Librarian Ginny

Storytime: Things We Do In Summer

This was an unexpectedly fun storytime to do! It really allowed me to do a varied set of topics all wrapped up in the summertime theme. We had over 60 attendees for this one, so I had to do a lot of managing energy with the kids, but overall they did so well! Here’s my full storytime script below:

Storytime: Goats!

Introduction: This was such an unexpectedly fun storytime! The kids got really into acting like goats, LOVED the goat puppet (TBH, it’s one of my favorites, too), and loved telling me that they knew the story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff when we began our fingerplay. We sang our opening song, and then got started!

Sign of the Day: Goat

ASL Storytime: Transportation

Since this is a special kind of storytime, I talk (mostly to the grownups) a little about ASL and what our goals are for the day. I always let them know that ASL is its own language with grammar and structure just like any other language (though we don’t learn that in our storytimes, opting to focus on targeted vocabulary instead). I also introduce the Deaf culture who uses the language.

Storytime Tools: Circle Dance

What is it?

For my purposes, a circle dance is any coordinated movement-based dance that is typically done in a circle. The feel of these are similar to old-school folk dances or line dances where there’s typically a “caller,” or someone who calls out what movements to do. There are so many songs and games that apply to this category and it’s great for a variety of age-ranges. I typically use them as a small component of a larger storytime, especially with our baby and toddler groups. Let’s get into the why and how!

Storytime: Surprise Endings!

I. Love. This. Theme. It’s so fun and giggle-inducing and the kids NEVER seem to tire of being surprised. It’s absolutely delightful. Sure, you sometimes get a kid who accidentally ruins it for others, but I try to ward that off, saying “Now, if you’ve heard this story before, please don’t shout out any of the parts so that others can enjoy it for their first time.” It usually works – or at least gets caregivers more tuned into making sure their child doesn’t give any spoilers away 🙂

Storytime: Opposites!

I love this conceptual storytime theme because there are countless rhymes, songs, and books to switch in to keep the theme fresh! And I’m always surprised by some of the opposite sets that kids think of! Let’s dive in.

Storytime: Spiders!

Ughhhh, I really do not like spiders. Seriously am very scared of them. But I acknowledge they are good for our environment and all that. Just don’t come anywhere near me!

Storytime: Camping!

Yay camping! Since I live in a smallish town in the midwest, it seems like a lot of our patrons are into camping. Still, there are always some families who have never been so this is a great theme to introduce kids to it or to celebrate fun times with kids who are already familiar with it.

Storytime: Bugs!

Storytime: Wishes and Dreams!

This is always a fun storytime and it’s so great to hear the wishes and dreams of our kids! Some of them are serious (such as what they want to grow up to be), some of them are silly (like what they’d wish for if they were granted wishes), and sometimes it’s simply that they wish they had cake. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯