I was checking out fellow librarian Jen’s fantastic blog Adventures in Storytime (And Beyond) and saw that she’d written a post about her basic storytime plan. This got me thinking – I should share my basic storytime plan! I actually have two basic outlines that I fall back on whenever I do a storytime, which is not as often as it used to be, now that I’ve moved to a “middle years” focused position – one for babytimes, and one for family or all-ages storytimes. Today I’ll be sharing my basic storytime template for baby programs!
This is my basic babytime outline, which has remained more or less the same since I started doing storytimes back in 2014.
I believe it was the one and only Lindsey of Jbrary fame who helped me come up with this template when I was working as a student librarian nearly a decade ago.
A basic storytime outline is invaluable for casual staff who may be asked to deliver programs at a moment’s notice – it allows you to walk into a new space with confidence, even if you haven’t had time to plan. An outline is just that, though – it’s a guide or a framework, not a concrete set of rules that must be followed. I often change things up depending on the size and makeup of the group, the setting I’m in, the materials I have at hand, or even my mood or energy level on a particular day. If I have more older babies and young toddlers, I might do more movement songs, while a group composed of little newborns is going to be a lot gentler. Still, if I’m filling in at the last minute, it helps to know I can go into any space and deliver an amazing program.
Here’s my basic outline for a 30 minute babytime program (newborn – 18 months)
Hello Song
3 – 4 Fingerplays / Tickles / Wake Up Songs
Book #1
3 – 4 Lap Songs / Bounces
Book #2
3 – 4 Movement Songs / Dances
1 -2 Cool Down Songs
Goodbye Song
The addition of 1-2 “cool down” songs is relatively recent – I find that after all the excitement of Zoom Zoom Zoom or The Elevator Song, it’s nice to do some gentle, calming songs to bring the energy back down and soothe any kiddos who might be feeling a bit over-stimulated. It’s also nice to leave caregivers with some soothing songs to add to their toolbox.
I find that this is more than enough material to fill a thirty minute program, especially as I’m mindful of my pacing and repeat elements.
And if you’re curious – here’s my original storytime outline, written by a fellow librarian on a copy of their lyrics handout almost 10 years ago! Back then I was a student librarian at the Vancouver Public Library, completing my library sciences degree.
That star beside The Elevator Song is something I’ve taken to heart – no storytime feels complete without it!
Do you have a basic storytime structure or outline that you fall back on, or that you still use week after week?