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.

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.

Course details

Course objectives

The course will offer arrange of 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

Format & length

10 hours, comprised of

• 2 x 3.5 hour live interactive online sessions, a week apart. Attendance is required at both to complete Bookbug Session Leader training. There will be a comfort break halfway through each session.
• 3 hours of Independent learning tasks (1.5 hours of work before the first live session, 1.5 hours of work after the first live session.)

Cost

Funded at no cost for participants

How to apply for Bookbug Session Leader training

Due to high demand, places on Bookbug Session Leader training are awarded through an application process.

Who can apply?

Applicants must:

• Be affiliated with an organisation, either as a staff member or volunteer, which will support the applicant 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 code of conduct
• Be over 16
• Preferably, be a member of the PVG scheme(this will open in a new window)

What are we looking for in your application?

Your application will be judged on:

• The eligibility criteria listed above
• Indication of need: In order to ensure that our funded training places have the greatest impact, we want to know why the place is needed and who your Bookbug Sessions will engage. For instance, are you targeting families who are not currently reached by Bookbug Sessions? Are your Bookbug Sessions aimed at a specific need in your area?
• Your local authority area: We aim to support Bookbug Sessions to reach as wide a range of people as possible and are spread throughout every local authority in Scotland.
• Number of applications from one organisation: if we get multiple applications from one organisation/location, we may need to limit the number of spaces offered to that organisation. It is not currently possible to request an inhouse Bookbug Session Leader training course.
• Your commitment to start running Bookbug Sessions within 2 months of being trained

Open for Applications

The online application form must be completed in one attempt so it is strongly recommended that the applicant prepares answers to all the questions before attempting to complete the online application form. You can download a copy of the questions below.

This application should be completed by the prospective delegate. If you awarded a place on a training course, this is not transferable to another member of staff - it is for the named person only.

Upcoming application periods in 2021-22

Round 2: For training courses taking place in November & December 2021

Training dates:

• Tuesday 9 November 2021, 10:00am - 1:30pm & Tuesday 16 November 2021, 10:00am - 1:30pm
• Wednesday 10 November 2021, 10:00am - 1:30pm & Wednesday 17 November 2021, 10:00am - 1:30pm
• Thursday 11 November 2021, 10:00am - 1:30pm & Thursday 18 November 2021, 10:00am - 1:30pm
• Tuesday 23 November 2021, 10:00am - 1:30pm & Tuesday 30 November 2021, 10:00am - 1:30pm
• Wednesday 24 November 2021, 10:00am - 1:30pm & Wednesday 1 December 2021, 10:00am - 1:30pm
• Thursday 25 November 2021, 10:00am - 1:30pm & Thursday 02 December 2021, 10:00am - 1:30pm

We are now closed for applications for the above dates. If you have submitted an application, you will be contacted by Friday 22 October 2021 at the latest.

We will be open for applications at 10am, Monday 6 September 2021 until 9am, Monday 20 September 2021.

Round 3: For training courses taking place in January & February 2022 (exact dates to be confirmed)

Open for applications at 10am, Monday 1 November 2021 until 9am, Monday 15 November 2021.

Past Training Round 1: For training courses taking place in September & October 2021

Training dates:

• Wednesday 15 September 2021, 9:30am - 1pm & Wednesday 22 September 2021, 9:30am - 1pm
• Thursday 16 September 2021, 9:30am - 1pm & Thursday 23 September 2021, 9:30am - 1pm
• Tuesday 28 September 2021, 9:30am - 1pm & Tuesday 5 October 2021, 9:30am - 1pm
• Wednesday 29 September 2021, 9:30am - 1pm & Wednesday 6 October 2021, 9:30am - 1pm
• Wednesday 20 October 2021, 9:30am - 1pm & Wednesday 27 October 2021, 9:30am - 1pm
• Thursday 21 October 2021, 9:30am - 1pm & Thursday 28 October 2021, 9:30am - 1pm

We are now closed for applications for the above dates. If you have submitted an application, you should have been contacted.

Accessing the online training session

Technical requirements

To attend this session you will need -

• A computer, laptop or tablet that has a camera and microphone, as you will need to be seen and heard to participate. If you have the option, a laptop or computer is better. Please note a mobile phone is not suitable due to the format of the training.
• To be able to access Zoom.(this will open in a new window) Before the session starts, please check if your organisation allows access to Zoom using work devices. If it does not, we suggest that you use a personal device if appropriate. Please see our Zoom use and security policy(this will open in a new window) for more information.
• A stable internet connection. If your wi-fi is unstable, you might want to consider plugging your computer directly into your router.
• A quiet space in which to participate in the session. If one of your colleagues is also participating in the session, please make sure you are in separate rooms as your microphones will cause a feedback loop when both are turned on near to each other.

What to expect at an online training session

In our online training course, you need to have a device that connects to the internet with working audio, camera and microphone. The trainer and other delegates will be able to see you and speak with you directly and you will be able to directly participate. All attendees must be registered individually on the training course and participate on their on their own individual device. The number of people attending is limited to a maximum of 12 people.

More training and information

Sign up for our regular Working with Bookbug(this will open in a new window) newsletter to be notified when the next round of applications are open, or view the rest of our Bookbug training courses.(this will open in a new window)

If you have any questions or you need additional support with the application process, please contact the Bookbug team at bookbugtraining@scottishbooktrust.com(this will open in a new window) or 0131 524 0179.