Library StoryTimes have been a core service in libraries for over 100 years. The first story hour was introduced at the Pratt Institute Free Library as early as 1896 by Anne Carroll Moore. A few years later, in 1900, the Carnegie Free Library started a weekly story hour. Over time, the importance of reading to children has been proven. The breadth of topics available in children’s literature offers caregivers resources to have difficult conversations with developing minds, and how to engage children in reading has changed.
Library StoryTimes have grown to include more than reading a book – stories cut from flannel pieces offer another way for children to hear a tale, we sing, do nursery rhymes with hand movements, and…dance! From the outside or the inside, it is a fun time! But, that’s not all that is happening. Adults who attend StoryTime learn how to read a book to children. “How hard can it be to read a book?” you may ask. The question is, how can you engage a child in a book? That’s where library StoryTimes come in.
In Botetourt County Libraries we show caregivers how to engage kids with books in a ways that can enhance their reading times at home. “Early literacy” skills give children the foundation they need to learn and grow, and librarians carefully include these skills in StoryTime. Asking children questions about the story improves their comprehension. Pointing out different things in illustrations and having your little one find them increases hand-eye coordination. Dancing in StoryTime increases gross motor skills while teaching opposites as rhythms speed up and slow down. Finger plays like “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” help increase fine motor skills and coordination. Even simple play has a reason! Children chasing bubbles, pointing and following them with their finger increases their ‘tracking’ which they use when learning to read, left to right. All of these activities, tips, and skills can be modified no matter the age or developmental level of your little one. Do you want to know how to add these skills into your regular routine at home? Come to StoryTime and we’ll show you how.
Beginning Thursday, September 16, Botetourt County Libraries StoryTime Detectives are going virtual. Every Thursday, at 10:30 AM, caregivers can join Zoom StoryTimes and see how to incorporate early literacy skills into your reading at home! StoryTime will also suggest simple things you can do with your little one, that are encouraged through the library’s 1000 Things Before Kindergarten initiative! Storytime is about more than just reading a book, it is about preparing your child for the future, no matter how little they may be. It’s also a lot of fun!
To register for StoryTime go to www.bocolibraries.info and a Zoom link will be emailed to you the morning of StoryTime. Find more information about our 1000 Things Before Kindergarten program and complete the challenges. For every badge you earn, your child will win a new book. We look forward to seeing you in StoryTime!
