Sherry Norfolk —Staff Development

Learn to tell stories with style and confidence! In this hands-on, highly interactive introduction to the art of storytelling and its applications in public library children's services, we'll explore the ways in which storytelling can enliven and enrich library programming; how to choose and develop an age-appropriate story; and, effective use of voice, body language, gesture and facial expression. Length: 6 hours (one day) or 12 hours (3 days)

Need a little inspiration and motivation? This hands-on workshop is the answer! Recent research lays a theoretical basis, providing new insights and perspectives on children's programming strategies and expectations, while engaging demonstrations and discussions put theory into practice. You'll leave with new program know-how and ideas, plus a renewed commitment to children's programming!(6 hours)

Kids are all different - they have different interests, different capabilities, different skills and different learning styles. They have short attention spans and un-developed listening skills. So how can storytime be a POSITIVE, ENJOYABLE experience for everyone? By building in chances for everyone to succeed. This hands-on workshop will explore a variety of ways to transform passive storytimes into active, exciting and rewarding adventures. (4 hours)

If you're new to children's work and just found out you're supposed to design and implement programming for preschoolers, school-agers, vacation reading program, and who-knows-what-else, this workshop is designed for you! A primer in all the basic skills you will need, including but not limited to choosing, preparing and sharing picturebooks, storytelling, fingerplays, puppetry, flannelboards and other novelties, props, creative drama, crafts, and arranging for guest speakers. This is not a make-and-take, BUT, you'll leave with at least one entire program planned and the skills to implement it and many more! (6 hours)

Serving our very youngest patrons and their caregivers can be an overwhelming proposition to the uninitiated -- but have no fear! Programming for babies is fun, challenging and rewarding -- and it's not as hard as it sounds. In this hands-on, lively workshop, learn the goals of lapsit programming, gain an understanding of the target audience, learn about the materials, activities and resources that really work, and get a handle on logistics. You'll leave with basic program know-how, plus ideas for expanding and enhancing existing lapsit programs! (4 hours)

(a workshop for non-children's staff)

Kids are patrons, too -- and they should be treated with the same respect as adults. Unfortunately, some members of our library staff don't agree. They make kids feel unwelcome and uncomfortable with hostile glares, or ignore them altogether in favor of serving an adult who arrived after the child. Moreover, these staff members infect others among the staff and even the patrons with their attitude. This interactive workshop introduces staff to the philosophy of children's services, providing an understanding of the goals of Children's Services in the Library. In addition, through demonstrations, lecture, role play and skits, participants will explore the ways in which each staff member can make young patrons' library experiences successful and satisfying through positive interaction, appropriate reference techniques, and realistic expectations. (3 hours)

You don't see exactly what you need? Sherry will be happy to work with you to develop a workshop that will meet your specific training needs.