Teaching ideas and inspiration to celebrate the month of February including Chinese New Year, Candlemas, St Brigid's Day, National Wear Red Day, Parinirvana Day, Valentine's Day, Vasant Panchami, Shrove Tuesday, plus book your FREE place on the 'Holi' Multisensory Workshop!
Dates at a Glance
1st Feb - St Brigid's Day
2nd Feb - Candlemas
2nd Feb - National Wear Red Day
10th Feb - Chinese New Year
10th Feb - Losar
13th Feb - World Radio Day
13th Feb - Shrove Tuesday
14th Feb - Valentine's Day
14th Feb - Vasant Panchami
15th Feb - Parinirvana Day
18th Feb - Discovery of Pluto
27th Feb - International Polar Bear Day
1st Feb
St Brigid's Day
2nd Feb
Candlemas
3rd Feb
National Wear Red Day
Raising awareness of heart disease.
9th Feb
Toothache Day!
A day to promote good oral hygiene.
Take a virtual trip to The Dentist with this FREE multisensory story!
Set up a Dental Role Play Area
10th Feb Chinese New Year
Activity Idea
The Great Race
In this multisensory version of the story, each animal is represented by a prop.
Below are a few suggestions.
The story can be delivered by presenting the props as each animal is encountered in the story or if working in a group, assign each student an animal with their prop, and work as a group re-telling the story with the students presenting their prop when their animal is encountered in the story.
Explore Chinese Art
Chinese artwork is traditionally drawn on paper or silk. Subjects include landscapes, animals, and insects.
Show the students examples.
Use feathers and glitter. Focus on red backgrounds. Use gold stars.
Paint or print onto different mediums such as rice paper or silk (for a cheap alternative to silk use a shower curtain.)
Experiment with different tools, dip dried noodles into paint, paint with feathers, design a printed picture dipping star anise into paint. Make a print by rolling cinnamon sticks into paint, wood-like star anise or bumpy skinned fresh lychees.
Create a Chinese Landscape Painting
You will need
Paper or card
White wax crayon or candle
Watered down food colouring
Paintbrush
Activity
1. Rub the white crayon/candle over the surface of the paper in strokes.
2. Using the watered-down food colouring, paint over the whole page using a brush. Allow to dry
Recommended Resource:
Join our character on a multisensory adventure as s/he visits China at New Year
Table of Contents:
Prepare to Celebrate (Gathering Story Props)
How to Tell a Multisensory Story
Chinese New Year – A Multisensory Exploration
Developing Comprehension & Understanding
Chinese New Year Themed Listening Game
Chinese New Year Themed Sensory Bin
Chinese New Year Themed Sensory Bag
The Great Wall of China
Terracotta Warriors
'Five Oxen' Sensory Art
Chinese Art
Chinese Music
The Great Race
The Great Race PMLD Multisensory Version
Chinese New Year Guided Relaxation Adventure
Chinese New Year Lucky/Unlucky Gifts
Chinese Music
Dragon Dance
Spring Clean Your Classroom
Chinese New Year Sensory Ideas & Activities
Price £3.98 Visit the shop https://multisensorystories.etsy.com/.../chinese-new-year...
£3.50 Buy Direct
Download for free in the Members Library
£95 per year for unlimited access to all resources PLUS free mini workshops. (multiple users on a site/school licence)
10th Feb
Losar
Celebrate Tibetan New Year.
Traditionally, people would pass a fire torch through the crowds.
Can the students pass a torch/LED battery candle around their peers?
This three-day festival sees the exchange of gifts.
Play Tibetan traditional music and promote turn-taking with a game of 'pass the parcel'
Dough balls are eaten. Ingredients such as coal, wool, chillies and rice are placed inside.
The ingredient contained within your doughball is said to reflect your character!
Chilli Pepper - Chatty talkative person
Rice - A Good person
Wool - Kind person
Make Playdoh or Plasticine 'Dough' Balls
You will need:
Playdoh/Plasticine (blue, yellow and red represent the colours of the Tibetan flag)
Dried Rice
Wool
Chilli Pepper (plastic 'toy' chilli or substitute for cubes of red bell pepper or use peppercorns)
How to make Playdoh/Plasticine 'Dough' Balls
Promote fine motor skills as the students roll their Playdoh/plasticine into balls.
Make a hole in the centre of the ball using a finger/thumb or a wooden dowel rod.
Place grains of dried rice, a piece of wool or chunk of pepper (or peppercorns) into the hole.
Recover the hole with Playdoh/Plasticine to hide the item placed inside.
Place the balls together, then as a group, take turns in selecting a ball and peeling it open to reveal the contents.
Can the students remember the characteristic said to be reflected according the to item inside? (Chilli Pepper - Chatty talkative person, Rice - A good person, Wool - kind person.)
Extend Learning
Can the students think of other characteristics and corresponding items to place inside the balls?
Here are some examples:
Feather - Soft hearted person
Daisy or dandelion - Flower lover
Toy animal - Animal lover
Spinach - Strong person
Leaf - Nature lover
Other ways to celebrate Losar
People engage in activities that symbolise purification and welcoming in the new.
Buildings are whitewashed and thoroughly cleaned, and people wear new clothes.
Engage in outdoor learning.
Provide paintbrushes and rollers for students to 'paint' the walls, fences, and railings. Add washing up liquid to create white soap suds.
Buddhist monks adorn the monasteries with the finest decorations and conduct religious ceremonies.
Make a Tibetan Prayer Flag
You will need:
Rectangles of material (explore different colours, fabrics and textures)
Length of string
Glue
Method
Lay a rectangular piece of material onto a flat surface.
Place the length of string on top of the rectangular material 1/4 of the way from the top edge of the material.
Tuck the top of the material over the string then glue to secure.
Repeat until you have a length of prayer flag.
13th Feb
World Radio Day
Raising awareness of the pleasure and importance of the radio.
Listen to a range of radio clips: music, sports, news, weather to communicate the diversity of the radio.
Explore children's radio stations examples are Fun Kids Digital Radio and Cbeebies Radio
Explore the cause and effect of a wind-up radio.
Become radio presenters!
13th Feb
Shrove Tuesday
Smell, touch and taste pancakes.
You can use ready-made shop bought pancakes, make your own pancakes using an instant batter mix or make a batter mix from scratch.
Batter Mix Recipe
225g (1 3/4 cups) plain flour
500ml (2 cups) milk
2 large eggs
Explore 'Sweet' and 'Savoury' Pancake Toppings.
Can the students make a 'sweet' pancake and a 'savoury' pancake by selecting the correct ingredients?
Sweet Toppings: bananas, berries, caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, cream, honey, ice-cream, jam, maple syrup, strawberry sauce.
Savoury Toppings: aioli, avocado, baba ganoush, cheese, spices cinnamon/nutmeg, garlic dip, guacamole, houmous, marmite, mushrooms, pesto, sour cream, taramasalata, tzatziki.
Be allergy aware!
Can the sensory explorer express a preference between sweet and savoury?
Can the sensory explorer identify the 'healthier' choices for the pancake toppings?
Eat Your Way Around the World!
Pancakes are a global treat! Explore the different pancakes and toppings.
14th Feb
Valentine's Day Sensory Bag
Sensory bags are a cheap and fun way to engage the senses and develop language skills.
Tip!
When choosing items think of engaging all the senses: Add items that stimulate the vision, tactile items that feel nice to the touch, items to smell and taste and items that make interesting sounds.
Give the bag a gentle shake to gain the student's attention.
Invite the student to place their hand into the bag and select an item.
Encourage the student to use their sense of smell, touch, hearing and taste to guess what the item is (If the student is unsure then provide plenty of clues.)
Build Functional language skills.
Ask the student to tell you or show you what you might do with the item and where you might find it.
(If the student is unsure, model what to do with the item and see if they can copy your action.)
Allow the student time to explore the item and process the information then shake the bag again for them to select another item.
Keep language simple.
Focus on phrases such as 'Choose' or 'Take one' when presenting the bag to the student.
Focus on the name of the object e.g., 'Heart', 'Chocolate' and two-word phrases e.g., 'Red Rose'.
Model verbs: 'Smell' 'Eat'.
14th Feb
Vasant Panchami
Make your own Bangles!
1. Cut a clear plastic water bottle into rings. Wrap wool or silk thread around the plastic.
2. Thread beads onto string or ribbon.
3. Make pipe cleaner bangles securing the ends together.
15th Feb
Parinirvana Day
Parinirvana Day marks the death of the Buddha who is believed to have entered a state called Parinirvana, the final goal of Buddhism, 'Nirvana without end'.
Re-Create a Visit to a Buddhist Temple with a Guided Relaxation Adventure
Guided relaxation is generally considered a safe activity as it is the practice of relaxation, stillness and calmness.
By adding props you can create a wonderful sensory experience.
Preparing For Your Guided Relaxation Adventure
1. Find a comfortable place that is free of distractions.
2. Settle the student into a position that is comfortable for them.
3. Provide pillows/beanbags/cushions and blankets.
4. Dim the lights.
5. Tell the student that if at anytime they wish to stop the activity to tell you, raise their hand or open their eyes.
6. There is an option to incorporate props such as mini cymbals, incense sticks, a gong/drum, a money box and coins.
7. Using a calm and gentle voice, slowly read through the guided adventure below pausing between sentences.
'Close your eyes and take a slow, deep breath.
I want you to imagine a magic carpet has floated into the room.
Climb onto the carpet. It is soft and comfortable.
You feel safe as the carpet gently rises, floats across the room, and leaves the building.
The carpet flies into the sky and gently glides over the rooftops.
You feel excited as the magic carpet sweeps over towns and villages, fields, and farmland.
The sheep and cows look tiny below.
You are now travelling over the sea.
Can you see how blue the water is?
Can you feel the warmth of the sun on your back?
You feel very relaxed and happy riding on your carpet.
In the distance you see land approaching.
The carpet glides along long winding rivers, and across vast grasslands then sweeps up to the highest part of the hillside, where you see a temple.
Your magic carpet lands outside a gate.
You see a kind man with a shaven head. He is wearing an orange robe.
The man greets you by placing his hands in front of his body, palms together and bows his head slightly.
Would you like to greet him back?
He asks you to take off your shoes. He will keep them safe.
You follow him through the gate and onto a path lined with colourful flowers and trees bearing fruits. Their leaves dapple in the sunshine.
The path is lined with blossom, the petals are soft on your feet.
You enter the temple.
It smells of perfumed incense (option to light an incense stick or to lightly spritz perfume)
Gold statues line the room.
It is so quiet in the room you can hear yourself breathe.
At the front of the room is a Buddha statue sat on top of wooden platform with two long candles.
You feel very relaxed as you watch the orange flames flicker.
Take a few minutes to relax.
It is almost time to leave.
You turn to leave and next to the door you see a small wooden box.
Would for you to post some coins through the slot in the box?
Listen to the rattle they make as they hit the bottom of the box? (Option to create the atmosphere by dropping coins into a money tin)
There is a gong hanging from the ceiling.
You can gently ring it if you like (option to hit the gong to re-create the sound)
As you leave the gate you take one last bow.
Your magic carpet has returned to take you home.
Climb onto the carpet and make yourself comfortable.
The carpet rises slowly into sky and retraces its journey down the hillside and across the land.
You cross the sea feeling very calm and relaxed as the magic carpet glides over fields and farms, villages, and towns.
You recognise the rooftops of the shops, school, and houses where you live.
Picture the room that we are in now.
The magic carpet gently lands in this room, and you climb off and lie on the floor.
Your journey is over for today but remember, you can take a journey on your magic carpet whenever you like.
When you are ready wiggle your fingers and your toes then gently open your eyes.'
18th Feb
Former Planet, Pluto was discovered By Clyde Tombaugh in 1930
Explore Pluto!
''The last stop is Pluto, it has five moons
They orbit the planet like water balloons''
You will need:
5 x Balloons
Ice Cubes
Washing up Bowl
Water
Ball Pit Play Balls/Ping Pong Balls
Activity:
Fill the water balloons with different quantities of water and secure with a knot.
Can the student(s) handle the water balloons without them bursting?
Alternative Activity:
Place ice cubes into the washing up bowl then float ball pit play balls/ ping pong balls
Explore items that sink and float: Aluminium Foil, Cork, Feather, Foam, Leaf, Lego, Confetti, Glitter, Pulses, Wood.
Extend Learning:
Explore liquids that sink and float and those that disperse: Baby Oil, Food Colouring, Honey, Olive/Vegetable Oil, Washing up Liquid, Corn Syrup
This space themed activity also links with the birthday of Galileo Galilei on Feb 15th
Watch the video!
Originally recorded for The Sensory Festival, this video is packed with sensory ideas and activities.
(Note: I recorded this the day after I had been in hospital so was feeling a little under the weather but there are some fun ideas in there!)
27th Feb
International Polar Bear Day
Lets' Explore....Polar Bears!
Learning about animals and habitats teaches about Conservation and Respecting Wildlife
Promote Communication Skills (Listening & Speaking)
Play an audio clip of a polar bear 'chuffing', 'growling', 'grunting', 'hissing' and 'roaring.
Can the student communicate a request to listen to the sound again? (This could be through gaze, verbally or through sign)
If using a switch, BIGMack or Talking Tile, can the student activate the device independently?
Can the student imitate the sound using their voice?
Record their vocalisation and play it back.
Promote Physical Development, Coordination, Balance, Control & Movement & Imaginative Play
Watch footage of a polar bear.
Polar bear’s forepaws are directed inwards. They can gait and gallop swaying their hips but cannot trot.
Can the sensory explorer move their body like a polar bear?
Re-Create a Polar Bear Habitat.
Line a Tuff Tray with ice. Add fake snow (see recipes below) Add toy polar bears, and a bowl of water.
Female polar bears make a den in snow. Using fine motor tools (cups and scoops) can the student make a polar bear den in the snow?
Fake Snow Recipes
1. Add shaving cream to baking soda.
2. Sprinkle a sachet of gelatine into warm water and stir until dissolved. Add ice cubes.
3. Mix cornflour with hair conditioner until you reach the required consistency.
4. Mix cornflour with bicarbonate of soda (equal quantities e.g., one cup), add water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
5. Mouldable snow: Mix three cups of shaving cream with 1/2 cup of glue and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Stir in 1/2 cup of foam micro beads. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and water. Knead.
6. Add 3 cups of baking soda with 1 cup of hair conditioner.
FREE 'Holi Themed Multisensory Workshop'
Join me for a multisensory exploration of the festival of Holi.
Includes a walk-through of my multisensory story 'Holi' plus themed, sensory activity ideas.
Subscribe to the Members Library to gain unlimited access to all resources to view online, download and/or print out, training videos and FREE mini workshops held throughout the year.
£95 per year (school/setting site licence - multiple users)
email rhymingmultisensorystories@outlook.com for more information.
Other Titles in this Series
Fully resourced, step-by-step multisensory stories linking individuals to literature, culture, history & topic through the senses.
Each resource includes themed, sensory activities aimed at promoting communication skills, independence and areas of learning.
FULL LIST OF TITLES
The Seasons Collection
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
The Weather (Free resource)
Christmas
Dear Santa (Free resource)
Dear Santa Adapting into a Play (Free resource)
Culture & Celebrations Collection
A Train Ride Through India
Burns Night
Chinese New Year
Halloween
Holi
St Patricks Day
History
The King's Coronation
The Queen's Jubilee (Free resource)
The Romans
Life Skills
Jobs and Work Experience
Maths
Shapes - A Multisensory Exploration (includes 130 shape themed, sensory activities)
Reference
Listen - An A-Z of Sensory Inspiration to Stimulate the Auditory System
Sensory Resources for Sensory Learners (800+ ideas)
January 2024 Teachers Almanac
Self-Care
The Dentist (Free resource)
Washing Hands (Free resource)
Topic/Theme
Journey into Space
Minibeasts
Superheroes
The Beach
The Farm
The Rainforest
Traditional Tales Collection
The Gingerbread Man
Goldilocks
Jack & the Beanstalk
Little Red Riding Hood
The Three Little Pigs
Buy Direct £3.50 (email rhymingmultisensorystories@outlook.com)
Visit the shop £3.98
Visit the Story Library for your FREE resources
Download the Latest Catalogue
Training
'Multisensory Storytelling & Engagement Through Sensory Activities' Workshop
1-1
Groups
Whole Setting
INSET
The workshop covers all aspects of multisensory storytelling from sourcing story props to adapting existing texts into multisensory stories plus we will explore lots of sensory ideas, activities, and inspiration plus an in-depth look at a multisensory story.
Held via Zoom
Run time 2 hours
Pricelist
Public Group Workshop
£10
Held on several dates each month
Digital certificate of completion
Course notes (pdf)
Focus story
1-1 Workshop
£45
Includes 3 free resources of your choice
Digital certificate of completion
Course notes (pdf)
Focus story
Private Group Workshop
£99
Includes 5 free resources of your choice
Digital certificate of completion
Course notes (pdf)
Focus story
Whole school/setting INSET
£199
Includes a free 6-month subscription to the Members Library
Digital certificate of completion
Course notes (pdf)
Focus story
FAQ
Who is the Workshop Aimed at?
SEN Teachers, SENCOs, HLTA's, TA's, Mainstream Early Years Educators, Speech Therapists, Play Therapists, Parents, Guardians, Childminders, Carers, Support Workers, Activity Coordinators, Librarians, and anyone with an interest in exploring storytelling through the senses.
Course Content
The benefits of multisensory storytelling.
Sourcing story props.
Sound effects.
How to tell a multisensory story.
Adapting an existing story into a multisensory story.
Incorporating extension activities into your session.
Using the story props as a tool for individuals to explore & express their likes, dislikes and sensory preferences.
Case studies
Extension Activities
In addition to this we will explore a multisensory story in depth, how to deliver this story and how to use the story props promote communication and areas learning.
How is the Training Delivered?
The training is delivered as a friendly and informal session via Zoom and can be tailored to meet your training requirements.
Course Length
2 hours (can be split into 2 x 1-hour workshops)
Will I Receive any Course Notes?
Yes. Course summary notes will be sent as a word document.
Are There Any Other Free Resources Included?
Yes
You will receive a free digital download of 'Listen - An A-Z of Sensory Ideas to Stimulate the Auditory System'
This comprehensive guide explores fun and engaging sensory ways of stimulating the sense of hearing. The A-Z of sounds is divided into the following categories: Animals, Transport, Musical Instruments & Home. It also includes fun, motivating sensory themed extension activities. This resource is suitable for working with curious pre-schoolers to teenagers with complex needs.
You will also receive a free digital download of the focus story.
How Do I Book?
email rhymingmultisensorystories@outlook.com or send a message via the chat feature on the website or through social media
How Do I Pay?
Payment is accepted through BACS or Cheque.
I am a School/Company/Setting, can you send an Invoice?
Yes. Rhyming Multisensory Stories is fully registered with HMRC and can invoice.
Will I Receive a Certificate?
Yes. You will receive a digital certificate of completion
New!
Peer Sensory Storytellers Workshop
Held via Zoom, this workshop is aimed at students who wish to deliver multisensory stories to their peers, younger children and students in their school or in external settings in their community including Nurseries, Early Years, Primary settings and adult residential homes and centres.
Streamed live into the classroom, this is a mixture of theory via a fun and engaging PowerPoint presentation, and practical work.
The workshop is tailored to support students through the use of simplified language.
For more information email rhymingmultisensorystories@outlook.com
send me a message via social media or the chat feature on the website.
Workshop Price £95
Includes 3 free resources of the students' choice!
Get in Touch!
Your questions, queries, comments & feedback are always welcome!
Website: www.rhymingmultisensorystories.com
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Thank you for your support
See you in March!
Your questions, queries, comments and feedback are always welcome!
Contact me via email
or send me a message via social media:)
The Health & Safety Bit!
Please Read Before Engaging in any of the Activities
Health & Safety Advice & Disclaimer
The author has used their best efforts in preparing the information on this website and makes no representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness or completeness to the contents.
The information is for pleasure purposes only.
If you wish to apply any ideas and activities contained in this blog, on the website or in any of the multisensory stories or resources, you are wholly responsible and take full responsibility for your actions.
The activities are designed to be led and supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
A Note on Allergies/Intolerances
If you have any doubts regarding any activity or prop used, then seek advice before starting.
Be aware of potential choking hazards.
Check the ingredients in any items you may be using for any potential food or skin allergies or respiratory reactions. If you see any signs of redness, swelling or other symptoms of a suspected reaction seek immediate medical advice.
The interactions should be led by the sensory explorer who should be allowed to participate without expectation.
Never force stimuli and stop the activity if the story explorer shows signs that they are not enjoying the session.