How to Handle Adults in Storytime

Storytimes can be a time of great fun - and sometimes some trepidation. And grown-ups can definitely by the source!

In a recent ALC blog post, Liz Purdy wrote:  "All children’s librarians have been there. You’re at the front of the room, trying to interest a group of preschoolers in a carefully curated selection of storytime books and songs, and rhymes. But there’s a current of conversation coming from a corner of the room. Is it a parent interacting with their child? No! It’s two adults carrying on a conversation with one another without regard to the disruption they are causing.

Or how about this one? You’ve put on a song, and it is dance time! But wait! There are at least five caregivers who are glued to their phones. You try to make eye contact, but you’re not on their radar at all. It’s so frustrating!  We expect inattention from children. It is developmentally appropriate. But adults are a whole different matter."

Then Liz lists a number of helpful tips and strategies to help you re-direct those grown-ups in a warm, helpful and supportive way.

Check out those tips here. [Essential Storytime Skills: Handling Grown-ups. Purdy, Liz. ALSC blog. February 19, 2023.]