A sensory story with space to enter, watch and return
Working with Marc Woodhead and Riverside SEN School teacher Owen Smith, I helped develop a sensory drama around The Odyssey. Soundscapes, props, repeated phrases and a cardboard boat large enough to climb into became a shared story world.
How the partnership worked
The work developed across several sessions, with planning, observation and reflection between visits. We explored how pupils could recognise familiar sounds and story landmarks, while allowing the direction of a session to change in response to them.
Our reflections described a “ride”: pupils could join, step away, watch or return without losing their place in the experience. The room, including its quieter spaces, remained part of the session.
What we learned
Some connections needed time across several visits, not just extra minutes within one workshop. Repetition, clear invitations and flexible soundscapes helped us balance a recognisable structure with room for pupils’ own responses.
Possible curriculum connections
Storytelling, communication, music, drama, visual art and making can meet within one shared theme. Your staff’s knowledge helps us decide which connections are useful and how learners can access them.
Planning something similar?
This approach can inform a sensory-story residency or a longer SEND project with time for staff collaboration and reflection.
Read the original project reflections · More projects and case studies