Tune in for Storytime Success
Summer is upon us, friends! How’s everyone holding up? In anticipation of an increased work load and an increase in social activities outside of work, I’ll likely take the summer off blogging. In the meantime, here are some things to bookmark and read over the next few months. YAACING Newsletter Yes, I still write a… Continue reading I’ll Link to That: Things to Read This Summer
Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt emotionally invested in storytime? *Raises Hand* I’ve been reflecting the past few months on the special place storytime holds in my heart. This reflection has coincided with my journey to have a healthier balance between work and home life. I don’t think there’s anything inherently wrong with being… Continue reading I’m Not the Center of Storytime and That’s Okay
One of my favourite emails to get is the one that goes something like, “I saw this on your blog and made it even better!” Cue the children’s staff at the Fairbanks North Star Borough Public Library in Fairbanks, Alaska. Back in 2015 I shared my spring bunny scavenger hunt. You’ll want to start there… Continue reading Spring Bunny Scavenger Hunt: Update 2
For the first time in a long time I took a vacation and completely disconnected from work. I’m talking didn’t check my email, didn’t worry about looming deadlines, didn’t wonder how programs were going, didn’t think about community partnerships. Just…didn’t.* And it was absolutely glorious. I’ve been thinking about why this is the first time… Continue reading Who Am I If Not a Children’s Librarian?
I learned a new storytime song! I recently visited my family in California and took my niece to a storytime where I picked up this earworm. If you are nervous about using puppets in storytime, this song is for you! Here are the reasons I like it: Have I convinced you yet? Take a listen… Continue reading My New Favourite Puppet Song
You know that thing that takes a huge amount of coordination and causes a fair amount of stress in both the planning and execution? What if we just didn’t do it. What if we went back to the drawing board and started at square one. What if we reimagined what summer at the library looks… Continue reading What if the Summer Reading Club Didn’t Exist?
Better late than never! OG followers will know how much I look forward to sharing this list every year and to hearing about your favourites in the comments. One person said it’s like Christmas for children’s librarians, ha! Here are the picture books published in 2022 I think work great in storytime. After the Buzz… Continue reading 2022 Favourite Storytime Picture Books
Last year I did a workshop for early childhood educators on using puppets in storytime. I wanted some fresh ideas to share, particularly ones that didn’t involve laying down $50 on a new puppet. When searching the wonders of Pinterest I stumbled upon this picture and I thought, “yes, that is something I can realistically… Continue reading The Three Little Pigs Oral Story
You know what I love? Writing that stretches my thinking. Writing that helps me ask questions. Writing that asks me to be reflective of my own practices. If you don’t follow Adventures in Storytime (and Beyond) I highly recommend you do. Jen writes fantastic programming and reflection posts. Her recent post, S-T-E-M is a Four-Letter… Continue reading STEM is More Than Coding
YOU, yes you. You gems of the online community who take the time out of your day to say something thoughtful to another person (me!). The comments on my last post had me bawling in the best way. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your kind words and feedback. I heard… Continue reading The Book Menu