The Circle of Life: Sensory Story and Learning Activities

The themes of growth, change, and the interconnectedness of life offer profound learning opportunities for children of all skill levels. Through sensory storytelling, we can help learners with PMLD, SEN, and early years children explore these universal concepts in meaningful, accessible ways.

This sensory story experience focuses on the beautiful themes of life’s journey – from birth and growth to finding our place in the world. By engaging multiple senses, we create deep, memorable connections that transcend traditional learning barriers and speak to the heart of what it means to be human. We use some of the same props as we used for Daniel in the Lion’s Den from our Sensory Bible story book.

Life Cycles and Growth: Understanding that everything grows and changes helps children process their own development and place in the world. For learners with complex needs, this concept provides reassurance about their own journey.

Connection and Belonging: The theme of finding our place emphasises that everyone belongs and has value, regardless of ability or difference.

Sensory Exploration: The natural world offers rich sensory experiences that support development across all domains – communication, physical, cognitive, and emotional.

Learning Objectives For The Lion King Sensory Story

Through this sensory story experience, learners will:

• Explore concepts of growth, change, and time
• Experience cause and effect through sensory interactions
• Develop awareness of different textures, sounds, and sensations
• Practice turn-taking and shared attention
• Build vocabulary related to nature, emotions, and life experiences

Pre-Story Preparation

Materials Needed:

• Soft blankets and fabrics in various textures
• Warm lamp or light source
• Collection of natural objects (smooth stones, pine cones, shells)
• Feely bags with hidden treasures
• Musical instruments (shakers, chimes, drums)
• Scented items (lavender, vanilla, nature scents)
• Photos of landscapes and nature scenes
• Heart-shaped objects in different textures
• Yarn or ribbon for tactile exploration

I think this version of the song from the Lion King musical is so immersive and inspiring

The Circle of Life (Sensory Journey)

“From the day we arrive on the planet”

• Start with the child gently under a dark blanket 🌑✋
• Create a quiet, muffled sound 🤫

“And, blinking, step into the sun”

• Quickly pull the blanket away to reveal a bright, warm lamp shining on the child’s face ☀️💡
• Accompany with a sudden burst of uplifting, gentle music 🎶

“There’s more to see than can ever be seen”

• Present a “surprise bag” of contrasting textures
• Guide the child’s hand to feel:
  • Silky fabric
  • Rough sandpaper
  • Crinkly foil (in rapid succession) ✋✨

“More to do than can ever be done”

• Play a rapid succession of short, exciting sounds:
  • Chime
  • Quick rattle
  • Soft bell
  • Light drum tap 👂🎉

“There’s far too much to take in here”

• Introduce a gentle, swirling fan breeze that moves all around the child 🌬️🤸
• Offer multiple small, distinct scented items for quick, contrasting sniffs:
  • Orange peel
  • Ground coffee
  • Lavender sachet 👃🍊

“More to find than can ever be found”

• Place various small, interesting objects into a feely bag for rapid exploration:
  • Smooth stone
  • Bumpy toy
  • Soft pom-pom ✋🔍

“But the sun rolling high”

• Use a spotlight or projection slowly moving upwards and across the ceiling 💡⬆️
• Guide the child’s arm in a slow, upward circular motion 🤸🔄

“Through the sapphire sky”

• Gently drape a large, light-catching blue silk fabric overhead
• Ripple it softly to mimic clouds 🔵✨
• Play calm, expansive music that fills the room 🎶

“Keeps great and small on the endless round”

• Gently rock the child’s body in a circular motion (if safe and appropriate) 🤸🌀
• Present a vibrating toy or cushion to feel the constant, gentle motion 📳✋

“It’s the circle of life”

• Lead a gentle, full-body swing or sway (e.g., in a lycra swing or blanket hammock) 🤸↔️
• Play a strong, consistent heartbeat sound (or deep, steady drum beat) 👂❤️

“And it moves us all”

• Guide the child’s hands in a circular motion on a large, smooth surface ✋🔵
• Play rhythmic, flowing music 🎶

“Through despair and hope”

• Despair: Cool, damp cloth placed briefly on the forehead + low, sad hum 🧊😔
• Hope: Warm, soft heat pack on the tummy + bright, uplifting chimes ☀️🔔

“Through faith and love”

• Faith: Firm, reassuring squeeze to the shoulders or arms 💪✋
• Love: Soft, plush heart pillow with subtle, sweet vanilla scent 💖👃

“‘Til we find our place”

• Guide the child’s hand along a winding, raised, textured path (e.g., thick yarn glued on cardboard) ✋〰️
• Play a light, meandering melody that suggests a journey 🎶🚶‍♀️

“On the path unwinding”

• Present a piece of unraveling yarn or long fabric strip 🧵
• Create a gentle, continuous breeze across the child’s face from a fan 🌬️

“In the circle”

• Gently spin the child (if appropriate) or twirl them in a controlled circular movement 🤸🌀
• Play cascading chimes that fade slowly 🔔✨

“The circle of life”

Finish with a deep, peaceful hum that slowly fades to silence 😌

Offer a calming, peaceful essential oil scent (e.g., lavender on a cloth) 🌿👃

Circle of Life Themed Extension Learning Activities

Activity 1: Life Cycle Exploration Box

Create themed sensory boxes representing different stages of life:

• Seeds and Growth: Dried beans, soil, small watering can
• Baby Animals: Soft toy animals, nest materials, gentle sounds
• Adult Journey: Smooth stones representing milestones, textured paths

Activity 2: Circle Art Creations

• Trace circles in sand trays or finger paint
• Create circular collages using natural materials
• Use circular stamps with different textures
• Roll balls through paint to create circular patterns

Activity 3: Nature’s Rhythms

• Create simple weather sequences using props
• Explore day/night cycles with light and dark materials
• Make seasonal sensory bottles with appropriate scents and objects
• Use body movements to represent different life stages

Activity 4: Finding Our Place Game

• Create a simple matching activity with animals and their homes
• Use photos of the child in different environments (home, school, outdoors)
• Practice placing objects in designated spaces
• Explore the concept of “belonging” through familiar items

Activity 5: Emotion Journey

• Create feeling faces using different textures
• Explore comfort objects for different emotions
• Use music to represent various emotional states
• Practice gentle touch for comfort and celebration

Adaptations for Different Needs

For Learners with Visual Impairments:

• Emphasise auditory and tactile elements
• Use high-contrast materials where vision is present
• Provide clear verbal descriptions of visual elements
• Use familiar sounds and scents for orientation

For Learners with Hearing Impairments:

• Focus on visual and tactile experiences
• Use vibration for rhythmic elements
• Employ clear visual cues and gestures
• Create visual sequences to support understanding

For Learners with Physical Disabilities:

• Adapt materials for easy access
• Use switch-activated devices where appropriate
• Position materials within comfortable reach
• Provide support for movement activities

For Learners with Complex Communication Needs:

Respect all forms of communication response

Use objects of reference throughout

Provide consistent visual supports

Allow processing time between activities

The themes of life’s journey, growth, and belonging speak to fundamental human experiences that transcend ability levels. Through carefully crafted sensory storytelling, we create opportunities for deep, meaningful learning that honors each child’s unique way of experiencing the world.

Remember that every response is valid – whether it’s a gentle smile, reaching for an object, or simply remaining calm and attentive. The magic lies not in perfect participation, but in shared moments of wonder and connection.

This sensory story approach transforms abstract concepts into tangible, felt experiences, creating lasting memories and genuine understanding for learners of all abilities.

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