Sensory Play Story Time V
Autism Hub
April 09, 2020
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location:
James V. Brown Library: 19 E 4th St, Williamsport, PASensory Fun for All!
Sensory Play Story Time is an all-inclusive story time that begins with a predictable welcome song, story and circle time followed with 4 station-based sensory activities for children with all abilities to form connections with peers and have multiple opportunities to engage in play that is fun, as well as aid those with sensory processing difficulty. Children with different learning styles love to explore sensory stations that invite curiosity and investigation. Stations include different tactile experiences with rice and beans, kinetic sand, water play, shaving cream paint, block play, music stations, simple science explorations and homemade playdough, slime and gak. Children gain opportunities to observe changes in structures, colors, composition and temperature. At water tables children watch water beads grow, measure and poor with cups, funnels, and work with large turkey basters to transfer water from location to another. Homemade moon sand, or kinetic sand and playdough provide fine motor opportunities to work muscles in their hands that later help children become writers. Older children may use writing gel zip lock bags filled with aloe gel and food coloring, and trace letters or shapes through the gel.Sensory squish bags provide observation and discovery without needing to touch the materials inside. Primary colors turn into secondary colors without any mess. Shaving cream and soap squish bags build investigation skills to find hidden objects, or watch compositions change. Block stations are great for developing early math skills as well as nurturing writing skills. When children play and build with blocks they are developing the muscles in their hands and wrists gaining a stronger ability to control their smaller muscles which later affects their skill in writing. At a music table, children gain opportunities to develop their socio-emotional skills by creating a shared and common experience. This helps children develop self confidence and self-esteem, as well as release oxytocin and help children improve self-regulation.