Bookbug Session Leader Training

Bookbug Session Leader training is for those who plan to deliver Bookbug Sessions (free song, rhyme and book sessions) in libraries or other community venues with groups of children (0-5 years) with their mums, dads or carers. Our interactive training is a balance of practical exercises and researched-based theory about book sharing, music and child development, followed by a short online module.

Although delegates will participate in songs and rhymes in the group, delegates will not be asked to sing on their own.

Please note: if you are working to support individual families, Bookbug for the Home training might be more relevant to you.If you have already attended Bookbug Session Leader training, and are looking for a refresher, please register for Bookbug Session Leader Refresher training.

Course details

The course offers a range of online or in-person learning opportunities for delegates to:

• Build their understanding of the importance of songs, rhymes and stories for both children and families
• Learn how to plan a Bookbug Session, selecting appropriate songs, rhymes and a story
• Consider how to make their Bookbug Sessions welcoming, accessible and inclusive
• Practise singing, rhyming and reading aloud
• Identify ways to encourage families to sing, read and rhyme at home as part of their everyday routines

Cost

Funded by Scottish Government and Creative’s Scotland Youth Music Initiative at no cost for participants.

Format

In-person

Our lively in-person training is a hands-on, all-day session covering theory and practice. This course is comprised of:

• 6 hour in-person training session
• A small amount of preparation work to be completed which will be sent two weeks before the session.
• After attending the training, you will receive login details for our Bookbug Portal.
• There is a short follow up module to be completed, the Bookbug Session Leader Agreement, which will activate your Bookbug Session Leader membership.
• You will be required to complete a short ‘refresher’ module annually to continue your membership.

Online

Our interactive online trainer-led sessions combine theory and practical work. This course is comprised of:

• 2 x 3.5 hour live interactive sessions, taking place online using either Zoom or MS Teams, a week apart. Attendance is required at both to complete the training. There will be comfort breaks throughout each session.
• A small amount of preparation work to be completed which will be sent two weeks before the session.
• After attending the training, you will receive login details for our Bookbug Portal.
• There is a short follow up module to be completed, the Bookbug Session Leader Agreement, which will activate your Bookbug Session Leader membership.
• You will be required to complete a short ‘refresher’ module annually to continue your membership.

Eligibility

Before you register for training please check you meet all the eligibility criteria. You need to:

• Be affiliated with an organisation, either as a staff member or volunteer, which will support the leader to run Bookbug Sessions.
• Plan to deliver regular Bookbug Sessions
• Plan to deliver Bookbug Sessions to groups of children (0-5 years old) with their mums, dads or carers, not just to groups children by themselves.
• Agree to abide by the Bookbug Session Leader Agreement
• Be over 16
• Plan to start leading Bookbug Sessions within two months of training course

Upcoming training dates and how to register

Dates will be released on a rolling basis throughout the year so check back regularly or sign up for our regular Working with Bookbug(this link will open in a new window) newsletter to be notified as training dates are added.

(this link will open in a new window)Register for a training course

A maximum of two places are available for each workplace e.g. per library, nursery etc. Please get in touch to discuss your options if you have more than two people needing Bookbug Session Leader training.

In-person Bookbug Session Leader training sessions

• Monday 26 August, 10am–4pm, Ayr
• Tuesday 10 September, 10am–4pm, Aberdeen
• Thursday 12 September, 10am–4pm, Alexandria

Online Bookbug Session Leader training sessions

• Wednesday 18 and Wednesday 25 September, 9.30am–1pm, Zoom

In our online training course, you need to:

• Have a computer, laptop or tablet that connects to the internet with working audio, camera and microphone. A mobile phone is not suitable due to the format of the training.
• Be registered individually on the training course and participate on your own individual device.
• Be able to access Zoom(this link will open in a new window) or MS Teams(this link will open in a new window) (depending on the platform of the session you registered for).

If you have any questions or you need additional support with the registration process, please contact the Bookbug team at [email protected](this link will open in a new window) or 0131 524 0179.