Post on 18-Jun-2020
Sensory StorytimeHow we can help you adapt Library services to meet community needs
About us
Places, parenting, pets, pinball,
paddleboards – not necessarily
in that order – that sums up
Laurie in a nutshell. Laurie is
a Library Tech at LPL who is
also passionate about creating
inclusive programming and
spaces.
Being a Children’s Librarian at is no
TALL order. Jenny has reached new
heights by developing innovative
community partnerships, integrating
play into the library, and being an
effective library champion for
families and children.
Why?
• Lack of social opportunities for children with Autism and other PDD
• There was a community need that had not previously been met
• We had wanted to create specialized programs and services but lacked knowledge, confidence and support
• Inclusion identified as goal of Plan of Service
The numbers
What is life like for a person with
Sensory Processing Disorder?
• Oversensitive to sights, sounds,
textures, flavours, smells, or
other sensory input
• Under sensitive to some sensory
input
• Has difficulty knowing how
body is oriented in space
• Seeks or avoids certain kinds of
movement
• Has trouble with emotional
regulation – sometimes
triggered by sensory overload
• We are all on the spectrum,
many of us could benefit from
the extra supports
Sensory friendly
programming
What tools can help?
Social stories Sensory Supports
It is a short description of a particular situation, event or
activity, which includes specific information about what to
expect in that situation and why.
The terms 'social story' and 'social stories' are trademarks
originated and owned by Carol Gray
What is a Social
Story?
Here is what ours looks like…..
• Online templates, examples
• Real pictures of kids doing the things
• First or third person statements (avoid second person statements)
• Use a positive and patient tone
• No judgemental or authoritarian tone
• Literally accurate
Ask the experts, they are there to help!
Social Stories….and
how do you write
one?
Sensory SupportsWhat are they and how do they help?
•Tools that can be used to calm
or stimulate the sensory system
•Promote regulation, improve
focus, increase participation
Sensory basket • Tools available for use in-house
• Budget-friendly
• Shows a desire to be inclusive
• Mention it at programs to make
families feel welcome
• Creates the feeling of inclusion
Our basket includes noise-reducing
headphones, weighted lap pads and small
wiggle cushions.
• Why? (try before you buy)
• Reduce barriers
• Resources for families that might not be
connected to other supports
• Resources for adult learners, classrooms,
agencies, workers, and families
Sensory Kits
We got by with a little help from
our friends
Details about the Sensory Tool KitsKit Name Manipulative 1 Manipulative 2 Manipulative 3 Manipulative 4 Call Number
Auditory
Processing
Califone Hearing Safe
Hearing Protector (small)
School Specialty
Califone Hearing Safe Hearing
Protector (large
School Specialty
Noise Off Black
Scholar’s Choice
Marpac Dohm DS White
Noise Sound Machine, Dual
Speed, White
School Specialty
STK – Auditory
Sensory Tool Kit –
Auditory
Processing
Fidgets Fidget Set
National Autism
Resources
Popping Fidget
National Autism Resources
Abraka Rings
National Autism Resources
Tactile tangle relax
National Autism Resources
STK – Fidgets
Sensory Tool Kit –
Fidget Sampler
Fine Motor Weighted Textured Balls,
Assorted Colors, Set of 3
School Specialty
Fabrication Enterprises
CanDo Gel Squeeze Ball,
Standard Circular, Set of 6
School Specialty
Fabrication Enterprises
CanDo Twist-n-Bend Flexible
Exercise Bar, 12-Inch, Set of 6
School Specialty
Fabrication Enterprises
CanDo Ergonomic Hand
Grip, Set of 5 Pairs
School Specialty
STK – Fine Motor
Sensory Tool Kit –
Fine Motor
Strengtheners
Night time Cosmic UFO
National Autism
Resources
Teach me time ok to wake
clock
National Autism Resources
Vibrating snake
National Autism Resources
Laser Stars
National Autism Resources
STK – Night
Sensory Tool Kit –
Nighttime Helpers
Positioning-
Mobility
In-Seat solutions (set of
10)
School Specialty
STK – Positioning
Sensory Tool Kit –
Positioning Helpers
Calming Fiber optic light
Scholar’s Choice
Lunar light show
National Autism Resources
Flowing Sand Panel
National Autism Resources
Soothing Mini volcano
National Autism Resources
STK – Calming
Sensory Tool Kit –
Calming Tools
Timers Time Timer
School Specialty
Sportime sense-of-timers
School Specialty
Time Timer PLUS
School Specialty
School Smart Big digit count
up/down
School Specialty
STK – Timers
Sensory Tool Kit -
Timers
Details
Storage?
Clear
plastic
containers.
Labels include
contents so
customers and
staff know what
should be in the
kit. Items are
crossed out if they
are missing from
the kit.
Circulation notes are updated to indicate items
that are missing from the kit.
What makes Sensory Storytime different?
• Less distractions
• Enclosed area
• More movement
• Visual schedules
• Props
• Sensory tools
• Slower pace, fewer songs/stories
• Repetition
• Consistency
Who benefits from Sensory Storytime?
• Children who struggle at a regular story time
• Children who may need extra sensory
supports to thrive during story time
• Children who benefit from visual schedules,
mindful transitions between activities
• Children who need to sit less and move more
• Children who need more flexibility
• Parents who feel anxious about attending a
regular story time due to their child’s atypical
behaviour
Here is Our Sensory Storytime…
Calming Corner
Visual Schedule
Fidgets and
Tools
Wiggle cushions and
headphones
The What and Why of Song Choices
• Less songs
• Repetition – same songs/same order each week
• More repetition –twice or more
• Opportunities for movement
• Incorporate sensory work
• Props – scarves, shakers, and more
• Slower, quieter
• Short and sweet
• You will sing alone….and that’s okay
Resources• Alberta Health Services, Occupational Therapist (OT)
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/Page8493.aspx
• Alberta Health Services, Speech Language Pathologist (SLP)
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/Page8483.aspx
• Government of Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-
conditions/infographic-autism-spectrum-disorder-children-youth-canada-2018.html
• Key Connections Consulting Inc.
http://www.keyconnectionsconsulting.com/
• National Autism Resources
https://www.nationalautismresources.com/
• LPL Social Story
http://www.lethlib.ca/promotion/social-story-0
• Scholar’s Choice
https://www.scholarschoice.ca/
• School Specialty Canada
https://store.schoolspecialty.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?minisite=10224
Jenny.Cofell@lethlib.ca
Laurie.Darveau-Willms@lethlib.ca