A Visit to the Coffee Shop – A Four-Stage Learning Journey | SEND | PMLD 

A Visit to the Coffee Shop – A Four-Stage Learning Journey | SEND | PMLD 

Bringing literacy to life through sensory storytelling, everyday routines, and meaningful real-life experiences! 

Take literacy beyond the classroom with this practical, sensory-rich resource that connects storytelling, communication, and everyday learning with real-world opportunities. 

Designed for learners of all ages and abilities in SEND and PMLD settings, from those exploring early sensory responses and emerging literacy skills to learners developing greater independence in communication, reading for meaning and practical everyday skills. 

Part of the Literacy Through Everyday Life series, A Visit to the Coffee Shop follows a flexible four-stage journey: Experience → Explore → Practice → Visit & Reflect. 

From exploring familiar signs and menus to communicating choices, practicing coffee shop routines and visiting a real community setting, learners can engage with literacy through meaningful everyday experiences. 

A dedicated “What’s for Lunch? – Bringing Literacy into Everyday Life” section explores how school lunch menus, snack times and familiar daily routines can provide opportunities for communication, recognition, meaningful choice-making and learner voice. 

For Practitioners 

• Clear sensory story facilitation guidance, suggested props and preparation checklist 

• Learning & Engagement Outcomes to support planning, observation and assessment 

• A flexible four-stage learning journey connecting classroom activities with real-life experiences 

• Practical guidance for communication, choice-making and differentiated participation 

• Accessible menu examples, recognition and matching activities 

• Guidance for community visits, sensory safety, unexpected situations and reflection 

For Learners 

• Experience the Coffee Shop Sensory Story 

• Explore coffee shop objects, signs, photographs and menus 

• Recognise familiar foods and communicate choices using accessible menus 

• Explore “What’s for Lunch?” through familiar school routines 

• Practice ordering, serving and social interaction through role-play and a mini café 

• Visit a community coffee shop and revisit experiences through photographs, objects and shared reflection 

Activities can be selected and adapted for individuals, small groups, or whole-class projects. There is no expectation that every learner completes every stage or follows the same pathway. 

From the classroom to the community, discover how everyday experiences can create meaningful opportunities for literacy, communication, independence, and participation. 

Suitable for schools, colleges, specialist settings, and home learning.