WTD #3: Older Children at Storytime

I was browsing The Programming Librarian Facebook page the other day and came across a really good "What To Do" question. I’ll paraphrase the question, share my thoughts, and summarize some of the suggestions from other commenters. It’s a pretty interesting situation, so I’d love to hear your feedback!

WTD: When older children are being disruptive (like talking during) storytime? Ages of older children being 7 and older.

I used to have a family come into storytime that would bring their older siblings when they were on school breaks. I knew when to expect them during Spring, Fall, Winter, and Summer breaks. I would be super nervous because I felt that I needed to try to entertain them or make it fun for them. The thing is that the storytime was never intended for their age group, and their family was well aware of that. It did take the pressure off when I finally realized that I do not need to make this entertaining for the older kids, I just need to do what is best for the toddler age group. We offer many programs for the older kids too.

Now, before you go and ignore the older kids in storytime, it is important to remember they are still kids too, and storytime might not have been their first choice of fun. There are a couple of things I have done to attempt to maintain order when our storytime kids are a bit older.

1. Emphasize your storytime guidelines! I make a big deal out of storytime guidelines because they are important. They help set the expectations for your storytime.

2. Have the older kids help! They can help pass out props, instruments, craft supplies, and so on. They can also help model what good behavior looks like. "[Older kid name], would you like to show us how we get ready for story?" They love feeling recognized, and it adds a little layer of responsibility.

3. Have activities for them to do during storytime. I recommend coloring because it's not messy, and there are minimal questions or disruptions when it comes to coloring. I usually have the kids help me decorate the storytime room or the department with their coloring.

4. LAST RESORT: If it gets to a point that the older kids are too energized or getting out of hand, I would recommend speaking to the adult after storytime. I know it is a conversation that no one wants to have, but the other families deserve the opportunity to enjoy storytime. I have seen storytimes in the past when the older kids take over. So, I would leave it light but direct: "Thank you for joining us for storytime today! I appreciate that you take the time to visit us for a story. For your next visit, I recommend bringing a quiet activity for [xyz name]. Toddler storytime is for 2-3 year olds and their caregivers. I want to make sure that everyone is able to hear stories and do the activities."

I think, to be honest, number 4 is really my last resort, but I was reading the comments and found that the majority of the library staff would talk to the family directly.

Just to summarize, most people felt it was important to have a conversation with the adult, stick strictly to the age group, and set expectations at the beginning of storytime.

What would you do in this situation?

Original question can be found on The Programming Librarian Facebook page. 

Additional Note: OP (Original Poster) stated that the kids would get a call from their mom during storytime. I think they are being dropped off. Just an additional aside.