storytime topics + ideas

What does a Montessori Storytime look like? What picture books, songs, & rhymes should you choose? Below, find a list of storytime ideas, activities, and topics for children that align with the Montessori method for toddlers* & learn new ideas for youth services programming for public libraries.

"The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child's own natural desire to learn." - Maria Montessori

*Please note that my target age range for storytimes is usually the 18 mo. - 3 yr. old toddler.

Montessori-Inspired Storytime Topics

• Babies

• Being Little in the Time of COVID-19

• Hands / Sense of Touch

• Independence

• Little People, Big Feelings (Child Mental Health)

• Love

• Machines & Cleaning Up

• Making Guesses

• Opposites

• Read with Me: A Special Storytime Series for Babies & Toddlers

• Self-Confidence

• Spring: Books for Storytime

• Transitions, Routines, and Making Decisions!

• Vehicles & Machines

• Winter: Books for Storytime

• Winter: Songs & Rhymes

• Winter Storytime Pt. 1

• Winter Storytime Pt. 2

• Winter Storytime Pt. 3

Adding Props to Storytime

• Using a Bubble Machine in Storytimes

• Using a Parachute in Storytimes

Other Storytime Topics

• Repetition in 2s & 3s Storytimes

• Outreach Storytimes @ Whole Foods

Old (pre-Montessori) Storytime Themes

*Most of these have a slightly higher target age range, from 3-5 yrs old.

• Art/Get Messy

• Bedtime Stories

• Books & Reading

• Bugs

• Fall/Autumn

• Fall/Autumn (Animal focus)

• Fish and Bubbles

• Food/Eating

• Health

• Love

• Manners

• Penguins

• Picnic

• Playing Pretend

• Rain

• Stars & Moon

• Transportation

• Winter (General)

• Winter Sweets (hot cocoa, ice cream, brownies)

Programming

Outside of storytime, here are some library programs I've worked on over the years.

• Art in Motion: Process Art Program for Toddlers

• Displaying Children's Artwork in the Library (School Partnership)

• Mail Me Some Sunshine (Partnering with local hospitals)

• Experimental Programming for caregivers & children ages 0-36 months