files/documents/pupils/sensology-summer-1.pdf) Lessons: Sensology - Summer 2 (alternate resources) 1.14 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/tor-view-school/files/documents/pupils/sensology-summer-2.pdf) ### Resource Ideas for Independent Work ![](https://torview.org/images/images/23626.jpg) 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. ![Tor View School](https://files.schudio.com/tor-view-school/images/logo/TV_SVT_Logo_website_Footer_Logos.png) **Tor View School** Clod Lane Haslingden Lancashire BB4 6LR Tel: 01706 214640 ### Useful Links - [Educational Excellence](https://torview.org/educational-excellence/welcome) - [The Sea View Trust](http://theseaviewtrust.co.uk/welcome) - [Valley College](https://www.valleycollege.co.uk/) - [Embrace TSH](https://embracetsh.co.uk/) **The Sea View Trust (Reg in England and Wales)** Trust Central Team The Sea View Trust Ewood Campus, Clod Lane Rossendale, BB4 6LR © Copyright 2020–2026 Tor View School School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://torview.org/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)