Planning for a Toddler Storytime Experience

Set the length of your program.  This could be from 20-30 minutes.

Preregistration is usually a good idea for toddler storytimes.

Make sure adults understand that they need to participate with the children.

Select appropriate books

1.  Be sure the content of the book is familiar to toddlers.  Select themes that are a part of a toddler’s world.

2.  The pictures should be large, colorful, and well-defined against their background.  Look for clear, uncluttered illustrations.

3.  Plots should be simple and linear.  Choose stories that are short with no more than three or four characters.  Toddlers will enjoy books without plots as well.

4.  Choose stories that are repetitive in their words or actions. 

5.  Toddlers will enjoy participating while you read noisy books.

6.  Look for books that lead to other activities such as fingerplays, songs, or creative dramatics.

Fingerplays and Action Rhymes

1.  Make great transitions between stories.

2.  Avoid small finger motions.  Toddlers haven’t developed fine motor skills.

3.  Never force a toddler to do a fingerplay.  As they become more comfortable, they will join in.

Puppets

1.  Puppets are a nonthreatening way for children to get close to the storyteller.

2.  Puppets are perfect for introducing a story, closing storytime,

Music

1.  A song will help focus the children when they become restless.

2.  Use a greeting song each week to establish a routine that storytime is beginning.

Flannel Board

1.  Flannel boards are intriguing to toddlers.

2.  Flannel boards hold a toddler’s attention.

Craft Activities

1.  Keep the craft simple.  Toddlers have trouble glueing on small items.  The might eat small items.  Keep the pieces large.

2.  Use glue sticks.

3.  Use interesting items in the craft that toddlers may have not seen before such as feathers, shiny paper, etc.

4.  Toddlers usually cannot cut.