What is Sensology?

Sensology is a fantastic, engaging approach based on Flo Longhorn’s Sensology Workout, designed to stimulate the senses and promote engagement for children with diverse needs, including those with PMLD, SEMH, and neurodiversity. This approach works well in a variety of settings—one-to-one, small groups, or even whole-class sessions.

The beauty of Sensology lies in its flexibility and creativity—it’s an opportunity to bring joy and connection to learning. Whether you’re a teacher, SENDCo, or support staff, this is a wonderful way to reignite curiosity and exploration in the classroom.

Structuring a Sensology Session

A well-structured Sensology session follows a predictable pattern, helping children feel secure while building anticipation.

  1. Visual Timetable:
    • Using Widgit symbols (see my previous post on Widgit Online) can provide a clear structure.
    • Print A4-sized symbols for each section/sense and remove them as you progress.
  2. Welcome Song:
    • Familiar songs help settle children and cue them into the session.
    • You could use the Little Amber Trust’s music resources (see my previous post on the Little Amber Trust) or choose a song children know well.
    • This isn’t just a routine—it’s a chance to start with warmth and inclusion.
  3. “This is Me” Activity:
    • Encourage children to explore their faces with mirrors.
    • Play This Is Me from The Greatest Showman for added engagement.
    • A simple, empowering moment to build self-awareness and confidence.

Exploring the Five Senses

Each sense is explored individually, using interactive activities, songs, and multi-sensory resources.

1. Sight (Eyes)

  • Sing to the tune of Mary Had a Little Lamb:
    On my face I have two eyes, I have two eyes, I have two eyes. On my face I have two eyes, I use my eyes to see.
  • A great activity is using a paint spinner—spin the paper and drop paint to create a visual ‘wow’ moment.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment—these small moments of wonder make learning unforgettable!

2. Hearing (Ears)

  • Use the same song structure with new body parts and senses.
  • Explore different sounds: bells, rainmakers, shakers, and recorded sounds.
  • Encourage children to listen, react, and express themselves.

3. Smell (Nose)

  • Offer various scents such as coffee, chocolate, perfume, or essential oils.
  • Encourage children to respond to the scents, whether through body language, facial expressions, or vocalisations.
  • This is a great way to bring sensory exploration into the mix.

4. Taste (Mouth)

  • Provide small, safe samples of contrasting flavours (sweet, sour, salty).
  • Use descriptive language to support communication and choice-making.
  • Every bite is an opportunity to explore, communicate, and react.

5. Touch (Hands)

  • Offer a variety of textures (tin foil, fabric, feathers, playdough).
  • Encourage children to respond to how each texture feels.
  • Sensory exploration fosters curiosity, focus, and connection to the world.

Movement Break

After exploring the senses, it’s great to incorporate movement.

  • Use YouTube videos like GoNoodle.
  • Include percussion instruments.
  • Subtly incorporate proprioception and interoception strategies.
  • Finish with bubbles—always a favourite!
  • Movement is a powerful tool to help children reset and regulate.

Adaptability and Accessibility

  • Use what you have—resources don’t need to be expensive. Many Attention Autism materials can be repurposed.
  • Thematic Sensology—sessions can be linked to classroom topics, making learning more inclusive and meaningful.
  • Integrate with other approaches—Makaton, pupil voice, and emotional regulation strategies can be seamlessly included.
  • Team Teaching & Assessment—Great for formative assessment, engagement model observations, and collaborative teaching.

Final Thoughts

Sensology isn’t just a session—it’s an opportunity to create meaningful moments. Whether it’s a look of delight when a child experiences a new texture, or the confidence gained from recognising their own reflection, these small experiences build towards bigger connections and greater engagement.

I truly believe Sensology offers a gentle but powerful way to support all learners in accessing the curriculum in their own way. Give it a go, embrace creativity, and most importantly—have fun!

Recommended Resources