Libraries are known for their Storytimes for Toddler and Preschool children. Older children from various recreation programs throughout the county are encouraged to come in to share in Summer Storytimes. The programs are usually centered around a general Summer Reading Club theme. Children just want to be entertained and engaged. What works for YOU?

IDEAS FOR SUMMER STORYTIMES

*   Literature-based games are very helpful. 

*   MAD LIBS, alphabet, category games, frame games, (Sunday USA) 

*   Songs with motions or games with movement, (ie: 1-in-20)        

*   Crafts, songs and games from Scouting.                    

*  Your own family stories as ice breakers.                      

*   Easy Reading Chapter books

*   Non-Fiction

*  Audience Participation Stories, (may need to be tweaked)

*  see also Challenges; Chants for Storytime

(Jane McManus, Winton)

Inquiry for how to handle childcare patrons, (Addressed PUBYAC 6-12 & 6-15-2010)

*We schedule two visits each summer to each childcare programs. At the first visit we do storytimes and hand each teacher a bookworm where they color a segment for each 30 minutes they read to the class (the chart also has a place to record how many kids there are in that class). We also hand out a take home reading log which has 10 objects for kids to color in - one for each book they read - along with a list of the 6 early literacy skills and a blurb about the importance of parents reading to children. They are encouraged to bring the log to the library for a small prize, (though very few get returned unfortunately). At the second visit, we do a second storytime and give each child a small prize (decorated pencil or sticker depending on ages of the children) and collect the bookworms. We count those bookworm minutes (segments multiplied by number of kids) as statistics when we report numbers to the states and  it adds up!

*Storytimes are designed for individual families and cannot accommodate organized groups or group daycare providers. For information on arranging a group or class visit to the library call the Youth Services Department ..."

*For Summer programs if the size of the group is a problem, or the group cannot be controlled in the library, we handle case by case. Sometimes asking the group to make arrangements for a special visit, sometimes by asking the group to break into smaller groups, sometimes just by welcoming them, but they have to individually wait their turn in line just like anyone else. They can register for summer reading, no problem, but it is up to the leader to figure out the logistics if they have a limited time in the library and each child needs to talk to the Librarian, get their prize, get their photo, etc. They don't get to bump others out of the way.

*If the group behavior is an issue, we have our Standards of Behavior to fall back on, and that applies to everyone.

INTERNET RESOURCES

Rob Reid's 12 Days of Storytime