May Teaching Calendar
Updated: May 19
Teaching ideas and activities to celebrate the month of May including your FREE Summer themed mini workshop, The King's Coronation, Vesak Day, National Walking Month, Share a Story Month, National Sun Awareness Week, Design a Book Cover Competition
Featured
National Walking Month
National Share a Story Month
National Smile Month
May 1st National Sun Awareness Week
May 1st Hedgehog Awareness Week
May 5th Space Day
May 5th African World Heritage Day
May 6th The King's Coronation
May 9th Europe Day
May 12th Florence Nightingale's Birthday
May 13th World Migratory Bird Day
May 16th Vesak Day
May 24th 1844 First Morse Code Message was sent
May 28th Whistun
FREE Training Workshop
'Summer - A Multisensory Exploration'
Join me as we explore how to source the story props to explore the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of summer for this delightful multisensory story, how to use the story props as a tool to promote communication, independence, and areas of learning plus of summer themed sensory ideas and activities.
Dates: Thurs 15th June 4pm Mon 19th June 3.30pm Weds 21st June 3pm
Held via Zoom Admission: FREE to all
To book your slot email: rhymingmultisensorystories@outlook.com send a message via the Chat feature on the website www.rhymingmultisensorystories.com or send a message via social media.
*Subscribers to the Members Library will be receiving personal invitations to the live sessions via email and will also be able to access the recording in the library prior to the live sessions.
National Walking Month
Go on a listening walk around the school.
Go on a nature walk. Find five things to look at, four things to touch, three things to listen to, two things to smell, one thing to taste. Collect nature items: feathers, grasses, leaves, pinecones, seed heads- use them to create a sensory artwork.
Make a sensory pathway. Use different textured materials and natural items to form a pathway (sand/gravel/carpet/water/leaves/wood/foam etc) Encourage students to walk barefoot to stimulate their senses.
Share a Story Month
Storytelling forms a bond between the storyteller and story explorer.
For anyone new to multisensory storytelling you can watch free training videos here:
A Train Ride Through India
Dear Santa
Jack and the Beanstalk
Journey into Space
The videos will talk you through how to source story props and using the props/resources as a tool to promote communication skills, independence, areas of learning and for students to explore and express their likes, dislikes and sensory preferences providing opportunities for them to make choices and rejections.
There are also lots of ideas for sensory extension activities linking to areas of the curriculum.
The story props are all low budget, everyday items.
May 1st Hedgehog Awareness Week
Let's Explore...Hedgehogs
Promote Physical Development, Coordination, Balance, Control & Movement & Imaginative Play
Can the student move like a hedgehog?
Can the student forage looking for items as they walk on all fours?
Can the student curl up into a little ball?
Build Understanding of Animal Habitats and Develop Creative Thinking Through the Use of Different Materials
Hedgerows are a hedgehog's natural habitat and our gardens also make a good habitat. Explore a Hedge
Mark a section 1m x 1m and count how many different species of plants you can find in that area.
Make a Hedgehog Habitat
Layer a container (tuff-tray or cardboard box) with fern/bracken, dried grass, straw and leaves. (Alternatively, find a patch in an outdoor area amongst shrubbery, or in leaf/wood piles) Hedgehogs roll the leaves and grass into balls, can the student roll the leaves and grasses into balls?
Explore Hedgehog Food
A hedgehog's main diet consists of beetles, along with caterpillars and earthworms. Head outdoors. Lift plant pots, stones and logs and see if you can find any of these insects. Use a magnifying glass to see more detail
Make a Hedgehog Sensory Box
Line a shoebox with leaves (I used vine leaves, rosemary leaves, curry leaves and bay leaves for an extra sensory element)
Add a SSCD with a recording of a hedgehog snuffle.
Add hedgehogs (Spiky pom poms, pinecones and a nail brush represent the spikiness of a hedgehog or make hedgehogs by rolling Playdoh into a ball then create the spikes using dried spaghetti)
Simplify
Place a few items in the box for sensory exploration.
Remove the items the student doesn't interact with, replace them with other items.
Keep changing the items to keep the activity interesting and motivating
(Excerpt from 'Autumn - A Multisensory Exploration')
May 1st National Sun Awareness Week
Create a Sensory Sun
Class teacher Vicky Ormerod-Jordan explains how the Sparrow Class Hebden Green School in Winsford, Cheshire, celebrated the sun!
'We danced with a yellow stretchy band which is the centre of our sun.
We added oranges and lemons,having smelt, touched and tasted them.
We explored sweetcorn, peeling off the leaves.
We smelt yellow marigolds and added them to the sun centre.
We bounced, tennis balls and rolled them down a ramp.
We enjoyed a song I wrote called 'The Sun will Shine,' where we shone a torch on various body parts.
The best part of the picture was making hand and footprints in yellow paint for the sun's rays. Very messy!'
Click below to view to gallery to see more of the Sparrow's sun themed sensory activities
Excerpt from 'Summer - A Multisensory Exploration' £3.98
Discuss the importance of staying safe in the sun (link to skin cancer Awareness Month)
Make a sun safety box and place sun protection items inside for exploration
Sunscreen
Hats
Sunglasses
Protective clothing (round neck cotton t-shirts)
Bottle of water
Sunshade
Extend Learning
Can the students tell you what the items are used for how they protect you from the sun?
6th May
The King's Coronation
'King Charles was in his library flicking through a history book
'It says here I am Charles the third, I hope I have better luck!
The first King Charles lived years ago, he disobeyed the law
He overtaxed the people and then he caused a war'
Join Charles III as he looks back in history then make preparations for his Coronation with this fully resourced, step-by-step multisensory story and themed, sensory activities.
Table of Contents
The Benefits of Multisensory Storytelling
How to Tell a Multisensory Story
Story Props/Resources Checklist
The King's Coronation - Full Story
The King's Coronation - Fully Resourced, Step-by Step Story
Skills Promoted During this Multisensory Story Session
The King's Suitcase
King Charles The Author 'The Old Man of Lochnagar' Sensory Ideas
The King's Table
King Charles The Arborist
King Charles The Archaeologist
King Charles The Magician
King Charles The Thespian
More Resources Linking to Buckingham Palace
Activity Idea
'The King's Suitcase' (Excerpt from 'The King's Coronation A Multisensory Adventure')
King Charles III likes his comforts when he travels away from home. His butler is instructed to iron his shoelaces and pajamas and to squeeze 1 inch of toothpaste on his toothbrush. King Charles travels with his own toilet seat and his childhood teddy bear.
Here are some of the items he takes with him:
A suitcase
Toilet paper
Pair of pajamas
Toothpaste
Fresh fruit (The King loves plums!)
Fresh fruit juice (place a small carton inside the suitcase)
Dried fruit
A teddy bear
Silk cushion
Activity
Use this as a sensory exploration, inviting the student to choose and item and explore it.
Extend Learning
Provide a list (this can be a photo board) of the items needed to pack The King's Suitcase. Can the students find the items and pack them into the suitcase
Add Red herrings - items that are not on the list.
Build Functional Language Skills
Can the students name the item?
Can the student tell you the item's function
'The King's Coronation' Training Workshop
Thank you to everyone who joined me for the workshops. It was lovely to see so many familiar faces and welcome lots of new people.
Click the link to view the recording
The King's Coronation Multisensory Workshop Recording
May 5th
African World Heritage Day
This a day to celebrate of the culture of the Continent of Africa.
Discuss the importance of Africa and its vulnerability due to climate change and poaching.
Explore animal 'skins'
This presents an opportunity for students to explore and express their likes, dislikes and sensory preferences and can help in everyday life such as clothing.
- Faux fur
- Faux leather (fake leather belts, handbags)
- Fabric craft feathers
- Faux suede
Extend Learning
Animal Match Game
Print out an African Animals picture grid (see example below)
Print and cut out the animal skin patterns below.
Can the students match the animal pattern to the animal?
May 5th
Space Day
Space day is an unofficial holiday aimed at promoting STEM activities.
Create a Space Role Play Area
Role play is a crucial part of development providing opportunities to engage in imaginative play.
Involve the student(s) in creating a space role play area and the props to go in it.
Secure a black or dark blue sheet/blanket/bubble wrap/egg cartons to the wall. Add stars.
Create a rocky/sandy area on the floor to represent a moonscape. Add glitter to the sand for a shimmering effect. Make large rocks from painted scrunched up newspaper, and smaller moon rocks from scrunched up aluminium foil.
Provide an assortment of cardboard boxes, aluminium foil, space blankets, pipe cleaners, empty plastic bottles, old cd's, masking tape, tumble dryer venting hose, for your 'astronauts' to make their own rockets, moon buggies, and space suits.
Moon Dust Recipe
You will need
8 Tablespoons of Cornflour
1 Tablespoon of Vegetable Oil
Vanilla Essence
Method
Ratio 8:1
Combine the vegetable oil and cornflour until you reach a powdered yet mouldable texture.
Option to add flavoured essence to stimulate the senses.
Press the footprint of a shoe to spark curiosity (the astronaut's footprint)
Create an area for Scientific Investigation
Set up a desk and chair.
Place on an assortment of items to investigate: bubble tubes, colour changing eggs, colour paddles, coloured cellophane, disco balls, fibre optics, foil, glasses with coloured lenses, glitterballs, glow in the dark stickers, glowsticks, kaleidoscopes, light-up toys e.g., bumble balls, disco glide balls, fluorescent chimeabout, glitter globes, glitter rockets, Koosh, LED multi-spinner, mood cubes, neon gloves/scarves, spiky flashing balls, spinners, UV bubbles, UV mittens, UV slinky, UV shaker, windmills light pads, prismatic projector, prisms, rainbow goggles.
Add fine motor tools to encourage scientific investigation: camera, magnifying glasses, tweezers, magnets, mirrors.
Alternatively create your space area inside a pop-up tent!
Decorate by threading LED lights and hanging cut outs of planets from the ceiling of the tent.
Extend Learning
Provide a box containing items of different materials: Plastic, material, metal, rubber and wood.
Can the students sort the items into their categories according to their material?
Dress for the Part!
Disposable decorators overalls make excellent space suits.
Wellies or boots covered with foil make great moon boots.
You Might Like
'Journey into Space - A Multisensory Exploration of the Solar System'
£3.98
'Mars has red rocks and a bright red sky,
the volcanoes reach my rocket they are so high
This planet is cold, at night, minus 80 degrees
If I stay here much longer, I'm going to freeze!'
Table of Contents
Buckle Up!
Story Props Checklist
How to Tell a Multisensory Story
Journey Into Space A Multisensory Story
Developing Comprehension & Understanding
Story Map
Space Sounds (Listening Game)
How to Make a Space Themed Sensory Bag
How to Make a Space Themed Sensory Bin
Space Relaxation – A Guided Relaxation Space Adventure!
Create an Astronaut Role Play Area
Galaxy Art
The Space Lab
Space Design & Technology
May 8th
World Migratory Bird Day
Raise awareness for the conservation of birds and their habitats.
Explore a Variety of Different Shapes, Sizes and Colours of Feathers
Feed the Birds: Birds need to prepare for migration by eating food.
Bird Song Sound Bingo
Print out a picture card with the pictures of migratory birds: Cuckoo, Dove, Goose, Flamingo, Heron, Hummingbird, Starling.
Play the sound effect of the birdsong/call
Can the student identify the bird that makes that sound?
The students may not know all of the sounds, so this is a good exercise in listening to new sounds. You can repeat the activity later in the day (week) and see if the student(s) remember any new sounds they have learnt.
Simplify the Activity
Although not all of these birds are not migratory, this activity will teach sound discrimination.
Make a Bird Nesting Material Feeder
You will need
Wire Bird Feeder/Suet Cage
Materials for Nesting: Cotton Wool,cFeathers, Fluff, Grass Clippings, Dried Grasses, Hair, Leaves, Moss, Mud, Pine Needles, Plant Stems, Shredded Paper, Sticks, Straw, String*, Wool* and Yarn*. *Use only natural fibres (not plastic or acrylic.)
Activity
1. Ensure the nesting materials are broken/cut into small pieces/lengths as they are a potential choking hazard for birds.
2. Mix the materials.
3. Loosely push the nesting materials into the bird feeder (option to open the top to create a wider opening) Hand the feeder in a place safe from predators.
May 9th
Europe Day
A day to mark peace and unity throughout Europe.
Make a sensory flag of Europe
You will need
Rectangular shaped card
Blue Paint
Scissors
Sticky Gold Stars
Torch
Method
Paint the card using blue paint and brushes/fingers/rollers/sponges. Leave to dry.
Stick the gold stars in a circle.
Dim the lights.
Shine the torch on the stars to see them reflect in the light.
Alternative Activity
You will need
Blue Material
Scissors
Torch
Cut 12 stars out from the material
Dim the lights
Shine the torch through the back of the flag to illuminate the stars.
May 12th
Florence Nightingale's Birthday
Explore the contents of a first aid bag/box
This activity will raise awareness of the contents of a first aid box* and reduce the anxiety some student's may have around first aid.
*I have included extra items that may not be in your box
Sterile plasters of assorted sizes
Large and medium-sized sterile, individually wrapped, unmedicated wound dressings
Sterile eye pads
Triangular bandage
Disposable gloves
Foil Blanket
Sterile wound wipes
Finger dressing
Burns gel dressings
Adhesive tape to secure dressings
An updated first aid guidance leaflet.
Practice simple first aid.
Discuss how to raise the alarm in an emergency.
May 16th
Vesak Day/Buddha Day
Vesak is the celebration of the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
Mark the Day the Sensory Way
Meditate: Dim the lights in the room and close the blinds, switch on an LED candle or play footage of a candle burning on your interactive whiteboard.
People traditionally wear white clothes.
Explore white clothes or white fabrics
Provide a selection of white fabrics of different textures for the student to explore their likes, dislikes and sensory preferences: Acrylic, Aertex, Chenille, Corduroy, Cotton, Crepe, Crinoline, Fake Fur, Felt, Flannel, Fleece, Hessian, Jersey, Lace, Linen, Mesh, Net, Percale, Polyester, Polycotton, Satin, Silk, Terry, Velour, Velvet, Viscose, Wool.
Family & Friends decorate temples with flowers and exchange cards.
Make a Vesak Day Flower Card
You will need
A piece of card
Double sided tape
Flowers/Herbs/Leaves/Grass
Method
Cover one side of the card with double-sided sticky tape or a layer of PVA glue (if using PVA, leave until it is almost dry but tacky enough to stick flora and fauna on to)
Take the learning outdoors
Show the students the flowers and grasses that are safe to pick (dandelions and daisies)
If you have a herb garden in your school/setting pick foliage: lemon balm, mint, rosemary, thyme. (If you do not have access to herbs then pick grass and leaves)
Students pick the flowers/herbs/grasses then stick them onto their card as they find them
Hands Free Alternative
Cut a wide band of card and secure into a bracelet
Apply a thin layer of PVA glue or cover one side of the card with double-sided sticky tape
Place the band on the student's wrist.
The student will have both hands free to explore, pick and place their items onto their band
National Smile Month
The aim is to make someone smile. This could be through a compliment, telling a joke or an act of kindness.
Explore Mirrors Exploring mirrors teaching an awareness of your own reflection and how we convey emotion. (Point out safety when using mirrors) Explore a range of different shaped, sized and colours of mirrors.
Pull funny faces
Model wearing hats, wigs, glasses and clothes so the student can change their look. Encourage the student to observe how their mouth changes shape as they talk.
Draw funny faces on balloons.
Smile:)
May 24th 1844
On this Day the First Morse Code Message was Sent
Dots and Dashes Artwork
Create artwork using different tools and materials to make dots and dashes
Dots: Bingo dabbers, cotton wool bud, fingerprints, paint brushes, pipettes, pom poms, sponges, stickers, vegetable printing, paint bubble wrap
Dashes: Chopsticks, cinammon sticks, dried spaghetti, feather quill, pipe cleaners, rollers, roll balls/toy cars through paint, ribbon, rubber bands, straws, string
Other ideas:
Spray paint through card templates/stencils
Colour through the hole in an old cd
Play dot-to-dot
May 28th
Whitsun
Whitsun is celebrated on the 50th day after Easter. It is a Christian celebration marking the coming of the Holy Spirit.
There are many traditional activities associated with Whitsun including fetes, fairs, pageants, parades, walks and Morris dancing.
Explore Morris Dancing
Watch footage of Morris Dancing
Can the students copy the movements to form a Morris Dance?
You will need
Handkerchiefs
Ankle & Wrist Bells
Jingle Bell Shakers
Ribbons
Garlands (weave ribbons through a hula hoop)
Straw Hats
Alternative Activity
Morris Dancer Sensory Box
Layer a box with shredded paper.
Place items related to Morris Dancing into the box: Handkerchiefs, Ankle & Wrist Bells, Jingle Bell Shakers, Ribbons and Garlands.
Encourage the student to place their hand inside the box and choose and item to explore.
Model the item's function. Can the student copy your actions? Model the language.
To add a little interest, dim the lights and use a torch to explore the items. A wind-up Dynamo torch will promote fine motor skills, a head torch provides a 'hands free' option.
Competition!
Design a book cover for my new release 'Water - A Multisensory Exploration'
How to Enter
Using any medium, produce a piece of artwork with the topic of 'Water'
I would love to see your water themed artwork and any water themed activities your child/ student(s), class would like to showcase. This is a wide topic and can cover anything from the seas, oceans, rivers, the weather, climate, water sensory based activities...anything with a water theme.
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. (Home-schooled students welcome)
Competition Rules: 1. There is no age limit. 2. You may submit as many entries as you like. 3. The closing date is midnight 1st June 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 1st June 2023 5. The winner will have their artwork featured on the new release 'Water - A Multisensory Story' and receive a prize! 6. There will be 20-runner up prizes who will win a multisensory story of their choice. The stories are in the format of a digital download and can be printed out and shared throughout your school/setting in multiple classrooms.
Good Luck!
Other News
I was delighted to have been invited to contribute to the PMLD Link Spring edition.
This month's edition focuses on care and has contributions from parents, practitioners and researchers looking at everything from day-to-day care activities such as bathing, medication, dressing, toileting to meal preparation and feeding that are vital to sustaining a consistently good quality of life for people with PMLD.
Visit the website for more information.
Congratulations to the fabulous Dr Sarah Moseley on the launch of her new book Teaching Reading to All Learners Including Those with Complex Needs - A Framework for Progression within an Inclusive Reading Curriculum
Teaching Reading to All Learners Including Those with Complex Needs is essential reading for both new and experienced teachers and special educational needs and disabilities coordinators (SENDCo)s looking to develop an inclusive reading curriculum and culture which will positively impact on the outcomes of all young people.
Thank you Sarah for inviting me to contribute a case study to the book of 'The Queen's Jubilee' from my visit to the amazing Hebden Green School in Winsford, Cheshire.
Congratulations to the amazing Joanna Grace for the continued success of her latest book 'Sensory Stories to Support Additional Needs: Making Narratives Accessible Through the Senses'
It was very exciting to be invited as a Guest Author to share my story 'The Haircut'
This updated edition is packed with original ready-to-use sensory stories, additional guest sensory stories by authors from around the world and your very own story template to create a sensory experience personalised for each person. With exclusive 'how to' video content and digital lesson plans, this book is the essential tool for introducing the transformative multi-sensory storytelling method into your home, classroom or group setting.
Using everyday items and step-by-step instructions to make incorporating sensory stories accessible and simple, it has never been easier to create inclusive and fun sensory experiences to enhance the lives of those with additional needs.
Rhyming Multisensory Stories Catalogue
Stories are priced at £3.98 each
Visit the Etsy Store
or buy direct for £3.50 email: rhymingmultisensorystories@outlook.com
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
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
Self-Care
The Dentist (free resource)
Washing Hands (free resource)
Topic
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
Visit the Story Library for your FREE resources
Subscribe to the Members Library
Subscribe to the Members Library for unlimited access to all resources to view online/download and or print out, bonus content PLUS free access to mini training workshops (held via Zoom)
£95 per year
School/setting Site Licence (multiple users)
Find out more
email: rhymingmultisensorystories@outlook.com
Training
'An Introduction to Multisensory Storytelling'
1-1 £45
Groups* (Enquire for a price)
Whole School/Setting INSET* £250
Book a course and receive a FREE 6-month subscription to the Members Library*
*Groups and Whole School/Settings
How is the Training Delivered?
The training is delivered as a friendly and informal session via Zoom.
How Much Does the Course Cost?
1-1 Training Session £45
Whole School/Setting INSET £250
For smaller group bookings please enquire for a price
Course Length
1hour 30 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
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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 information in this blog are ideas for activities. If you are unsure, please ask for advice.
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.
Your questions, queries, comments and feedback are always welcome!
Contact me via email
rhymingmultisensorystories@outlook.com
send me a message via social media:)
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