Author: msemilylibrary

Early literacy librarian near Indianapolis, Indiana.
book covers of titles presented in this storytime

Preschool Storytime: Animals Eating Animals

Posted on by msemilylibrary

So… someone on Storytime Underground mentioned they did an Animals Eating Animals theme and my mind started whirring! I loved it and tucked it away for a future idea. When I did a callout on the site a couple of months later in preparation for this session, I got lots of great ideas, but a few people who said “That’s a weird theme.” Which, sure, it is. BUT – if you look at the number of available books and songs and rhymes that tie in, it’s really not that weird. There’s definitely a basis in the natural world, though I went “silly” instead of “scientific.” And lots of kids seem to love stuff that is just a little taboo – underwear, snot, slime, bugs. So I went in full throttle and had a lot of fun goofing with Animals Eating Animals. I even got to wear my dinosaur dress, and used a TON of props, which I love.

See another version of this theme from 2026.

You can see the virtual program that does not include the full books read aloud here.

bark george book cover showing a picture of a brown dog looking up

Early Literacy Tip: Preschool children have wonderful imaginations. Encourage pretend play and find ways to expand it so that children explore different situations and characters. You can enrich their play by following their lead, adding new words, offering “what if” situations, and incorporating writing and print into their play. This kind of play adds to their “sense of story”.

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

Discussion: Out in the wild, a lot of animals eat other animals to stay alive. This makes them carnivores, or meat-eaters, or omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. What about you? Are you a carnivore, omnivore, or even a herbivore (only eat plants – another word is vegetarian)? One thing I love is that there are a lot of really funny stories and songs about animals eating animals! How about turtles? They eat bugs and fish – here’s a rhyme about that:

Fingerplay: There Was a Little Turtle
There was a little turtle (make fist)
who lived in a box (cover fist with arm)
he swam in the puddles (fist wiggles like swimming)
he climbed on the rocks (fist climbs up opposite arm)
He snapped at a mosquito, he snapped at a flea (pinch with thumb and fingers)
He snapped at a minnow, he snapped at me
He caught that mosquito, He caught that flea (clap each time)
He caught that minnow
But he didn’t catch me! (waggle finger)
Credit: Jbrary

Read: Swallow the Leader by Danna Smith & Kevin Sherry

Flannel & Song: Slippery Fish
Slippery fish, slippery fish, sliding through the water,
Slippery fish, slippery fish, Gulp, Gulp, Gulp!
Oh, no! It’s been eaten by an …

Jellyfish … floating in the water
Octopus … squiggling in the water
Tuna fish … flashing in the water
Great white shark … lurking in the water

Humongous whale, humongous whale, spouting in the water,
Humongous whale, humongous whale,
Gulp! … Gulp! … Gulp! … BURP! (Cover mouth)
Excuse me!
Credit: Jbrary (see motions there)

This is one of the first flannels I made – about 2 years ago now. I think I saw it on a video, took a screenshot, and based the design on that. But I went back to see if I could find either my printout or the original video and couldn’t find it. I do wish the whale was facing the other direction (I guess I could just put another eyeball on the back) and the sizes were increasingly big, but I make it work!

slippery fish flannel, including small green fish, pink jellyfish, gray octopus with pink suckers, white tuna with pink fins, a gray shark, and a blue whale.

I’m not sure if I do Baby Shark the same way the viral video does, but it’s the way I’ve always done it!
Action Song: Baby Shark
(motion shark jaws opening and closing throughout, motions getting bigger with larger relatives)
Baby shark, doo-doo, doo-doo-doo-doo (x3) Baby shark!

Baby (thumb and pointer) … Sister (whole hand) …
Brother (both hands) … Grandma (both hands, fingers curled) …
Momma (arms from elbows down) … Daddy (whole arms) …

SHARK ATTACK!! AAAAAHHH!
Swim away (swim motion) doo-doo, doo-doo-doo-doo (x3)
Gotcha! (tickle)
Credit: traditional

Based on this post on Literary Commentary, I asked one of our volunteers to make me a George box to retell this classic story. She did an amazing job and this is the second time I’ve gotten to use this prop. It’s a lot of fun, and a good opportunity to show that books can be acted out!
Puppet Retelling: Bark, George by Jules Feiffer

I love the jazzy tune of this song, and chose it over Five Green and Speckled Frogs, which is another option for this theme and my prop, which I fashioned after the instructions on the Kenton County Public Library’s page. I have an alligator puppet I considered using, but the logistics seemed just too much – holding the log in one hand and flipping the frogs with the alligator puppet on the other hand while singing is a little beyond my coordination.
Counting Song: Five Frogs, Sittin’ on a Log
Five frogs were hoppin’ on a log
One hopped off into the pond
Then a big alligator came a-swimmin’ along
He went, “Chomp! Mm-mm.” Now he’s gone. (Count down)
Credit: Anna Moo

prop for Five Frogs: consists of a paper towel tube covered by 5 strips. one side of the strip depicts a green frog with spots sitting on a brown log. When the strip is flipped to the bottom of the tube, it shows a light blue wave of water.

With a snake prop: the head sticks out from under your arm, and as you say “moa,” pull so the body is exposed.
Poem: Boa
Just when you think you know the boa
There’s moa, and moa, and moa, and moa!
Credit: King County Library System

Photo of plush snake made from a man's tie in browns with a hexagonal pattern and black toy safety eyes.

I’ve seen a lot of videos doing this with a prop – some kind of play tunnel that you leave collapsed at the floor then slowly bring up around your body. If I had one, I’d have used it! As it is, I found a snake plush in our basement so just held and moved that.
Song/Poem: Boa Constrictor
(your arm or your grownup can be the snake)
I’m being eaten by a boa constrictor, a boa constrictor, a boa constrictor.
I’m being eaten by a boa constrictor,
And I don’t like it– one bit.
Well, what do you know? It’s nibblin’ my toe!
Oh Gee! It’s up to my knee! Oh My! It’s up to my thigh!
Oh Fiddle! It’s up to my middle! Oh Heck! It’s up to my neck!
Oh Dread! It’s upmmmmmmmmmmffffffffff…
Credit: Shel Silverstein, from the book Where the Sidewalk Ends

I think this is the book that I first thought of when contemplating this theme! Here’s how I introduced it: “This next book has a lot of great rhythm! I love that the author talks about being visually impaired in his bio, so the way the book SOUNDS was very important to him.”
Read: One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree by Daniel Bernstrom & Brendan Wenzel

Silly Story: Herman the Worm
I was sittin’ on my fencepost, chewing my bubblegum (chew, chew, chew, chew)
Playin’ with my yo-yo – wee-oo! wee-oo!
When along came Herman the worm
And he was this big (measure a small worm with fingers)
And I said: “Herman? What happened?”
“I ate my mother!”

(Herman gets bigger and bigger, eating more family members, then
goes back to being tiny)
…And I said: “Herman? What happened?”
“I burped!”
Credit: traditional, via Jbrary

Craft: Bark, George Story Retelling Activity
This was a printable that came straight from Making Learning Fun. I didn’t have time to pick up snack-sized bags, so I used sandwich size and just made sure the bottom was where George’s belly was. I had a volunteer precut the holes and I taped the plastic bag on the back so the kids just had to color and cut out their animals.

I also suggested these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video.
Poor Little Guy by Elanna Allen
The Wolf, the Duck, & the Mouse by Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen
I Saw Anaconda by Jane Clarke & Emma Dodd

I saw anaconda book cover, showing a very large snake looking at a pale skinned child holding binoculars

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented virtually on 1/26/21.

Storytime Handout:

Sheet with book suggestions and rhyme/song lyrics

Preschool Storytime: Magic

Posted on by msemilylibrary
gif of a man in a unicorn shirt, long curly hair, and a mustache waving his fingers and saying "magic." The word magic appears at the bottom with a rainbow sparkle.

Magic shows and magic tricks are fun for all ages. I think I was inspired to do this storytime by seeing the book Hat Tricks and Jbrary’s “Little Bunny in a Hat” rhyme in the same week. I bought myself the Folkmanis Rabbit in a Hat puppet and away we went! I made a “magic wand” using a roll of black construction paper with white paper tips on each end, which worked just fine for what I needed in the Abra-cadabra and Hat Trick rhymes. I considered doing an actual magic trick but didn’t leave myself enough time – plus I wasn’t sure how well it would go on video. If I did this theme in person, I’d definitely want to do some magic!

You can see the virtual program that does not include the full books read aloud here.

Early Education Tip: Counting songs are great ways to introduce children to consecutive numbers and counting. To mix it up, count up AND down, use your non-dominant hand for counting, and occasionally count from or to a number outside of 5 or 10, as we did today in “Six Magic Rabbits.”

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

I wanted this to be just a tad bit longer, so I added the two lines in the middle.
Fingerplay: Magic Finger
Magic finger in the air, Magic finger in my hair
Magic finger on my fist, Magic finger on my wrist
Magic finger on my shin, Magic finger on my chin
Magic finger on my hip, Magic finger on my lips (shhhh!)
Credit: adapted from YouthLiterature.com via Storytime Katie

Before reading, I encouraged the kids to watch the pictures carefully, then at the end asked if they thought Anton REALLY did do magic…
Read: Anton Can Do Magic by Ole Könnecke

Rhyme Game: Abra-cadabra
(children act as the “spell” indicates)
Abra-cadabra, Alaka-zitty
When I say KAZAM you’ll all be kitties! KAZAM!
Abra-cadabra, Alaka-zoo
When I say KAZAM you’ll all be kangaroos! KAZAM!
Abra-cadabra, Alaka-zion
When I say KAZAM you’ll all be lions! KAZAM!
Abra-cadabra, Alaka-zow
When I say KAZAM you’ll all be cows! KAZAM!
Abra-cadabra, Alaka-zap
When I say KAZAM you’ll all take a nap! KAZAM!
Abra-cadabra, Alaka-zids
When I say KAPOW you’ll turn back to kids! KAPOW!
Credit: libraryfun.home.blog

Picture of a construction paper wand and a puppet of a white rabbit in a black top hat.

This one was a little tricky to stuff the items into the hat puppet and keep them all plus the rabbit hidden – it might work better with an actual hat than with the Folkmanis puppet.
Rhyme with Puppet: Hat Trick
Magic, magic, in my hat!
I’ll pull out a rabbit – (pull anything other than a rabbit)
Ahhhh! What is that?!
(repeat until ready for the rabbit)

Magic, magic, in my hat!
I’ll pull out a rabbit –
See! Look at that!
Credit: SLC Book Boy

I love Hattie the Rabbit so, so much.
Read: Hat Tricks by Satoshi Kitamura

Flannel Rhyme: Six Magic Rabbits
Six magic rabbits, each in a tall black hat
Along comes a magician who gives each one a pat
Then she waves her magic wand high above their ears
Abracadabra, poof! One rabbit disappears!
(Count down to one)

One magic rabbit, in a tall black hat
Along comes a magician who gives him a pat
Then she waves her magic wand high above his ears
Abracadabra, poof! The last rabbit disappears!
Credit: Libraryfun.home.blog

flannel of six identical black hats with six identical white rabbit heads on top as if appearing from the hats

Before this rhyme, I mentioned that knowing our left and right is a learned skill (and not an easy one!) so grownups can help, or they can mirror me.
Puppet Rhyme: Little Bunny in a Hat
Little bunny in a hat, Sitting so still (begin with bunny hidden)
Will she come out? Yes she will! (bunny pops out of hat)
She looks to the left (turn puppet left)
She looks to the right (turn puppet right)
She looks straight ahead (turn puppet to front)
And pops out of sight (hides in hat again)
Credit: Jbrary

Fingerplay: Bunnies Up!
(index and middle finger make bunny ears if you don’t have a puppet)
Bunnies up! Bunnies down!
Hold your bunny & turn around
Bunnies up! Bunnies down!
Put your bunny on the ground
Credit: One Little Librarian

I love the super-dramatic tone of this title. Be sure to read it in your best circus announcer voice!
Read: Max and the Won’t Go to Bed Show by Mark Sperring & Sarah Warburton

In this song, the bunny isn’t doing magic – but someone else is!
Fingerplay Song: Little Bunny Foo Foo
Little bunny Foo Foo, hopping through the forest
Scooping up the field mice, and bopping ’em on the head
Then down came the Good Fairy, and she said:
“Little bunny Foo Foo, I don’t want to see you
Scooping up the field mice, and bopping ’em on the head”
I’ll give you two more chances, Then I’ll turn you into a goon!
The next day…
(Repeat, one more chance)

“I gave you three chances. Now I’ll turn you into a goon!”
(POOF!)
And the moral of the story is: “Hare today, goon tomorrow!”
Credit: traditional

Craft: Magic Rabbit in a Hat Puppet
Since I had so much fun with my puppet, I wanted the kids to have something they could use to recreate our rhymes and games. I used the images shared on Libraryfun.home.blog, printed them on white cardstock, and included a jumbo craft stick and some sparkly star stickers for this easy craft.

picture of magic rabbit in a hat craft - paper white rabbit with a bow tie is attached to a craft stick, then put through a slit in a black paper hat. The rabbit can peek up through the hat or be hidden below the rim.

I also suggested these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video.
The Magic Box by Katie Cleminson
Milo’s Hat Trick by Jon Agee
A Small Surprise by Louise Yates

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented virtually on 1/19/21.

Storytime Handout:

rhyme sheet with book suggestions and rhyme and song text

Preschool Storytime: Bathtime

Posted on by msemilylibrary

What a fun theme! You get to combine bubbles, body parts, and bath toys into one!

You can see the virtual program that does not include the full books read aloud here.

Early Literacy Tip: Bath time is a wonderful opportunity to encourage play and imagination! You can be pirates or sea turtles, or you can use bubbles to practice fine motor skills and finger dexterity. Learn more ways bubbles can be beneficial here: http://mamaot.com/11-benefits-of-playing-with-bubbles/

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

Fingerplay: Bubbles
A small bubble (make a circle with your fingers)
A medium sized bubble (make a large circle with your hands)
A great big bubble I see (make a large circle with your arms)
Now let’s count them, are you ready?
1 –2 – 3 (make 3 circles again)
POP! (clap hands loudly once)
Credit: Sunflower Storytime

Read: Time for a Bath by Phillis Gershator & David Walker

Scarf Warmup:
Wave your scarves high, then low
Wave them fast, then slow
Count to three and throw them in the air, then CATCH!

Scarf Song: This Is the Way We Wash Our Head
(tune of Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush)
This is the way we wash our head
Wash our head, wash our head
This is the way we wash our head
So early in the morning
(repeat and “wash” different body parts with scarf – as Abby says in her original post, this is a great opportunity to introduce or reinforce less common body part language – “thigh,” “ankle,” “elbow,” “shoulder,” “jaw,” etc.)
Credit: Abby the Librarian

Scarf Song: Washing
(tune of Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes)
Wash your head, shoulders, knees and toes (knees and toes)
Wash your head, shoulders, knees and toes (knees and toes)
Wash your eyes and ears and mouth and nose –
Wash your head, shoulders, knees and toes (knees and toes)
(repeat and speed up)
Credit: adapted from the traditional

Read: How Do You Take a Bath? by Kate McMullan & Sydney Hanson

Flannel Song: Five Elephants in the Bathtub
One elephant in the bathtub, going for a swim
Knock, Knock (clap, clap)
Splash, Splash (pat knees twice)
Come on in! (motion with both hands to come in)
(repeat up to five)

Five elephants in the bathtub, going for a swim
Knock, Knock (clap, clap)
Splash, Splash (pat knees twice)
They all fell in! (wave arms wildly)
Credit: traditional, flannel pattern from Sunflower Storytime

Flannel for Five Elephants in the Bathtub. Includes bathtub and 5 elephants: green, yellow, orange, purple, and blue.

Do you have any toys you like to play with in the tub?
Read with Flannel: Who’s In the Tub? by Sylvie Jones & Pascale Constantin

Flannel Game: Memory – What’s Missing?
Once again, I was inspired by the awesome Sunflower Storytime. I used her template but made a couple of adjustments to make the pieces look a little more like the ones in the book. The biggest change was the seal and the octopus. I HAVE to have an eight-armed octopus. 🙂 For the game after reading the book, I ask the kids to look closely at the pieces, then everyone closes their eyes and one piece is removed for them to guess/remember.

Flannel for "Who's in the Tub" book. Includes bathtub, little boy, striped ball, yellow seal, green turtle, pink octopus, yellow duck, and blue whale.

Bubble Song: Bubble, Bubble, Pop!
(if you have bubbles, this is a great song to use them with)
One little red fish swimming in the water, (motion one finger, then weave hand back and forth as if swimming)
Swimming in the water, swimming in the water,
One little red fish swimming in the water
Bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, (corkscrew index fingers upwards on both sides)
POP! (clap)
(repeat; you can change to different bath toys like “one little blue boat floating on the water” or change the number and/or color of fish)
Credit: Jbrary

Ukulele or Recorded Song: Rubber Ducky
Credit: Sesame Street
As a ukulele song, Rubber Ducky is certainly not easy. It’s a jazzy tune with lots of interesting chords: the dreaded E natural, 7ths, augmented, diminished, etc. I took an “easy” version (15 chords!) and stripped it down even further. There are still 10 chords, and very few of them are common, though most are not hard shapes to make with gCEA tuning. And thankfully, they mostly flow from one to another fairly naturally with some practice. (I had most trouble with G#7 to C#m). Give it a try, it’s fun!

Get a downloadable ukulele songsheet for “Rubber Ducky” here!

thumbnail of Rubber Ducky Ukulele songsheet

Craft: Bubble Wrap Painting
Borrowing once again from Sunflower Storytime! For the take and make packets, I included a small amount of blue paint in a little 2 oz cup, a paper plate to spread the paint on, a strip of bubble wrap taped end to end to make a “cuff” that kids could put over their hand, the bathtub print out from Sunflower Storytime, and a yellow duck cut out. I encouraged kids to also draw other details like themselves or their other favorite bath toys in the scene. I didn’t make a sample for this, just borrowed the photo from Sunflower Storytime’s page.

Bubble wrap craft - bathtub with blue painted bubbles and a yellow duck. Image from Sunflower Storytime.

I also suggested these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video.
Bath! Bath! Bath! by Douglas Florian & Christiane Engel
Get Out of My Bath! by Britta Teckentrup
Ten Pigs: An Epic Bath Adventure by Derek Anderson

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented virtually on 1/12/21.

Storytime Handout:

Rhyme sheet with book suggestions

Preschool Storytime: Hibernation

Posted on by msemilylibrary

I’m slowly catching up on recording storytimes – I’m now into 2021! Inspired by the book William’s Winter Nap used in the last session (Warm & Cozy), it made sense to theme an upcoming storytime on hibernation. Although I’ve been a librarian for over 16 years, I’m only creeping into my second year as a children’s programmer (I started as a teen librarian, then went into management). So I’ve been presenting a lot of “classic” themes that I’m sure a lot of veteran librarians have been doing forever – but they’re new to me!

This theme gave me the opportunity to learn some more facts, as well as be frustrated with inaccurate picture books! I wanted to present a variety of animals that hibernate, not just bears, but several books show squirrels as hibernators, when they are not. I think they are less active in the winter, but they definitely don’t hibernate – the ones in my yard play in the snow! So there were a few titles that were good except for these inaccuracies that I just couldn’t present. Grr.

You can see the virtual program that does not include the full books read aloud here.

Early Literacy Tip: Making predictions about a book really helps children understand what they read. Comprehension is important because without it, kids don’t stay motivated to keep reading for very long. So ask your children a question or two about the book before you start reading. Talking with your child will help them get ready to read!

Discuss: When it’s cold outside, we bundle up and like to spend more time indoors. But some animals will sleep all winter long – this is called hibernation! Let’s learn more about what it means.

Read: Hibernation by Margaret Hall

I had photographs of a bear, frog, snake, and bat being active, then hibernating on the back of cards. We talked about them before starting the song.
Song: Hibernation
(tune of “Alouette”)
Chorus:
Hibernation, time for hibernation
Hibernation, time to go to sleep
Verse:
In the winter, where’s the bear?
Sleeping in his log or lair
Where’s the bear? (Log or lair)
Where’s the bear? (Log or lair) OOOOOOH!

Additional verses:
…frog? Sleeping by a pond or log
…snake? In the mud beside the lake
…bat? In a cave is where she’s at
Credit: Charles County Public Library (MD)

Fingerplay: Here Is a Cave
Here is a cave. Inside is a bear (bend fingers on one hand; put thumb inside)
Now he comes out to get some fresh air (pop out thumb)
He stays out all summer in sunshine and heat
He hunts in the forest for berries to eat (move thumb in a circle)
When snow starts to fall, he hurries inside
His warm little cave and there he will hide (put thumb inside fingers)
Snow covers the cave like a fluffy white rug
Inside the bear sleeps all cozy and snug (place one hand over the other)
Credit: King County Library System (WA)

Bear is ready to sleep, but first, he wants to remind his friends that it’s time to hibernate. Who will he meet?
Read: Time to Sleep by Denise Fleming

Action Rhyme: Brown Bear, Brown Bear
Brown bear, brown bear, turn around
Brown bear, brown bear, touch the ground
Brown bear, brown bear, reach up high
Brown bear, brown bear, touch the sky
Brown bear, brown bear, bend down low
Brown bear, brown bear, touch your toes
Brown bear, brown bear, go to bed
Brown bear, brown bear, rest your head
Brown bear, brown bear, turn out the lights
Brown bear, brown bear, say “good night”
Credit: King County Library System (WA)

I rooted around for any hibernator puppets or stuffed animals we had and came up with quite a few. I think I only did about four during storytime, though.
Fingerplay with Puppets: Sleepy Bear
(tune of “Thumbkin”)
Where is Bear? Where is Bear?
Here I am. Here I am.
How are you this winter?
Very tired, thank you.
Go to sleep. Go to sleep.
(repeat with other hibernators: hedgehog, chipmunk, turtle, bat, frog, mouse)
Credit: preschooleducation.com

photo of stuffed animals and puppets: turtle, hedgehog, mouse, bat, and chipmunk.
A few of my hibernators – not pictured: baby bear and frog who are at home!

You know I love a funny book. This one is told entirely in jokes!
Read: Knock Knock by Tammi Sauer & Guy Francis

Flannel/Action Rhyme: Sleepy Bear Roll
Five sleepy bears moving really slow
One yawns and stumbles and starts to… ROLL! (roll arms)
He rolls to a stop and begins to snore (exaggerated snoring)
How many bears are left to explore? (count down)
Credit: Canton Public Library (MI)

laminated cartoon pictures of 5 different cartoon bears, all sleeping.

Counting/Ukulele Song: The Bears Go Marching
The bears go marching one by one, Hurrah! Hurrah!
The bears go marching one by one, Hurrah! Hurrah!
The bears go marching one by one,
The little one knew that autumn was done
And they all go marching down to their den
Because winter had set in, boom, boom, boom

Additional verses:
…two by two… little one stopped to sneeze : “ahh-choo!”
…three by three… little one stopped to scratch a tree
…four by four… little one stopped to eat just a bit more
…five by five… little one stopped to whisper : “nighty-night!”
Credit: Ram Sam Storytime

Get a downloadable ukulele songsheet for “The Bears Go Marching” here!

Thumbnail of ukulele sheet

Craft: Sleeping Bear Den
I ordered some foam leaf stickers to go with this craft, but they didn’t come in time. Either way, I think it’s simple and cute. Inspired by the project at Glued To My Crafts blog. Bear image from Play Create Explore.

craft with 3 jumbo craft sticks colored brown and glued into a triangle, with a grey construction paper triangle glued to it plus a picture of a sleeping bear. Cotton balls are glued to the top and bottom to represent snow.

I also suggested these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video.
Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner & Christopher Silas Neal
Old Bear by Kevin Henkes
I Don’t Want to Go to Sleep by Dev Petty & Mike Boldt

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented virtually on 1/5/21.

Storytime Handout:

handout with suggested books and rhyme/song lyrics

Preschool Storytime: Warm & Cozy

Posted on by msemilylibrary

In another attempt to avoid holiday programming while still celebrating a universal happy winter feeling, my last storytime of December was focused on the feeling of “coziness.” I invite the kids to think about what makes them feel cozy, and remind them that different people may have different things that make them feel that way. In general, though, we feel cozy when we are warm, secure, fed, and loved – something every child (and adult!) needs and deserves.

You can see the virtual program that does not include the full books read aloud here.

Early Literacy Tip: One of the best things you can give your children is the enjoyment of books and reading. By allowing your children to participate as you share books with them, you can keep them engaged around the book. Feel free to have them turn the pages, to stop and talk about a picture, or ask an open-ended question to keep their interest. Of course, if they are not enjoying it, don’t force them to sit still. Try again at another time – it’s fine to have several abbreviated reading times throughout the day if they’re enjoyable rather than forcing a longer session. Your child’s attention span and tolerance for longer stories will increase in time.

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

I hadn’t really used any fingerplays that specify right and left hands before, so I asked on the Storytime Underground Facebook page what best practices were. Many people do the opposite so that children can mirror them and use the correct hand, while specifying for parents that’s what they’re doing. I think it’s good to emphasize that it’s a hard concept and parents can gently help until kids get it. There was also discussion about ableism and excluding kids that may not have two hands/fingers which is great food for thought.
Fingerplay: Warm Mittens
I wiggle my left mitten (wave hand)
I wiggle my right (wave hand)
Inside of my mittens (make “mitten” hands)
So warm and so tight
I wiggle my pinkie (wiggle pinkie)
I wiggle my thumbs (wiggle thumbs)
So when I make snowballs (cup hands together)
My hands don’t get numb (shake out hands)
Credit: Adventures of a Bookworm

Read: Winter is the Warmest Season by Lauren Stringer

Rhyme: Cozy Night
One fluffy quilt on my bed (mime shaking out a blanket)
Two little pillows for my head (fold hands under head)
Three teddy bears to hold so tight (hug self)
Now I’m ready for a cozy night! (rub arms)
Credit: Literary Hoots

Action Rhyme: Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around
Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the ground
Teddy bear, teddy bear, reach up high
Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the sky
Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch your knees
Teddy bear, teddy bear, sit down please!
Credit: traditional

Sometimes it feels like winter is gray and colorless. What do you think?
Read: A Day So Gray by Marie Lamba & Alea Marley

This flannel, which Mel’s Desk does with an autumn theme, always feels cozy to me, so I wrote an alternative ending for winter.
Flannel Rhyme: Blue is the Sky (Winter Edition)
Blue is the sky
Yellow is the sun
Silver are the stars when the day is done
Orange is the fire
Green is the tree
Brown is the cocoa for you and me
Credit: adapted by Ms. Emily from Mel’s Desk

Flannel for "blue is the sky" with blue blob, yellow sun, two aluminum foil stars, a fireplace with an orange flame, a dark green conifer tree, and a red mug with light brown cocoa and white marshmallows.

Download the template for winter pieces here! (Original at Mel’s Desk for sky, sun, and stars)

Thumbnail of flannel template for blue is the sky.

Pull laminated pieces out of a hat or basket. Do as many or as few as your group has patience for! End with a hug for kiddos and caregivers.
Flannel: Looking for a Hug
I’m looking for something warm and snug
You open your arms and give a great big…
…rug? NO! …bug? NO! …mug? NO! …plug? NO! …pug? NO! …slug? EW, NO! …hug? YES!
Credit: Pasadena Public Library

Laminated clipart of a green rug, cartoon ladybug, blue mug, orange electrical cord and plug, pug dog, yellow slug, and an icon of a "hug" - pink heart with arms around it.

William is ready to get nice and cozy for a nap, but something happens! Let’s find out.
Read: William’s Winter Nap by Linda Ashman & Chuck Groenink

Rhyme: Chilly Day
When the day is chilly (shiver)
And I don’t know what to do
Mama gives me my sweater (mime putting on sweater)
I put it on and say, “Thank you!”

But when I am still chilly (shiver)
From the snowy winter storm
Papa puts a blanket over me (mime pulling up a blanket)
But still I’m not quite warm

So when I am still chilly (shiver)
I know just what I should do
I say, “Mom & Pop, I’d like some warm cuddles from you!”
(give yourself a hug, or hug a loved one)
Credit: Storytime Stuff

Action Song: Cocoa Pokey
(tune of the Hokey Pokey)
You put your mug in, you take your mug out
You put your mug in, and you shake it all about
You do the cocoa pokey and you turn yourself around
That’s what it’s all about!

Additional verses:
You put your spoon in… stir it all about…
You put your cocoa in… sip it all up…
You put your marshmallow in… slurp it all up…
Credit: So Tomorrow blog

Craft: Mug of Cocoa
This was a kit from Oriental Trading that we’d had extras of. I don’t see it on their site any longer, though. Photo credit to them.

Picture of hot cocoa ornament craft.

I also suggested these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video.
Lucky Pennies and Hot Chocolate by Carol Diggory Shields & Hiroe Nakata
In My Anaana’s Amautik by Nadia Sammurtok & Lenny Lishchenko
Sleep, Black Bear, Sleep by Jane Yolen & Heidi EY Stemple & Brooke Dyer

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented virtually on 12/15/20.

Storytime Handout:

Storytime handout with suggested books and rhyme/song lyrics.

Flannelboard: Ten Balls of Yarn

Posted on by msemilylibrary

Here’s a flannel for an upcoming storytime on knitting. I first saw the rhyme on the Canton Public Library (MI)’s blog. I quickly realized that I need ALL the colors (!) so there are ten balls instead of five.

Ten Balls of Yarn
Ten balls of yarn, sitting in a bowl (10 fingers up)
One fell out and started to…. ROLL (roll arms)
It bounced on my foot and there it sits (point to foot)
How many balls are left to knit? (9 fingers up)
(Count down until all the balls of yarn are on the floor)
Credit: Canton Public Library (MI)

(TEMPLATE at the end of the post!)

Process

I found a simple ball of yarn graphic on Canva, and first just cut out the outline. I decided it looked way too boring so contemplated how to make it look more like yarn than just a blob. I felt a little overwhelmed thinking of cutting out all of the whitespace on the graphic – there are 11 skinny pieces for each ball, so that makes 110 total! Looking for another answer, I thought about using actual yarn glued down. It just didn’t look the way I wanted, used a lot of glue, and was difficult to do neatly.

So, I experimented cutting out the little pieces, and decided it was worth the effort (for me.) I really liked the way it looked and the option to put different shades of a color together for some visual interest. After a couple of tries, I found a method of taping and cutting the pieces that worked well and didn’t take too long. Tweezers and toothpicks are very handy tools for small pieces, especially during the gluing process!

It was kind of a fun puzzle to figure out how to best lay out the pieces for the various felt scraps I had.

Download the template if you would like your own felt yarn collection!

thumbnail of downloadable felt yarn template

Preschool Storytime: Favorites

Posted on by msemilylibrary

In the week or so before this storytime, I asked my viewers (we’re still virtual) what their favorite songs and rhymes are. I didn’t get a huge response, so I made a list of common and well-known songs as well as a few of my own favorites. I made magnetized picture pieces representing all of these, and grouped them in threes or fours for kiddos to choose from in our comments during storytime. It was really great to see those comments come through! For the recorded session (link below), I gave the options, appeared to consider, and chose the songs/rhymes that I liked and made most sense with our stories. I reminded kids and grownups that if the one they were hoping to hear didn’t get chosen, to pause or do those favorites on their own! Hopefully this reminds grownups that they don’t have to be in storytime to rhyme and sing with their kids. The books were my own favorites. I had a good time with this one!

EDIT: I’ve realized that the tune “Shortnin’ Bread” is rooted in racism and can be harmful. I’ll no longer be using “Mama’s Little Baby” during storytime, as it uses this tune.

You can see the virtual program that does not include the full books read aloud here.

Early Literacy Tip: Talking with your children, especially as you share books, is one of the best ways to develop your children’s vocabulary. In books they see things they might not otherwise see, like different kinds of animals. Take advantage of expanding their vocabulary by talking with them about the pictures in books.

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

The board at the beginning of storytime:
I removed the images of songs we didn’t use and at the end of storytime the board showed a road map of what we did. Unfortunately, I didn’t take another picture at the end… *These were the items that I chose.

Magnet board with lots of printed and laminated pieces with pictures representing songs and rhymes (2 blackbirds, spider, teapot, star, grandfather clock, popcorn, etc)

Fingerplay One – Choose from:
Two Little Blackbirds
Itsy Bitsy Spider *
I’m a Little Teapot

closeup of fingerplay one images

Fingerplay Two – Choose from:
Slowly, Slowly* (from Jbrary)
Hickory Dickory Dock (from Jbrary)
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

closeup of fingerplay two images

Read: Red House, Tree House, Little Bitty Brown Mouse by Jane Godwin & Blanca Gómez

Scarf Songs – Choose Two:
One Bright Scarf* (from Jbrary)
Mama’s Little Baby Loves Dancin’ (from KCLS) See EDIT above
Popcorn Kernels* (from Jbrary)
Row, Row, Row Your Boat

closeup of scarf song images

Read: Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings

Song – Choose from:
My Dog Rags* (from Jbrary)
ABC Song
Where is Thumbkin?

closeup of song images

This book is not only a beautiful poem about all the things the ones who care for us want to give us, but it’s illustrated by one of my absolute favorite artists, Christian Robinson.
Read: Just In Case You Want to Fly by Julie Fogliano & Christian Robinson

Action Song – Choose from:
Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes
Zoom, Zoom, Zoom* (from Jbrary)
Tick, Tock, Tick Tock (from Jbrary)

closeup of action song images

Ukulele Song – Choose from:
Mr. Sun
Apples and Bananas
Down By the Bay
Shake My Sillies Out* (these four from Raffi)
If You’re Happy and You Know it

closeup of ukulele song images

Visit my Ukulele Songsheet Page for arrangements for each of these songs!

Craft: My Favorite Things Coloring Sheet
I looked at a lot of other people’s “Favorite Things” sheets and couldn’t find one that I loved. So I used Canva to make my own. You can download a copy here.

Coloring sheet with My favorite... animal, color, food, toy, book, and thing to do outside

I also suggested these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video.
Pokko and the Drum by Matthew Forsythe
The Bad Seed by Jory John & Pete Oswald
Hello, Hello by Brendan Wenzel

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented virtually on 12/8/20.

Storytime Handout:

Storytime handout with suggested books and rhyme/song lyrics.

Preschool Storytime: Robots

Posted on by msemilylibrary

Who doesn’t like robots? Especially cute ones in picture books!? I was actually surprised that I had a hard time finding a book appropriate for storytime that discussed actual robots and the things they could do. So many of them talk about robots in a very anthropomorphized way – “eating” nuts and bolts and so forth. That’s fine, if you already know what robots are and what they do, but I didn’t feel comfortable making that assumption about my kiddos. Thankfully, I found Robots, Robots, Everywhere, a board book that talks about robots on farms, in homes (Roomba, anyone?), undersea, in space, and more. It was a perfect introductory book, and after that we explored some more stories treating robots more fantastically!

You can see the virtual program that does not include the full books read aloud here.
See another version of this theme from 2023 here.

Early Literacy Tip: Writing is not just writing letters. Learning to scribble and draw are first steps to writing letters. Offer your children many opportunities to write throughout the day, from scribbling on paper, to making lists, to writing you a note.

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

Discussion: What is a robot? It’s a machine that helps do things for people – sometimes it looks like a person, sometimes it doesn’t. It can help out in situations that may be too dangerous for people, or can do things more easily or quickly than people can. We’re going to pretend to be robots during storytime today – one thing that robots have is a button or switch to turn them on or off. Where would your robot button be? Mine is right here on my shoulder.

I saw a little note on Anne’s Library Life mentioning that she adapted one line of Open, Shut Them for her robot storytime, which inspired me to rewrite the whole thing!
Fingerplay: Open, Shut Them (Robot Style)
Open, shut them, Open, shut them
(make “pincers” with hands and open/shut)
Give a little bang, bang, bang (clap)
Open, shut them, Open, shut them
Press your button, clang, clang, clang! (touch pretend button)

Turn your gears now: fast, now slow (roll arms)
Blink your lights from high to low!
(hands “blink” open and shut, fingers splayed, moving downward)

Open, shut them, Open, shut them
Give a little zap, zap, zap (pointer fingers jab outward)
Open, shut them, Open, shut them
Power down now, just … like … that! (sit slowly)
Credit: adapted from the traditional rhyme by Ms. Emily

Read: Robots, Robots, Everywhere by Sue Fliess & Bob Staake

Action Song: The Robot
(tune of “Wheels on the Bus”)
The legs of the robot go up and down,
Up and down, up and down.
The legs of the robot go up and down,
As it walks around the room (march around like a robot)

Additional verses:
Head: goes side to side… // Arms: go back and forth…
Buttons: go beep, beep, beep…// Lights: flash on and off…
Voice: says “Does not compute”…// Feet: go clickity clack…
Antennas: go wiggle, wiggle, wiggle…
Credit: Northwest Regional Library System (OH)

Read: Boy + Bot by Ame Dyckman & Dan Yaccarino

Flannel Activity: Broken Bot
I liked Mr. Keith’s Daft Punk robot felt so much, I borrowed it whole cloth. This is another activity that probably would work best in-person, but I acted silly and imagined the reactions. “The robot fell down and most of his parts came loose! Let me see if I can put it back together. (Ridiculously wrongly.) Oh, silly me, the head goes at the top, not the bottom! Thank you for helping!“

Well, I did a not-so-good job of fixing that robot, so let’s take these other broken robots to a shop!
Flannel Rhyme: Five Little Robots
There are five little robots in the shop this week
This one’s fried and that one sprung a leak
Let’s give this one a look-see; we know just what to do!
And when this robot leaves the shop,
It will be as good as new!
(count down)
Credit: What Happens In Storytime Blog

Printed and laminated photos of five robots in different colors and with different body types.
Robot Image linked here

Read: Beep! Beep! Go to Sleep! by Todd Tarpley & John Rocco

Action Song: If You’re a Robot and You Know It
If you’re a robot and you know it, clank your coils (clap, clap)
If you’re a robot and you know it, clank your coils
If you’re a robot and you know it
and you really want to show it
If you’re a robot and you know it, clank your coils

Additional verses:
…clunk your gears (stomp feet)…
…press your buttons (“Beep beep”)…
…do a dance (dance like a robot!)…
Credit: Future Librarian Superhero

Action Song: I’m a Little Robot
(tune of “I’m a Little Teapot”)
I’m a little robot, short and strong (muscle pose)
Here are my handles (hands on hips)
Just turn me on (push a “button”)
When I get all warmed up, watch me go (shake body)
Sometimes fast (march in place fast)
Sometimes slow (march in place slow)
Credit: AnnesLibraryLife

Craft: Felt Robot Friend
This was inspired by Rebecca at Sturdy for Common Things. I decided to use some stiff, thin felt which has glitter embedded on one side that we have (I think from Oriental Trading) instead of cardstock, and I was pretty happy with the results. Since these virtual storytimes are advertised as “family” storytimes for ages 0-6, I emphasized that this craft was not appropriate for kids under 3 and all kids needed adult supervision with the little pieces and sharp brads, even during play. I suggested using glue for kids who were too young to keep stuff out of their mouths. I was proud that I was able to get 8 sets out of 3 pieces of felt, using scraps and hole punches for potential buttons and levers.

Felt robot craft in blue, red, and orange, with gold brads holding on the arms and legs

I also suggested these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video.
Stop! Bot! by James Yang
Robot Zombie Frankenstein! by Annette Simon
And the Robot Went… by Michelle Robinson & Sergio Ruzzier

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented virtually on 12/1/20.

Storytime Handout:

Image of handout with suggested books and rhymes & songs.

Preschool Storytime: Feeling Thankful (2020)

Posted on by msemilylibrary

Around the time of American Thanksgiving, I think it’s great to reflect on gratefulness and feeling thankful. Because this holiday is so intertwined with false historical narratives and the legacy of violent colonialism, I have decided not to focus on the actual holiday, but on harvest or thankfulness.

In this storytime we did a good bit of American Sign Language – for “Where are Three Friends,” “The More We Get Together,” and learning the sign for “Thank You” in the poem “A Lesson from the Deaf” in the book Thanks a Million.

You can see the plans for every year I’ve done this theme here.

You can see the virtual program that does not include the full books read aloud here.

Early Literacy Tip: When we are warm, and fed, and snuggled with someone we love, our brains release a chemical called serotonin. This makes us feel good, but it also has the effect of helping us learn. When you snuggle with your child and sing and read together, their brains soak up the language they hear and the serotonin helps make that learning permanent. Snuggling, talking, and singing with your child helps get them ready to read.

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

Practice a bit of ASL and avoid the pesky middle finger in this variation of Thumbkin.
Fingerplay: Where Are Three Friends?
(variation of Where Is Thumbkin)
Where is Thumbkin, where is Thumbkin?
Here I am! Here I am!
How are you today, Friend?
Very well, I thank you.
Run away, run away.
(repeat with pointer, pinky, then all three)

Where are three friends, Where are three friends?
Here we are! Here we are!
How are you today, Friends?
Very well, we thank you.
I love you, I love you.
Credit: adapted from the traditional, last verse by Ms. Emily

Lyrics to Where are Three Friends with silhouettes of two hands with thumbs up and two hands showing the ASL "I Love You" sign.

Read: Gracias / Thanks – Pat Mora & John Parra

One thing I am thankful for is that you’re here for storytime, and even though we aren’t together in person, we are together in spirit!
Song: The More We Get Together
See ASL movements here: https://youtu.be/YZLlZoD3gU8
The more we get together, together, together
The more we get together
The happier we’ll be
For your friends are my friends
and my friends are your friends
The more we get together
The happier we’ll be

The more we read together, together, together
the more we read together
the happier we’ll be.
Read big books and small books
Read short books and tall books
The more we read together
the happier we’ll be.
Credit: traditional; verse 2: Story Time Secrets

Read: poem from the book Thanks a Million by Nikki Grimes & Cozbi A. Cabrera: “A Lesson From the Deaf” Practice the ASL sign for “thank you.”

Cover image of the book Thanks a Million by Nikki Grimes and Cozbi A Cabrera

The next book also talks about being thankful, and uses words in another language: Cherokee. New words seem hard at first, but the more we practice, the easier they get. Practice title a couple of times.
Read: We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga – Traci Sorell & Frané Lessac

This flannel was made from the template created by Mel at Mel’s Desk! I go over the lyrics first and add the flannel pieces, then play the song (recorded or ukulele). I encourage kiddos and parents to snuggle and hug, or kiddos can snuggle with a stuffed animal during this song. Afterwards is a good time to mention today’s early literacy tip.
Flannel/Ukulele Song: Thanks a Lot
Thanks a lot, Thanks for Sun in the sky
Thanks a lot, Thanks for clouds so high
Thanks a lot, Thanks for whispering wind
Thanks a lot, Thanks for the birds in the spring
Thanks a lot, Thanks for the moonlit night
Thanks a lot, Thanks for the stars so bright
Thanks a lot, Thanks for the wondering me
Thanks a lot, Thanks for the way I feel
Thanks for the animals, Thanks for the land,
Thanks for the people everywhere
Thanks a lot
Thanks for all I’ve got
Thanks for all I’ve got
Credit: From the Album “Baby Beluga” by Raffi

Flannel for "Thanks a Lot" by Raffi. Includes these pieces: sun, cloud, bird, wind, moon, star, person, heart, elephant, tree, and trio of three people of various skin tones.

Get a downloadable ukulele songsheet for “Thanks a Lot” here!

See what happens when someone does something nice. Can you imagine how an animal would say thank you?
Read: Thank You! by Ethan Long

Song: If You’re Thankful and You Know It
If you’re thankful and you know it, clap your hands
If you’re thankful and you know it, clap your hands
If you’re thankful and you know it
and you really want to show it
If you’re thankful and you know it, clap your hands
(stomp your feet, shout “hooray”, do all three)
Credit: adapted from the traditional

Craft: Thankful Wreath
Die-cut leaves would make this easier, but my library doesn’t have one. I found templates for leaves at firstpalette.com and used the medium sized ones for heart-, oval-, and star-shaped leaves. I cut the middle out from a paper plate, hole punched the top and attached a loop of yarn. I encouraged families to write what they’re thankful for on the leaves, being sure to mention that not all leaves need to be filled out right away – this can be a craft “in progress” over time.

Photo of "thankful wreath" craft with orange, yellow, and red leaves with writing on them such as "books" "pizza" "family" "art" "storytime friends" etc.

I also suggested these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video.
Thank You, Earth by April Pulley Sayre
Thank You, Bees by Toni Yuly
Thanku: Poems of Gratitude by Marlena Myles & Miranda Paul & others
The Thank You Letter by Jane Cabrera

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented virtually on 11/17/20.

Storytime Handout:

Preschool Storytime: Sounds We Hear

Posted on by msemilylibrary

Books with great sounds and onomatopoeia abound in children’s literature, and instruments and noisemakers are fascinating to kids. I wish we’d been in person for this theme – I don’t think it translates quite as well virtually, but we do our best.

You can see the virtual program that does not include the full books read aloud here.

See another version of this theme from 2025.

squeak, rumble, whomp, whomp, whomp book cover, with a picture of a Black boy playing a trumpet with a black cat looking in the background.

Early Literacy Tip: One way to support early literacy is to help children recognize that print has meaning. When we talk about the words on the page as we read them, children are making the connection between the written word and the meaning of the word. A great place to begin is by pointing out where sounds are written out differently from the other words, as they are in our book, Squeak, Rumble, Whomp! Whomp! Whomp!

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

General discussion on sound – how can we make noise? How do we hear noise? Why do we hear noise in our ears? I showed and read just two spreads (pgs 12-15) from a nonfiction title, showing the vocal chords and the inside of the ear.
Read: (selection from) Sounds All Around by Wendy Pfeffer & Anna Chernyshova

Activity: Demonstrating Sound
Put a couple of dried beans on a drum and show how they jump and vibrate with each beat. Ask the kids to touch their throats while humming to feel the vibrations. Block your ears and see how well the sound waves get through.

Action Rhyme: I Played My Drum – Tum, Tum, Tum
(match actions to words)
I played my drum – tum, tum, tum
I played my violin – zum, zum, zum
I played my harmonica – hum, hum, hum
I played my guitar – strum, strum, strum
I played my piano – dee, dee, dum
I’m all quiet now – mum, mum, mum
Credit: King County Library System

Read: Squeak, Rumble, Whomp! Whomp! Whomp! by Wynton Marsalis & Paul Rogers

Fingerplay: Quiet Mouse
Here’s a quiet little mouse (show thumb)
Living in a quiet little house (hold thumb in fist)
When all was quiet as could be (shh with other hand)
OUT! popped he! (pop out thumb)
Squeak! Squeak! Squeak! (wiggle thumb)
Credit: Mel’s Desk

I did this one only in the YouTube video – it probably would make the storytime with the books being read in full too long. I use my wooden frog rasps for this.
Instrument Song: Three Frogs in a Bog
(find 3 instruments (even pots and pans!) that make a big/deep sound, a middle sound, and a little/high sound to imitate the frogs)
There was a big frog (big sound, big sound)
Lived in a big bog (big, big)
He swam in the water (big, big)
Played on a big log (big, big)
Big log (big, big)
Big bog (big, big)
Big frog (big, big)

(repeat for middle-sized and little frogs)
And then one day (big sound, middle sound, little sound)
The frogs got together (big, middle, little)
They swam in the water (big, middle, little)
In the bright sunny weather (big, middle, little)
Three frogs (big, middle, little)
Three friends (big, middle, little)
The end! (big, middle, little)
Credit: Ada Moreau Demlow

Three wooden rasp instruments in the shape of frogs, each a different size.

Flannel Rhyme: What Noise Do I Make?
I just used a few animal flannels I had, and decided I needed a vehicle, too, so made the truck to go “vroom!” I realized after doing the YT video that “shake” needed to really be a shaker, not me shaking my shoulders…ay, yi, yi.

Flannel Rhyme: What Noise Do I Make?
I just used a few animal flannels I had, and decided I needed a vehicle, too, so made the truck to go “vroom!” My control-freak heart wishes the styles were all different or all the same, but that’s how it goes. AND – I realized after doing the YT video that “shake” needed to really be a shaker, not me shaking my shoulders…ay, yi, yi.
Clap, stomp!
Clap, clap, shake!
Can you make the noise that I make?
Credit: STEM in Libraries


I love this book, and its companion, Dancing Feet – both have just fantastic rhythm.
Read: Farmyard Beat by Lindsey Craig & Marc Brown

We couldn’t do a “sound” storytime without our shaker songs!
Shaker Song: Shake Your Shaker
(tune of London Bridge)
Shake your shakers in the air, Shake it here, shake it there
Shake your shakers in the air, Shake your shakers

Shake it high and shake it low, Shake it yes, shake it no
Shake it high and shake it low, Shake your shakers

Shake it up and shake it down, Shake your shaker on the ground
Shake it up and shake it down, Shake your shakers

Shake it near and shake it far, Drive your shaker like a car
Shake it near and shake it far, Shake your shaker

Shake it fast and shake it slow, Shake it stop, shake it go
Shake it fast and shake it slow, Shake your shaker
Credit: Jbrary

Shaker Song: Shake it to the East
Shake it to the east, Shake it to the west
Shake it all around, and then you take a rest
Shake your shakers up, Shake your shakers down
Shake it, shake it, shake it, and then you settle down.
Credit: Jbrary

All these great sounds make me want to dance. Let’s see how these kids do it!
Read: How Do You Wokka-Wokka? by Elizabeth Bluemle & Randy Cecil

Ukulele Song: Shake My Sillies Out
I gotta shake, shake, shake my sillies out
Shake, shake, shake my sillies out
Shake, shake, shake my sillies out
And wiggle my waggles away!

Additional verses:
I gotta clap, clap, clap my crazies out…
I gotta jump, jump, jump my jiggles out…
I gotta stretch, stretch, stretch my stretchies out…
I gotta yawn, yawn, yawn my sleepies out…
Credit: Raffi (from the album Raffi in Concert with the Rise and Shine Band)

Get a downloadable ukulele songsheet here!

thumbnail of "shake my sillies out" ukulele song

Craft: String Telephone
Decorate two cups with crayons or stickers. Carefully thread the ends of the string into the hole on the bottom of each cup, from outside to inside. Tie a knot on each end of the string. Optionally, you can also tape it down on the inside of the cup. Now, you and a friend hold the cups at a distance that makes the string taut (but don’t pull too hard or jerk the cups). Make sure the string isn’t touching anything else. One person talks into the cup while the other puts the cup to their ear. Can you hear each other? Try whispering and speaking normally. Experiment! Try the different tests on the Experiment sheet. Ask your child to make predictions/guess what will happen before trying each one.
Other Sound Activities:
Collect a variety of containers: plastic cups and bowls, metal or aluminum bowls or pie plates, styrofoam egg cartons, ceramic mugs – and different shapes – a plastic champagne flute, a plastic bowl, a plastic bag, etc. Use dry beans or rice and let your child pour them into the various containers. What different sounds do the beans make as you pour them into different containers? This is an activity that engages several of our senses – hearing, seeing, touching. To contain a potential mess, let them play on the floor with a bedsheet underneath!
Brainstorm what would make good noisemakers from household objects. The kitchen is a great place to start! Explore what sounds different objects make. Does it sound different when you hit a pot with a wooden spoon vs. a whisk? Get the family involved and have a family band or drum circle. A leader can tap out different rhythms and the rest of the family repeats them.

Click here to download the String Phone Experiment Sheet.

I also booktalked these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video.
So Many Sounds by Tim McCanna & Andy J. Miller
Bumpety, Dunkety, Thumpety-Thump! by K.L. Going & Simone Shin
Jazz Baby by Lisa Wheeler & R. Gregory Christie

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented virtually on 11/10/20.

Storytime Handout: