Storytime Success: Crafting Engaging Sessions from Start to Finish

Register here

(This webinar and recording is only available to library staff in California. The recording will be available under the CALL Academy People Connect Institute category one week after delivery.)

Learn to craft the winning formula for captivating storytimes! Explore the essentials of book selection, rhymes, music, movement, visual aids, and smooth transitions. This session will delve into best practices for tailoring storytime content to different age groups—babies, toddlers, and preschoolers—using developmentally appropriate materials.

Discover innovative ways to incorporate creative activities, engaging props, and go-to resources to keep your storytimes fresh. Plus, learn strategies for managing diverse crowd dynamics and adjusting on the fly to ensure an engaging and interactive experience for all. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned storytellers looking to refresh their approach.

Objectives:

What attendees will learn:

• Best practices for selecting books for read-alouds for storytime
• How to choose rhymes, movement songs, and activities that are engaging and age-appropriate for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers
• Tips for managing crowd dynamics and adapting storytime to the needs of different audiences
• Techniques for creating smooth transitions that keep young participants engaged from start to finish

Presenter:

Katie Clausen ~ Biography

Katie Clausen is the Early Literacy Services Manager at Gail Borden Public Library and a current PhD candidate in Information Studies at Dominican University. She holds an MLIS from Dominican University and an M.A. in Children’s Literature from Simmons College. Katie has shared her expertise at numerous conferences, and her articles have been featured in the Children & Libraries: The Journal of ALSC and Marvels and Tales. Her specialties include early literacy, children’s literature evaluation, and best storytime practices.

CALL Training Partner: PCI Webinars