QUALITY STORYTENTS

A resource for family, early childhood and community literacy workers

Tents

The ideal tent is a colourful canopy open on four sides. A 10’ by 10’ canopy can comfortably accommodate about ten children with two adults, although fewer people will fit if the weather is wet. The tent framework needs to be simple enough to set up in a short period of time, but sturdy enough to withstand summer weather. Tents that use guide wires are impractical in many locations. We sometimes shorten the side poles of our tents on very windy days to prevent the tent from blowing over. We often peg the flaps close to the tent for added security.

Books

It is important to have a selection of good quality read-alouds and books that children of all ages can read independently. It is helpful to have access to a larger selection of books than you would actually use at the tent. This gives you variety and allows workers to choose books that meet the diverse interests of the families who may attend. Board books last longer than paperback; and some paperback last longer than some hard cover (and are less expensive). At a one-time, single Storytent event, approximately fifty books is comfortable. When running a program, approximately three hundred books are needed. It is more worthwhile to have fewer books that the workers and children enjoy reading, than more books that are less successful. Successful books and stories are those that entertain, that help new readers, or that sometimes spark interest (for more information, see Appendix A).