4. Learning
Objectives
At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
Describe the fundamental differences in approach to online and
in-person storytimes
List at least 3 ways to keep online storytimes interactive
Implement strategies for dealing with external and internal
demands
5. Housekeeping
There will plenty of time for questions at the end. Use the chat box
to type your questions as you think of them.
Also use the chat box to share your great ideas with fellow
attendees!
7. Activity
What do you think of as essential
to storytime? (i.e. without this
thing, can you even call it
storytime?)
Use the chat box to answer.
8. What makes
up a
storytime?
Free and open to anyone
Books
Music
Dancing
Crafts
Flannelboard stories
Scarves
Beanbags
Fingerplays
Action stories
Participation
Togetherness
Learning from peers
Practicing social skills
Practicing impulse control
Practicing sitting still
Learning how to listen to
instructions
Learning through play
Early literacy skills
School readiness
Learning to take turns
Age appropriate materials
Welcoming environment
Learning
Resources for caregivers
Positive interactions with adults
Making positive connections with
the library
9. What are the
overall goals?
Developing early literacy skills
Connecting children and caregivers with the library
Developing school readiness
Using a variety of materials to engage children in age-appropriate
ways
Suggested resource: “Offline Professional
Development: Storytime Mission Statement”
by Melissa Depper:
http://melissa.depperfamily.net/blog/offline-
professional-development-storytime-mission-
statement
10. Features of
In-person
storytime
You can see and hear your audience in real time.
You can make adjustments as you go.
You control the environment in which storytime is delivered.
12. Online
Storytime
You can’t see your “audience”.
can’t give immediate feedback
can’t adjust as you go
creates feeling of disconnection in storyteller
Your audience may not be viewing the
storytime in real time.
We lose control over the environment in
which storytime is received.
also can’t provide props and other materials
Connecting with caregivers becomes more
challenging.
This format provides unique opportunities to
make real connections with children’s home
life.
14. It’s not just about offering storytimes.
It’s about offering kids (and
parents) a continued connection
to their libraries, and by
extension, their communities.
ConnectionOver
Content
15. It doesn’t have
to be a
storytime!
Other things
you can do:
Record a message letting kids know you miss seeing them in the library
Share a favorite rhyme or poem
Introduce your pet
A behind-the-scenes tour of the library (Bookdrop, anyone?)
Share a favorite hobby
Tell your favorite library anecdote
Booktalk favorite books
Share a craft
Demonstrate a simple science experiment
Show how to make a snack
Share a word or phrase in a foreign language
Online gaming tournaments
A backyard tour to meet chickens, goats, or even your local wildlife
Interview teachers and other local “celebrities”
18. ChoosingYour
Materials
Choose materials that will work visually.
Choose materials that encourage interaction.
Choose materials that you feel excited about.
Theme is less important than connection.
Make sure you are sharing and recommending diverse materials.
Homemade props are okay and inspiring for little ones stuck at home!
Incorporate your pets whenever possible!
Use favorite materials to foster a sense of continuity and security.
Think about how materials support the needs of kids stuck at home:
Expressing feelings
Practicing impulse control (freeze dance, listening games)
Making connections to their environment
Highlight library resources
19. Book or No
Books?
CopyrightConcerns
Book Formats: print books, ebooks
The value of storytelling without books
20. PlanningYour
Presentation
10-20 minutes seems to be the sweet spot.
Don’t just select materials – really think about how you will use
them
How you will make instructions explicit?
What interactive elements, if any, you will use?
How you will show the materials on camera?
How will you promote and make connections to library resources?
At the very least, put your library’s logo up in the background!
Promote library website
Mention and/or show specific resources where appropriate
22. Live
or
Recorded?
Live Storytime
can interact in real time
may need a buddy to help run
things
some publishers require this
and must be deleted after
heightens sense of event,
community
can run at the same time as
your scheduled programs to
create a sense of security and
continuity
may also be recorded and
viewed later if you choose
lessens sense of perfectionism
Recorded Storytime
can edit out mistakes
easier to provide captions
may limit materials you can
use
makes your programming
more widely available
need to determine how long
will recordings be available
may increase pressure to be
“perfect”
can post at the time of your
scheduled events
removes sense of spontaneity
23. Open to all
or
Registration
required?
Open to all
widens your audience
once on the internet, always
on the internet
Registration required
allows you to control access
allows for better planning to
meet group needs
may be necessary due to
materials used
allows you to count
attendees more accurately
requires a registration
mechanism
24. Technical
Setup
Laptop or phone with good camera
separate webcam may be needed
landscape, not portrait
Microphone/headset if at all possible
improves sound quality
improves automatic captioning
Background
Not too busy
Library logo
Lighting
Avoid backlighting
Even light from above or the side is preferred
25. MoreSetup
Tips
Don’t sit too far back from the camera!
Clothing
Wear something that contrasts with your skin color
Avoid busy patterns
Be careful of low necklines, dragging sleeves, or other wardrobe
malfunctions waiting to happen.
Set up your materials
Keep them in easy reach
Set them up in the order you need them
May need 2 copies of book or text printed out
Use screen share as needed, especially for sharing library
resources
Make sure to mute everyone’s audio but the speaker’s, if
applicable
26. Accessibility
What is your library’s policy for accommodations for in-person
programs?
Remember that online programs are already not accessible to
everyone.
Providing interpreters for storytime
Hearing aid plugins
Captioning for live storytimes
Full captioning options
Automatically generated captions
Content in comments
Captioning for recorded storytimes
Automatically generated captions
Uploading your own captions
28. SLOW
DOWN!
Even if it feels like you are already speaking slowly, slow it down.
Most kids can’t listen as fast as we grownups like to talk!
29. EyeContact
Make eye contact with the camera.
Yes, this feels weird.
Use a stuffed animal or picture by the camera if necessary!
30. Sharing Books
onScreen
Get pictures as close to camera as possible
Avoid glare
Avoid tilt
Strategies for reading (with examples)
Second book
Text typed up
Ebooks and screen sharing
Splicing pictures
31. Allow time
for
responses.
No, more time than that.
More.
Give the kids time to answer, participate, copy the movement.
Allowing time:
encourages a response
models the back and forth nature of communication
allows kids of all different learning styles to take the information in
shows that you care what kids have to say
33. Give explicit
instructions
Some kids will already know what to do (or think they do).
Many will not without peer modeling.
Grownups need instructions too!
34. Make explicit
connections to
everyday life
Give grownups clear suggestions.
Many parents are now their children’s exclusive language and
literacy models. Let’s help them be a little less overwhelmed!
35. Interact as
much as
possible
For live programs: use names if you can see them
For all programs: use general ways to identify children, such as “all
my friends who are wearing something blue, raise your hands!”
36. Learn from
the pros
Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood: https://www.misterrogers.org/watch/
Danny Joe’sTreehouse: http://dannyjoestreehouse.com/
37. Use your voice
instead of
recorded
music.
Helps avoid copyright issues.
Helps you control the pace.
Avoids audio issues.
Creates a greater sense of connection.
40. It doesn’t look
high tech and
professional!
Times are not normal right now!
Does it foster connection?
Lean in to what makes this kind of storytime different and special.
41. How will I
remember
everything?
Sticky notes on the side of your monitor with reminders work
really well!
Picture or stuffed animal by camera.
Buddy in household or via chat.
What do you do in live storytime when you forget?
Handling mistakes with grace is setting an example for kids.
Humor and calm are the best things we can model for children
right now and way more important than any content!
42. What if I get
camera fright?
Think about whether live or recorded storytimes would be a better
fit.
Incorporate relaxation and breathing exercises into your program.
Sing a song to change your breathing.
Admit it! Use your own feelings as a teachable moment.
Consider using a puppet sidekick.
Choose activities that take the focus off you, such as interviewing
a guest (real or fictional).
43. What if I don’t
like to sing?
Use fingerplays instead
Change songs to rhythmic rhymes instead of singing
44. How can I
make sure my
internet
connection
stays stable?
Use an ethernet connection if possible (to phone or computer).
If using wi-fi, move as close to the router as possible.
Limit bandwidth-sucking activities.
Don’t let anyone use the microwave while you are filming!
Test ahead of time.
If all else fails, turn it off then on again.
45. What about
outside
presenters?
Many authors and illustrators already have experience with this
type of programming.
Others are willing to adapt.
change in content
multiple short programs instead of one longer one
Be ready to discuss:
Platform
Open to all or registered
Live or recorded (often limited access to recording)
Panels lend themselves well to online formats.
46. Resources
All of the following resources may be found at
https://storiesbyhand.com/onlinestorytimeresources/
47. General
Resources for
Online
Storytimes
Jbrary: Storytime Online Resources: https://jbrary.com/storytime-
online
“Keeping Online Storytimes Engaging” by Kathy MacMillan:
https://storiesbyhand.com/2020/03/20/keeping-online-storytimes-
engaging/
Remote and Online Services to Children (UW-Madison iSchool
Panel recording): https://ischool.wisc.edu/continuing-
education/free-
webinars/?fbclid=IwAR3ds2QJUndxehgHunGcgrhLFz7mprvdf-
QZQHrRJjwmWeHM5PpF1tFv2kw
Storytime Underground (Facebook Group):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/storytimeunderground
“TenTips for Recording BetterVideo withYour Smartphone” by
MaggieTillman and Elyse Betters https://www.pocket-
lint.com/phones/news/131351-10-tips-for-recording-better-video-
with-your-smartphone
48. Online
Programming
fromAuthors
and More
SCBWI Connects: https://www.scbwi.org/digital-directory-for-
remote-learning-resources/
TwinkleTeaches Resource List:
https://twinkleteaches.blogspot.com/p/at-
home.html?fbclid=IwAR2wTWl5eTfnsHYsTyCR8l4HGpfXbXYOoi_
h1ETVGZrAlBH6WtOb-Jc3RRo
Finkelstein Memorial Library’s Kids &Teens Stuck Inside Guide:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Cs1zwez0a-
NxlsdFkd9kQpvIpal8WVHKTjSc4iiPCak
49. Copyright
Concerns
“CopyrightTerm and the Public Domain in the United States”
(Cornell University Library):
https://copyright.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/2020-
01/Copyright%20Term%20and%20the%20Public%20Domain%20i
n%20the%20United%20States%20January%2024%202020.pdf
“Online StoryTime & Coronavirus: It’s Fair Use, Folks” by Sarah
Ostman: https://programminglibrarian.org/articles/online-story-
time-coronavirus-it%E2%80%99s-fair-use-folks
School Library Journal COVID-19 Publisher Information Directory
(guidelines from individual publishers):
https://docs.google.com/document/d/113E-
0ffElTRoI7zsvk6gjxrAgepeD-JGAD55-ftSfrc/edit?usp=sharing
50. Professional
Development
forChildren’s
Programmers
American Library AssociationWebinars for Programmers:
https://www.alastore.ala.org/search/store/product-type/elearning/subject/programs-and-
services
Association for Library Service to Children Open Resources: http://www.ala.org/alsc/alsc-open-
resources?fbclid=IwAR0Az92lWTvkaM5-
XCKqhi51Wzch2z8oNY90yqZuf8Nnxx1dIRyzY4nZuOc
Free Archived Webinars: http://www.teenlibrariantoolbox.com/2020/03/friday-finds-special-
edition/
Growing ReadersTogetherWebinars: https://create.coloradovirtuallibrary.org/early-
literacy/growing-readers-together-
webinars/?fbclid=IwAR3O1an1tRSxEbs4on2owhjegNHZjkZGvlG_sOHFmGbZDtgU0lgarUSjJzc
Kathy MacMillan’s eCourses,Webinars, and Programs:
https://storiesbyhand.com/category/ecourses-and-webinars/
“Mel’s Offline Non-Webinar Professional Storytime Development” by Melissa Depper (Mel’s
Desk Blog): http://melissa.depperfamily.net/blog/mels-offline-non-webinar-professional-
storytime-development/
Saroj Ghoting’s OnlineTrainings: http://www.earlylit.net/all-trainings
Stay-at-Home Professional Development: https://bookcartqueens.com/2020/03/15/stay-at-
home-professional-development/
UW-Madison iSchool Webinars: https://ischool.wisc.edu/continuing-education/free-
webinars/?fbclid=IwAR3ds2QJUndxehgHunGcgrhLFz7mprvdf-
QZQHrRJjwmWeHM5PpF1tFv2kw
51. Acknowledgement
All books used in today’s presentation were published by Familius
Press and used in this webinar with the permission of the
publisher. (.pdf files were provided by the publisher specifically for
this webinar.)
Familius Press has granted librarians and teachers permission to
use its titles in online storytimes during COVID-19 related
closures.When using Familius Press titles in this way, please
acknowledge Familius Press as the publisher. For questions
regarding use of Familius Press titles, please contact Kate Farrell,
Familius Press Director of Marketing and PR at
kfarrell@familius.com.
Find more information about Familius Press at
https://www.familius.com/
53. Upcoming
Webinars and
eCourses
90 minute webinar
Wed, June 10, 2020
2:30 PM Eastern
6 week eCourse
Next session begins
November 2, 2020
6 week eCourse
Next session begins
Sept 14, 2020
54. Thank you!
Find clickable links to the resources mentioned in this webinar at
https://storiesbyhand.com/onlinestorytimeresources/
Find more information about Kathy’s books, programs, webinars,
and online storytelling programs at https://kathymacmillan.com/
Find more resources for signing with children at
https://storiesbyhand.com/
55. Wise
Words
from
Mr. Rogers
“There is no scientific or technological advance that is either good or
bad in itself. It is only as we human beings give meaning to science
or technology that they will have a positive or negative thrust.The
main question is not so much how the new technology can help
children learn. Rather, it’s what will they do with what they learn?
Only real human beings can help them know the difference.”
“It’s through relationships that we grow best - and learn best.”
