Language, Literacy & Communication

 Summer 2 - The Great Escape

             Sunny Spain Here we come!            

Let's start with a Spanish song and learn how to say Hello in Spanish!

Enjoy listening to this story about an elephant in both English and Spanish.

Enjoy this story about a very unlikely Spanish celebration about a food fight !!

Flying off to France

Before listening to the story let's have a go at this French greeting song.

We're going to Italy!!

 The Blue Abyss 

You will find the Sensory Story pictures below, which will need to be open when you are reading the story. Have the resources ready and also open the music document, and have it playing quietly in the background.

In the file below, there are notes to help. Either read beforehand or print out.

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 Super Worm 

 Bertie Bee's Fantastic Journey 

Bees are incredible creatures and do an amazing job, helping the flowers and plants. Have a look at this video before you listen to the story and have a go at making the sound of a bee.

With your parent's help, you can make a bee using an old sock, ready for the story. (See Expressive Arts File)

 The Very Hungry Caterpillar 

 

This story is an old favourite and the children, with no doubt, will recognise it. This is a story about a special Mini-Beast that has the amazing power to transform!!! Enjoy!!

Incy Wincy Spider

 

Have you managed to find any spiders on your Mini-Beast Hunt in the garden yet? Listen and feel this sensory story massage, about Incy Wincy, and with help have a go at turning an old glove into a spider!! (See Expressive Arts File)

Today, we're introducing a new story about a farm, so you're going to meet some different, amazing animals. These are farm animals.

 

This story is about a little duck who couldn't sleep.

Firstly, begin this session with a very well-known song, called 'Old McDonald,' which will help to set the scene.

Click on the link below and help your child to listen to this story. 

 Story time with Julie - Animal Boogie 

This is a simple story where the children will be introduced to different animals and makes use of repetition. The children enjoy repetition and will pick up on the rhythm and in time will eventually begin to anticipate. If possible, be as animated as you can with the sounds and the acting. (No ones watching!! Apart from your child, and they’ll love it!)

 

Research the sounds of these animals with your child, as this sets the scene and gives them prior knowledge. There are videos on youtube.

 

Ideally, the children need an object to refer to, however, in our present circumstances, you may wish to adapt and use any soft toys that you have at home. Alternatively, there are pictures of the animals (In the file ‘AnimalPictures’) provided for you to print off, which could be used if there’s no alternative.

 

The most important thing is that they enjoy the story, demonstrate listening skills, make some eye contact, and shared attention with the resources. These are all early communication skills.

 

There is a structure to this sensory story and the children will gain understanding through your simple words, objects, and actions.

 

Encourage your child to feel each box. Ask the simple question         ’What animal’s in here?’

 

The animal was too big, so we sent him back: show the elephant and make the relevant noise

 

Show each box and allow your child to handle it. Then ask the question each time saying he was either:

 

Too tall, too fierce, too grumpy, too scary, too naughty and too jumpy,

 

Finally, the Dog is perfect. Make the sign for good: Both thumbs up.

 

 

 

 

 

Sensory Story Massage

 

We all love stories. When combined with the benefits of simple massage strokes, stories present wonderful opportunities for creative fun and interaction. Sharing positive touch offers great scope for imaginative activity and learning for children of all ages and abilities.

 

The Story Massage Programme combines the benefits of positive touch with the fun and creativity of words – whether as story, rhyme, or song.  Ten simple massage strokes form the basis of the program. These strokes have a name, such as 'The Circle' or 'The Sprinkle', and an easy to recognize symbol making it fully accessible for all ages and abilities.

 

 

All the children in Dosbath Gwyrdd have responded positively to sensory story massage and have benefited from the 1:1 communication time. They are a lovely short activity for you and your child to enjoy developing their communication.

Green Green Grass of Home

During our Welsh topic called: 'The Green Green Grass of Home' the children have enjoyed role-playing and performing the story called 'How the Draig came to fly for Wales.' for the school assembly. The story is an old Welsh folk story and there is a suspicion that it may be true!

 

They've also enjoyed helping to make a book called 'That's not my Dinosaur,' and have enjoyed sharing the book and looking at their artwork.

 

The children in Dosbarth Gwyrdd really benefit from repetition and may enjoy watching this story again and remembering their work at school.

 

Here's a lovely story called 'The Reluctant Dragon.' It's been split into little bite-size chunks for the children but is also available as a film.