tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270551723544134519.post7443174610035060046..comments2024-03-26T14:26:47.974-04:00Comments on Adventures In Storytime (and Beyond): Programming - How Much Prep Is Too Much?Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13857185361354967198noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270551723544134519.post-8103823929481952632018-10-18T11:36:06.170-04:002018-10-18T11:36:06.170-04:00Thanks so much for stopping by and taking time to ...Thanks so much for stopping by and taking time to comment! Doing a craft/activity following storytime is a new thing for me, so I'm still figuring out my approach considering wanting to keep developmentally appropriate, not too messy (carpet and crowded space), not much time for planning or prep (no time off the desk), and never knowing how many or what ages I'm going get.<br /><br />I am definitely not a fan of absolute thinking when it comes to storytime and other programs. Sure, there are some basic principles to keep in mind, but everyone has different personalities and different style, communities are different, even the kids you have may be completely different from one year to the next, or even one week to the next!Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13857185361354967198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2270551723544134519.post-26556995003176804442018-10-18T00:29:56.644-04:002018-10-18T00:29:56.644-04:00I generally prefer process art where activities ar...I generally prefer process art where activities are more open-ended, but there's a place for crafts too that are less open-ended. In addition to promoting creativity, it's nice for staff to reduce prep work! When I do crafts for little ones, I try to make them as simple as possible so that the kids can at least do some things themselves. As long as the parent or caregiver is interacting with the child about the activity, I think it's fine if the adult does some things too. It feels more collaborative.<br /><br />Good point about stepping back and asking ourselves what our goal in offering the program is, then doing preparation work and evaluation in that light. <br /><br />I appreciate your sharing your thinking about programming, and clarifying that you're not stating absolutes like "always do this" or "never do this." Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07347284298865330192noreply@blogger.com