While the Early Literacy Department here at the Denver Public Library understands the incredible value of singing, playing, and rhyming with young children, we found that many of our volunteers were hesitant to sing and play during storytime. For many years (the program is 25 years old) we had provided our volunteers with lyrics to songs and provided the tune, if possible (for example: To the tune of "London Bridge"). We decided to see if more volunteers would use games, songs, and movement during storytime if they could see these modeled. Our volunteers are very diverse, coming from all different backgrounds and experiences working with young children; for some volunteers this is their first time working with young children and while we provide training and coaching, it is still a learn-on-the job experience! While we can't be with each of our 100 volunteers each week, by using YouTube we hoped to connect in new ways with them.

Each week we produce a short newsletter, The Read Aloud Weekly. In this newsletter we share information on child development, early literacy in the news, upcoming events, and storytime tips and tricks. Each week we now include the link to the Read Aloud YouTube channel, as well as a link to a specific video. This way they can browse the channel, or if they are interested in the topic at hand they can focus on the highlighted video. The Early Literacy Department recorded most of the video content initially, but is now getting participation from other library staff, like the Children's Librarians! Staff members give a name to the song or game, describe when they might use it, and then demonstrate it. For example: My name is Sarah McNeil and I like to use "I'm a Little Teapot" when my class seems to need to get the wiggles out. This kind of gross motor movement helps them stretch out and change the pace of storytime. Afterwards, my class can better focus on the books.

We wanted to see more song and movement included during storytime and we are! The YouTube channel has had 1,521 views for 1,334 minutes and has 13 subscribers since it was launched in February 2013. We visit all of our volunteers during their storytimes at least once each year and we are seeing the same songs that we feature on the YouTube channel being used in these storytimes! Teachers also comment on the fun games that volunteers play and we can attribute some of this directly to the YouTube channel. Our hypothesis that being able to see these songs and games would make it easier for volunteers to try was correct; we've even had teachers request these videos! Staff have also enjoyed using the channel to increase their own repertoire of songs and games for storytime.