CrisCross Storytime Resources

Contents

• Why do we offer storytime?
• Storytime Resources on the Web
• Storytime Resources in print
• KISS: Keep it Simple Storytime

Why do we offer storytime?

• it introduces children to literature.
• it increases their vocabulary.
• it brings them to the library.
• it provides them with  a chance to be with other children.
• it improves listening skills.
• it models for parents and caregivers.
• it exercises their attention spans.
• it's fun!

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Cris Richardson uses a knots in a rope trick to introduce Bill Martin's Knots on a Counting Rope at a Native American Storytelling at Anderson Elementary, Sand Springs, OK, November 1998.

Miss Cris is wanted for storytelling and enouraging children to read.

Links to Storytime Resources on the World Wide Web

• Robin Davis's Practical Resources
Robin's set of links is a great starting point for any children's librarian.
• Chicky Mamma's
This site has theme-related activities for storytimes
• Childfun
A commercial site, Childfun has theme-related fingerplays, games, and activities.
• Cindy's Card File
This site provides circle, craft, and activity ideas for Daycare Providers, but Cindy's ideas are also great for storytimes.
• Nuttin' But Kids 
This great site has lots and lots of storytime themes complete with fingerplays, games, and more!

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Storytime Resources in Print

Bauer, Caroline Feller (1993). Caroline Feller Bauer's new handbook for storytellers : With stories, poems, magic, and more. illustrations by Lynn Gates Bredeson. Chicago, Ill. : American Library Association. 

Caroline Bauer is the leading figure in storytelling. Check out her bag of tricks!

Briggs, Diane (1997). 52 programs for preschoolers : The librarian's year-round planner. Chicago : American Library Association. 

Diane Briggs is another storytime guru who provides step-by-step guidelines for storytime complete with themes, suggested books, fingerplays, songs, and more.

Cobb, Jane (1996). I'm a little teapot! : Presenting preschool storytime. illustrated by Magda Lazicka.Vancouver ; Point Roberts, WA : Black Sheep Press.

This book is one of the best resources for a beginning children's librarian. It comes complete with openings, closings, and suggested themes. Each theme includes suggested books, songs, games, fingerplays, and more!

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Miss Cris awards Gunnar Phillips his first summer reading program medal and yo-yo in August 1999.

And remember it's okay to -- 
Beg, borrow, and steal other storyteller's ideas, but find your own style! 
Terry Clark 
Emergency Librarian 
 

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Yippee Yi Yo! Gunnar celebrates getting his medal and his yo-yo for the Summer Reading Program.

Storytime Program Success

Speak clearly and loudly 
Understand your purpose 
Exercise Control (pace & tempo) 
Be Confident 
Be Enthusiastic 
Be Silly 
Be Sensitive 

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KISS: Keep it Simple Storytime

(adapted from Oklahoma Librarian July/August 1999 by Donnna Norvell, Basha Hartley, Carla Hickey, Leslie Langley, Kathy Logan, Karen Lehr, Beth DeGeer)

You don't have to be Caroline Feller Bauer to do this. You can do a storytime that requires less than 15 minutes preparation time. The important thing is that you do storytime and that you have fun.
• Storytimes do not have to include a craft.
• Storytimes do not have to have a theme [gasp!].
• Storytimes should be open to children and their parents.
• Storytimes should make parents and children feel good about themselves.
• You don't have to sing [on key]. Tapes or CD's are fine, as long as the kids get some music
• Storytime isn't just for little kids.
• Storytelling does not have to be perfect.
• You don't have to do puppets.
• It's okay to read a book twice in a storytime if the kids want to.
• You don't have to finish the book just because you started it.
• The world will not end if you don't  read all the books. If it's not working, quit early or sing or cheer or whatever.
• Storytime can be LOUD!
• If little ones are not in the mood to sit quietly and listen, cut the stories short, do some singing and dancing, and enjoy yourself.
• Give yourself permission to play.

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