Story Time and early literacy programming are foundational youth services in libraries. Whether you’re new to planning Story Times, or have been planning them for years, this webpage contains useful resources to help you prepare high-quality early literacy programs. Below you will find lists, links, and resources to help you plan a successful Story Time.
The sample Story Time plans and recordings below can give you an idea of what an early literacy program looks like. You can create a Story Time based around a theme, or just use a mix of materials. Browse the spreadsheet below for theme ideas, songs, rhymes, flannel board activities, and more. Think outside the box! You can use puppets, scarves, musical instruments, parachutes, and all kinds of fun things in a Story Time. Below you can find lists of many of the Story Time resources and materials available at the Middendorf-Kredell Branch.
Every Child Ready to Read®, an American Library Association (ALA) initiative, provides a framework for building early literacy skills in young children. They define five Early Literacy Practices: reading, writing, talking, playing, and singing. Incorporating these practices into Story Time and other early literacy programs helps prepare young children to be successful future readers. Learn more about Every Child Ready to Read® here.