Story Hour & Physically Challenged
Tips for Librarians and Parents for Working with Special Needs Child
Story hour at the library is a popular activity for families with young children. Including a child who has a physical disability can be accomplished in ten easy steps.
- Plan with parents ahead of time. Parents know their children better than anyone else. They are eager to work with others to include their children in activities that all kids enjoy. Story hour is a great choice for many kids with physical disabilities. If you know of a child who will be coming to story hour, try to plan a time to meet with the parents BEFORE the day of the event.
- Evaluate the physical arrangement of the room. What physical accommodations or arrangements should be made to the room? Is there enough space for the child who uses a wheelchair or walker? Will the child bring a chair that is adapted to his or her own needs?
- Plan movement activities for all to enjoy. Most physical activities (such as movements to songs or games) can be easily adapted for a child with a physical disability. The child will enjoy his way of making the movements to a song for example. If a game with moving from one place to another is involved, it may be necessary to have another adult to help.
- Consider the fine motor skills of the craft. Glue sticks and precut pieces can make most story time crafts appropriate.
- Allow for appropriate snacks. Talk with parents about the dietary restrictions and special eating needs of the child. Know ahead of time what (if anything) is planned for snack so that it can be discussed with the parents. Sometimes, an alternate snack will be a good choice.
- Invite a buddy to increase awareness. Plan to involve other storytime attendees. Let one child be the chosen buddy of the day. Next time, choose another child. This is will increase the friendships in the group as well as promote disability awareness.
- Decide if an extra adult is needed. With the overall plan of the story hour, parents and librarians will be able to decide if another adult is needed to make the time run smoothly.
- Be aware of medical needs. If parents are not going to be at the story hour, it is critical to know medical information specific to the child. This information should be treated with confidentiality.
- Have parent contact information. Additionally, if parents will not be at the story hour, it is important to have parent contact information such as a cell phone number.
- Enjoy the event! Planning for the special needs of a child with a physical disability is not difficult, but the rewards are great.
The copyright of the article Story Hour & Physically Challenged in Parenting the Physically Challenged is owned by Lynn Moore. Permission to republish Story Hour & Physically Challenged must be granted by the author in writing.
