December 8, 2022 — Storytime is when an adult reads out loud to a group of children. It could be a child’s first introduction to books and sharing of stories in a group experience. It is a critical activity for early learners. Storytime introduces new vocabulary, sentence structures, and modes of communication. It offers new voices and perspectives. Linda Jacobson from the School Library Journal states that “storytimes in libraries and other learning opportunities in the community are now viewed as a critical component of young children’s preparation to enter school. They are also vehicles for giving parents guidance on how to encourage early literacy skills at home.”
When planning a program library staff select high-quality children’s literature appropriate for a specific age group. Usually, the librarians pick a book that they love and can get excited about reading. In addition, librarians want to interact with parents and caregivers before and after storytime to promote reading aloud at home.
For parents, it is easy to sing the same songs and read the same books at home because children thrive on repetition. Storytime at your local public library introduces new books, songs, and interaction with other children. Yes, it is entertaining and fun but it is also building skills.
Singing? You’re developing phonological awareness – helping children hear that words are made up of smaller sounds. Teaching rhythm helps children learn to think spatially (math skills!).
Reading stories? You’re encouraging print motivation – getting kids excited to read by sharing fun stories with them. You’re demonstrating how a book works: how you open it, how you turn the pages.
Doing a craft? You’re helping young children practice fine motor skills that they will use when they learn to write. Maybe they’re practicing following directions. Maybe they’re unleashing their creativity.
Bringing out some toys for playtime? Play is a wonderful learning activity for children. Playing with children encourages oral communication, which leads to children hearing and learning more and more words.