Preschoolers who attend Storytime Tuesdays at the Becker Public Library know that Storytime is on Tuesdays and during the day, between 10:30 and 11 a.m.
On Mon., Jan. 27, Ms. Mary and Ms. Katie decided to break that rule and a few more. The first rule they broke was that Storytime was in the evening, between 6-6:30 p.m. The second rule was that anyone who showed up could wear their favorite pajamas and bring their best stuffed friend and that’s why this past Monday evening at the Becker Public Library was pajama Storytime.
Reading is Fundamental
Ms. Mary and Ms. Katie were both decked out in pjs, curlers and robes, ready to greet the young children who arrived in colorful pajamas, winter coats and winter boots, towing along a whale, a little lamb, Daniel Tiger, and other animal friends. As they quickly settled in, Ms. Mary and Ms. Katie introduced their friends, a frog named Hopper and a teddy bear named Honey. They then broke a third rule. Instead of saying, “Good morning”, everyone had to say, “Good evening.”
Within the first few moments, kids knew pajama story time was just a little different – different in a good way. According to Hilary Honer-Dawson, Library Services Coordinator, pajama story time was added to the events calendar for a few reasons.
“To accommodate the schedules of some families, it is family friendly allowing for older siblings to join in, and it is fun to do something different,” she said.
Honer-Dawson also explained the importance of story time,
“It encourages language development by exposing children to new words and sentence structures improving comprehension and verbal expression,” she noted. “Early literacy skills are being built when children are read to. Children will only be able to say, read, and write words that they have first heard. It sparks creativity and imagination, boosts listening skills, focuses and enhances critical thinking, and helps develop social skills all through actively listening to a story.”
Something for Everyone
After listening to several books and singing a couple of songs, there was a little more talking and kids were beginning to move around, but everyone persevered and made it through the last story. In total, Ms. Mary and Ms. Katie read four books about bedtime. Each book helped kids understand what bedtime should look like, but Ms. Mary and Ms. Katie were also showing parents and adults how they could get the most out of story time at home with the kiddos in their lives.
As the night neared its end, everyone was directed to a table that featured additional books, copies of the songs that were sung that night, coloring pages, and a page of fun activities for home. Ms. Mary and Ms. Katie spoke to every child and adult as they passed out glow sticks as a special prize for showing up.
Afterward, Ms. Mary and Ms. Katie said parents loved the event and would welcome the opportunity to come back another night. Hopefully, they will have another opportunity.
“We do not have additional special story time events planned as of yet, however, we are considering doing a few throughout the year,” said Honer-Dawson
