From Wiggles to Wonder: Managing Behavior in Storytime Spaces

Storytime with K–4 students can be magical—and occasionally, a little wiggly. This session offers practical, developmentally appropriate strategies for managing behavior in elementary storytime settings. Learn how to create a supportive environment, set clear expectations, and redirect common disruptions with empathy and confidence. Geared toward school and public librarians, this workshop blends educational best practices with real-world experience to help you keep students engaged, learning, and loving storytime. Walk away with tools you can use tomorrow and a renewed sense of purpose in your storytime practice.

Learning Objectives:

Presenters:

Heather Hilliard- I am the Librarian at Esperanza Elementary in Tucson, AZ, where I create dynamic, literacy-rich programs that support both students and staff. With a background spanning over two decades in education—including international teaching and leadership in school libraries—I specialize in fostering lifelong reading habits, building inclusive collections, and integrating digital and information literacy into the K–5 curriculum. I am passionate about creating welcoming, student-centered library spaces and forging community partnerships. I hold certifications in Elementary Education, ESL, and Library Media, and earned my M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from LSU Shreveport. I frequently organize book fairs, author visits, and outreach programs, and bring both creativity and strategic planning to everything I do.