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12-11-03 or 1285 |
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From: "PUBYAC: PUBlic librarians serving Young Adults and
Children" <pubyac@prairienet.org>
To: "PUBYAC: PUBlic librarians serving Young Adults and Children"
<pubyac@prairienet.org>
Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2003 7:26 PM
Subject: PUBYAC digest 1285
Topics covered in this issue include: 1) Pubyac: Teen Patron Email Lists by "Vittek, Robyn" <rvittek@ascpl.lib.oh.us> 2) Junie B. Jones by "Lisa Cole" <lcole@ald.lib.co.us> 3) Brundibar & Mock Caldecott by "Susan Dailey" <obldailey@wellscolibrary.org> 4) Re: positive media image of librarians by Lorie O'Donnell <Lodonnell@midyork.org> 5) RE: PUBYAC digest 1283 the 'other' librarian - a positive image? by "Arnold, Marion" <Marion.Arnold@ccc.govt.nz> 6) Max's chocloate movie? by "G Gallagher" <gglibrarian@hotmail.com> 7) Captain Underpants by Georgi Sandgren <ivylane3@yahoo.com> 8) Treasure/Scavenger Hunts by "Margaret Brown" <chbya@biblio.org> 9) Anti-Valentine's Day teen activity by "Lisa Crandall" <crandalll@cadl.org> 10) out of bldg. programs by dlallie@tulsalibrary.org 11) DVD Packaging by "Clemens, Mary" <mclemens@cslibrary.org> 12) musical instrument crafts -- responses by "Alyson Naimoli" <anaimoli@vapld.info> 13) Re: the 'other' librarian - a positive image? by "Rob Reid" <reid@ifls.lib.wi.us> 14) hot and sexy male librarian by Donna Peasley <dpeasley@gateslibrary.org> 15) Employment Opportunity Kendallville, IN by "Ellie Teaford" <eteaford@kendallvillelibrary.org> 16) compilation of toddler control responses (long) by "Josh lachman" <Jlachman@ci.berkeley.ca.us> ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Vittek, Robyn" <rvittek@ascpl.lib.oh.us> To: "'pubyac@prairienet.org'" <pubyac@prairienet.org> Subject: Pubyac: Teen Patron Email Lists MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2003 02:15:42 CST Do any of you teen librarians have an electronic mailing list to send teens info on upcoming programs, new materials, etc.? My library system is considering this practice but would like to know more about it. For instance, does your library require a parent's permission to sign up? How do you keep track of your contacts? What kind of information do you send? Do you get feedback from the teens about the emails? How often are they sent? Etc., etc., etc..... Please reply to me directly at rvittek@ascpl.lib.oh.us. Thanks for your input! Robyn E. Vittek Intermediate/Teen Librarian Mogadore Branch Akron Summit-County Public Library 144 S. Cleveland Ave Mogadore OH 44260 330-628-9228 ------------------------------ From: "Lisa Cole" <lcole@ald.lib.co.us> To: pubyac@prairienet.org Subject: Junie B. Jones Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2003 02:16:15 CST I know this has been discussed before, but at the time, I didn't think I would need it. If anyone has ideas for a Junie B. Jones program, could you send them to me? Thank you very much!! Lisa Cole Librarian - Youth Services Koelbel Main Library Arapahoe Library District Centennial, CO lcole@ald.lib.co.us ------------------------------ From: "Susan Dailey" <obldailey@wellscolibrary.org> To: "PUBYAC listserv" <pubyac@prairienet.org> Subject: Brundibar & Mock Caldecott MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2003 02:16:38 CST Dear Yackers, Has anyone seen the new book "Brundibar" illustrated by Maurice Sendak? I'm trying to place a final order for our Mock Caldecott Workshop and wasn't sure whether to order it at this time. Is it a picture book? Or is it a book with pictures? (Does that make sense? Some books are very text dependent--the illustrations are just added here and there for interest.) I'd appreciate input from anyone who's seen it. You can email me directly (and give me your opinion on whether it is something the "real" committee would be likely to choose. I won't pass your comments on to the listerv so...) As always, December has me stewing about hearing the announcement and having decided the winner wasn't Caldecott material! Thanks, Susan Dailey, obldailey@wellscolibrary.org ------------------------------ From: Lorie O'Donnell <Lodonnell@midyork.org> To: <ccappelli@poklib.org>, Subject: Re: positive media image of librarians Mime-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2003 02:55:41 CST I don't think you have to be any kind of librarian other than the kind you are. I also think we have a long way to go before the media and the public have a new standard of how a librarian should be/should look/should act, etc. As a librarian by career and a leather wearing, tattooed, pierced biker chick by choice, I can attest to the fact that more people are surprised by my double life than not. Lorie Cybele Cappelli said: > > > While I can understand that we librarians find fault with media images of a > nasty/frumpy librarian, why equate a positive image with "hot and sexy"? Its > fine if you are, or if the media portrays a librarian as such, but I > personally don't feel comfortable having to be a sexy librarian because now > the media has set that standard and now the public expects it as well. I > want to be appreciated for my skills, not my sexuality. If one can have > both, terrific. > > Cybele Cappelli > Young Adult Librarian > Poughkeepsie Public Library District > Poughkeepsie, NY. > > Lorie J. O'Donnell Children's Librarian Jervis Public Library Rome, NY 13440 lodonnell@midyork.org -- If you didn't want them to think, you shouldn't have given them library cards. Elliot Gould as Harry Bailey in "Getting Straight" ------------------------------ From: "Arnold, Marion" <Marion.Arnold@ccc.govt.nz> To: pubyac@prairienet.org Subject: RE: PUBYAC digest 1283 the 'other' librarian - a positive image? MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2003 03:25:40 CST It's quite funny having all this feedback about Marion the librarian being a librarian called Marion. There are another five Marion's in our library network as well. A self-fulfilling prophesy? -----Original Message----- From: ccarey@trlib.org [mailto:ccarey@trlib.org] Sent: Wednesday, 10 December 2003 20:30 To: pubyac@prairienet.org Subject: RE: PUBYAC digest 1283 the 'other' librarian - a positive image? If you are looking for an image of a librarian other than "Marian," you all might be interested in the adult book, The Dewey Decimel System of Love by Josephine Carr. <snip> ------------------------------ From: "G Gallagher" <gglibrarian@hotmail.com> To: pubyac@prairienet.org Subject: Max's chocloate movie? Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2003 20:22:41 CST Does anyone know if Rosemary Wells' Max's Chocolate Chicken has been animated? I checked on her website, but there wasn't any information about animated films of her books. Thanks, Genevieve Genevieve Gallagher Youth Services Librarian Orange County Public Library Orange, Virginia _________________________________________________________________ Shop online for kids' toys by age group, price range, and toy category at MSN Shopping. No waiting for a clerk to help you! http://shopping.msn.com ------------------------------ From: Georgi Sandgren <ivylane3@yahoo.com> To: pubyac <pubyac@prairienet.org> Subject: Captain Underpants MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2003 20:23:07 CST Our department is doing a Captain Underpants program in February and I was hoping for input from the list. (I did save Barbara Scott's very informative post from March 2002)I already have some ideas, and even a bib (though it is from 2000). If anyone has done such a program in the past or has any suggestions, please respond to me offlist. I will post a summary if there is interest. Georgi ===== Georgi Sandgren Children's Librarian East Islip Public Library 381 East Main Street East Islip, New York 11730-2896 631-581-9200 ext. 6 ivylane3@yahoo.com __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing. http://photos.yahoo.com/ ------------------------------ From: "Margaret Brown" <chbya@biblio.org> To: "'PUBYAC'" <PUBYAC@prairienet.org> Subject: Treasure/Scavenger Hunts Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2003 20:23:25 CST A while back I asked for ideas about library-based treasure and scavenger hunts that might work with my young adults. I received a few ideas which are listed below. If anyone has more inspirations, please send them along! Thanks. Margaret Brown Young Adult Librarian C.H. Booth Library 25 Main Street Newtown, CT 06470 (203)426-4533 chbya@biblio.org You might find "Can You Find It: 25 Library Scavenger Hunts to Sharpen Your Research Skills" useful. (Note -- by Randall McCutcheon) Every summer we do a scavenger hunt in the Children's Dept. as part of the summer reading program. We hide pictures of 6 objects that relate to the overall theme. The clue is a four line rhyme about the item that is hidden (like a riddle), and then there are directions that have to be followed to get to where the item is hidden. Each child is given a map with labels to help in decoding the information. Each item is hidden in a different part of the collection as a way to introduce children to all we have to offer. The kids love it! ------------------------------ From: "Lisa Crandall" <crandalll@cadl.org> To: <pubyac@prairienet.org> Subject: Anti-Valentine's Day teen activity MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2003 20:23:50 CST Hi all, I am in great need of your help. I remember a few months ago hearing about someone's anti-Valentine's Day teen program. I thought for sure that I had saved the message in my "teen program ideas" folder, but alas, when I opened it yesterday to look for it, it was not there. If anyone out there has done this or remembers hearing about someone else doing this, I would be very grateful for your input and ideas as to how to make one work here at my library. I am really looking forward to hearing from you! Thanks, Lisa Crandall Youth Services Librarian Holt-Delhi Library Capital Area District Library Holt, MI 48842 (517) 694-9351 crandalll@cadl.org ------------------------------ From: dlallie@tulsalibrary.org To: pubyac@prairienet.org Subject: out of bldg. programs MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2003 20:24:13 CST Go with storytelling...you can gear your stories for 1-2 graders, 3-5 graders, 6-7 graders.. Think about all the books you read for storytimes, you know some of those stories in your mind..make sure you have interaction with the 1-2 graders..a call and response, a chant..or a question like -what did LRRH say? Reply - grandma what big...you have. I find that storytelling reaches those children, they listen and don't get quite as distracted..waiting for the next story; just make sure the teacher stays with them..for any discipline that may occur..(some teachers think they can get a break when you come, very inappropriate on their part) but it can happen. If you don't want to start with storytelling, use booktalks for 3-5 graders..I have had great success with this on our state award reading list - I only do 4-6 books from the list and always include a non-fiction one as well. Good luck - Darla L'Allier, MLIS Hardesty Regional Library Children's Library Supervisor Territory Tellers of Oklahoma 918-250-7307 www.tulsalibrary.org ------------------------------ From: "Clemens, Mary" <mclemens@cslibrary.org> To: <pubyac@prairienet.org> Subject: DVD Packaging MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable content-class: urn:content-classes:message Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2003 20:24:37 CST Hello all, I know this topic came up for discussion once before. We would appreciate any input you might have regarding the following: =20 We are investigating options for packaging DVD's and wondered if any of = you had come up with solutions to avoid the high breakage. Not only are = DVD's more expensive than videotapes, they do not last as long, mainly = due to people/children breaking them when they take them out of the = cases (of course they get scratched and whatever too, but the main = problem seems to be the cases). Our Tech head is concerned about costs for time and material if we = repackage, but we are concerned about the high cost of the actual items = and the absence of these materials while we reorder, etc. Have you encountered this problem, and if so, what have you done to = remedy it? If you do repackage, what supplier do you use and which item = do you order? Please reply directly to me. If there is interest, I will post a = summary of responses to the list. Many thanks. Mary Clemens Children's Librarian mclemens@cslibrary.org Carol Stream Public Library 616 Hiawatha Drive Carol Stream, IL 60188 630.653.0755 =20 ------------------------------ From: "Alyson Naimoli" <anaimoli@vapld.info> To: <PUBYAC@prairienet.org> Subject: musical instrument crafts -- responses MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2003 20:24:56 CST Thanks to everyone who responded to my question about musical instrument crafts! Here are the replies: You can make a great tambourine out of two paper plates stapled together, leaving a small space to add lentils or rice, then complete the stapling. The plates can be decorated and they sound good too. We make toilet paper roll kazoos - you need a toilet paper or paper towel roll, a piece of wax paper, a hole puncher (you punch a hole in one end of the toilet paper roll) and a rubber band. You put the wax paper over one end of the toilet paper roll (the one with the hole), and attach it with the rubber band. The craft takes about 3 minutes if you don't have the kids decorate them, then you can all sing a song together with them - the other 7 minutes. Or, the kids can decorate and it'll take about 20 minutes....Or, cardboard box guitars - take an empty cardboard box (tissue boxes and shoeboxes work well), stretch some rubber bands around it, and strum away. A few minutes to make - more if the kids decorate them....I did this craft with the kids in my children's choir (grades 1-6) a few years ago. It's a bell craft. You will need plastic cups, bells, and chenille stems (pipe cleaners). We used clear plastic cups, gold bells and red pipe cleaners. Then using a green marker, we let the kids draw whatever they wanted on the cup....I had my husband drill holes in the bottom of the cups. He kept them stacked and used a long drill bit to punch through 15 or so at a time. Do this in the garage or you'll have plastic shavings everywhere. I took the pre-drilled cups and passed them out to the kids. They stuck one pipe cleaner through the hole, added the bell so it is on the inside of the cup, bent the pipe cleaner and pushed it back through the hole. They twisted the pipe cleaner to make a handle and to keep the bell from falling out....I think this craft would take about 10 min. and was very easy to do. And they could make "music" with the bell afterwards. How about making tambourines out of paper plates, dried beans and streamers? The kids could decorate the plates with crayons or stickers. Fill the plates with beans and staple together. Just an idea. Shakers....Cover a toilet paper tube with origami paper. It's the perfect size! Staple or tape one end shut. Put rice, beans, etc in the tube and staple the other end shut. It looks better if it is shut at right angles to the other end. Decorate with markers, stickers, streamers, etc. Easy, creative, and quick. Finish with "Shake your sillies out!" Alyson Naimoli Youth Services Librarian Vernon Area Public Library District (847) 634-3650 x186 http://www.vapld.info/ ------------------------------ From: "Rob Reid" <reid@ifls.lib.wi.us> To: <pubyac@prairienet.org> Subject: Re: the 'other' librarian - a positive image? Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2003 20:25:13 CST I once did a storytelling gig in Darien, Wisconsin for a librarian named Marion. Marion the Librarian in Darien. Rob Reid Youth Services/Special Needs Coordinator Indianhead Federated Library System 1538 Truax Blvd, Eau Claire, WI 54703 715-839-5082, ext. 14 Fax: 715-839-5151 reid@ifls.lib.wi.us ----- Original Message ----- From: "Arnold, Marion" <Marion.Arnold@ccc.govt.nz> To: <pubyac@prairienet.org> Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2003 3:25 AM Subject: RE: PUBYAC digest 1283 the 'other' librarian - a positive image? > It's quite funny having all this feedback about Marion the librarian being a > librarian called Marion. There are another five Marion's in our library > network as well. A self-fulfilling prophesy? > > -----Original Message----- > From: ccarey@trlib.org [mailto:ccarey@trlib.org] > Sent: Wednesday, 10 December 2003 20:30 > To: pubyac@prairienet.org > Subject: RE: PUBYAC digest 1283 the 'other' librarian - a positive > image? > > > If you are looking for an image of a librarian other than "Marian," you all > might be interested in the adult book, The Dewey Decimel System of Love by > Josephine Carr. <snip> > > ------------------------------ From: Donna Peasley <dpeasley@gateslibrary.org> To: "'pubyac@prairienet .org'" <pubyac@prairienet.org> Subject: hot and sexy male librarian Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2003 20:25:32 CST Regarding the hot and sexy male librarian: THE BOLD LIBRARIAN (Joy Rutherford) Oh, some, they like the sailor man When he comes back to shore, And some they like the beggar man That begs from door to door, And some, they like the soldier man With his musket and his can, But my delight can read and write, He's the bold librarian. Now, this librarian, he rode out all in the dewy morn, And he met with the farmer's daughter and loudly he blew his horn. "Come in my bold librarian, and I'll mek thee a pot of tea. Me father, and mother have gone to town and there's nobody here but me." "I have a book for your mother, dear, called, `Love that dare not speak,' And another for your old father called, `Gunfighters of Mustang Creek,' But nothing I have for you, my dear," this librarian did say, "But anything you shall request you shall have it right away." "OO'," said the farmer's daughter and she glowed all over with fire. "Is it true you can bring your readers anything they desire?" "Oh, yes," said the bold librarian, "Oh, yes, indeed I will. Take me up to your chamber and I'll show you my ... professional skill." So they went upstairs together and they laid down on the bed, And he faceted her in every detail from `A' unto `Zed', 'Til he couldn't classify her under maidens anymore. He said, "Such dynamic service you've never had before." Now this librarian he arose and he put on all his clothes, And out of his pocket he drew handfuls of gold, Saying, "Take this, my dearest Polly, for thee and thy baby. It really belongs to the Book Fund, but I'll give it all to thee." Oh come, my bold librarian and won't you marry me? Oh no, my dearest Polly, such things can never be, For married I am already to a quiet little thing. I've a first and second edition and a third coming out in spring. "But dost tha truly love me?" the farmer's daughter said. "What d'you mean," said the librarian, "Just because we've been to bed? In my most high profession love and sex cannot combine, [spoken] Because SEX is 612.6 and LOVE, which I classify under virtues not otherwise accounted for, is 179.9 Come all you pretty fair maids, this warning you must heed; You must marry some simple ploughboy who can neither write nor read. For he may be poor and humble, but he'll love you the best he can. And have naught to do with that roving blade who drives the library van. And if you should go for your holidays to that village on the border And you hear a lttle boy cal the cows in alphabetical order "Come up, Annie and Betty and Connie and...Daisy and Ethel and Fan" And then you will know it must be the son of the bold librarian. Copyright Joy Rutherford 1976 tune: Trad. Irish: Sullivan's John @sex @love @work @parody filename[ BOLDLIBR BR PLEASE NOTE: Because of the volunteer nature of The Digital Tradition, it is difficult to ensure proper attribution and copyright information for every song included. Please assume that any song which lists a composer is copyrighted ?. You MUST aquire proper license before using these songs for ANY commercial purpose. If you have any additional information or corrections to the credit or copyright information included, please e-mail those additions or corrections to us (along with the song title as indexed) so that we can update the database as soon as pos ------------------------------ From: "Ellie Teaford" <eteaford@kendallvillelibrary.org> To: <pubyac@prairienet.org> Subject: Employment Opportunity Kendallville, IN Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2003 20:25:56 CST Youth Services Librarian Kendallville, IN The Kendallville Public Library seeks professional, innovative, = enthusiastic leader with proven success working with teens and children = to head the Children's and Young Adult department. Candidate will manage = busy and vibrant youth services departments at the Kendallville and = Limberlost Public Libraries and work with an energetic and motivated = staff. Responsible for collection development, children's reference and = reader advisory as well as oversees programming for toddlers through = teens. Also responsible for all administrative duties including hiring, = evaluating and scheduling for a staff of four. Opportunity to be = involved in planning a new library building for the community. Works 40 = hours per week which includes one evening and weekend hours as = scheduled. Kendallville is a small town in northeastern Indiana with = its own lake within the city limits. The service population is 16,000+. = =20 Qualifications : Master's degree in Library Science required. 3-5 years = of experience preferred. Excellent customer services skills, knowledge = of children's literature, computer competency a must. Salary: range $27,000-$33,000 based on experience. Excellent benefits. Contact: Send letter of interest and resume to: Janice DeLong, Business = Manager, Kendallville Public Library, 126 W. Rush St., Kendallville, IN = 46755 or email jdelong@kendallvillelibrary.org ------------------------------ From: "Josh lachman" <Jlachman@ci.berkeley.ca.us> To: <PUBYAC@prairienet.org> Subject: compilation of toddler control responses (long) Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Disposition: inline Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2003 20:26:20 CST Hi Pubyacers, Here is a compilation of the ideas about controlling toddlers in storytimes= . There seems to be two different philosophies about registration: One = school of thought says keep the program completely open on a drop in basis = to accomodate everyone, especially those who don't have it together to = register. The other school of thought says to keep the program small and = manageable to give a quality experience to those who attend (and lock out = any latecomers!!) Thanks for all who sent replies. Hi Josh, We live in an area with the highest birth rate in the state, so our toddler times are just mobbed sometimes. It's not ideal, but we'd rather have 80 people in the room (that's parents and toddlers) than turn people away. We just let the toddlers do what toddlers do, which often includes running around like little maniacs. We hope the parent will reign them in if they get to out of control, but this doesn't always happen. So, when they start pulling my flannels down, grabbing my puppets, or (as happened once) a little horde of them starts moving around the trash can and banging on it loudly, I feel I have the right to "redirect" them, shall we say. Usually as soon as I say, "oh, let's not move the trash can," the parents are sort of shamed into acting. But for the most part, the kids just do what they will. We find that toddler time is much more of a performance than preschool is--there's not as much interaction with toddlers, but then again, hopefully they're interacting with their parents. And they still seem to have a good time. Let's face it, most 2 year olds just aren't wired so that they can sit still for long periods of time. A good round of finger poppin or Wheels on the Bus or a really fun pop-up book can often bring them back, though. Hope this helps--I know I find the toddlers a little trickier than other ages. Jami Ingledue, Librarian Hilliard Branch, Columbus Metropolitan Library I have a partner, (actually the library director) who identifies the = problem children in the room and becomes their best friend. Maybe you can = inlist the help of another library employee of a parent who can stop = situations before they get out of control.=20 At church during one of the children's programs for three, four and five = year-olds when things get out of control the leader closers his/her eyes = and recites "I'm going to count to five, let me see the best kids alive. = 1-2-3-4-5" When the leader's open's his/her eyes the kids are expected to = be sitting criss cross applesauce with hands in their laps and mouth's = closed. You wouldn't think something so simple would work, but it does. = Hopes this helps. Suzanne Kirk Children's Services Henry County Public Library 172 Eminence Terrace Eminence KY 40019 Are the parents in the room with the toddlers? If so, a quick lap jog (Father, Mother and Uncle John, or Criss Cross Applesauce) usually settles things down, or try singing a short familiar song, like "Twinkle, Twinkle." This usually quiets the young ones right down, and you can get in another story. I'm not one for tossing toddlers out! :o) Pat Rainey Brunswick Community Library The only time I would have 30 toddlers in one program is for a special = individual program, like Halloween or another holiday. Even when they're = not dressed in costumes like at Halloween it becomes what I affectionately= refer to as "crazy time". Our regular storytimes for young ones (Little = Listeners for one-year-olds--don't let the name fool you--and Tales for = Twos and Threes), I limit the registration. =20 Even with smaller groups they can get a bit crazy. I personally think = that anyone who wants to do a toddler program and expects them to sit at = any time, is setting themselves and the toddlers (not to mention the = parents) up for a bad experience. This is not to say that the children = may not decide to sit down at some point in the program, but to expect it = or try to enforce it is not realistic. It goes against the nature of this = age group. =20 Working with children in this age group requires a person who is able to = let go and relax, in my opinion. My goal with these programs is simply to = get the kids and the parents to enjoy coming to the library. I do ask = parents at the beginning of the program to take their children out of the = room if they are "upset" (meaning crying, screaming, or tantrums) and also = if they're doing something that is hurting or could potentially hurt = somebody.=20 Hope this helps! Sincerely,=20 Clare Meehan Carol Stream Public Library Carol Stream, IL Hi Josh, I think the problem is "30 or more toddlers". From my experience = that just way too many. I assume their parent or caregiver is also attending and that many folks just tends to be overwhelming. Drop in programs are great but I'd really suggest a pre-registratin with a enrollment limit--maybe 15 toddlers plus waiting list. I try to be as positive as possible with setting behavior rules = after the groups start. I find that building in both structure and acceptance works best. Good luck! First off, you limit toddler storytimes to no more than 10-15 per a = session. Even if you have to do 2 sessions, that is much more controlable = than 30! =20 Secondly, where are the parents? They should be in the session with the = child, and watching the child. At the beginning of the session announce = to the parents that they should watch the child and if their toddlers are = too disruptive, that they should take the toddler out and come back = another time when he or she is better able to handle it. The parents = should be participating in the storytime with the toddler. =20 Thirdly, the actual storytime for toddlers shouldn't last more than 20 = minutes. Even if you've slated the program for 30 minutes). That is = about all that you are going to get out of them. Then they are ready to = do something else. You have to gage your audience and know when to cut a = story short or leave it out alltogether. =20 You also have to vary your presentation with stretches and fingerplays in = between the stories. Restless tots may need to pretend to be a cat or = something before the next cat story. (The parents should be on the floor = pretending to be cats, too). If you do a quick, simply craft, it should = be at the end where they can take it and leave. It's okay if one or two of them don't pay attention, and run over to the = corner. If they stay too long, the parents shold be bringing them back. = Keep your stories short and sweet. Board books are perfect, although big = books and large books are better for everyone to see. Use felt boards and = stick puppets and keep everything moving. your storytime should be so = organized that they don't have time to stop paying attention. (They might = miss something). =20 Good Luck. This has been from my experience. I hope this helps. =20 Hi,=20 In response to your recent posting on PUBYAC, my initial reaction is that = 30=20 toddlers is far too many to try reach in one session. My library limits = it=20 12 participants plus caregiver and assorted younger/older siblings. We=20 offer a 9:30 and a 10:30 session on Thursday mornings. Below you will = find=20 information we provide for our patrons on our website as well as in = flyers=20 at the library. Hope this helps.=20 Time for Twos Storytime Way Public Library offers Time for Twos periodically throughout the year = for=20 a limited number of weeks. Because these programs are so popular, it is=20 necessary to register before each series. The child must be 24 months to = 35=20 months of age in order to participate. Registration may be completed = online,=20 or at the library. Phone registrations are not accepted and group sizes = are=20 limited.=20 What is Time for Twos? Time for Twos offers the two year old an opportunity to learn by = sharing,=20 listening, and repetition. Our program focuses on a book-oriented=20 experience, which covers a wide range of excellent children's literature.= =20 Boys and girls, along with a parent or caregiver, will listen to stories = and=20 participate in songs, finger games, and have fun. These sessions are = meant=20 to enhance, not take the place of, reading aloud at home.=20 For many children this will be their first group experience. In order = to=20 have a successful program, we offer these suggestions to parents and=20 caregivers:=20 This is a special time for you and your child. If you must bring = siblings=20 along, we ask that they remain attentive during the storytime and do = not=20 create a disruption.=20 Make an effort to be on time. We begin promptly, and children should = not=20 come into storytime after we have begun. Children are easily distracted = and=20 latecomers become the focus of attention.=20 There will be nametags for your child. They will help everyone become=20 acquainted and feel at ease.=20 If it becomes clear to you that your child does not want to be in the=20 program, please leave the room and plan to try again next week.=20 Try to attend as regularly as possible. Activities progress from week = to=20 week.=20 Toys, small trinkets, and food should remain at home.=20 You will be asked to sit on the floor with the child in front of you = and=20 participate in the activities and assist the child as needed.=20 =20 With your help, we can develop and nurture your toddler's love of books = and=20 the Library. The staff will be happy to assist you with selection of = books=20 or other library services. Please remember: Reading aloud is the best=20 thing you can do to give your child a strong beginning.=20 Mother Goose Time Welcome to Mother Goose Time! This is a Storytime program for 12 - 24 = month=20 old children along with a caregiver, which is offered several times a = year=20 at Way Library. Each session lasts 15 - 20 minutes. The program = involves=20 active participation and interaction between the child, the caregiver, and = a=20 member of the library staff. So please join in, have fun, and don't be=20 afraid to get down and boogie!=20 We will be reading short stories, singing songs, doing fingerplays, = learning=20 nursery rhymes, and even dancing. Don't worry if you can't carry a tune = or=20 move and groove. Just have fun with that darling baby.=20 Puppets, flannel board stories, books, and a few homemade props will be = used=20 for various activities. There will be much repetition as that is what = works=20 with children of this age. Don't be surprised when we repeat some of = the=20 same songs and fingerplays at each session.=20 Don't be concerned if your child would rather observe than participate. = =20 He/She will still be enjoying the activities. We know little ones = wander=20 around the room and that's all right. We will just go with the flow.=20 We will begin promptly so please make every effort to be on time. Also, = as=20 much as we like to think of the library as a safe place, we must = remember=20 that it is a public building and a watchful eye must be kept on your=20 children at all times.=20 We hope you and your toddler have an enjoyable experience.=20 Linda K. Rutz Youth Services Librarian Way Public Library Perrysburg, OH 43551 419.974.3135 ext 114 Hi! I never expect toddlers to sit. Some do, many don't. What I might do in = your situation, however, is to offer two consecutive, repeated toddler = times, in order to cut the crowd in half. =20 I really don't think it's possible to impose behavior standards on a group = of toddlers & moms other than to ask that the moms not allow them to carry = anything into the program, which does help some. Good luck!! -- Kathy Percoco Youth Services Librarian Clark Public Library 303 Westfield Avenue Clark, NJ 07066 I'm a little proactive -- I announce expectations to the parents at the beginning (to encourage lap-sitting) and try to make the program short, engaging, and interactive enough to hold their attention. I ask that parents remove clearly unhappy or noisy toddlers from the room, but tend = to put up with some movement. Carol Levin 144 Smoke Rise Road Bedminster NJ 07921 You may be thinking of our Storytime Volunteer Handbook and Theme Handbook, which can be found on our website, http://www.wcls.org Click on the Teachers button and look under Preschool. We're having trouble with the site right now. If it doesn't load, try again another time. I hope it will be fixed soon. Catherine Sarette Whatcom County Library System Bellingham, WA . josh - is there any way you can get that number -30- smaller? if you have that many toddlers you have to double the body count to 60 to include their caregivers - add to that strollers, older + younger sibs and no wonder there's chaos you poor thing! - lower your numbers down even if you have to break it up into two sessions of 15 each - and don't forget, toddlers are not going to sit and listen for any length of time - offer 20 min of singing, stories, fingerplays, etc and end with 20+ min of socializing for the tots + moms - the thing that saves me is multiple copies of the story - each mom+tot have a copy in their lap to read along with me - do lots with music + movement - they're going to move anyway so keep it interesting for them ( and you ) - at times i have a toddler walk off from the group, as long as mom, dad, etc goes too i just continue on - i guess i've been lucky that there's never really disruptive behavior like books being thrown, just wandering + inquisitive behavior mostly - i just redirect and sometimes take my que from them and redirect myself! stop pulling your hair out - this can be fun actually! ~gayle byrne~ killingworth library We make the program very, very interactive and simple to try to hold their interest. We require parents to be present with their toddlers. Before or after the program, we explain to parents that listening is a skill, so that in the beginning their child might only be able to listen = 10 or 15 minutes of the 25 minute program and that they are free to get up = and leave at whatever point their child cannot sit and listen anymore. We still have a certain amount of restlessness, but it is controled by parents. You may already be doing all of this. Some days are very successful and others are restless when you are dealing with toddlers. We have between 15 and 51 toddlers plus parents! We often have 30-35 toddlers. Just once did we have 51. I usually do preschool programs and school visits. I fill in for toddler. The librarian who does todder is great with them. They love her and watch her intently, most days... Renee Austin Children's Librarian Napa City-County Library Hi Josh ... I have one word that answers this ........ parent participation= ! We found things in our little story time moving towards difficulties in = the way you mention. We ended up printing out a one page storytime sheet that = is given to parents. Its brief and the approach positive, not punitive at = all. The main point is how to participate in storytime so the child gets the = most out of it. Parents that sit with their kids, sing and do the actions help their children learn the routine of storytime and increase the learning = and fun aspect of it for all. The side effects are obvious, kids at the reach and control of their parents and a little more managability for the storyteller who is NOT there to babysit or regulate the group, but to tell the storys and guide the fun. We also did a little sign up with name tags for all, though there is no fee or pre-registration, just to make it a little less casual for attendees. Never once expelled a tot from storytime,= though parents sometimes leave of their own accord with a loud screamer/weeper/difficult situation. And are you making sure you shake the sillies out with some actions songs? Another thing, that one of my instructors once taught me, was to make sure somewhere in the middle there is a song, story, action play that involves whispering or very quiet talk = as part of it. Its interesting how being quiet from the storytellers = direction brings a hush to the crowd, too. Hope this quicky helps! Terrill Scott Fraser Valley Regional Library British Columbia Canada Josh, if you don't post the response to the list could you share the responses with me? I often have 30-40 kids at storytime, recently I had 48! More often than not I just try go with the flow of the chaos and not let it get to me, and enjoy the free for all as long as kids are happy. If a toddler is standing and wandering, making it hard for others to see I will instruct them to sit. I always make sure to have lots of active music, fingerplays or action type poems to intersperse for breaks. I also have storytime in an area where there can be a free flow in and out of restless toddlers and parents. I always make a point of stressing that it's okay to leave the group and come back when ready to sit at the beginning of storytime. It's definitely a challenge. =20 Good luck, Maren Wilbur Youth Service Librarian Carver County Library System Hi, I find that the best way to avoid really chaotic storytimes is prevention. = First of all, I regularly review my behavior expectations at the = beginning of storytime. This is primarily for the benefit of the adults. = I tell parents to please "feel free" take their child out if he/she is = having difficulty listening and to bring them back later in the storytime, = and I explain that we want everyone to have a good storytime experience. And at the beginning of every storytime, I remind "Moms and dads and = grandmas and grandpas and helpers" to "Please put on your listening ears = and set a good example for your boys and girls." Then I ask the children = to put on their listening ears. Lots of times, the noise level is bad = because PARENTS are talking during the storytime. =20 I also am lucky in having a separate area for storytime, which really = helps limit distractions such as play areas, book browsing patrons, etc. = =20 Next, I try to have a fast-paced storytime with age appropriate materials, = lots of interaction, and a variety of activities to keep their interest. = I get them moving after every story. I use a variety of props and = flannelboard items, and I play the guitar and sing with them. If the = storytime is too slow, I have found, I lose them. When that happens, I = close the book, say "the end" and move on to something else. =20 After doing all I can to prevent behavior problems, I will nicely ask the = children to "please, sit down", "tell me AFTER storytime," and "please = have mommy hold that toy/book/whatever until after storytime," as needed. = =20 If after all that, I still have a child who cannot settle down or is = crying and the parent will not remove the child, I will politely ask them = to remove the child until he/she is calm and/or able to listen again. I = think it is not fair to the other children, parents or myself to allow = disruptive behaviors during storytime. =20 When I am clear about my expectations and consistant in enforcing them, I = have fewer problems. Although, it is also best to remember that a little = chaos is normal when working with toddlers, babies and preschoolers. = Good luck! =20 Karla Frost Children's Librarian East Branch Library 2255 Main Street Green Bay, WI 54302 (920) 391-4600 BC_Library_East@co.brown.wi.us=20 Hi Josh, One of the things we do is to limit attendance to a maximum of 20 2-year-olds plus a parent or caregiver. Our storyroom has a posted fire limit of 43 which gives us some support when parents ask why we limit. = When attendance grows, as it has this fall, we institute registration for an 8-week session. We'll be registering soon for Jan & Feb. If we consistently had a waiting list of 15 names I would discuss the possibility= of adding another session with our director. =20 The registration form is very brief but this is on the back (notes in parenthesis tell you our reasons for including them): =20 Tips for Parents Welcome to Toddler Time, a story time for children 24 to 35 months old = with a parent or care giver. Toddler Time introduces young children to stories presented in a group setting within the lap of parental security. This story time provides an early social experience while helping to develop language, stimulate imagination and promote listening skills. But most importantly, it makes books fun! =20 * Due to safety considerations and space limitations please leave strollers in the car. Strollers cannot be parked inside the story room or near the entrance to the room. (This takes away the distraction of = anything in the stroller that the child may want. I will let them park strollers near my office away from the storyroom.) * Please turn off all cell phones and pagers before entering the = story room. (We just added this, I thought it was too obvious but my staff requested we include it.) * Please bring only two-year old children to Toddler Time. Babies = and older children will focus our attention away from toddlers. Many story times for older children are offered at the library. Please ask children's= staff for details. (We can't enforce this but we encourage it.) * Arrive a few minutes early to find nametags and settle in the = story room. Toddler Time will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. and lasts approximately 20 minutes. * Adults are an important part of this story time. We hope you will join in with songs and finger plays and assist your child in participating.= Keeping your child in your lap or sitting next to you will help them stay focused on the stories and activities. (We're trying to politely = encourage parents to keep their children from wandering around the room.) * Check books out after story time to share at home. A selection of theme-related books will be offered in the story room.=20 I hope some of this is helpful. Renee Tobin Senior Librarian=20 Rancho Cucamonga Public Library Hi Josh. If you have a registration based program you may want to split = the group of 30 children into two groups of 15 that meet at separate times. = With toddlers I find the smaller the group, the better. Is the program a = lapsit? With my toddlers, I fully expect the individual parent to control the = childer sto during the program. If they don't, I have no problem approaching them = after the program to discuss appropriate behavior for future storyhours. = Limiting the length of the program to 25-30 minutes helps as well, as attention = span is very limited for most 2 year olds! Hope this helps. Jennifer Jennifer Kelly-Maloney maloney@palsplus.org Hi, Josh-- I register 15 toddlers and their parents for each storytime session, which = is made up of 6 to 8 weekly storytimes. I currently have 2 sessions going = on different days. I've found that our toddlertime is best when I limit = the numbers. There is a certain amount of chaos with this age group, and = you may count on parents to control some of it. However, limiting each = storytime to 15 has helped, and I think that both children and parents get = more out of the storytime. Celeste Fong Librarian Ontario City Library Colony High Branch 3850 E. Riverside Drive Ontario, CA 91761-2603 Phone: 909-395-2250 cmfong@ci.ontario.ca.us=20 To a certain extent toddler storytimes are controlled chaos. There are a = couple of techniques that can help, however. Keep the storytime moving at = a good clip; don't spend very long explaining stories, themes, etc. Have a = set routine or ritual, especially a beginning ritual: this might be a = fingerplay, a puppet friend, certain music, etc. But it should be a quiet = routine to help the children get focused on what is going to happen. At = our library parents and caregivers stay with the children, infact, they = sit on the floor with their children. Keep the story part of the storytime = considerably under thirty minutes. For the rest of the half hour, games, a = small craft, or just time for the children and adults to interact is good. = We have puzzles and things for the children and parents to work with. Use = as many different types of ways to present your stories as possible. This = age child really enjoys flannel board presentations; these do not have to = be elaborate. Rhymes are good done as fingerplays or songs. And lots of = movement; use large muscle movements. Exaggerate fingerplays you might do = as only small muscle movements; for instance, rather that just using your = fingers to do the Itsy Bitsy Spider, stand and use your whole body, etc. = But the most important thing is to relax and have fun with this age child. = They are so eager and bursting to learn and with new things learned that = it's hard not to have fun when doing toddler storytimes. Jeannette Whitworth Children's Librarian Snohomish Public Library, Sno-Isle Regional Library System jwhitworth@sno-isle.org We hold six week long session storytimes. At week one, I hand out a a welcome to the storytime handbook of sorts. It consists of a page ofwords to some of the fingerplays being used, a page of simple crafts, a page of book suggestions, and a page of rules. The rules are very zimple. We request the parents put all food away (unless the child has to have it), that the paretns participate as much as the child, etc. We also mention two important things. We say if the child begins to cry or be other wise dispruptive, that we suggest that they take the child out of the room for a moment and then come back in. We also ask that they themselves refrain from any conversations during the storytime. This is a great example for the little ones. I also have found that simply stopping and waiting for the quiet to resume works. I have yet to have much success in keeping them seated and tend not to make them stay seated. Hope that helps Natalie =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D Natalie Korsavidis Youth Services Librarian Farmingdale Public Library Hi Josh, I've done toddler tales for 10 years now and I've learned just to put up with the inevitable noise and chaos that results from having several very young children in the same area. I do have a hand out for parents that ask them to remove their child if the child gets noisy, upset, "sad", etc. I sometimes feel that parents wish it were quieter but really I think it's very natural for kids to be loud when they are having fun. :) --Tracey Your's is a common problem. I've been working with toddlers for three = year's=20 now and I still don't have the answer. One thing my instructor from = library=20 school taught me was that sometimes when you lower your voice when reading = a=20 story, the parents will quiet each other down. A strange tactic that = works.=20 However, I realized that if nobody realizes that I can't be heard, I = just=20 wrap the program up and say 'we'll try again next week" ------------------------------ End of PUBYAC Digest 1285 *************************
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