Techniques for a Dynamic Storytime

I. Preparation for Dynamic Read-Aloud Session:

A. Choice of stories: Selecting stories for the proper age. Consulting children's librarians. Strategies for mixed age groups. Keeping holidays, seasons, class lessons in mind. Choose stories you like! Practice and have fun.

B. Practicing the story, fully digesting it. Can you tell it?

C. Logistics: space, temperature, sun, ventilation, lighting, seating, number of students.

D. Ambiance: visual displays, (candle, flowers, bell, shaker, book display)

E. Preparation of students: sense of ceremony about story time. (Put away pencils, notebooks, toys, gum, etc. Only story-teller/reader talks.) Questions to prime audience. Summary of previous session if you're reading serially.

F. Setting up a regular reading time. (Listening is an acquired ability, not one learned overnight.)

II. Read-Aloud Presentation:

A. Relax, don't rush. Allow listeners to form pictures of content in their minds.

B. Finding your voice in three different tones:

1) natural, easy-going, sustainable.

2) dramatic, intense, or with “edge.”

3) emotionally charged (use sparingly) Pauses, varying your pace and volume. Taking chances; going out on a limb.

C. Sitting vs. standing. Gestures. Facial expressions.

D. Visual props: the book, accessories. Costumes. Remember group size.

E. Auditory props: recorded music. Live music. Sound effects.

F. Change tone of voice, if possible, with characters.

G. Accents, dialect: using them with respect.

H. Switching between 2 languages: Main points. Just enough to follow.

I. Body language: posture, hands, feeling comfortable:

III. Involving the Audience in Read-Aloud Session: