If Traditional Storytime Isn't Right for Your Child, Try Sensory Storytime

An engaging alternative to enhance inclusivity in library storytimes

For many children, traditional storytimes can be challenging.

While attending a library storytime is a wonderful way to bond with your children, it can also come with difficulties such as trouble focusing or socializing or simply feeling bored. For many children—particularly those with autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or developmental disabilities—sensory storytime can offer a more suitable alternative.

The Basics of Sensory Storytime

At its core, sensory storytime is a storytelling program that includes stimulating sensory elements. These elements can range from simple supplemental illustrations to more elaborate components like story-related songs and movements. The primary aim is to create an enriching environment that engages children, especially those who are neurodivergent or struggle with focusing and social interactions.

Who Benefits from Sensory Storytime?

Sensory storytime can be great for just about everyone! Parents enjoy having enriching and accessible activities for their children, libraries thrive on community engagement, and most importantly, children themselves—whether neurodivergent or not—can have fun while learning and socializing. The engaging, sensory-focused activities can help them connect better to the storytime experience.

 


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How Sensory Storytime Might Look

A sensory storytime often follows a structured format, with a variety of activities that appeal to different senses. For example, it may begin with a song, followed by an interactive picture book, a fingerpainting activity, and then another interactive picture book. Although each storytime may differ, the schedule is usually clear and communicated ahead of time. 

 

Visual Schedule

Sensory storytimes typically use a visual schedule. This could be a poster board featuring several images and corresponding words that outline the planned activities. For instance, there might be a picture of a guitar alongside the phrase “Sing-Along Time” to indicate the singing portion of the storytime. 

 

Sensory Activities

The goal of sensory activities isn’t to create an overstimulating environment, but rather one that engages the senses and keeps children entertained. Some examples are:

  • Finger painting
  • Brush painting
  • Sing-alongs
  • Playing with bubbles
  • Playing with sensory toys, such as fidget toys
  • Interactive readings
  • Playing with playdough 

Sensory activities like these help stimulate the brain, encourage social interaction, and develop language, communication, and motor skills. 

 


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Ask Your Librarian About Sensory Storytime

Attending sensory storytime with your child can help you connect with other parents in your community whose children experience similar challenges with attention and socialization. Check your library’s calendar of events and register for an upcoming session.

If you can’t find sensory storytime on their schedule, reach out to the children’s librarian. Librarians are always looking for new ways to meet the needs of their patrons, so they’ll be more than happy to create a sensory storytime if you ask. 

To learn more about children’s programming at public libraries, check out our Public Libraries feature page today!

 


 

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