Here are a few things you should know:
- Story time is designed to promote early literacy and encourage a love of reading. We read books, sing songs, play games, and do action rhymes to enhance creativity, imagination, and communication skills.
- Baby and Twos story times typically last 25-30 minutes, while preschool is usually between 30 and 35 minutes long. Participants are encouraged to stay after story time is over to find books, read with their children, or just take time to catch up with other parents/caregivers.
- The first 30 minutes of any story time always consists of reading, singing, games, and action rhymes. The last 10-15 minutes are sometimes reserved for crafts, games, and other projects.
- Parents/caregivers are required to stay with any child under the age of three. For the preschool story time, however, they may allow their child to join the group independently and use that time to explore other parts of the library.
- Story time is often a child’s first independent learning experience. This is a great time for them to learn self-regulatory behavior, which I encourage with effective commands and positive praise. Some children will not be ready to participate in this type of setting, and that’s okay. They may need to take time outside of the room with the parent/caregiver and then rejoin the group when they are ready.
- Children are more likely to remain focused and engaged during story time when appropriate behaviors are modeled for them. Parents/caregivers who choose to stay in the room during story time are required to participate in the activities with their child.
- I try my hardest to keep disruptions to a minimum so everyone can benefit from story time activities. Participants can help me do this by silencing their cell phones and saving conversations until after story time is over (or talking quietly outside of the room).
- Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at (207) 846-4763, or mrandall@yarmouthlibrary.org. Happy Reading!
