Introduction
As a peripatetic SEND teacher working across mainstream primary and nursery schools, I believe in the transformative power of nature to inspire, heal, and educate. My latest initiative, the “Nature Senses Journey” program, is designed specifically for children with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). This program offers an inclusive, multi-sensory experience that allows every child to engage with the natural world in meaningful and enriching ways.
As we embark on the “Nature Senses Journey,” note that the program is driven by a set of core values:
Ethos Statement
- Inclusivity: Every child deserves enriching experiences. This program ensures that children with PMLD feel valued, included, and empowered to explore the wonders of nature.
- Inspiration from “Everybody Outdoors“: Guided by the inclusive approaches of The Museum of English Rural Life’s “Everybody Outdoors” resources, its aim is to create meaningful connections with nature through sensory exploration.
- Multi-Sensory Exploration: The program fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world through varied sensory activities.
- Choice and Independence: Provide opportunities for children with PMLD to make choices and direct their own learning experiences, promoting autonomy and self-confidence.
- Love and Wonder of Nature: By immersing children in sensory-rich outdoor experiences, we can cultivate a lifelong love and curiosity for nature.
- Responsiveness and Adaptability: Recognizing diverse needs, the program is flexible, ensuring every child can participate and thrive.
- Accessibility: Designed to be accessible indoors and outdoors, this program ensures equal engagement opportunities regardless of physical limitations.
- Celebrating Diversity: Celebrate the unique abilities and contributions of every child, fostering inclusivity and acceptance within our community.
- Promoting Independence: Through hands-on experiences and supportive guidance, we can empower children to develop independence and confidence in interacting with nature.
- Nurturing Lifelong Connections: Aim to foster a sense of stewardship and responsibility for the environment, nurturing lifelong connections with nature.
Session Highlights
Session 1: Sensory Nature Walk
- Objective: Engage students in sensory exploration of the natural environment.
- Activities: Guided walk with stops for tactile, olfactory, and auditory exploration. Activities include feeling tree bark, smelling flowers, and listening to bird songs.
- Enhancements: Use visual schedules or picture cards to help children anticipate the sequence of activities. Bring a spray bottle for misting leaves to enhance tactile and visual engagement.
Session 2: Nature Sensory Storytime
- Objective: Encourage sensory engagement through storytelling.
- Activities: Storytelling with simple, repetitive stories or songs incorporating tactile props like soft balls and textured fabrics.
- Enhancements: Incorporate nature sounds or simple instruments to complement the storytelling. Provide options for children to express their responses through touch, gesture, or vocalization.
Session 3: Exploring the Sensory Garden
- Objective: Introduce students to sensory experiences in a garden setting.
- Activities: Hands-on exploration of sensory-rich plants, focusing on textures and scents.
- Enhancements: Use sensory-friendly gardening tools or gloves for children sensitive to certain textures. Highlight different plants and their sensory properties with color-coded markers or ribbons.
Session 4: Wildlife Observation and Interaction
- Objective: Facilitate observation and interaction with local wildlife.
- Activities: Observation stations with bird feeders or insect containers, using visual aids to draw attention to wildlife.
- Enhancements: Introduce magnifying glasses or simple binoculars for a closer look. Follow up with simple crafts or drawings of observed wildlife.
Session 5: Sensory Exploration Stations
- Objective: Provide opportunities for hands-on sensory exploration.
- Activities: Stations featuring tactile materials like sand, pebbles, and textured fabrics, along with sensory toys like rattles and soft balls.
- Enhancements: Rotate stations regularly to keep activities fresh. Include water play with different temperatures or textures for added engagement.
Session 6: Nature’s Senses Reflection and Celebration
- Objective: Reflect on and celebrate sensory experiences in nature.
- Activities: Reflection and sharing of favorite sensory experiences, with sensory-rich snacks and calming background music.
- Enhancements: Provide a sensory journal or scrapbook for children to add items from their sensory experiences. Conclude with a photo slideshow or video montage celebrating their journey.
Embracing Outdoor Learning
Working across different schools, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges and rewards of enabling access to outdoor learning for children with complex needs. While it can be intimidating to ensure every child’s needs are met, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Start Small: Begin with short, manageable activities that can be easily adapted as you observe how the children respond.
- Use Familiar Environments: Utilize familiar outdoor spaces to help children feel more comfortable and secure.
- Be Flexible: Adapt activities based on the children’s responses and be prepared to change plans if needed.
- Engage the Senses: Focus on multi-sensory experiences to provide varied and enriching interactions with nature.
- Celebrate Successes: Take time to celebrate each child’s achievements, no matter how small.
Our “Nature Senses Journey” program is more than just a series of activities; it’s a celebration of the unique ways children with PMLD can connect with the natural world. Through thoughtful, sensory-rich experiences, we aim to instill a lifelong love and curiosity for nature in every child. Join us in celebrating the beauty and wonder of nature, one sensory journey at a time.
That SEND Teacher 