*quietly creeps into the blog*
Hey, y’all. Since the last time I blogged…I settled into my new job in my third library, WordPress changed the entire way to make a post, and we entered a global pandemic. Naturally, it seems like the perfect time to dust off the blog and return to posting on a semi-regular schedule.
I have to admit that I don’t entirely know what today’s blog readers are looking for. And I’m not even sure what would be helpful for me in the archiving aspect of my blog. But I do know that I have a pile of storytimes and themes, loads of new flannelboards, a laptop of my own again, and lots of opinions.
So, hang around and see what happens here…you know, if you still want to!
storytime katie 
It’s great to see a post. Congratulations on your “new” job. I have been a programmer for 5 years now and your blog is my go to. I use it to train new programmers, also. Thank you for taking the time to do all of this work. I especially like your notes on how it went. It’s good to know we all experience the same challenges but, the rewards are amazing connections! From the bottom of my heart, thank you Katie:)
Thanks for the congrats! It’s been a really lovely move for me. 😀
I will definitely be keeping some kind of reflection/How It Went when I do start posting themes again.
Thanks for reading!
Oh this makes me ever so excited! Welcome back and so looking forward to the new ideas!
Thanks for reading; I hope the new ideas spark even more for you!
Woohoo! Welcome back! 🙂
I don’t really know what today’s library blog readers are looking for, either, since they leave so few comments! *lolsob* In terms of numbers, flannel posts have consistently gotten the most traffic on my blog for the past 3 years.
Jessica
Ohhhhh, there will be flannels.
(It sounds a ominous when I say it like that though!)
Dun dun dun! 🙂 I personally would love to see a blog post on how your storytime practice has evolved and changed these past few years! Any big aha moments? When I look back at some of my very first storytime blog posts, I think wow, I would do things very differently now…
Hi Katie!
I love all your posts!!!
Thank you!
Diane
DIANE.
It is so wonderful to hear from you! I hope all is well is your neck of the woods. I miss collaborating with you!
I was so excited to see on Twitter that you were going to start back up again! I refer to your blog contantly when planning storytimes. You have covered so many themes and always have the perfect book, song, or rhyme when I’m in a pinch and need one more to add to my storytime lineup. One thing I would love to see is updates to popular themes. Dinosaurs… great! What three new(er) books would you add or replace in your current dino lineup?
That is a GREAT suggestion. I will definitely be posting old themes with newer materials when I start posting my themes again.
BUT. That could be a post in and of itself!
Thanks for the message and the idea!
Hello!
I’m a library Assistant in a small Florida town. We’re starting regular programming in September and my new manager wants me to do a monthly outreach to the kindergarten classes where I just go read a few books. I’m much better at programming for adults. Do you have any favorites for 5 year olds? I’m kinda at a loss at the moment!
I’m glad you’re back!
Hello! You have a most excellent name. 😀
I think my top five read-alouds for kindergarten right now (at this exact moment) would be:
1. Saturday by Oge Mora
2. We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
3. Everybody Says Meow by Constance Lombardo
4. Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn by Shannon Hale
5. A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin
Good luck!
Thank you so much! And yes…it’s a great name!!
I, for one, am glad you are back! Your posts have been a great help over the past 6 years for me. The past year? I spent time reading your posts every day that I worked from home. When new story timers have questions, you are mentioned as a resource. Again, welcome back!
Thank you so much for reading! I hope the posts help keep a positive light during a rough year.
Oh yes, your blog posts are a definitely a bright spot. Thank you for doing them.
Hi there! I’ve had you in me RSS feed for a good long time. I share you with new story-timers too.
Over the years, I’ve used some parts of your archives more heavily than others (Storytimes/songs) and then, a few years later, I was gong through another section (crafts/playing.)
All that to say that one way or another, anything you’re able/willing to share will get used.
Oh my gosh; I’m not the only person that still has an RSS feed!
Thanks for that; I’m happy to be back and sharing new materials!
Yay! Glad to have you back. I really enjoy the Storytime posts. I am weekly looking up past ones as I prepare for ones I will be doing. It especially helps when I am doing themes I never would have thought of or am stuck trying to find a book.
Thanks, April! I will definitely be posting new storytime themes and ideas. I also use my own blog when I’m stuck, believe it or not!
I am so glad to see this. I’ve missed you. I made a lot of new flannel boards during COVID. When I’ve had COVID brain this site has helped me continue to plan. Welcome back and thank you for all you do!
Thanks for the warm welcome! I definitely made my fair share of new flannels during COVID too. I’m glad that the blog helped you out!
Hi Katie!! I have been referencing your blog for awhile now, and am glad to see you back! I also am just restarting my blog after starting a new position. Welcome back!!
Welcome back to you too! Good to have more friends out there blogging again. Maybe we’ll start a Blog Renaissance?
I’m glad you are back. I personally am doing more fine motor activities. I enjoy your posts and I just never know what is going to spark my creativity, so just keep posting! I know we all missed you!
I’m glad to BE back. 😀
I’ve definitely got some fine motor activities, even if they’ve changed a little in the era of Zoom.
I’m so happy to see this post! I’ve you used you as a resource for so many years. I very much appreciate all your hard work, creativity, and willingness to share all your great ideas! I’m getting back into the storytime (in-person) groove this summer and, of course, I checked your blog! Thank you!
You’re very welcome! Happy to be back!
I’m really glad you’re back! I work at Boone County Public Library, a fairly large suburban library system in Northern Kentucky, near Cincinnati, Ohio. My colleagues and I refer back to your and Dana’s work all the time. What you do is important and inspirational to many people, especially new programmers. Even when there’s not so much feedback, know that your work matters.
That’s a wonderful and lovely sentiment. Thank you!
Yippeeee!
Huzzah!
Welcome Back!
Your posts are loved and missed!
Thank you so much! Happy to be back!