{"id":19387,"date":"2023-01-13T12:26:33","date_gmt":"2023-01-13T12:26:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/?post_type=activity&#038;p=19387"},"modified":"2026-03-10T15:55:26","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T15:55:26","slug":"sensory-stories","status":"publish","type":"activity","link":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/sensory-stories\/","title":{"rendered":"Sensory stories"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group  wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio is-style-primary\">\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<p>Unleash your imagination and awaken your senses with our sensory stories. Start exploring now and enjoy a whole new way to experience storytelling \u2013 right from the comfort of home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sensory stories&nbsp;are a great way to provide sensory stimulation and develop communication in a fun way. Each one of our sensory stories is designed to activate the senses, creating a fully immersive experience for your child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ready to dive in? Browse our stories below and find your next sensory adventure!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block  slab    is-style-textured-secondary-tint-10  align-full\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">  <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-card-group aligncenter\"><div class=\"grid  grid-flexbox  grid-3-cols\"><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/C1-e1740682907625-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"A painting of a red and white striped circus tent\" style=\"object-position: 52.09% 42.53%;\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/sensory-story-ben-and-betty-visit-the-circus\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              A visit to the circus\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tJoin Ben and Betty as they embark on a magical trip to the circus in this short sensory story. Feel the textures of the clown\u2019s costume, hear the cheerful circus music, and smell the sweet popcorn in the air. \n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/P7_v2-scaled-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"A turquoise line drawing of a person dancing to music\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/sensory-story-party-time\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              It&#039;s party time!\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tBilly is thrilled to attend his nursery party, where every moment is filled with excitement and surprises. From the sweet smell of jelly to the soft touch of colourful balloons, we&#8217;ll take you on a journey through Billy\u2019s fun-filled day in this short sensory story.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/W5_v2-scaled-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"An abstract painting of a child on a swing\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/activities\/sensory-story-going-on-an-adventure\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              Going on a sensory walk\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tSet out on a sensory walk through a world of colourful leaves, cool breezes, and glistening puddles in this short sensory story. With each step, the crunch of fallen leaves and the soft rustling of trees create a magical experience.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box    is-style-textured-white  align-wide\">    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About the illustrators<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Image1-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Two men holding up their paintings\" class=\"wp-image-66366\" style=\"object-fit:contain;width:250px;height:250px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Image1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Image1-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Image1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Image1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Image1-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Image1-scaled.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Image1-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Image1-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Image1-1600x1600.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Image1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Image1-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Image1-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Paul Hickin<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Paul (left), an artist who has a learning disability and is profoundly deaf, has been supported by Sense since 1995. His art focuses on painting and line drawings and he likes to capture landscapes and everyday moments, which helps him to express himself and show others how he sees the world. \u201cMy work is important. I have something to share.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ben Jones<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Co-artist Ben (right), is an illustrator specialising in live drawing, including caricatures and visual note-taking. Ben, who has experience supporting disabled artists, created the perfect environment for Paul to explore, express and create for our Sensory Stories. \u201cIt was an inspiring few weeks spent with Paul and I hope everyone enjoys the fruits of what we created.\u201d<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group  wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio is-style-primary\">\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How it works<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Any book can be broken down into workable parts. Each section should be a sentence or two long and accompanied by a sensory experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tell the story a number of times with consistency. This repetition will promote cognitive development and develop an understanding of communication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To get started, simply choose a story from our collection. Each story includes prompts to guide you along the way.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group  wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio is-style-primary\">\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Benefits of sensory stories<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sensory stories are a great way to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>Develop listening, turn-taking and communication skills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Introduce new sensory experiences in a safe space.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support brain development.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make storytime accessible to everyone.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Get creative and have fun!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio is-style-primary\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Making play inclusive - Sensory stories\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/BzaU-PCvTZM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group  wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio is-style-primary\">\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box    is-style-textured-primary-tint-10\">    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<p><strong>Want to find out more about sensory play?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you found this useful, and want to learn more about how to support play, visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/for-professionals\/resources-for-education-and-early-years-professionals\/making-play-inclusive\/\">making play inclusive<\/a> toolkit. There are key things to consider when supporting play, including using a \u2018hand under hand\u2019 approach when supporting your child to explore and engage in sensory experiences.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group  align-full  clearfix\">\t\t<div class=\"wrap\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Information and advice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking for information on how to support your disabled child?<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"grid  grid-flexbox  grid-3-cols\"><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/SenseSensoryFootball_July24_selects-14-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"A boy sits on the floor looking at a football\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/life-stages\/childhood-and-school\/early-years-support\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              How to support your disabled child in their early years\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tThe first years of a child\u2019s life can be a steep learning curve for parents. If your child has complex needs, that curve can be even steeper.\n\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/SenseLegacyAcquisition_Aug24-0918-scaled-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"A little girl turns away from her painting to smile at the camera\" style=\"object-position: 57.53% 46.96%;\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/life-stages\/childhood-and-school\/play-for-disabled-children\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              How to play with your disabled child\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tThis guide explains why play is so important, and gives you lots of fun ideas for ways children with complex needs can enjoy playing.\u00a0\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n      <figure class=\"card__figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/SenseSCSWphotoshoot_October30-1267-600x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-card-supportive size-card-supportive\" alt=\"A girl is supported by a smiling support worker during a pumpkin-painting activity.\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n  \n  <div class=\"card__content\">\n    <h2 class=\"card__title  h4\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/life-stages\/childhood-and-school\/send\/\" class=\"card__link  link--stretched\">\n              SEND: Special educational needs and disabilities\n              <\/a>\n          <\/h2>\n\n    \n    <div class=\"card__description\">\n\t\t\tThis guide covers the support system in England for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-hs-snippet \">\n\n\t\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box  ctaBox    is-style-textured-secondary-tint-10\">\n    <div class=\"ctaBox__row\">\n      <div class=\"ctaBox__content\">\n        <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Support from Sense<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We&#8217;re here for disabled people with complex needs and their families all over the UK. Get in touch to find out more about the services we offer.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"ctaBox__cta\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/information-and-advice-service\/\" class=\"button  button--primary\">Find out more<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sensory stories are all about bringing a story to life using your senses.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","format":[183],"activity_cats":[72],"location":[151],"interest":[],"class_list":["post-19387","activity","type-activity","status-publish","hentry","activity_cats-wellbeing","location-in-your-own-space","format-in-person"],"acf":{"geolocation":null,"display_address":"","short_location_description":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/activity\/19387","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/activity"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/activity"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/activity\/19387\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19387"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"activity_cats","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/activity_cats?post=19387"},{"taxonomy":"location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/location?post=19387"},{"taxonomy":"interest","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/interest?post=19387"},{"taxonomy":"format","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/format?post=19387"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}