Cool Story Programs for the School-age Crowd by Rob Reid – Creative and Fun Storytime Ideas for Elementary School Childr

Introduction

Every librarian, teacher, or parent knows the challenge: keeping school-age children engaged, curious, and excited about reading. Unlike toddlers or preschoolers, older kids crave stories that are a little bit mischievous, a little bit gross, and a whole lot of fun. Cool Story Programs for the School-age Crowd by Rob Reid is the perfect guide to creating storytimes that captivate children aged 6 to 12. Packed with creative, offbeat, and laugh-out-loud program ideas, this book is a treasure trove for anyone looking to turn story hour into an unforgettable experience.

Book Overview

Published by the American Library Association, this hardcover edition builds on Rob Reid’s earlier bestseller, Something Funny Happened at the Library. It offers 18 brand-new, wacky, and wonderfully unconventional story programs designed specifically for elementary school children. Each program is carefully crafted to blend poetry, picture books, chapter book excerpts, and short stories around themes that kids absolutely love—think stinky socks, aliens, witches, underwear, and rats. The book provides step-by-step plans, audience participation ideas, and a wealth of resources to make every session lively and memorable.

Key Highlights

• 18 unique story programs with themes that appeal to the giggly, gross, and adventurous side of school-age children.
• Thumbnail overviews for quick planning, followed by detailed outlines for each session.
• Multimedia approach combining poetry, picture books, chapter book excerpts, and short stories for a rich literary experience.
• Interactive elements including wordplay, reader’s theater, dramatics, writing prompts, music, sports, and crafts.
• Age-appropriate humor that mirrors the popularity of series like Captain Underpants and other kid-favourite books.

Inside the Book

Each chapter in Cool Story Programs for the School-age Crowd is structured for ease of use. You’ll find a clear opening summary, a list of recommended books and materials, a step-by-step flow for the program, and suggestions for audience involvement. The programs are designed to run between 30 to 45 minutes, making them perfect for library storytimes, classroom activities, or after-school clubs. Reid also includes tips on how to adapt programs for different group sizes and age ranges, ensuring flexibility for any setting.

Key Topics

• Creating engaging storytimes for children aged 6–12
• Using humour, gross-out themes, and playful topics to hook reluctant readers
• Integrating poetry, drama, and crafts into literacy programs
• Building confidence in children through reader’s theatre and performance
• Encouraging creative writing and wordplay in a group setting

Reader Benefits

This book is a practical, ready-to-use resource that saves hours of planning time. Whether you are a librarian in a bustling city library, a teacher in a primary school, or a homeschooling parent, you will find fresh ideas that spark joy and curiosity. The programs are designed to foster a love for reading while also developing listening, speaking, and creative thinking skills. Children will not only enjoy the stories but also actively participate in them, making literacy a hands-on adventure.

Learning Outcomes

By using the programs in this book, children can expect to:

• Develop a deeper appreciation for different genres of literature, from poetry to short stories.
• Improve verbal expression through reader’s theatre, drama, and group discussions.
• Enhance listening and comprehension skills by following narrative arcs and participating in wordplay.
• Boost creativity through craft activities, writing prompts, and imaginative play.
• Build social confidence by collaborating with peers in a fun, low-pressure environment.

Who Should Read

This book is ideal for children’s librarians, school librarians, primary school teachers, reading specialists, after-school program coordinators, and homeschooling parents. It is also a valuable resource for anyone who wants to organise a book club or story hour for children aged 6 to 12. If you are looking to move beyond traditional storytimes and embrace a more dynamic, child-friendly approach, this book is for you.

About the Author

Rob Reid is a well-known librarian, humourist, and author who has dedicated his career to making libraries fun and accessible for children. He has written several books on children’s programming and is a frequent speaker at library conferences. His engaging, witty style and deep understanding of what makes kids tick have made him a favourite among educators and librarians worldwide. Reid’s previous work, Something Funny Happened at the Library, was a bestseller with the American Library Association, and this follow-up continues his mission to bring joy and laughter to young readers.

About the Publisher

The American Library Association (ALA) is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with a mission to promote library services and literacy. ALA Editions, its publishing arm, produces authoritative resources for library professionals. This book reflects ALA’s commitment to supporting innovative programming that meets the needs of diverse communities. By choosing this book, you are trusting a publisher with decades of expertise in library science and children’s education.

Conclusion

Cool Story Programs for the School-age Crowd is more than just a guide—it is an invitation to transform storytime into a celebration of reading, creativity, and fun. With Rob Reid’s expert guidance, you can create programs that children will talk about for weeks. Whether you are tackling themes of stinky socks or outer space, this book gives you the tools to make every session a hit. Add it to your library or classroom today and watch young readers light up with excitement.