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Chinese Library Association ConferenceNovember 2012

Heather KetronHead of Youth ServicesAshburn LibraryLoudoun County Public Library, Virginia, USA

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LOUDOUN COUNTY

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• 7 branches (will be 8 branches early 2013)• Population – 328, 533 (2012 estimate)• Public Schools – 80 (2011 – 2012)• School enrollment – 65, 668 (Sept. 30, 2011)• According to the US Census Bureau, Loudoun has

continued to be one of the fastest growing counties in the United States.

ASHBURN LIBRARY

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ASHBURN LIBRARY

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ASHBURN LIBRARY YOUTH SERVICES

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OPEN DOOR SPECIAL NEEDS STORYTIME PRESENTATION PREVIEW

Background Information Sample Storytime Activities Questions

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AUTISM FACTS Autism Spectrum Disorder is

estimated to affect more than 2 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide.

Loudoun County Public Schools – 742 students are identified as autistic.

In response, Loudoun County Public Library developed a storytime program designed for children who have developmental disorders on the autism spectrum.

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DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS AUTISTIC?

Autism is also known as ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder.•Difficulty with verbal expression, unresponsive•Laugh or cry for no apparent reason•Difficulty interacting with others•Little or no eye contact•Obsessive attachment to objects•Sensory stimulation may lead to over or under-activity.

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EVERY AUTISTIC CHILD IS DIFFERENT!

“A child may not have the same symptoms and may seem very different from another child with the same diagnosis. It is sometimes said, that if you know one person with autism; you know one person with autism.”

Source: Autism Speaks

www.autismspeaks.org/whatisit/symptoms.php

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1. EVERY CHILD READY TO READ @ YOUR LIBRARY

Early literacy initiative – Association for Library Service to Children, division of American Library Association

Talking Singing Reading Writing Playing

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2. SENSORY INTEGRATION THEORY

These are sensory storytimes vs. “regular” storytimes.

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WHAT DO WE MEAN BY “SENSORY?”

External Tactile Auditory Visual Taste & Smell

Internal Proprioception – muscles &

joints Vestibular – movement,

balance, & coordination

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EARLY LITERACY + SENSORY INTEGRATION = OPEN DOOR STORYTIME!

Sensory storytimes are good for all children, not just special needs children

Open Door Storytime = Provides families with a storytime where they can relax, with others who are familiar with autistic behaviors

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PURPOSE OF OPEN DOOR STORYTIMES

In accordance with Loudoun County Public Library policy and Early Literacy Guidelines, the Open Door Special Needs Storytime programs shall exist to: Share and model the importance of early

literacy activities with parents and children; Provide sensory integration experiences ; Create and sustain an accepting and welcoming

library environment for special needs children and their families.

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OPEN DOOR OBJECTIVES Through participation in the Open Door Special Needs

Storytime program, children ages 3-5 will share early literacy experiences. Specifically, participants will:Participate in a variety of early literacy

activitiesEngage in sensory activitiesDevelop positive relationships with

participants and library staffBecome aware of library resources

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ROLE OF LIBRARY STAFF

We are supplementing, enriching , and extending children’s literacy development

We complement school instruction, we do not provide instruction, remediation, or therapy.

Our role is to facilitate and support children’s learning.

Our role is also to create a setting where children have a positive, life-enhancing experience in the library.

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FUNDING

Funding for Open Door Special Needs Storytime comes from the Loudoun County Public Library operating budget.

100 Women Strong grant = $3000

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OPEN DOOR COMPONENTS

Books! Visual Schedule Use the same opening and closing routines Weighted lap snakes, carpet squares Big Mack switch Flannel board Props Music & Rhymes Movement Unison Reading – “read along” Social Time 19

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SAMPLE STORYTIME

VISUAL SCHEDULE

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• We sing the same song each storytime.

• Children say their names while seeing their reflection in the unbreakable mirror.

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• Parents help pass the switch.

• Use a book with a repeating phrase or word.

“I can do it!”

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From Head to Toe Game

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Props – puppets; beanie babies; inflatable animals; etc.

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Using a song on a CD:

Walking, WalkingWalking, walking, walking, walkingHop, hop, hop. Hop, hop, hopRunning, running, running. Running, running, running.Now let’s stop. Now let’s stop!

Using your voice!

Head and shoulders, knees and toes,Knees and toes.Head and shoulders, knees and toesKnees and toes.Eyes, and ears and mouth and noseHead and shoulders, knees and toesKnees and toes.

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Two little black birdsSitting on a hill.One named Jack,One named Jill.Fly away Jack,Fly away Jill.Come back Jack,Come back Jill.

Gray squirrel, gray squirrel, Swish your fluffy tail.

Gray squirrel, gray squirrel,Swish your fluffy tail.

Wrinkle up your little noseHold a nut between your toes.

Gray squirrel, gray squirrel,Swish your fluffy tail.

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Simple Yoga poses

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This is a nice way to share a story. Especially for the kids who have visual impairments. They can have the book close to them so they can see the illustrations.

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• Utilizing instruments provides a way to reinforce the musical experience and help make it lots of fun!

• A wonderful way to express themselves non-verbally.

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Our ending routine includes a “goodbye song”, a with a walk on the sensory beam and some bubble popping.

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Toys, painting, coloring, books, blocks, balls, etc.

Thank you!

Your QuestionsContact : Heather.Ketron@loudoun.gov

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