Take aways may include: connection through shared experience, cozy relaxation time

Parameters: more than 3 people in person

Materials: Children’s story, snacks (check for allergies ahead of time), extra stuffed animals, blankets, pillows, fidgets

Prepare a room with comfortable places to sit and lay, including chairs/couches, cushions/pillows on the floor, other flexible seating, and open space for participants to create their own cozy area.

Invite everyone to a cozy story-reading. Encourage them to wear their pajamas or other cozy clothing and to bring stuffed animals and blankets. Pick a new or familiar children’s story to read (other short stories are great, too), and pass around the book so that everyone has the option to read or skip. If the book includes pictures, ask anyone who reads to give a verbal description of the picture and to show the book around so people can see. Verbal descriptions should name what is happening in the picture, including colors and other details so that people can imagine the image without looking at it.

Close by singing a lullaby together and passing out snacks.