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Sensory Storytelling is a new, three-year project which will bring the magic of an author visit and the many benefits of books and sensory storytelling to pupils in Scotland’s special schools.
Children with complex additional needs can struggle to engage with the world around them. Multi-sensory storytelling is one way of empowering children to express their thoughts and ideas, help teachers create a calm, relaxed atmosphere and ensure a positive, enriched and creative school experience.
In 2020 Sensory Storytelling will include:
- Two school residencies: storyteller Ailie Finlay will work with Corseford School in Johnstone and illustrator Kate Leiper will work with Fairview School in Perth
- A summer roadshow touring six special schools in Scotland in summer 2020
- Development of a tactile book for and with young people with additional support needs
- Multi-sensory learning resources created by Ailie Finlay
"It is a real bonus for our pupils to have an external visitor come in to do something that so captures our children’s attention and imagination and that children of very different abilities could enjoy and in their own way participate in. The art of oral storytelling, I feel, is magical."
Caroline Ball, Deputy Head, Portfield School
Sensory Storytelling is funded by The Mohn Westlake Foundation
During the 2019/20 school year, thanks to a grant from Spifox(this will open in a new window) (Scottish Property Industry Festival of Christmas), 3600 copies of the tactile book ‘Off to the Park’ will be gifted to P1-3 children in special schools across Scotland.