Sensory Songs: LEAF is a personalised multisensory world of music and song for young children with complex needs.

Developed by Thomas Johnston (musician) and Orla Kelly (visual artist) for Holy Family Special School in Cootehill and supported by Cavan County Council and Cavan County Libraries with funding through the Dormant Accounts Fund. Musical accompaniment by Sean O'Meara. Recorded at Bannview Studios.

Who is LEAF for?

The project has been developed specifically for children who attend the Special Care Classes at Holy Family School in Cootehill, Co. Cavan. Each child receives their own special package which include a range of sensory objects - including finger puppets, paper leaves, magic leaves, a giant leaf, a fan, and a beautiful massage bug - that they can explore while listening to the accompanying soundtracks.

A note for parents/guardians

LEAF is a multisensory music experience in a package. The sun character as finger puppet and multisensory props are available for you and your child to engage with again and again in a guided way, but ultimately the story and interaction can be reinvented each time you open the story package.

We have a few helpful directions for you before we begin.

Please feel free to explore all the items in the package in the way that best suits you and your child initially.

When you are familiar with all the items and ready to hear the music and songs, we recommend that you either lay all the items out in front of you both on the giant leaf, or if better for you and your child, leave the items in the package or away from your child’s immediate sight and bring out each item as prompted as you listen to the songs, in a way that feels the most appropriate and natural for you both in each instance.

There is no right or wrong way to do this. Feel free to play naturally together as you respond to the music and songs.

We have made every effort for all items to be prepared in a ‘quarantined’ way so there is no need to clean items before use, unless you wish to do so. All items can be wiped with an antiseptic wipe should you need to clean them.

The items we have included can be used in many ways and hopefully many times but here are a few of our ideas with some of the items for you.

TRACK 1: THERE IN THE SHADOW
Associated sensory object: paper leaves

Paper Leaves: Tissue leaves have a curious aerodynamic and can be beautiful when blown or dropped. Allowing the leaves to fall, float, and spin from a height over the eyeline of your child can be very pleasing. If your child can, perhaps they would like to blow the leaves too with you from your hand. Such blowing can strengthen muscles involved in oral motor and mouth skills.

TRACK 2: AWAKEN LEAF
Associated sensory object: sun finger puppet & leaf fan

As the sun rises high in the sky*, the little leaves on the tree awaken and unfurl. As you listen to this track which is inspired by a leaf unfurling at the beginning of the day, you can gently fan your child with the fan you will discover in the sensory pack. Perhaps you could fan their entire body? Begin gently, and don't be afraid to discover the joy of a giant whoosh!

*Note on Sun finger puppet: this can be placed on a child's finger, pencil, hairbrush end or whatever suits your child to hold. Or it may be placed on your finger and used to animate as the music and songs play.

TRACK 3: BUSY BUGS
Associated sensory object: bug massage toy

The day is in full swing, and there are lots and lots of bugs about - beetles, ladybirds, and even bumblebees. It's time to have lots of family fun with your sensory massage bug. Try a gentle and relaxing massage on shoulders, back, feet, and even your hands.


TRACK 4: LULLABY

The day has come to and end, and the sun begins to set behind the mountains. It's time to close our eyes and dream about all of the fun that we had on our giant leaf.

As the sun falls fast asleep
There's nowhere else that I'd rather be
Than here upon my leaf
On top of the world
On top of the world

As the stars come out to peep
There's nowhere else I'd rather be
Than here upon my leaf
On top of the world
We hope you enjoy our gift for you and we hope you both have a magical time on your leaf.

Happy wishes from Orla and Thomas