Training Modules Children and Youth Module 3 The storytime presenter-all about you!
Training Modules Children and Youth Module 3 Storytimes at Sutherland Shire Libraries-The presenter-all about you!
In this module we'll look at you the presenter, what skills and knowledge you have and how you can be the best story time presenter ever!
Before we start…what about you?
If you have never done storytime before...
• Watch colleagues and other presenters (online)-what did you see that you like? What would you be comfortable with?
• Try these
- These viseos are Staff members presenting storytime.
• Consider your strengths-Singing? Puppets? Playing the ukulele? What skills or experiences do you have that you could use in storytime? The goal is to share books and language activities in enjoyable ways. Seeing what engages the children can often be the catalyst for trying new things or doing things in new ways. It is helpful to build from your strengths and move forward from there.
• Is there someone you would like to mentor with? It is helpful to identify at least one person with whom you can share ideas with as you develop storytimes. You and your mentor can learn from each other.
• Some storytime providers feel insecure as they are delivering storytimes. As you gain more experience, you will become more confident.
• Sometimes there is a bias when the storytime provider is not a parent. As you develop relationships with the families, this may become less of an issue. We can acknowledge we have not been a parent, but do have experience sharing books with children and interacting with them. You have experience with children throughout the day. You can share what you know about good books, nursery rhymes, how to research relevant resources, and what the library can offer children and their families. Pay attention to good parenting skills when you see them, and refer to those when appropriate.
If you already have some experience with storytimes
• What can you do to refresh your presentation style? -old story in a new way? –new fingerplays/songs?
• Review the goals of storytime, is there anything that you can breathe new life into?
• “Having a “growth mindset,” as opposed to a “fixed mindset” can stand us all in good stead as we try new things, whether we are doing our first storytime or have been doing them for years. We are always learning and growing.” p8 Ghoting, Saroj Storytime Manual for East Albemarle (NC) Regional Library System. 2020. Is there something new you can learn and add to your storytimes?
Click on Answer these to answer the questions
Answer these…
What skills do you already have?
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What hidden talents do you have that you can add to a storytime?
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Do you have any favourite songs or stories from when you were young?
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Do you know any songs or rhymes from another culture that you could share?
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Is there someone you would like to emulate in your storytimes? Can you watch them?
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Self-Confidence
Try this
https://jbrary.com/building-storytime-confidence/
• Find songs you are comfortable singing
• Allow time to practice-your manager should allow this.
• Write out what you will say/do. Use post it’s or palm cards
• Ask someone from Kids or the branch to sit in with you on your storytime to be a back up.
• Use the same hello and goodbye song
• Choose age appropriate materials
• Ask a co-worker to observe you if you feel comfortable with this
• Build relationships with families
• Use online resources
• Try new things
Time management
• Take time to plan your storytime. Your manager will allow this.
• Go through the pack as soon as it arrives at your branch.
• Read the storytime plan sheet so you are aware of the Early Literacy Domain.
• Read the tip. Does it makes sense?
• Familiarise yourself with the resources. Choose the ones you feel confident using.
• Choose the big book you will use and choose a skill from the table at the back.
• Plan the order and go through your plan. Use post it notes or palm cards.
• Write the tip on the “Today we will…” speech bubble.
• Plan or check your craft is ready
