Welcome to Toddler Storytime 2014-2015!

As we get settled in for a new school year, and a new year of storytime programs at the Bellevue Public Library, I want to welcome back those children and parents who are returning for another season of activities, as well as those who are joining us for the first time this fall!  I am looking forward to planning and presenting storytimes for babies and toddlers that will hopefully be entertaining and enriching for children and adults.  I am always anxious to hear feedback from parents - both the good and the not-so-good!  Input from parents help me to continue honing my skills while searching out the very best stories, songs, rhymes, and activities to share with you and your child.

Below is the Parent Letter which is handed out at Toddler Storytimes.  It was written to give parents a sense of what goes on during storytime and how they can get the most out of the program by being actively involved and engaged with their little ones.

Welcome to Toddler Storytime

at the

Bellevue Public Library!

I am pleased you have joined us for storytime.  Whether you attend every week or sporadically, I hope you will come away having enjoyed sharing stories, songs and activities with me, and with your child! 

Each Toddler Storytime includes activities that support one or more of the five early literacy practices identified as essential in helping your child develop the skills they need before they can learn to read.  The five practices – singing, talking, reading, playing and writing – were developed for Every Child Ready to Read @ Your Library, an initiative of the Association for Library Services for Children (ALSC) and the Public Library Association (PLA).

Here are a few tips to help ensure that storytime is fun and beneficial for everyone:

* Whenever possible please sit with your child.  Your child will see you listening and participating and will be more likely to follow your example.

* Please leave snacks, drinks and toys at home or tucked away during storytime.  This will cut down on distractions.

* We are all aware that the toddler years are a very busy, active time, so please feel free to step out of the room if there are tears or your child needs to get settled.  Then hurry back in and rejoin us!

* Your child will benefit from your active participation and attention, so please do not hold personal conversations with other adults during storytime.  Also, if you must take a phone call, please step out of the room to do so.  

* I encourage your participation and enthusiasm during storytime.  So join us in singing along on songs, joining in on rhymes, doing the actions to fingerplays and other activities, and responding to the stories being read!

I invite you to visit my blog (www.StoriesRhymesAndSingalongTimes.blogspot.com) to see an overview of each week’s storytime, including the words to all our songs, poems, fingerplays and rhyming activities.

 

                                                       Mrs. B. (Alice Boeckman)

             Children’s Services Librarian

                          alice.boeckman@bellevue.ne                      

                          402-293-3158