thematic unit (pmld) stepping back in time - · pdf filea sensory presentation ... festivals,...

Thematic Unit (PMLD)

Stepping Backin Time

OVERVIEWIn this unit learners gain an awareness of different decades from the 1950s to the present day. This awareness is developed and embedded through a range of carefully planned and personalised sensory experiences such as poetry, songs, stories, games and art. These activities are suggestions only. You can adapt or extend them to suit your learners’ age, cognitive ability and specific needs.

Please note: before beginning an activity, check that all the resources are suitable for your individual learners. For example, some essential oils may not be appropriate for young children and others may have contraindications for learners with complex medical needs, life-threatening conditions and/or epilepsy. It is advisable to consult a trained therapist before using essential oils.

ContentsLearning Activity 1 The Musical FiftiesA sensory presentation ...................................................................... 2

Learning Activity 2The Chill Out SixtiesFestivals, art and music ...................................................................... 4

Learning Activity 3The Night Fever SeventiesA sensory poem ................................................................................. 8

Learning Activity 4The Hi-Tech EightiesA walk through the eighties story ..................................................... 10

Learning Activity 5The Newsflash NinetiesA video news report .......................................................................... 12

Learning Activity 6The NoughtiesParty time ........................................................................................... 14

Learning Activity 7The Sensational Years A look back using sensory boxes ..................................................... 16

Resources ....................................................................................... 18

Acknowledgements .................................................................. 36

Stepping Back in Time 1

Fabulous

50s50s

Learning Activity 1

2 Stepping Back in Time

The Musical Fifties

Setting the SceneCreating the correct atmosphere is essential for learning to take place. This theme includes suggestions for incorporating Music and Using ICT into your lessons. You can stimulate your learners’ senses through a range of activities using sights, sounds and textures.

Depending on the age of your learners, you may want to transform your classroom into a 1950s dance hall or give it a Disney theme (Disneyland opened in California in the 1950s). Use your learners’ artwork to transform your classroom door into a time machine (perhaps a phone box or Dr Who’s TARDIS). This will help create an atmosphere from the moment your learners arrive at their classroom door.

What to DoAt the start of the lesson, play Reverse Time available from My School – Audio Networks through C2k.

Ensure all your learners are sitting comfortably facing the screen (for showing the Whiteboard Slides).

Explain to your learners that they are going on an adventure through time. This will involve lots of music, dance, dressing up, exploring technologies and tasting favourite foods from the past.

Turn off the lights and make the room as dark as you can.

Play a piece of fifties music (available from Audio Networks through C2k) to set the scene.

Make sure you have all your props ready before you start.

Introduce your learners to Resource 1: The Fifties.

During the lesson, make a note of your learners’ preferences and/or reactions so that you can provide a choice of preferred and non-preferred items during slide 13 of the presentation. Make sure you have handheld mirrors so that your learners can see themselves and you during each activity.

Further SuggestionsTimelinesSearch online for resources that might help you to advance the topic such as www.timetoast.com/categories

Fabulous

50s50sStepping Back in Time 3

What You Need

Resource 1: The Fifties (Whiteboard Slides)

• Data projector attached to a laptop • Interactive whiteboard • Internet access• Sound of a manual typewriter (available

online) recorded onto an augmented alternative communication device or button

• Video clips of: – Elvis singing Blue Suede Shoes – Teresa Brewer singing The Hula Hoop

Song and – the scene from The Wizard of Oz

when Dorothy arrives in Oz and the film changes from black and white to colour (available online)

• Music or video clip of a song from The Sound of Music (available online)

• Access to My School (Audio Networks through C2k)

• Handheld mirrors

• Old typewriter• Blue suede or velvet• Hula hoops, tinsel and glitter • Bunch of grass or candle scented like

grass or outdoors• Fan, switch and PowerLink (to make the

fan switch accessible) • Disney characters or toys, Mickey Mouse

ears• Barbie and Ken dolls• Glow sticks• Multi-coloured silk scarves or parachute• Coloured balls• Coloured ribbons • Perfume and aftershave• Crown covered in jewels, bright colours

and different textures (add some small battery-operated lights to the crown, so you can use it in a darker environment)

• Cotton wool balls• Prince and princess dressing up clothes• Grapefruit, fruit cocktail and frozen melon

balls• Crushed ice and fruit juices

Areas of LearningPrimaryLanguage and Literacy The World Around Us

Post-PrimaryEnglish Environment and Society Science and Technology

Cross-Curricular SkillUsing ICT


Points to Note You may need to adapt these experiences to suit the age and needs of each of your learners. This activity is all about giving them opportunities to experience a 1960s festival.

Setting the Scene The hippy movement began in America in the 1960s. This youth subculture produced fashion trends like bell-bottom jeans and tie-dyed shirts.

Explain to your learners that the 1960s saw the start of outdoor music festivals. Talk about how today’s lesson will be full of fun, music, love and dance. If the weather permits, take the lesson outside. However, you can still create a festival feel inside by adapting some of the ideas listed in this activity. Before you go outside, explain to your learners that everyone has been invited to an outdoor music festival. We can’t wear our uniforms, so it’s time to get ready.

What to DoGather your learners into a circle and give them a range of hippy clothing. Encourage them to explore, try things on and look at themselves in the mirrors. Choose a suitable video or soundtrack to play while you and your learners dress up in hippy clothes. Once each learner had chosen an outfit, explain that it is now time to go to the festival.

As your learners leave the classroom to go to the festival, they will make their way through the door curtain made of ribbons and flowers (to signify leaving the building and going to something special).

Play some 1960s hippy music while staff make lots of enthusiastic sounds. As they dance with or pass each other, staff could say ‘peace man’ and ‘love man’. Walk around your learners in a very slow, relaxed manner. Support your learners to dance or chill out to the sounds of the music. Ask staff to waft a range of coloured silk scarves gracefully back and forth, in time to the music. Encourage your learners to reach out, feel the scarves on their skin or track their movement. Give your learners time to respond. If necessary, repeat the tune. Provide sufficient time for your learners to experience the music and movement.

Gather everyone into a circle. Ask a member of staff to give each learner the following sensory experiences (one at a time):

• encourage your learners to press their feet or hands into mud (either on the ground or in a large tray, as appropriate). Comment on how messy, sticky, mucky, cold, nice, wet or slimy the mud feels. Use the hand-under-hand approach to promote exploration.

• Burn some incense sticks and waft the aroma around each learner. Watch closely for reactions and awareness.

The Chill Out SixtiesLearning Activity 2


What You Need

Resource 2: Fondue Recipe

Resource 3: Sixties Song

• Enough space to allow learners to move about freely

• Photographs and images from the 1960s, including images of festivals, hippies, famous people from the sixties, dollar signs, Campbell’s soup cans and black and white A3 images of cows

• Tablet or computer (to show images or video) with the Pop Art app downloaded

• Access to My School through C2k (Audio Networks and British Pathé News)

• 1960s hippy music (search Audio Networks for Rainbow People)

• Range of hippy clothing and accessories (tie dye T-shirts, bell-bottoms, sunglasses, flower headbands, long flowing dresses, sunglasses, beaded jewellery etc.)

• Door curtain made from ribbons and artificial flowers

• Silk scarves• Individual trays or deep bowls • Soil and water (to make mud)• Incense sticks (be aware of allergies and

health and safety)• Massage oils*• Real grass, leaves and flowers (in their

natural environment, if possible) • Fondue, parmesan bread sticks and

Thousand Island dressing• Drums, maracas, shakers, bells, etc. • Handheld mirrors• Blanket (one per learner) optional • Tent or small marquee • White sheet • Small pico projector • Bold coloured paints • Ultraviolet paint and ultraviolet light • Black or white card • Large cardboard cut-outs of the numbers

1,9,6, and 0 • PVA glue, artificial flowers, Star Trek or

Sesame Street characters for learners to use to decorate the cut-out numbers

• Silhouette of James Bond• Light box

Areas of LearningPrimaryThe Arts (Art and Music) Language and LiteracyPersonal Development and Mutual UnderstandingMathematics and Numeracy

Post-PrimaryThe Arts (Art and Music) EnglishMathematics Personal Development


• Use a massage oil (ensure you have the correct permissions) to give each learner a hand massage. Start at the palm and work slowly down to the tip of each finger. Try to do this in time to the 1960s music playing in the background (search Audio Networks for Flowering Power).

• Pick some grass, leaves or flowers and support each learner to explore them. If there are any daisies, make a daisy chain for your learners’ hair and talk through what you are doing. Encourage your learners to look at themselves in a mirror as they try it on.

Depending on the needs of each learner, allow them to smell, taste, look at and feel some popular foods from the sixties. Introduce one food at a time, for example parmesan bread sticks and then some Thousand Island dressing. Talk about the flavours and sensations they may be experiencing. Present your learners and staff with some fondue to try. You could make this with your learners before going outside (see Resource 2: Fondue Recipe). Encourage staff to talk about their own responses to the foods and share the sensory experience with your learners.

Play the Rolling Stones’ song, (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction from the 1960s. Encourage and support your learners to move much faster to this song by:

• tapping their shoulders, arms or chair in time to the music;

• beating a drum and giving them opportunities to feel the vibrations, make a noise and take turns;

• introducing other instruments, depending on your learners’ age and ability;

• positioning each learner on a resonance board, if appropriate, as they listen to the music; or

• supporting them to use the instruments.

The festival is nearly over, so it’s time to gather in a circle and relax to an easy listening song (search Audio Networks for Flowing Stream or Earthsong).

As the music plays, place a blanket over each learner to encourage relaxation as they wind down at the end of the lesson.

If you are completing this activity indoors, you could:

• assemble a tent or marquee; and

• project a video clip of the first Woodstock Festival in 1969 onto the outside of the tent or back project it onto a sheet inside the tent.

You can develop the 1960s theme further by introducing your learners to a range of works by Andy Warhol. These could be postcards, posters or images on a tablet or an interactive whiteboard. In the 1960s Warhol exhibited his famous Campbell’s Soup Can. Project the images onto the big screen and position mirrors at different angles to the learners to create an illusion and encourage them to look in different directions.

Give your learners the black and white images to explore. Support them to use their hands, feet or elbows to add bold primary colours (you may need to water down the paint to produce a colour wash effect) to create pop art effects. Display all the artwork in a typical Warhol style, for example in a row or as a block to form a wall of images with no gaps.

You may want to try this variation on pop art, depending on your learners’ individual needs and allergies.

Encourage your learners to explore a bowl of non-toxic ultraviolet paint (available online).

Introduce a mirror and encourage your learners to look at or be able to see themselves, as appropriate.

Explain to your learners that you are going to turn off the lights and see what happens. Make sure that your ultraviolet light is on at this stage.

Learning Activity 2 (continued)

The Chill Out Sixties

Areas of LearningPrimaryPersonal Development and Mutual Understanding

Post-PrimaryLearning for Life and Work: Personal Development


Switch off the lights and, if it is portable, position the ultraviolet light as near as possible to each learner to enhance the ultraviolet effect.

Use the mirror to highlight different colours and parts of each learner’s body.

Do they have paint on their faces, hands or feet?

Introduce a piece of black or white card and, using the hand-under-hand approach, encourage or support each learner to make a picture.

If you have a suitable camera, take photos of your learners and use these to create a pop art collage to display in your classroom.

Use the sensory activity in Resource 3: Sixties Song. As you sing each verse, give your learners the items listed to explore.

What You Need (continued)• Vinyl LP and single records

(available from charity shops)

• Star Wars light sabres

• Recording of Yellow Submarine by the Beatles

• Large box, yellow paint and brushes (before starting to sing the Sixties Song, invite your learners use this box to make a submarine, paint it yellow and cut out portholes in the sides)

• Umbrella and battery-operated lights (one of each per learner if possible)

• Depending on each learner’s individual needs, you can use a fragrant oil such as patchouli for its therapeutic effects and to evoke learners’ memories.

Setting the SceneSeat your learners in a circle and explain that we are going to prepare for this time travel adventure to the 1970s. If possible, staff could dress up in 1970s disco-style clothing: large curly wigs, flared trousers, platform shoes etc. Position a mirror so that as you sit beside each learner you can both look into it and see each other’s reactions and expressions.

What to DoHave all the props ready and, if possible, sitting beside each learner.

Tell your learners that you have an invitation to a disco and everyone is invited. Ask if anyone wants to go. Use a 1970s disco tune to get everyone in the mood (search for ‘seventies disco’ online or on Audio Networks and choose a tune to suit your learners). If you have a mirror ball or disco lights, use these to introduce the lesson. Use Resource 4: Stepping Back in Time to the Seventies to introduce your learners to different sensory activities.

The Night FeverSeventies

Learning Activity 3



What You Need

Resource 4: Stepping Back in Time to the Seventies

• Large golden ticket for each learner (with tinsel around the edges)

• Disco ball or small mirrored Christmas decorations

• Old seatbelts (available from car salvage yards)

• Floppy disks (available in charity shops)

• VCR tapes (available in charity shops)

• Star Wars characters• Star Wars laser• Monster hand • Walkman and large

headphones • Computer and internet

access• Recordable button with the

words ‘Back in Time’ and the sound of Big Ben chiming twelve recorded on it.

Areas of LearningPrimaryThe Arts (Music and Drama)Language and Literacy Mathematics and Numeracy

Post-PrimaryThe Arts (Music and Drama)EnglishMathematics


Points to NoteYou may need to spread aspects of this activity over several days and/or repeat them several times.

Setting the SceneThis lesson should take place in a large open space, as you will need to move around freely.

Explain to your learners that we are all going back to the 1980s. Ask whether any of the staff were born in that decade. Joke with the learners about how old the staff are compared to them. Search on Audio Networks (My School Apps) for Pass the Time by Gareth Johnson and Justin Johnson. Play this to start the lesson.

What to DoBefore bringing your learners in, set out different areas in the hall for different parts of the story. Gather all your learners into a small area of the hall before you begin your story. Explain to them that the eighties were a very busy decade and they need to have lots of energy because they are going to be active. Then use Resource 5: A Walk through the Eighties to accompany this sensory activity.

Further SuggestionsEighties film During the story, record some clips and take photos of the activities and learner reactions. Using an application like iMovie or MovieMaker, create a film of all your experiences of the eighties. Use a mix of your learners’ favourite songs from the eighties as a soundtrack.

Thriller experience If possible, take a recording of Thriller to a wooded area and walk through the woods as you listen to it. Before you take your learners outside, you could hide some Halloween type resources to represent the video (please take into account your learners’ age range and beliefs, and those of your staff).

Learning Activity 4

The Hi-Tech Eighties


Areas of LearningPrimaryLanguage and Literacy The Arts (Music and Drama)Personal Development and Mutual UnderstandingThe World Around UsPhysical Development and Movement/Physical Education

Post-PrimaryLanguage and Literacy The Arts (Music and Drama)Personal DevelopmentEnvironment and Society Physical Education


What You Need

Resource 5: A Walk through the Eighties

• Large open space (preferably a hall) • Big wigs and mirrors• Cowboy hats• Gravy granules and warm water• Images of Princess Diana • Princess jewels, tiaras, clothing, etc. • Prince crowns and clothing • Baby dolls • Computer and projector • Leather jackets• Inflatable and real guitars• Drums and drum sticks • Long wigs for the rock look

• Clay or dough• Teddies of all shapes and sizes • Basket, laminated image of ET and a

blanket • Communicator or recordable button with

the words ‘ET phone home’ recorded on it • CDs or DVDs• Cheese, pineapple and pickled onions • Pass the parcel – a gift or surprise

wrapped enough times to allow each learner in the group to unwrap it once before someone discovers the gift

• Pac-Man costume (search online for an eighties Pac-Man costume)

• White clothing or an old shirt• Ultraviolet light• Torches, lights and skeleton hands• Eighties fluorescent clothing –

legwarmers, fingerless gloves etc.

Learning Activity 5

The NewsflashNineties

Setting the SceneThis activity takes the form of a news report. Set the classroom up like a newsroom and a living room in a house where everyone is waiting for the news to start.


Areas of LearningPrimary Personal Development and Mutual Understanding The World Around UsMathematics and Numeracy

Post-Primary Personal DevelopmentScience and TechnologyMathematics


What You Need

Resource 6: Nineties News Report

• Webcam connected to a computer or a tablet (with a camera) that will display on a large-screen interactive whiteboard

• Papers (for shuffling)• Microphone • Communicator or recordable

button• Internet access • Bean-filled soft toys• Selection of grunge music

(search for ‘grunge’ on My School – Audio Networks or online)

• Water spray• Water, chains, ropes and

small bits of wood in a bowl• Collection of black and white

images, materials, etc. • Simple high contrast app to

stimulate sight, engagement and tracking, for example the B&W High Contrast App by Fisher-Price


What to DoPosition your learners as if they are watching the TV.

Ask one or two of your learners to be newsreaders.

Set up a webcam and focus on the learners who are newsreaders.

If possible, project the footage of your learners reading the news onto the interactive whiteboard or large screen.

Play an audio clip from the 1990s. Search online for examples. You can find archive audio clips at www.bbc.co.uk

Record the script from Resource 6: Nineties News Report onto a switch communication device. As you play each item to the class, give your learners the relevant sensory cues listed in the resource. Allow each learner time to become aware and respond.

20 0 0

Setting the SceneThis is the start of the new millennium. Play Millennium by Robbie Williams to introduce this decade. Talk to your learners about how this was the biggest party night ever. Then tell them that they are going to have their own party, just as everyone did back in 1999. Prepare the classroom for a party by decorating it with balloons, streamers, party tablecloths and banners. Display cut-out signs of the number 2000. Make these as tactile and sensory as you can. Talk to your learners about the year they were born. Ask whether anyone in the class was born in this decade.

What to DoThe class is going to have the biggest party ever. Gather all your learners into a circle. Talk about how important it is to make sure everyone is included, so it’s time to check who is here today. Ask a member of staff to go around the group and interact on a one-to-one basis, using one or more of the following approaches. These will work extremely well if the learner is seated or lying on a resonance board.

Tap or Clap Names Tap or clap to the syllables of each learner’s name, for example Hel-lo Sa-rah would be four taps or claps.

Hide and findTap a simple tune, such as Frère Jacques, as you sing a rhyme to each learner.

Where is Sarah? Where is Sarah?Here she is, here she is,

(another learner’s name) can you find her?(another learner’s name) can you find her?

Yes you did, yes you did!

Try covering the learner, if they will accept this, with a light fabric. Then lift the fabric off to uncover them to the rest of the class.

Learning Activity 6

The Noughties


20 0 0

DrummingThe party is getting louder and faster. Ask staff to drum on the resonance board, chanting ‘the party’s getting louder, the party’s getting faster’. They should increase the speed of the drumming and vary the tone of the chanting, then suddenly stop. Observe your learners’ reactions.

Party TimeGive each learner a party bag filled with items to interact with and explore. As they do this, play music from the decade.

What You Need• Millennium party items • Cut-outs depicting 2000• Party poppers• Pom-poms• Music from the years

1999–2000• Resonance board • Party hat• Party sash • Piece of cake (be aware of

individual needs) • Party poppers• Pom-poms • Streamers • Balloons• Music on a tablet • Perfume or aftershave• Squirty cream • Jelly • Ice cream

Areas of LearningPrimary Personal Development and Mutual Understanding Mathematics and Numeracy

Post-Primary Personal DevelopmentMathematics



Setting the SceneExplain to your learners that we are about to look back over many years. Search Audio Networks or online for a piece of music called Time Travel to play in the background as your learners participate in this activity.

What to DoUse these items to make up a Stepping Back in Time sensory box. You can enhance any theme using sensory boxes. You can use sensory boxes:

• with individuals or small groups;

• to work on individual targets linked to your theme;

• to enhance the other activities; and

• to provide each learner with as much access as possible to the theme.

Use Resource 7: Step Back in Time through the Decades to introduce each sensory item to your learners.

Decades Pick ’n’ MixYou can do this activity in a group situation. Prepare the activities using Resource 8: Decades Pick ’n’ Mix before starting the lesson. Give each learner the opportunity to choose the activity he or she wants to do.

Learning Activity 7

The Sensational Years

Areas of LearningPrimaryPersonal Development and Mutual Understanding Mathematics and Numeracy

Post-PrimaryPersonal DevelopmentMathematics

What You Need

Resource 7: Step Back in Time through the Decades

Resource 8: Decades Pick ’n’ Mix

• Small hula hoop covered in tinsel or glitter or with bells attached

• Beatles music on a recordable device

• Floral aromatherapy oil on silk flowers

• Night Fever music • Disco ball • White glove • Deely boppers • Fluorescent leg warmers • CDs made into a mobile• Ultraviolet light

Further SuggestionsPersonalised sensory books Use a range of textures, colours and materials to create an individualised book for each learner. Include photographs you have taken throughout the theme and incorporate these into a story or diary about Stepping Back in Time.

Sensory boardCollect a variety of items that evoke the decades your learners have encountered. For example:

• Old CDs

• Old vinyl records (you can find LPs or singles in charity shops)

• Small mirrors of different shapes and sizes

• Selection of textured squares, for example blue suede, psychedelic fabric, sequined or holographic fabric, attached to a spring key ring so that learners can try it on

• Battery-powered push button wall light stuck on a black silhouette cut out of one of The Beatles

• White or silver glove attached to a spring key ring so learners can try it on

Attach these to a large piece of plywood or chipboard with rounded edges. Support your learners to explore each item.



The FiftiesSlide 1:We’re off to the 1950s

Slide 2:The war years are over and everyone is gladIt’s the 1950s and there’s a good time to be had

Slide 3:It’s the age of the typewriter, click, click, PING!

Sensory ActivitiesUse a communication device to play the sound of a manual typewriter. Encourage your learners to press the button to hear the sound. If you have an old typewriter, encourage your learners to experience the feel and sounds of pressing the keys.

Slide 4: And the age of the transistor radio – when we could hear Elvis sing

Sensory ActivitiesGive each learner a piece of blue suede or velvet and play Elvis Presley’s Blue Suede Shoes on a large screen or interactive whiteboard. You may wish to back project the video of Elvis onto a large white sheet and give each learner a personal experience by hanging it from a curtain pole or moveable bar. Encourage all the staff and learners to dance to the music.

Slide 5:In the 1950s hula hoops were all the rage

Sensory ActivitiesPlace a hula hoop covered in tinsel or glitter over each learner. If appropriate, support them to experience the hula hoop around their waist. Staff can show the learners how to hula hoop and look for their reactions. Play The Hula Hoop Song as everyone tries some hula hooping. Encourage lots of swirling and moving to the music.

Resource 1: The Fifties (Whiteboard Slides) (1 of 3)(available from the Inclusion and SEN at www.nicurriculum.org.uk)


Slide 6: And The Sound of Music hit the Broadway Stage

Sensory ActivitiesPlay a song from The Sound of Music. If you are using the theme track, light a candle with the fragrance of grass or outdoors or encourage your learners to look at, feel and smell fresh grass. To give the feeling of running through the hills, as appropriate, give learners a switch-accessible fan (using PowerLink) or, for battery-operated fans, use a switch battery adaptor (available from www.inclusive.co.uk). Support your learners to feel the wind on their faces and bodies as the track plays.

Slide 7:Disneyland in California opened for all the world to see

Sensory ActivitiesDepending on their age, give each learner a Disney toy or model or some Mickey Mouse ears (make your own with your learners). Have a parade with your learners and/or staff dressed up as Disney characters. Wave glow sticks as the characters go past. Play Disney music in the background.

Slide 8: And in the 1950s they introduced colour TV

Sensory ActivitiesProject the clip from The Wizard of Oz onto a large screen. As this is playing, gently move past your learners, waving silk scarves or dancing with coloured ribbons. ORWith your learners sitting in a circle, support them to waft a brightly coloured parachute. Gradually introduce coloured objects of different shapes and sizes. Encourage your learners to waft the parachute to make the objects bounce.

Slide 9:Aged just 25 Princess Elizabeth became Queen

Sensory ActivitiesIntroduce perfume (because a Queen smells nice) and a crown. Younger learners could wear something the Queen might wear.

Resource 1: The Fifties (Whiteboard Slides) (2 of 3)


Slide 10: And in the 1950s we met Barbie, the prettiest doll you’ve ever seen!

Sensory ActivitiesEncourage your learners to explore dolls, such as Barbie and Ken (for male and female learners). Put some aftershave on a cotton wool ball to represent Ken or perfume to represent Barbie. Younger learners could wear something Barbie/Ken might wear.

Slide 11:In the 1950s people liked to eat grapefruit and fruit in a cup

Sensory ActivitiesDepending on their individual needs, encourage each learner to taste, feel or smell two or more of these items: grapefruit, fruit in a cup, frozen melon balls

Slide 12: Or melon ball cocktails – if you’d like one, put your hand up!

Sensory ActivitiesUsing crushed ice and a range of fruit juices (be aware of allergies), give your learners opportunities to experience tasting very cold fruit drinks. Through this activity, your learners may show a preference or communicate if they would like more.

Slide 13:So the 1950s were busy with lots of things happening every year.What was your favourite sensory experience? We’d all like to hear!

Sensory ActivitiesGive your learners a choice of two experiences from Sections 1–12. This will work best if you provide one preferred and one non-preferred item. If appropriate, give each learner time to indicate their preference and allow them time to enjoy and experience it.

Resource 1: The Fifties (Whiteboard Slides) (3 of 3)


Fondue Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 2 teaspoons ground dry mustard

• 1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 6 cups grated cheddar cheese

MethodMix the milk, Worcestershire sauce, ground dry mustard, garlic and flour in a medium saucepan. Heat gently until it is almost boiling. Gradually add the cheddar cheese, stirring continually until it has melted. Keep the mixture warm in a fondue dish.

Resource 2: Fondue Recipe

Sixties Song(Search online for the tune: My Corner Master’s Store)

Verse 1There were the first tapes,

We sometimes call cassettesIn the sixties, in the sixties There were the first tapes,

We sometimes call cassettesIn the 1960s years

Sensory ActivitiesGive your learners the large cut-outs of the numbers 1960 to feel and explore.

Chorus It was such a great era for mankind

We met James Bond, if you don’t mindWe met James Bond, if you don’t mind!

Sensory ActivitiesShow your learners a silhouette of James Bond. If possible, place it on a light box for effect.

Verse 2 There were vinyl records,

which spun round and roundIn the sixties, in the sixties

There were vinyl records, which spun round and roundIn the 1960s years

Sensory ActivitiesGive your learners the vinyl records to look at, feel and listen to.Create a mobile using old records and hang this from the ceiling (ensure that your learners can see or feel it).



Sensory ActivitiesShow your learners a silhouette of James Bond. If possible place it on a light box for effect.

Resource 3: Sixties Song (1 of 3)




Verse 3 There were lasers, lasers of all shapes and sizes

In the sixties, in the sixtiesThere were lasers, lasers of all shapes and sizes

In the 1960s years

Sensory ActivitiesGive your learners a range of Star Wars-type light sabres.




Verse 4Then came The Beatles,

Beatles from the town of LiverpoolIn the sixties, in the sixties

Then came The Beatles Beatles from the town of Liverpool

In the 1960s years

Sensory ActivitiesPlay the Yellow Submarine song by The Beatles. Encourage each learner to sit inside one of the submarines they have made (in suitable seating).

ChorusIt was such a great era for mankind


Sensory ActivitiesShow your learners a silhouette of James Bond. If possible place it on a light box for effect.



Verse 5Then Star Trek made it onto our TVs

In the sixties, in the sixtiesThen Star trek made it onto our TVs

In the 1960s yearsSensory ActivitiesTurn off the lights. Ask staff to position an umbrella with battery-operated lights attached above your learners so they can experience a Star Trek spaceship coming down to land on their knees.

ChorusIt was such a great era for mankind




Resource 4: Stepping Back in Time to the Seventies (Sensory Story) (1 of 2)

Stepping Back in Time to the Seventies

ScriptWe were sitting in our class

Just like any other dayWhen the Principal came by to say,

‘You’d better be on your way’Where to? said the staff,

We don’t know what you mean(S)He said you’ve a ticket for the super-duper

Amazing time machine!

Sensory ActivitiesGive each learner a large golden ticket. Make ‘whoop, whoop’ sounds to show that this is the most sought after ticket and something to get excited about!

ScriptHip Hip! we all said with excitement and glee

How about we go back to 1973?That’s a long time ago and sure seems like a good year

So let’s get our act together – we’ve nothing to fear

Sensory ActivitiesGather your learners into a circle and fasten their seatbelts.

ScriptWe’ve boarded the time machine and pressed ‘Back in Time’

We started the countdown, but only got to number nineWe’re here already, I see floppy disks all around

They are small and square, most definitely not round

Sensory ActivitiesAs appropriate, encourage your learners to press the button to hear ‘Back in Time’. If possible, provide your learners with a floppy disk each to examine, feel the shape and experience on different parts of their bodies. Talk about the square shape, four corners, four sides etc.


ScriptWhat’s that over there? it’s a movie on a VCR tape

And there’s one of a lady telling us how to get in shapeThe tapes were oblong and so was a VCR

And when you opened the reel inside, it went really far!

Sensory ActivitiesPlace a stack of VCR tapes in the middle of the group. Give each learner a tape to explore. Talk about the shape, colour and size. Take an old tape and, where appropriate, allow the learners to experience pulling it, exploring it, looking at it, etc.

ScriptIn the seventies we got to meet Princess Leia and Han Solo – so cool

And don’t forget Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader – they RULE!Star Wars was so popular and a hit across the land

If we sit nice and still, we might feel the power of Darth Vader’s hand!

Sensory ActivitiesPresent your learners with Star Wars models, toys or costumes to explore. Turn out the lights and shine a laser beam, moving it rapidly around the room.Place a monster hand on the learner’s hand or shoulder and observe their reaction.

ScriptIn the 1970s music was very popular and discos all the rage

If we’d been living then, we’d have had a Walkman from a young ageA Walkman played tapes and you would have had earphones too

So you could listen to music and choose whatever suited you!

Sensory ActivitiesIf you have a Walkman, allow your learners to explore this. Place plastic headphones on the learners and play some seventies music. If you are using a more modern device, ensure that you hide it so that only the headphones are visible.

ScriptIs that the Principal again, telling us to hurry back?

We’d better go quickly or else the class staff might get the sack!We’ve really learned about the seventies and what happened back thenBut it’s time to come back to 20__ as we listen to the chimes of Big Ben!

Sensory ActivitiesPlay the sound of Big Ben striking twelve or record the sound on a recordable button and encourage your learners to press the button to activate the chimes.

Resource 4: Stepping Back in Time to the Seventies (Sensory Story) (2 of 2)


A Walk through the Eighties

ScriptIt’s back to the 1980s, the era of big hair and shoulder pads.

Sensory ActivitiesEncourage your learners and staff to try on a range of big wigs while looking at themselves in the mirror.

ScriptWhen everyone knew who JR was and loved to watch the Bisto gravy ads.

Sensory ActivitiesSupport your learners to try on a selection of cowboy hats to represent JR.Mix some gravy granules with a small amount of warm water (to create a strong aroma).

ScriptAt the start of the decade we met someone called Lady Di

She then became a Princess – so pretty, my, my! With her blonde hair, big eyes and pretty clothes

She was so popular and a trendsetter, as everyone knows

Sensory ActivitiesShow your learners images of Lady Diana.Allow them to explore and try on (if appropriate) some princess or prince type jewels – rings, necklaces, crowns, brooches or medals. Use the mirrors to encourage your learners to look at themselves. Comment on how regal everyone looks.

ScriptThen Princess Diana had a baby and William was his name

They went on their first holiday to Australia on a great big aeroplane!

Sensory ActivitiesIntroduce baby dolls to your learners and allow everyone to meet Prince William. Encourage your learners to hold him, say hello, touch him, etc.

Resource 5: A Walk through the Eighties (1 of 4)


ScriptIn the eighties everyone loved music, many liked heavy metal and rock

The male singers had long hair, all the way down their back They wore tight jeans and a T-shirt and sometimes a leather jacketFor some their music was amazing and others it was a pure racket!

Sensory ActivitiesDarken the room slightly and tell your learners they are going to a rock concert. Play a clip of a rock band on a large screen or project it onto a wall. Give your learners toy or inflatable guitars, wigs, leather jackets etc. With both the learners and the staff dressed up, encourage them to rock to the music. Exaggerate your movements and encourage your learners to move back and forth in time to the music. Make use of any space you have. You could extend this activity by inviting staff and learners from another class to be the audience for your concert. Some may like it and some may not. It’s all part of the fun and learning experience. Extend the activity by playing a selection of heavy metal or rock tracks available on Audio Networks. Observe how your learners react.

ScriptTV programmes were for families and full of fun

The Generation Game was about the most popular oneFamilies had to take part in games, like wrapping a present for a boy

And the winner had to name things on a conveyer belt, including the cuddly toy

Sensory ActivitiesPlay the theme tune to The Generation Game (available from www.televisiontunes.com)Play a range of games and introduce a range of sensory experiences over several weeks. Search online for The Generation Game for ideas. The one consistent item is the cuddly toy. Give your learners different sized teddies. Encourage them to feel, hold, look at and celebrate having the cuddly toy.

ScriptDuring the 1980s we met ET, the cutest creature from outer space,

He made friends on earth and even went on a bicycle in a fast and furious raceET was so cute, but far away from space he did roam,

And all he really wanted was to go home

Sensory ActivitiesYou will need some space for this activity. Give each learner a basket and a laminated picture of ET wrapped in a white blanket. As you prepare, explain to your learners that they are off on their bicycles on a very fast race. Support your learners to move between obstacles (such as cones or peers) and see who gets back to their place first!Support each learner to press the recordable button to hear ET’s message.



ScriptThe CD was invented and used at all the cool parties

Where you could eat cocktail sausages, meatballs and tons of Smarties!

Sensory ActivitiesGive each of your learners an old CD to explore and look at their reflection in. Talk about the shape etc. You could make a CD mobile with your learners. Hold it at different positions to encourage tracking, head control, etc. Depending on each learner’s needs, you could introduce some eighties party food. Encourage your learners to smell or look at the food. For those who are able to taste, this is a good opportunity to try new things.

ScriptCheese, pineapple and pickled onion on cocktail sticks were so on trend

And playing pass the parcel sent some of the kids round the bend

Sensory ActivitiesPlay pass the parcel. Pass a wrapped present from one learner to the next. Support each learner to open one layer of wrapping when the music stops and the parcel is on their knee. Make a big noise and fuss when you get to the last layer of wrapping paper.

ScriptOh those were the great days when Pac-Man was the game to play

The aim was to not get killed and keep out of the wayYou had to be quick to eat the dots and dodge the ghosts

That was a long time before those Facebook gaming posts!

Sensory ActivitiesRole play a maze game such as Pac-Man. Invite a learner and a member of staff to dress up as Pac-Man (search online for ‘eighties Pac-Man costume’ for ideas). Encourage the other learners and staff to dress up as ghosts or dots. If you’re a dot and Pac-Man catches you, then you must sit out the rest of the game. The Ghosts chase Pac-Man. If a ghost catches Pac-Man, another learner must replace him.This will work particularly well if you darken the hall or room and use white costumes with ultraviolet light to create a more game-like feel. Play Gaming from Audio Networks to add the sound effects of the game. Search online for information about Pac-Man.



ScriptAs far as fashion goes, the eighties reigns supreme

The teens liked to wear clothes in fluorescent pink or green!Leg warmers were so popular and fingerless gloves tooAnd earrings so big you could put your hands through!

Sensory ActivitiesGive your learners lots of samples of fluorescent material, leg warmers or clothes to touch, feel and look at. If possible, use an ultraviolet light to enhance the effect.

Depending on allergies and your learners’ individual needs, you could use fluorescent paint on different parts of staff and learners’ bodies to encourage exploration, body awareness and tracking. Encourage your learners to make fluorescent patterns on large sheets of paper on the floor. Support them to make marks with wheelchair wheels, hands, feet, elbows etc. Create an explosion of eighties colour.

Encourage each learner to try on some legwarmers and fingerless gloves (available online). Support them to try different textured gloves (cut fingertips off ordinary gloves) for example wool, lace, cotton or rubber.

Encourage your learners to explore a range of eighties jewellery.

Finish this activity by listening to Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Darken the room and explain that everyone needs to be alert as there may be a few surprises. Use a range of torches and flashlights to attract your learners’ attention. Turn these on and off sporadically at different angles to each learner. Look for startling, awareness, tracking and anticipation. Use the space you have. Depending on the age of your learners, you could introduce some skeleton hands. Use these to shake each learner’s hand or tap them on the shoulder.

ScriptSo that’s the end of our visit to the eighties, but there’s so much more to learn

Maybe next time we will find out about Michael Jackson’s Thriller, or why everyone wanted a perm!



Nineties News Report(Use a switch communication device to record the script below

for learners to play back.)

Sensory ActivitiesUse the local news audio clip from Audio Networks (available through C2k) to introduce this lesson. Shuffle papers on the table and give your learners some papers to shuffle.

ScriptGood morning/afternoon

You are listening to the (time) o’clock news brought to you live from class (name)

Sensory ActivitiesPlace a microphone in front of each learner. Encourage each learner to press the button on a communication device to play an appropriate pre-recorded news message.

ScriptThis is (learner’s name) and I am (staff name)

We’ll begin with a story for our younger viewers. There is a range of cute and cuddly toys available in the shops. Some of them are filled with small, hard beans

that are nice to feel, squeeze and hold. We’ve been told there are lots to collect and they are on sale now.

Sensory ActivitiesGive your learners a range of bean-filled soft toys. Encourage them to take turns to experience holding, feeling, looking at and reacting to the toys. Talk about their colours and characteristics.

To encourage your learners to experience the beans in the toys, give them a bowl of barley to explore.

Script(Now over to our United States reporter (learner’s name) live from

Seattle, Washington.

The world wide web has been created. This is a new and exciting way to find information through your computer. The world will be at your fingertips 24/7. You can find information about animals, countries and your favourite music bands.

Sensory ActivitiesSearch online for the sound of ‘dial-up internet’.

Play Gadget Lover from Audio Networks and provide keyboards for your learners to experience pressing the keys or feeling the keys with their hands.

Resource 6: Nineties News Report (1 of 2)


ScriptStaying in Seattle, we are going to speak to our entertainment correspondent

about the latest craze in music.

Good morning/afternoon from Seattle, I am here live in the hometown of the band called Nirvana. Nirvana is the biggest band on the grunge circuit, not only in America but also across the world. Their unique sound is making waves across the

music industry.

Sensory ActivitiesPlay a grunge song from the nineties (for example search for Tracker on Audio Networks). As this plays, give each learner a selection of drums and cymbals to experiment with and explore.

ScriptStaying with our entertainment theme, we’re going over to our

UK correspondent (learner’s name).

Hello from Leicester Square, London. Box office figures have just been released and we can tell you that Titanic, the film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate

Winslet, is the most successful film ever made. The tale of the huge passenger liner, which set sail from Belfast and sank in the Atlantic ocean, has captivated

audiences across the world. Sensory ActivitiesGive your learners a bowl of water and allow them to feel and explore it. Gently spray some water onto each learner from a distance as you talk about the spray from the waves. Search online for ‘real footage of the Titanic shipwreck’ and play this on a large screen in a darkened room as your learners explore the chains, rope and small pieces of wood in a bowl of water. (If possible, you could visit Titanic Belfast for a new experience.)

ScriptJust before the weather report, we have our weekly fashion update

from our own fashionista (learner’s name).

1990s styles are changing. Gone are the bright colours of the eighties. Top fashion houses are saying we are moving towards a more minimalist look with lots of

black and neutral colours. Let’s have a look at some of the latest trends.

Sensory ActivitiesPrepare a tactile book of black and white images and materials. Encourage each learner to explore the book. Use a very simple high contrast app to stimulate sight, engagement and tracking. For example, the B&W High Contrast App by Fisher-Price is good for younger learners or search online for black and white patterns and save these onto your tablet to run as a slideshow.

Resource 6: Nineties News Report (2 of 2)


Sensory item – Small hula hoop covered in tinsel or glitter or with bells attached (1950s trend)

Sensory ActivitiesGive your learners time to explore the hula hoop with their eyes, hands and other parts of their bodies. Draw their attention to the sounds. Does it fit over the learner’s head, arm, leg or whole body? Talk to your learners about the different parts of their bodies. Ask a member of staff to demonstrate how to use a hula hoop.

Sensory item – Music by The Beatles on a recordable device (music from the 1960s)Sensory ActivitiesPlay a piece of music by The Beatles. Look for changes in each learner’s movement, eyes, face or breathing. Does the learner show a preference for a particular Beatles song?

Sensory item – Floral aromatherapy oil on silk flowers (Flower Power 1960s)Sensory ActivitiesGive your learners a selection of coloured silk flowers and add some perfume or essential oil.

Sensory item – Night Fever music and disco ball (Saturday Night Fever 1970s) Sensory ActivitiesGive each learner an opportunity to look at the disco ball in a darkened room. You could attach a switch to the disco ball to give the learner more control and develop cause and effect.

Sensory item – White glove (Michael Jackson 1980s) Sensory ActivitiesEncourage either a learner or a member of staff to wear a white glove. Use ultraviolet lights in a darkened room to enhance the visual effect.

Sensory item – Deely boppers (headband from 1980s and again in 2000s) Sensory ActivitiesPosition a mirror in front of each learner and encourage them to try on the deely boppers. You and the staff can try them on too and observe your learners’ reactions.

Sensory item – Fluorescent leg warmers (1980s trend)Sensory ActivitiesTry the legwarmers on your learners’ arms and legs. Darken the room and switch on the ultraviolet lights to enhance the visual effect.

CD or several made into a mobile (1990s – present) Sensory ActivitiesHold the CD mobile at different angles to your learners to see if they reach out, track or respond to any movement or noise it makes as you move it.

Resource 7: Step Back in Time through the Decades


Decades Pick ’n’ Mix

What to Do Print or photocopy this page. Cut out each box, glue it to a piece of card and laminate it.Place each card into a small bag or sack. Allow your learners to choose which activity to do.

Sights of the Fifties Hula hoops – explore lots of circles of different shapes, sizes, textures and

colours: curtain rings, bangles, slinkies, rings, elastic bands, etc.

Sights of the Sixties Black and White – explore a selection of black and white items in a black and

white box or bag.

Sights and smells of the SixtiesExplore flowers (artificial and real) by smelling and feeling them.

Wear a hippy garland. Use perfume on cotton balls.

Textures of the SixtiesExperience a mud slide and make a muddy mess

(Sieve cornflour into a bowl, mix with water, add some cocoa for a Woodstock mud effect.)

Resource 8: Decades Pick ’n’ Mix (1 of 2)


Resource 1: Waking the Senses (PowerPoint) (1 of 2)


Smells of the Sixties Go outside and collect rose petals, feel them, smell them, and then add

them to some fizzy water … swirl and sniff!

Sounds of the Seventies Listen to music from the seventies by groups such as Abba.

Smells of the Eighties Berry paint – mix and taste some paints made with strawberries, blueberries,

raspberries and gooseberries.

Sights and Sounds of the NinetiesPlay the theme tune and watch an extract from The Simpsons.

Smells of the NoughtiesExperience a range of fragrant oils and lotions

(Provide oils and lotions for the learners to experience on their hands, arms, feet and legs. Make sure to be aware of allergies.)

Textures of the Noughties Make some brightly coloured play dough and then use it to make some funky

jewellery (beads) – add glitter, sequins and bling!

Resource 8: Decades Pick ’n’ Mix (2 of 2)



Acknowledgements:

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