When planning a summer reading event for blind children, you think outside the box. Or in this case, the planet.
The Utah State Library’s Blind & Disabled Program staff worked hard to make this year’s summer reading event memorable and educational for 25 blind students. The theme was outer space. “The intention was to provide a multi-sensory experience,” explains Program Director Lisa Nelson. “This included tactile elements, audio, and music.”
HANDS-ON LEARNING
The students were treated to storytime with space-themed braille books and the comedy stylings of Michael Harris, readers’ advisor, reading from “Jokes From Outer Space”. “Which planet is like the circus? Saturn, because it has three rings,” exclaimed Harris. The kids laughed and cheerfully booed at the bad jokes.
Thomas Quayle, an education specialist from Clark Planetarium, was the star of the show. As he lectured about space, he passed around models of the planets and meteorites. The kids were awe-struck. Utah State Library Communications Manager, Jeri Openshaw overheard a young man referring to the meteorite saying, “This is the coolest thing I’ve ever touched; it changed my life!”
After the program, the students were released to explore the room packed with activities. There were space-themed Shrinky Dinks to color (which later decorated students’ white canes), a listening station with sounds from space, braille activity books to read, and a fantastic solar system display lined the walls. Each planet was built to scale and had tactile elements that were interesting to touch. The kids especially loved Jupiter, which was covered in soft fabric. “We really want to make these activities as interactive and accessible as possible,” says Faye Fischer, readers advisor.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
This year’s summer reading event was a success. “A parent remarked that this was the best kid’s event the library has ever held,” says Nelson. “She particularly liked the multi-sensory elements that we created this year.” The students left with bellies full of pizza, a better understanding of outer space, and a list of books they wanted to read. “The kids had a lot of fun! There was a lot of excitement and engagement,” muses Fischer. “They asked a lot of great questions this year.”
If you know a Utah resident (adult or child) who cannot use print materials due to vision loss, a print disability, or the inability to hold a book physically, they may qualify for free library service. Learn more about the Utah State Library Program for the Blind & Disabled Program on our website.