One of my most viewed posts is my Imagination Station storytime theme, so I decided to give the people what they want and did another storytime theme this week about imagination and pretend play. These are some of my most favorite themes because the research shows (and I strongly believe) that imaginative play is so important to a child’s development. And of course, I found my newest song on Jbrary’s Youtube channel, what would I do without those amazing librarians?!?!? So without further ado, here’s my imagination and pretend play storytime. Opening: “Put Your Hands Up In the Air” Puppet Meet & Greet: Meet Woolly (monkey puppet) Early Literacy Tip: Imagination needs to be stretched and used just like your child’s muscles! Don’t be afraid to create a world using your imagination and play with your child! Book 1: Magic Box by Katie Cleminson Transition: “5 Little Leaves” Five little leaves so bright and gay, Were dancing in a tree one day. The wind came blowing through the town, One little leaf came tumbling down. (4,3,2,1…) Wiggles: “The Acorn Song” I’m an acorn small and round lying on the cold, cold, ground people always step on me that is why I’m cracked you see I’m a nut (clack, clack) I’m a nut (clack, clack) I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut (clack, clack) Book 2:Higher! Higher! by Leslie Patricelli Transition: “Jumpin’ in the Leaves” – Makin’ Music Book 3: Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis Closing: “Shake My Sillies Out” Puppet Show
Waiting is hard. I think we can all universally agree on that. Waiting is especially hard when you are a little kid. This story is all about the waiting struggle. It will not solve the issue or truth that waiting is hard, but I think it helps kids feel seen when you state things like […]
This one is kinda like my opposite storytime, which I’ll write about later, but talking about size is another easy theme. And talking about perception is a great way for kiddos to learn abou…
Your free passport to fun and adventure!
Our fall session for storytime begins at the end of September, but with Labor Day weekend coming up and fall programming beginning soon after, I know I have to get in gear and started planning for my storytimes. This fall I’ll be offering a toddler storytime for children ages 2 – 3.5 years old with their parents and caregivers as well as a parachute storytime opportunity for a wider range of children ages 2 – 5 with their parent or caregiver. Sometimes I feel like parents think I just pull a few books off the shelf, grab some CDs and head into storytime, but they don’t realize that my planning is in depth – I think about childhood development, literature and illustrations, movement activities, fine motor skills, and so many other things. Storytime planning really is so much more than just books. 1.) To start my planning, I first create a list of books that I want to look at to see if they would fit for my program – sometimes I focus on themes, others times I choose books because I know they’ll be a big hit but have nothing in common with each other. This is how I normally begin, sometimes though I’ll head straight to the shelves and start browsing too. 2.) After I have a good list of books, I find them all and start going through them one-by-one. Checking for length, language, diversity, level of excitement, etc. Sometimes, I’ll know right away it’s not going to work, others I try and figure out ways to make it work – cutting out a few pages, creating a flannelboard or adding a puppet or musical instrument and sometimes you find the perfect book that will work just right! (Just like Goldilocks!) 3.) After I’ve read through my books, I start organizing them for each week I’ll use them, I usually read three books in each storytime and each session has six weeks, so I need at least 18 solid choices. I try and pair longer stories with shorter ones, really interactive books with less interactive books and so on. 4.) Once I’ve figured out what books are scheduled for each week, I begin adding in the transitions, opening, closing, musical instruments, flannel board, extension activities. I think the hardest part for me is figure out music, for whatever reason, I have the hardest time finding music to go with my storytime. Songs need to be not too long, directions sometimes help, and even though I usually play music off an iPod, I still feel better if I know most of the words to sing along too. During this stage I also think about what to tell the parents to encourage early literacy education and skills at home. 5.) Finally, it’s all about practice, reading books out loud, listening to the songs, practicing flannel boards rhymes. I’ve done back-to-back storytimes and the second one (usually) runs more smoothly than the first, just because you can see how the books work with the kids and what you need to do to adjust it.
There are a lot of things that go into a successful storytime, but planning is a huge part. Whether you are doing a storytime with kids at a library or in your classroom, having a plan in your mind beforehand will eliminate those engagement killing moments where you putz with a CD player or ponder […]
What does it take to do a sensory storytime? Not a whole lot! Our award season for our committee’s annual ALSC/Candlewick Press “Light the Way” Grant is closing, and we typically see many hyped-up proposals for sensory storytime programs. This is not to say that we don’t take such proposals seriously, because we do, but we think that people feel like they need a ton of money and resources to pull off a successful sensory storytime when in fact all you need is a little bit of planning and a wee bit of money. After all, a sensory storytime should aim to be inclusive. To that end, if you’re using a visual schedule, a varied format that incorporates multimodal sensory integration, and repetition, then you are probably appealing to children with varying sensory processing abilities and thus, already doing a sensory storytime, just not in name. Don’t wait for the...
Some practical tips for organizing a children's storytime program including finding a host organization, planning a calendar, and other common-sense logistical considerations.
Are you creating fall and winter programs at the library? Are you ready to make snow flakes, dance at a pumpkin party or swim like a fish in the ocean? I spoke with Sheila, Community Librarian at Deschutes Public Library. She shared her favorite theme songs for library programs and storytimes. Paige: What are your favorite children’s albums for programming? Sheila: Jim Gill’s Irrational Anthem and More Salutes to Nonsense by Jim Gill, Only One Ocean by Banana Slug String Band, The Best of the Laurie Berkner Band by Laurie Berkner Band and Season Sings! by Carole Stephens Paige: Do you have a favorite musical instrument for storytime? Sheila: Rhythm Sticks! I like to use the rhythm sticks because you can do so much with them. Tapping out sounds and syllables. You can tap on the ground or above your head to make different sounds. Try marching and tapping – you can create all kinds of good sounds....
I visit 4 classrooms a few times of year at our Intermediate Unit (which for those of you outside of PA – is a state-wide program for young children with disabilities. In the morning I see a three classrooms and in the afternoon I see four classrooms – each with a different disability focus, so it can be difficult to choose books as I only do two storytimes in the morning and afternoon, the classrooms just come together for the program. This morning, the kids absolutely loved telling the pigeon “yes,” it took me most of the book to convince the kids we should be saying “no!” The kids also LOVED Bananas Unite, which I learned from Jbrary, even non-verbal kids were interested in the beat and rhythm of the song. I’m hoping the kids have just as much fun this afternoon (this is an older group, so I change my books a little)! Storytime Plan Opening: “Open Shut Them” Puppet Meet & Greet: Meet Tortuga (turtle puppet) Book 1: Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems / Windblown by Edouard Manceau iPad Transition: Felt Board (https://anneslibrarylife.wordpress.com/tag/jungle/)“I went to the jungle one day, jungle one day, jungle one day.Who did I see along the way? FROG! (frog, monkey, alligator, parrot)I went to the jungle one day, jungle one day, jungle one day.I met a frog along the way and this is what he did say – RIBIT!” Book 2: Not a Box by Antoinette Portis / Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems Transition: “If You’re Happy and You Know It” Wiggles: “Bananas Unite” (http://jbrary.com/toddler-storytime-songs-get-wiggles/)“Bananas UnitePeel bananas, peel, peel bananas,Peel bananas, peel, peel bananas,Chop bananas, chop, chop bananas,Chop bananas, chop, chop bananas,Mash bananas, mash, mash bananas,Mash bananas, mash, mash bananas,Eat bananas, eat, eat bananasEat bananas, eat, eat bananasGo, BANANAS!!!!!” Book 3: The Splendid Spotted Snake by Betty Schwartz Closing: “The Wheels on the Bus” with hand motions
A blog about children's books, story time, library service, and literacy activities written by a children's librarian turned stay-at-home mom.
Pre-Pandemic basic preschool storytime plan with opening and closing songs.
What do you do when you’ve got a storytime crowd full of babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and maybe even a few school-age kids too? This, my friends, is the beauty of a mixed-age storytime. At my library we call them Family Storytimes. Family storytimes are great because they allow caregivers with multiple children to bring them... Continue reading Mixed-Aged Storytimes
Have you been considering offering sensory storytimes at your library or doing outreach to a school serving children with developmental delays? Maybe the reason you’ve hesitated is because you feel unprepared. I get it: Sensory storytime can seem intimidating, with its own particular structure and style.
Libraries add sensory storytime and other special programs for children on the autism spectrum.
Starting Friday, September 8, the Doylestown District Center Library will offer Sensory Storytimes. This program is ideal for preschool children who are differently abled, may be on the autism spectrum, have sensory processing issues, or feel overwhelmed by noises or crowds. If your child has difficulty sitting through a traditional storytime, this inclusive program of […]
I don’t care who you are or how great your voice is, children definitely respond to singing. Anytime I do a sing-a-long book, it works like a charm, kids who normally can’t stop moving, stop and pay attention, some start tapping their feet or clapping their hands mimicking the rhythm of the song, it’s a pretty amazing sight. The kids I see at the Intermediate Unit have a wide array of disabilities – from Autism Spectrum Disorder to language development, visual, or other disabilities affecting gross and fine motor skills which means I have to be ready for just about everything when I visit these classrooms. Each time I visit, I come out of these storytimes loving what I’m doing and so excited that I get a chance to visit the kids in these classrooms! The kids really took to The Wheels on the Bus with many staying very focused or answering my questions about the modes of transportation when they weren’t very interested in other parts of my storytime. Try those sing-a-long books – they really work! Storytime Plan Opening: “Open Shut Them” Puppet Meet & Greet: Meet Tortuga (turtle puppet) Book 1: Number One Sam by Greg Pizzoli Transition: “I’ll Take You Riding in My Car”I’ll take you riding in my car, carI’ll take you riding in my car, carI’ll take you riding in my car, carI’ll take you riding in my car.The doors on the car go open and shut…The windshield wipers go swish, swish…The horn on the car goes beep, beep… Book 2: Sputter, Sputter, Sput! by Babs Bell / Five Little Monkeys Wash the Car by Eileen Christelow Wiggles: “Bananas Unite”“Bananas UnitePeel bananas, peel, peel bananas,Peel bananas, peel, peel bananas,Chop bananas, chop chop bananas,Chop bananas, chop chop bananas,Mash bananas, mash, mash bananas,Mash bananas, mash, mash bananas,Eat bananas, eat, eat bananasEat bananas, eat, eat bananasGo, BANANAS!!!!!” Book 3: Down by the Station by Jennifer Riggs Vetter Closing: “The Wheels on the Bus” with hand motions
Teachers and librarians who plan and deliver circle time and/or storytime will find a weath of information in these professional resources.
After reviewing my baby story time plans, and attending a number of baby story times as a mom, I’ve pulled together my list of the best materials and activities I have found for this age group. Today, I'm sharing my list of the best action songs and rhymes for baby story time. Each song/rhyme title is linked to the corresponding lyrics/words, and notes about my sources are provided in italics. Songs Go In and Out the Window Traditional song. Mama Lisa's World also provides lyrics in English, Spanish, and French, and the tune for the song here. Not all songs with motions work well for babies, since their hand-eye coordination is still very shaky, and adults are often too busy with a lap full of baby to make meaningful gestures. This one, however, works very nicely, because folks are free to adapt the motions as they see fit. Adults can swing the babies "in" and "out", lift them up and down, and roll their hands. Older siblings can join in by moving their arms in corresponding movements. Tony Chestnut Originally by Roy Jordan; popularized by The Learning Station. Hear their version here. This is one of the very first songs I discovered when I first started doing baby lap time. The punny lyrics usually gets a pretty good chuckle out of caregivers and the actions are just tricky enough the first few times that the adults are typically motivated to pay attention so they can learn it. It can be done with baby in a lap, or with baby lying on a blanket on the floor. Where is Big Toe? I found this song at Mel's Desk, and Mel found it in The Complete Resource Book for Infants. "Where is Thumbkin?" can be tricky for babies because there's little hope of them being able to hold up their fingers one at a time. In this song, caregivers get to find baby's big toe, elbows, tummy, eyes, and hands. It's great for teaching little ones the names of these body parts and because it's a familiar tune, it's likely to be sung by caregivers both in story time and again later on at home. Eyes Nose Cheeky Cheeky Chin I sing this to the tune of "Skip to My Lou", but it also works with "Someone's in the Kitchen with Dinah"and "Ten Little Indians." Babies become fascinated with faces sometime around 4-6 months of age, and when they do, this song becomes an instant hit. It can be fun to point out the different parts of baby's own face, but babies are every bit as excited to see caregivers pointing to their own faces. This is also a good one to suggest for caregivers to use during diaper changes as it distracts baby from the lower half of her body while she focuses on facial features. A Hat Goes on My Head I wrote the words for this song, which is sung to the tune of "The Farmer in the Dell." This song introduces the names of the different types of clothing worn in winter. It's easily adapted for the flannel board, and you can also write your own verses for clothes appropriate to other seasons of the year. Caregivers can point to each body part as it is mentioned, or they can do a simple motion to suggest putting on each article of clothing. Rhymes Cheek Chin I originally found this rhyme on King County Library System's Tell Me a Story wiki. This rhyme has always been my follow-up to the hello song at baby story time. It identifies the child's cheek, chin, nose, and toes, and ends with a bit of a lift into the air. It's very easy to learn, and everyone seems to love the final moment where all the babies are held aloft. Let's Make a Noise From Stories and Fun for the Very Young. The original text for this poem includes just a few everyday sounds, but the concept can be adapted for any object or animal that makes noise. Simply hold up an image and say, "Let's make a noise like a..." and then wait for the caregivers to help you make the noise. This is great for teaching not just animal sounds, but the words we use to convey the sounds made by vehicles, household objects, etc. A full archive of my baby story times is available here. Also check out last week's post, Best of Baby Story Time: Books. Next week, watch for my list of the best ways to use puppets at baby story time.
Some practical tips for organizing a children's storytime program including finding a host organization, planning a calendar, and other common-sense logistical considerations.
Learn about a library that offers a yoga storytime as a way to promote playful, active learning and healthy lifestyles.
Storytime Theme: Outdoor Adventure celebrates the great outdoors with fantastic read aloud picture books, songs, rhymes, and activities!
Storytime Theme: Mail Time is all about introducing toddlers and preschoolers to the postal service and how letters and packages are delivered!
Our fourth sensory friendly story time was finally a hit! We didn’t have a huge crowd, but we did get 5 kids, 2 of which I know had disabilities. After weeks of not getting much of an audience, let alone kids with disabilities for who the program is focused on, I was very excited! The kids ranged in age from 3 – 8 and interacted very well with our stories and songs. I focused on a color theme – one because it’s very easy and two because I liked the activities I found on a number of other librarian’s blogs to incorporate into my storytime near the end. Lesson Plan Book – My Many Colored Days – Dr. SeussI thought this was a great book, especially for kids that are on the Autism Spectrum. It’s a color book, but also talks about feelings as well. For this story, I gave each of the kids the colors from the story cut-out using our Ellison machine into circles. Thinking back, I had to use a few different types of paper because I didn’t have all the colors in regular printer paper, but I would make the conscious effort tot do that next time, giving the kids the experience of different weighted paper. At the end of the story I asked the kids to hold up whatever color they felt like today and it was really interesting to see what they chose. Song – If You’re Happy and You Know ItTo go along with the feelings we discussed in our first story, we sang “If You’re Happy and You Know It” I used smiley faces to help show the kids the different feelings. We talked about each one before singing the song to reinforce the signs and the feelings. Flannel Board – Mouse Paint – Ellen Stoll WalshI definitely borrowed this flannel board story from Storytime Katie. This worked really well because the kids liked helping me figure out what color was created when we mixed colors together. Song – Keep MovingThis song has become a popular one with kids in story time because it’s really fun and silly to do! The kids did a great job participating during the song and listening to what body parts came next. Book – I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More! – Karen BeaumontThis is one of my go-to story time books because it’s so funny for both the kids and the parents! It’s also a great one to throw in at the end because it’s a singing read-aloud which makes it extra fun. The kids had fun with the rhyming body parts as the child in the story kept painting their body. Activity Centers I put together these activity centers for the kids to explore and unfortunately, after a 30-minute story time, most of the children left right away. But one dad and son stayed for a little while. My favorite part was when I gave the little boy a bag filled with shaving cream and food coloring and he started mixing it up. Without me saying anything, he said, “it’s just like the mice in the story.” I was so excited that he was able to make that connection! It definitely made my day!
Books “Move Over, Rover” by Karen Beaumont “Raindrop Plop” by Wendy Cheyette Lewison “Rain” by Manya Stojic Five Little Raindrops (tune: Itsy Bitsy Spider) Five …
Why the typical incentivized library summer reading program is likely to be ineffective in promoting long-term reading, and may even be detrimental.
Best Storytime Ideas for Preschoolers Do you have daily storytime with a classroom of kids? Do you run story time at your library? Do you just enjoy reading stories and doing book inspired activities and songs with your child? If you answered YES to any of these questions then these ideas are for you! Our […]
In another attempt to avoid holiday programming while still celebrating a universal happy winter feeling, my last storytime of December was focused on the feeling of “coziness.” I invit…
Youth Services Librarian group Storytime Underground shows how to rock storytime.
Either I”m getting old or “youngsters these days have a harder time sitting still!” I really think it’s a combination of both, but regardless of that, what are we going to do about it? I’ve found yoga to be a great outlet for me in my personal life as far as my concentration, mindfulness, and overall health, so it makes sense that yoga could be
I was surprised that I had never done this theme for my sensory storytime as that it’s such a popular theme for storytime. So, without further ado, here’s my transportation theme for my sensory friendly storytime. This storytime is done a little differently than my toddler storytimes, geared toward a smaller audience with a lot of interaction in the hopes of connecting with each and every child. I use a great website called do2Learn to find my picture cards to create my schedule. I loved this storytime and sadly only had one little friend attend, so I’ll definitely be keeping this storytime for another group of kids! Storytime Plan Opening Song: Open, Shut Them Schedule: Picture Cards Book: Little Blue Truck by Alice Schetle Song: “The Wheels On the Bus” (with shaker eggs) Rhyme (Fine Motor): “Zoom, Zoom, Zoom”Zoom, zoom, zoomWe’re going to the moon.Zoom, zoom, zoomWe’re going to the moon.If you want to take a tripclimb aboard my rocket ship.Zoom, zoom, zoomWe’re going to the moon.In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1Blast off! Flannel Board/Folder: Tip Tip Dig Dig by Emma Garcia Song: “Drivin’ In My Car” by Ralph’s World Activity (Gross Motor): “The Crazy Traffic Light” by Rob ReidThere’s a crazy traffic lightOn a corner in our town.It has the normal colors,You know, yellow means slow down,And green means goAnd red means stop.It’s all the other colorsThat’ll make your mouth drop. Chorus:When you see a pink light,It means hop like a bunny.When the light is purple.Make a face that’s funny.When the light turns orange,You should bark like a dog.When the brown light shines,You can oink like a hog.When the white light’s bright,You should give a loud roar.When the light turns blue,Fall asleep and snore. One day the workers cameTo fix that crazy light.They tried to make it likeAll the other traffic lights.They spent a lot of moneyTearing out its guts.They tried to guaranteeTraffic wouldn’t go nuts.They put in brand new wires.They worked all day and night.The thought when they were finishedThat they changed that traffic light.But when they switched it onAfter spending all that dough,It flashed those crazy colorsThat the kids all know. (Chorus) Book: Night Light by Nicholas Blechman Closing Song: We Wave Good-Bye Like This
This storytime was for a visiting preschool class here at my library, after a tour of the building. I wanted to educate them on all things l...
Before we know it the seasons will be changing again. Summer into Fall, Fall into Winter…My kids look forward to the shift in the winds and the little differences (yes even in San Diego CA there are tiny differences) in the world around us. Now I should probably admit up front that I am not […]
Special needs sensory storytime. By Carrie Rogers-Whitehead. Why do this type of storytime ?. Liam, his brother and mother.
Can we talk a little about program structure? I've read countless professional reference books about storytime and most of them recomme...
Just wanted to send a big thank you for the sensory storytime this morning! It was terrific! … My four-year old LOVED it and I think I’m even more excited than he is as the event stirred up a lot of great ideas for activities I can do with my kids at home! Thank you thank you!!! This wonderful feedback was given to me by a grateful mom after I did my first Sensory Storytime for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. She and her son have attended every sensory storytime since. I know from asking that her family had visited the library, but had never attended a storytime before this one. Children with autism and other developmental disabilities live in your community, no matter its size. As welcoming, friendly, and inclusive as you are, families may still refrain from bringing their children to “regular” storytimes for fear of...
By Awnali Mills It was my first storytime day in the new summer session, and I Just. Wasn’t. Feeling it. Unfortunately, I don’t think many of my attendees were feeling it, either. Some days are l…
Storytime is the premium service for children in public libraries across the country. For many youth librarians, it's the most treasured part of their job. A storytime veteran shares her best practices.
Storytime on the Spectrum @ Your Library Starting in September, the Pickens County Library System will begin Storytime on the Spectrum, a monthly, evening storytime geared towards children with special needs and their families. Parents, children, and other caregivers can listen to stories, play games, and create simple arts and crafts projects. The kick-off event “Making New Friends” will be held at the Hampton Memorial Library in Easley on Monday, September 9th at 6:30 pm. “Frightfully Silly Stories” will be held on Monday, October 7th at 6:30pm. These storytimes are made possible by a grant from the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation. Library programs are free and open to all. For more information, please call the library at 864-850-7077 or email [email protected].
Dragons are fascinating creatures. Depending on the story they are impressive or silly or inspiring or maybe a little scary. No matter what they are never boring creatures and therefore kids seem to love dragons. This story time was inspired by three children’s books about dragons that my kids want to hear again and again […]
Storytime Theme: Ocean Adventure takes you above and below the waves with this lesson plan filled with great read aloud picture book options!
To assist you in planning your story times for next month, here are some themes I like to use in October. Pumpkins Suggested Books: Duck and Goose Find a Pumpkin by Tad Hills Pumpkin Heads! by Wendell Minor It's Pumpkin Day, Mouse! by Laura Numeroff Apples and Pumpkins by Anne Rockwell Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman (Audio version with song available here.) This is Not a Pumpkin by Bob Staake The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda D. Williams Extension Activities: Five Little Pumpkins Sittng on a Gate Five Little Pumpkins Round Mr. Scarecrow's Jack o'Lantern Literacy Activities About Pumpkins Moon Suggested Books: I Want to be an Astronaut by Byron Barton Moonlight by Helen V. Griffith Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes The Mouse Who Ate the Moon by Petr Horacek Higher! Higher! by Leslie Patricelli The Moon by Robert Louis Stevenson, illustrated by Tracey Pearson Campbell Owl Moon by Jane Yolen Extension Activities: Aikendrum Climb Aboard the Spaceship Five Astronauts Went Up in Space Here is the World Moon Moon Moon Zoom Zoom Zoom Fall Suggested Books: The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger Kitten's Autumn by Eugenie Fernandes Fall Leaves Fall by Zoe Hall Fall is Not Easy by Marty Kelley When Autumn Falls by Kelli Nidey Leaves by David Ezra Stein Ol' Mama Squirrel by David Ezra Stein The Very Busy Squirrel by Nancy Tafuri Extension Activities: Brown Squirrel Climb a Tree Down Around the Corner by the Big Oak Tree Five Little Leaves Are Hanging on the Tree Raking Leaves Signs of Fall The Trees Are Growing Spiders Suggested Books: The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle The Eensy Weensy Spider Freaks Out Big Time by Troy Cummings Be Nice to Spiders by Margaret Bloy Graham The Eensy Weensy Spider by Mary Ann Hoberman Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti by Gerald McDermott The Itsy Bitsy Spider by Iza Trapani Extension Activities: Four Colorful Flies The Itsy Bitsy Spider/The Giant Spider Little Miss Muffet (song) One Elephant Went Out to Play There's a Spider on the Floor
Everything you need to know to start a story time program for kids in your community. Book ideas, tips and planning sheets for getting started.
One of my library friends posted some great storytime topics with suggested books and songs on the List My Five website. Her username there is PupFashionista. If you ever met her dog, Esme, who dre…
It's DiNovember, a month-long celebration of dinosaurs with several types of dinosaur-themed programs: passive programs, storytimes, and STEAM programs.
