This document provides ideas for early literacy programming for preschoolers, including themed storytimes and activities. Some of the themes mentioned are Take Your Child to the Library Day, Talk Like a Pirate Day, Caldecott Pajama Story Time, Lorax Day, Monster Mash, Elephant and Piggie Party, and 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Graduation. It emphasizes that the process and exploration are more important than the final product, and encourages allowing kids and adults to be creative. It also provides resources for finding more project ideas.

1. UnStorytime-
Programming for Preschoolers
Ann Hardginski, Tiffany Meyer, & Brooke Newberry

2. Supersize Me!
Take that favorite theme and turn it into an event.

3. One Hit Wonders
Grand Night Out

4. Talk Like a Pirate Day (every September 19)

5. Caldecott Pajama Story Time

6. Lorax Day

7. Monster Mash

8. Elephant and Piggie Party

9. 1000 Books B4K Graduation

10. Power of Three
Book Feast-ivals
Ocean
Mice
Snowman

11. Spring or Garden

12. Winter Tales

13. Eric Carle
Keiko Kasza
Lois Ehlert
Celebrate Picture Books

14. Artsy Smartsy

15. Read Together, Sing Together, Play Together

16. Write Together, Talk Together

17. There is no wrong way. As long as we’re being safe, this is the ideal time to
experiment with the tools and materials available to us.

18. That said, the final product is not important – it’s all about the process and the
exploration.

19. Work to your child’s happy place – it’s okay to take a break.

20. You get to play, too – it’s wonderful for children to see adults being creative –
it’s not just a kid thing!

24. Resources for Project Ideas
● Books by MaryAnn Kohl
● Art Lab for Little Kids by Susan Schwake
● artfulparent.com
● pinkandgreenmama.blogspot.com
● Dresser Village Library Artsy Smartsy photo
album on facebook
● The kids themselves!

25. *photo credit John Thompson

26. Little Makers

30. Footloose Fridays

33. Stealth Activities

34. Preschool Tours

36. Contact Us!
Ann Hardginski
Kimberly-Little Chute Public Library
ahardgin@mail.owls.lib.wi.us
Brooke Newberry
La Crosse Public Library
brooke@lacrosselibrary.org
Tiffany Meyer
Ellsworth Public Library
tmeyer@ellsworthlibrary.org