Sensory Sounds aims to create a multi-sensory experience for children and young people with additional needs. By using music videos, audio tracks and sensory items together, this creates an accessible resource to use in your own home!
There is no set way that the music videos and audio tracks should be used, they are there to be explored by both parent and child in a way that suits you!
Using music videos/audio files with sensory items:
Creating a multi-sensory environment is unique to each person depending on their needs and wants. There are no rules on how to use music with sensory items but we have come up with a few ideas to get you started!
Different textures for different types of music - why not use a soft and squashy ball for slow and relaxing music and a hard, spiky ball for loud and hard sounds.
Try rolling a ball between you and your child in time to the music
Use a feather against your child's skin to soft, calming music
Create your own sounds by crinkling survival blanket or using a shaker immediately after listening to a piece of music and see how your child's reaction changes
These are only ideas and the possibilities are endless when creating a multi-sensory experience. Watch your child's reaction and see how their reactions change between different sensory items and types of music. For example, whilst using a feather for soft and calming music may make the most sense to you, a hard, spiky ball may make most sense to them!
It may seem counter-intuitive to use sensory items alongside the music as it can take away the focus from what you are listening to. But by using sensory items alongside the music, it gives young people alternative ways to access the music and experience the sounds in their own way.
Music videos:
The music videos were recorded in a sound recording studio at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. They allow the users of the video to see where the sounds they are hearing come from. See if you can spot all the microphones in the video!
*Why not use the videos as an educational tool to learn about different musical instruments?*
The videos are also a great way to show the process of how music is recorded. They show 'behind the scenes' footage of where their favourite music comes from!
Audio tracks:
Audio tracks can give the most flexibility for creating a multi-sensory environment. You can alter the lighting in the room, reduce distraction by not using a screen and really focus on the music playing.
Here are a few ideas for using the audio tracks:
Turn the lights off in the room and really focus on the sounds that you are hearing
Bring the speaker into different rooms in your house and hear how the acoustics change. For example, a small bedroom with soft furnishings will dampen the sound whilst a large, reflective kitchen will provide echos.
Take the speaker outside and explore natural sensory items together such as the feeling of grass on your skin and leaves rustling beneath your feet.
Now you have some initial ideas, go away and have fun with the resources available! Why not leave a comment on this post about how you have used the music videos and audio tracks!
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