Holi A Multisensory Sensory and Bumper Teaching Pack

Celebrate the magic and colour of the festival of Holi with this comprehensive teaching pack which includes a fully resourced, step-by-step multisensory story, and ‘Holi’ themed, sensory activities.

This resource connects individuals to literacy, culture, history, and topic through the senses and is aimed at supporting:

1. Students (aged 3-19) following pre-formal/sensory, semi-formal or formal pathways in special education schools and settings. The story and activities support the areas of the Engagement Model and link in with many other areas of learning (see ‘Skills Promoted During this Multisensory Story’ below)

2. EYFS students – This resource includes activities and ideas that link to areas of the EYFS Statutory Framework.

3. Year 1 students in non-SEN/mainstream education – This resource includes activities and ideas that link to areas of the National Curriculum KS1.

4. EAL students – The rhythm and rhyme in the stories supports literacy skills and builds comprehension and understanding.

5. SALT students – This resource supports the promotion of language and communication skills.

6. Activity Coordinators and support workers working with adults in care settings.

7. The story and activities and fully resourced step-by-step guides so can be delivered and enjoyed by grandparents, parents, siblings, carers.

Table of Contents

Prepare to Celebrate (Gathering Story Props)
How to Tell a Multisensory Story
Holi Full Poem
Story Delivery Ideas
Holi- A Multisensory Exploration
Skills and areas of Learning Promoted During the Multisensory Storytelling Session
Holi Themed Sensory Bag
Holi Themed Sensory Pot Pourri Bag
Holi Themed Sensory Umbrella
Holi Themed Sensory Tent
Holi Themed Sensory Bin
Using Dyes and Food Colouring to Colour Sensory Bin Fillers
Holi Themed Listening Game
Indian Music
Sensory Paint
How to Make Powdered Chalk
Taste Safe Powder Paint
Balloon Splatter Art Activity
Primary Colour Mixing Ziplock Activity
Firework Art Activity
Let’s Make…Holi Powder Paint
Jackson Pollock Themed Art
Art in Action by the Students of Harbour House
Paint Bombs & Cinnamon Stick Painting
Salad Spinner Artwork
Colour Sorting Activity
Tips for Sourcing Resources
Thandai Recipe
Rainbow Fruit Kebabs
Exploring Emotions Through Colour Idioms
Holi Ideas & Inspiration

What is a Multisensory Story?
A multisensory story is told using sensory stimuli (props).
The story props are low budget, everyday items found around the home, garden, outdoor areas and in the classroom.

What are the Benefits of Multisensory Storytelling?

1. Storytelling creates a bond between the storyteller and the story explorer enhancing and enriching experiences.

2. Rhyming Multisensory Stories connect the individual to literature, culture and topic in a fun and engaging way.

3. The stories form a base on which to scaffold learning enabling the student to work on personal goals and individual targets.

4. The activities in the stories are designed to promote:
Communication skills: eye contact, listening, shared attention & language development
Self-confidence & well-being: trying out new ideas & skills, practicing self-care, independence and enjoying achievement
Self-awareness: (asking for ‘help’, ‘again’ and ‘more’)
Opportunities to explore cause & effect and build anticipation skills
Physical development: fine & gross motor skills
Knowledge about the environment & the world around us
Engagement in scientific experimentation and mathematical concepts
Development of social & emotional skills: turn-taking & sharing and teamwork

5. The sensory stimuli (story props) are a tool for the story explorer to explore and express their likes, dislikes, and sensory preferences and to have the opportunity to make choices.
This information can be used to identify motivators or items to calm and individual when anxious, tired, or stressed, identify triggers, (some you may wish to avoid, others to work on building tolerance through desensitisation in a safe and therapeutic environment) and used in the writing of care plans to enhance areas daily life.

Your questions, queries, comments, and feedback are always welcome!
Thanks for looking 🙂