Storytime Props

Image by Kerstin Riemer from Pixabay

The most recent post from Jbrary 'Props I Want to Try in Storytime' by Lindsey Krabbenhoft caught my
eye, especially after the discussion we had at the Middaay Mingle about stretchy bands and other non-traditional storytime props (catch up on the Midday Mingle here). 

Krabbenhoft names stretchy bands, canopy scarfs, rings, pool noodles, and feathers as props to try in storytime and includes some context and/or embedded videos to demonstrate how each could be used.  I've seen the pool noodle dancing videos across my own socials recently and would love to give it a try. Looks like a cute option for a Music & Movement storytime! 

Stop here to see the full post. [Props I Want to Try in Storytime. Krabbenhoft, Lindsey. Jbrary. September 22, 2025.]

Have you used any of these props in storytime? Please share your experience and any tips/tricks that worked for you!

Jbrary's Professional Development Recommendations

It's a good day when there is a new post on the Jbrary blog, as Lindsey Krabbenhoft, author, does not disappoint! This week, Lindsey shares what she is reading and watching to keep her professional development sharp. Check out the blog post to find resources to read and watch, covering topics from teen engagement to intellectual freedom to diverse and accessible library offerings.

From jbrary.com

Digital Storytimes - You Do You!

Katherine Schoofs, Aram (WI) Public Library does a Snuggly Storytime

Many of us are doing storytimes; sharing a book; or talking directly with our kids and families through the use of Facebook Live or youtube. If you are doing these storytimes, it's really important to remember, there is no right way. 

Find what you are comfortable with, what fits your kids best and what you think connects books and you to the kids in whatever format or style. Your presence is reassuring and your sharing and connection remotely is the most important thing.  You can do it live; you can record it ahead. You decide. 

If you want to see sample storytimes or find resources to inspire you, there is no better place than Jbrary's Storytime Online Resources post which is constantly updated with new links and sample digital storytimes. You can also find links at the end of this post under "Online Storytimes" that can help you decide what you are going to do. 

No matter what you do, make it your own and DO NOT FEEL PRESSURE. Even a reassuring few words to the kids can make a huge difference. You are an important grown-up in their lives - a "helper" that Mr. Rogers encouraged children to seek out.

I love the comment Jess, a librarian, put on an earlier COVID-19 series Youth Services Shout-out blog post: She wrote: "I did a live story and craft last week and have now slowly settled into a routine of prerecording and posting a video for the younger kids once a week and a video for the older kids once a week and likely a song and sign once a week. I think my biggest struggle has been just not feeling efficient. It takes me just as much time to plan a 15 minute segment as my usual 45-60 minute programs. And also comparing what I'm doing to other librarians.

So, things I tell myself about every half hour when I'm "clocked in":
It is ok if what I'm doing looks different from what other librarians are doing.
It is ok if what I am doing takes me longer than usual.
It is ok to take more breaks in my day and to remember to just breathe.

I can't stop, because I honestly feel that library work is important to my community. And I know I'm not the only librarian who is passionate about this. So whatever little things we can do to keep our heads and carry on are really important. Definitely take care of yourself and of those around you so we can keep doing the beautiful, magical things we do in the world!"

So you do you and it will be wonderful!

Virtual Storytimes YSS blog COVID-19 series:

• Online Storytime Creation Tools  11/18/20
• Flipgard, Fanfare and Friends: Celebrity Storytime  9/23/20
• ALSC Virtual Storytime Guide is Out!  6/11/20
• Getting Started with Virtual Storytimes  5/27/20
• “How to Do a Virtual Storytime” Webinars 4/13/20
• Tips on Doing Online Storytimes During COVID-19 Closures 3/16/20; updated 3/20/20
• Storytime Goes Digital 3/20/20
• Digital Storytimes- You Do You! 3/31/20
• Digital Storytime, Screen Time and Intentionality – Oh My 4/6/20
• Facebook Live Online Storytime Tips 3/24/20
• Fixing "My Book is Backwards in Online Storytime!" on iPhone 3/22/20

Permissions (Books, Authors and Music) YSS blog COVID-19 series:

• Many Children’s Books COVID-19 Publisher Permissions Extended  6/24/20
• Virtual Storytime – Tips on Fair Use & Kids’ Privacy 5/4/20
• Want Permission? Current Info on Publishers and Authors 3/22/20; updated 4/23/20
•       Music Permissions? Look No Further  3/27/20; updated 3/31/20

Who Knew "Baby Shark Song" Could Save a Life?

Lifehacker shared an article about how kids can learn the CPR chest compression rate (100-120 beats per minute) with the kid-friendly Baby Shark Song.   Read more about it here.

Learning from Others

Dana and Lindsey who blog at Jbrary consistently share quality songs, ideas and resources for librarians serving youth. Their July 13, 2016 post focuses on a list of the non-librarian bloggers that inspire them with ideas, practices, booklists, and hands-on activities. See it for yourself HERE.

Pixabay image

Send your suggestions for blogs that inspire your programs and services to Wisconsin youth and your community to Sarah at scournoyer (at) mwfls (dot) org for a future Youth Services Shout-out post.

Toddler Storytime: Songs to Get the Wiggles Out

The geniuses at Jbrary bring us some great insight into Toddler Storytime and "moving, grooving, and putting all that squirmy toddler energy to good use."

Lindsay notes that "a toddler’s physical development is closely tied to their literacy development. It’s unfair of us to expect them to sit still for a 30-minute storytime, and I always let caregivers know it’s okay if their toddler moves around as long as the caregiver keeps them clear of my storytime supplies."  She then goes on to list her favorite songs/rhymes that incorporate movement into Toddler Storytime.  To explore the list and read the rest of her post, click HERE.

Songs for Storytimes

We know that singing is one of the early literacy practices along with talking, writing, reading, and playing. So where do you find new songs for your storytimes?

Looking for new songs? Want some ideas for incorporating songs into your storytime? Jbrary.com has videos of songs, including rhythm stick ideas and some signing on their YouTube channel. Jbrary is the creation of two children's librarians from Canada, Dana and Lindsey, who've assembled a library of storytime resources and even categorized them for us. How about this one called Five Elephants in the Bathtub: A Storytime Flannel Song?