Holi A Sensory Story and Sensory Rich Activities for Neurodiverse, Sensory, and PMLD Learners
Step into a world of colour, connection, and celebration as we join our character as they explore the magic of Holi through the senses in this fully resourced sensory story with sensory-rich activities.
From powdered chalk and cinnamon stick painting to rainbow fruit kebabs and Indian music each activity is crafted to spark curiosity, support communication, and honour cultural symbolism. Whether you’re building a sensory tent, mixing primary colours in ziploc bags, or exploring emotions through colour idioms, every moment is layered with meaning and joy.
This comprehensive pack includes:
‘Holi’ A fully resourced step by step sensory story
Sensory prop checklist and facilitator guidance
Sensory-rich activities including Holi-themed sensory bags, bins, tents, and umbrellas, art explorations, Jackson Pollock-inspired paint bombs
Let the colours fly, the music play, and the stories unfold — Holi is here, and every learner is invited to join the dance.
Table of Contents
Story Props Checklist
How to Tell a Multisensory Story
Holi Full Poem
Story Delivery Ideas
Holi- A Multisensory Exploration
Skills and areas of Learning Promoted During the Multisensory Storytelling Session
Holi Themed Sensory Bag
Holi Themed Sensory Pot Pourri Bag
Holi Themed Sensory Umbrella
Holi Themed Sensory Tent
Holi Themed Sensory Bin
Using Dyes and Food Colouring to Colour Sensory Bin Fillers
Holi Themed Listening Game
Indian Music
Sensory Paint
How to Make Powdered Chalk
Taste Safe Powder Paint
Balloon Splatter Art Activity
Primary Colour Mixing Ziplock Activity
Firework Art Activity
Let’s Make…Holi Powder Paint
Jackson Pollock Themed Art
Art in Action by the Students of Harbour House
Paint Bombs & Cinnamon Stick Painting
Salad Spinner Artwork
Colour Sorting Activity
Tips for Sourcing Resources
Thandai Recipe
Rainbow Fruit Kebabs
Exploring Emotions Through Colour Idioms
Holi Ideas & Inspiration
This resource is aimed at supporting students and sensory learners of all ages following pre-formal/sensory, semi-formal or formal pathways incorporating activities that promote the five areas of the engagement model, creativity, independence, building communication skills, and supporting other areas of learning linking to curriculum subjects, themes, and topics.
This teaching pack is tailored to accommodate students’ individual learning needs through differentiated, themed, sensory extension activities linking to the EYFS Framework and areas of the KS1 National Curriculum making it the perfect resource for Special Education, Mainstream schools and settings, Speech & Language and EAL students.
About the Story Props
The story props are low budget, everyday items found around the home, garden, outdoor areas and in the classroom.
What are the Benefits of Multisensory Storytelling?
• Storytelling creates a bond between the storyteller and the story explorer enhancing and enriching experiences.
• Multisensory Stories connect the individual to literature, culture, history, and topic in a fun and engaging way.
• The stories form a base on which to scaffold learning enabling the student to work on personal goals and individual targets.
The activities in the stories are designed to promote:
• Initiation and sensory exploration.
• Communication skills: anticipation, eye contact, listening, shared attention, and language development.
• Self-confidence and well-being: trying out new ideas, and skills, persistence.
• Practicing self-care, independence and enjoying achievement.
• Self-awareness: asking for ‘help’, ‘again’ and ‘more’.
• Opportunities to explore cause & effect and build anticipation skills.
• Physical Development.
• Engagement in scientific experimentation and mathematical concepts.
• Development of social & emotional skills: turn-taking & sharing, listening to others’ ideas and teamwork.
The sensory stimuli (story props) are a tool for the story explorer to explore and express their likes, dislikes, and sensory preferences and to have the opportunity to make choices and rejections. These preferences can be noted and used in care plans and to enhance areas of daily life.
Your questions, queries, comments, and feedback are always welcome.
Thank you for looking
