Sensory Storytimes: an outline from the Chicago Public Library

Bare Bones Sensory Storytime – Josh Farnum, Chicago Public Library

MGOL elements fit into my sensory storytime model on the strength of their repetition, predictability, and simplicity of structure. In this bare-bones Sensory Storytime plan from the Chicago Public Library, everything repeats exactly for a six- or eight-week series except for new read-aloud books each week.

Since I generally work with older children, but often see children with a wide range of developmental differences, I wouldn’t do a MGOL program per se. Instead, I bring out scarves during the program, and we’d do “Wind Oh Wind,” “This is the Way,” “Wind Oh Wind”, and “Scarves Away”, in that order, every time for 8 weeks instead of switching it up.

Key Aspects

1. Use a visual schedule,
2. Provide fidgets,
3. Follow the session with open sensory play.

Tips for Success:

• Just roll with the punches, like with any storytime.
• Try to control the environment as much as possible (for sound, light, etc), and don’t worry about controlling the kids.
  • Children will come with their parents, caregivers, or OTs, and those are the folks who know them best. They know their needs and their meltdowns, and will help them have a rich experience. So you as the librarian can just focus on providing awesome literacy and sensory experiences. (And of course, busting out some MGOL rhymes is a great go-to for those literacy practices.)

Script

Below is a bare bones plan. This is kind of frame that I’d repeat exactly for a six- or eight- week series, changing only the books I read.