We are officially in prep mode for our summer learning program! My library is using the iRead theme: Find Your Voice. I have a great love of STEAM and we already have existing programs for older kids but haven’t had anything for babies and toddlers that is STEAM related. STEAM allows children to find their voice in different ways and we are always trying to incorporate it more into our programming. Our newest program will be a drop-in program for ages 0-3!
Author: Kirsten Caldwell
Library Scavenger Hunts!
I started doing scavenger hunts in the library back in October and they are such a cheap, easy, and FUN thing for kids to do! I have had families tell me that they get excited to come to the library because of them. The class visits race to finish them after they check out their books. I also love making them.
Toddler Storytime Books
We have started up our age-specific storytimes at my library and the toddler one was the toughest for me to figure out. I didn’t want to read only board books, but the books I read to preschoolers were often far too long to hold their attention. I read other blog posts and went through my library to see what picture books I thought 2-year-olds would like. These are the toddler storytime books that I have read in 2023 so far that I love.
Winter Storytime Crafts
Crafts are a fun way to end a storytime, kids love them, and they are so beneficial in improving the kids’ fine motor skills. They are also simple to tie to a winter book that can close out the story part of storytime. I am currently planning my winter storytime sessions and I thought I would share my favorite crafts I came across while scouring the internet.
Structuring Storytimes
There are so many different ways to plan and structure your storytimes! I have been using a theme and picking books and songs based on that theme. While that works well, I know there are other ways to structure a storytime. I did some internet sleuthing to find ways that other librarians create their storytimes.
Why Board Books?
Reading to babies is extremely important, and I have been told that many times and by many people. Doing a storytime for babies got me wondering why board books in particular were good for babies. Here are some of the reasons I found while scouring the internet:
Fall Themed Storytimes
It is officially fall and that means fall themed storytimes! Whether you do an autumn theme, apples, pumpkins, or anything else fall, there are so many ideas to build a storytime from. This week is my first week back from maternity leave and I chose something that would be simple and also a fan favorite – fall. I am going to share some of my favorite places I found my ideas!
Benefits of Storytime for Babies
In the fall, our library is bringing back baby storytime for the first time since before COVID and I also just had my first baby in July. Those things got me thinking about the benefits of storytime for babies. Of course I have always thought that storytimes are fun and educational for older children, but never considered why there are storytimes for babies.