The revised edition of this highly practical guide to creating and using multi-sensory environments is packed full of ideas for low-cost, easy to assemble multi-sensory environments suitable for children of varying ages and abilities. Each creative learning environment is designed to be constructed in a classroom or school hall, encouraging creative thinking and learning, and development of social and emotional skills. Each environment idea is accompanied by suggestions for use for children with special educational needs.
Key features of the revised edition include:
Although these activities will be of particular value for children with special educational needs or sensory impairments, they are more broadly designed to provide stimulating learning environments, as promoted in the themes and principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage Guidance. This is an invaluable resource for teachers and other professionals in education.
‘This book will offer a whole new world of sensory experience for all students. The author, Christopher Davies, fully appreciates the time demands on school staff. His instructions are meticulous and detailed – offering total solutions for busy teachers to create stimulating learning environments. Be prepared to be "wowed".’
Lorraine Petersen, CEO of nasen
‘As an experienced teacher still working in the classroom after twenty years I know I will use this book.’
John Naylor, Advanced Skills Teacher, Yeoman Park School
‘This book provides a treasure chest of ways to motivate and engage children and the adults working with them. It is accessible to anyone and with a minimum of resources can be used to create memorable learning environments and magical moments. Be prepared to be inspired and re-energised!’
Isobel Dearman, Deputy Headteacher, Hillcrest School
‘This book provides an excellent treasure chest of ways to create environments that motivate and engage children, young people and the adults working with them. It is accessible to anyone and often with the minimum of resources. Christopher uses a tried and tested formula that can be adapted to meet the needs of individuals to create memorable learning and possible magical moments. The non-judgemental approaches advocated in the book gives children and young people the confidence to surprise us with what they are capable of achieving. This is a book all about having a go. Be prepared to be inspired and re-energised!’
Isobel Dearman, Deputy Headteacher, Hillcrest School
‘As a Newly Qualified Teacher I would have been very happy to have come across this book. The thing that impresses me most . . . is its promotion of the idea that teachers as well as students can be learners in creative partnership.’
John Naylor, Advanced Skills Teacher, Yeoman Park School, Nottinghamshire
Foreword: Lorraine Petersen, CEO of nasen Acknowledgements Introduction How to use this book Creating a non-judgemental space for learning Use of terminology and acronyms SECTION ONE: Getting started Structures for creating spaces Fixed points around the classroom Pulley system Hooks at the entrance Creating height Defining the space Circle of corrugated card Circle of poles Cover the furniture and walls Circle of carpet squares Entrances Doorways Tunnels Passageways Gazebos SECTION TWO: Environments and activities Part 1: Rooms within rooms 1 Musical Forest 2 Storytelling Sari Tent 3 Undersea World 4 Rainforest Jungle 5 Clothes Rail Screens 6 Laundry Part 2: Newsprint 7 Snowfield 8 Projection Screen 9 Snowballs 10 Floor Covering 11 Pile of Paper Part 3: Card and cardboard 12 Trenches of World War I 13 Snow Queen’s Castle 14 Sea Cave 15 Home on the Street Part 4: Other . . . 16 Umbrella Canopy and Umbrella Tent 17 Rotary Washing Line 18 Garden Pond 19 Bomb Site – World War II 20 Woodland Floor 21 Herb Garden 22 Circle of Straw Bales 23 Border Crossing SECTION THREE: Appendices 3.1 The author Index
The nasen spotlight series provides practical guidance and tried-and-tested resources for all schools and professionals involved in supporting Special Educational Needs. Written by leading experts and covering a wide range of important issues relating to SEN, the books include accessible explanations and examples of best practice, as well as tools and techniques that you can use to improve provision in school. Several new books are published each year to reflect your changing professional needs, and the whole series is brought to you by nasen, the leading organisation representing SEN professionals.
