Winter Storytime Outline and Worksheets

 This week at storytime, we are talking about winter! 

Storytime is one of the most valuable ways we can help children develop early literacy skills, and as a librarian, I’m always excited to share its benefits with parents and caregivers. When we gather together for storytime at the library, we're not just reading books — we're laying the foundation for reading and writing success.

First, storytime introduces children to the rhythm and patterns of language. From rhyming stories to repetitive phrases, these patterns help young learners develop phonological awareness — the ability to hear and manipulate the sounds in words. This is a key skill for later reading success.

In addition to phonological awareness, storytime promotes vocabulary growth. Every book introduces new words, concepts, and ideas. Hearing words in context helps children build a stronger understanding of language and its usage, which is essential for comprehension as they begin to read on their own.

Listening skills are another benefit. By paying attention to the story, children practice focusing and following along with the plot, which is important for developing comprehension and critical thinking skills.

Storytime also fosters a love of books and reading, which encourages children to continue exploring stories on their own. By making reading fun and interactive, we help set children on the path to becoming confident, lifelong readers.

Use these outlines and free printables to inspire a fun and engaging winter storytime at your library!