Getting Started with Sensory Storytimes

 

• Would you like to create a sensory storytime but don't know where to begin?
• Do you want to understand more about sensory storytimes and how they differ from (and are the same as) other storytimes?
• Could you benefit from experience and guidance as you develop a step-by-step plan for delivering sensory storytimes that make sense for the needs of the individuals served by your library or organization?

Join experienced Youth Services Librarian Laura Baldassari-Hackstaff and learn how to develop and sustain a successful sensory storytime. Whether you are considering a separate storytime or adapting your traditional storytime to be more inclusive, sensory storytime is not just a storytime with a different audience. It has unique elements that resonate with children and young adults with special needs and their families. This course will help you understand in a detailed way what these unique characteristics are. Drawing from her own and others' years of experience, the instructor will help you will learn how to choose effective storytime materials, write engaging storytime plans, and sustain an ongoing program. At the completion of this course, learners will be fully prepared to begin their sensory storytime program with the information and resources they need.

In this course you'll learn how to plan and deliver a sensory storytime program, including how to:

• Define and develop goals
• Find resources to support your program
• Plan a sensory storytime session or a whole series of sessions
• Evaluate a sensory storytime program
• Provide targeted outreach and promotion

Course Description: This four-week online course will utilize readings, examples, and resources to help you better understand sensory storytimes and how to plan and deliver an effective sensory storytime program in your library and community. You will be able to apply the concepts and techniques immediately in your own library and community. As part of the course, you will be encouraged to ask questions and participate in discussions with others.

Course Outline: When you log in to the Infopeople online learning site, you will see weekly modules with these topics:

• Week 1: Defining Sensory Storytime and Understanding Your Audience
  • Definitions and behaviors
  • Universal design
  • Setting goals
• Week 2: Sensory Storytime Resources
  • Resources in your library
  • Resources in your community
• Week 3: Planning Sensory Storytimes
  • How to plan a session
  • A year of monthly sensory storytime plans
• Week 4: Sustaining a Sensory Storytime Program
  • Surveying your participants
  • Promotion and outreach

Time Required: To complete this course, you can expect to spend 2 ½ hours per week, for a total of ten course hours. Each week's module contains readings and various options for assignments, discussions, or online meetings. You can choose the options most relevant to your work and interests. Although you can work on each module at your own pace, at any hour of the day or night, it is recommended that you complete each week's work within that week to stay in sync with other learners.

Who Should Take This Course: Youth librarians, early childhood educators, daycare providers, special needs service providers

Online Learning Details and System Requirements may be found at: infopeople.org/training/online_learning_details.

Learner Requirements: None

After the official end date for the course, the instructor will be available for limited consultation and support for two more weeks, and the course material will stay up for an additional two weeks after that. These extra weeks give those who have fallen behind time to work independently to complete the course.

Keywords: Children's services