Workbook
What’ s Inside:
My name is Thembi Palmer and I am an author, facilitator, and storyteller with a mission: to empower people of all ages to share their stories, celebrate their uniqueness, and build meaningful connections. With over 12 years of experience, I curate immersive programs for libraries, museums, schools, and community spaces, addressing the need for authentic expression and meaningful interaction My expertise lies in strengthening intergenerational bonds, and creating a sense of belonging through the transformative power of storytelling.
Collaborators & Partners
Choosing the Right Book
GET TO KNOW THE BOOK
Before you read the book together take a deep dive and think about:
How can we identify sensory details within a picture book?
What types of activities can be paired with diƯerent story elements?
How can we use the sensory experience to enhance comprehension?
How can we adapt experiences to meet the needs of diverse learners?
ADAPTING TO DIFFERENT LEARNING STYLES
Visual:
Pictures, images, and written information
Auditory:
Listening, singing, and discussions
Tactile/Hands-on:
Linguistic:
Kinesthetic:
Manipulating objects, engaging in physical activities
Reading picture books and easy readers, writing letter and words. Movement and physical experience, role-playing, active participation
FOCUS ON RICH LANGUAGE AND IMAGERY
Language and Illustrations
Look for vivid language: Adjectives and verbs that describe sensory experiences
Choose books with detailed and vibrant illustrations
Select stories that evoke a range of emotions: joy, sadness, fear, excitement
ADAPTABILITY AND FLEXIBILITY
Book Adaptation
Allow for multiple interpretations and creative expression
Consider age appropriateness and developmental levels
Availability of materials and resources for creating sensory experiences
Ensure cultural sensitivity in book selection
PERSONAL CONNECTION AND ENTHUSIASM
Facilitator and Child Engagement
Choose books that you personally enjoy and connect with Consider the interests and preferences of the children
Take into account the previous experiences of the group
Turning Picture Books into Sensory Stories
CONSIDER THE STORY'S SENSORY POTENTIAL
Environmental Setting: Books set in nature (forests, beaches, gardens) or diverse cultural settings often provide rich sensory opportunities. Consider books that depict scenes with distinct sounds, smells, and textures.
Action-Oriented Plots: Stories with active plots involving movement, exploration, or physical tasks offer kinesthetic and tactile experiences.
Food and Cooking Themes: Books centered around food and cooking naturally engage taste, smell, and touch.
Animal Characters: Stories with animal characters can encourage exploration of different textures (fur, feathers, scales) and sounds (animal calls).
INCORPORATING ACTIVITIES DURING READ ALOUD
Remember the importance of stopping at points during the read-aloud to incorporate activities, songs, instruments, or dance
Encourage creating an adventure and experience beyond the pages of the book
INCORPORATING VISUAL ELEMENTS
Props and Sign Language:
Using pictures, videos, props, or sign language to help children incorporate concepts from the story into their play
Objects for Sensory Play: Kitchen utensils, fabrics, natural resources, cardboard boxes, buttons, brushes, etc.
Role Play Areas: Creating a role play area based on a story and providing a range of loose parts for children to experiment with.
Exploration: Leaving objects in diƯerent areas for children to explore at their own pace
Story-Linked Items: Creating a box or basket of items loosely linked to a story
INCORPORATING AUDITORY ELEMENTS
Making It Musical
Adding music to picture books by linking songs and rhymes to the story or illustrations
Using rhyming books and musical instruments to bring the book to life Concepts like louder and quieter, faster and slower in reading
Adding a simple tune and singing part of the story
Turning Picture Books into Sensory Stories
Creating Soundscapes
Incorporating auditory elements with sound effects made by children
Examples: Animal sounds, natural sounds, homemade shakers, body movement sounds (stamping feet, clapping hands)
INCORPORATING KINESTHETIC ELEMENTS
Adding Actions and Movement
Encouraging children to move and act like characters in the story
Examples: Moving like animals, imagining performing actions from the story
AddingDanceandYoga
Addingdanceandyogatoengagechildren
Examples:Grossmotorskillsactivitieslikelunging,jumping,hopping,andskipping
INCORPORATING PLAY ACTIVITIES AND GAMES
Activities
Puppet Theater
Felt Board
Story Box/Bag
Character Dress Up
Adapting Traditional Games
I Spy
What’s The Time Mr. Wolf
INCORPORATING DRAMA
Acting Out the Story
Characters & Narrators
Emotions
Setting
Soundscapes
Story Stones / Story Cubes / Story Stick
Story Prompts In A Jar
Madlib
Charades
Simon Says Red Light, Green Light
Book Recommendations
Tips
Eye contact with the audience
Love the story you tell
Prepare, prepare, prepare
Be confident
Use your physicality
Use your voice
Use the audience
Take your time
Listen to other storytellers
Practice whenever you get the chance
Find your style
Keep things simple
Resource Links: click to view
i.m.storyadventures@gmail.com www.imaginemore.io
215-869-6021
