The sensory program is a special needs program which serves
children on the autism spectrum. Carrie
Rogers-Whitehead started the program at Kearns library. It has been a success
in regard to the level of attendance and the amount of fun the children have.
Weber County, Provo, and Orem libraries all provide programs similar to this.
I have been able to participate in two of these events as a
practicum student. During the first
event I attended, the children enjoyed playing with the Star Wars characters
from
Alpine Garrison. They fought with light sabers, drew and colored
rockets, and created Star Wars masks. Carrie received a grant to provide 12 mini
iPads for this program. When the children first entered this event, they
generated their Star Wars names using the iPads. Through-out the event, iPads were available to
play games on.
The second time I attended this program, I enjoyed listening
to the children talk about building their Lego cars and then watching them race
these cars down a track. During the Lego event, children also built Lego
creations from kit instructions, played with Duplo blocks and a train set on
the floor, and played games on the iPads.
At each event there was a quiet sensory corner for children
to go to when they were feeling overwhelmed. The corner included a rug, sensory
blankets, sensory toys, books, and an iPad. Overall, the environment and excitement
made for a good experience. This is a worthwhile program that I hope other
youth librarians will implement through-out the state of Utah and beyond.
Submitted by
A. Paige
Emporia State Practicum Student
Kearns Library (Salt Lake County Library Services)
