By: Damary Lizardo, NEC Program Associate
Here at NEC we recently launched our Family Storytime Series, a new program where we will be bringing virtual activities to families that enrich a child’s learning experience at home. Our Educational Consultants and Family Specialists will lead these trainings on a variety of subjects. Our second session was on experience stories, a literary tool for engaging learners.
What is an experience story?
Experience stories are homemade books about an individual’s meaningful experiences or interests. Books may include a combination of objects, tactile symbols, photos, drawings, print, braille, and audio recordings to tell the story.
How to create experience stories?
- During outings, events, and/or daily routines, collect objects, photos and/or videos that represent what was most fun or interesting to your child
- When you are ready to make a book, begin by identifying a topic
- Outline the sequence of events, including anything unexpected that happened
- Include who, what, when, where
- Put some cardstock sheets into a small binder
- On each page, attach either a small resealable plastic bag with an object in it or a photo to represent that part of the story
- On the bottom of each page, write about the object/photo using print and/or braille
Possible topics for experience stories
- Summer experiences (perfect for share time during morning meeting at school, conversation with friends and relatives)
- Weekend experiences
- Transition to a new school, grade, teacher, class, etc.
- All about me (share info with others at school, illustrate how we are all alike/different)
- Going to the doctor/dentist (before and/or after the visit)
- Routines- how I get ready for school/bed (brush teeth, get dressed, etc.)
Watch our recorded session led by Educational Consultant Helene Gallagher below to learn more:
