Sensory Storytime at Brooklyn Public Library!
Sensory Storytime is a family storytime designed for families with children ages 3-8, with and without disabilities. Read a book, sing a song, dance or play along. Small groups, visual supports, sensory activities, fidgets and orientations will help us all have fun.
You might wonder what makes a sensory friendly program? Let me tell you… First, we want you to be comfortable. Feel free to sit, lie down or quietly move around during the program. We use a visual schedule to help people know what to expect next and lessen anxiety. We sing transition songs to move from activity to activity.
We want to make it easier for you to communicate with us and each other so we have picture symbols available to support non-verbal communication, when that is preferred (holdup “yes” and “no”). If you don’t want to sing, you can push a button and the BIGmack (a recording message device) will sing for you or you can clap along.
Certain aspects of our program can protect against being overwhelmed by sensory input. For example, we have baseball caps to block the lights, and noise-cancelling headphones can bring the volume down a bit. Weighted toys can help someone settle, and fidgets which can help release some energy are also available.
Other parts of the program help engage under stimulated senses. The fidgets can provide some sensory input. Deep muscle activities like movement and stretchy bands involve proprioceptive and vestibular senses, to help with body awareness. Mostly, we just want to have fun! So tell us what you need, including when you need to go to the bathroom!
For more information about sensory issues and Sensory storytimes, check out the following resources:
Storytime for the Spectrum by Megan Cottrell in American Libraries Magazine
People With Autism Explain What Stimming Feels Like produced by Ashley Kristoff
Books in our collection:
The Everything Parent's Guide to Sensory Processing Disorder: The Information and Treatment Options You Need to Help Your Child with SPD by Terri Mauro, 618.928M
Armond Goes to a Party , by Nancy Carlson, J 618.9285C
Programming for Children and Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder by Barbara Klipper, J 027.663K
For more resources check out our Parent Information Center at Flatlands Library. To find out about sensory storytimes please check out BPL's Inclusive Services website, or to reserve one one of the kits, please contact Carrie Banks or Denise Lattimore, Director and Library Associate for Inclusive Services.
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This blog post reflects the opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of Brooklyn Public Library.
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