Samson Play Activities

We are going to "trial" providing children with some structured play activities I guess loosely based on montessori prepared activities. We try to support children to play around the story but some are struggling with this. I also think that it would greatly support any children who have children with autistic spectrum disorders using TEACCH principles.

Church Sensory Space

We have been creating a Sensory Space at junior church relating to relevant sessions for all children attending (with initial inspiration to support children with SEND) ALL children have been utilising the space amazingly, either as a calm space, prayer, exploration etc. and in response to story (we have found it's great place for children to build relationships without business). Yesterday there was even a post it note on wall from one of the children (For prayer writing) saying "Thank you for this room" 

I googled sensory spaces in church and there is not a huge amount to be honest, and I guess understandably it may be considered useful for a small group of children (which is not the case) and also generally a large budget needed. Inclusive Church blog has a couple of blog entries: Special needs ministry sensory room   and creating a Multi Sensory Environment. 

We have not created our environments on a huge budget, but generally by looking around for cheap items that have lights/ tackle qualities. Generally poundland (or other pound stores) and budget home wear stores. Also ebay, amazon and second hand sites (particularly if battery operated, consider safety checks here). So here are some budget ideas. If you start thinking sensory you'll find you see stuff everywhere.

Christmas Communication Signs and Symbols

I know it's only Sept but some people already seem to be on the Christmas Planning already (I'm not that organised) so thought I'd start (or attempt to, depends on organisation) posting resources and ideas that support individuals with SEN and or Additional Needs and their inclusion in the advent/ christmas activities/ events.

So starting with communication, which is obviously a key aspect of inclusion of anyone but it's essential that we get it right.
A few things to consider relating to Communication, Additional Needs and SEN

• Attempt to simplify and reduce language, particularly ensuring you reduce jargon and cliches 
• Speak clearly
• Speak at a steady pace that isn't too fast and ensure some pauses between important points (not long silences, just a pause)
• Supplement spoken language with changes to pitch and tone appropriate to what is being said with appropriate (maybe exaggerated) facial expressions
• Supplement spoken language with visuals e.g. gestures, props, pictures, signs and symbols (some ideas for this below)
• Idioms can be difficult for some people with additional needs, such as autism to understand. (Also consider the use of metaphors with some individuals, who may need more concrete examples I remember talking to a very verbal teen with additional needs after a talk using the metaphor that we should be like a stick of rock have Jesus' name running through  us, she said she thought the talk was great I asked what they liked the reply "Christian's should be crispy like a stick of rock")
• Offer appropriate/ adapted opportunities for the individual to communicate alongside peers (you will need to consider the individual needs)
• Ensure you communicate with the individual, their parents or carers about their needs and adapt accordingly 
• Make inclusive practices a part of your "usual" practices, consider how the TV show Something Special has made Makaton mainstream.

Makaton Signs and Symbols
"Makaton uses signs, symbols and speech to help people communicate.  Signs are used, with speech, in spoken word order.  This helps provide extra clues about what someone is saying.  Using signs can help people who have no speech or whose speech is unclear.  Using symbols can help people who have limited speech and those who cannot, or prefer not to sign." (Makaton website) 

• Makaton Signs and Symbols (originally from the Makaton website) check out the Makaton website for free resources at regular intervals.

• We wish you a merry Christmas Makaton You Tube video from Singing hands.

Symbols

"Symbols are images which are used to support text, makingthe meaning clearer and easier to understand. They provide a visual representation of a concept." (Widgit) 

There are a range of symbol sets e.g. Widgit Symbols, Picture Comuncation Symbols (PCS), and obviously Makaton. Symbols can be used to aid understanding and individuals communication.

• Widgit Nativity symbols and story pack

• Symbol World online Nativity story

• Christmas Communication Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) secular and Christian

• Christmas Communication board for craft activities (PCS)

British Sign Language

The sign system by some members of the deaf community in Britain.

• Silent Night British Sign Language (and other songs) recorded for youtube

• Silent night British Sign Language, printable song. It costs £1.99 to download

• BSL We Wish you a Merry Christmas Printable

Check out one of my previous Inclusive Christmas Post

Prayer Prompt Blocks

  

To support prayer times, I have created prayer prompt blocks with "jenga" type blocks by burning widget symbols on of themes children may like to pray about. These can be used; to hold during related prayers, to communicate what children want to pray for non verbally (if there are language or communication difficulties or just choice) ; to prompt prayers; to pray about many things each adding a prayer until a wall is built etc.

Bible Verse Cube

I was thinking of possible ways of communicating key verses to children, and thought wooden cubes/ blocks would be a great way to communicate a short verse in 6 symbols. I have attempted to draw Widgit symbols to communicate the most famous verse in the world John 3:16. The bold words are the symbols (ish)

"For God so loved the world He gave his only son, that who ever believes in Him shall not die but have eternal life."

I feel this will support all children, but will be of particular value to non readers and those who have additional needs.

Mr Noah Built an Ark

Someone just reminded me on Facebook  Group a song we used to sing A LOT, so found the picture cards to go with it and thought I'd share. The cards were created to create structure and consistency (I have several of them and will post them) for a little one with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. The song is sung to tune of Old MacDonald and the cards are used as follows. 

The above card is on board/ floor (add velcro to the squares if on board) children take it in turns to choose two matching animals and place on the boat (or one choses one animal and another child finds the pair) we then sang the verse and put the animals in a box until we'd finished the song.

Dependent on the needs of your group you may want to use soft toys in addition to or instead.

The cards can be downloaded here for free (sorry for any copy write breech) You'll need to print two copes of the animals

Jesus Calms the Storm (Under the Sea)

We have come to the end of our "under the sea" theme of junior/ children's church. It has been a really engaging theme and all children seemed to enjoy, and certainly was a fun theme to plan for stories and activities. (I may do a recap in the week)

So today we did Jesus Calms the Storm, and here is a run down of the activities/ areas available. 

We try to be as inclusive as possible and offer opportunities for all children what ever their needs/ learning styles are (choosing activities to meet the needs of those attending or may attend). So today we set up a sea themed sensory room complete with sea ambient music (iPhone app) 

fish bubble tube, fibre optics

 fibre optics and amazing water beads lamp (jelly fish)

 You can't really tell from the picture, but their is a survival blanket, lametta, on chiffon. The wall has fish projected

 Musical instruments, an old OHP to project story creations on wall (this was really popular but only on when being used as it took away from the dark and light element of the room as the lamp so bright)

As I said we try to be as inclusive as possible and so have an electronic visual timetable (they zoom away as we do each element) We may be changing symbols soon as different  of children are used to different symbols and no one is reliant on a particular symbol set, I have created a church visual timetable that others will be able to use if they don't have access to one. If individuals need an individual visual timetable I would arrange this with appropriate symbols. (I find the timetable invaluable) 

This is part of the room with net and "sea" hanging down!

 Bunting - Like sails!

 A boat to create- they LOVED this and so simple

 Boat biscuit decorating

 Storm shakers

 Tornado bottles

Storm bottles (You'll notice the cards, an idea I pinched from Dapto Messy Church - We'd been using something similar but I copied their format, thank you) It is useful for the leaders of each station to have something to think about/ prompt discussion at each stations (most of our station leaders are amazing youth and may not use the prompts but there if needed)

In Action:

The projector used to make a story - this whilst unrelated to the story was about the birth of Jesus!!!

The sensory room awaiting tidying!!

 A whole bunch of biscuits and bottles

A boat made from giant jenga (not a planned activity, but a couple of the children ground the bricks and did this in their own!!!) Amazing!!!!

Sail bunting

Strom drawing after the story

A storm in the ocean!

 A finished boat, I wish I'd taken pics of the amazing details of drawing on sides

We told the story using a parachute! (I'll put more details up tomorrow) 

Rainbow Dance Ribbons

 Thought I'd share a great buy I got in Poundland ! Rainbow dance ribbons which are incredibly light making the smallest movement very visually effective! (But does mean may be a little prone to fraying im going to nail varnish end) We are enjoying using them in sung worship times, the only issue is with them being so light they get tangled a bit more easily! But when in movement are beautiful!1

I'm going to provide hair scrunchies to support holding for any one who has limited grip. 

Signed Songs and Prayers

 I'm always on the lookout for useful resources for church, particularly those that include all and ensure church is seen as a place that promotes inclusion and making the gospel accessible to all. The use of signing in one such way. These examples are a sign system designed for individuals with special needs or disabilities.  There some songs and prayers. I think it's important that such things become more mainstream.

Signed Songs

Signed Prayers, and the story of Creation