Engaging SEN and EYFS Learners with a Little Bo Peep Sensory Story
The Little Bo Peep story is a fantastic way to engage young learners, especially those in the Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) settings. In this article, we’ll explore the sensory story of Little Bo Peep, highlighting how you can use various sensory elements to enhance learning and engagement. This is part of our series on using nursery rhymes in the classroom. You may also like our Humpty Dumpty sensory story.
As with all our stories the Little Bo Peep story is free to download and you will want to adapt to meet the needs of your class and the sensory materials you have to hand. The download is at the bottom of the page.
The Story of Little Bo Peep
Synopsis: Often linked to the Mother Goose stories Little Bo Peep is a young shepherdess who has lost her sheep. As she searches for them, she encounters different sensory experiences that reflect her journey. Each scene in the story can be paired with sensory activities that bring the narrative to life.
Sensory Elements to Include
Whilst we recommend some resources in the story here are some additional ideas for sensory elements you may want to include.
Touch:
- Materials: Soft wool, grass, and smooth stones.
- Activity: Allow children to feel different textures related to the story. For instance, they can touch pieces of wool to represent the sheep and soft grass to simulate the ground.
Sound:
- Materials: Sheep bleating sounds, rustling leaves, and gentle wind.
- Activity: Play sound clips of sheep or create a sound station where children can mimic animal sounds. You can also incorporate instruments like shakers to represent the rustling of leaves.
Sight:
- Materials: Visual aids such as pictures of sheep, fields, and Bo Peep.
- Activity: Create a visual story map that illustrates Bo Peep’s journey. Use bright colors and engaging images to captivate the children’s attention.
Smell:
- Materials: Lavender (to represent fields), fresh grass, or essential oils.
- Activity: Introduce scents that relate to the countryside. Children can take turns smelling different items, and discussing how they connect to the story.
Taste:
- Materials: Healthy snacks like cheese (to represent sheep’s milk) or fruit.
- Activity: Incorporate a tasting session where children can sample snacks related to the theme. Discuss how these foods might be part of Bo Peep’s world.
Creating an Interactive Experience
To further engage learners, consider incorporating movement activities:
- Role Play: Let the children act out the story. One can be Little Bo Peep while others pretend to be sheep. This encourages physical movement and imagination.
- Treasure Hunt: Hide small sheep toys around the classroom or outdoor area. Children can go on a sensory treasure hunt to find them, enhancing their observation skills.
Download the Little Bo Peep Sensory Story
Conclusion
Using stories like Little Bo Peep allows SEN and EYFS learners to explore language, develop communication skills, and engage their senses. By incorporating various sensory elements into your storytelling, you can create a rich, interactive experience that captures their imagination and leads to a love for stories.
Encourage your learners to share their thoughts and feelings about the sensory experiences, making the story not just a lesson, but a memorable adventure!