Free Archived Singing and STEM Training Webinars

Cathy Lancaster, Youth Services Coordinator at the Library of Michigan writes:

"Below are 2 of the new webinars I’ve offered in the past couple of weeks. Feel free to share them with your libraries – the links to handouts are displayed at the start and finish of each webinar. Our Childhood Trauma in a Time of Crisis should be available soon… Future webinars will all be archived, too, for out-of-state folks to access as I need to save seats for Michigan library staff on the live ones."

Singing Our Way to Literacy!
Singing with children is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to increase reading and writing readiness. It also serves as “Storytime Glue.” You don't have to sing well to share music with kids - you just need give yourself permission!  Join, Storyteller and Narrative Consultant, Jenifer Strauss for a webinar filled with rhythms, rhymes, songs and silliness. Learn to use simple rhythm instruments and props to move and groove with kids. Discover how singing refines auditory discrimination and sequencing, improves listening skills, creates phonological awareness, print awareness, enriches vocabulary and uplifts our mood! (Recorded 04/24/2020) 

Motion! with Longway Planetarium’s Laurie Bone
In this STEM training, Longway Planetarium’s Laurie Bone will provide background information about forces and motion, and share connections to the Next Generation Science Standards.  Some easy, tried and true activities that you can do virtually with your patrons using everyday household items will be demonstrated.  Webinar participants will also receive links to information sheets that support each activity so that you can create a “Motion” STEM program, either in the library or virtually, for your families. (Recorded 04/28/2020)

These programs are supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Thanks to Tessa Michaelson Schmidt for the share!

WLA YSS Sessions in Short: Sing, Sing a Storytime

Sing, Sing a Storytime: Integrating Music into your Storytime

Thursday, October 19, 2017     3:45-4:30

Lori Bell

Lori began by telling us the significance of music as a learning tool. She shared a myriad of resources for music. Even if they were familiar, it was great refresher. I know I was saying to myself, “I should dust off___________and get that back into my storytimes.” She showed us how you do not need to be an expert at an instrument but can still introduce it to the children and play a few chords. (Great idea for next summer’s reading theme: “Rock and Read”!)  She showed us a really smart way to keep patrons engaged and keep yourself organized. For every storytime she creates a PowerPoint! She has the lyrics incorporated and then caregivers and kids can follow along (even if they are not reading, they can associate words with sounds)

Author: Elizabeth Timmins

Talk, Read, and Sing Together Every Day: Tips for Families

Resources for early literacy information abound, but I just discovered a new one that has a wonderful handout to share with parents and caregivers of babies and toddlers. Right now, I'd like to share it with you! You can view and download it HERE.


More resources and information can be found at the Talking is Teaching website.

'"Talking is Teaching: Talk, Read, Sing" is a public awareness and action campaign that helps parents recognize their power to boost their children’s early brain and vocabulary development through simple, everyday actions - like describing things while walking outside, or singing songs together during bath time. Using books, parent videos, text messaging, social media, and information from expert partners, Talking is Teaching empowers parents and caregivers with fun and easy ways to improve their babies' learning.' (from http://talkingisteaching.org/about)

2016 CLEL Bell Award Winners

 Looking for great books that incorporate the five early literacy practices: Read, Write, Sing, Play, Talk?  Look no further than the recently announced CLEL Bell Award Winners!  Each year the Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy (CLEL) short-lists 25 picture book titles, with 5 final winners.  The categories reflect the 5 early literacy practices emphasized in libraries.  Too see the winners and explore the short lists, click HERE.   

Bookmarks for Early Literacy Practices with Babies

Saroj Ghoting, an early childhood literacy consultant and author of several books about storytimes, shared a link on the ALSC listserv to a set of downloadable bookmarks to share with parents and other caregivers. The bookmarks have tips that cover the early literacy practices of talk, sing, read, and play. Developed by the Family Reading Partnership, the bookmarks are available here.