Exploring Music Stories and Movement Activities with Kate Beever & Ms. Sharon at Bonney Memorial Library

Music, stories, and movement come together in a unique way at the Bonney Memorial Library storytime session led by our guest, Kate Beever. As a professional musician and Board Certified Music Therapist, Kate brings a special blend of creativity and expertise to these gatherings. Families and children find more than just entertainment here—they discover a space where learning, expression, and fun happen naturally through sound, narrative, and motion.

How Music Enhances Storytelling

Music has a powerful role in storytelling. Kate uses songs and rhythms to bring stories to life, making them more engaging and memorable for young listeners. When children hear a story accompanied by music, their attention sharpens, and their imagination grows. The melodies and beats help emphasize emotions and actions in the story, making abstract ideas easier to understand.

For example, during one session, Kate introduced a story about animals. She played a gentle tune on a ukulele and invited children to imagine which animals were on the farm and which sound each animal made. This approach helped children connect with the story’s setting and characters on a deeper level. Our "farm" ended up having several T-rex and other dinosaurs, a horse, a cat, a dog, a sheep, and many other animals.

Movement Activities That Build Skills

Movement is another key element in Kate’s storytime. She incorporates using silks, hand motions, and body movements. These activities encourage children to participate actively rather than just listen passively. Moving along with music and stories helps develop coordination, balance, and motor skills. Singing and moving to "Shake My Sillies Out" is one of our favorite songs and at this special storytime we added the use of silks to "shake."

The Role of a Music Therapist in Storytime

Kate’s background as a Board Certified Music Therapist adds a valuable dimension to the storytime experience. Music therapy uses music intentionally to support emotional, cognitive, and social growth. Kate designs each session to meet the needs of diverse children, including those with developmental delays or sensory sensitivities.

Her training allows her to observe how children respond to different sounds and movements and adjust activities accordingly. For instance, if a child seems overwhelmed by loud instruments, Kate might switch to softer tones or quieter songs. This personalized approach ensures that every child feels comfortable and included.

Tips for Parents to Extend Learning at Home

Kate encourages parents to bring elements of music, stories, and movement into their daily routines. Here are some simple ways to do that:

• Sing together: Choose favorite songs or make up new ones about daily activities.

• Read with rhythm: Clap or tap to the beat while reading stories aloud.

• Move with stories: Act out parts of a story using gestures or dance moves.

• Use household items: Create homemade instruments like shakers from jars or drums from pots.

• Follow your child’s lead: Let children choose songs or movements they enjoy to keep them engaged.

  
  

These activities strengthen the bond between parent and child while supporting early learning skills. They also make everyday moments more joyful and interactive.