Thursday, February 4, 2021

New Books - Virtual Storytime

 
We have gotten in so many great picture books lately that I couldn't wait to use, I decided to forego using a theme for a couple of weeks this month in order to share some of them right away. 

I started with a quick hello song, intro, and lead-in song, then right to the first book, Leslie Patricelli's Mad, Mad, Mad. I LOVE Patricelli's board books and wish they came in oversized storytime versions; one good thing about virtual storytimes is that you don't have to worry about books being too small like you would for an in-person storytime.

Storytime, feelings, self-soothing, socio-emotional learning
This book is not only great fun to read aloud because it allows you to be very expressive, it is a great age-appropriate choice for socio-emotional learning. Patricelli perfectly captures the frustrated, tired, and/or overstimulated toddler, their difficulty in understanding why they are upset or what they really want/need, and the resulting tantrum with just a few simple pictures and short phrases. It is very relatable, not just for toddlers, but for older kids and adults as well. Patricelli goes on to show how the child finds a way to calm themselves and "make the mad go away", with several other self-soothing activities suggested at the end.

I shared a couple of things I do to calm myself when I'm upset, and invited the audience to share theirs in the comments (though none did, unfortunately).

Since we were talking about feelings, it only made sense to follow that with singing a version of "If You're Happy and You Know It" that helps us give a name to feelings and associated expressions.

If You're Happy and You Know It

If you're happy and you know it, give a smile!
If you're happy and you know it, give a smile!
If you're happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it.
If you're happy and you know it, give a smile!

If you're sad and you know it, say "boo-hoo"....

If you're mad and you know it, make a face....

If you're tired and you know it, close your eyes....

Loud and quiet storytime
Our next book was a fun read as well, expressive and with interactive prompts. In I Don't Want to be Quiet by Laura Ellen Anderson our main character enjoys being loud, and doesn't understand why her mom and teacher have a problem with her behavior. But one day at the library, she is embarrassed when she realizes her outburst has disturbed everyone else in the library, who all shush her in unison. She decides to try distracting herself with a book as a last resort, and discovers a world of imagination inside. As a result, she gains a new appreciation for all the new things she can hear and learn when she takes time to be quiet and listen.

I like this book not only because it's fun and helps kids understand that there are times they can be loud, but there are also times to be quiet, but also how it shows that libraries are a source of books that can take you on all kinds of adventures in your imagination.

I pointed out that this story was about knowing when to be quiet and when it's okay to be loud, and that "loud" and "quiet" are opposites, and tried to explain the term, and said I knew a rhyme I bet they had done before that also used opposites.

Two Little Blackbirds

Two little blackbirds, sitting on a hill.
One named Jack, and the other named Jill.
Fly away Jack; fly away Jill.
Come back Jack; come back Jill.

...sitting on a cloud....one named Quiet, and the other named Loud....

...sitting on a pole...one named Fast, and the other named Slow....

...flying in the sky...one named Low, and the other named High....

...sitting on a car...one named Near, and the other named Far....

Then we ended with announcements, reminders, and a good-bye song.

How It Went

Again, who knows. I thought I did as well as I can without a live audience to work with. I don't think I will ever be completely comfortable in front of the camera, and it just isn't the same. As always, I ask for viewers to comment at the beginning to tell me who's watching so I can say hello, and give other prompts throughout the storytime, but still nothing. I get a few views, and maybe one or two likes from patrons, but most feedback is from other library staff. It is really discouraging and difficult to be motivated or enthusiastic without knowing whether any kids are actually watching or getting anything from it.

1 comment:

  1. I understand. I have been doing virtual programs for almost a year now. It is very challenging not having the in person connection with the kids, and discouraging when there is no feedback. thank you for all the great ideas.

    ReplyDelete
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