Multisensory and multi-arts activities

Different artforms enrich each other. A story can be born, for example, from an alternating narration  that the adult illustrates. In the end, based on the resulting pictures, the child can tell a shared story that other group members express with their bodies. Instead of making illustrations the group can utilize a method called echo theatre, where a child narrates the story and directs other group members to illustrate the narration by acting. If the children use alternating narration or echo theatre, the same method can be used several times. This will make it easier for the children to concentrate on interpreting the story rather than on the method itself.

Multisensory experiences are efficient in bringing joy from reading, because they can offer something to all reader-experiencers. Soundscapes that are built in collaboration and include movement, provide a multisensory experience of the story. An adult may read the story aloud, while children create a soundscape that follows the story by using their bodies or musical instruments. The soundscape functions as the group’s interpretation of the text. Silk cloths, for example, can also be used to bring an additional impact on the corporeal expression by adding colour and a sensory experience.

Visual expression is a familiar, and for many children a pleasant, way to produce inner impressions about scenes, characters and their relations, in a story. A chain of illustrations can be made on a long protective paper that is spread on the floors or the walls. Children can use the illustrations as a base for a shared story. Music, different voices or silhouettes reflected on walls can be used as inspiration for making the illustrations. Music, dance and other corporeal expressions work well for expressing atmospheres and emotional memories evoked by the story.