Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Help! A Storytime with Toddlers and Preschoolers

These storytimes are a different world. Attention spans are shorter and their understanding of language is not as great. This means age appropriateness and interests of the children are a must. Look for these elements in the book selected:
A simple plot with easy to follow sequence of events (The Enormous Turnip).
Repetitive words or phrases (The Gingerbread Man or other version).
Predictable or cumulative storylines (I Know An Old Woman Who Swallowed A Fly or The Rattletrap Car by Root).
Strong or interesting characters (The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Anansi).
Interesting, entertaining, or humorus situations (Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock by Eric Kimmel).
Action or suspense (Where the Wild Things Are by Sendak for preK but not younger).
An Exciting or satisfying conclusion (Henny Penny by Galdone)
Simple tales, easy to follow action, and happy endings are a must with this age!

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