A Visit to the Coffee Shop – A Six-Stage Learning Journey 

A Visit to the Coffee Shop – A Six-Stage Learning Journey 

A sensory story, practical literacy activities 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 in SEND and PMLD settings. 

Part of the Literacy Through Everyday Life series, A Visit to the Coffee Shop takes learners on a flexible six-stage journey, from exploring a sensory story and recognising familiar signs to using menus, role play, creating a mini café and visiting a real community setting. 

Through practical, accessible activities, learners can explore communication, choice-making, environmental print, social interaction and everyday problem-solving. 

Inside the resource, you’ll find: 

• A sensory story with suggested props and facilitation ideas. 

• Six stages of practical, sensory-rich literacy learning. 

• Learning objectives and engagement outcomes to support planning, differentiation and assessment. 

• Café menus, signs and communication activities. 

• Printable resources, including matching mats and practical café activity materials. 

• Role-play and mini café experiences. 

• Ideas for preparing for a community café visit and reflecting afterwards. 

• Adaptations and opportunities for different levels of participation. 

Activities can be selected and adapted to suit individual learners, groups or whole-class projects. There is no requirement to complete every stage or follow a fixed sequence. 

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

Suitable for schools, specialist settings and home learning.