Sensory Storytime Template

Welcome/Guidelines (See guidelines post)

Hello Song: Hello Friends (do it twice with ASL) (Miss Kristen at Fayetteville Free Library)

I usually share the storytime activity schedule using schedule cards. I made the cards on Canva, and a really helpful staff member was kind enough to laminate and cut them out for me. My biggest tip when creating decorations or schedule cards on Canva is to include diverse images of people. Canva doesn't always have the most inclusive graphics, though they're improving, so it’s just a good reminder to help make your storytime room feel welcoming for everyone.

I also bought a classroom pocket chart to display the schedule cards where everyone can easily see them.

Classroom Pocket Chart on Amazon

Usually the schedule follows:
Hello Song
Finger Play
Book #1
Felt Board
Book #2
Scarves or instruments
Goodbye song
either a craft time or play time

Duration of Sensory Storytime
It's really up to how long you'd like the families to visit for. I have done 30 minutes to an hour. Usually, I do 15 to 20 minutes of storytime, and then the rest of the time is dedicated to a sensory craft or free play with the sensory stations.

Important Reminder
Sensory Storytime may not always be a completely quiet or perfectly peaceful environment. The goal is to create a space that includes sensory-supportive activities. I typically remind caregivers at the beginning of the session to help minimize any unnecessary pressure.

Language to Describe Sensory Storytime

An additional tip I’d like to share is that language is important. When describing storytime sessions, avoid phrases like "regular storytime vs. sensory storytime," as this can suggest that one is more standard than the other. As librarians, we often incorporate sensory elements into our storytimes already, so sensory storytime is not fundamentally different from your Toddler or Preschool Storytimes. When communicating about these programs, whether to caregivers or in promotional materials, focus on what will be included than what distinguishes this session from others. For example, you might say, "It's similar to Toddler Storytime, but we will include sensory supporting stations at the end of the session.

Resources on Sensory Storytime

Books

Programming for Children and Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Peer Reviewed Article

Hickey, K., Golden, T., & Thomas, A. (2018). Sensory play in libraries: A survey of different approaches. Children and Libraries, 16(3).

Link to article on Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)

Websites

The Youth Desk

Mississippi Library Commission

Multnomah County Library

Alphabet Storytime - Letter H

Welcome/Guidelines (see guidelines post)

Hello Song: We Clap and Sing Hello (Jbrary)
We clap and sing hello,
We clap and sing hello 
with our friends at storytime
We clap and sing hello.

Stretch Song/Action Song: A Hippopotamus got on a City Bus (Jbrary)

*Note: They shared it as a baby storytime song, but I just added some adaptations to it.

A hip, a hip, a hippopotamus

got on, got on, got on a city bus

and all, and all, and all the people said

"you're squishing us!" (hug self)

A sheep, a sheep, a sheep got on a city bus

and all, and all, and all the people said

"baaaaack up!' (lean backward)

A cow, a cow, a cow got on a city bus

and all, and all, and all the people said

"moooo over!" (move side to side)

Book 1: Mouse's First Halloween by Lauren Thompson (use prop mouse)

Felt Activity: Little Mouse, Little Mouse,  Are You in the Red House? (Kings County Library System)

Let's hide the felt mouse behind different houses and invite the kids to help us find it!

Little mouse, little mouse, are you in the pink house? Turn the house over and keep searching until we find the mouse!

If we don't have too many kids, I really enjoy letting each of them take a turn coming up to the board to find the mouse. It’s such a fun way for everyone to practice waiting patiently for their turn!

Book 2: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Song: Head, Shoulder, Knees, and Toes

Head, shoulder,  knees, and toes

knees and toes.

Head, shoulders, knees, and toes

knees and toes.

Eyes, and ears, and mouth, and nose.

Head, shoulders, knees, and toes

Knees and toes.

Book 3 (optional): The Napping House by Audrey Wood

Instrument/Scarves/Props

Today, we'll use scarves!

If You're Happy and You Know It

If you're happy and you know it, wave your scarves (wave scarf)

If you're happy and you know it, wave your scarves (wave scarf)

If you're happy and you know it and you really want to show it

If you're happy and you know it, wave your scarves. (wave scarf)

Clean Up Song

Clean up, clean up every body, every where 

Clean up, clean up, every body do your share!

End Activity: Parachute!

Goodbye Song: We Wave and Sing Goodbye! (Jbrary)

We clap goodbye like this, we clap good bye like this 

with our friends at storytime. 

We clap goodbye like this.

Craft Time!

Disclaimer: Book images are from Goodreads!

Let's get organized! Planners and more!

What do you usually use to stay organized? Do you prefer a paper planner, maybe your library's event software, or just Google Calendar? When I first started as an assistant librarian, I had no idea how many events I’d need to keep track of each month. There were Youth Services meetings, outreach events, storytimes, staff meetings, programs; you name it. At one point, a former branch manager of mine noticed I was double-booking myself for preschool visits. She suggested I keep a planner to help avoid that kind of mix-up in the future. It can definitely get a bit overwhelming sometimes!

I just wanted to share some of the planners I've used over the years that really help with programming schedules, supervisor tasks, and tracking events. They’ve been great for keeping me organized and staying one step ahead!

Programs

When I’m planning out programs, I like to rely on two main tools to keep everything organized. First, I use my monthly calendar. It’s great for seeing what dates are open and which ones I need to block off. I jot down my storytime schedule, add in programs, and note other important events. This really helps me get a clear picture of the month and the weeks ahead. I also use the library’s event software system. Over time, we’ve used different platforms like Library Insight, Communico, and most recently, Vega Program before I left. These tools help me make sure I don’t double-book or overlap with other library events in the children’s or meeting rooms.

Monthly At-A-Glance Calendar (hanging)

I had a big desk one that sat on my desk that I could tear off the pages. I only used it for one year, and it was not my jim jam for tracking events and programs, but someone might enjoy it.

Desk Monthly At-A-Glance Calendar

Additionally, I wanted to be a big on my desk calendar girlie because it did have some important uses and it was easy to see, there was no ignoring it. So, I found a cuter one on Amazon that I was planning to purchase.

Decorative Desk Planner/Calendar

Just search for "teacher," and you'll instantly come across the cutest office supplies!

Staff Schedules

When you are scheduling staff or volunteers you should use a completely separate planner in order to keep their information private, but also not to mix it up with other conflicting scheduling things. So, I used this particular planner for it because it was simple to use and I would attach requests to it. 

At-A-Glance Planner Book Monthly

Day to Day (Schedule meetings and to-do lists)

I had this hourly planner at work that was like my best friend when it came to organizing my day at the library. I’d make a to-do list for each hour to stay on track and make sure I was using my time wisely. In my old job, we mostly worked on our own unless we needed to cover the desk, handle programs, go to meetings, or get pulled into something else. Having that hourly planner really helped me move smoothly from one task to the next without it feeling overwhelming or stressful.

At-A-Glance Hourly Planner

Personal Use

For personal use, I previously utilized and appreciated Plum Paper notebooks because I could customize the planner to my specifications. However, they can be quite expensive. Therefore, I found a more budget-friendly alternative.

I would like to mention that Plum Paper, Erin Condren, and Happy Planner are quite similar in terms of layouts and features, though I believe it largely comes down to personal preference. I will include a link to my current planner.

Happy Planner on Amazon

Librarian Planners

Lastly, I did some research on planners for librarians. I noticed that there are a variety of teacher planners which is understandable, but I think we want a librarian specific planner. So, these are the planners I found that are close to or librarian specific planners.

Etsy Store - WreetzCreations 

KirstenOliviaCompany

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If you have a planner or have created a librarian planner, please feel free to share your feedback, suggestions, or let me know where we can see your planner pages.

Halloween Storytime

For our Halloween-themed storytime, I typically announce a few sessions in advance so everyone has the opportunity to plan ahead. Feel free to encourage children to wear costumes for that event. To help caregivers remember, I recommend adding your Halloween storytime to your events calendar.

Welcome/Guidelines (see guidelines post here)

Hello Song: Clap Everybody and Say Hello (Jbrary)

Clap everybody and say hello

Clap everybody and say hello

Clap everybody and say hello

No matter what the weather

Stretch/Action Song: Pumpkin, Pumpkin (Storytime Katie)

Tune: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

Pumpkin, pumpkin, big and round (make big circle with hands)

Sitting on the cold, hard ground. (touch the ground)

Soon I'll pick you off the vine, (Pretend to pick a pumpkin)

Give you a name, and make you mine (hug pumpkin tightly)

Carve a face for all to see (point to face)

Add a candle for Halloween glee! (clap your hands)

Book 1: Go Away Big Green Monster by Ed Emberley

 

Felt activity: Halloween Brew

I had an old pot for a prop and find random things we can throw into the Halloween brew!

Book 2: Can You Make a Scary Face by Jan Thomas

Finger Play: Itsy Bitsy Spider (childhood)

The itsy bitsy spider went up the water spout

Down came the rain and washed the spider out

Out came the sun and dried up all the rain

and the itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again.

*Note: I sometimes use a cute prop spider to help with the song!

Book 3 (optional): Under the Bed! By David Wood (pop-up book)

*Note: I think this book can get kind of scary, but the kids are more brave than me!

Instruments/props
Icky Sticky Bubble Gum (Ms. Rachel)
*Note: use the scarf as your prop!
icky, sticky, sticky, bubble gum
bubble gum, bubble gum
Icky, sticky, sticky, bubble gum 
makes your hands stick to your ears
and you pull them, and you pull them, and you pull them away!

Handy Spandy Sugar and Candy (Mother Goose on the Loose**)

Handy spandy, sugar, and candy, we all jump in

Handy spandy, sugar, and candy, we all jump out

Hand spandy, sugar, and candy, we all jump up

Handy spandy, sugar, and candy we all jump down

*Note: use scarves for more exaggerated movements.

End Activity: Halloween Parade around the Library

I usually find toddler and pre-k safe toys or treats for the kids. I will create 4 to 5 stations where they can practice trick-or-treating with their adults. I would make sure you either have enough staff during that time that can help or line up adult/teen volunteers to help.

Goodbye Song: Clap Everybody and Say Goodbye (Jbrary)

Clap everybody and say goodbye

Clap everybody and say goodbye

Clap everybody and say goodbye

No matter what the weather

Passout Treats

I try to find healthy toddler friend pre-packaged food items OR a small stuffed halloween toy.

Craft Time!

Information on Book Photos: I am going to start adding photos with book recommendations for the plans. The photos are from Goodreads. All book photo credit belongs to Goodreads (goodreads.com).

Camping Storytime

Welcome/Guidelines (see guidelines post)

Hello Song: We Clap and Sing Hello (Jbrary)
We clap and sing hello!
We clap and sing hello!
With our friends at storytime, we clap and sing hello!

Stretch/Movement Song: Head, Shoulder, Knees, and Toes
Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes
Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes
Eyes, and Ears, and Mouth, and Nose
Head, Shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes

Note: To be silly, you can also do a slower version and then speed it up.

Book 1: Into the Outdoors by Susan Gal

Felt Activity/Story: Five Little Kernels (Storytime Katie)
Five little kernels sizzling in a pot
All of a sudden, one went POP!

Book 2: Gather Round by David Covell

Fingerplay: Five Little Fireflies (found on the The Wielded Pen; credit King County Public Library)
One little firefly shines very bright 
two little fireflies show their lights
three little fireflies glimmer and glow
four little fireflies watch them go!
five little fireflies fly in the night 
Blink! Blink! Blinik! (open and close fingers when blinking!)

My! What a Sight

Instrumental/props

Today, we will be using tapping sticks!

B-I-N-G-O 
There was a farmer who had a dog and BINGO was his name-o
B-I-N-G-O, B-I-N-G-O, B-I-N-G-O, and BINGO was his name-o

Camping Song (found on StoryBookStephanie; credit StepbyStepcc.com)
Let's go camping
Let's go  camping
pack the tent
pack the tent 
we will all go hiking
we will all go swimming
we will have fun!
we will have fun!

*Note: Not the best tapping stick song, but it's a fun one that little ones can tap their sticks along to.

Clean Up Song

Clean up, clean up, everybody, everywhere

Clean up, clean up, everybody do your share!

Ending Activity: Parachute!

Goodbye Song: We Clap and Sing Goodbye (Jbrary)
We clap goodbye like this, we clap goodbye like this,
with our friends at storytime, we clap goodbye like this

Craft Time!

Book Recommendation: 
https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/v2/list/display/220935281/3014051397

https://indypl.bibliocommons.com/v2/list/display/1879585529/2620301499

Throwback Video!

 

Storytime: Apples

Welcome/Guidelines (see guidelines posts)

Hello Song: We Clap and Sing Hello (Jbrary)
We clap and sing hello, We clap and sing hello
With our friends at storytime, we clap and sing hello!

*Note: Feel free to choose any hello song!

Stretch/Action Song: Way Up High in the Apple Tree (Storytime Katie)

Book 1: Sour Apple by Linda Liu

*Note: The message of the story might be a little big for when you're reading it to little, but it's a great book to read to older age kids.

Felt Story: Apple Roll! (Storytime Katie)
Five little apples in a bowl
One fell out and started to roll
It bumped the table and hit my feet
How many apples left to eat? (count down)

Book 2: 10 Apples on Top by Dr. Seuss

Finger Play: A Little Apple Seed (found on Ms. Emily Library; credit Madelyn's Library Programming)

Tune: Itsy Bitsy Spider

Once a little apple seed was planted in the ground 

Down came the raindrops falling all around 

Out came the big sun bright as bright could be

and the little apple seed grew up to be an apple treet

Instruments/props

Today, we will use shakers!

Be a Seed (found on Jbrary; credit King County Library System)

Be a seed, small and round

Sprout, sprout, sprout up from the ground

Shake your leaves for all to see 

Stretch your arms up, you're a tree!

Music/CD Song: Teeny Tiny Apple Seed (Sweet Potato Music)

Clean Up Song

End Activity: Parachute!

Goodbye Song: We Clap and Sing Goodbye (Jbrary)

We clap goodbye like this, we clap goodbye like this,

with our friends at storytime, we clap goodbye like this!

Craft Time!

Fall Storytime

Welcome/Guidelines (see guidelines post)

Hello Song: When Cows Wake Up in the Morning (Jbrary)
When cows wake up in the morning, they always say hello
When cows wake up in the morning, they always say hello
and what do they say? moooo
and that is what they say.

Warm up with Wheels on the Bus

Stretch/movement song: The Leaves on the Trees 
The leaves on the tree turns orange and brown,
orange and brown, orange and brown,
the leaves on the tree turns orange and brown,
and they fall to the ground! (lower hands to the ground)

Tune: Wheels on the Bus

*Note: I found The Leaves on the Ground on Ms. Emily's Library blog, but changed the wording a bit.

Attention Grabber: Fall Leaves
Fall Leaves goes...(put arms into the arm)
Swishhhhhh  (shake hands down onto lap)

Book 1: Full of Fall by April Pulley Sayre

Felt Activity: Wiggly Worm (Hide and Seek) (purchase felts at PlayToLearnWithFelt)
Wiggly Little Worm
Is crawling on the ground
Under which apple can he be found? 

Song: Hoot Hoot Went the Little Brown Owl (found on Jbrary; Credit to Z Before Y)
Hoot, hoot went the little brown owl one day
Hoot, hoot went the little brown owl
Hoot, hoot went the little brown owl one day
and they all went hoot, hoot, hoot
but...
we know owls goes (clap) la de la de la
la de la de la
la de la de la
we know owls goes la de la de la 
They don't go hoot, hoot, hoot.

Book 2: Mouse's First Fall by Lauren Thompson 

Use prop mouse!

For toddler and prek, it might not be their first ever fall, but it is their first one they can enjoy! Additionally, I use a prop mouse that looks like the character to help connect the story with the kids

Finger Play: Way Up High in the Apple Tree (Storytime Katie)
Way up high in the apple tree (stretch arms high up)
two red apples smiled at me (hold up two fingers)
I shook the tree as hard as I could (make a shaking motion)
Down came the apples...(make a downward motion)
and mmm, they were good! (smile and rub stomach)

Instruments/props

Today, we will use scarves!

The Leaves are Falling Down (Storytime Katie)
Tune: Farmer in the Dell
The leaves are falling down
The leaves are falling down
Red, yellow, greeen, and brown
the leaves are falling down

*Note: We just usually throw the scarf around and see the song!

Popcorn Kernels (Found on Jbrary; Credit to Future Librarian Superhero)

Popcorn kernels (waves scarves overhead)

Popcorn kernels (waves scarves overhead)

In a pot (make the scarves 'disappear' by bunching them up into their fists)

Shake them, shake them, shake them (shake)

Shake them, shake them, shake them (shake)

'til they POP (Toss scarves up into the air)

'til they POP (Toss scarves up into the air)

*Note: My storytime kids LOVE this one! They request we do it EVERY storytime!

Clean Up Song

End Activity: Parachute with Fall Leaves

I usually would use fake leaves that you can throw onto the paracute!

End Announcements

- share about 1, 000 Books Before Kindergarten

- For prek, I would tell them about National Library Card Sign Up Month

- Dolly Parton Imagination Library

*Note: If I did not have a matching hello/goodbye song or even if I did. I would sometimes either open or end with announcements every so often.

Craft time!

Book Photo Credit: Goodreads.com

WTD #2 Caregivers Zoned Out

WTD: When a caregiver is not keeping track of their little one during storytime?

Storytimes are usually a nice chance for caregivers to take a quick break while their little one is focused on a book. But, in reality, storytime is much more interactive; we sing, do activities, and craft together. So, when a caregiver is completely checked out during storytime, it can sometimes lead to a bit of chaos.

For example, when you're doing a felt story, and a little one comes up and grabs the felt off the board, or when a little one stands in front of the crowd sitting on the floor to get a better look at the book.

The children aren't intentionally misbehaving, but it can be distracting for you as the storytimer and for the families. So, what's the best way to get the attention of the adults so they can gently guide their little ones back on track?

Guidelines

I'm definitely standing firm on the importance of guidelines. They’re so key to what we do during storytime. It’s not just about making sure the kids get it, but really about guiding the adults in the room. It helps set clear expectations for storytime and lets you know what support you need from everyone. Here are some guideline resources.

Programming Librarian Guidelines

I created guidelines in order to maintain some order at storytime. I find that you have to take a moment to read them aloud and get an "aye, aye, captain" from the crowd. Their understanding of the guidelines are important. 

Here are my non-strict guidelines.

You can make your own guidelines with Canva or any other site.

Additionally, Dr. Betsy Diamant-Cohen, the creator of Mother Goose on the Loose, has a really great little speech you can share at the start of storytime to outline the rules.

See how your library can get Mother Goose on the Loose.

Address the Behavior
This is ALWAYS tough to do, but it can be really beneficial. Addressing the behavior in a kind and non-confrontational way can make a big difference when trying to navigate this kind of situation.

Script: "We can't continue with the fun if we're not all sitting on our pockets." 

Now, it’s not going to suddenly make the kids sit still and listen, but it will help remind the adults that it’s time to regroup and take a seat. Sometimes, things might not go perfectly, little ones might get upset about being moved or not being able to do what they wanted. I encourage adults to take their little ones outside the room for a quick break if needed.

If gentle techniques don't seem to be working, I suggest chatting with your supervisor to figure out the next steps. Sometimes, the situation may require you to directly speak with the adult, that's completely okay! It doesn't have to be negative; it can just be a friendly reminder of the guidelines. 

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Feel free to share advice, feedback, or support on the topic!

Weather Stortyime

From September through mid-October, fall weather likes to keep us on our toes. One day, it’s like summer has returned; the next, it’s cold and wintery. And if we’re lucky, we get those perfect, crisp, cool days. To celebrate the unpredictability of fall, here’s a general weather storytime to match the changes in seasons!

Welcome/Guidelines (see guidelines post)

Hello Song: We Clap and Sing Hello (Jbrary)

Stretch/Action Song: Rain on the Green Grass (King County Library System)

Rain on the green grass (flutter hands down to the ground)

Rain on the tree (arms up like branches

Rain on the Rooftop (fingers together over head to make peak of roof)

But NOT on me! (brush shoulders with fingers)

Book 1: Splish, Splash, Ducky! by Lucy Cousins

Felt Story/Activity: What's the Weather? (Found on Storytime Katie; Credit to Perpetual Preschool)

Tune: Clementine

What's the weather? What's the weather?

What's the weather, everyone?

Is it windy, is it cloudy

is there rain, or is there sun?

Book 2: WOW! Said the Owl by Tim Hopgood

Instruments/Props

Today's instrument will be...shakers!

Rain is falling down....splash! (King County Public Library)

Rain is falling down...splash!

Rain is falling down....splash!

Pitter Patter, Pitter Patter

Rain is falling down...splash!

Jbrary suggests that you can use can switch the wording to snow!

Snow is falling down...Slush!

(see Jbrary's post)

Clean Up Song!

Also, we will do a scarf song!

A Little Seed (Found on Molly Whuppie Youtube)

First scrunch up your scarf

A Little Seed for me to Sow (pretend to hold a little seed and put it into the scrunched scarf)

A little earth to make it grow (pretend to put dirt on top of the scrunched scarf)

A little sun (reach up into the sky)

A little shower (wiggle fingers for rain)

A little wait... (pretend your waiting)

and then...

a flower! (allow the scarf to grow from your hand)

The kids LOVE this song! :)

Clean Up Song!

Book 3: Singin' in the Rain based on the song by Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown, pictures by Tim Hopgood

End Activity: Bubbles 

CD Song: Singin' in the Rain

*Note: You'll want to get an approval to use this song if you're administration is particular about CD music that is often labeled for adults.

Goodbye to the bubbles

Goodbye Song: We Clap and Sing Goodbye (Jbrary)

Craft time!

WTD #1: When Storytime Flops

WTD: What do you do when storytime falls flat or a storytime theme doesn’t land?

I’ve had quite a few storytimes that missed the mark with my patrons. I’ve ended books early, switched gears in the middle of storytime, or completely changed what I had planned. It happens! And it can happen for a number of reasons.

Reasons include…

The vibes were off.
Sometimes, especially when you have a small group of kids, the tone of the entire storytime can be influenced by one child or even the adults in the room.
Maybe one little one is cranky or fussy. Maybe another is more hyped up than everyone else. Sometimes the audience just isn’t feeling it that day. The vibes can be off.

And sometimes your vibes are off, too.

Maybe you’re tired. Maybe you have multiple programs that week. Maybe you had to deal with a coworker who was pushing your boundaries. Maybe you’re simply having an off day.

It might sound silly, but vibes can absolutely affect storytime, and sometimes there isn’t much you can do about it. It’s one of those factors that can be difficult to control.

The best thing you can do is get through the storytime, try to have fun, and don’t push the little ones if they aren’t feeling it.

The storytime itself did not go well.
If you didn’t have enough time to plan or research your storytime, things can quickly become chaotic. 

On the other hand, sometimes you have plenty of time to plan, prepare, and get excited about a program… and it still doesn’t go well. This situation tends to sting more.

You were excited to present this storytime, you thought the books and activities would be a hit, and then the families didn’t receive it the way you expected. That’s okay, too.

You can always redo the storytime at a later time.

Not every storytime is going to be a home run. Sometimes the audience isn’t feeling it. Sometimes we aren’t feeling it. Sometimes the book, activity, or theme just doesn’t work.

And that’s okay.

The important part is figuring out what you can learn from the experience, knowing when to pivot, and giving yourself permission to try again.

It's good to reassess your materials. For books, check to make sure they are age-appropriate or that they are long enough. If you are compelled to use a specific book, then make sure you're taking proper breaks or asking questions throughout the story to help reinforce points. If it is a song or a rhyme, try teaching the motions or words before jumping into it. A great ECRR tip is that repetition is excellent for learning!

If your storytime is not engaging, you're welcome to change the pace or omit certain materials. I have definitely ended books early because it was not worth the push.

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I know skipping more reasons why storytimes don’t land, but I think this is a great starting point for a bigger discussion: What do you do when a storytime doesn’t land? What are some reason they do not land as well?

Introducing WTD

I am starting a new blog post series called "What To Do" or WTD for short. It is short blog posts about real life library situations. I am hoping one day that there will be some interaction to these posts. However, I am at the ground up stage. The next post will share a WTD!