A Sensory Story Inspired by The Hobbit.

The Hobbit is a fantastic story about a journey, adventures and interesting characters. This makes it perfect for a Hobbit sensory story. Check out our other sensory stories.

The Hobbit: A Sensory Story

The cozy hobbit hole smells of honey and hay, (smell/taste)
As Bilbo heads out on an adventure today. (visual/auditory)
Gandalf’s staff leads the way as the sun is dawning, (visual)
And the dwarves’ deep voices sing out all morning. (auditory)

Trolls with the smelliest breath youve ever known, (smell)
As Gandalf’s wise words turn them to stone (auditory)
The goblin caves echo with shrieks and moans, (auditory)
As Bilbo slides out with bumps and groans. (feel)

Lost In the dripping gloom of Gollum’s cave (auditory)
Bilbo finds a golden ring as he waves (visual)
Slipping onto his finger, filling his mind (auditory)
With secrets dark he never shall find. (feel)

In Rivendell sweet music fills the air, (auditory)
As Elves sing and dance without a care. (visual/auditory)
The food and wine are fare beyond compare, (taste)
As Bilbo finds solace resting there. (feel)

The Lonely Mountain stands proud in the sky, (visual)
As Bilbo eyes the golden treasure piled high. (visual)
The dragon’s hot flaming breath reeks of smoke, (smell)
Until an arrow takes him down with a single stroke (visual/auditory)

The dwarves feast on food rich and fine, (taste)
As Erebor’s halls now glow and shine. (visual)
The Shire’s welcoming sounds welcome Bilbo home, (smell)
With wondrous tales of how far he did roam. (auditory)

The Hobbit Sensory Story: Suggested Resources

J.R.R. Tolkien is renowned for his masterful use of vibrant imagery in his books, most notably in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Within The Hobbit, imagery serves a dual purpose: it functions as a tool for constructing an intricate fictional realm and as a means to immerse readers deeply into the narrative. Perfect for a sensory story! Here are some sensory elements you can incorporate into a sensory story version of The Hobbit:

• Different textures to represent the characters: Soft fur for the hobbit’s hairy feet, scaly texture for Smaug the dragon, coarse hair for the dwarves, smooth texture for the elves. Children can explore these textures as the characters are introduced in the story.
• Nature sounds to set the scene: Chirping birds and breeze sounds for The Shire, crashing water sounds for Rivendell, forest sounds for Mirkwood, mountain sounds for the Misty Mountains. Play these ambient nature sounds in the background.
• Smells to represent different locations: Floral scents for Rivendell, woody scents for Mirkwood, smoke scents for Smaug and the dwarven forges. Depending on allergies diffuse these scents around the room to immerse students in the locations.
• Props related to the characters: Due to the popularity of the Hobbit and Lord of The Rings films there are plenty of official things you can buy, the majority are easy to make. Furry prosthetic feet to represent hobbits, dwarf beard and helmet, leaf-shaped ears to represent elves, dragon claws or tail. Students can wear or handle these props to better embody the characters.
• Sounds related to events: Clanging hammer sounds for the dwarve forges, roaring and crackling fire sounds for Smaug, the splash of gold sounds for the treasure hoard. The drip drip of water in Gollum’s cave. Play these sounds to engage students at key points of the story. Even better record them onto a sound button or big mack.
• Movement activities: For ambulant pupils mimic the rolling gait of hobbits, the stomping gait of the dwarves, and the light, nimble movements of the elves with their walking. Act out scenes of climbing the Misty Mountains or rowing down the river. Movement brings the story to life.
• Tastes: This is central to all Hobbit lore! Time for a second breakfast. Herbal tea for Rivendell, honey cake for Beorn’s house, buttered scones for The Shire. Provide small snack items for students to taste, related to the locations in the story. Smells can be used if you are supporting tube-fed learners.

Sound Effects For the Sensory Story

Download these for free to add atmosphere.

With a combination of all these multi-sensory elements, students can experience the fantasy world of The Hobbit in an immersive way. Sensory stories provide inclusive opportunities for meeting learning outcomes for all pupils.