When was the last time you attended a story time at your local library? When your children were small? When you were a child? Never? We thought we might take this opportunity to fill everyone in on what story time is these days; how it is much more than just reading stories.
Story time is a weekly half hour activity for children ages 0-5 that includes reading books, telling stories, singing, dancing and doing rhymes together. Story time is meant to be fun, but it’s also a valuable experience for children to learn early literacy skills; that is, skills that are instrumental in preparing a child to learn to read and write. These skills include Print Motivation, Print Awareness, Phonological Awareness, Vocabulary, Narrative Skills, and Letter Knowledge. Story Time also gives parents, caregivers and teachers ideas for how to encourage these skills in their own home during the rest of the week. In addition to early literacy skills, story time is a great way for children to learn how to function in a group setting in preparation for school, and it helps children develop their gross and fine motor skills.
When planning story time, children’s librarians (like the two of us!) choose books that are appealing for a large group (not too long, illustrations that are visible from afar, include repetition or noises that encourage the children to get involved in the story) and that illustrate early literacy skills. While we rarely say, “This book will teach you about phonological awareness, kids!” we do emphasize the skill. We might ask, “Do you hear how ‘cat’ and ‘rat’ rhyme? These words sound the same, don’t they?” We emphasize ways to incorporate the story (or song) into everyday life. For example, one children’s librarian often shares the great success she has had with the book Trashy Town by Andrea Zimmerman. When at home with her toddler, they sing the refrain of the book while they pick up toys. This makes the book real and ties it into real life.
If you haven’t been to a story time in a while (or ever!), we invite you to visit. There are story times at almost every branch of The Seattle Public Library, and nearly any day of the week, mornings, afternoons or evenings. We have story times for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and the whole family. Please come and see how we are promoting literacy in the lives of children (and have fun while you’re at it!).
If you can’t make it to story time, let your kids listen to a story on the phone! Dial 206-386-4656. There is a new story every month, but remember that children like to listen to the same story over and over again, so make use of Dial-A-Story all month long! Dial-A-Story is great for standing in a long line at the store, waiting at the bus stop, or long car rides. Give it a try, and let us know how YOU use Dial-A-Story!
~ Lupine, NewHolly Branch and Shannon, Central Library
Note: Part II will post tomorrow.
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