Training Modules Children and Youth Module 6 Elements of storytime Skills and tips
Training Modules Children and Youth Module 6 Elements of storytime: Skills and tips
This module will take you through some of the different elements of storytime and you will become familiar with different props and resources used in storytime. Some of the activities are interspersed between the headings. Look for the Activity link
S.T.E.A.M.
• Children are naturally curious and always love to ask “Why…?”
• Many children respond to factual texts and information.
• Promoting Maths and Science is of major importance to our world.
• We try to have at least 2 STEAM based storytimes per term.
• These will include very specific resources and activities. You will need to familiarise yourself with the activities and resources.
• Usually an activity will be included instead of a craft activity.
Inclusiveness
We aim to provide relevant services in respectful ways and that means we reflect on equity, inclusion and diversity in our interactions with groups in the community.
The aim to include resources that reflect this in our storytimes.
• Indigenous resources
• Multicultural resources
• Resources that include people of colour, religion, LGBTQI+, different abilities and disabilities.
Repetition
Children need repetition to learn. However, it is important to find a balance between repetition and something new. One part of the brain, the limbic system which relates to emotions, prefers repetition and predictability. However, the cerebral cortex, the thinking part of the brain, craves novelty and change. So, we need a balance between familiarity and new. Adding a twist by saying a familiar rhyme and then putting new words to it or adding puppets can bring both familiarity and novelty to the children.
Activity
Can you think of an old nursery rhyme or song that you can present in a new and fresh way? What would you do?
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Reading a book-Tips
• Always, always pre-read the books before the storytime. Understanding the content, humour, pacing, rhythm, tricky words and surprises will give you confidence when reading the book. Add post it notes for reminders of pauses, questions or reactions if you need to.
• Always hold a book so it is facing the children or use a stand. If the book is wordy and you need to read it facing you make sure you do a few sweeps across the group so everyone sees the pictures well.
• Project your voice.
• Use facial expression and vocal expression. Over exaggerate
• Watch your ‘audience’. Be mindful of their mood, if they are a group of quieter, younger children then keep your actions small and calm. If they are more rambunctious and full of energy (in a good way), match your reading to their mood. If they are noisy and distracting, read quietly in exaggerated whispers.
• Ask questions or make “I wonder…” statements
• Point to objects and words in the book, ask who, what, when, where and why questions to get them thinking beyond the book. (You don’t always have to get answers.)
Try this
https://jbrary.com/new-to-storytime-how-to-read-books-to-a-group/
Watch these
(Turn your volume down, her mic is very loud!)
If you watch the first story, she does not read word for word.
From the master…
Click on Answer this to access the Quiz questions form.
Answer this
What tips did you pick up from the videos?
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Singing songs
• Use familiar songs
• Introduce new songs every now and again and repeat them.
• Use rhymes for variety of language use.
Try this
https://jbrary.com/new-to-storytime-choosing-songs-and-rhymes/
A good read
https://gooddayswithkids.com/songs-and-activities/benefits-singing-with-child/
Puppets
• Great motivator
• Practice before you use them.
• Talk about the puppet with the children-describe it using loads of adjectives.
• Basic movements-Make the puppet nod, clap and shake it’s head.
Watch this
Try this
https://jbrary.com/new-to-storytime-using-puppets/
and this
https://jbrary.com/dont-shy-using-puppets-storytime/
Telling stories with puppets
Answer this
What tips did you pick up from the videos?
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Feltboard
• Practice these first to know what to do and when.
• Have the pieces in a ‘safe’ place-lap, box on your lap…
Try this
https://jbrary.com/new-to-storytime-using-felt-stories/
Watch this storytime (They may not work after COVID)
The presenter uses feltboard and puppets. Standing up and having the pieces on a table is a good idea. Easier than your lap.
Answer this
What tips did you pick up from the videos?
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Show and explain the craft
• Remember these are pre-school children they need a small amount of challenge and something interesting to leave with.
• Not too much intricate cutting or try to cut some parts yourself in readiness. (Parents will help here).
• Bright colours, simple shapes, textures like wool, fabric pieces, crepe paper, cellophane, Brennex squares or busy bits.
• Something that is interactive would be great.
• Some branches have one person doing craft or a roster or you plan your own.
• We use clag glue as it is a textural experience for the children
Read these (they’re short)
https://cpl.org/the-benefits-of-crafts-in-storytime/
https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2017/05/crafts-vs-no-crafts-great-storytime-debate/
Module 7 is linked here
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