1 Virginia Library Association Annual Conference October 2012

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Virginia Library Association Annual Conference

October 2012

Heather KetronHead of Youth ServicesAshburn LibraryLoudoun County Public Library

Christine LearyYouth Services LibrarianCascades LibraryLoudoun County Public Library

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LOUDOUN COUNTY

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• 7 branches (will be 8 branches early 2013)• Population – 328, 533 (2012 estimate)• Public Schools – 80 (2011 – 2012)• School enrollment – 65, 668 (Sept. 30, 2011)• According to the US Census Bureau, Loudoun has

continued to be one of the fastest growing counties in the United States.

PRESENTATION PREVIEW

Background Information Program Resources Keys to Success Sample Storytime & Activities Incorporating sensory activities into regular

storytimes Questions

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BACKGROUND

Autism Spectrum Disorder is estimated to affect more than 2 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide.

Loudoun County Public Schools – 742 students are identified as autistic.

In response, Loudoun County Public Library developed a storytime program designed for children who have developmental disorders on the autism spectrum.

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BACKGROUND (2)

Autism is also known as ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder.

“A child may not have the same symptoms and may seem very different from another child with the same diagnosis. It is sometimes said, that if you know one person with autism; you know one person with autism.”

Source: Autism Speaks

www.autismspeaks.org/whatisit/symptoms.php6

BACKGROUND (3)

These are sensory storytimes vs. “regular” storytimes.

Includes sensory activities but this is not therapy.

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BACKGROUND (4)

What do we mean when we say “sensory?” External

Tactile Auditory Visual Taste & Smell

Internal Proprioception – muscles & joints Vestibular – movement, balance, & coordination

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BACKGROUND (5)

Sensory storytimes are good for all children, not just special needs children

Open Door Storytime = Provides families with a storytime where they can relax, with others who are familiar with autistic behaviors

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PURPOSE In accordance with Loudoun County Public

Library policy and Early Literacy Guidelines, the Open Door Special Needs Storytime programs shall exist to: Share and model the importance of early

literacy activities with parents and children; Provide sensory integration experiences ; Create and sustain an accepting and welcoming

library environment for special needs children and their families.

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OBJECTIVES

Through participation in the Open Door Special Needs Storytime program, children ages 3-5 will share early literacy experiences. Specifically, participants will:Participate in a variety of early literacy

activitiesEngage in sensory activitiesDevelop positive relationships with

participants and library staffBecome aware of library resources

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FUNDING

Funding for Open Door Special Needs Storytime comes from the Loudoun County Public Library operating budget.

100 Women Strong grant = $3000

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PARTICIPATION

From June 2011 – August 2012 22 Open Door programs were presented in 2

LCPL branches Average attendance was 16 participants Saturday Afternoons Thursday Evenings – was changed to Sat

afternoons

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PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

Open Door program plans were developed through library staff collaboration utilizing popular storytimes themes to take advantage of existing library resources to promote sensory engagement with books and

themes

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PROGRAM RESOURCES

Library collection (books and CD’s) Local organizations & agencies Staff! Websites Vendors/Suppliers Boardmaker software

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ROLE OF LIBRARY STAFF

We are supplementing, enriching , and extending children’s literacy development

We complement school instruction, we do not provide instruction, remediation, or therapy.

Our role is to facilitate and support children’s learning.

Our role is also to create a setting where children have a positive, life-enhancing experience in the library.

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SOME KEYS TO SUCCESS

Positive, Supportive, Encouraging Predictable and Structured (for the children) Flexibility (for the staff) FOCUS =Children vs. “teaching” Community partnerships The parents Having a reasonably sized group

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OPEN DOOR COMPONENTS

Books! Visual Schedule Use the same opening and closing routines Weighted lap snakes, carpet squares Big Mack switch Flannel board Props Music & Rhymes Movement Unison Reading – “read along” Social Time 18

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SAMPLE STORYTIME

VISUAL SCHEDULE

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• We sing the same song each storytime.

• Children say their names while seeing their reflection in the unbreakable mirror.

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• Parents help pass the switch.

• Use a book with a repeating phrase or word.

“Not by the skin of my finny fin fin!”

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Rain

From Head to Toe

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Props – puppets; beanie babies; inflatable animals; etc.

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Sung to : “Skip to My Lou”

Fish, fish, swim up high,Fish, fish, swim down low,Fish, fish, swim so fast,Fish, fish, swim so slow.

Using a song on a CD:

Walking, WalkingWalking, walking, walking, walkingHop, hop, hop. Hop, hop, hopRunning, running, running. Running, running, running.Now let’s stop. Now let’s stop!

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Two little black birdsSitting on a hill.One named Jack,One named Jill.Fly away Jack,Fly away Jill.Come back Jack,Come back Jill.

Gray squirrel, gray squirrel, Swish your fluffy tail.

Gray squirrel, gray squirrel,Swish your fluffy tail.

Wrinkle up your little noseHold a nut between your toes.

Gray squirrel, gray squirrel,Swish your fluffy tail.

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Large Motor Movement: Simple Yoga poses

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This is a nice way to share a story. Especially for the kids who have visual impairments. They can have the book close to them so they can see the illustrations.

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• Utilizing instruments provides a way to reinforce the musical experience and help make it lots of fun!

• A wonderful way to express themselves non-verbally.

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Our ending routine includes a “goodbye song”, a with a walk on the sensory beam and some bubble popping.

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Toys, painting, coloring, books, blocks, balls, etc.

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INCORPORATING SENSORY ELEMENTS INTO ANY STORYTIME

Make specific items/elements a regular part of every storytime.• Use the BIGmack switch in your opening/closing song.• Reread a book in unison• Repeat a book as a flannel• Seating - Use carpet squares; rug; or Educubes • Use adapted books• Tactile items – cotton balls; sandpaper• Add a visual schedule• Use the sensory beam at the end of every storytime as

your closing activity.

If time allows, have “play time” at the end of your storytimes. Bring out the toys, puzzles, soft balls, etc.

PROGRAM FEEDBACK

“I’m so glad the library is doing this for our special kids.”

“What a wonderful, much needed service for our area!”

“It is nice to have a place where people don’t look at us funny for the odd way my daughter behaves.”

“We really enjoy coming to the library!” 36

Thank you for coming!

Handouts and presentation are posted on the Conference website, www.vla.org

Your Questions

Contact Us: Heather.Ketron@loudoun.govChristine.Leary@loudoun.gov 37