February Teaching Calendar Sensory Rich Ideas for Inclusive Classrooms

February unfolds, learners can explore textures, tastes, sounds, stories, and traditions that help them understand the world and their place within it. Whether you’re marking cultural festivals, exploring seasonal change, or simply looking for creative sparks to brighten winter days, this month’s sensory-rich inspiration is designed to support meaningful, inclusive, and joyful learning experiences for all.

This month:

• Feb 9 Toothache Day
• Feb 13 World Radio Day
• Feb 14 Valentine’s Day
• Feb 17 to Mar 18 Ramadan
• Feb 17 Chinese New Year
• Feb 18 Losar
• 27th Feb International Polar Bear Day

February Through the Senses

What to Look for in Nature

A month of cold weather and short days. Wrap up, head outdoors and observe the natural world. Enjoy frost covered landscapes or snow.

Birds: Look for birds gathering items for their nests, listen out for their birdsong: Blackbirds, Thrush. Look for flying swans and geese.

Small Mammals: Look for tracks and signs left by foxes, badgers, squirrels and deer.

Flora and Fauna: Snowdrops, daffodils, crocuses, primroses, Chickweed, hairy bittercress, dandelion leaves, sow thistle, yellow rocket.

The Vegetable Garden: Purple sprouting broccoli, carrots, sprouts, turnips, beetroot, chard, cabbage, cauliflower, swede, leeks.

Feb 6 National Wear Red Day

Raising awareness of heart disease.

Feb 9 Toothache Day

A day to promote good oral hygiene.

Take a virtual trip to The Dentist with this FREE multisensory story!

https://mash.ie/the-dentist-a-rhyming-multisensory-story-sen-3-19.html

Set up a Dental Role Play Area

Feb 13 World Radio Day

Raising awareness of the pleasure and importance of the radio.

• Listen to a range of radio clips: music, sports, news, weather to communicate the diversity of the radio.
• Explore children’s radio stations examples are Fun Kids Digital Radio and Cbeebies Radio
• Explore the cause and effect of a wind-up radio.
• Become radio presenters!

Feb 14 Valentine’s Day

Sensory Bag

Sensory bags are a cheap and fun way to engage the senses and develop language skills.

 

 

Tip!

When choosing items think of engaging all the senses: Add items that stimulate the vision, tactile items that feel nice to the touch, items to smell and taste and items that make interesting sounds.

• Give the bag a gentle shake to gain the student’s attention.
• Invite the student to place their hand into the bag and select an item.
• Encourage the student to use their sense of smell, touch, hearing and taste to guess what the item is (If the student is unsure then provide plenty of clues.)

 

Build Functional language skills.

• Ask the student to tell you or show you what you might do with the item and where you might find it.

(If the student is unsure, model what to do with the item and see if they can copy your action.)

• Allow the student time to explore the item and process the information then shake the bag again for them to select another item.
• Keep language simple.
• Focus on phrases such as ‘Choose’ or ‘Take one’ when presenting the bag to the student.
• Focus on the name of the object e.g., ‘Heart‘, ‘Chocolate’ and two-word phrases e.g., ‘Red Rose’.
• Model verbs: ‘Smell’ ‘Eat’.

Feb 17 – Mar 18th Ramadan

 

Ramadan – A Sensory Story invites Neurodiverse, PMLD, Sensory and SEND learners to engage in a rich, multisensory journey through Ramadan. Each activity promotes connection and personal agency, inviting learners to explore at their own pace while fostering communication and confidence.

With adaptable steps and a focus on sensory experiences, this resource supports inclusive, engagement, inviting sensory learners to explore Ramadan through the eight senses: the five primary senses -sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, and three body-based/internal senses – vestibular, proprioception, and interoception. It weaves together tactile props, sounds, scents, tastes, and movement with poetic language and gentle facilitator guidance.

From symbolically sighting the crescent moon and stars, touching prayer beads, exploring dates and spices to enjoying sensory-rich activities including a sensory umbrella, silhouette play and sensory artwork, this Ramadan sensory story is rich with hands-on invitations.

Rooted in a commitment to accessibility, engagement, meaningful communication, and sensory inclusion, each couplet offers a sensory prompt guiding the story participant through a journey where every sense is welcome.

This teaching pack includes:

• Ramadan sensory story poem

• Prop/resources checklist with facilitation guidance

• Sensory-rich activities focusing on engaging the eight senses:

Sight-Based Sensory Invitations for Ramadan and how they support visual engagement, contrast, and symbolic recognition

Sound-Based Sensory Invitations for Ramadan and how they support auditory engagement, rhythm, and emotional resonance

Tactile Sensory-Rich Activities linked to Ramadan and how they support tactile exploration and fine motor engagement

Smell-Based Sensory Invitations for Ramadan and how they support olfactory engagement and cultural resonance

Taste-Based Sensory Invitations for Ramadan and how they support taste exploration and cultural resonance

Proprioceptive Sensory Invitations for Ramadan and how they support body awareness, pressure, and grounded engagement

Vestibular Sensory Invitations for Ramadan and how they support movement, balance, and spatial awareness

Interoception Sensory Invitations for Ramadan and how they support internal awareness, emotional regulation, and gentle grounding.

https://mash.ie/ramadan-sensory-story-told-through-the-eight-senses-pmld-send

Feb 18 Losar

Celebrate Tibetan New Year.

 

 

 

Feb 18 Former Planet, Pluto was discovered By Clyde Tombaugh in 1930

 

Explore Pluto!

”The last stop is Pluto, it has five moons

They orbit the planet like water balloons”

(Excerpt from ‘Journey into Space – A Multisensory Exploration of the Solar System’)

 

You will need:

• 5 x Balloons
• Ice Cubes
• Washing up Bowl
• Water
• Ball Pit Play Balls/Ping Pong Balls

Activity:

 

• Fill the water balloons with different quantities of water and secure with a knot.
• Can the student(s) handle the water balloons without them bursting?

Alternative Activity:

• Place ice cubes into the washing up bowl then float ball pit play balls/ ping pong balls
• Explore items that sink and float: Aluminium Foil, Cork, Feather, Foam, Leaf, Lego, Confetti, Glitter, Pulses, Wood.

Extend Learning:

• Explore liquids that sink and float and those that disperse: Baby Oil, Food Colouring, Honey, Olive/Vegetable Oil, Washing up Liquid, Corn Syrup

This space themed activity also links with the birthday of Galileo Galilei on Feb 15th

 

Solar System Sensory Space Bottles Video

https://youtu.be/HSfqpZPQp_g?si=T3qaEU9KSfM2d9eF

Feb 17 Chinese New Year

Activity Idea

The Great Race

In this multisensory version of the story, each animal is represented by a prop.

Below are a few suggestions.

The story can be delivered by presenting the props as each animal is encountered in the story or if working in a group, assign each student an animal with their prop, and work as a group re-telling the story with the students presenting their prop when their animal is encountered in the story.

Explore Chinese Art

• Chinese artwork is traditionally drawn on paper or silk. Subjects include landscapes, animals, and insects.
• Show the students examples.
• Use feathers and glitter. Focus on red backgrounds. Use gold stars.
• Paint or print onto different mediums such as rice paper or silk (for a cheap alternative to silk use a shower curtain.)
• Experiment with different tools, dip dried noodles into paint, paint with feathers, design a printed picture dipping star anise into paint. Make a print by rolling cinnamon sticks into paint, wood-like star anise or bumpy skinned fresh lychees.

 

Create a Chinese Landscape Painting

You will need

• Paper or card
• White wax crayon or candle
• Watered down food colouring
• Paintbrush

 

Activity

1. Rub the white crayon/candle over the surface of the paper in strokes.

2. Using the watered-down food colouring, paint over the whole page using a brush. Allow to dry

 

Recommended Resource:

‘Chinese New Year’ Sensory Story and Sensory Rich Activities

 

 

Join our character on a multisensory adventure as s/he visits China at New Year

Table of Contents:

Prepare to Celebrate (Gathering Story Props)

How to Tell a Multisensory Story

Chinese New Year – A Multisensory Exploration

Developing Comprehension & Understanding

Chinese New Year Themed Listening Game

Chinese New Year Themed Sensory Bin

Chinese New Year Themed Sensory Bag

The Great Wall of China

Terracotta Warriors

‘Five Oxen’ Sensory Art

Chinese Art

Chinese Music

The Great Race

The Great Race PMLD Multisensory Version

Chinese New Year Guided Relaxation Adventure

Chinese New Year Lucky/Unlucky Gifts

Chinese Music

Dragon Dance

Spring Clean Your Classroom

Chinese New Year Sensory Ideas & Activities

 

Feb 27 International Polar Bear Day

Let’s Explore….Polar Bears!

Learning about animals and habitats teaches about Conservation and Respecting Wildlife

Promote Communication Skills (Listening & Speaking)

• Play an audio clip of a polar bear ‘chuffing’, ‘growling’, ‘grunting’, ‘hissing’ and ‘roaring.
• Can the student communicate a request to listen to the sound again? (This could be through gaze, verbally or through sign)
• If using a switch, BIGMack or Talking Tile, can the student activate the device independently?
• Can the student imitate the sound using their voice?
• Record their vocalisation and play it back.

Promote Physical Development, Coordination, Balance, Control & Movement & Imaginative Play

• Watch footage of a polar bear.
• Polar bear’s forepaws are directed inwards. They can gait and gallop swaying their hips but cannot trot.
• Can the sensory explorer move their body like a polar bear?

Re-Create a Polar Bear Habitat.

• Line a Tuff Tray with ice. Add fake snow (see recipes below) Add toy polar bears, and a bowl of water.
• Female polar bears make a den in snow. Using fine motor tools (cups and scoops) can the student make a polar bear den in the snow?

Fake Snow Recipes

1. Add shaving cream to baking soda.

2. Sprinkle a sachet of gelatine into warm water and stir until dissolved. Add ice cubes.

3. Mix cornflour with hair conditioner until you reach the required consistency.

4. Mix cornflour with bicarbonate of soda (equal quantities e.g., one cup), add water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

5. Mouldable snow: Mix three cups of shaving cream with 1/2 cup of glue and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Stir in 1/2 cup of foam micro beads. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and water. Knead.

6. Add 3 cups of baking soda with 1 cup of hair conditioner.

Visit the Shop

https://mash.ie/rhyming-multisensory-stories

Full List of Titles 

Seasons 

Spring 

Summer 

Autumn 

Winter 

A Winter Walk 

January Through the Senses 

The Weather 

 

Culture & Celebrations 

A Train Ride Through India 

Book Day 

Bonfire Night 

Burns Night 

Chinese New Year 

Diwali 

Halloween 

Harvest Festival 

Holi 

Harvest Festival 

Ramadan

The Witch  

 

Life Skills, Self Care, Routines and Transitions 

Back to School 

Jobs and Work Experience  

People Who Help Us – The Special School Superheroes 

The Dentist 

Washing Hands 

 

RE 

Sensory Saints  

St Patrick’s Day 

 

Maths 

Shapes – A Multisensory Exploration 

 

Topics and Themes 

Airports and Airplanes 

Elephants 

Journey into Space 

Minibeasts 

The Beach 

The Farm 

The Rainforest 

 

History 

Benjamin Franklin 

The King’s Coronation 

The Queens Jubilee 

The Great Fire of London 

The Romans 

VE Day 

 

Reference 

Listen – An A-Z of Sensory Inspiration to Stimulate the Auditory System 

Sensory Resources for Sensory Learners (800+ Ideas) 

 

Christmas 

Dear Santa (Includes How to Adapt into a Play) 

Rudolph’s Carrots 

 

Traditional Tales 

Goldilocks and the Three Bears 

Jack and the Beanstalk 

Little Red Riding Hood 

The Gingerbread Man 

The Three Little Pigs 

 

The Health & Safety Bit!

Please Read Before Engaging in any of the Activities

Health & Safety Advice & Disclaimer

Please Read Before Engaging in Any Activities

The author has taken care in preparing the information provided on this website. However, no representation or warranty is made regarding the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the content.

All information is intended for pleasure and educational purposes only.

If you choose to apply any ideas or activities described in this blog, on the website, or within any multisensory stories or resources, you do so entirely at your own discretion and assume full responsibility for your actions.

Supervision

• All activities must be led and supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
• The sensory explorer should be invited to participate freely, without expectation.
• Never force engagement. Stop immediately if the person shows signs of discomfort or lack of enjoyment.

 

Allergies & Intolerances

• If you have any doubts about an activity or prop, seek professional advice before starting.
• Always check ingredients and materials for potential food, skin, or respiratory allergies.
• Watch carefully for any signs of reaction (e.g., redness, swelling, breathing difficulties). If symptoms occur, seek immediate medical advice.

 

Safety Considerations

• Be aware of potential choking hazards with small items or props.
• Ensure all materials are safe, age-appropriate, and suitable for the individual’s needs.
• Activities should be adapted thoughtfully to respect the sensory explorer’s comfort, dignity, and wellbeing.