Storytime. It's an expected offering at public libraries across the country. Why, in an age of screens and entertainment on demand, is storytime still so important that its offered here at Silver Spring Library and almost all other Montgomery County Public Library branches?
Storytimes benefit children and their adults beyond simple entertainment. They provide an early introduction to the culture of reading. The pure enjoyment of stories, their language, plots, characters, and ideas, is a strong reason to attend storytime, but there are many other benefits as well.
Getting ready to read, being prepared to take in reading lessons in grade school, is one of those benefits. Children who are read to and spend time talking with their adults have a much higher level of vocabulary when they enter school than children who don't hear stories or language as much. They are more familiar with letters and the sounds in words. They have a better innate sense of the patterns of language. Along with listening skills, storytimes provide the language enrichment that promotes success in school even beyond initially learning to read.
Storytimes certainly provide practice in listening and following stories and language. They also help children relate to the world around them. Children learn about the world and the people in it through stories. Storytimes also provide children opportunities to socialize with other children, and opportunities for adults to socialize, too! Storytimes are simply fun and so can help children develop that all-important positive view of reading. That's something that can last a lifetime.
Silver Spring Library offers the following storytimes for children:
- Baby Storytime--Tuesdays at either 10:30 AM or 11:30 AM for ages 0 to 18 months. These storytimes for our youngest library users and their caregivers. These 20-30 minute programs introduce a diverse collection of books, songs, rhymes, and bounces developmentally appropriate for children from birth to when they start walking. They are designed so the baby will be in their caregiver's lap and the grownup is actively involved in the program. Tickets are given out starting 30 minutes before each program.
- Toddler Storytime--Wednesdays at either 10:30 AM or 11:30 AM, for ages 18 to 36 months. Get up and get moving at storytime! These 20-30 minute programs are full of a diverse collection of books, songs, and fun activities. They are designed to introduce your child to the culture of reading and help develop your child's language skills. Children are encouraged to engage with the stories and activities, and their grownups to participate in the program along with the children. Tickets are given out starting 30 minutes before each program.
- Preschool Storytime--Tuesdays at 1:30 PM for ages 3 to 5 years. A storytime experience for preschool age children and their caregivers. These 30-40 minute programs are full of a diverse collection of books, songs, rhymes, and fun activities. They are designed to introduce your child to the culture of reading and help develop the skills your child will need to be ready for school. Tickets not required.
- Preschool STEM Storytime--Second Saturday of the month at 11:00 AM. Saturday stories, songs, and activities with a focus on science-related concepts. Ages 3 to 5 years old. No registration required.
- Pajama Storytime-- First Monday of the month at 7:00 PM for ages 2 to 7 years. An evening storytime where pajamas are encouraged but not required. This 25-30 minute evening program is filled with diverse stories and activities that promote and develop language skills and imagination. This program encourages children to develop a lifelong love of reading and learning and introduce them to the culture of reading.
- Bilingual French/English Storytime--First Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM for ages 3 to 7 years. Stories in English and French with songs and rhymes, too! This 25-30 minute program is designed to delight children and families. This program encourages children to develop a lifelong love of reading and learning, and introduce them to the culture of reading.
- American Sign Language Bilingual Storytime--Saturday, September 29 at 3:00 PM for ages 2 to 5 years. Celebrate Deaf Awareness Week. Stories in English and American Sign Language with songs and rhymes, too, and special guest Yelena Thomas.
Labels: Early Literacy, programs and events;, Silver Spring
Getting ready to read, being prepared to take in reading lessons in grade school, is one of those benefits. Children who are read to and spend time talking with their adults have a much higher level of vocabulary when they enter school than children who don't hear stories or language as much. They are more familiar with letters and the sounds in words. They have a better innate sense of the patterns of language. Along with listening skills, storytimes provide the language enrichment that promotes success in school even beyond initially learning to read.