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Sensory Stories and Teaching Resources
A Visit to the Coffee Shop
Bringing literacy to life through sensory storytelling, everyday routines, and meaningful real-life experiences!
Take literacy beyond the classroom with this practical, sensory-rich resource that connects storytelling, communication, and everyday learning with real-world opportunities.
Designed for learners of all ages and abilities in SEND and PMLD settings, from those exploring early sensory responses and emerging literacy skills to learners developing greater independence in communication, reading for meaning and practical everyday skills.
Part of the Literacy Through Everyday Life series, A Visit to the Coffee Shop follows a flexible four-stage journey: Experience → Explore → Practice → Visit & Reflect.
From exploring familiar signs and menus to communicating choices, practicing coffee shop routines and visiting a real community setting, learners can engage with literacy through meaningful everyday experiences.
A dedicated “What's for Lunch? – Bringing Literacy into Everyday Life” section explores how school lunch menus, snack times and familiar daily routines can provide opportunities for communication, recognition, meaningful choice-making and learner voice.
For Practitioners
Clear sensory story facilitation guidance, suggested props and preparation checklist
Learning & Engagement Outcomes to support planning, observation and assessment
A flexible four-stage learning journey connecting classroom activities with real-life experiences
Practical guidance for communication, choice-making and differentiated participation
Accessible menu examples, recognition and matching activities
Guidance for community visits, sensory safety, unexpected situations and reflection
For Learners
Experience the Coffee Shop Sensory Story
Explore coffee shop objects, signs, photographs and menus
Recognise familiar foods and communicate choices using accessible menus
Explore “What's for Lunch?” through familiar school routines
Practice ordering, serving and social interaction through role-play and a mini café
Visit a community coffee shop and revisit experiences through photographs, objects and shared reflection
Activities can be selected and adapted for individuals, small groups, or whole-class projects. There is no expectation that every learner completes every stage or follows the same pathway.
From the classroom to the community, discover how everyday experiences can create meaningful opportunities for literacy, communication, independence, and participation.
Suitable for schools, colleges, specialist settings, and home learning.
Take literacy beyond the classroom with this practical, sensory-rich resource that connects storytelling, communication, and everyday learning with real-world opportunities.
Designed for learners of all ages and abilities in SEND and PMLD settings, from those exploring early sensory responses and emerging literacy skills to learners developing greater independence in communication, reading for meaning and practical everyday skills.
Part of the Literacy Through Everyday Life series, A Visit to the Coffee Shop follows a flexible four-stage journey: Experience → Explore → Practice → Visit & Reflect.
From exploring familiar signs and menus to communicating choices, practicing coffee shop routines and visiting a real community setting, learners can engage with literacy through meaningful everyday experiences.
A dedicated “What's for Lunch? – Bringing Literacy into Everyday Life” section explores how school lunch menus, snack times and familiar daily routines can provide opportunities for communication, recognition, meaningful choice-making and learner voice.
For Practitioners
Clear sensory story facilitation guidance, suggested props and preparation checklist
Learning & Engagement Outcomes to support planning, observation and assessment
A flexible four-stage learning journey connecting classroom activities with real-life experiences
Practical guidance for communication, choice-making and differentiated participation
Accessible menu examples, recognition and matching activities
Guidance for community visits, sensory safety, unexpected situations and reflection
For Learners
Experience the Coffee Shop Sensory Story
Explore coffee shop objects, signs, photographs and menus
Recognise familiar foods and communicate choices using accessible menus
Explore “What's for Lunch?” through familiar school routines
Practice ordering, serving and social interaction through role-play and a mini café
Visit a community coffee shop and revisit experiences through photographs, objects and shared reflection
Activities can be selected and adapted for individuals, small groups, or whole-class projects. There is no expectation that every learner completes every stage or follows the same pathway.
From the classroom to the community, discover how everyday experiences can create meaningful opportunities for literacy, communication, independence, and participation.
Suitable for schools, colleges, specialist settings, and home learning.
The Nutcracker
Discover the magic behind Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite, bringing its enchanting characters, dances and musical moments to life through the senses.
Created for learners of all ages, for use across PMLD and SEND provision, inclusive classrooms, specialist settings, home learning and sensory learning environments, this resource invites learners to discover eight contrasting musical pieces through sensory-rich experiences.
Explore the changing rhythms, moods and characters of the music through tactile props, sounds, scents, movement and visual effects, offering opportunities for sensory exploration, communication, choice-making, creativity and shared interaction.
Rooted in a commitment to accessibility, meaningful communication and sensory inclusion, each musical piece offers an invitation to explore, respond and connect.
For Practitioners
An accessible introduction to The Nutcracker Suite and its connection to the ballet
Eight musical pieces with clear, practical facilitation guidance
Core and Movement-Specific Learning & Engagement Outcomes to support planning, differentiation and assessment
Grab-and-go At-a-Glance Prop Guide
Illustrations to support preparation and facilitation.
Flexible activities with accessible alternatives and opportunities for learner-led exploration
Sensory Safety & Access Guidance
For Learners
Step into the magical world of The Nutcracker Suite
Discover eight contrasting musical pieces through sensory exploration
Experience changing rhythms, emotions, and musical characters
Explore movement, sound, scent and visual effects
Express preferences, make choices and enjoy shared musical experiences
Retell the story through magical Nutcracker-themed sensory artwork
Perfect for music sessions, sensory storytelling, creative arts, Christmas-themed learning and immersive classroom experiences.
Created for learners of all ages, for use across PMLD and SEND provision, inclusive classrooms, specialist settings, home learning and sensory learning environments, this resource invites learners to discover eight contrasting musical pieces through sensory-rich experiences.
Explore the changing rhythms, moods and characters of the music through tactile props, sounds, scents, movement and visual effects, offering opportunities for sensory exploration, communication, choice-making, creativity and shared interaction.
Rooted in a commitment to accessibility, meaningful communication and sensory inclusion, each musical piece offers an invitation to explore, respond and connect.
For Practitioners
An accessible introduction to The Nutcracker Suite and its connection to the ballet
Eight musical pieces with clear, practical facilitation guidance
Core and Movement-Specific Learning & Engagement Outcomes to support planning, differentiation and assessment
Grab-and-go At-a-Glance Prop Guide
Illustrations to support preparation and facilitation.
Flexible activities with accessible alternatives and opportunities for learner-led exploration
Sensory Safety & Access Guidance
For Learners
Step into the magical world of The Nutcracker Suite
Discover eight contrasting musical pieces through sensory exploration
Experience changing rhythms, emotions, and musical characters
Explore movement, sound, scent and visual effects
Express preferences, make choices and enjoy shared musical experiences
Retell the story through magical Nutcracker-themed sensory artwork
Perfect for music sessions, sensory storytelling, creative arts, Christmas-themed learning and immersive classroom experiences.
Autumn
Step into Autumn and explore the changing season through the senses.
Listen to rustling leaves and distant cries overhead, discover hidden wildlife and harvest time, experience misty mornings and more as you follow the season towards the first signs of Winter.
Created for learners of all ages, for use across PMLD and SEND provision, inclusive classrooms, specialist settings, home learning and sensory learning environments, this resource weaves together tactile props, sounds, scents, tastes and movement with simple poetic language.
Rooted in a commitment to accessibility, meaningful communication, and sensory inclusion, each couplet offers a sensory prompt, guiding the story participant through a journey where every sense is welcome.
For Practitioners
• Clear, full facilitation guidance
• Core and Activity-Specific Learning & Engagement Outcomes
• Grab-and-go Props & Resources at a Glance infographic
• Save time with printable templates
• Sensory Safety & Access guidance
For Learners
• Explore Autumn through a Sensory Story
• Discover and Match Autumn Nature Items
• Share an Autumn Parachute Rhyming Game
• Retell the Story through Sensory Artwork
Listen to rustling leaves and distant cries overhead, discover hidden wildlife and harvest time, experience misty mornings and more as you follow the season towards the first signs of Winter.
Created for learners of all ages, for use across PMLD and SEND provision, inclusive classrooms, specialist settings, home learning and sensory learning environments, this resource weaves together tactile props, sounds, scents, tastes and movement with simple poetic language.
Rooted in a commitment to accessibility, meaningful communication, and sensory inclusion, each couplet offers a sensory prompt, guiding the story participant through a journey where every sense is welcome.
For Practitioners
• Clear, full facilitation guidance
• Core and Activity-Specific Learning & Engagement Outcomes
• Grab-and-go Props & Resources at a Glance infographic
• Save time with printable templates
• Sensory Safety & Access guidance
For Learners
• Explore Autumn through a Sensory Story
• Discover and Match Autumn Nature Items
• Share an Autumn Parachute Rhyming Game
• Retell the Story through Sensory Artwork
Vivaldi's Autumn
Bring classical music to life through sensory storytelling, props, movement, interaction, and creative exploration.
This resource supports practitioners to introduce learners to Vivaldi's Autumn through a series of accessible sensory experiences linked to the three movements of the music. Learners are invited to explore the sounds, rhythms, and changing moods of the concerto using tactile props, movement activities, scents, visual effects, and sensory-rich interactions.
Designed for PMLD, SEND, and sensory learners, the resource includes:
• A simple explanation of the story behind Vivaldi's Autumn
• Sensory activities linked to each of the three musical movements
• Props, facilitation ideas, and sensory prompts
• Learning and engagement outcomes throughout
• A Forest Awakening sensory art and mark-making extension activity
• Guidance on sensory safety and inclusive practice
Rather than simply listening to the music, learners are supported to experience the harvest celebrations, peaceful rest, and awakening woodland scenes through meaningful sensory exploration, communication, anticipation, choice-making, creativity, and shared interaction.
Perfect for music sessions, sensory storytelling, creative arts, themed learning, and immersive classroom experiences.
This resource supports practitioners to introduce learners to Vivaldi's Autumn through a series of accessible sensory experiences linked to the three movements of the music. Learners are invited to explore the sounds, rhythms, and changing moods of the concerto using tactile props, movement activities, scents, visual effects, and sensory-rich interactions.
Designed for PMLD, SEND, and sensory learners, the resource includes:
• A simple explanation of the story behind Vivaldi's Autumn
• Sensory activities linked to each of the three musical movements
• Props, facilitation ideas, and sensory prompts
• Learning and engagement outcomes throughout
• A Forest Awakening sensory art and mark-making extension activity
• Guidance on sensory safety and inclusive practice
Rather than simply listening to the music, learners are supported to experience the harvest celebrations, peaceful rest, and awakening woodland scenes through meaningful sensory exploration, communication, anticipation, choice-making, creativity, and shared interaction.
Perfect for music sessions, sensory storytelling, creative arts, themed learning, and immersive classroom experiences.
Halloween
Ghosts Ghouls Skeletons
The Witch
Bonfire Night
Winter
Bring the magic of Winter to life through the senses! Explore frosty landscapes, the wonders of nature and cosy seasonal experiences through sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures. This enchanting rhyming story offers creative opportunities for sensory exploration, discovery and meaningful engagement.
Designed for learners of all ages across SEND and PMLD settings, inclusive classrooms, specialist provision and home learning, this practical resource includes imaginative activities using familiar, everyday materials, with clear guidance for practitioners.
Rooted in a commitment to accessibility, meaningful communication and sensory inclusion, each couplet offers a sensory prompt, guiding the story participant through a journey where every sense is welcome.
For Practitioners
Clear, step-by-step facilitation guidance
Core and Activity-Specific Learning & Engagement Outcomes
Winter Sensory Story & Props at a Glance – a handy, grab-and-go visual guide
Practical preparation guides for sensory experiences
Sensory Safety & Access guidance
For Learners
Explore Winter through a Sensory Story
Discover and Match Winter Items
Retell the Story through a Winter Sensory Art Mural
Explore Bird & Cat Tracks through tactile printing and dough activities
Designed for learners of all ages across SEND and PMLD settings, inclusive classrooms, specialist provision and home learning, this practical resource includes imaginative activities using familiar, everyday materials, with clear guidance for practitioners.
Rooted in a commitment to accessibility, meaningful communication and sensory inclusion, each couplet offers a sensory prompt, guiding the story participant through a journey where every sense is welcome.
For Practitioners
Clear, step-by-step facilitation guidance
Core and Activity-Specific Learning & Engagement Outcomes
Winter Sensory Story & Props at a Glance – a handy, grab-and-go visual guide
Practical preparation guides for sensory experiences
Sensory Safety & Access guidance
For Learners
Explore Winter through a Sensory Story
Discover and Match Winter Items
Retell the Story through a Winter Sensory Art Mural
Explore Bird & Cat Tracks through tactile printing and dough activities
Vivaldi's Winter
Vivaldi’s Winter – A Multisensory Music Journey
Bring classical music to life through sensory storytelling, props, movement, interaction, and creative exploration.
This resource supports practitioners to introduce learners to Vivaldi's Winter through a series of accessible sensory experiences linked to the three movements of the music. Learners are invited to explore the sounds, rhythms, and contrasting moods of the concerto using tactile props, movement activities, scents, visual effects, and sensory-rich interactions.
Designed for PMLD, SEND, and sensory learners, the resource includes:
• A simple explanation of the story behind Vivaldi's Winter
• Sensory activities linked to each of the three musical movements
• Props, facilitation ideas, and sensory prompts
• Learning and engagement outcomes throughout
• A winter ice skating sensory art and mark-making extension activity
• Guidance on sensory safety and inclusive practice
Rather than simply listening to the music, learners are supported to experience icy winds, falling snow, frozen landscapes, warmth by the fire, and the excitement of winter through meaningful sensory exploration, communication, anticipation, choice-making, creativity, and shared interaction.
Perfect for music sessions, sensory storytelling, creative arts, themed learning, and immersive classroom experiences.
Bring classical music to life through sensory storytelling, props, movement, interaction, and creative exploration.
This resource supports practitioners to introduce learners to Vivaldi's Winter through a series of accessible sensory experiences linked to the three movements of the music. Learners are invited to explore the sounds, rhythms, and contrasting moods of the concerto using tactile props, movement activities, scents, visual effects, and sensory-rich interactions.
Designed for PMLD, SEND, and sensory learners, the resource includes:
• A simple explanation of the story behind Vivaldi's Winter
• Sensory activities linked to each of the three musical movements
• Props, facilitation ideas, and sensory prompts
• Learning and engagement outcomes throughout
• A winter ice skating sensory art and mark-making extension activity
• Guidance on sensory safety and inclusive practice
Rather than simply listening to the music, learners are supported to experience icy winds, falling snow, frozen landscapes, warmth by the fire, and the excitement of winter through meaningful sensory exploration, communication, anticipation, choice-making, creativity, and shared interaction.
Perfect for music sessions, sensory storytelling, creative arts, themed learning, and immersive classroom experiences.
Student Enterprise
Dear Santa
Bring the magic of Christmas to life through the senses!
Join Johnny as he creates his Christmas wish list for Santa, discovering festive surprises, playful experiences and seasonal magic along the way. This enchanting sensory story offers festive sensory experiences with meaningful opportunities for participation.
From Sensory Story to Christmas Performance!
This resource includes practical guidance for adapting Dear Santa into an inclusive classroom Christmas play or performance, creating opportunities for learners of all ages and abilities to take part. With flexible stage directions, sensory participation ideas and adaptable roles, every learner can be included in a way that reflects their individual needs, interests and abilities.
Created for use across PMLD and SEND provision, inclusive classrooms, specialist settings, home learning and sensory learning environments, this resource combines sensory storytelling, creative activities and inclusive performance opportunities.
Rooted in a commitment to accessibility, meaningful communication and sensory inclusion, each experience encourages exploration, anticipation, choice-making, communication, and meaningful participation.
For Practitioners
• Clear, full sensory story facilitation guidance
• Core and Activity-Specific Learning & Engagement Outcomes
• Grab-and-go Story & Resources at a Glance infographic
• Save time with printable templates and supporting resources
• Guidance for adapting the sensory story into an inclusive Christmas play
• Flexible stage directions, adaptable roles and participation ideas
• Sensory Safety & Access guidance
For Learners
• Explore Christmas through a Rhyming Sensory Story
• Create a Christmas Wish List
• Discover Festive Surprises through Sensory Exploration
• Explore Matching and Early Literacy Activities
• Participate in an Inclusive Christmas Performance
• Enjoy Creative Christmas Storytelling Activities
Join Johnny as he creates his Christmas wish list for Santa, discovering festive surprises, playful experiences and seasonal magic along the way. This enchanting sensory story offers festive sensory experiences with meaningful opportunities for participation.
From Sensory Story to Christmas Performance!
This resource includes practical guidance for adapting Dear Santa into an inclusive classroom Christmas play or performance, creating opportunities for learners of all ages and abilities to take part. With flexible stage directions, sensory participation ideas and adaptable roles, every learner can be included in a way that reflects their individual needs, interests and abilities.
Created for use across PMLD and SEND provision, inclusive classrooms, specialist settings, home learning and sensory learning environments, this resource combines sensory storytelling, creative activities and inclusive performance opportunities.
Rooted in a commitment to accessibility, meaningful communication and sensory inclusion, each experience encourages exploration, anticipation, choice-making, communication, and meaningful participation.
For Practitioners
• Clear, full sensory story facilitation guidance
• Core and Activity-Specific Learning & Engagement Outcomes
• Grab-and-go Story & Resources at a Glance infographic
• Save time with printable templates and supporting resources
• Guidance for adapting the sensory story into an inclusive Christmas play
• Flexible stage directions, adaptable roles and participation ideas
• Sensory Safety & Access guidance
For Learners
• Explore Christmas through a Rhyming Sensory Story
• Create a Christmas Wish List
• Discover Festive Surprises through Sensory Exploration
• Explore Matching and Early Literacy Activities
• Participate in an Inclusive Christmas Performance
• Enjoy Creative Christmas Storytelling Activities
Rudolphs Carrots
Cause and Effect
Vesak
Circle Time
Vivaldi Spring
Vivaldi’s Spring – A Multisensory Music Journey
Bring classical music to life through sensory storytelling, props, movement, interaction, and creative exploration.
This resource supports practitioners to introduce learners to Vivaldi's Spring through a series of accessible sensory experiences linked to the three movements of the music. Learners are invited to explore the sounds, rhythms, and changing moods of the concerto using tactile props, movement activities, scents, visual effects, and sensory-rich interactions.
Designed for PMLD, SEND, and sensory learners, the resource includes:
• A simple explanation of the story behind Vivaldi's Spring
• Sensory activities linked to each of the three musical movements
• Props, facilitation ideas, and sensory prompts
• Learning and engagement outcomes throughout.
• Guidance on sensory safety and inclusive practice.
• Sensory Art Activity: Woolly Sheep in Vivaldi's Spring Meadow
Rather than simply listening to the music, learners are supported to experience birdsong, gentle breezes, fresh spring flowers and herbs, grazing sheep, peaceful countryside sounds and spring celebrations through meaningful sensory exploration, communication, anticipation, choice-making, creativity, and shared interaction.
Perfect for music sessions, sensory storytelling, creative arts, themed learning, and immersive classroom experiences.
Bring classical music to life through sensory storytelling, props, movement, interaction, and creative exploration.
This resource supports practitioners to introduce learners to Vivaldi's Spring through a series of accessible sensory experiences linked to the three movements of the music. Learners are invited to explore the sounds, rhythms, and changing moods of the concerto using tactile props, movement activities, scents, visual effects, and sensory-rich interactions.
Designed for PMLD, SEND, and sensory learners, the resource includes:
• A simple explanation of the story behind Vivaldi's Spring
• Sensory activities linked to each of the three musical movements
• Props, facilitation ideas, and sensory prompts
• Learning and engagement outcomes throughout.
• Guidance on sensory safety and inclusive practice.
• Sensory Art Activity: Woolly Sheep in Vivaldi's Spring Meadow
Rather than simply listening to the music, learners are supported to experience birdsong, gentle breezes, fresh spring flowers and herbs, grazing sheep, peaceful countryside sounds and spring celebrations through meaningful sensory exploration, communication, anticipation, choice-making, creativity, and shared interaction.
Perfect for music sessions, sensory storytelling, creative arts, themed learning, and immersive classroom experiences.
Vivaldi's Summer A Multisensory Music Journey
Bring classical music to life through sensory storytelling, props, movement, interaction, and creative exploration.
This resource supports practitioners to bring the dramatic story behind Vivaldi’s Summer to life through a series of accessible sensory experiences linked to the three movements of the music.
Learners are invited to explore the sounds, rhythms, and changing moods of the concerto using tactile props, scents, movement, visual effects, and sensory-rich interactions.
These experiences offer opportunities for meaningful sensory exploration, communication, anticipation, choice-making, creativity, and shared interaction.
Each experience can be explored at the learner’s own pace, with opportunities to participate in their own way.
Designed for PMLD, SEND, and sensory learners, the resource includes:
• A simple explanation of the story behind Vivaldi’s Summer
• Sensory activities linked to each of the three musical movements
• Props, preparation guidance, facilitation ideas, and sensory prompts
• Learning and engagement outcomes throughout
• A themed sensory art and mark-making extension activity
• Guidance on sensory safety and inclusive practice
Perfect for music sessions, sensory storytelling, creative arts, seasonal learning, and immersive classroom experiences.
This resource supports practitioners to bring the dramatic story behind Vivaldi’s Summer to life through a series of accessible sensory experiences linked to the three movements of the music.
Learners are invited to explore the sounds, rhythms, and changing moods of the concerto using tactile props, scents, movement, visual effects, and sensory-rich interactions.
These experiences offer opportunities for meaningful sensory exploration, communication, anticipation, choice-making, creativity, and shared interaction.
Each experience can be explored at the learner’s own pace, with opportunities to participate in their own way.
Designed for PMLD, SEND, and sensory learners, the resource includes:
• A simple explanation of the story behind Vivaldi’s Summer
• Sensory activities linked to each of the three musical movements
• Props, preparation guidance, facilitation ideas, and sensory prompts
• Learning and engagement outcomes throughout
• A themed sensory art and mark-making extension activity
• Guidance on sensory safety and inclusive practice
Perfect for music sessions, sensory storytelling, creative arts, seasonal learning, and immersive classroom experiences.
Summer
Antibullying
Sensory Spaces
People Who Help Us
Transitions
Sensory Bottles
Journey into Space
FREE Resources
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