Sensory learning: a practical guide for support staff
Discover why a sensory learning approach is crucial for learners with severe/complex needs and autism.
with Carol Allen and Richard Hirstwood
13 October 2022: 9am – 12 noon
By linking sensory learning activities to theory, we explicitly explain why this approach is crucial for learners with severe/complex learning needs and autism.
We start with how the sensory system works and its role in learning. Then, we introduce observation techniques to identify a pupil’s sensory preferences and highlight their potential learning barriers. We go on to use this information to create personalised sensory play activities.
We consider strategies to accommodate a pupil’s sensory impairment in the classroom. We focus on the key issues affecting pupils with both visual and hearing impairments.
We introduce a toolkit of sensory learning ideas and activities you can use confidently with your learners in your classroom tomorrow.
This session is for teaching assistants and support staff. The resources, ideas and activities shared throughout the sessions will support your team in understanding how to implement these in the classroom with intent and effectiveness.
9 am Admission and virtual tea/coffee to start!
9.05 am Warm Up Session!
9.15 am Session 1: Introduction to sensory learning
We start by introducing what the sensory system is and what we mean by sensory learning.
In this session, delegates will explore how:
the sensory system works
the sensory system helps you learn
to manage a learner’s sensory seeking or avoiding behaviours
to offer the right amount of sensory stimulation
9.45 am Session 2: Using an Engagement Profile
In this session, delegates will explore:
what an engagement profile is
what curiosity, engagement, and anticipation look like
why these attributes are essential in teaching and learning
10.05 am BREAKOUT ROOM ACTIVITY:
If you have students reluctant to join in: a) how can you tell and b) what are your options?
10.20 am WHOLE GROUP DISCUSSION
10.30 am Session 3: Observation
In this session, delegates will explore:
simple successful observation strategies
how to capture what’s essential
how to record, save and share your observations
10.45 am COFFEE AND MINI ONLINE LEARNING TASK
11.15 am Session 4: Supporting your teacher
This session will offer some quick strategies to make supporting your teacher easier and your time management more efficient.
In this session, delegates will explore:
supporting teaching and learning in whole class activities
supporting teaching and learning in small groups
supporting teaching and learning with individual pupils
11.30 am Session 5: Ideas, ideas, ideas!
This session will offer a wide range of practical resources you can source or make for your classroom. In addition, we suggest ideas for maximising the effective use of each item.
11.50 am Q & A
12 noon Plenary, thank you and goodbye!
This course will be appropriate for classroom practitioners from special schools and colleges, mainstream settings with specialist SEN provision and early years settings, and working with pupils with severe/complex learning needs and autism, or both.
Richard Hirstwood is passionate about enabling educators/practitioners to maximise the impact of delivering sensory learning opportunities, in a sensory room or other learning environments, with the available resources. His extensive experience is based on practical knowledge, giving him insight into what works and what doesn’t in multi sensory practice. Regular sessions with children and adults with autism and all additional needs in a variety of multi sensory and classroom settings enable him to maintain this excellent practice.
Carol Allen is an education advisor for ICT and Inclusion, currently offering specialised support to Local Authorities, schools, parents and carers and a wide range of educators worldwide. She has taught since 1980 in both mainstream schools – primary and high, and schools for students with severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties. As an English specialist, she recognises that communication lies at the heart of all effective teaching. Accordingly, most of her work has centred on technology’s creative and engaging use to support communication in its broadest sense.
The following resources will be available in your account for one week after the course date: a digital recording of this event, any resources shared/signposted during the session and a transcript of Zoom chat.
Each place costs £60 plus VAT (£72 in total.)
You can choose to pay by credit card for this booking. You can also request an invoice by confirming your booking by entering a Purchase Order Number on the booking form.
To make a group booking, please select the number of places you wish to book using the drop-down menu in the ‘Book event’ section. Select ‘next.’ Complete the requested fields and the name and email addresses of those wishing to attend. Request an invoice or pay by card. Click ‘submit.’
“Lots of practical ideas from two knowledgeable practitioners”.
“…this course has made me think about my practice with individual students and how to engage them further with a sensory diet”.
“I enjoyed every minute of this course. Just keep it coming guys!”
