This walk in storytime is intended for families with babies 0-24 months.  Offered twice a week, families will have an opportunity help develop their babies early literacy skills and brain development skills such as talking, reading, singing, writing, and playing. As stated by the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child state, the first few years are one of the most important as the brain is the most influenced (2023). Staff will model these activities and will include literacy tips to explain how these skills build upon one another and lead to future educational success. Some of the activities that will be included in this storytime will include reading board books, lap bounce movement songs, and sensory play. All these activities are intended to encourage appropriate age development but also provide an opportunity for parent-child interaction in a fun and and engaging way. Parenting resources and age appropriate books will also be made available within the story theater for parents to take home. 

Activity Breakdown: 

• Introduction Song & Welcome Rhyme

• Book Reading

• Movement Song

• Fingerplay

• Manipulative Rhyme

• Interactive Story

• Goodbye Song

Staffing:

One librarian needed to facilitate program. Caregivers will provide additional assistance for their child.

Budget: 

$50 monthly to purchase manipulatives. Parent resources and age appropriate books will come from general library supply funds. Technology such as tv, speaker, etc. will come from general library technology budget. 

*Example of detailed program 

Twice a week families with toddlers will join us for a fun and high energy storytime. Using rhymes, fingerplay and songs librarians will create positive learning experiences that focus on a child's pre reading skills. Picture books that are colorful and encourage movement will be read in order to engage the audience as they listen to stories. Additionally the last 30 minutes of the program offers opportunities for young children to play. Children learn through play and as studies have shown children ages 1–2 who played with blocks and other educational manipulatives with their parents for just twenty minutes a day scored 15 percent higher on language-development tests (Christakis, Zimmerman, & Garrison, 2007). Through the use of toys and manipulatives,  children will practice problem-solving, sorting, sharing, early literacy skills, design and testing, and collaboration. This passive program encourages caregivers and families to play and explore together, while they imagine, discover, create, and bring learning to life. This is also an opportunity for families and caregivers to ask questions to the librarian of on resources and programs available that support learning. During this time of play slides on the benefits of play and calming music will be on a continuous loop during the hour.

Activity Breakdown: 

• Introduction Song & Welcome Rhyme

• Movement Song

• Book Reading

• Movement Song

• Literacy Tip

• Fingerplay

• Book Reading

• Play and Learn Time

• Clean Up 

• Goodbye Song

Staffing:

 Two library staff will be needed for this program. One librarian to facilitate and one to assist. 

Budget: 

$100 monthly to purchase and replace manipulatives. Technology such as tv, speaker, etc. will come from general library technology budget. 

*Example of detailed program 

The storytime is focused to bring the entire family together to sing, move, and have fun. As many families may not have the opportunity to participate in other storytimes due to external factors of work, school, etc. this program is offered in the evening as well as on the weekend to allow more opportunities to participate. Though the focus is on children's stories and songs that engage the child, the goal is to bridge the literacy gap between caregiver and child. Research has shown that parents who are supportive and responsive at children first attempts at basic language skills (writing, talking, etc.) tend to perform better on early language assessments ( Ralli and Payne, 2016). Activities and stories will be selected to engage all audience members in order to create memorable experiences as a family in the library. As Fasick and Holt state, successful programming implements activities that support vocabulary, print motivation, print awareness, narrative skills, letter knowledge, and phonological awareness (2013). Picture books chosen will be include diverse authors and characters to reflect the community and promote inclusivity. Hill states that this awareness of the issues of diversity, inclusion, equity, politics, and social justice is already there, but guidance is needed from an adult who is willing to guide, support and listen to these matters (2017). Programs should reflect the diversity of the real world and provides children with inclusive and positive content, such as having books that are representative or introduce themes and concepts that teach different perspectives and lifestyles through art.  Additionally this program offers simple crafts that can be done by a child with encouragement by their caregivers or done together as a family. Again, encouraging caregivers to participate as much as possible to model the positive experience for their child. In turn the hope is encourage a love of reading and encourage families to practice literacy skills. 

Activity Breakdown:

• Greetings

• Welcome Song

• Storybook 1

• Fingerplay

• Craft

• Goodbye Song

Staffing: 

Librarian or library assistant to facilitate with the help of a page as an assistant for the program. 

Budget: 

$200 a month budget to purchase materials for simple craft supplies for families. 

*Example of detailed program

As a partner in education, the library provides safe and nonjudgemental place to seek and gain knowledge. This program is designed to provided academic support and homework help for children grades K-8. During the program children are able to receive one on one tutoring with volunteers or literacy library assistant to help develop a positive academic experience. The program takes place in the library community room to provide ample space and resources for children to work quietly and privately. Children will be able to receive homework assistance or participate in educational activities such as reading games, puzzles, etc. to support their reading and math skills. Caregivers are encouraged and welcomed to attend to receive resources or speak with the volunteer teachers or the literacy librarian on guidance to support their child's academic growth and confidence at home. 

Staffing: 

The Literacy Librarian will oversee the program with the assistance of two library assistants. Volunteer teachers, community members, as well as highschool students who have been trained and demonstrated strong academic skills with children will participate in tutoring students. Volunteer teachers will recieve special training as well as support from the literacy librarian in order to assist in providing additional support and resources for caregivers

Budget: 

$75 a month budget to purchase pencils, snacks, and water.