Exploring Our Senses

Overview

This 30-minute session is designed for a small group of 5 Year R SEN students, some of whom are non-verbal and Makaton users, focusing on exploring the five senses through sensory activities. The lesson aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, particularly addressing the Communication and Language, Physical Development, and Understanding the World areas, responding to the needs of learners with varying sensory and communication requirements.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, pupils will:

• Communication and Language: Engage in shared exploration using Makaton signs for key sensory vocabulary (EYFS Area: Communication and Language - Listening, Attention and Understanding)
• Physical Development: Develop fine and gross motor skills via sensory exploration activities (EYFS Area: Physical Development - Moving and Handling)
• Understanding the World: Identify and respond to different sensory stimuli using sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste (EYFS Area: Understanding the World - The World)
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development: Show interest and enjoyment in sensory activities and communicate feelings non-verbally or through Makaton (EYFS Area: Personal, Social and Emotional Development - Self-confidence and Self-awareness)

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Curriculum Links (EYFS)

• Communication and Language:

  • Listen attentively and respond to what they hear with relevant questions, comments, or actions.
  • Use Makaton signs and gestures to support communication and interaction.

• Physical Development:

  • Handle equipment and tools effectively, including sensory materials requiring different hand movements.

• Understanding the World:

  • Explore the natural world around them and express curiosity.
  • Recognise differences in sensory stimuli and begin to name them.

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development:

  • Develop confidence to try new activities and express needs non-verbally or with supports.

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Resources

• Sensory trays with textured items (e.g., soft fabric, rough sandpaper)
• Smell pots with safe scents (e.g., lavender, lemon, mint)
• Sound containers (e.g., rice, bells, shakers)
• Makaton symbol cards with signs for: SEE, HEAR, TOUCH, SMELL, TASTE, HAPPY, SAD, MORE, STOP
• Visual timetable showing the sequence of activities
• Comfortable seating and soft lighting to support sensory regulation
• Headphones or ear defenders for sensory-sensitive pupils
• Small tasting samples (e.g., fruit pieces) - allergy-safe checked
• Communication boards with pictures and symbols

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Lesson Structure

1. Welcome and Focused Attention (5 minutes)

• Activity: Greet each child individually using their name and Makaton “HELLO” sign.
• Use visual timetable to show the session structure.
• Warm-up with a "Sensory Hello" where children gently touch different textured materials while practising Makaton signs for TOUCH and HAPPY.
• SEN Strategy: For non-verbal children, use favourite sensory objects to gain attention and encourage participation.

2. Sensory Exploration Stations (15 minutes total; 3 minutes each station)

Set up five stations representing each sense. Staff assist with transitions using visual, auditory, and Makaton cues.

• See: Use colourful light filters and picture flashcards; sign SEE while showing cards of different colours/shapes.
• Hear: Shake sound containers and explore differences in volume/tone; sign HEAR.
• Touch: Explore textures in trays; encourage children to describe or respond through gestures; sign TOUCH.
• Smell: Present scent pots; allow smelling and sharing reactions; sign SMELL.
• Taste: Offer allergy-safe tasting samples; model tasting and use Makaton sign for TASTE.

SEN Strategies:

• Provide ear defenders or allow withdrawal if overstimulated.
• For Makaton users, clearly model and encourage signs for each sensory input and emotional responses (e.g., HAPPY, SAD, MORE).
• Use individual preferred sensory items where possible.
• Pair non-verbal children with a staff buddy for hand-over-hand assistance or physical prompting as needed.

3. Group Reflection and Communication (7 minutes)

• Gather in a circle with soft cushions. Use storytelling with sensory objects: “What did you like to touch? What smell was nice?”
• Encourage children to respond via Makaton signs or gestures. Use simple choices (e.g., thumbs up/down) for non-verbal children.
• Staff model simple phrases and signs such as "MORE," "STOP," and feelings (HAPPY, SAD).
• Use sensory emotion cards to allow children to indicate how the experience made them feel.

4. Calm Down and Goodbye Routine (3 minutes)

• Use a gentle breathing exercise with a soft feather or bubble blowing to focus attention and promote calmness. Sign “STOP” and “GOODBYE.”
• Provide individual sensory comfort items to each pupil as they leave (e.g., stress ball, soft cloth).

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Assessment Ideas

• Observational Notes: Document pupil engagement levels, use of Makaton signs, and responses to sensory input (calmness, excitement, withdrawal).
• Communication Check: Note any attempts at signing or gesturing key words during the group reflection.
• Participation Monitoring: Track time spent independently exploring each station and reactions to sensory stimuli.
• Share findings in a brief SEN team meeting to plan next steps or adapted activities.

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Differentiation and Adaptation

SEN Needs	Strategies	Support
Non-verbal learners	Use Makaton signs, gesture prompts, hand-over-hand guidance	Assign skilled 1:1 adult or peer buddy for communication
Sensory sensitivity	Control volume and intensity; provide ear defenders/headphones; allow choice to opt-out	Adapt timing and stations for shorter participation
Motor difficulties	Provide adapted materials for easier handling (large, easy-grip objects)	Support with hand-over-hand assistance
Attention difficulties	Use clear visual timetable and countdown timers; short, engaging tasks	Frequent breaks, calm corner access
Communication difficulty	Use communication boards and picture symbols alongside Makaton	Model consistent signs and use positive reinforcement

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This lesson plan holistically supports inclusion, communication, and sensory engagement, meeting EYFS targets through flexible, multisensory approaches tailored for SEN learners. The integration of Makaton ensures accessible communication, while sensory-rich activities foster curiosity and developmental progress essential for this age group.