Book Week is an exciting time to celebrate children’s stories, imagination, and their interests. With Book Week coming up on the 22nd of August, here are some ideas to help you celebrate at home with simple, playful activities that support communication, sensory exploration, connection, and choice.

Prepare for Book Week with social stories:
For some children going to school, Book Week may involve new or unfamiliar experiences. A social story can be a helpful way to introduce what they might encounter and provide information about what to expect. You could include pictures and simple information about dressing up if they would like to, seeing different costumes, reading stories, and participating in activities. Here is an example of a previous Book Week social story:
https://www.facebook.com/NorthernSupportSchoolLaunceston/videos/book-week-dress-up-day/2742914136021363/

Favourite Stories:
You could turn your child’s favourite book into a sensory play-based experience. Sensory play can provide opportunities to explore different textures and materials while also supporting skills such as fine motor development, communication, and imaginative play. For example, if your child enjoys ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ by Eric Carle, you could include some colourful playdough, pom poms, toy foods or textured materials such as coloured rice, pasta or sand. Your child may enjoy sorting colours, counting objects, requesting favourite items, or exploring the materials in their own way.

Another example could be ‘The Rainbow Fish’ by Marcus Pfister. You could try a colourful waterplay activity or create a fish using different textures and materials. While exploring the activity, you could talk about colours, friendship, and the story while following your child’s interests and allowing them to decide how they would like to participate.

Exploring different costumes and accessories
Dressing up can be a fun part of Book Week, but every child may have different preferences when it comes to clothing and accessories. Your child may enjoy wearing a full costume, while another child may prefer a hat, cape, character-themed shirt or small accessory. You could offer a few different options and allow your child to choose what feels comfortable for them.

Exploring sensory and interactive books
Sensory and interactive books can provide different ways for children to engage with stories. You could try books with textures, lift-the-flap pages, sounds, repetitive phrases or other interactive features.

Christian A .(2022). Top tips for an inclusive Book Week all children will love. Disability Support Guide. https://www.disabilitysupportguide.com.au/talking-disability/top-tips-for-an-inclusive-book-week-all-children-will-love

Zhang, M., Hou, G., Chen, Y. C., Zhang, T., & Yang, J. (2020). A Book Interaction Scheme to Enhance Children’s Reading Experiences and Preferences. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 2155. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02155