StoryTime
It is more than just reading. It's about preparing our kids for their future.
Early Literacy Skills
Early literacy refers to the development of skills children need in order to transition from learning to read, to reading to learn. These skills include vocabulary, phonics, language and numeracy. Early literacy gives students the foundation they need in order to learn and grow. StoryTimes are designed to introduce and practice these skills not only through reading, but fingerplays, manipulatives and songs as well. Our StoryTime sessions are for children 0-5 years old.
1,000 Things Before Kindergarten
Reading, writing, singing, playing and talking with your child helps young brains develop like little muscles, getting bigger and stronger the more you and your family interact with your child. We have created a challenge for you and your family based upon the five basic pillars of parenting. The Basics are five fun, simple, and powerful ways to help all our children aged 0-5 grow to be happy and smart. Each StoryTime will highlight ways to incorporate the Five Basics into daily life and earning you free books along the way.
Tactile Learning Experiences
Like Montessori education, tactile learning uses hands-on activities that employ learning through the senses, particularly the sense of touch. Using manipulatives, such as flannel boards and puppets, StoryTime children will learn about the world around them.
Starting next week our StoryTimes will be in-person, 10:30 am - 11:00 am, on a rotating basis throughout the Botetourt Libraries. Check out the schedule below.
Week of: | Blue Ridge - Tuesdays | Eagle Rock - Wednesdays | Fincastle - Thursdays | Buchanan - Fridays |
3/31 | Pollinators | |||
4/4 | Pollinators | Eggs/Chicks | Rain/Clouds | Bees |
4/11 | Rain/Clouds | Bees | Eggs/Chicks | Pollinators |
4/18 | Eggs/Chicks | Pollinators | Bees | Rain/Clouds |
4/25 | Bees | Rain/Clouds | Mother’s Day | Eggs/Chicks |
5/2 | Tacos/Cinco | Snails/Slugs | Feelings | |
5/9 | Snails/Slugs | Feelings | Snails/Slugs | Growing a Seed |
5/16 | Rainbows | Growing a Seed | Feelings | Snails/Slugs |
5/23 | Magical Creature | Magical Creature | Magical Creature | Magical Creature |
Don't forget to check off activities in the 1,000 Things Before Kindergarten Challenge
Click on a theme to see a list of books we will read in StoryTime, along with lyrics to the songs we perform and interactive boards you can create at home to extend the lesson.
Rainy Day |
Spring Bees |
Spring Rainbows |
Spring Weather |
Dr. Seuss |
Feelings |
Growing a Seed |
Pollinators |
Every week our storytellers have carefully crafted a hands-on activity to extend the lesson. Stop by any Botetourt County Library branch to pick up your kit while supplies last. Can't make it to the library? Click on the title of the craft to access a printable PDF with instructions and a template.
Theme | Activity |
10 Apples Up on Top | Dr. Seuss activity |
Rainbows | Pop-up Rainbow activity |
Slugs & Snails | Stack-up Snail activity |
Bees | Six Little Bumblebees activity |
Cinco de Mayo | Mini Pinata activity |
Garden Pollinators | Butterfly Hand Puppet activity |
Chicks & Eggs | Chick Hatching activity |
Feelings | Mood Meter activity |
Growing a Seed | My Seed Sprout activity |
Mother's Day | Paper Flowers Handprint activity |
Garden Pollinators | Butterfly Colors activity |
Weather | Paper Plate Weather Wheel activity |