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Thinking Outside the Storytime Box: Early Literacy Programming
Stephanie Schott - Anchorage Public Library (Loussac) Claudia Haines - Homer Public LibraryLacey Hemming - Anchorage Public Library (Muldoon)
Why?
● Storytime was getting boring...don’t judge!
● Huge need for FREE programs for under 5 crowd
● A refreshing way to promote early literacy skills (Read, Write, Play, Sing, Talk)
Anchorage Public Library ProgramsASL Storytime American Sign Language
interpreted (once a month)Original idea
Baby Builders Club Open block play Idea from ALSC
Growing Readers Club Interactive storytelling, music, and a take home activity
Original idea
Open Playdates Open play time for families Original idea
STEM Storytime Science, Technology, Engineering & Math concepts
Everyone’s doing it!
Wee Be Jammin’ Music and movement Idea from PLA
Baby Builders Club● Open block play, intended to be
structureless
● Include blocks for all developmental stages (birth - age 5)
● Yuck Bucket
● Great time for grown-ups to connect with each other and their kiddos too
Open Playdate @ Loussac● Open play for families with children birth to age 5● Toys: different types of blocks, trucks, mesh tunnel ● Tables: Craft and Sensory
(make sure to adjust table to child level, if possible)
● Had 120 participants / held Saturday, 10:30-Noon● For future events, want to invite community agencies
to mingle and host info table and/or craft table
STEM Storytime
● Same as Storytime pretty much
● Focus on science theme can be as simple as counting to more complicated the science of Snow
● Science Experiment/Activity after
Wee Be Jammin’● No books/stories● Always include some kind of
instrument activity with egg shakers, rhythm sticks, or bells
● Include a lullabye or calming song● Just get up and dance songs● Parachute and Bubbles
New Programs Ideas…
● Kindergarten Readiness group
● Play-based learning with discovery stations
● Sensory Storytime (targeted at children with autism)
● More live music concerts for families
Early Literacy Evolves at the Homer Public Library● STEAM-injected Preschool+ Storytimes
● New Media
● Toddler & Preschool Art
● Passive Programming for Kids 5+
● One Off’s: Maker Day, Game Night & Kids Cook
The Power of STEAM in Storytime
The Power of STEAM in Storytime
The Power of STEAM in Storytime
New Media: Apps, Music, Photos
Art in Storytime: Why?
● Extends the learning that happens during storytime
● Fosters writing, one of the five Every Child Ready to Read 2 early literacy practices
● Offers a chance to experiment with art materials and creativity to kids who may not have opportunities at home
● Is fun!
Art and Storytime: Painting
Art and Storytime: More Painting
Art and Storytime: Night
Art and Storytime: Birds
Art and Storytime: Holes
Art and Storytime: Toddlers
Passive Programming for Ages 5+
Passive Programming for Ages 5+
Passive Programming for Ages 5+
The One Off
1: limited to a single time, occasion, or instance : one-shot <one–off gigs>2: singular, unique <a one–off design>
definition courtesy of Merriam-Webster.com
The Beauty of the One Off
One Off’s:● strengthen community● provide access to new experiences to spark interests● connect kids with non-traditional mentors● attract new families to the library● test community interest in a new type of program
Maker Day
Kids Cook: Dumplings
Game Night
Mutually Beneficial Partnerships
● Foster personal contacts at community organizations
● Become aware of what other agencies are offering
● Invite others into the library
● RECIPROCATE!
Imagination Library
Benefits for APL
• IL runs/plans the program
• APL get tons of people in the door (new faces)
• Get kids signed up for library cards
Benefits for IL
• A free space and library staff support
• Sign up more kids for their services
• More Anchorage kids have books at home
How it started: Personal call to invite IL to hold an event at APL (hope to make into an annual event)
Parents as Teachers
Benefits for APL• PAT provides crafts at some
library sponsored events• PAT brings families to library
programs• Advertise library programs
during home visits and through social media
Benefits for PAT• Asked to host event at library
to train new PAT staff to work with children/parents (read stories and offered various activities)
• Get chance to talk to families about program/sign up
How it started: Cold call to state-wide coordinator
Get Involved in Your Community
● Partner with other organizations / become a board member
● Join state-wide/national Early Literacy efforts
● Look around to see what’s out there…if you don’t find anything, CREATE it
Storytime Outside the Box Resources
The Artful ParentTinker LabStorytime UndergroundJbraryNever Shushed
Contact Us● Stephanie Schott, Anchorage PL
● Claudia Haines, Homer [email protected]
● Lacey Hemming, Anchorage [email protected]
