Since all of Betsy’s upcoming workshops have been cancelled due to COVID-19, she is developing a series of webinars based on topics that are often part of her MGOL trainings.
Workshops in black font are ready to go; those in grey are being created.
If you are interested in booking a workshop or workshops, please contact inof@mgol.org. Scheduling and pricing information will be available shortly.
Scarves, Songs, and Activities
Colored scarves enhance all types of library programs. “Scarves, Songs, and Activities” is for people who want to learn new ways to use scarves and to expand their use of scarves in programs. Basic concepts of scarf play, benefits of using scarves, and distinct types of scarves are discussed. Several hands-on activities include using scarves to accompany songs, for games, with recorded music, to liven up stories, and more. Resources will be provided at the end of this webinar.
Participants need to bring: a colored scarf, a lightweight dish towel, a pillowcase, a piece of fabric or a sock.
Flannel Board Fun
A flannel board adds pizzazz to programming from home and at the library. Learn how to make inexpensive flannel boards and felt pieces. Use felt pieces as visual representations for songs and rhymes, for telling stories and for playing games. Exchange ideas with colleagues and practice sharing tips with parents during flannel board use during virtual storytimes. If possible, come prepared with a felt board linked song, rhyme, or very short story to share with your peers!
Programming for Parents with Infants
Programs for parents with infants is a relatively new phenomenon within the public library; virtual programming for this population is even newer! This webinar addresses why these programs are important and covers types of virtual programs, popular elements to include in programs, criteria for choosing good books and props, recommended activities, and developmental tips. Participants will share examples of successful activities they have used in baby time programming. Resources will be provided at the end of this webinar.
Creating and Using Developmental Tips
Library programs for children are rich opportunities for parent engagement and learning. Brief explanations called “development tips” following an activity can be used to explain the motivation behind that particular activity, the benefits of doing it, and ways it can be replicated at home. Join your colleagues to learn about crafting your own developmental tips and have fun practicing with each other.
Tried and True Fingerplays
“Baby Whale” may be special of the year, but there are many time-tested fingerplays and songs that have never lost their appeal to children. Enjoy singing, chanting and doing fingerplays together with your colleagues, while refreshing your memory or learning new activities that are oldies but goodies. Suitable for use with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Knee Bounces: How, What and Why?
Young children who find it difficult to sit still often return to their parent’s laps when it is time for knee bounces. Older children enjoy the bouncing and leaning involved. Learn about the history of knee bounces, the value of adding them to your programs, and participate in hands-on (or should I say ‘leg’s on”?) activities that give plenty of examples which can be translated into your library setting.
Participants are requested to bring a stuffed animal or doll to the webinar.
Fingers and Toes
Babies are fascinated with their fingers and toes; toddlers and preschoolers enjoy fingerplays as well. Why are rhymes about fingers and toes so attractive to young children? What are some non-traditional ways to involve fingers and toes in program activities? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this hands-on webinar.
Developing math skills though songs and rhymes
We know that songs and rhymes that name numbers are useful for helping children build early math skills. But did you know that some ways of presenting these number rhymes are more effective than others? Tips and tricks about how to help children develop and practice different math skills will be covered in this hands-on webinar.
Ring Your Bells!
Of the many percussion instruments used in children’s programming, bells are often the most popular. Discovery why bell-play is important for helping children develop numerous skills and participate in joyful hands-on activities. Learn about resources for using bells with children and share your favorite bell songs and activities.
Tap Your Sticks and More
Rhythm sticks are typically used for tapping to the beat, but there is much more that can be done with them. Explore new ways to use sticks with children of different ages and stages and contribute to a massive stick brain-storming session. The results will be posted online to serve as a resource for others.
Participants must have two sticks (or something similar) to use during the webinar.
Freeze Games for Fun
Even when it isn’t cold outside, freeze games are in season! In order to build self-regulation skills, children need to practice listening, paying attention, following directions and stopping. Freeze games provide a great opportunity to do just that. This webinar will cover the benefits of freeze games and will include many participatory activities.
Participants should have a clear area around their computer so they can move along with the instructor.
The Language of the Lullaby
Everyone needs techniques for relaxing themselves; lullabies are perfect for that. Parents who use lullabies to soothe anxious or unhappy children also benefit from their calming influence. Learn about the language of the lullaby, increase your repertoire, and discover new ways to incorporate lullabies into your programs. Resources included in the hand-out.
Tickle Rhymes
What is a tickle rhyme? Why do babies love them so much? Can they actually enhance a child’s development? This webinar, devoted to tickle rhymes, covers the benefits of tickle rhymes and includes opportunities to practice them on yourself, a baby (if there is one nearby), a doll puppet or a stuffed animal. Giggles encouraged.
Enhancing Programs with Props.
Exercising the imagination is fun; including props makes it even better. Hear about tried and true examples of storytime programs that have been enriched through the addition of homemade or inexpensive props and share your own successful prop experiences.
Virtual Programming Using Practical Items Around the House
Include parents in your virtual programming by enlisting their assistance in making props to go along with stories and songs using cereal boxes, a dish towel, egg cartons, pots & pans, wooden spoons, toilet paper & paper towel tubes, empty tissue boxes, paper plates, and more. Provide inexpensive fun for the entire family while connecting them with books in exciting new ways.
Easy Dances for Preschoolers
Physical exercise is good for mental health as well as physical health. Teaching and doing easy dances to songs and musical selections helps families stay actives even if confined indoors. This webinar will refresh your memories regarding simple dances such as the Hokey Pokey, go over easy basic dance steps, and present simple dances from around the world.
Shake Your Shakers!
Maracas, rattles, egg shakers, maracitos, and chickitas are all “shakers.” Simple to make and easy to acquire, the noise made when shaking shakers encourages movement while listening to the beat. Learn about many benefits of shakers, join in hands-on activities, and share them with the children in your programs.
All About Humpty
Humpty Dumpty is an iconic figure in nursery rhymes, but what do we really know about him? A concise history of Humpty Dumpty will include historical and recent illustrations of this well-known character. Ways to present the rhyme will be paired with developmental tips and suggestions for age-appropriate adaptations. Flannel board templates for Humpty and his wall are included in the hand-out.
Playing with Opposites
Understanding opposites and knowing how to name some builds vocabulary and improves children’s ability to communicate. STEM skills are strengthened when children have experience comparing one object with another, observing the similarities and differences, and describing them as opposites. Songs, rhymes, and games lend themselves to the introduction of opposites to very young children and the reinforcement of opposites to older children. Will you join in this webinar, yes or no?
The Problematic History of Nursery Rhymes… and How We Can Overcome It.
Traditional British nursery rhymes were created as political commentary years ago. As commentary on society, they alluded to sickness, violence, and death. Some nursery have racist or sexist connotations. Given these iffy origins, should we stop reciting nursery rhymes? After a quick review of the history, join in an animated discussion on the role of nursery rhymes today. Suggest ideas for revising rhymes or creating new ones. Work on a project and present your conclusions.
Mindful Mother Goose
Are you looking to add some mindfulness exercises into your babytime rhyme programs or Mother Goose on the Loose? Hear some ways that children’s librarians have integrated mindfulness into their programs for babies, toddlers, and their parents/caregivers. Try some of the activities and choose at least one to integrate into your programs.
Playing with Puppets
Puppets are magnets for children’s attention. Puppets can play a valuable role in any program. Puppet questions can elicit verbal responses from otherwise bashful children, puppet kisses are terrific treats, puppet mascots are familiar friends who welcome children to storytime, and puppets provide a listening ear to children who need to talk. This webinar includes information about puppets, examples of ways to use them with children and the benefits that accompany those activities, and resources for purchasing or making puppets.
Using Books without Reading Them Aloud
Believing that books need to be read aloud to their children causes parents who are illiterate, who do not speak English, or have difficulty reading not to share them at all with their children. When these adults see you using picture books in joyful ways that do not include reading them aloud, they feel empowered to do the same thing. This webinar explores various ways to share books WITHOUT reading them, that still build school readiness and literacy skills.