Jobs and Work Experience Sensory Story and Sensory Rich Activities PMLD SEND

Explore the world of work through the senses with this fully resourced, step by step sensory story with themed activities.

This resource is aimed at supporting students and sensory learners of all ages following pre-formal/sensory, semi-formal or formal pathways incorporating activities that promote the five areas of the engagement model, creativity, independence, building communication skills, and supporting other areas of learning linking to curriculum subjects, themes, and topics.

This teaching pack is tailored to accommodate students’ individual learning needs through differentiated, themed, sensory extension activities linking to the EYFS Framework and areas of the KS1 National Curriculum making it the perfect resource for Special Education, Mainstream schools and settings, Speech & Language and EAL students.

Table of Contents
Introduction
The Benefits of Multisensory Storytelling
How to Tell a Multisensory Story
Story Props Checklist
Fully Resourced, Step-by-Step Multisensory Story
The Coffee Shop
The Library
The Charity Shop
The Garden Centre
The Hair Salon
The Pet Store
College
Classroom Job Board
Whole School/Setting Job Board
The Interview

Early Years and Reception and Year 1 students can explore the world of work through role play and classroom-based activities.

PMLD students can explore the world of work through the sensory props and themed activities.

For post-16 students there are ideas for work experience within the whole school and suggestions for where to look for work placements in the wider community.

About the Story Props
The story props are low budget, everyday items found around the home, garden, outdoor areas and in the classroom.
What are the Benefits of Multisensory Storytelling?
• Storytelling creates a bond between the storyteller and the story explorer enhancing and enriching experiences.
• Multisensory Stories connect the individual to literature, culture, history, and topic in a fun and engaging way.
• The stories form a base on which to scaffold learning enabling the student to work on personal goals and individual targets.
The activities in the stories are designed to promote:
• Initiation and sensory exploration.
• Communication skills: anticipation, eye contact, listening, shared attention, and language development.
• Self-confidence and well-being: trying out new ideas, and skills, persistence.
• Practicing self-care, independence and enjoying achievement.
• Self-awareness: asking for ‘help’, ‘again’ and ‘more’.
• Opportunities to explore cause & effect and build anticipation skills.
• Physical Development.
• Engagement in scientific experimentation and mathematical concepts.
• Development of social & emotional skills: turn-taking & sharing, listening to others’ ideas and teamwork.

The sensory stimuli (story props) are a tool for the story explorer to explore and express their likes, dislikes, and sensory preferences and to have the opportunity to make choices and rejections. These preferences can be noted and used in care plans and to enhance areas of daily life.

Your questions, queries, comments, and feedback are always welcome.