The Sequoyah Regional Library System strives to be the “Dynamic Destination for Discovery” for their community. When the news of COVID-19 hit and SRLS worked to adapt their services to be available virtually, many of the librarians explored ways they could support families who had to quickly pivot to having their kids at home full time. Like many public libraries, SRLS began providing virtual storytimes via Facebook, but patrons expressed an interest in seeing educational activities and projects that they could follow along at home. SRLS Youth Services Specialists began offering STEAM virtual programming, including the DIY Toddler-Safe Sensory Slime virtual program created by SRLS Youth Services Specialist, Cathryn McCrimmon.
Cathryn wanted to coordinate a sensory virtual program that provided an engaging project for little ones while simultaneously informing parents and caregivers with how they could make the most of sensory play with their children. The virtual program provided a detailed list of the slime ingredients needed for the project and slime creation instructions. Cathryn made it a priority for all the ingredients to be taste-safe in case the children participating at home had the idea to taste the slime.
During the program Cathryn highlighted how the slime could be used to explore the five senses – touching, tasting, seeing, hearing, and smelling. Some examples of these sensory opportunities include making sounds with the slime by putting the slime in a container, exploring slime as a non-Newtonian fluid with touch, and seeing how the chia seeds in slime expand as they soak up water.
Patrons responded well to this program idea since the project incorporated common household ingredients that they might already have or could easily acquire. They also liked that the slime was taste-safe and provided a great opportunity for learning through play. Seeing this response has encouraged SRLS librarians to provide continued STEAM virtual programming and support families that are homeschooling or participating in virtual school.
Visit the library website at https://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/ to learn more about the Sequoyah Regional Library System and its programs.
