Title: Sensory Storytime

Day of the week/Time: Sunday 9-10. To help overcome the barrier of a busy library it takes place during closed hours. Due to this pre registration is required.

Ages: 2-6 years, exceptions can be made for children who are developmentally delayed. Space will be limited to 8 children and their caregivers/siblings.

Goals: Provide a highly flexible storytime that meets the needs of all patrons while teaching pre literacy skills. Provide a place for parents and siblings to have support.

Reasoning for Program: This storytime is geared towards children on the autism spectrum or any child who has challenges attending other storytimes. Because of it’s small size it provides more opportunities for individual attention in a less overwhelming environment than a regular storytime.

Activities: Read 2-3 books and sing 3-4 songs. Time will be provided at the end for independent play in sensory bins and for adults to talk with each other and library staff. There will be a pictograph schedule. Fidget toys, headphones, and weighted blankets will be provided. Families are encourage to bring their own comfort items as well.

Supplies: Books from library collection, fidget toys, headphones, weighted blankets, stickers, scarves, small bean bags for tossing, bubbles, pictograph schedule, sensory bins.

Staff: Librarian or library assistant

Community Partners: N/A

Budget: Included in $600 yearly storytime budget.

Video Credit: AkronSummitLibrary (Creator). (2014). Sensory Story Time: A program designed for families of children with autism [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwAT88XQsK4