January Teaching Calendar
Updated: Jan 27
Teaching ideas and inspiration to celebrate the month of January. Chinese New Year, Burns Night, Jackson Pollock, Martin Luther King, National Handwriting Day, Competition and more!
Dates At a Glance
6th Jan - 20th Feb Big Schools Birdwatch
16th Martin Luther King Day
22nd Jan - Chinese New Year
23rd Jan - National Handwriting Day
25th Jan - Burns Night
25th Jan - Vasant Panchami
1st January
STOP! Don't throw away your Christmas Cards!!!
Receiving Christmas cards is one of the joys of the season. Before you pop them in the recycling bin, take a look at these low-budget educational, yet fun activities!
Next Year's Gift Tags!
This activity promotes creative art & design, decision making and fine motor skills as students handle materials.
You will need:
Christmas cards
Scissors
Ribbon or string
Hole punch
Select a Christmas card.
Cut down the edge and use the front of the card.
Encourage the student to look for different pictures to use for gift tags within the card.
Using the scissors, carefully cut around your chosen picture.
Punch a hole in the top corner.
Thread string or ribbon through the hole.
Jigsaws
This activity will develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, shape recognition, promote problem solving, patience and a feeling of achievement once the puzzle is completed.
You will need:
Used Christmas Cards
Scissors
Ruler
Select a Christmas Card. Cut down the edge and use the front of the card.
Cut the card into shapes
Experiment with different shapes, rectangles, squares, triangles etc.
Speech Bubbles
This activity engages the imagination, develops communication and language skills, encourages social interaction by means of a two-way conversation and helps students to build on storytelling skills.
You will need:
The front of a Christmas Card
A pen/felt tip
Select a card.
Draw a speech bubble on the card next to a character (Option to print out templates to stick on)
Write the speech inside the speech bubble - it could be a question, command, comment, or a joke.
Extend the learning by using a 'thought bubble' and discuss the difference between and 'though bubble' and a 'speech bubble'
Story Cards
This activity is a fun way to engage imaginative thinking, promote communication & language skills and explore storytelling.
Take a look at this Christmas card.
Point to characters in the card and ask open ended questions e.g. 'What gifts do you think the girl is carrying?'
'Why do you think the man is pulling the presents on a sleigh'?
What season/month is it?
'Why are the people wearing hats/carrying presents?
'Why do the chimneys have smoke coming out of them?'
'How many dogs can you see?'
Build a story around the card.
'The people who live in this village are preparing for a Christmas party.'
'The boy at the bottom of the card is singing Christmas Carols.'
'The lady at the top of the picture has baked mince pies for the villagers.'
'The people have decorated the tree ready for the big light switch-on later this evening.'
Spark conversation by asking 'Who?', What?', 'When?' 'Where?' and 'Why?'
Can the student develop the plot? What happens next?
Can the student relate events in the picture to events or experiences in their own lives?
Word Play
This activity builds word recognition and comprehension skills.
Cut out the verse from a Christmas card.
Ask the student to read the verse out loud.
Photocopy or write the verse onto the top of a piece of paper.
Cut out the individual words then scramble them for the student to place into the correct order.
Can the student use the words to compose their own sentences or phrases? e.g., 'New Year Wishes', 'Best Christmas Greetings.'
Poetry Page
The rhythm and rhyme of Poetry helps individuals to learn new vocabulary and encourages speech and language
You will need:
A Christmas card verse page
PVA glue/glue stick or sticky tape
Piece of card or paper
Carefully cut out the verses from the Christmas Cards.
Glue the verses onto the card or paper.
Read the poem aloud to the student.
Identify and define any unfamiliar words.
Can the student read the poem or any sentences aloud?
Summarise and discuss the poem's meaning.
Can the student create their own verse?
The Sensory Card
I love the cause and effect of this flip-up sequined card!
The senses are stimulated as the shiny silver reversible sequins change into a colourful star as the fingers are brushed over the surface. It is also very tactile.
This beautiful card will be promptly popped into my sensory box!
6th Jan - 20th Feb
Big Schools Birdwatch
Register - It's free and you will be sent lots of resources to help with your birdwatch and ideas for activities to spark students' interest in wildlife and the world around them.
Big Schools’ Birdwatch (rspb.org.uk)
25th January
Burns Night
'Celebrate Burns Night' my friend said to me,
'Robert Burns' I asked, 'Who is he?'
'Follow me and you will see...'
This fully resourced, step by step multisensory story is set on Burns Night as we join our main character at a traditional Burns Supper.
This teaching resource includes sensory extension activities linked to excerpts of Robert Burns poems.
This story presents a wonderful opportunity to connect individuals to literature, Scottish culture and the exploration of the rhyme and rhythm in poetry.
Table of Contents
Introduction
How to tell a Multisensory Story
Story Props Checklist
Burns Night Full Poem
Burns Night Fully Resourced, Multisensory Poem
'Bessie and her Spinning Wheel'
'To a Mouse' Sensory Bin
'Winter'
'One Night as I did Wander'
'The Whistle'
'Lines on the Fall of Fyres'
'Ye Flowery Banks'
'The Dusty Miller' (See Below)
Burns Supper Invitation
Burns Supper Mud Kitchen (Including Burns Supper Recipes)
Scotland Sensory Flag
Scottish Dancer Craft Activity
Vegetarian Haggis Recipe
Burns Night Sensory Ideas & Inspiration
Excerpt: 'The Dusty Miller' by Robert Burns
‘Hey the dusty miller
And his dusty coat!
He will spend a shilling
Or he win a groat.
Dusty was the coat’
'The Dusty Miller' Sensory Activity.
Recreate the poem.
You will need:
Flour
An Old Coat/Jacket/Chef's Whites/Dark T-Shirt
Money
Present the dusty flour for sensory exploration.
Activity
Present the flour for sensory exploration/ Can the student feel how soft the flour is to the touch?
Model sprinkling the flour between your finger and thumbs.
Can the student copy this action?
Dust the flour onto an old coat.
Dust the flour onto coins.
Mark-make in the flour using fine motor tools or press coins into the flour to make an imprint.
Can the student create a pattern pressing the coins into the flour?
Can the student make handprints in the flour?
Grind grains using a pestle and mortar to make flour. (Explore griding flour using other ingredients (rice, semolina, coconut, oats, rye, tapioca,
Knead dough.
Roll pastry.
Taste bread.
Burns Night Craft Activity
You will need
Tartan paper (Tip this can be printed from the internet then photocopied in colour or students can design their own)
Two craft sticks
Two buttons
Paint/felt tips/crayons
Glue
Activity
Paint or colour the craft sticks, these will be the hose (socks)
Draw on the shoes, adding a button to decorate
Draw zigzags onto the hose (socks) to represent the laces of the shoes.
Fold the tartan paper into a concertina shape (as if making a fan)
Gather one end of the paper to form the waist of the kilt.
Using the glue, stick the craft sticks (legs) onto the back of the kilt.
16th Jan - Martin Luther King Day
Make a dreamcatcher.
Make a friendship potion using edible flowers and herbs.
You will need:
A Container: Bowl, bucket or beaker (or for a less mess alternative, place your potion ingredients directly into a large clean, empty water bottle, fasten the lid, secure with tape to make a potion sensory bottle.)
Liquid: Water (still or carbonated), Glycerine, Food Colouring, Hair Conditioner, Vegetable Oil.
Infuse tea in water: Chamomile, Echinacea, Ginger, Green, Lemon Balm, Rose, Turmeric, Peppermint.
(Mix tea leaves to create a new blend)
Items to Stimulate Vision and Touch: Calcite, Feathers, Foam Shapes, Gems, Glass Pebbles, Glitter, Googly Eyes, Pom Poms, Polished Pebbles, Rhinestones, Seeds, Sequins, Shells, Tassels, Water Beads.
Items to Stimulate the Sense of Smell: Fresh or Dried Herbs: (Basil, Cinnamon Sticks, Cloves, Lavender, Lime Leaves, Lemon Grass, Mint, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Star Anise, Thyme, Turmeric), Edible Flowers, Orange/Lemon/Lime Peel, Rose Petals.
Essential Oils: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Orange, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Ylang-Ylang.
Items to Stimulate Hearing: Beads, Buttons, Coins, Pasta, Pulses, Rice.
Items to Promote Fine Motor Skills and Encourage Scientific Investigation & Exploration: Chopsticks, Food Tongs, Funnels, Plastic Safety Scissors,
Measuring Beakers/Cylinder/Jug, Plastic Safety/Easy Grip/Jumbo Tweezers, Magnifying Glass/Handheld Magnifier, Pestle & Mortar, Pipettes, Plastic Test Tubes, PVC Tubing, Spatula, Spoons, Water Droppers.
23rd Jan - National Handwriting Day
Explore sensory mark making in different mediums flour, foam, oats, pulses, rice, sand, soil
Use different tools to mark-make: brushes (bottle brush, hairbrush, nail brush, pot brush, scrubbing brush, toothbrush), chalk, charcoal, feathers, kitchen utensils, paint rollers, sponges, toy cars, sticks and twigs
Explore printing using leaves, fruits, vegetables, and bubble wrap.
Make bark rubbings.
Spray paint from a water spray bottle.
Carve into plasticine, clay or wax.
Draw around shadows.
Chinese New Year Multisensory Training Session
22nd Jan
Chinese New Year
I will be delivering 'Chinese New Year - A Multisensory Exploration' mini training session.
We will explore the multisensory story 'Chinese New Year' in depth, and I will share ideas for themed, sensory extension activities.
Dates available Tues 10th Jan 4pm Thurs 12th Jan 3.30pm
FREE to subscribers (Invitations have been emailed)
FREE to students
Non-subscribers £5 (Includes an updated Chinese New Year Multisensory Story & Teaching Pack)
email: rhymingmultisensorystories@outlook.com to register your interest.
About the Resource
Explore the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures of Chinese New Year with this fully resourced, step-by-step multisensory story plus themed, sensory extension activities.
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 & Inspiration
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.
1. Rat: Wind up/clockwork rat or a length of string.
2. Ox: Bone to represent the horns or wool to represent the hair.
3. Tiger: Stripy material or a backscratcher/wide-toothed comb to represent the tiger's claws.
4. Rabbit: Cotton wool ball (to represent the tail) or a carrot.
5. Dragon: A red/yellow/orange paper party blower to represent 'breathing fire' or red/yellow/orange ribbons.
6. Snake: A rattle, guiro and stick or a rubber snake.
7. Horse: Two plastic cups banged together to recreate the sound of the horse's hooves
8. Goat: A piece of fake leather or suede to represent goat skin (fake chamois leathers are cheap.)
9. Monkey: A banana
10. Rooster: Feathers
11. Dog: Feather duster to represent the wagging tail, a dog collar, dog toy or rubber bone.
12. Pig: Curly pink pipe cleaner to represent the tail.
Don't forget the cat who was pushed into the water by the rat. The cat could be represented by a slinky.
You may also wish to use a BIGMack, Talking Tile or similar device to play animal sound effects.
Chinese New Year Sensory Bin
A sensory bin is filled with themed items that provide a calming activity and the opportunity to learn through exploration whilst engaging the senses and meeting sensory needs.
This sensory play will develop fine motor skills as the student manipulates the objects, problem solving skills through experimentation, creativity and imagination through exploration and build language and communication skills.
How to Make A Chinese New Year Themed Sensory Bin
Create a Base Layer. Scatter dried rice or noodles into the base of a tray, bucket, basket or box.
Sprinkle Chinese five spice/star anise/ginger or scatter cinnamon sticks onto the base layer.
Add toy animals to represent the animals of the Chinese Zodiac (if you do not have toy animals them laminate pictures of the animals and stick onto wooden craft sticks.)
Add chocolate coins, paper streamers and red and gold shredded tissue paper.
Add Fine Motor Tools: Plastic tweezers, chopsticks, cups, spoons, forks, measuring jugs, colander, whisk, sieve, funnel, pipette, food tongs, wooden utensils, scoops & paintbrushes.
Add Items to Encourage Scientific Investigation: Torch, camera, magnifying glass, magnets, pen/paper, egg carton/ice cube/cake baking tray for sorting items, and a mirror.
Supervise Play. Be aware of any potential allergies or choking hazards.
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
25th Jan
Vasant Panchami
In the Punjabi calendar, the start of spring is celebrated with a kite festival. People wear yellow clothes and bangles.
Fly a kite
Wear an item of yellow clothing or explore different yellow materials.
Make/taste Indian sweets.
Explore Indian Dancing
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.
January Birthdays
4th Jan - Sir Isaac Newton
Eat an apple and explore apple printing. Can the students make a repeating pattern using different colours?
Explore gravity by trampolining/rebound therapy.
Explore the law of acceleration by riding a bike, go cart or scooter or sending a toy car or ball down a ramp.
4th Jan - Louis Braille
Can students write their name using the letters from the braille alphabet?
Roll playdoh or plasticine into little balls to place on a template of the braille alphabet.
Play a game of dominoes matching the dots.
8th Jan - Elvis Presley
Listen to a song by 'The King of Rock and Roll'
Can the students join in playing musical instruments?
17th Jan - Benjamin Franklin
Explore torches, LED Battery lights, and bells.
Fly a kite
18th Jan - AA Milne
Listen to a Winnie the Pooh story.
Taste honey.
27th Jan - Lewis Carroll
Hold a Mad Hatter's Tea Party
28th Jan - Jackson Pollock
Create Jackson Pollock Artwork.
Lay a large sheet of paper on the floor, dip balls of assorted sizes and textures into paint then roll!
Fill pipettes/turkey basters with different coloured paints then squeeze onto paper.
Place a sheet of paper in a tray. Squeeze poster paints onto the paper then roll a marble or a small ball around the tray.
Add different coloured watered-down paints or food colouring to water spray bottles explore the different nozzle settings, spray, spritz and squirt.
Squeeze a little poster/acrylic paint onto paper. Provide a selection of toy cars and vehicles (with different sized wheels) for students to 'drive' over the paper.
Line a large box with paper, add a little paint, secure the lid...then shake!
Tie rubber bands around a rolling pin, dip into paint then roll.
Soak sponges with paint, drop them over paper and watch the paint splatter. Experiment using different shaped sponges thrown from different heights.
Add paint to the paper then blow through a straw to create random patterns.
Place a sheet of paper in the basket of a salad spinner, add watered down paint...then spin!
Gently pour paint into a funnel. Place your thumb over the small opening at the bottom then release over the paper to create a picture.
Take the learning outside, place a large sheet of paper on the floor, fill water balloons with paint, take aim...then throw!
Continuing with the outdoor theme, make tyre tracks by riding a bike scooter over paint on a large sheet of paper.
Stimulate the senses. Add a few drops of food flavouring (peppermint, strawberry, vanilla essence) to the paint.
Explore using different liquids for 'paint' food colouring, coffee, fruit juice, teabags, washing up liquid.
Paint using herbs and spices mixed in water: allspice, cumin, (mild) curry powder, paprika or ground up seed and herbs mixed with water.
'Jackson Pollock Sensory Art' by the Students of Harbour House
I was delighted to receive these fabulous pictures from the talented students of Harbour House - a specialist SLD provision which is part of Gloucestershire College.
Look at the scale of this artwork!
Some students made smaller pieces of artwork using paint and a salad spinner which they glued onto their masterpiece, and they also made their own environmentally friendly scented paint!
(Thank you to the students, their lovely teacher Amy and the team)
Competition Time!
Have your artwork featured on the new release 'Shapes - A Multisensory Exploration'
DESIGN A BOOK COVER for my new multisensory story 'Shapes - A Multisensory Exploration'
How to Enter
Using any medium, produce a piece of artwork with the topic of shapes.
I would love to see your shape monsters, shape themed artwork and any activities you would like to share.
A4 Portrait only please.
(You do not need to write the title on the artwork, please do not write any names of the students on the artwork.)
email your artwork to rhymingmultisensorystories@outlook.com
Please include in your email the first name of the artist, the name of the school and a contact name.
Competition Rules:
1. There is no age limit.
2. You may submit as many entries as you like.
3. The closing date is midnight 14th Feb 2023
4. Your data will be protected according to law and will not be shared with any other parties. All emails and their contents (including the artwork) will be deleted after the winner is drawn on 14th Feb 2023 (for more information on Privacy Policy visit the website or get in touch.)
5. The winner will have their artwork featured on the new release '
The stories are in the format of a digital download and can be printed out, used and shared throughout the school/setting in multiple classrooms.
6. The 20 runners up will win a multisensory story of their choice.
7. The winner will have their artwork featured as the cover of my new release 'Shapes - A Multisensory Story'
* If the winner is home-schooled then the prize will be emailed directly to the winner.
Good Luck!
Subscribe to the Members Library for unlimited access to all resources to view online, download and/or print plus FREE Zoom mini training sessions
£95 per year (school/setting site licence - multiple members)
Or buy individually at £3.98 each
Visit the shop
Full List of Titles
A Train Ride Through India
Autumn
Burns Night
Chinese New Year
Dear Santa (Free resource)
The Gingerbread Man
Goldilocks
Halloween
Holi
Jack & the Beanstalk
Jobs & Work Experience
Journey into Space
Listen
Little Red Riding Hood
Minibeasts
Spring
St Patricks Day
Summer
Superheroes
The Beach
The Dentist (Free resource)
The Farm
The Queens Jubilee - (Free resource)
The Rainforest
The Romans
The Three Little Pigs
The Weather (Free resource)
Washing Hands (Free Resource)
Visit the Story Library for your FREE resources
Download the latest catalogue
RMSS Catalogue
.pdf
Download PDF • 2.83MB
Training (1-1, Groups & INSET)
'An Introduction to Multisensory Storytelling' Course
1-1 £45
Groups (Enquire for a price)
INSET £250
Winter Offer!
Book a course and receive a FREE 6-month subscription to the Members Library!
(Offer applies to group and INSET bookings and excludes 1-1 sessions)
Contact rhymingmultisensorystories@outlook.com
Introduction to Multisensory Storytelling Training Course Brochure
.pdf
Download PDF • 624KB
FAQ
Who is the Course 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.
The current theme is 'Winter - A Multisensory Exploration'
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.
How Much Does the Course Cost?
£45 1-1 Training Session
£250 Whole School/Setting INSET
(For smaller group bookings please enquire for a price)
Book a course and receive a FREE 6-month subscription to the Members Library!
(Offer applies to group and INSET bookings and excludes 1-1 sessions)
Contact rhymingmultisensorystories@outlook.com
Course Length
1hour 45 mins plus Q & A.
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
Get in Touch!
Your questions, queries, comments & feedback are always welcome!
email: rhymingmultisensorystories@outlook.com
Website: www.rhymingmultisensorystories.com
Facebook Page: Rhyming Multisensory Stories
Facebook: Victoria Navin RMSS
LinkedIn: Victoria Navin Rhyming Multisensory Stories
Twitter: @RhymingStories
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Reddit: sensorystories
Pinterest: Rhyming Multisensory Stories
YouTube: Rhyming Multisensory Stories
Thank you for your support
See you in February!
Your questions, queries, comments and feedback are always welcome!
Contact me via email
rhymingmultisensorystories@outlook.com
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.