Yo Ho! Let’s Go! is a pirate-themed sensory PE and movement session designed for children and young people with PMLD and complex learning needs, including learners who experience physical barriers to movement.
Through a fun pirate journey, learners are supported to explore movement, rhythm, and early physical skills in an accessible and engaging way. Activities are set to music and sound effects and encourage reaching, turning, pushing, pulling, tracking, and shared movement, with opportunities for independent movement in ways meaningful to each learner.
The session follows a clear narrative, from setting sail and riding stormy seas to working on deck, rowing to Treasure Island, and finally finding the treasure. The session ends with time to relax to the sound of calm ocean waves, supporting regulation and a smooth transition into the next part of the learners’ day.
Each activity can be used individually or mixed and matched across sessions, allowing staff to adapt the experience to suit learners’ individual needs and responses. Activities are designed to be accessible and can be adapted for learners using wheelchairs or specialist seating, as well as those accessing the session in other ways.
This resource includes detailed activity guidance and a downloadable PowerPoint with visuals and music, available to download from the Sensory Soup OneDrive or Dropbox.
👉 Explore more themed music and movement sessions.
👉 For further guidance on supporting children and young people with complex needs, including sensory and physical experiences, you may find resources from SENSE helpful.