Sensory Storytime is a new baby and toddler group launched recently in Garforth. It’s a unique concept that takes storytelling to the next level through immersive sensory experiences to spark your little one’s imagination…
Local Grandad Stuart took mini Mumbler grandson Stanley along last week to check the new group out. Here is his review…
“Stanley and I went along to the Sensory Storytime session at 9:30 on Friday morning. Access is through FEW Gifts, which is an artisan shop stocking fascinating gifts. We passed through into a room at the back, which was nice and light with a welcoming atmosphere.
Group leader Hannah welcomed everyone and we all sat down on one of the small rugs, which were arranged around the floor. We later discovered the rugs were actually magic carpets and all part of the adventure. We sang a hello song with each little one’s name introduced in turn.
Hannah then started reading a story about a globe-trotting Gran. During the early part of the story, Gran bought something – and this is when Hannah brought the story to life. The items Gran bought were introduced in real life and the children played with them. Then Gran flew to Thailand, so the magic carpets flew to the other end of the room! (OK, I dragged Stanley along on his magic carpet. But the children absolutely loved this!) As the story developed, more items and sensory experiences were brought into play.
At one point, we had to cross the mountains, so we had snow to play with. The snow was made of cornflower and oil, so the children didn’t get cold and wet. Sand and bubbles were also part of the sensory and messy play experiences.
Lots of different things were played with during the story relating to different countries of the world. I really liked the way that Hannah incorporated so many elements of learning. Storytelling and language, sensory play, messy play and geography were all introduced. But the children didn’t see it as learning, they all just found it really good fun.
After the story, various jigsaws, maps and other toys came out and we played for a while, where the children mixed together and had fun. So there was a nice socialisation and friendship building element to it as well.
We then had coffee and chatted, talking to the other parents. I was the only Grandad but it was nice to meet all the other parents and hear about what they thought too. It was clear that everyone thought it was really good and worthwhile for the little ones. They all got a lot out of it. As Sensory Storytime incorporates so many different types of play and learning, it is a great all-round group, and represents excellent value for money.
Hannah is a professional speech therapist so she knows what she is doing with the children and it was all very well organised.”
Want to find out more?
Sensory Storytime class time and booking info
