Under the Sea Sound Story: A Simple Guide for Sensory Storytelling

Discover a magical underwater world with this engaging sound story designed for EYFS and PMLD learners. This simple, rhythmic tale combines poetic couplets with carefully chosen sound effects to bring the ocean to life. Use a soundboard with the effects to enhance your storytelling and invite children to participate by mimicking or simply listening. Below is the story, delivery tips, and a list of sound effects used – with a soundboard to make it easier to deliver. You may want to use this either in conjunction with or add the sound effects to our Blue Abyss sensory story. It also links well as an extension or further context to our Pirates sound story.

Under the Sea: Sound Story

1.
Under the deep blue sea where wonders unfurl,
Seagulls cry above as their wings twirl. (seagulls)

2.
Majestic whales glide in graceful delight,
Singing deep tunes in the calm of the night. (whales)

3.
Tiny crabs scuttle along the sandy floor,
Clacking and dancing as they explore. (crabs)

4.
Mighty waves crash upon the shore,
A rhythmic pulse that we all adore. (waves)

5.
Bright, splashing bubbles rise with a gleam,
Turning the water into a sparkling dream. (splashing bubbles)

6.
Gentle tides sing a song so sweet,
Where vibrant fish in coral meet (tide whispers)

7.
Under the sea, magic and wonder never end,
A vibrant world where every sound is a friend. (ocean magic)

How to Deliver the Story

Whilst this has been written as an Under the Sea Sound Story it is easy to adapt into a full sensory story.

1. Preparation:
   • Create a quiet, comfortable space where distractions are minimal.
   • Gather any sensory props you might use (e.g., blue scarves for water, bubble wrap for bubbles, or a small fan for wind).
   • Prepare your soundboard with the effects listed below.
2. Introduction:
   • Briefly explain to your learners that you will be taking them on an underwater adventure where sounds help tell the story.
   • Demonstrate a couple of the sound effects from the soundboard so the children know what to expect.
3. Storytelling:
   • Read each couplet slowly and clearly.
   • At the end of each couplet, press the corresponding sound effect on the soundboard.
   • Encourage children to repeat the sounds or mimic the actions if they feel comfortable.
4. Engagement:
   • Ask simple questions like, “What sound did you hear?” or “Can you make the sound too?”
   • Allow extra time for the children to react to each sensory element.
   • Repeat the story in later sessions to build familiarity and confidence.

Soundboard and List of Sounds

Use our soundboard or a set of recorded sound files for these effects:

• Seagulls: (seagulls) – The gentle cry of seagulls above the ocean.
• Whales: (whales) – Deep, melodic calls of majestic whales.
• Crabs: (crabs) – The playful scuttling of tiny crabs on the sand.
• Waves: (waves) – The rhythmic crashing of ocean waves.
• Splashing Bubbles: (splashing bubbles) – The cheerful sound of bubbles rising in the water.
• Tide Whispers: (tide whispers) – A soft murmur, like the secrets of the tide.
• Dolphins: (Dolphin sounds) – Chattering dolphin sounds
• Ocean Magic: (ocean magic) – A final enchanting sound that captures the magic of the sea.

Conclusion

This Under the Sea Sound Story is a fun, multisensory way to engage young learners. When we remove some of the other distractions and combine simple rhymes with interactive sound effects, we create a rich, immersive experience that stimulates listening, language, and sensory development. Enjoy your underwater adventure and watch as your learners’ imaginations dive deep into the magic of the ocean!