May Teaching Calendar
- Rhyming Multisensory Stories
- Apr 16, 2024
- 13 min read
Updated: May 15, 2024
Teaching ideas and activities to celebrate the month of May including Vesak Day, World Bee Day, Hedgehog Awareness Day, Whitsun, National Sun Awareness Week and more!
Featured
National Walking Month
National Share a Story Month
National Smile Month
May 3rd Space Day
May 6th - 12th Sun Awareness Week
May 5th - 11th Hedgehog Awareness Week
May 5th African World Heritage Day
May 9th Europe Day
May 11th World Migratory Bird Day
May 12th Florence Nightingale's Birthday
May 19th Whitsun
May 20th World Bee Day
May 23rd Vesak Day
May 24th1844 First Morse Code Message was sent
National Walking Month
Enjoy a listening walk outdoors.
Enjoy a listening walk around your school/setting.
Make a sensory pathway. Use different textured materials and natural items to form a pathway (sand/gravel/carpet/water/leaves/wood/foam etc) Would the students like to walk barefoot to stimulate their senses?
Share a Story Month
For me, the best part of storytelling is the bond shared between the storyteller and story explorer as you share your adventures.
For anyone new to multisensory storytelling you can watch free training videos here:
A Train Ride Through India
Dear Santa
Holi
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.
There are FREE stories to download here
May 3rd 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 decorator's overalls make excellent space suits.
Wellies or boots covered with foil make great moon boots.
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£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 6th - 12th May 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!'
Thank you to Vicky, the team, and the students.
Other Ideas
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?
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
May 5th - 11th 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 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 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
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 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 11th
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 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, Feathers, 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 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 students 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 19th
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.
May 20th
World Bee Day
A day to appreciate and raise awareness of bees.
May 22nd
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
Activity
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
Option to place a photo of the student on the card.
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, cinnamon 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
Other News
Just Released!
This comprehensive teaching pack includes 'Elephants', a fully resourced, step by step multisensory story, a case study, plus themed, sensory ideas, and activities aimed at supporting the five areas of the engagement model, creativity, independence, building communication skills, and supporting other areas of learning linking to curriculum subjects and topics.
Perfect for students (aged 3-19) following pre-formal/sensory, semi-formal or formal pathways, and EYFS to Year 1 students in mainstream education.
Click the images below for a Table of Contents and sample pages.
Visit the Shop £3.98
Direct £3.50 email rhymingmultisensorystories@outlook.com
Subscribers visit the Members Library to download your copy
Subscribe to the Members Library for unlimited access to all resources, bonus content and FREE mini workshops held throughout the year £95 (site licence, multiple users
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
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
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.
Training
'Multisensory Storytelling & Engagement Through Sensory Activities' Workshop
1-1
Groups
Whole Setting
INSET
Held via Zoom
Run time 2 hours
Pricelist
Private Group Workshop
£99
Includes 5 free resources of your choice
Digital certificate of completion
Course notes (pdf)
Whole school/setting INSET
£199
Includes a free 6-month subscription to the Members Library
Digital certificate of completion
Course notes (pdf)
The Power of Literacy from Sensory Engagement to Literacy Learning
New Date! 20th May 3.30pm to 5.30pm
Join us for another practical, thought provoking and interactive session, revamped to provide support for all professionals and families.
This popular session will support a deeper appreciation for literacy for all including those learners with profound and multiple intellectual disabilities.
We know that literacy is not just about reading words on a page.
So, join us as we share a more inclusive broader definition of literacy, which embraces the unique ways in which each learner engages with the world of words.
We will share the importance of
Building a solid foundation, exploring how we consider the unique needs of each learner, including sensory preferences and communication styles.
Extending beyond traditional reading strategies to embrace a wide range of approaches, from sound discrimination (tackling the issue of phonics!) to interactive storytelling.
Celebrating practical success stories to illustrate the potential of inclusive literacy education.
Join us in this interactive session where we aim to answer the questions that will empower everyone, to be part of the richness that literacy can offer.
Find out more
Get in Touch!
Your questions, queries, comments & feedback are always welcome!
Website: www.rhymingmultisensorystories.com
Facebook Page: Rhyming Multisensory Stories
Facebook: Victoria Navin RMSS
Twitter: @RhymingStories
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The Health & Safety Bit!
Please Read Before Engaging in any 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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