Multi-Sensory Stories For Key Vocabulary
Sensory stories are a powerful way to teach key vocabulary through touch, sound, smell, and movement — especially for learners with SEND or in early years settings. This post shares two focused, free-to-download stories exploring the concepts of hot and cold. These easy-to-set-up stories use everyday objects to embed language, support curriculum goals, and enhance sensory regulation in a fun, engaging way.
Please visit our main sensory story page for our other sensory stories. All sensory story booklets on this site are free to use and share but if you are putting them on a school website please link back to this page.
Curriculum Links
The vocabulary Hot and Cold are essential to learn in a variety of contexts. These Sensory Stories can help reinforce a number of curriculum areas.
- Science
- RSE – Washing, clothing
- Weather
- Time – seasons
- Food Technology
| Curriculum Framework | Relevant Area | How Hot/Cold Sensory Stories Apply |
|---|---|---|
| EYFS | Understanding the World | Explore and compare temperatures (e.g. warm vs cold materials) to develop basic science concepts. |
| Communication and Language | Introduce and reinforce temperature-related vocabulary (e.g. freezing, warm, icy) and encourage expressive language. | |
| Personal, Social & Emotional Development | Encourage emotional awareness through reactions to sensory stimuli; help children self-regulate. | |
| Physical Development | Engage gross/fine motor skills through interaction with temperature-based materials like icy cubes or warm towels. | |
| Routes for Learning | Awareness of Stimuli | Present contrasting temperatures to enhance sensory awareness in learners with PMLD. |
| Interaction and Communication | Use temperature cues to support choice-making, anticipation, and cause-effect understanding. | |
| Cognitive Skills | Promote memory and sequence recognition by repeating hot/cold routines and story patterns. | |
| IMPACTS Curriculum | Sensory Development | Support tactile and thermal sensory processing with safe exposure to hot and cold materials. |
| Communication | Encourage vocalisations or signs related to preference, comfort, or recognition of sensations. | |
| Physical Development | Stimulate movement and body awareness through sensory play (e.g. reaching for cool items, moving away from cold to warm stimuli). |
Hot Sensory Story
This is hot (food – warmed up something nice)
I must nibble a little first.
This is hot (drink – warm cup)
I must take small sips first.
This is hot (candle – candle light bulb)
I must just look.
This is hot (bath/sink – bowl of water)
I must test it first.
This is hot (radiator – Heat pad)
I must not touch.
This is hot (sunshine – Warm, bright light glow)
I must have cream on.
This is hot (Hairdryer on low heat setting)
I wear my hat
This is hot (warm water spray on hand)
It must be summer.
(open up your hot sensory umbrella)
🔥 Hot Sensory Story – Suggested Resources
- Warmed food item (e.g. microwaved mashed potato or bread roll)
- Warm drink in a safe container (e.g. herbal tea or warm water in a cup with lid)
- LED candle or small lamp (for visual heat representation)
- Bowl of warm water (temperature-safe for supervised exploration)
- Covered hot water bottle or heated wheat bag (to represent radiator/heat pad)
- Bright torch or lamp (to represent sunshine – consider adding yellow/orange filter)
- Hairdryer on low heat setting (supervised and used at safe distance)
- Warm water spray bottle
- Lightweight umbrella (for the final interaction prompt)
- Sun cream bottle (closed – to act as a prop during storytelling)
Cold Sensory Story
This is cold (ice pop/cream)
I eat it in summer.
This is cold (drink)
I can drink it.
This is cold (autumn scene, throw leaves)
I put my coat on.
This is cold (Cold pack/wrapped ice pack)
I put my hat on.
This is cold (cool fan on hand)
I put my gloves on.
This is cold (water spray)
It must be raining.
This is cold (Shaved Ice)
It must be winter.
(open up your cold sensory umbrella)
❄️ Cold Sensory Story – Suggested Resources
- Ice pop or cold yoghurt tube (sensory tasting element)
- Chilled drink (e.g. water bottle from fridge)
- Autumn leaves (real/dried or fabric ones for sensory play)
- Cold pack or soft ice pack (well-wrapped in cloth)
- Small handheld fan (to simulate cool breeze)
- Cool water spray bottle
- Crushed ice or shaved ice in a bowl
- Gloves, coat, or hat (dress-up elements for interaction)
- Umbrella (to represent cold rain or snow scene)
- Snowflake confetti or fake snow (optional winter element)
