Building a Sensory Musical Storytime Nest
As we know, there are many different types of brains that attend library story times – this workshop explores how we can use sensory based musical activities to increase language abilities, build social connections, increase fine and gross motor skills, and just have an amazing time building life-long library memories. Participants will learn more about our most engaging musical tips and tricks for library kids & library adults, and why music is so important in creating a more inclusive space for sensory seekers and avoiders.
Note: This session was originally offered at the 2025 Beyond Hope Conference.
Cost: We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Housing & Municipal Affairs, which enables us to offer this event free of charge.
Who should attend: Library staff who work with children and youth, especially those offering storytime and/or those interested in accessibility and inclusivity
Presenters:
Sandra Schuffert has been the Children & Youth Coordinator at the Smithers Public Library for 9 years. Her dizzying repertoire of songs, enjoyed by all ages, is matched only by a broad understanding and passion for diverse abilities and sensory experiences during story times. Sandra has also been a homeschooling parent, a Special Olympics coach, and lives with her family on a hobby farm.
Erin Cockriell is the Circulation & Volunteer Coordinator at the Smithers Public Library. She has been plucking the happy strings of the Ukulele for story times, children’s concerts and young students for a decade. Erin is also the facilitator of the Telkwa Reading Centre and a casual library worker at Coast Mountain College in Smithers. In short, she loves libraries!
BCLA events are all Pacific Time, hosted online via Zoom, which includes closed captioning. If you have any accessibility needs to attend these sessions, please contact Natalie Porter, BCLA Professional Development Coordinator in advance and BCLA will do our best to support you.
BCLA expects anyone attending to honour the Online Community Guidelines, to help create a positive environment that values accountability, respect, and a willingness to learn from each other.