Storytimes have been fun and educational gatherings at public libraries where children are introduced to age-appropriate books, activities, songs and crafts.  Storytimes have also been times when parents and caregivers can meet and exchange ideas. 

Because of the special needs of different libraries and different children, you may decide to have an all ages storytime (all ages of children are welcome) or a storytime for specific age groups.  These age-specific storytimes are usually separated as for "babies", "toddlers/pre-walkers", "toddlers/walkers", "twos and threes", and "four and fives".  However, because your library has specific requirements in terms of staff and space, adjust your storytimes to fit your specific situation.

Libraries can create simple handouts like the ones below based on the information on the ALA website:

Babies

Two- and Three-Year-Olds

Four- and Five-Year-Olds

When implementing the Every Child Ready to Ready initiatives, a Storytime is an ideal setting to introduce the six pre-reading skills, as well as a development of Narrative Skills.  For older children, Dialogic or "Hear and Say" reading, helps them learn new words and deepen their comprehension skills. 

Dialogic or "Hear and Say" Reading

is the concept that how you read to children makes a difference in how ready they are to learn to read.  Dialogic reading incorporates a dialogue between you and the child about the book you are sharing together.

Use dialogic reading to teach new words

  • Choose a book that your child already knows well.
  • Ask "what" questions ("What's this?" and point to a picture)
  • Follow your child's answers with another question ("What is the dog doing?  Child: "Digging.")
  • Repeat what your child says and expand on it ("I think you're right.  The dog is digging under the fence to go find his friend.")
  • Help your chidl as needed.  Praise and encourage your child.
  • Follow your child's interests
  • Have fun!

Use dialogic reading to develop comprehension skills

  • Dialogic reading encourages your two- and three-year-old to think and talk by answering open-ended questions
  • Ask questions like: "What's going on here?"  "Tell me what you see on this page."
  • Follow your child's answer with another question: "What else do you see?"  "What is happening over here?"
  • Expand what your child says.  Add another piece of information.
  • Help your child repeat your longer phrases.
  • Have fun!

Early Literacy in Practice

Several libraries in the United States have already been implementing the Every Child Ready to Read initiative at their libraries.  Another early literacy initiative that is growing in popularity in libraries is called "Birth to Six".  Below are links to libraries that have created wonderful websites highlighting early literacy.  Explore their websites. 

There are also several libraries that have created a blog to promote and explain the Every Child Ready to Read program at their libraries.

Third Assignment: Website or Blog

Imagine that you have the opportunity to advertise your library's new early literacy initiative on the library's website and/or blog.  Create a website for free using Google Pages or create a blog for free using Edublog.  What elements of Every Child Ready to Read will you include?  Be mindful of your audience (who is reading your blog?  Is it for staff or patrons?).  Include your web address or blog address in the class wiki.  Explore your classmates' projects and make a high quality comment to one of them.

This assignment will be worth 15 points.  Make sure you have:

  • Created a website or blog highlighting the six pre-reading skills  (6 pts)
  • Intended audience is clear (3 pt)
  • Uploaded the url for your blog or website on the class wiki (1 pt)
  • Commented to a classmate (5 pt)

Booklists

Return to the list of library websites above that are already implementing an early literacy program.  Explore the booklists that they have created for each age group.  Generally, these should break down as close as possible to "Birth to Two", "Two- and Three-Year-Olds" and "Four- and Five-Year-Olds". Find five titles from each of their age groups (however they have divided their lists...each library may be slightly different) at your local library and critically study these books.  You're ready for your next Assignment!

Fourth Assignment: Booklist

Find five titles from each of the age groups as designated by a library from the list that has implemented an early literacy program on their website.   Your list will total 15 books. 

Locate these books at your local library and critically assess them.  Do you agree or disagree with the library's lists?  Are there titles that you would have included -- why?  Are there titles that you are surprised are on the list -- why? 

Now look at the books again, keeping in mind the six pre-reading skills highlighted in Every Child Ready to Read.  List which skills would be more appropriate for each book and note why.  Upload your paper to the class wiki.  Read a classmate's assignment and make a thoughtful response.

This assignment will total 15 points.  Make sure your assignment includes:

  • 15 book titles, 5 from each age group (birth to two, two to three, four and five) listed as an annotated bibliography (2 pts)
  • note which library's website and booklist you are exploring (1 pt)
  • write your thoughts assessing the books that have been included -- do you agree or disagree with its inclusion and why? (2 pts)
  • list any books that are not included that you would have included -- why? (2 pts)
  • note which pre-reading skill would be best suited to which book -- go through each of the 15. (2 pts)
  • upload your paper to the class wiki (1 pt)
  • respond to a classmate's paper (5 pt)

Another Useful Idea for Storytimes

Follow this link to learn about an updated version of the classic flannelboard, the Digital Flannelboard

Photo of Summer Reading Program 2006 Pirate Day, St. Joseph County Public Library, Indiana.  Courtesy of Yvette Couser.