Kids Are Customers, Too

Author Name: Aimee Rutt
Library System: Washington County Free Library
Event Title: Kids Are Customers, Too- October 15, 2015

Top 3 things learned:
1. BIBLIOBOP!!!
This was a fantastic presentation that showed off the unique idea of an all dance and movement based story time session. The presenter outlined how she conducts her programs, and provided us with song ideas and a basic outline for how we could do our own Bibliobop story time! I like the concept of this
program very much!

2. Introducing Technology to Children and Families
The opening presentation was done by Tanya Baronti of the Fred Rogers Centre, and the primary focus was on technology and how it can be used effectively in kid's lives. She taught us the importance of introducing children to technology, and how we could distinguish between effective use or frivolous use. She also taught us the importance of an adults role in their child's use of technology. Parents should be aware of how their children are using technology and what they are doing online, and should also teach their children (by example) of appropriate uses of technology and appropriate online behavior.

3. The lengthy process that goes in to writing and illustrating a children's book AND the importance of bilingual children's books. Spanish American children's author Lulu Delacre gave a presentation, and went in-depth about all of the steps that she took to write her most recent children's book (to be released in 2016). She took us on a journey that expanded from her initial idea for the book all the way to the final steps in preparation for publication! She also talked about how her book was written
in both English and Spanish, which I thought was very awesome because it makes it so special and diverse!

How to implement:

• I will do some research to plan my own Bibliobop/movement based story time.I thought this was a wonderful idea because it gives kids an opportunity to experience a different type of story time, and also helps them get active while still having fun. I plan to use both new and old songs, and may even try to implement some of my childhood favorites.
• Author LuLu Delacre inspired me to look for more diverse books to implement in to my storytimes. This will help the kids be exposed to new and different cultures, and will also meet the needs of the different groups of children that come to storytime.
• I will try and implement more technology in my children's programs in the future as a learning tool for the kids.