Storytime Ideas: Themes for Librarians and Circle Time
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Topics for Preschool Storytimes
I started my career as a children's librarian presenting eight storytimes a week. Over the years, I used a lot of themes in storytimes. To help out busy children's librarians and childcare providers, I've assembled a wide range of storytime ideas to make their job a little easier. These also work for homeschooling parents or any parent wanting to enrich their child's exposure to books. In nursery schools, the stories and activities can be used for circle times.
These topics come from a variety of sources and include a wide range of books, crafts, and fun activities for preschool children. I think it is important to provide a mix of music, movement, even crafts to expand on the telling or reading of stories in storytime.
(photo of Virginia Allain in the children's area of the Weslaco Public Library)
These topics come from a variety of sources and include a wide range of books, crafts, and fun activities for preschool children. I think it is important to provide a mix of music, movement, even crafts to expand on the telling or reading of stories in storytime.
(photo of Virginia Allain in the children's area of the Weslaco Public Library)
Contents at a Glance
Getting Ready for Storytime
- How to Host a Group Story Time for Preschoolers | eHow.com
- Preschoolers enjoy hearing stories read aloud. Group story times can bring preschoolers together for socialization and learning. Immerse preschoolers in a theme by doing more than just reading a...
- How Telling Stories Affects Preschool Children | eHow.com
- The telling of stories is as old as mankind itself. We have always told stories, even long before we knew how to write them down. Taking the time to read and tell stories to preschool children is vitally important for their mental development. It helps...
Storytime Ideas from ChrissLJ
A children's librarian
More Storytimes by ChrissLJ
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The Rapid City Library Storytime on YouTube
This library has a number of storytimes on video posted to YouTube. Browse them to see different themes and techniques.
curated content from YouTube
More Books and Songs for Storytimes
Tested by a Children's Librarian
- Top Five Songs for a Fairytale Storytimes
- Whether you're reading "Falling for Rapunzel" or "The Paper Bag Princess" in storytime, you'll need a few royal songs
to sing, too. - The Top Five Bear Books to Use in Storytime
- Tired of doing "Going on a Bear Hunt" for every bear storytime? Check out these stories for new ideas. They can all be performed with two storytellers.
- Storytime Songs about Bugs
- If you're reading Carle's "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" or one of Kirk's Miss Spider books in storytime, check out these action songs about spiders and insects.
- Storytime Songs about Food
- If you're doing a food storytime, check out these food themed songs.
- Top Five Storytime Songs about Transportation
- If you're reading "The Seals on the Bus," "Not a Box" or "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus," check out these fun storytime songs about transportation.
- Top Five Storytime Songs about Fruit
- Reading "Blueberries for Sal" or "Oliver's Fruit Salad" in storytime? Pair them with these fruit themed songs.
- Top Five Monkey Songs for Storytime
- Do you know the "Cha Cha Chimps" song? Time to expand your storytime repertoire.
- Top Five CDs to Use in Preschool Storytime
- Tired of using Raffi in every single preschool storytime? Parents let out an audible groan as soon as you reach for the CD player, but you can't carry a tune? No worries. Luckily more kid friendly artists exist and storytime music can rock again.
- Top Five Mud and Rain Books to Use for Storytimes
- Whether this week's storytime theme is spring, rain or good ol' squishy mud, check out these fun storytime favorites. Each can be easily acted out with puppets and involve audience participation.
- Top Five Frog Books to Use in Storytime
- Most frogs sleep during the winter. Not Froggy He wants to play in the snow, but he keeps forgetting to put on his warm clothes before he goes outside. I like to have kids help me be Froggys mother and yell FROGGY Also be prepared for serious laughter when Froggy forgets to put on his underwear.
- Top Five Duck Stories to Use in Storytime
- Baby Duck HATES rain. It makes her all wet... and muddy. Ewwww But when Grandpa Duck finds Mamas old umbrella and rain boots, Baby learns the rain can sometimes be fun.
- Top Five Dog Books to Use in Storytimes
- Georges mother wants him to bark. But every time he tries, another animal sound comes out. He can quack, meow, moo and even oink. But no matter how hard he tries, George cant bark.
- Storytime Songs and Rhymes for Opposites Week
- Reading "Tall" or "Hello My Name is Bob" for your Opposites storytime this week? Pair them with these opposites songs.
- Storytime Songs about Mice
- Whether telling "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,"The Lion and the Mouse" or A Visitor for Bear," check out these mouse songs for your mouse storytime.
- Dog Songs to Use with Storytime
- Reading "Bark George," "Pigeon Wants a Puppy" or "Old Mother Hubbard" in your dog storytime? Pair them with funny and educational dog songs.
- Songs and Rhymes to Use in Bedtime Storytime
- Rhymes and songs related to a bedtime theme. Some libraries have pajama storytimes or evening storytimes.
- Picture Books to Teach the Size Concept
- Teaching young children about different sizes? The size concept can be difficult for children to understand, but each of the following books cleverly teaches small, big and bigger in a way that toddlers and preschoolers can easily understand.
- Cow Songs and Rhymes to Share in Storytime
- Cows in the Kitchen, Wake Up Sleepyhead, Hey Diddle Diddle and others.
- Emotions and Feelings Books to Share in Storytime
- Grumpy Bird, Mean Soup and other stories for storytimes.
- Rounds to Sing in Storytime
- Try something different and introduce rounds to storytime. To keep it simple, only use two parts and have an adult leader for each part. If you don't have a storytime partner, ask a storytime parent to help.
- Elephant Stories to Share in Storytimes
- Elmer, Peanut and more stories about elephants. Selected by a children's librarian.
- Alligator and Crocodile Songs for Storytime
- She sailed away on a sunny summer day
On the back of a crocodile.
You see, said she, hes as tame as tame can be.
Ill ride him down the Nile.
The croc winked his eye as she bade them all goodbye
(click to see more)
hungry hungry alligator by doonidesignsanimals
View other Alligators Stickers - Chicken Books for Storytime
- When the Little Red Hen asks neighbors to help her plant seeds, take care of the garden and bake the bread, they are too busy. But they quickly line up as soon as the breads out of the oven and ready to eat.
Also check out The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza by Philemon Sturges. - Unusual Pets Books for Storytime
- After ordering his crew to find him the perfect pet, Captain Peppers crew searches the jungle for the perfect pirate pet. Parrots. Too common. Hippos, monkeys and tigers wont do either. So what is the perfect pet for a pirate
- Princess Books for Storytime
- Love fairytales and princesses but having a hard time finding storytime appropriate princess books? Check out these traditional and modern royal stories sure to please all the princes and princesses in your royal storytime.
- Stars and Sky Storytime Songs
- Zoom, zoom, zoom,
Were going to the moon.
Zoom, zoom, zoom,
Were going to the moon.If youd like to take a trip,
Climb aboard my rocket ship.
Zoom, zoom, zoom
Were going to the moon.5...4...3...2...1.... Blast off Have children kneel down for the counting and jump up with arms raised when blasting of - Friend Books to Use in Storytimes
- Bob and Jack are two very different bears. Bob likes to be quiet and garden. Jack prefers the zanier side of life and skateboarding. However even with their differences, the two bears are best friends.
Techniques to Use in Library Storytimes
- Storytelling Tips for Library Storytime
- Having worked in a chidren's library for nearly a decade, I have to say it's the best job in the world. Between acting out stories in storytime, throwing Fancy Nancy tea parties and passing on my love of reading children's books, I don't know what else one could ask for in life. Because storytime's
- Storytime Songs to Help Get the Jiggles Out
- Ever been convinced parents feed all the children large amounts of sugar and caffeine right before coming to the library? Next time, try one of these songs. Each song lets children use their gross motor skills to expend some energy so they can then refocus on the stories.
A New Way to Hold Storytimes
Early Literacy Storytimes @ Your Library: Partnering with Caregivers for Success
Author-experts Ghoting and Martin-Diaz combine cutting edge early literacy research, which is the heart of the "Every Child Ready to Read" program, with practical implementation tips for busy children's librarians. Scripts and plans help librarians explain what adults can do to enhance children's print motivation, phonological awareness, vocabulary, narrative skills, print awareness, and letter knowledge. Proven, step-by-step methods address planning, promoting, and assessing this richly informative new kind of storytime. Integrate early literacy research and parental how-to into storytimes; help parents develop self-sufficiency in nurturing their children's early literacy skills; address the developmental needs of early talkers (newborn-2), talkers (age 2-3), and pre-readers (age 4-5); and use the tips, tools, promotional samples, and assessments to build on current programs. Storytime is the perfect time to offer guidance to parents so they can better prepare their children to be successful readers. Here's a proven way for adults to enhance children's reading readiness. (product description from Amazon)
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Guides for Storytimes
Themes for Storytimes
Books, Games, Crafts and More
- How to Plan a Luau Storytime | eHow.com
- During the bitterly cold winter days, give your young library patrons a shot of sun and sand. While the temperature drops outside, you can host a luau to get kids excited about books. Luau...
- How to Present a Cowboy Storytime | eHow.com
- Little buckaroos will flock to the public library for your cowboy storytime if you lasso up some fun picture books and devise some interesting crafts and activities. Singing songs like "Home on...
- Cowboy Crafts for Children | eHow.com
- Whether you are a parent hosting a cowboy-themed birthday party or a school teacher who wishes to educate her students about cowboys, consider engaging children in cowboy craft-making activities....
- Preschool Activities on "Cat in the Hat" by Dr. Seuss | eHow.com
- "The Cat in the Hat" by Dr. Seuss remains one of the most beloved and popular children's books. The story of a flamboyant and mischievous cat with an equally flamboyant hat strikes a chord with...
More Storytime Ideas from Children's Librarian, ChrissJ
Flannelboards and Storytimes
Pirate Themes for Preschool Storytime
- Top Five Storytime Pirate Songs
- Argh! It be time for pirate storytime at the library. But while there are many great pirate storybooks, finding kid friendly sea chanties may be a little more difficult. Check out these piggy back pirate songs and CDs.
Fun Activities for a Pirate Storytime
Dinosaur Storytimes
- How to Present a Dinosaur Library Program for Kids | eHow.com
- Kids are generally fascinated by dinosaurs. Plan a dinosaur library program for kids and you are sure to draw a crowd. Stories, crafts, goodies, and games make a dinosaur library program...
- Preschool Dinosaur Games | eHow.com
- Preschool lays the foundation for a child's educational career. During this time, basic skills, concepts and ideas are introduced, which are expanded upon as a child progresses through his school...
- Dinosaur Art Activities for Preschoolers | eHow.com
- Although dinosaurs roamed the Earth millions of years ago, they continue to fascinate children and adults alike. Their many shapes, sizes and colors intrigue children. Preschoolers can learn about...
- Top Five Dinosaur Books to Read in Storytime
- Celebrating dinosaurs in this week's storytime? Each of the following stories work well either read aloud or acted out.
More Dinosaur Storytime Ideas
Fall Themes for Storytimes
- How to Plan a Scarecrow Story Time | eHow.com
- The fall season is a perfect time to present a Scarecrow Story Time at the public library. Children can enjoy an autumn-themed program, and you can avoid controversial Halloween story times that...
- How to prepare an Autumn themed storytime | eHow.com
- Autumn offers many things to talk to preschoolers about during storytime. The changing seasons brings many changes in nature that are exciting for young children to explore. You will certainly...
- How to Prepare a Back to School Storytime | eHow.com
- It is so much fun to talk about going to school...especially with preschoolers who are looking forward to kindergarten. There are many picture books that can be used for a Back to School storytime.
Winter Themed Storytime
- Winter Books to Use in Storytime
- On the first day of winter, a snowmans best friend gives him a red hat with a gold snap. However, the gifts dont end there. Storytime children will love helping sing the story to the tune of The Twelve Days of Christmas as they discover each of the ten gifts.
- Winter Songs and Rhymes for Storytime
- A chubby little snowman
Had a carrot nose.
Along came a bunny,
And what do you supposeThat hungry little bunny
Looking for his lunch
Ate that snowmans nose...
Nibble..., nibble..., CRUNCH (click to see 4 more)
Winter Storytime Ideas
Lists of Books to Use for Storytimes
- What to Read at Baby Storytime
- Abby the Librarian advises on chosing books for baby storytimes.
- Storytime Themes at Perry Public Library
- Perry Public Library Ohio posts online storytime themes such as
Grandparents, Hands and Feet, Let's Count, Mice are Nice, Monkey Business, Monsters, Move Your Body, Naughty & Nice, Nursery rhymes, Owls & Bats, Parade of Pets, Pigs, Pockets & Kangaroos, Sense of smell, Shoes & Feet, Stars and Sky, Things that Go, Tigers, Up and Down and All Around... and many more themes. - Children's Popular Circle-Time Stories | eHow.com
- Circle time is used in preschools all across the country. In circle time, children are in a large group and cover basic skills such as time, seasons, days of the week, colors, numbers and letters. These skills are taught through songs, poems, movement and
Games for Storytimes
- Parachute Games for Toddlers | eHow.com
- Parachute games teach toddlers cooperation and improve coordination. Parachutes are educational and fun tools for toddlers because of the variety of activities available. Parachute games require a...
Arts and Crafts for Storytimes
Crafts for Storytimes
- ENCHANTED LEARNING
- Enchanted Learning Software creates children's educational web sites and games designed to stimulate creativity, learning, enjoyment, and imagination.
- Cat in the Hat Craft Activities | eHow.com
- There are several crafts that children can make relating to the Cat in the Hat stories
Storytime Crafts
Book available from Amazon
Using Music in Storytimes
Storytime Songs and Fingerplays
and Activities
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More Books for Children's Librarians
Available from Amazon
Useful Items for the Librarian from CafePress
Ladybug Storytime Women's T-Shirt
Price: $21.99 
It's Story Time! Mug
Price: $16.99
It's Story Time! Tote Bag
Price: $19.99
More for Children's Librarians
by Virginia Allain
Books
for Planning Storytimes
Storytime Magic: 400 Fingerplays, Flannelboards and Other Activities
I'm a Little Teapot! Presenting Preschool Storytime
The Storytime Craft Book
Storytimes for Two-Year-Olds
Storytime Action: Ideas for Making 500 Picture Books Interactive
The Giant Encyclopedia of Circle Time and Group Activities: for children 3 to 6
Puppets for Storytimes
Leading Kids to Books through Puppets
Include Puppets in Storytime
Chimp Puppet
Think of all the monkey stories you can use this with
Lion Puppet
to go with your lion stories
Crocodile Stage Puppet
Puppets to Use with Storytimes
Wonderful Folkmanis Puppets
for storytimes
Please share your storytime tips and favorites with us!
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FamilySolutions
Jun 1, 2012 @ 4:12 am | delete
- Wow! What a great resource. One of the things I've always struggled with was coming up with stories to tell my kids to teach them proper behavior. Well, now I have a VERY challenging three year old who unwittingly forced me to become a creative storyteller. I have recently become the creator of stories about little boys who refused to go to sleep, the little boy who had a tantrum because he only wanted a "red" lollypop, the little boy who spit on other kids. I get much more feedback from these stories than I ever did with printed books. LOL. My little devil loves telling me, "I won't behave like the boy in your story". When he becomes the perfect angel we'll check out your great resources here. Thanks!
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FamilySolutions
Jun 1, 2012 @ 4:12 am | delete
- Wow! What a great resource. One of the things I've always struggled with was coming up with stories to tell my kids to teach them proper behavior. Well, now I have a VERY challenging three year old who unwittingly forced me to become a creative storyteller. I have recently become the creator of stories about little boys who refused to go to sleep, the little boy who had a tantrum because he only wanted a "red" lollypop, the little boy who spit on other kids. I get much more feedback from these stories than I ever did with printed books. LOL. My little devil loves telling me, "I won't behave like the boy in your story". When he becomes the perfect angel we'll check out your great resources here. Thanks!
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mamabush
May 30, 2012 @ 7:28 am | delete
- You gave me some excellent ideas to use with my own kids...thanks! :)
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scarlettohairy May 28, 2012 @ 2:36 am | delete
- Storytime is one of the best things about libraries. Kids love them, especially when there's a hands-on activity or craft!
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bloomingrose
May 28, 2012 @ 12:18 am | delete
- I should have been a children's librarian. Looks like hecka fun. Pinned to my board "Children's Books and Authors I love," Google plus and Squidoo Angel Blessed. I have my eye on that tee shirt too.
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Use Music with Storytime
Sing a Song of Storytime
Amazon Price: $70.00 (as of 06/04/2012)
Rhythm Band Instruments for Storytimes
Rhythm Band Sets - 12-Player - Model 921865
Amazon Price: (as of 06/04/2012)
Puppet Stage for Storytime
GuideCraft Center Stage Floor Puppet Theater
Amazon Price: $85.99 (as of 06/04/2012)
