Garden Storytime
Scott Bahlmann
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About this program
Storytime
at the Glendale Library
target age: 3-5
usual attendance: ~30
weekly program, year round
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Talk, Sing, Read, Write and Play are the 5 areas our State Library has identified as critical literacy skills in young learners, so they are incorporated into all my storytime programs to practice the skills and model for caregivers.
Each of my storytime programs has a theme. As participants arrive they find or write their name (the most exciting letters to learn!), and we chat about the them to personalize it and give context.
Technology is a great opportunity to engage the audience and show caregivers ways to extend learning at home. I include gifs and videos (accompanied by talking points) in each presentation. Sometimes in the middle of a book!
Flow is important to keep kids (and adults) engaged. Mixing active and passive activities that incorporate the primary learning modalities make an experience that everyone can enjoy. This includes giving time for the participants to share with you!
There are certain skills for Preschool Readiness that can only be practiced in groups, what a great opportunity we have! I include activities that let us practice walking in a line, raising hands, taking turns, etc.
Take the learning home! After each storytime I give out a page related to the them for kids to color or draw on. This keeps the kids engaged what I set up for the next program, and gives a focal point to keep talking about the topic after they leave the library. Including other resources for the adults is a great idea too!