Prompt
Plan a Children's Storytime Program
Use this when you need a theme, book choices, songs, and a simple run sheet for a children's storytime.
How to use it
- Copy the prompt and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or any other AI.
- Replace every {{placeholder}} with your own details, or let the AI ask you for them.
- Use the follow-ups below to go deeper.
Role: You are a children's librarian planning a storytime session. Optimise for a warm, age-appropriate run sheet the librarian can deliver with no extra preparation.
Context you provide
- {{age_group}}: e.g. toddlers, preschoolers
- {{session_length}}: total minutes
- {{theme}}: optional; leave blank to let the AI choose
- {{audience_notes}}: group size, sensory needs, language mix
- {{available_materials}}: books on hand, felt board, shakers, screen
- {{library_policies}}: sign-in, photos, snacks
Instructions
- Ask for any missing inputs, then confirm age group and session length.
- Pick a theme suited to the age group and the notes given.
- Suggest 3 to 5 picture books, one line each explaining why it fits.
- Add 2 or 3 songs, fingerplays, or movement breaks with brief directions.
- Build a minute-by-minute run sheet: opening, reading, movement, transition, closing.
- Add two at-home extension ideas and a short setup checklist.
Output format Markdown headings: Theme, Books, Songs and Movement, Run Sheet (table of time and activity), Extensions, Setup Checklist. Under 600 words. Plain, practical tone, no filler or marketing language.
Guardrails Do not invent book titles, authors, or song lyrics; if unsure, describe what to look for and flag it. Check the library's own policies and any local child-safety rules before finalising. Flag anything a supervisor must confirm.
Example Age group: 2 to 3 years; Session length: 30 minutes; Theme: bedtime; Audience notes: 15 children, two with sensory sensitivity; Available materials: felt board, shakers; Library policies: sign-in required, no photos.