QUALITY STORYTENTS
A resource for family, early childhood and community literacy workers
Set-up takes more time and care when children help. However, this is one way children co-construct their own learning space, a key principle of Storytent philosophy. Children may not know how to help at first, and will need age–appropriate guidance from workers. For example, younger children can be encouraged to hold or steady poles while workers connect them. Older children can be given verbal step by step instruction on which poles to connect and how to spread the canopy. Most children can assist with carrying blankets, books and snack boxes to the tent. If a child asks to help with a task that may not be appropriate for their age, workers can suggest other ways they can be helpful.
At a busy location with lots of children, one worker will often begin reading
a
crowd-pleaser as soon as the first blankets are down. Then, other workers
finish
unpacking and setting up. This strategy lessens conflict and helps set-up
go more
smoothly. Once set-up is finished, books are spread out and workers arrange
themselves to
make the most effective use of space.
On hot days, ground sheets might not be needed. Hot days are expansive days. Tents are set at their maximum height to cast a wide shade. Blankets are scattered wide so people can spread out.