Seasons
Seasonal activities can be
closely linked with weather (see Weather Activities), but may also draw from specific events, like Bonfire Night, holidays in other geographical locations; orange picking in Spain, or trekking in Tibet. Characters from other countries could show how their seasons differ from our own. The examples below give
ideas on ways of approaching the different seasons.
SPRING is a time of new growth and rebirth, so along with wind and rain you
could explore these ideas
SPRING
Nesting Time - set
the scene with bare trees growing buds around the space, spring flowers to see,
touch and smell. Build the nest, gather twigs and sticks and play
rhythms with wood instruments. Add feathers, feather boas, feather masks, feather dusters. Build the soundscape with bird calls, vocals,
whistles, flutes and ocarinas.
Use egg shakers to add gentle rhythm and bird
seed to explore textures and sounds.
Introduce a bird puppet with whom to interact.
MAY DAY - use
spring flowers and petals, a maypole and a throne. Cherry and lilac tree branches around the space will give
colour, scent and texture.
Baskets of pink and white petals will mean everyone can access the blossom. Use mobile mirrors and face-paints to create floral pictures of your own
A maypole with ribbons running down to a hoop allows the maypole to retain its shape. This can then be enjoyed from within as well.
Adorn a throne for celebrating the newly crowned May king/queen. This can be followed by feasting, music and dance
SUMMER - when hopefully the weather is warm enough to enjoy a variety of
activities, as well as the popular trips to the beach - whether stoney or sandy, both have multisensory opportunities for play
SPRING
Summer Fair -
a chance to meet farm
animals, enjoy a variety of stalls that might include; best cake stall, home
remedies, hoopla. Also gives opportunities for music and dancing.
SUMMER OLYMPICS - Provide a wide variety of balls to give maximum
tactile experiences - small, soft, coloured balls, large squashy, sit-on bouncy
balls too.
Encourage partner games with carpet tubes for rolling, bats, and containers for catching. String badminton nets across space, perhaps include low basketball nets too
Non-competetive racing is good fun, especially when a projection is used to inspire participants. Be prepared with winning medals for all
Swimming, use blue organza lengths to represent water and encourage 'swimming' through and underneath them
SPRING
AUTUMN
is a lovely time of
year, colours are red/orange/gold and smells are early morning mists, roasting
chestnuts and bonfires. Link these with the many festivals that occur at this time
of year i.e. Bonfire Night and this will give many ideas for creative
activities in autumn. Gathering the harvest is always a good place to start; wheat from the
fields, swathes of lavender, cider apples.
Autumn –
gather large quantities of fallen autumn leaves, they are free and provide a
wonderful multisensory resource to explore.
Smell the leaves, hear the unique sound when walked or wheeled through, see them flutter like petals when thrown, or use them for burying/hiding objects/people.
Conkers and chestnuts, feel smooth and shiny, can be dropped on wooden instruments, rolled in containers and are great for creating patterns on the floor.
Woodland animals are also gathering at this time of year. It is fun to use puppets to enhance the theme, starting timidly, then becoming more playful.
SPRING
WINTER -
associated with cold weather, ice, snow, cold wind. When searching for winter
ideas other than just weather, you could perhaps look at; Countries where
wintry conditions prevail - how people dress to keep warm, where they live,
what they eat, how they travel, how they spend their leisure time, which
animals might you find there.
Explore the
story of a character who lives where it's always winter! Whether they be real
or imaginary, this should provide a wealth of ideas on how to create the
multisensory environment and what activities might take place there.
