Most storytimes are a combination of books, fingerplays, poems, songs, and flannel board stories.The important element to remember is that this is your presentation and you should be comfortable with it. I can't stress enough that each presenter has their own style. Look to others if you're feeling overwhelmed, storytime should be fun for all, both presenter and children. Seasoned librarians, is there anything missing under the individual issues? Please add any information you think might be helpful for a new librarian.
see also: Storytime Planning/(Template)
Preparation Issues:
Registration - yes or no? Cost
Age restriction Staffing
Why do storytime? Volunteers
Parent involvement Room Set Up
Size of group Residency restrictions
Number of sessions? Separate 3 and 4 year olds?
Presenting holiday programs Expectations of parents to know
What to put in intro letter Story hour cards
Publicity Displays of related material
Outreach - for whom? Scheduling non-traditional times
Location Competition of other community events
Themes Parent activity during storytime
Preparation of materials Pandemic/Influenza Protocols
Name tags If registering, once or twice a year?
To craft or not to craft Summer programs
Snacks Are handouts provided?
Drop people who don't attend Use of props
Time Space
How to handle special needs Dealing with disruptive children
How late in session do you accept new people
Content Issues:
Opening and closing rituals Mascot
Music/Songs Age appropriateness
Holiday themes Dealing with age span
Realia Including outside groups
Finger plays Length
Books Educate or entertain?
Flannel boards Time for each component
Themes Exercises
Stories you draw Sequence of elements
Paper stories/cut out stories Connectors
String stories Something for parent
Handouts Poetry
Currency of materials Developmental stages
Storytelling vs. story reading Multiple Intelligences
Crafts
Sensory Storytime
Repetition of Elements
Actual Presentation:
Parent and other siblings Children not willing to come in
Use of carpet squares Children wanting to leave during session
Floor or chair Child bring his/her items in
Addressing lateness Repeating books
Dealing with disruptions Discipline
Individual involvement Flexibility
How to read aloud Parents knowing what to expect
How to hold book/turn pages Placement in room
Intro/summary of books Failure of books/having alternative titles
Stretching/circle time Use of voice for characters
How to control chatting Reading aloud skills
Rules Wrapping up a book at end
Asking "right" questions Time for sharing
Are kids aware of the theme? Language
Read title, author, dedication Techniques for getting kids back into story
Stamps on hands Pronouncing author's name/characters
Repetition Early Childhood Literacy Tips
Presentation for a Crowd
Balance of Books: How to tell parents:
* Has definite plot and action * Child isn't ready for attending
* Explores idea or mood *About disruptive behavior
* Is participatory
Evaluation & Follow-up:
Hand in or keep name tags
Storage of materials
Parents wanting to borrow books
List of stories
Survey at end of session
List of materials used (for parents)
Finger plays/lesson plans for kids to take
Selecting books with children after storytime
Acknowledge children outside of library
Displays of related materials
Information on group - how to keep
Statistics
Seeing how kids pick up on suggestions
How to encourage parents to take books (vs. DVD's)
What's Next?
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