Training Modules Children and Youth Module 7 Storytime routine

In this module you will look in more detail at the routine we follow for storytimes. The only parts that are consistent across the branches are the opening and closing song, the early literacy skill and the STEAM activity if included.

Sample Storytime routine

Arriving and Settling In- be in storytime area to greet families and children, try to get to know some names of children. Be mindful of the children’s levels of shyness… try to get down to their level when you can.

Storytime Introduction (Welcome, Early Literacy Tip--Explain)-Introduce yourself and welcome everyone. Set guidelines using the charter-see below- have it nearby or point it out. Use positive language. Literacy tip-from the pack information sheet and written on the “Today we will…” speech bubble. (This part is directed mostly at the parents, so look at them, scanning across the group so they all know you are talking to them)

The charter-each branch should have an A3 sized poster.

Opening Song or Rhyme “We clap and sing hello” and “Please no eating”

Set the Stage: Today we’ll be talking about . . . (Directed to the children) Talk about the theme, ask questions if you feel confident that you can get back on track. Give a brief outline of what the children will be experiencing – Today we will be sharing stories and songs that are all about monkeys. Have you ever seen a monkey, maybe in a book or at the zoo?

Big Book—Model literacy skill as outlined in the back of the book.

Rhymes/Songs: one or two rhymes and/or songs

Book

Rhymes/Songs: one or two rhymes and/or songs (You can repeat ones from before)

Book

Rhymes/Songs: one or two rhymes and/or songs (You can repeat ones from before)

Feltboards/STEAM Activity

Book

Rhymes/Songs: one or two rhymes and/or songs (You can repeat ones from before)

Birthday Hat-Ask birthday people to come to the front (or stand with mum…), sing happy birthday, give a sticker or stamp

Early Literacy Tip—Empower. Show how parents can support children’s early literacy at home. Either give another tip or repeat the one from earlier in the storytime.

Closing to Adults-Thank parents for coming, promote collection, online resources or programs.

Closing Song -“We wave goodbye like this”

Movie-DVD/USB/Storybox library or Kanopy (if your internet is stable)

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

Home with a book, a craft item and a stamp.

The information below is not specific to each branch. You will need to discuss set up and specific branch details with branch staff.

·         Set up Storytime

o   Move chairs to the storytime area and have them facing your chair with enough room for children to sit on the mat and for people to get in or out if they have to quickly go to the toilet, etc. Encourage children to sit on the mat and encourage them to move forward if you are running out of space at the back for late-comers.

o   Tablecloths on tables for craft, followed by containers with pencils, crayons, child-friendly scissors, glue pots and glue sticks.

•     Set up film either with DVD/USB  on TV or projected on screen.
  

o   If possible, place craft templates and busy bits on the tables during the film. This is so that the craft isn’t used before Storytime begins and no mess is made.

o   Remember grandparents need larger chairs.

·         Pack away all resources afterwards and send pack to next branch on the roster (see back of pack)

  Module 8 is here...

    Do this:

    Take some notes about how storytime is set up in your branch. Is the Charter on display?  Do you use TV or projector? How is the craft organised? Do you do your own or is there one person who does all the craft for the branch?

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