35 Sensory Stories for PMLD and SEN

Free Sensory Stories For PMLD and SEN Learners

What is a Sensory Story?

A sensory story is a narrative, book or poem that serves to activate each of the senses to encourage engagement in a range of learning situations. Sensory stories are designed to build skills ranging from engagement to knowledge recall, memory, communication, vocabulary development, social skills, literacy, movement and so on. Each has a different purpose. This may be to calm, to share experiences, purely to encourage joint attention or interaction. There are many ways to link a sensory story to learning outcomes we have written about that in our post on sensory stories and learning intentions.

This page collates all the sensory stories published on inclusiveteach.com I have included free PDF downloads with each one.

Sensory Story Experiences

Each sensory story has a focus on both the narrative and the sensory experiences. The rhythm and cadence of delivery are important and I try to ensure my sensory stories rhyme. Each story published contains recommended sensory resources. Some of which are free and simple some of which I have bought specially for that story. Generally, these can be replaced with a bit of imagination and creativity. No story should cost money if it can be helped but sensory storytellers need to become expert wombles and hoarders – expect your cupboards to be full to bursting within weeks!

Some of these multi-sensory stories also contain suggested movement opportunities. If using these it is essential that postural care and any physiotherapy is taken into account. You will know your learners well enough to decide what is appropriate for each to be actively engaged in the session.

There is no official progression within sensory stories. I have tried here to group mine into categories that reflect the content and sensory experience each may provide. I write all of these for an 11-16 age bracket of pupils with PMLD or SLD. However many have been delivered to a wider pupil group with adaptations.

Suggested Progression of Sensory Stories

This is an attempt to provide an element of guidance as to the level of complexity of each story. Most practitioners and passionate sensory storytellers are adept at developing bespoke stories for their learners. Some may deliver the same story differently to multiple learners at the same time. Picking out key themes, words and experiences to make them meaningful for each learner. If there is one “rule” to follow when delivering multi-sensory storytelling it is to ensure each learner (or sensory being) has an active role in the sensory storytelling process (1 more rule is don’t just tell these once – repeat and repeat again (up to 20 times) to build anticipation and familiarity.

We are defining “complexity” here as both the level of understanding required to relate the story to the learners lives and the number of stimuli used. It also takes into account the complexity of the vocabulary used in the story. For example, even the title “Blitz”, in level 6, is not a word many of our learners will be exposed to. Sorting Socks at level 3 is a shorter and less complex sensory story. The learner will also probably hear the word “socks” daily.

Complexity Levels For Multi-Sensory Stories

1. My World
2. Experiences
3. Life Skills
4. Knowledge
5. Fantasy
6. Immersive Storytelling

Free Sensory Stories

These sensory stories are all written by Joe White and available to download as free PDFs. I will be adding stories here as I write them. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the comments with ideas or suggestions. I have recently been writing a number of Sound Stories which are based primarily around the auditory element. Click on the tab to expand and find the links to our free stories.

5 Key Resources For Sensory Storytelling

It is easy to go over the top with ideas and resources for your sensory stories. I will often fall into this trap and end up carrying boxes of stuff to the sensory room. Top tip is stick to one bag, bucket or box and at least one umbrella! Here are 5 resources that should form the core of your supplies. I wrote about our recommended sensory resources that I have used.

1. Torch
2. Mirror
3. Sheets
4. Fan
5. Big Mac/Sound Button

How Do I Write a Sensory Story?

Whether you’re a parent/carer, teacher, or storyteller, here’s a quick guide to get you started writing sensory stories for PMLD or special needs learners. You don’t need specific training to deliver or write a sensory story:

1. Choose a Story:
   • Begin by selecting a story, book, or theme that you and your audience will enjoy or that fits into your curriculum topic. Remember that you don’t necessarily need a book to tell a story. It could be an original tale or a well-known classic.
2. Summarise the Story:
   • Summarise the story into short sentences. Aim for about 10 sentences to cover the entire narrative. Keep it concise and straightforward.
3. Identify Keywords:
   • Think about roughly 10 keywords from the story. These keywords are essential for conveying the plot and capturing the essence of the tale. They often include who, what, where, and action words. You are looking for language-rich meaningful words.
4. Find Props:
   • Look around your home or classroom for props that can bring the story and senses to life. These props should represent the keywords you’ve chosen. Be creative! Props can range from everyday objects to simple materials. Consider using items like scarves, textured fabrics, or even kitchen ingredients (like coffee grains for “mucky dirt”).
5. Create Sensory Experiences:
   • Use sounds, songs, clapping, and actions to enhance the sensory experience. Encourage your audience to participate by making their own sounds and movements.
   • Remember that not everything has to be literal. For example, rain could be represented by the sound of fingers tapping on a table, a water spray, or waggling fingertips to mimic raindrops falling.
6. Repeat and Reinforce:
   • Be prepared to tell the same sensory story several times. Repetition is crucial for young learners to absorb and learn from the experience.

Sensory storytelling is about engaging all five senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. It’s a delightful way to ignite imagination and create memorable moments. Feel free to adapt and personalise your sensory stories based on your audience and available resources.

Sensory Stories For Older Learners

One of the reasons I wrote the complexity levels is that during lockdown I led the 6th form department. Here I adapted the stories for older learners (see the Line of Duty one). These are some general things to bear in mind when writing a sensory story for adults.

• Sensory Stories for Older Learners: These narratives tackle mature themes relevant to grown-ups, exploring complexities such as love, loss, identity, and personal growth. Adult sensory stories may delve into relationships, mental health, or life-changing events, resonating with adult learners and allowing for deep connections.
• Complexity and Emotional Depth: Complexity can be increased in adult sensory stories as characters grapple with layered emotions—joy, sorrow, regret, and resilience. These narratives acknowledge the messiness of life, portraying flawed protagonists who evolve through their experiences. Adult learners appreciate stories that mirror their own struggles and triumphs, serving as channels for teaching new skills or preparing for new experiences.
• Sensory Elements and Stimulation: Subtlety guides sensory elements in adult narratives, avoiding overwhelming stimuli. A hint of perfume, the texture of a weathered photograph, or the distant hum of traffic contribute to the sensory tapestry. For adults with dementia, nuanced details can evoke memories and trigger introspection.
• Learning Goals and Exploration: Sensory stories for adults can align with specific learning objectives, such as improving communication skills, developing empathy, or enhancing memory. Each sensory element serves a purpose, allowing adult learners to engage intentionally and draw connections between sensory experiences and practical knowledge. Alternatively, they can fully embrace fantasy, catering to diverse interests.

Adult sensory stories and children’s multi-sensory storytelling coexist on a spectrum of imagination. Whether we’re navigating adulthood or embarking on childhood adventures, these stories remind us that our senses are portals to understanding, connection, and maybe even wonder.

Making Sensory Stories More Engaging: A Guide to Different Sensory Experiences

Sensory stories can be enriched with various stimuli to better engage learners experiencing Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD). Here’s some ideas on how to incorporate different sensory elements:

Touch Experiences (Tactile)

• Textures: Soft fur (animals), rough sandpaper (bumpy surfaces), smooth silk (gentle touches)
• Temperature: Warm water containers, cool metal objects
• Sensations: Vibrating items, weighted blankets for pressure

Sound Elements (Auditory)

• Story-related sounds: Farm animal noises, environmental sounds, doorbells
• Music: Soothing melodies for calm scenes, rhythmic beats for action
• Voice techniques: Varying volume and pitch while storytelling

Visual Components (Visual)

• Physical items: Real objects from the story, colourful scarves
• Light effects: Carefully controlled flashing lights, torches for focus
• Visual interest: Bubbles, mirrors, bold patterns
• Note: Pictures can be used but effectiveness varies for people with PMLD

Smell Experiences (Olfactory)

• Natural scents: Real flowers (garden stories), pine needles (forest tales)
• Food aromas: Cooking ingredients for food-related narratives
• Familiar smells: Household items that connect to the story

Taste Elements (Gustatory)

• Safety first: Always consider dietary restrictions and swallowing abilities
• Simple tastes: Small samples of familiar foods when appropriate
• Alternatives: Flavoured lip balms when actual food isn’t suitable

Body Position Awareness (Proprioceptive)

• Movement activities: Assisted pushing/pulling of heavy objects
• Wearable items: Supervised use of weighted vests
• Hand exercises: Squeezing stress balls or textured objects

Balance and Movement (Vestibular)

• Gentle motion: Rocking in chairs or slow swinging when safe
• Position changes: Carefully supported shifts in position during relevant story moments

Sense	Examples of Stimuli
Tactile	Soft fur, rough sandpaper, smooth silk, warm water in a bowl, cool metal spoon, vibrating massager, weighted blanket, gentle squeeze.
Auditory	Animal sounds (recordings or toys), calming music, sounds of nature, everyday sounds (e.g., doorbell, car horn), singing simple songs, and using Soundboards with relevant effects.
Visual	Scented candles (used cautiously and away from direct contact), essential oils on fabric (again, with caution), real flowers, and familiar food smells (e.g., bread, fruit).
Olfactory	Animal sounds (recordings or toys), calming music, sounds of nature, everyday sounds (e.g., doorbell, car horn), singing simple songs, and using sound buttons with relevant effects.
Gustatory	Pushing or pulling a heavy object (with assistance), wearing a weighted vest (under supervision), squeezing a stress ball, and activities involving resistance bands.
Proprioceptive	Colorful scarves, flashing lights (used cautiously), bubbles, mirrors, contrasting patterns, familiar objects, photos (with the understanding that their effectiveness varies), and torches.
Vestibular	Small tastes of familiar and safe foods (considering dietary restrictions and swallowing abilities), flavoured lip balms (if appropriate and safe).

Delivering Sensory Stories to a Group: Strategies for Inclusive Participation

Sensory stories are like a literary smorgasbord for the senses. They’re designed to tickle not just the imagination, but also the fingertips, nostrils, and eardrums of learners with disabilities.

These tales aren’t just about reading words; they’re about experiencing the narrative in a way that’s as unique as each learner. For some, it might mean feeling the soft fur of a stuffed animal as the story mentions a cuddly creature. For others, it could involve smelling a fragrant flower as the plot wanders through a blooming garden. It’s storytelling with a twist.

The Group Sensory Storytelling Dilemma

Now, delivering these sensory extravaganzas to a group? That’s where things get interesting. It’s like trying to conduct an orchestra where each musician is playing a different instrument, in a different key, and possibly upside down. With the right planning and creativity, you can turn this potential cacophony into a harmonious learning experience.

Step 1: Know Your Audience (No, Really Know Them)

Before you dive into the deep end of the sensory pool, take a moment to assess each learner’s unique profile. This isn’t just about knowing who’s who – it’s about understanding what makes each learner tick, or in some cases, what makes them tock.

Are they a visual learner who lights up at the sight of colourful pictures? Or perhaps they’re more of a tactile explorer, eager to get their hands on anything and everything? Maybe they’re the auditory type, enjoying to the rhythm of spoken words and sound effects.

Step 2: Consistency is Key (But Don’t Be a Bore)

Imagine walking into your favorite coffee shop, only to find that they’ve rearranged everything and now serve their lattes in hollowed-out pineapples. Disorienting, right? That’s how our learners might feel if we switch things up too drastically from session to session.

Stick to a consistent structure, but don’t be afraid to add a sprinkle of surprise here and there. Maybe the story always starts with the same greeting song, but each week there’s a new silly dance move to go along with it. Or perhaps the ending always involves a group high-five, but the sound effect that accompanies it changes each time.

Remember, you’re not aiming for monotony – you’re creating a comforting rhythm with just enough variation to keep things interesting. It’s like a familiar lullaby with an occasional kazoo solo thrown in for good measure.

Step 3: Choices, Choices Everywhere (But Not Too Many)

Giving learners choices is crucial, but let’s not go overboard. We’re aiming for “choose your own adventure,” not “design the entire universe from scratch.” Offer meaningful options that allow for a sense of control without overwhelming.

For instance, you could let learners choose which sensory prop they want to interact with during a particular part of the story. Or maybe they get to decide the order in which certain events unfold. It’s like letting them be the DJ of their own sensory playlist – within reason, of course. We don’t want little Johnny deciding that every story should end with a glitter explosion… or do we?

Step 4: Include Tech In a Sensory Story

In this digital age, why not sprinkle in some technological magic? Interactive screens, sound buttons, or even simple switches can add an extra layer of engagement. It’s like giving each learner their own personal remote control to the story world. We’re going for “Iron Man,” not “Terminator.” The goal is to enhance the experience, not to have the machines take over. Use technology as a tool to support independence and interaction, not as a replacement for human connection.

Step 5: Observe, Adapt, Repeat

After each sensory story session, analyse what worked and what didn’t. Did Sarah light up when she got to feel the sandpaper “beach”? Did Tommy seem overwhelmed by the ocean wave sounds? Take notes, compare observations with your colleagues, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments.

Consider recording sessions (with appropriate permissions, of course) to catch those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments of engagement.

Delivering sensory stories to a group is challenging, it’s exciting, and when done right, it’s absolutely magical. With careful planning, keen observation, and a willingness to adapt, you can create a shared experience that caters to each learner’s unique needs. It’s not about perfection – it’s about progress, engagement, and maybe a few giggles along the way.

How Sensory Stories Help People Experiencing PMLD

Sensory stories can really make a difference for people with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD). They help in a few important ways:

1. Deeper Communication

• Many people with PMLD don’t use spoken words, or they use very few. Sensory stories give them another way to talk to us and show us what they think.
• The objects in the story—like a soft toy or a sound—become like words or clues. They help connect the story to something real.
• Because we tell the stories the same way each time, people start to know what’s coming next. This helps them understand the story and remember it.
• People can show us what they like or don’t like by how they react to the sensory things. If they reach for something, they probably like it! If they move away, they might not.
• Sensory stories can also help people learn other ways of communicating, like using signs (Makaton) or picture cards (PECS).
• These stories give people with PMLD a way to share their thoughts and feelings, even if they don’t use words.

2. Getting More Involved

• It can be hard for any child to pay attention for long. Sensory stories help because they use lots of different senses.
• When we use things to touch, smell, and hear, it makes the story more exciting and interesting.
• Instead of just listening, people get to join in! They can touch the soft toy, smell the flower, or listen to the music.
• Studies show that people with PMLD pay more attention and get more involved when we use sensory stories compared to just reading a book.
• The stories also make people feel safe and confident to try new things because they know what to expect.

3. Understanding the World Better

• People with PMLD experience the world through their senses. Sensory stories help them make sense of all those sensations.
• When we link a smell or a touch to a story, it helps people understand what that sensation means.
• For example, a story about bath time might have the smell of soap and the feel of warm water. This helps connect the story to something they know from real life.
• If the world feels confusing or too much, sensory stories can make it feel more understandable and less scary.

Other Fantastic Sensory Storytellers

These storytelling practitioners are the reason this page exists, each of my stories has been influenced and shaped by their practice and ideas. These sensory storytellers are the best of those that I have found – I hope one day I can develop an inclusive sensory story that is as good as theirs. Many of these stories are great for adults and young people.

• Joanna Grace – A Voyage to Argan
• Joanna Grace – The Sensory Projects.
• Pete Wells – The Sensory Story Podcast – Great Inclusive stories and links here
• Victoria Navin – Rhyming multi-sensory storytelling – Lots of Stories and more here.