Libraries Serving Children with Autism

My first Sensory Storytime

November 4th, 2011 Ashley Waring

I finally offered my first sensory storytime this morning.  It was wonderful!  Only 3 families came, but check out this fabulous email our library received this afternoon:

Just wanted to send a big thank you for the sensory storytime
this morning! It was terrific! I will be sure to let other preschool parents [know] to come to the next one. My four-year old LOVED it and I think I’m even more excited than he is as the event stirred up a lot of great ideas for activities I can do with my kids at home! Thank you thank you!!!

Obviously even though it wasn’t a huge crowd, it made a huge impact.  Just goes to show that families want these services and will be very appreciative if you offer them.  The parents were so enthusiastic and participated fully, much more so than at a “regular” storytime.

This was my schedule:

• Hello song
• Shirt song
• Fingerplay
• Five Little Pumpkins book (with feltboard)
• Scarves and music
• Sticky bubblegum song with Therabands
• Dog’s Colorful Day book (with feltboard)
• Goodbye song
• Bubbles and music

I used carpet squares on the floor to help kids with boundaries, I used a visual schedule, and I had a table display near the door with books, DVDs, and other materials for families to take home.  After the storytime, the families went into our picture book room and the kids played with toys while the moms talked.  If I have a larger group next time, I’ll bring toys into the storytime room so families can stay and socialize in there when the program is finished.

Entry Filed under: Programming,Storytime