Sensory Curriculum Models and Benefits

Understanding The Importance of a Planned Sensory Curriculum

Sensory learning is a popular, creative and innovative approach to education that encourages children to explore the world around them and experience things firsthand. By engaging their senses, children can interact with new environments, materials, and textures that enrich their understanding of the world. The benefits of a sensory curriculum cannot be overstated. This hands-on learning style suits many learners, allows creative teaching and promotes critical thinking and understanding of cause-and-effect relationships that are experienced through sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste.

I am a great fan of Flo Longhorn and urge you to read her seminal book a Sensory Curriculum for Very Special People. It is a brilliant starting point for designing your own sensory provision.

Sensory Curriculum Design

A well-designed and planned sensory learning curriculum encourages exploration without fear of consequence, allowing children to gain a comprehensive understanding of their surroundings and become comfortable in different environments. It also makes learning more enjoyable, enhancing enthusiasm for education. The benefits of a sensory curriculum are most evident when it is linked to robust learning outcomes with personalised learning opportunities. As SEN and EYFS teachers we need to go beyond just putting shaving foam in a tough tray.

The Benefits of Sensory Learning

Sensory learning and following a sensory curriculum has numerous benefits, especially for children who find it engaging. It allows children to use their five senses to conceptualise thoughts, explore unfamiliar concepts, and reinforce knowledge in ways that traditional methods can’t. It also encourages creativity, allowing children to experience challenges that call for innovative solutions.

Sensory or experiential learning may help some children to remember concepts longer than extended teacher input or presentation style teaching forming a strong foundation of skills well into adulthood.

5 Benefits of a Sensory Curriculum

• Engages multiple senses – Learning through senses like sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste engages more parts of the brain compared to just one sense like hearing or seeing. This makes the learning experience more engaging and memorable.
• Hands-on approach – Sensory learning uses hands-on, interactive methods that allow students to actively explore concepts going beyond just reading or listening about them. This keeps students motivated and having fun while learning.
• Deeper understanding – Using multiple senses helps cement new concepts and promote deeper understanding. Students can literally experience what they are learning rather than just think about it abstractly.
• Authentic learning – Sensory experiences feel “real world” to students. They learn how things taste, smell, feel etc, relating new ideas to things already familiar to their senses. This aids retention and application of knowledge.
• Brain development – Exploring the world through the senses stimulates different areas of the brain and encourages neural pathways to form between areas. This supports cognitive processing and development in children.

Drawbacks of Sensory Learning

Despite its popularity, sensory learning does have potential drawbacks. It might create a dependence on sensory input, preventing students from developing functional independence. Using tactile or auditory methods can also be costly and time-consuming in terms of resources. This may lead to a disparity in provision making it less accessible for all students and smaller schools.

It is too easy for new teachers to fall into the Instagram trap of spending hours on beautiful displays. Tough tray layouts that take hours but have no evidence base for improving learning than more simple ideas. It is clear many teachers are passionate about developing unique sensory learning experiences. I worry about the time and their own money that they spend on creating them.

4 Drawbacks Linked to Sensory Learning

1. Dependency on Sensory Input: While sensory learning benefits some students, it could potentially create dependence on sensory stimuli. Students might struggle to develop functional independence if they rely too heavily on sensory experiences.
2. Resource Intensive: Implementing tactile or auditory methods can be costly and time-consuming. Schools with limited resources may find it challenging to provide consistent sensory learning opportunities.
3. Accessibility Issues: Smaller schools or those with fewer resources might struggle to offer equal access to sensory learning experiences. This could lead to disparities in provision among students.
4. Teacher Effort and Expenses: New teachers, eager to create unique sensory learning experiences, may spend significant time and personal funds on elaborate displays. Balancing creativity with evidence-based practices is essential.

Educators must weigh the pros and cons carefully when deciding the level they want to incorporate sensory learning into their curriculum and timetable. It should be used alongside other pedagogical methods, providing a balanced approach to learning.

The Power of Multi-Sensory Teaching Techniques

Multi-sensory teaching techniques stimulate learning by engaging students on multiple levels. They encourage children to use some or all of their senses. These techniques are particularly beneficial for children with learning differences. The strongest argument for sensory learning is that making use of the five senses when teaching enhances learning.

In a multi-sensory teaching approach, more than one sense is utilised to help a child learn. While the sense of sight and hearing are most commonly used in traditional teaching methods, sensory learning includes the sense of touch, taste, and smell. One of the benefits of a sensory curriculum is helping the child’s brain to develop tactile and kinetic memories, supplementing auditory and visual ones.

Examples of Sensory Learning Curriculum

Recognising the importance of the senses as a gateway to all learning. Effective sensory curriculums will tailor appropriate provisions to fulfil every child’s potential. This is particularly crucial for children with sensory processing difficulties.

Through sensory play, schools can provide opportunities for children to use all of their senses. Activities such as Sensory Stories, Sensory Circle time, Fun with Food, and Sensory Gym provide a rich environment for children to explore and experience movement. These sensory experiences are not an end in themselves, but rather a means of broadening and developing the curriculum.

The ImPACTS Curriculum

The ImPACTS curriculum encompasses diverse realms of learning, mirroring the developmental milestones and advancements outlined in Education Health Care Plans. Across distinct domains such as Communication, Cognition, Environmental Control Technology, and Self-Advocacy, the Impact Assessment System illuminates a precise trajectory for cultivating skills. This comprehensive breakdown charts the progression from pre-intentional stages to the realm of formal learners, facilitating targeted and effective pedagogy.

Links to School Sites With Sensory Curriculums

I thought it would be useful to provide some links to different ways schools implement their sensory curriculums. They all see slightly different benefits and rationales but there is clear commonality. Remember that to be effective the paperwork must be backed up by passionate staff who want the children they teach to succeed.

• Saxon Wood School – Sensory Curriculum Intent, Implementation and Impact Document
• Ash Meadow School – Sensory Curriculum Long Term Plan
• SENDat Outreach – Sensory Learning Document

Requirements For a High-Impact Sensory Curriculum

To gain the most benefits of a sensory curriculum there are a number of requirements that schools should ensure are present.

• Employs teachers and support staff with skills relevant to individual learners’ needs and provides ongoing training and professional development to build expertise.
• Is well-resourced with an ongoing budget and a library of sensory resources that are maintained by accountable staff.
• Recognises each learner as a unique individual and plans activities to support their education, health, therapy and well-being holistically.
• Links learning were possible to EHCP outcomes.
• Focuses on hands-on, interactive learning through meaningful activities tailored to learners’ interests, abilities and sensory preferences.
• Challenges limitations by empowering learners and families to take assessed risks that facilitate growth.
• Adopts flexible styles adjusting to each learner’s sensory, emotional and health needs which impact access to learning.
• Values that many learners primarily experience the world through their senses and limit non-sensory demands like speech.
• Employs the modes of communication most meaningful for each learner to feel understood.
• Does not aim to alter learners’ sensory experiences but rather delivers a curriculum addressing their sensory needs.
• Allows time for processing new information through the senses before expecting behavioural responses.
• Interprets responses through open sharing between educators to best understand communication intents.
• Views all behaviours as a means of communication and strives to comprehend each response’s underlying message.

We have developed the Inclusiveteach sensory curriculum for UK schools that incorporates elements from Routes for Learning, IMPACTS, child development principles, and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. This curriculum below is presented in tables for each area of learnin.

Curriculum Area 1: Communication and Language

Sensory Aspect	Activities	Learning Outcomes	Links to Frameworks
Auditory	• Sound lotto games • Musical instruments exploration • Listening walks in nature • Voice-activated toys • Rhymes and songs with actions	• Responds to sounds • Locates sound sources • Discriminates between different sounds • Imitates sounds and words • Follows simple verbal instructions	• Routes for Learning: Stages P1-P3 • IMPACTS: Levels 1-3 • EYFS: Listening and Attention, Understanding, Speaking
Visual	• Light box exploration • Bubble tubes • Picture exchange communication • Mirror play • Visual timetables	• Tracks moving objects • Recognizes familiar people and objects • Uses gestures or symbols to communicate • Understands simple visual cues • Develops eye contact	• Routes for Learning: Stages P2-P4 • IMPACTS: Levels 2-4 • EYFS: Understanding, Speaking
Tactile	• Sensory stories • Object of reference • Tactile symbol systems • Messy play with various textures • Hand-under-hand guidance	• Explores objects through touch • Associates objects with activities • Uses touch to communicate preferences • Develops fine motor skills for gestures • Tolerates different textures	• Routes for Learning: Stages P1-P3 • IMPACTS: Levels 1-3 • EYFS: Moving and Handling, Speaking

Curriculum Area 2: Physical Development

Sensory Aspect	Activities	Learning Outcomes	Links to Frameworks
Proprioception	• Weighted blankets • Resistance bands • Therapy ball exercises • Deep pressure activities • Heavy work tasks	• Improves body awareness • Develops muscle strength • Enhances posture and balance • Regulates arousal levels • Improves motor planning	• Routes for Learning: Stages P1-P4 • IMPACTS: Levels 1-4 • EYFS: Moving and Handling, Health and Self-care
Vestibular	• Swing activities • Rocking chairs • Spinning games • Balance boards • Obstacle courses	• Develops balance and coordination • Improves spatial awareness • Enhances eye movements • Regulates alertness • Supports emotional regulation	• Routes for Learning: Stages P2-P4 • IMPACTS: Levels 2-4 • EYFS: Moving and Handling
Fine Motor	• Sensory bins with hidden objects • Playdough manipulation • Threading activities • Finger painting • Sensory bottles	• Improves hand-eye coordination • Develops pincer grasp • Enhances dexterity • Supports pre-writing skills • Improves object manipulation	• Routes for Learning: Stages P3-P5 • IMPACTS: Levels 3-5 • EYFS: Moving and Handling, Exploring Media and Materials

Curriculum Area 3: Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Sensory Aspect	Activities	Learning Outcomes	Links to Frameworks
Olfactory	• Scented playdough • Aromatherapy diffusers • Herb and spice exploration • Scented bubbles • Smell association games	• Recognizes familiar scents • Expresses preferences • Associates smells with emotions • Develops memory through scent • Enhances sensory discrimination	• Routes for Learning: Stages P1-P3 • IMPACTS: Levels 1-3 • EYFS: Making Relationships, Self-confidence and Self-awareness
Gustatory	• Taste exploration sessions • Cooking activities • Flavored oral motor tools • Food texture play • Sensory snack time	• Expands food acceptance • Develops oral motor skills • Expresses likes and dislikes • Improves self-feeding skills • Enhances social mealtime experiences	• Routes for Learning: Stages P2-P4 • IMPACTS: Levels 2-4 • EYFS: Health and Self-care, Making Relationships
Emotional Regulation	• Sensory calm down kits • Emotion sensory bottles • Mindfulness activities • Sensory den spaces • Weighted lap pads	• Recognizes emotions • Develops self-soothing strategies • Improves attention and focus • Enhances social interactions • Builds resilience and coping skills	• Routes for Learning: Stages P3-P5 • IMPACTS: Levels 3-5 • EYFS: Managing Feelings and Behavior, Making Relationships

Curriculum Area: Cognition and Learning

Sensory Aspect	Activities	Learning Outcomes	Links to Frameworks
Visual-Spatial	• Shape sorters with textured shapes • Light-up pegboards • Sensory memory games • 3D puzzles • Spatial awareness obstacle courses	• Develops object permanence • Improves pattern recognition • Enhances problem-solving skills • Builds spatial reasoning • Supports mathematical concepts	• Routes for Learning: Stages P3-P6 • IMPACTS: Levels 3-6 • EYFS: Shape, Space and Measure, The World
Auditory Processing	• Sound matching games • Rhythm and sequencing activities • Cause and effect sound toys • Auditory figure-ground activities • Listening and following directions games	• Improves auditory discrimination • Develops phonological awareness • Enhances memory and recall • Supports language development • Improves attention to verbal information	• Routes for Learning: Stages P2-P5 • IMPACTS: Levels 2-5 • EYFS: Listening and Attention, Understanding
Tactile Discrimination	• Texture sorting activities • Braille-inspired games • Sensory math activities • Tactile letter formation • 3D shape exploration	• Enhances tactile perception • Supports pre-reading skills • Develops mathematical concepts • Improves fine motor control • Builds conceptual understanding	• Routes for Learning: Stages P3-P6 • IMPACTS: Levels 3-6 • EYFS: Reading, Writing, Numbers

Curriculum Area 5: Understanding the World

Sensory Aspect	Activities	Learning Outcomes	Links to Frameworks
Multisensory Science	• Sensory nature walks • Weather sensory bottles • Plant growth sensory bins • Texture and material exploration • Simple science experiments	• Develops curiosity about the environment • Builds understanding of natural phenomena • Enhances observation skills • Supports classification and sorting abilities • Introduces cause and effect concepts	• Routes for Learning: Stages P4-P7 • IMPACTS: Levels 4-7 • EYFS: The World, Technology
Sensory Technology	• Switch-activated sensory toys • Interactive whiteboard activities • Sensory apps on tablets • Eye-gaze technology exploration • Cause and effect computer games	• Develops understanding of technology • Improves cause and effect awareness • Enhances visual tracking skills • Supports choice-making abilities • Builds early ICT skills	• Routes for Learning: Stages P3-P6 • IMPACTS: Levels 3-6 • EYFS: Technology
Cultural Sensory Experiences	• Multicultural music and dance • International food tasting • Cultural dress-up and texture exploration • Sensory stories from different cultures • Festivals of light sensory activities	• Develops awareness of diversity • Builds cultural understanding • Enhances sensory tolerance • Supports social awareness • Encourages curiosity about the world	• Routes for Learning: Stages P4-P7 • IMPACTS: Levels 4-7 • EYFS: People and Communities, The World

Curriculum Area 6: Expressive Arts and Design

Sensory Aspect	Activities	Learning Outcomes	Links to Frameworks
Visual Arts	• Sensory paint experiences • Texture collages • Light and shadow play • Sensory sculpture making • Color mixing with sensory materials	• Develops creativity and self-expression • Enhances color recognition • Improves fine motor skills • Builds understanding of textures and forms • Supports visual-motor integration	• Routes for Learning: Stages P3-P6 • IMPACTS: Levels 3-6 • EYFS: Exploring Media and Materials, Being Imaginative
Music and Movement	• Sensory music making • Body percussion activities • Movement to music with props • Vibration experiences with instruments • Sound exploration and creation	• Develops rhythm and timing • Enhances body awareness • Improves listening skills • Supports emotional expression • Builds auditory processing skills	• Routes for Learning: Stages P2-P5 • IMPACTS: Levels 2-5 • EYFS: Exploring Media and Materials, Being Imaginative
Dramatic Play	• Sensory role-play areas • Puppet making and manipulation • Costume exploration with textures • Sensory storytelling • Mirror play with emotions	• Develops imagination and creativity • Enhances social skills • Supports language development • Builds emotional understanding • Improves self-awareness	• Routes for Learning: Stages P4-P7 • IMPACTS: Levels 4-7 • EYFS: Being Imaginative, Making Relationships

This comprehensive sensory curriculum integrates key elements from Routes for Learning, IMPACTS, child development principles, and the EYFS framework. It provides a wide range of activities and learning outcomes across all areas of development, ensuring a holistic approach to sensory education. The curriculum is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing you and your teachers to tailor activities to individual student needs and developmental levels.

Summary

A Sensory curriculum is particularly beneficial for very special children, extending and integrating it throughout the national curriculum. MSI (Multiple Sensory Impairment) can affect children’s ability to gain information from and about their environment, slowing down the pace of learning. Thus, a curriculum designed for pupils with MSI must begin with them and their needs, emphasising a sense of self, agency, and negotiation, and encouraging progression in terms of new learning and the extended application of existing learning.