Storytime

As a Youth Librarian, I regularly presented storytimes for ages 0-6, virtually or in person. As a Youth Manager, I still occasionally present storytimes for ages 0-6, with an emphasis on social justice programming, outreach programming, and substituting for other staff members.

Virtual Storytimes

From March 2020-May 2021, I presented 1-2 virtual storytimes a week for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, school age kids, or for all ages.

My storytime outlines, including short videos from my storytimes, can be found on my blog, Book Cart Queens:

Content is carefully selected for age appropriateness, early literacy skills, and diversity.

Storytime specials feature popular book or TV characters and are designed for all ages. Some of these virtual programs have included:

Storytime Videos

As part of my virtual storytimes, I created short clips of select storytime content including book retellings, fingerplays, rhymes, and more. Watch some sample storytime videos in this playlist:

In Person Storytime Programs

As a Youth Librarian, when the library is open to the public, I presented weekly Baby Storytime for ages 0-24 months. I occasionally filled in for other librarians by presenting Toddler Storytime (ages 2-3), Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5), Wonderworks (STEAM-themed storytime for ages 3-5), and Yoga Tales (yoga-themed storytime for ages 4-6).  Outside of the library, I presented storytimes to students at the Westerville Early Learning Center, local preschools, and Westerville City School kindergarten and 1st grade classrooms.

When presenting in-library storytimes, I use the library’s Smartboard to provide attendees with the words to the books, songs, rhymes, and activities we are exploring that week. All PowerPoints typically include a few more activities than were actually covered during the storytime itself to create added flexibility.

This is a sample in-person Baby Storytime PowerPoint:

This is a sample in=person Toddler Storytime PowerPoint:

This is a sample in=person Preschool Storytime PowerPoint:

All of my storytimes include a combination of books, early literacy tips, songs, rhymes, physical props, flannels, puppets, and musical instruments.

After the “storytime” portion of these programs, I include a “Discovery Time” open-ended, age-appropriate play session focused on STEM and sensory discovery, parent-child interaction, and fine and gross motor skills. These play periods include a variety of activities that parents can often replicate at home for little to no cost.

Explore some of my regular baby play activities at my blog.