Storytime Outlines

Planning a successful storytime can be one of the most rewarding activities as a librarian, teacher, or caregiver. Whether you're hosting storytime at the library, at home, or in a classroom, a well-planned session can engage children, foster a love of reading, and help build important literacy skills. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plan a fun and effective storytime for kids:

1. Choose a Theme

Start by selecting a theme to make your storytime cohesive and engaging. The theme could be based on the season (like "Winter Wonders"), holidays (such as "Valentine's Day" or "Earth Day"), or concepts (like "Animals" or "Friendship"). A theme provides focus and makes it easier to pick books, songs, and activities.

2. Pick the Right Books

Select 2–4 books that fit your theme and are age-appropriate for your audience. For younger children, choose picture books with big, colorful illustrations and simple language. For older kids, consider stories with more complex narratives or a few pages of text per spread. Include a variety of genres—such as a classic, a modern picture book, and a rhyming story—so kids can enjoy a range of experiences.

3. Incorporate Songs and Movement

Songs are a wonderful way to engage young children, helping them develop rhythm and language skills. Add simple, interactive songs like "If You’re Happy and You Know It," or classic nursery rhymes. Use hand motions, clapping, or dancing to make the song more dynamic.

4. Include an Activity or Craft

After reading and singing, incorporate a hands-on activity or craft that ties into your theme. This could be a simple coloring sheet, a story-related craft, or an interactive game. Activities reinforce the story and give children a chance to be creative.

5. Engage the Kids

Throughout storytime, encourage participation. Ask questions about the book, make animal sounds or repeat key phrases, and encourage children to act out parts of the story. Make sure to keep the energy up with a lively tone and enthusiastic gestures.

6. End with a Routine

Ending with a familiar routine—like singing a closing song or saying goodbye in a special way—helps kids feel comfortable and gives them a sense of closure.

By thoughtfully selecting books, songs, and activities, and keeping the energy lively and engaging, you’ll create a memorable and educational storytime experience that children will look forward to every time!

When I first began conducting storytime, I found so much inspiration in other librarians. Here are a few links to some of my favorite storytime resources:

Jbrary

Book Cart Queens

Loudest Librarian

Here are my own outlines for inspiration:

Or see the full list of them here:

LV Librarian Outlines