An Infopeople Online Learning Course

Start:
April 28th, 2020 12:00 PM
End:
May 18th, 2020 4:30 PM
Fee per learner $200.00

Adilene RogersCourse Instructor: Adilene Rogers

Are you interested in creating a fun and interactive bilingual storytime? Have you tried to start a bilingual storytime before and didn’t get a good turn out? In this 4-week online course you will learn step by step how to start a bilingual storytime at your library or improve on one that you already have. We will also cover some ways to better your outreach and promotional efforts. Whether you are fluent in Spanish or working with a bilingual partner, this course will give you the tools you need to create a storytime that is culturally responsive and supports parents raising their child bilingually. We will explore the differences between different bilingual storytime formats as well as how to include Spanish elements into some of your existing English storytimes.

By the end of this course you will be able to:

  • Find culturally appropriate resources for your bilingual storytime such as Spanish books, rhymes and fingerplays
  • Create an outreach and promotional plan to get the word out about your bilingual storytime
  • Learn how to work with community partners who are already working with Spanish speakers
  • Present a bilingual storytime with a partner or by yourself if you are bilingual

Course Description: At the end of this 4-week course, participants will learn how to promote, create and present an English/ Spanish bilingual storytime. Through assignments, discussions and readings, participants will learn the importance of bilingual early literacy practices that supports a child’s home language and creates a welcoming environment for the families. For participants that are not fully bilingual, the course will cover how to create a bilingual storytime with a partner that is bilingual. Learn to survey your community needs, build a plan for promotion and get community feedback to make sure that your bilingual storytime is a success.

Course Outline: When you log in to the Infopeople online learning site, you will see weekly modules with these topics:

  • Week 1: Before you begin your bilingual storytime
    • Map out potential community partners and outreach locations
    • Use census and school data to determine your Spanish speaking population
    • Improving your library’s collection to sustain an ongoing bilingual storytime
  • Week 2: Why bilingual? The importance of supporting bilingual families
    • How to best support your bilingual families
    • Figuring out if you should do bilingual, Spanish or include Spanish elements into your existing storytime
    • Different storytime formats: One or two presenters, Family storytime and Toddler Storytime
  • Week 3: Creating your first bilingual storytime
    • Create a bilingual storytime template
    • How determine the best books, songs and rhymes for your audience
    • Where to find Spanish resources for bilingual storytime
  • Week 4: You found your books, your songs ... now what? Getting the word out!
    • Learn to promote your bilingual storytime to Spanish speaking communities
    • Create a space that is welcoming and culturally appropriate for families

Pre-course Assignment: None.

Time Required: To complete this course, you can expect to spend 2 1/2 hours per week, for a total of ten course hours. Each week's module contains readings and various options for assignments and discussions. You can choose the options most relevant to your work and interests. Although you can work on each module at your own pace, at any hour of the day or night, it is recommended that you complete each week's work within that week to stay in sync with other learners.

Who Should Take This Course: Youth Services Librarians, Bilingual Library Assistants, Children’s Librarians, Program Specialists

Online Learning Details and System Requirements may be found at: infopeople.org/training/online_learning_details.

After the official end date for the course, the instructor will be available for limited consultation and support for one more week, and the course material will stay up for an additional week after that. These extra weeks give those who have fallen behind time to work independently to complete the course.

Are you a member of ARSL? If so, you may be able to sign up for a free seat in this course. Limit is four free seats per course. Make your request here and if a free seat is available you will be notified.

Keywords: storytime, children's services