FiveSenses are creative sensory stories that can be used in a wide range of educational purposes. At present, they are used within the Special Needs sector as part of Sensory Literacy and Drama.  Each story provides the listener with different ways to interact, whether through sight, sound, sense or smell. The taste aspect of each story is still in the early stages as, due to numerous allergies, I have to be especially careful what I use and how I use it.

 

I tend to use classical music or sound fx as a backdrop to each story, placing the songs and sounds so that, as the story reaches its conclusion, the music becomes more gentle and relaxing.  As I am able to use a Sensory room, I do have a wealth of equipment and resources to hand, but have found that these stories can be used in an ordinary classroom setting, as long as there is enough space for children to sit and move, for props to be used, and for everyone to feel comfortable and at ease.

 

At the end of each story there is a list of props that are already used, such as pictures, music, etc. These are there to be a starting point, where items can be added, replaced or removed.  As you become more aware of the story and its effect on the listener, you then become more adept at improvisation, asking questions and eliciting more detailed responses from your audience.

 

Each story is original, inspired by ideas from young people I have worked with, and flights of my own fancy.

 

Please visit my Facebook page "Fivesenses" https://www.facebook.com/fivesensesstories?fref=ts