Introduction
Before the session use a consistent object of reference or on body signs to support a child or young person to anticipate what is going to happen next.
In the sensory room
Choose music to start the session. This will support anticipation of events. You do not have to do all of these activities in one session. Always go at the child or young person’s pace and use their preferences and interests to create activities.
Supporting communication
Objective: for the child or young person to communicate intentionally.
Equipment: Big Mack switch (or alternative) and torch.
Sing:
If …. Is here today, if ….is here today, if …. is here they’ll press the switch
(on the Big Mack record either Good Morning or I’m here today or hello)
If needed, shine the torch onto the Big Mack and place in the best position of the child to touch.
Once the child has pressed the switch sing:
…. is here today.
Awareness of self
Objective: for the child or young person to develop awareness of self, choice making.
Equipment: torch, a large clear mirror, choice of two hats.
Sing – Dingle Dangle Scarecrow
Present two hats in child’s mid line of vision, shine torch (if needed) between the two and ask them ‘which hat?’ – giving them plenty of time to respond
Place hat on child, stand behind child and hold mirror in front (will need two people for this)
…..’s a dingle dangle scarecrow with a flippy, floppy hat.
He/She can shake his head like this and shake his/her hands like that.
Sing through twice
Hands
Objective: to encourage awareness of hands and anticipation.
Equipment: bright gloves.
The adult wears the gloves and says the rhyme
…’s hands are happy hands (palms up)
…’s hands are sad hands (palms down)
…’s hands are kind hands (move …’s hands out towards you as if giving)
…’s hands are glad (clapping)
…’s hands are high hands (Arms up & encourage to look up)
…’s hands are low hands (arms down)
And …’s hands are going to have to ……….go! (hands moved to the side, watch for anticipation)
Vertical and horizontal tracking
Objective: to focus and track vertically.
Equipment: Coloured LED light spinner.
Move the LED light slowly up and down in the midline or peripheral fields depending on the child’s best vision.
Repeat horizontally. Always giving the child plenty of time to respond.
Which colour LED light does each child respond best to? Record this to spot preferences.
Goodbye
Objective: to encourage child or young person to anticipate when the session has finished.
Equipment: Relaxation music or bubbles.
Finish the session with bubbles being blown over the child.
Use on body signs to indicate session has finished.