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