A recent ALSC blog post by educator and researcher Tess Prendergast examines research that has been published around digital media use with preschoolers. While the research was done pre-COVID, it has some valuable insights for storytimes presented virtually and in person. It helps answer the question on whether virtual storytimes are meaningful for preschoolers.
She writes "As children’s library workers, we have all tangled with questions and concerns about young children and digital media. What helps and supports child development? What distracts and detracts from their learning? What information do parents and caregivers find helpful as they make decisions? If you are asking these questions, that’s a great sign – you care about the kids and families in your communities!"
Tess then goes on to explore the research done that shines a light on how virtual storytime is impactful for children.
To read this thoughtful post, stop here. [To Virtual Storytime and Back Again: What Recent Research Can Tell Us. Prendergat, Tess. ALSC blog. June 19, 2022]
And just a reminder, ALSC published a free online Virtual Storytime Services Guide at the beginning of the pandemic. It still has great information to help you when doing any virtual programs!
