Sensory stories on audio CD
A professional approach
Reproduction of an article in the Summer 2002 edition of the RNIB magazine eye contact
A chance meeting between staff from Lindon Bennett School in Hanworth, Middlesex and Vocal Image has resulted in the launch of an exciting and innovative audio concept - original sensory stories on audio CD for children with profound and multiple learning difficulties.
Lindon Bennett's experience
Lindon Bennett School caters for 75 children aged 3-11 years with severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties. For years Sue Laurie, Maria Britton and Stella Benjamin had used their ingenuity to create sensory stories that would effectively stimulate these children. This has been a time-consuming process as there are a number of challenges to overcome each time:
- choosing and adapting a suitable, existing story
- designing a series of sensory activities to effectively complement the story
- sourcing a range of sensory props to use with the activities
- finding appropriate sound effects and music, as well as recording the story narrative
This final point has proven to be significant, as the focus of the teacher's attention should be on helping each child to experience the sensory activities, and watching for their reactions. Co-ordinating a sound effect CD, music CD and d-i-y story narration on cassette can involve a lot of running around the classroom from one piece of audio equipment to another! It doesn't leave much time for the children and the whole experience can end up rather disjointed.
The home recording solution?
It was clear from Lindon Bennett's experiences that a single audio recording incorporating sound effects, music and story narration would be the ideal solution. This realisation led to a number of home recordings; however, the limitations of domestic cassette recorders will always be a considerable restraint on artistic creativity and recording quality.
A professional approach
A chance meeting with Vocal Image brought with it the prospect of taking a professional approach to sensory story audio productions. The decision was taken to combine Lindon Bennett's educational expertise with the creative and audio production skills of Vocal Image to develop a new sensory story on audio CD.
The development process
After gaining an insight into the purpose and use of sensory stories, Vocal Image created an original story - 'Lofty Visits The Farm' - and then worked with the school to develop appropriate activities. Vocal Image recorded the narrative using their own voice artist and then blended this with a host of evocative sound effects and lively original music. In the meantime Sue, Maria and Stella collected together suitable props, and finally it was tested out on a class - with great results. The CD was easy to use, staff could concentrate on interacting with their pupils and the children enjoyed the story.
Flexible and practical
Flexible and adaptable in structure, one sensory activity is featured per track on the audio CD, making it easy to select or repeat activities as appropriate. Furthermore, extended music or sound effects are featured on each track to allow time for the related activity. There is no stopping, starting or interrupting the flow of the multi-sensory experience.
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