We had a great story time yesterday! Our theme was winter and snow even though middle Tennessee is not really experiencing a normal winter this year. We had 3 Moms and 6 preschoolers who all seemed to have a great time. Do you have preschool story time experiences to share with words and/or photos?
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I have story time with the preschool students about twice a month for all 4 classes of the preschool at my church. I read them a story and then they can check out a book. I lalways look forward to days when the classes come in. I really enjoy reading to children. I'm sad that school is almost over and next week will be their last visit for the year. I know they'll be disappointed that they won't be able to check out a book one last time, but since we'll have the extra time, I always like to take advantage of this opportunity to do some storytelling and I take them on a bear hunt (based on the book, We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Helen Oxenbury and Michael Rosen). I've learned over the last couple of years that I need to begin by assuring them that we'll all be safe and no one will be harmed, because I've had anxious children tell me that they're afraid of bears.
These are just two of the groups from this year. The 3-year-old class is very small.
I have story time once a month for each of the 3 and 4 year old classes in our Weekday Children's program. One of my favorite things to do is read secular books and tie them to a Biblical theme -- for example, I always read Where the Wild Things are along with the story of the Prodigal Son. We talk about how both Max and the younger son spoke to their parent in a disrespectful way, both "ran away from home" and did things they shoudn't do, both got "homesick" and returned and both were ultimately forgiven. Then we talk about God's forgiveness. And, of course, we talk about how the stories are different too: Max's trip is imaginary and Max doesn't really apologize for his actions, etc. I did a presentation once on how to use secular children's books to teach Biblical themes. If anyone wants more examples, I'd be happy to share.
Yes, more examples please. Any with Winnie the Pooh books?
I don't have any with Winnie the Pooh, but I bet I could come up with something. I'm looking for the presentation I did last year. It's not in any of the places I thought I saved it so I'm wondering if it could be on my computer at home. I think I used that lap top when I gave the presentation a second time.
I would love to read some more examples!
We hold a Preschool Storytime the first Mon of each month. Our theme this year was "Around the World." Each month we highlighted a different country and read a book about/from that country, had snacks related to the country and do a craft. We also sing the "Hello, Hello" song and substitute the country's word for "hello" if we can (i.e., "Bonjour, Bonjour" or "Hola, Hola"). It's a shared ministry of the preschool staff and the resource center coordinator. It's a lot of fun!
Michelle, thank you for your post about storytimes. We had our last one for the year this morning. We only had one child and her mother show up this time.They had a great experience!
I am wondering how many of us have the same kind of experience with story times. The pictures I posted last time are the most people who have shown up at one of our story times. We only do 3 story times per year. The only choice we have are Mondays because MDO meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Wednesday is spent on Women's Bible studies in the mornings and Discipleship groups on the evenings. And Friday is reserved for making sure the building is ready for Sundays. I've decided not to do a reading challenge this Summer due to very limited participation. We do have a few families who love the reading groups. Perhaps we could schedule one or two reading group sessions in July. MDO was gracious to include the library in their annual focus on community helpers. That took place last week. I will have another one of those conversations with our preschool minister. I'm kind of disappointed today.
I love your library seating! Would love to host a traveling storyteller! or be one! So far our Preschool Story Time has only had two kids show up (and they were with me) I was looking for Paul's Footnote, after picutring a sweet lady bask in the Love from the face of Christ amongs fluffy white clouds...what a day, o'glorious day, that will be!