Book Week Without the Overwhelm: Supporting Inclusive Participation
- Lara Hedgcock
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Book Week can be one of the most exciting events on the school calendar. Favourite characters, colourful costumes, parades and classroom activities can make reading come alive.
For some children, however, Book Week can also bring additional sensory, social and emotional demands.
An unfamiliar costume, a noisy parade, changes to the usual school routine or being expected to perform in front of others may make what is intended to be a fun day feel overwhelming.
The good news is that children do not need to participate in exactly the same way to be included.
Why Book Week Can Feel Difficult
There can be a lot happening at once during Book Week.
A child may need to manage:
unfamiliar or uncomfortable clothing
masks, hats, face paint or accessories
larger crowds and louder environments
changes to normal classroom routines
being photographed or watched
uncertainty about what will happen during a parade
pressure to choose or prepare a costume
For children with sensory differences, anxiety, difficulties with transitions or a strong preference for predictability, these additional demands can add up quickly.
Start With the Child
Before deciding what participation should look like, find out what your child is comfortable with.
Some children may love creating an elaborate costume. Others may prefer to wear their normal clothes and carry their favourite book.
Both are valid ways to participate.
Alternatives might include:
wearing a comfortable T-shirt connected to a character
using one simple prop
dressing as a character who wears everyday clothing
taking the costume off after the parade
watching rather than joining the parade
participating in classroom activities without dressing up
The aim should be inclusion, not compliance.
Prepare for More Than the Costume
Sometimes the costume receives all the attention when the bigger challenge is actually the change in routine.
Talking through what will happen can help make the day more predictable.
You might discuss:
What they will wear.
What will happen when they arrive at school.
Where the parade will occur.
Who will be there.
What they can do if they need a break.
What happens after the event finishes.
Photos, a simple visual sequence or information from the teacher can all help.
Comfortable Is Better Than Impressive
A costume is unlikely to be enjoyable if a child spends the entire day distracted by an itchy fabric, tight waistband or uncomfortable accessory.
Consider sensory comfort when choosing clothing.
Try the costume before the day itself and give your child permission to change their mind.
Removing tags, avoiding face paint or choosing familiar shoes can make a surprisingly big difference.
How Occupational Therapy Can Help
Occupational therapists look at what a child wants or needs to participate in and what might be making that participation difficult.
For school events, this may involve supporting:
sensory processing
emotional regulation
flexibility around changes
planning and organisation
self-advocacy
communication with educators
environmental modifications
The goal is not to make every child tolerate every experience. It is to identify what support will allow meaningful participation.
Making School Events More Inclusive
Inclusive school activities provide different ways for children to be involved.
For some children, full participation may mean dressing up and joining the parade. For another child, success may mean staying for ten minutes, holding their favourite book or watching from somewhere quieter.
Different participation is still participation.
At Youth OT, our occupational therapists work with children, families and schools across the Gold Coast, Logan and Northern NSW to support meaningful participation in everyday activities and environments.
📞 1300 704 734
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