about
Hi! My name is April. I live and work in the Chicago area, but I am originally from Michigan. I currently work at a library in the north suburbs of Chicago and focus on all things storytime, toddlers, and preschool/childcare outreach. I love it! I can honestly say there is nothing I'd rather be doing than serving little ones and their families. Fred Rogers, who I will always look to as a mentor, sums up my feelings quite well:
I'll never forget the sense of wholeness I felt when I finally realized what in fact I really was: not just a writer or a language buff or a student of human development or a telecommunicator, but... I was someone who could use every talent that had ever been given to me in the service of children and their families.
what is a montessori storytime?
I have worked in public libraries for almost 12 years. However, prior to my current librarian position, I worked at a Montessori school in the toddler (2-3 yr. old) classroom and earned a paraprofessional certificate in Montessori education. This experience with the Montessori method of education has completely changed the way I approach my work as a librarian, and in particular, how I approach storytime.
So, what does a Montessori Storytime look like? Here are some general guidelines I give myself to help make my storytimes more in line with the Montessori approach to educating the young child:
Focus topics, stories, and songs that fit what the children seem to be interested in, following their lead.
Observe children's reactions and engagement in storytime.
Choose books that include a diverse representation of characters (my new rule for myself is that at least 1 of the books I read needs to a feature a non-white human character).
Choose books that focus on real, concrete things. For example, I don't often choose to read about mythical creatures or "characters" -- but that's not to say I never do. I just turn my focus to "real" characters, as toddlers are not able to understand the abstract nature of mythical creatures, etc. and this can be confusing for them.
Choose books with real photographs when possible.
Choose songs and rhymes that are also based in real/concrete concepts and that are inclusive
Give children opportunities to grow in practical life skills using real props and extension activities
Avoid phrases like "good job" or "great work" -- these phrases are often discouraged in Montessori approach because it puts adults in the position of rewarding children for their work, which could potentially lead to a child working only to please the adult. In Montessori philosophy, adults encourage children to be proud of their work for themselves and focus on praising their effort. Other phrases I try to use are: "you did it!" and "wow! I can tell you've been working hard on learning the words to that song!"
Encourage the adult parents/caregivers to provide practical at-home applications of the concepts we talked about at storytime, which help give the child new opportunities to be independent and build perseverance.
The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child's own natural desire to learn.
Maria Montessori