STORYTIME STRUCTURE
- Intro Song/Fingerplay/Movement Activity
Examples of Songs: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadAloud/playlists
Always use the SAME one! - 1st Book
During the reading, ask questions that encourage students to connect with the story. This promotes language development and conversation. - Song/Fingerplay/Movement Activity
A fun song (or TWO!): https://www.youtube.com/@ReadAloud/playlists or activity helps keep energy high and engagement strong. It is helpful for children if you repeat the same songs from week to week. - 2nd Book
Do not worry if the children want to share their thoughts during the story. It is a valuable part of their learning process. - Goodbye Song/Fingerplay/Movement Activity. Use always the same one: https://www.youtube.com/@
ReadAloud/playlists
Although you only read two books during storytime, leave the entire set (4–5 books) in the classroom for the children to enjoy until your next visit.
Resources for Readers
- How Read Aloud Books Circulate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=eesEmw1DQ_g&t=2s - Example of Storytime REAL session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=wlaa0N58chk - Read Aloud Training Fall 2025 with all the slides and links: https://docs.google.com/
presentation/d/1FYI_ BFxlKbDe4pS7wkdJWrSQpnKlZivor- _iSAZBh2E/edit?usp=sharing - Read Aloud Youtube Channel with songs, fingerplays, tips, how to use props…: https://www.youtube.com/
readaloud - Volunteer Resources that include booklists, ideas for books, requesting props…: https://www.denverlibrary.org/
kids/readaloud/volunteer- resources
Expectations for a Great Experience for Kids
For Classroom Staff
-Talk with each other before the first visit to:
-Participate alongside children—especially by sitting with them—to boost engagement and model involvement. Support movement and singing activities by joining in.
-While the volunteer reads, sit with the children to model listening, join in with actions, and help keep them engaged.
-Support participation by connecting books to classroom content, managing turn-taking, and redirecting distractions.
-During the week, make use of Read Aloud Books in the classroom as you please; reread the books that were shared and discover the ones that were not presented by the volunteer. Feel free to make them accessible to the kids during the week.
-Offer feedback and share best practices with the reader.
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For Readers
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READING THE BOOK STRAIGHT THROUGH, WITHOUT PAUSING FOR DISCUSSION, IS NOT DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE FOR THIS AGE GROUP
– Creating conversation around what’s happening on different pages keeps children engaged and connecting to the story