Applying Early Literacy in Storytime Settings

To register for this webinar please follow this link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/2917534011261/WN_3Ww0_QRiQRKvry3gcz4CkA. Sessions are free and available only to members of the Michigan library community. Registrants will receive instructions and a link to attend the session directly from PCI after they register.

Storytime isn’t just fun—it’s foundational. In this session, we’ll explore how to intentionally apply early literacy practices to storytime sessions in meaningful, engaging, and developmentally supportive ways. Learn how to align your book choices, songs, activities, and interactions with the five early literacy practices (talk, sing, read, write, play), and better understand the “why” behind what we do.

We'll explore how to share early literacy concepts with caregivers in ways that feel approachable and encouraging, making storytime a shared journey toward lifelong learning. Whether you’re refreshing your approach or looking to build more intentionality into your storytimes, this session will help connect the dots between storytime fun and meaningful impact.

What attendees will learn:

• Learn how to incorporate the five early literacy practices (talk, sing, read, write, play) into storytime planning and delivery
• Identify developmentally appropriate strategies to support language and literacy development in babies, toddlers, and preschoolers
• Gain tools to articulate the purpose of storytime and the value of early literacy to caregivers.

Instructor: Katie Clausen is the Early Literacy Services Manager at Gail Borden Public Library and a current PhD candidate in Information Studies at Dominican University. She holds an MLIS from Dominican University and an M.A. in Children’s Literature from Simmons College. Katie has shared her expertise at numerous conferences, and her articles have been featured in the Children & Libraries: The Journal of ALSC and Marvels and Tales. Her specialties include early literacy, children’s literature evaluation, and best storytime practices.

PCI Webinars are recorded and available to members of the Michigan library community in the Library of Michigan's Niche Staff Skills Academy about a week after they air. New webinars will be in the New category for several weeks. You do not need to register for a webinar in order to view it later in the Staff Skills Academy.

This project is made possible by grant funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administered by the State of Michigan through the Library of Michigan.