Essential information
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Key Stage |
SEND
|
| Curriculum links |
Communication
Drama
Geography
History
Literacy
Science
|
| Session length | 60 minutes |
| Session times | Tuesday (flexible times) |
| Capacity | 10 pupils per session |
| Price | Free |
Session overview
Entry level: Pre-Key Stage/SLD/MLD/PMLD/ASC/EBD
Each session is adapted to the group. Activities may vary and be introduced at different times to give each group a unique experience that matches their needs.
Introduction
Facilitator greets the group and introduces a story about a sea journey. Learners are given props to become explorers too, preparing for an adventure.
Antarctica
Learners mime putting on cold-weather gear and board their ship. They work together to set sail by heaving ropes, hoisting a sail, and singing sea shanties. Learners then have a quiet moment "sleeping" under the stars (with starlight prop), then wake up as they approach the cold Antarctic. Upon arrival, learners engage in sensory play with objects including snow and ice packs. The learners are warned of an approaching storm, forcing a quick return to the ship.
Storm and shipwreck
A storm is created and mimed using movement and sound instruments, like thunder shakers. After the storm passes, the ship makes it to a Pacific Island.
Pacific Island
On the Pacific island, learners engage with coconuts and fish while singing sea shanties.
Ending and plenary
The group return to Greenwich on the ship. The facilitator uses pictures and objects to retell the story, using call and response to engage with the learners. At the end, learners are invited to choose their favourite part of the adventure.
Learning objectives
Learners will:
- Develop their social and communication skills
- Explore and respond to different stimuli in a new environment
- Take part in song, rhyme, role play and sensory learning
Curriculum links
- Communication and social interaction
- Sensory play and development
- The world around me
Topic links
- Under the sea, journeys, exploration, environment
Key words
Sailing, Sails, Rope, Storm, Sailor
Suggested pre-visit knowledge and activities
Use the sensory stories resource to explore the picture book, Immi.
Listen to this sea shanty.
Use and adapt the National Maritime Museum visual guide below to create a social story.
Prepare a small sensory basket to introduce textures. You could include rope, fabric, ice pack, sand or coconut shell.
Suggested post-visit knowledge and activities
Retell the journey using objects as a reference. Revisit the sea shanty from the session. Explore warm and cold with ice, fans and heat mats.