Why Storytime Matters
Why Storytime Matters
On most weekday mornings, our storytellers can be found reading books to children, singing and dancing, playing with puppets and flannel figures, and doing crafts. It may seem chaotic and messy at times, but learning is happening. Storytime can be a fun activity for children and their families, but is it important for the developing minds of children? The answer is a resounding “YES!”
Storytime is an opportunity for children to witness literacy in action. The kids watch the storytellers read words from left to right on the page, relate printed words to pictures and actions, and treat books gently. They make connections between the letters on the page and the pictures below. They begin to understand that the letters of the alphabet are a way to communicate meaning to others. Children recognize letters in their name, letters their caregivers have been teaching them, and even sight words they may be starting to work on at home or preschool. Learning does not end there. As the storytellers read, they ask the children to predict what will happen next, to recall events that have happened in the book, and to help finish sentences with rhyming words, opposites, and counting. All of these reading comprehension skills are vital to making a well-rounded reader.
The subject matter of the books read at storytime also adds to the growing knowledge of the world around children. They learn about concepts, animals, places, cultures, and foods that are new to them. Children absorb information about safety, people in their community, how to manage their emotions, and so much more through stories. Books are a window to a greater understanding of the world around them.
Parents and caregivers can also benefit from storytime. Storytellers model teaching behaviors that parents can implement at home. Caregivers are exposed to books that help their children develop reading skills and introduce them to new concepts. Getting children ready to read is often a daunting task for adults, and storytime can set them on the right track while demonstrating that teaching reading skills can be a part of their family time.
Books are not the only teaching tools used in our storytimes. Songs, finger plays, and puppets offer fun ways to build language skills, reinforce ideas and skills, introduce math and counting concepts, and are an accessible way to impart knowledge. Music is also a great way to help transition children from one activity to another. Children learn in different ways, and music offers their developing brains a new way to take in and process information. Follow-up activities, such as crafts, sensory box play, and process art, drive home some of the new ideas the kids have learned during storytime. There is time to socialize with other children and families in the play area after our storytimes. Since the COVID pandemic, many children have been more isolated than ever before. Playtime is a way for children to learn how to interact with others and build their confidence in meeting new people.
Storytime is beneficial for children and their families in so many ways. Our library offers storytime for pre-k children (3 to 5 years) on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, toddlers (19 months to 3 years) on Thursdays, and babies (0-18 months) on Fridays at 10 a.m. in the Children’s department. Each storytime is catered to meet the needs and age-appropriate abilities of children in that particular group. We would love to have you join us!