The first inkling of this storytime theme came from a desire to use the book Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall. It’s a gorgeous book with a lovely story about everyday fear and courage at a public pool. As I was researching other books to use with a “Summer” theme, I saw several that had to do with pools, vacations, visiting relatives, selling lemonade etc. All things that kids right now cannot do due to public places being closed and the need to stay safer at home. I decided that I really wanted to highlight the summer fun that can be had even with lockdowns and quarantine. I will definitely return to Jabari Jumps another time, but for now I focused on popsicles, hiking/camping, and firefly watching.
You can see the virtual program that does not include the full books read aloud here.
Early Literacy Tip: Our fingerplay and craft activities encourage your children to use finger motions of different kinds, grasping, and gripping muscles. These motions help them later when they are learning to write.
Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello
What’s something that makes you think it’s summer? It’s hot! What makes it hot? The sun!
Ukulele Song: Mr. Sun
Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun
Please shine down on me
Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun
Hiding behind a tree
These little children are asking you
To please come out so we can play with you
Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun
Please shine down on me
Credit: Raffi (from the album Singable Songs for the Very Young)
Get a downloadable ukulele songsheet here!
Action Rhyme: Big Round Sun
Big round sun in the summer sky (arms rounded up high)
Waved to a cloud that was passing by (wave)
The little cloud laughed as it started to rain (fingers wave down)
And out came the big round sun again. (arms rounded high)
Credit: Mel’s Desk
One thing I like to do when it’s hot outside is have a popsicle! This book talks about paletas – that’s popsicles in Spanish.
Read: What Can You Do With a Paleta?/¿Qué Puedes Hacer Con una Paleta? by Carmen Tafolla & Magaly Morales
I sang this one instead of using the recording, so I could do the different flavors (I think the official song only does lime, grape, and rainbow.) I did the first verse as a setup, then only repeated the second part for each flavor.
Flannel Song: I’m Eating a Popsicle
In the summer when it’s really hot,
I want something that will hit the spot
Well it’s not a pickle & I’m not very fickle
All I want is an ice cold popsicle!
I’m eating a grape popsicle,
I’m eating a grape popsicle
Slurp, slurp, slurp, (slurp, slurp, slurp)
Yum, yum, yum (yum, yum, yum)
Now stick out your tongue: egh, egh, egh
Stick out your tongue: egh, egh, egh
What color is your tongue when you’re done?
(repeat with: lime, cherry, orange, lemon, blueberry, rainbow)
Credit: Jodi Koplin’s Jigglejam (from the album Jumpin’ Bean)
In the summer we can also go camping or on a nature hike. Or on a boat like a canoe or a rowboat.
Bounce Song: Rowin’ Down the River
(tune of Bumpin’ Up & Down in My Little Red Wagon)
Rowin’ down the river in my little green canoe (bounce or row)
Rowin’ down the river in my little green canoe
Rowin’ down the river in my little green canoe
Won’t you be my darlin’?
Additional verses:
Lookin’ out for rocks… (shade eyes)
Wavin’ to a turtle… (wave)
Don’t stand up or you might tip over… (lean left and right)
Credit: Ms. Emily Library, adapted from Mel’s Desk
Read: Hiking Day by Anne Rockwell & Lizzy Rockwell
Fingerplay: Here is the Camper
Here is the camper (Hold up finger)
Here is the tent (Bend fingers of other hand over like tent)
They crawl inside on a summer night (Finger goes under hand)
Fireflies flicker in a friendly way (Fists opening out rapidly)
All is calm ’til the light of day. (Head on folded hands)
Credit: Sturgis Kids Wiki
Something special we enjoy in Indiana, perhaps even in your backyard: fireflies (or lightning bugs)! Did you know that the Say’s Firefly is the Indiana State Insect?
Fingerplay: Two Little Fireflies
Two little fireflies shining in the sky,
One shined low and one shined high.
Fly away low, Fly away high.
Come back low, Come back high.
Two little fireflies shining in the grass,
One shined slow and one shined fast.
Fly away slow, Fly away fast.
Come back slow, Come back fast.
Credit: Indiana Firefly Award 2020 Program Guide
Read: Firefly Home by Jane Clarke & Britta Teckentrup
Song: Twinkle, Twinkle Firefly
(tune of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star)
Twinkle, twinkle firefly, How I watch you in the night.
I see you sparkle, I see you shine, I hold you in these hands of mine.
Twinkle, twinkle firefly, A world of wonder flashing by.
Credit: Indiana Firefly Award 2020 Program Guide
Craft: Firefly Suncatcher. Use contact paper and tissue paper squares to make a firefly suncatcher. (or mooncatcher?) From I Heart Arts N Crafts via the Indiana Firefly Award 2020 Program Guide.
Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars
I also booktalked these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video. Each corresponds to one of the themes above. Let’s Go Hiking was actually written by a local author who is also one of my storytime moms!
One Hot Summer Day by Nina Crews
Let’s Go Hiking by Caitlin Taylor
Among a Thousand Fireflies by Helen Frost & Rick Lieder
This storytime was presented virtually on 8/18/20.
Storytime Handout:
Storytime with Ms. Emily Library 