These programs give older kids an opportunity to come and participate in hands-on activities and hopefully meet some new friends too. We have monthly programs for school-agers as well as teens. We do, however, try our best to provide programs for older children. Once a month our library hosts Footloose Friday for toddlers and preschoolers to come and shake, wiggle and move with us! Toddler and preschool programs tend to be the most successful programs within our library system. In addition to storytimes, we also provide other programs for children. Currently, I plan and provide a weekly baby and me storytime for infants to 18 months, a toddler storytime for ages 18 months to 3 years and a preschool storytime for ages 3 years to 5 years.
Together we provide several storytimes within our library as well as outreach storytimes to schools and child care centers. I am very fortunate to work with three other outstanding library assistants and one amazing librarian. Either way, it is a new experience for them and it brings me joy to be the one sharing it. Storytime has become a major part of my life as a Library Assistant. I absolutely love to share exciting books with kids and watch as they experience the book for the first time, and even sometimes for the one hundredth time. (because I have a ton of them my friends!) I was wrong. I have learned that blogging is a great way to share and learn new ideas for storytime, as well as simply providing a place for me to share all of my ridiculous stories. Don't you think? That the world just HAS to hear what I have to say! I never thought I had anything so important to say that I needed a blog. The stations were directed by the families and they could stay as long as they wanted. I'm pretty sure H.A Rey would be proud! Overall, I think it was a successful program. I'm still undecided if I was successful or not. I attempted to make the cup and plate look like the Man in the Yellow Hat's hat. I always think it is important to thank local vendors who contribute to our programs through donations. Farm Fresh was kind enough to donate banana muffins and marble bread for the event. The Curious Question for the audio station asked the children to retell the story using felt pieces.Īt the end of the allotted time, we served a snack. Of course they didn't listen to the entire book, but it was a great experience for them to share and listen together. At one point several children wanted to hear it so we unplugged the headphones and listened to it together. The children could listen to it with the headphones and follow along with the book. Station #6 Storytime with Curious George! Off to the side I set up a table with the book Curious George and a CD of the story. I love this and wish I could take the credit. Here is a picture of one of those silly creatures! I even added eyes to some of the lids so the kids could make silly creatures. Cans, lids with magnets attached, slinkies, alphabet letters and pipe cleaners are some of the objects included. Station #1 Magnets! A small table was provided with many different magnetic objects. The parents didn't have to come up with questions they were already there! It really helped pull the parents in and encouraged them to participate with their children. Also, I knew most children would need a parent to read it to them. The Curious Question was a way to extend the activity and really get the children thinking. Each one was clearly labeled with simple directions and a "Curious Question" was included. I set up six different stations in our open storytime area. From there, I decided that different stations would be best and they should be set up in a way that encouraged parent participation.
I knew it would allow for more parents and children to participate in a very relaxed environment. I thought it would be best if the event was set up in a "come and go" fashion. I just thought it would give me more options this way, and it did! I love Curious George, but mostly, I love curiosity and wonder. Instead of planning Curious George related activities and then trying to include curiosity, I decided to plan curious activities and include Curious George. This past Saturday was Curious George's birthday! In celebration, my library hosted Curiosity Day. I am very interested in learning from others and it is only fair to share my ideas as well. I completely forgot I had a blog!! Oops! I'm going to be much better about posting from now on.