Top 10 Tips for Putting Together Excellent Children's Programs

1. Keep in mind that the main goal of library program is to build positive connections with the library, with books, and with you – the librarian. You are not a teacher and your job is not to prepare lessons. Your job is to give your audience such a wonderful literacy-based experience that they will want to come back to the library over and over, that they will want to read books, and that they will feel comfortable speaking with their librarian.
   
   
2. Plan for your program to last 30 minutes as that is a typical length of a children's program. Know what age group you will be working with and plan accordingly.
   
   
3. Always welcome people warmly as they enter into the programming room.
   
   
4. Always introduce yourself.
   
   
5. Start every program with a song, rhyme, or fingerplay.
   
   
6. It is good practice to always start with the same song, rhyme, or fingerplay and end with the same song, rhyme or fingerplay. This helps define the space of the program and gives the children a sense of recognition and consistency.
   
   
7. Read the longest book first.
   
   
8. Plan some standing up activities in the middle of the program so the children have time to get some exercise. They will then be able to sit for the rest of the program.
   
   
9. Only use books that you like. If you plan your programs based on themes but the books on that theme are not ones you particularly like, use books that you know are great instead and don't worry about the theme for that program.
   
   
10. Don't rush away when the program is over! Take time to speak informally with parents and children.