Monday, September 13, 2021

1st Virtual RI Children's Sensory Support Group Meeting (Tuesday, September 14th at 1 p.m. Eastern Time)

Please see the invitation below. There is still time to register.
 
Join fellow youth services librarians to share best practices for sensory story times and inclusive library programs and services. We will be discussing community connections, sensory activity ideas, and programs/services beyond story time.
 
Topic: Learn about Sensory Backpacks & the ALSC Library Service to Underserved Children and Their Caregivers Committee
 
About the presentation: Jaime will be discussing her work with the Library Service to Children and Their Caregivers Committee, including the resources available for librarians through this committee. She will also share details about the sensory backpacks circulating at the Plano Libraries, and share ideas and information about additional programming and resource opportunities for connecting with families with children with autism and sensory processing disorders.
 
About the presenter: Jaime Eastman is a senior public services librarian and Family Place Coordinator with the Harrington Library, one of the Plano Public Libraries in Plano, Texas. She currently serves as co-chair for ALSC’s Library Service to Underserved Children and Their Caregivers Committee. She writes regularly for the ALSC blog and has also had several articles published in Children and Libraries. She prepares and presents a variety of programs and story times for patrons, as well as creating and delivering staff training. She enjoys sharing the joy of literacy and the library with families and caregivers, and connecting others with the resources they need for success.
 
The Sensory Story Time Support Group is a grassroots community of practice developed and facilitated by Maria Cotto at the Pawtucket Public Library and Lisa Lesinski at the Barrington Public Library, with continued support from Babs Wells at the Greenville Public Library. The Sensory Storytime Support Group seeks to empower youth services librarians to better serve children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families by expanding programming, outreach, partnerships, and resources that welcome all abilities. 
 
For more information about the Sensory Story Time Support Group please contact Maria Cotto at mcotto@pawtucketlibrary.org.
 
Here's the link to register:
 
Follow us on Facebook: 
 
https://www.facebook.com/Rhode-Island-Sensory-Story-Time-Support-Group-184245458869666

DIY Sensory Play at Home (Sensory Falling Leave Bag) at the Pawtucket Public Library (RI)

 

 
Join Miss Maria in this fun DIY Sensory Play video and learn how to make your own sensory falling leave bag. Recommended for children ages 5 and up. 
 
Materials needed:
 
-Small or medium clear ziplock bag
-Clear or yellow hair gel
-Fall leave confetti
-Fabric/plastic leaves
-Sequins
-Yellow/Red or Orange glitter
-Yellow or orange food coloring
 
Instructions:
 
1. Draw an autumn tree without leaves on the ziplock bag
2. Pour the hair gel in the ziplock bag (not too much)
2. Add fall leave confetti (some)
3. Add glitter (some)
3. Add fabric/plastic leave (5 leaves)
3. Add sequins (some)
4. Add some food coloring to play and enjoy!
 
Follow us on the Pawtucket Public Library YouTube for more sensory activity ideas: 
 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjdMj7toplpKsdwUwJbVjVw
 

Sensory Friendly Truck & Treat (Public Safety Special Needs Coalition)


 

2021 Buddy Walk going virtual October 3rd (Down Syndrome Society of RI, Inc.)

 

‼️IMPORTANT UPDATE: In consideration of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on our community, we have decided to move the 2021 Buddy Walk to a virtual format.

⭐️ The virtual walk will still take place on Sunday, October 3rd. Team captains are encouraged to walk and celebrate with their team in a way that’s most comfortable to them. 
 
⭐️ All *team captains* will receive a drop off of their team shirts, team captain swag bag, team sign for teams that raised over $500 and pumpkins for all children registered on the team. This will take place on Saturday, October 2nd and we will give you a window of time in which your delivery will take place 48 hours in advance. For those not on a team, we will place your shirt in the mail. 
 
⭐️ The deadline to receive a t-shirt is approaching quickly as you must be registered for by September 17th to get a shirt. Adult walkers can register for $15, and child walkers for $10. Registration will continue up to the date of the event on October 3rd. Click here to register now. https://www.ds-stride.org/dssribuddywalk
 
⭐️ We encourage you to walk with your friends and family and share your experiences with us virtually so we may celebrate as a community. You can share by tagging us on Facebook or Instagram as well as emailing buddywalk@dssri.org. 
 
💙💛 Thank you for your understanding and please know we will miss seeing everyone in-person again this year. 💙💛

Take & Make: Sensory Stress Balls at the Greenville Public Library (RI)

 

Stop by the Young Adult area on Wednesday, September 8th and pick up a Take & Make: Sensory Stress Ball craft! No registration required. Kits are first come, first served while supplies last! 🌟