Tag: preschool

Family Program: Noon Year’s Eve (Eve)

Posted on by msemilylibrary

I’ve been wanting to do a New Year’s program for a while, after having seen fabulous posts from other librarians like Fat Girl Reading, Librerin, Book Cart Queens, and Storytimes at the Library. I finally committed and it was tons of fun! We had a turnout of 43 kids with 32 adults, for a total of 75 – larger than any storytime I’d done before. Our library is always closed on the actual New Year’s Eve, so we celebrated the eve of the eve on December 30.

My scope was a little wider than my usual storytimes (babies and toddlers ages 0-3.5), but I still wanted this to be a “storytime” kind of program. The description let caregivers know that the program was geared to kids ages 2-6, but older and younger siblings were welcome. The registration allowed anyone 0-8 sign up, to accommodate kids who might not be developmentally in line with their actual age.

This felt like a program that I spent a lot of time preparing and thinking about – from the structure and activities, to timing and supplies – it was on my mind for at least a month and a half! It was scheduled from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM, which gave me a very strict timeline in order to hit the noon countdown just right. I wanted the crafts to actually be used with the storytime, so we started with them, and I budgeted 10 minutes to get two crafts done. Definitely something I would change next time! It actually felt like I was checking people in for almost the whole 10 minutes. Thankfully, everyone was gracious. There were 5-6 families who just had infants or babies with them that forwent the crafts altogether, and everyone seemed to get at least partially done by the time we started activities.

Storytime was budgeted 15-18 minutes, then the countdown. After that, there were options for different station activities families could do, so it dispersed the crowd a bit while still allowing for engagement. I led a dance party, we had photo ops, coloring and worksheets, a scavenger hunt, and anyone who didn’t finish a craft could still do that.

I’ll definitely try this program again next year, with some lessons learned and confidence from having the experience under my belt already.

Early Literacy Tip: Connecting your child to holidays and traditions is an important part of their cultural knowledge. Using a song like Hickory Dickory Dock or Tick Tock to demonstrate the tradition of staying up until midnight forms new connections in the brain, and helps them learn to see relations that will eventually help with reading comprehension. In addition, use books to find out what other cultures do to celebrate common holidays to learn more about the world around us.

Scavenger Hunt

This activity was actually available to anyone all day long. Using Canva, I assembled twelve icons representing typical New Year’s activities and symbols and hid them all around the children’s department. There were handouts showing each picture and as kids found them they could check it off their sheet. When they found them all they got a sticker from our stash. Simple and cheap, and it was a big hit. I know a lot of libraries do scavenger hunts regularly, but ours had not. We may need to start!

thumbnail of scavenger hunt guide page. Icons include fireworks, new year (Jan 1 calendar page), cone party hat, confetti, balloons, clock, banner, noisemaker, treat (cupcake), fancy clothes (dress and bow tie), crown, music (notes)

Download a PDF of the scavenger hunt, including guide sheet, pictures to hide, and a sign!

Crafts

As mentioned above, I had two crafts that I wanted everyone to make BEFORE we started storytime, and I gave them 10 minutes to do it. (Ha.) We made crowns with 2023 on them, and noisemakers made of paper plates and dry cereal. I tried to emphasize to adults to get the crafts functional and then let the kids decorate them in any time remaining, and I also tried to make it as easy as possible. It worked fine for the kids that were there on time, but I had a lot of stragglers who didn’t get a chance to make everything. It worked out, and I had shaker eggs available for anyone who didn’t get their noisemaker finished before we started, which alleviated any upsets. We opened the divider between our two adjacent children’s program rooms so half was used for crafts, and the other half was for storytime. It was nice to have the room for both without having to move anything during the program.

Crowns
I cut large sheets of construction paper (18×24″) in half lengthwise using a zig-zag. 24 inches seemed just a little too short to fit around an average 5 year old’s head, so each crown was one full length strip stapled to a half a strip (which was pre-done, so all they needed to do was glue on their numbers and staple it to fit their child’s head.) I used all different colors and used our die-cut machine to punch out 2s, 3s, and 0s, and there were crayons for decorating. I’d considered putting out stickers, too, but I simplified.

Noisemakers
I saw a Pin from Kiddie Crafts 365 for paper plate noisemakers that looked perfect for Noon Year’s Eve. I provided paper plates, dry cereal for inside, colorful strips of construction paper, crayons and lots of staplers.

Storytime

At 11:38, I gave a two-minute warning to finish up crafts, and then started our first song at 11:40. That allowed people to trickle over from the crafts area even after we started. Throughout the whole storytime, I had a countdown projected on the wall. You can make a customized countdown at timeanddate.com (the pre-made New Year’s one can’t be changed from the actual New Year’s midnight, so I couldn’t use that one.) It was extremely helpful to be able to glance up to see it at any time.

Set up showing books and projected countdown
Set up showing laptop, scaredy squirrel puppet, scarves, bubble wrap, and bubble machine
Set up w/ books and projected countdown on the left and all the props + bubble wrap squares on the right

Welcome! We are here to celebrate the new year – which year will it be? 2023! Let’s start with a little celebration song. Now, we’ll be doing some motions, but when Jim Gill sings “WAIT…” we are going to freeze. Ready?

Welcome/Recorded Song: Can’t Wait to Celebrate
We clap our hands when we get together
Clap our hands to celebrate
We clap our hands when we get together
My friends and I can hardly wait…
To stamp our feet…..
To wave hello…..
To bounce up and down…
To clap our hands…
Source: Jim Gill, from the album “Irrational Anthem & More Salutes to Nonsense”

Talk: So why are we celebrating? Well, the calendar is changing from the end of one year to the next year. We should note that there are other calendars that change from one year to the next at a different time than this one – some people celebrate those new years instead of or in addition to this one! Each have special traditions that make them special. Does anyone know of a new year’s tradition? Party, fancy clothes, countdown, ball drop, fireworks, midnight kiss, auld lang syne, resolutions, good luck foods – peas, greens, cabbage, pork.

One thing people do is cheer the moment it changes from one year to another. That means staying up until midnight and watching the clock! Let’s do a song about the clock.
Rhyme: Hickory Dickory Dock
Hickory, dickory dock, the mouse ran up the clock
the clock struck one (clap once)
the mouse ran down, hickory dickory dock!

…two… the mouse said, boo!
…three… the mouse said, whee!
…four… the mouse said, no more!
Source: Jbrary

One of my favorite parts of New Year’s Eve is the dancing! There are often parties where you can dance and have a good time. Let’s read a book about dancing!
I absolutely love this book – the illustrations are so fun. I was really glad that it was available as an e-book so I was able to check that out and project it on the wall so everyone could see. Since my audience skewed a little older than my usual group, I was also happy I could do a longer book like this one for them!
Read: How Do You Dance? by Thyra Heder

book cover for How Do You Dance?

Another tradition when the new year comes is to make a lot of noise! You’ve made some beautiful noisemakers here. Let’s use them in this song!
I wanted to make sure we used those noisemakers a lot during the storytime.
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
Source: Jbrary

Photo from storytime, showing Emily in a yellow crown holding a noisemaker, with kids and grownups following along.

Waiting for the countdown is making me hungry – let’s make some popcorn!
Shaker Rhyme: Pop, Pop, Pop
Pop, pop, pop
Put the corn in the pot
Pop, pop, pop
Shake it ’til it’s hot
Pop, pop, pop
Lift the lid and what have you got?
Popcorn!
Source: Jbrary

Shaker Song: If You’re Ready for the New Year
(tune of If You’re Happy & You Know It)
If you’re ready for the New Year shake up high
If you’re ready for the New Year shake up high
If you’re ready for the New Year
If you’re ready for the New Year
If you’re ready for the New Year shake up high!
(change action: wave bye-bye (to the old year), shake it fast, slow, low)
Source: Book Cart Queens

At this point I only had one more song planned, and looking at my countdown I had 6 minutes to go! (I guess I went faster than I had in practice.) So I pulled out the back up book that I’d planned if my group was too young for the longer How Do You Dance.
(By the way, there is a serious gap in books about the New Year – publishers, take note! The only picture books in our library were way too long (and there were very few of them), so I had to ILL a couple board book titles out of desperation. Corduroy had a slightly better story and beat out Happy New Year Spot by Eric Hill.)
Read: Happy New Year, Corduroy by Don Freeman & Lisa McCue

Book cover for Happy New Year Corduroy

It’s almost time for our countdown! Let’s practice with this song. It’s a take on one of our favorite storytime songs, Zoom, Zoom, Zoom, but it’s the NY Edition!
Lifting Song: Zoom, Zoom, Zoom (NY Edition)
Zoom, Zoom, Zoom, The year is changing soon
Zoom zoom zoom, The year is changing soon
If you want to make a wish
Hold it tight inside your fist
Zoom zoom zoom, The year is changing soon
In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Happy New Year!
Source: Jbrary

Countdown

So, many of the libraries who wrote up their Noon Year’s programs culminated in a balloon drop and/or confetti of some kind. I was not excited about that – messy, lots of possible failures and disappointment with a drop that didn’t work (plus our ceilings aren’t very high), as well as the potential for scared kids at popped balloons, not to mention the choking hazard balloons can be. So, brainstorming alternatives, we went with stomping bubble wrap and blowing bubbles, and the kids loved it. It’s so much less messy, still noisy but not scary, and sustains the excitement for as long as the bubble machine is going!

So after two runs through Zoom, Zoom, Zoom, we had three minutes left on the countdown, which was perfect. I handed out a square of bubble wrap to each kiddo (with help from some of the grown-ups!) and got us in place, watching the clock. With a minute and a half, we went into one of my backup noisemaker songs, We Wiggle and We Wiggle and We Stop, to fill the last few seconds of time. Which… took us up to 5 seconds (I must have forgotten to look up often enough!) but that was fine! We counted down 5 seconds, then jumped and stomped and chased bubbles while shouting Happy New Year! I started my Noon Year playlist on Spotify, which starts with Caspar Babypants’ Days Gone By (which is basically Auld Lang Syne). It’s kind of long and slow, so I was able to turn the volume down after we’d had a few minutes of bubbles and announce to everyone what would be happening next.

Stations

So after the countdown, we had a few things that families could do.

Dance Party
I stayed in the storytime area and hosted a dance party! I had extra shakers and scarves available to use throughout. My playlist was mostly kids movement songs, but I sprinkled in a couple grooving pop hits as well. As you see, Can’t Wait to Celebrate and Days Gone By were both on the playlist, so the dance party started with Pop, Pop, Pop, and I kept the bubble machine going through that one before putting it away. The total music time was a little over 30 minutes, but I actually skipped a couple songs and ended with the Baby Bear Waltz at 12:25. I only had two die-hard families that stuck it out with me the whole time, but we had fun! The others petered out maybe halfway through.

Photo Booth
Families could snap a photo for the new year, using props if they wanted. I used black butcher paper to make the backdrop, with a purchased Happy New Year banner and some gold glittery shapes (I was slightly worried they’d get pulled down, but they were intact at the end!) I printed the year and our library logo, plus a little “tag us” hashtag for social media purposes. A colleague was available to help take pictures (and oversee that end of the room since I was busy dancing!) The props were a purchase from Etsy seller GlitterInkDesigns, and I was really happy with them. There were a TON of options (like, 55?) in the printable, and there were lots that had nothing to do with drinking. The photo booth props I saw at Party City were almost all about being drunk and champagne toasts (fine for an adult party, but not so great for my purposes.)

Make a Wish Wall
“What is your wish for 2023?” We had post it notes and pens available to see what kids wanted in the year ahead. I started us off with “Walks in the park” and “Time for reading.” After the program, we moved the sign and existing notes to a window right by our children’s door, and have had lots of wishes added!

Some of my favorites include “that dinosaurs would come back,” “I could get another german shepard,” “get better at bike without training wheels,” “[scribbles] learn to write my numbers [in an adult hand],” and “for chocolate chips.”

Year in Review and Coloring Sheets
It seems a little silly for little kids to make New Year’s resolutions, but I really liked the idea of a “Year in Review” sheet that they and their grownups could fill out. It includes some “resolution-y” kinds of things like what/where they would like to “learn,” “go,” or “try” in the new year but the emphasis is not on improvement. I also had a coloring sheet on the back of my usual take-home page that includes book suggestions, song, and rhyme lyrics. Of course, all the craft materials were still out on this side of the rooms, so kids could finish or start their crafts if they hadn’t already.

Picture of the coloring sheet and Year in Review sheet

Download the Year In Review sheet here!

As mentioned above, there’s a serious dearth of books available on New Year’s. When I started thinking outside the box, to dancing and celebrations/parties, I had a lot more options. Here are other books I had available for families to browse (and may work for you on this theme)
ABC Dance – Sabrina Moyle & Eunice Moyle
The More the Merrier – David Martin & Raissa Figueroa
Night Before New Year’s – Natasha Wing & Amy Wummer
Baby Party – Rebecca O’Connell & Susie Poole
If You Give a Pig a Party – Laura Numeroff & Felicia Bond
Everybunny Dance! – Ellie Sandall
Where is Bina Bear? – Mike Curato
How Do You Wokka-Wokka? – Elizabeth Bluemle & Randy Cecil
Hilda Must Be Dancing – Karma Wilson & Suzanne Watts
Duck Sock Hop – Jane Kohuth & Jane Porter

This storytime was presented in-person on 12/30/22.

Storytime Handout:

Thumbnail of handout including suggested books, rhyme and song lyrics.

Storytime: Camping

Posted on by msemilylibrary

I have a short break before my next set of storytimes, so I took a look at my old files and will start blogging some of the older themes I did pre-pandemic. Today’s is the very first theme I did on my own when I started as an early literacy librarian (I’d done some ad hoc before, but it wasn’t the main part of my job.) This is back in summer of 2019, and it’s kind of amazing to look and see how they’ve changed since then.

If I did these themes again, I probably would tweak, but I like getting them blogged as a record of what came before, and ideas, songs, rhymes, and props that I might reuse. I hope they may be helpful for you, too!

Back then, I had two storytimes: one for Babies & Toddlers ages 0-2, and a “Stories and More” preschool class for ages 3-5. I’ll indicate what was used in each program with a (B) for babies and a (P) for preschool. I also did not have a handout or do early literacy tips at this point. Cheers for the evolution and education I’ve achieved since then!

You can find another version of this theme from 2025.

Welcome song: We Clap and Sing Hello* (B) (P)
*See lyrics for repeated songs on the Repeated Songs and Rhymes page

I read three books for the preschool class, which worked there, but I haven’t been able to do more than one with my current group of kids.
Read: Just Me & My Dad by Mercer Mayer (P)

Book cover

Action Song: I’m Going Camping (P)
(tune of I’m a Little Teapot)
I am going camping (point thumbs proudly to chest)
Time to pack (point to wrist)
My tent, my bedroll, and a snack (Make tent with hands; fold hands to cheek; pretend to eat)
I’ll sit by the campfire (warm hands over fire)
Its glow so bright (wiggle fingers like a fire)
Then snooze in my tent (pretend to snore)
‘Til the morning light! (arms circle over head)
Source: Lady Librarian’s Literacy, Lifestyle, and Lookbook Log

Counting Rhyme: Five Little Fireflies (B)
One little firefly shines very bright (hold up fingers)
Two little fireflies show their lights
Three little fireflies glimmer and glow
Four little fireflies watch them go!
Five little fireflies fly in the night
Blink! Blink! Blink! Blink! (open and close fingers)
My! What a sight!
Source: King County (WA) Library System

Read: Camping Day by Patricia Lakin (B) (P)

Book cover

Rhyme: Sleeping Bag (P)
I was lying in my sleeping bag
I couldn’t go to sleep
I looked at my watch and wanted to weep!
I rolled to my left
I rolled to my right
but all I could hear were noises in the night!
I hear an owl! Hoo hoo hoo!
(have the kids name some things you might hear in the middle of the night, out in the woods, in your backyard. Some good options include a dog, a bear, a wolf, etc)
Source: Sturgis Kids

I made cardstock paper props for this song and gave each family a packet with each item so they had something to put in the middle for each verse.
Action Song: The Campfire Pokey (B) (P)
You put your marshmallow in
You take your marshmallow out
You put your marshmallow in
And you shake it all about
You do the campfire pokey
And you turn yourself around
That’s what it’s all about: Yum, Yum!
Repeat with hot dog, potato, popcorn, or anything else that you can roast over the campfire.
Last verse:
You put your whole dinner in…
Source: What Happens in Storytime

Download a copy of the template here!

thumbnail of campfire pokey props, with a pan of popcorn, marshmallow on a stick, hot dog in a bun, and potato.

Read: Ruby’s Sleepover by Kathryn White & Miriam Latimer (P)

Book cover

Scarf Song: Popcorn Kernels (P)
(tune of Frère Jacques)
Popcorn kernels, popcorn kernels (wave overhead)
In the pot, in the pot (bunch up in fists)
Shake them, shake them, shake them / shake them, shake them, shake them (shake fists)
‘Til they POP, ‘til they POP (toss scarves up)
Source: Jbrary

This was a song my predecessor played at every single storytime program! It was well loved. We had a basket of unsharpened pencils in a bunch of different colors that they used as their sticks. The kids liked to find two of the same color.
Rhythm Stick Song: Tap Your Sticks by Hap Palmer (B) (P)
from the album Rhythms on Parade
see the video: https://youtu.be/M-UKTeWNgOk

cover of the Rhythms on Parade album

Craft: Campfire (P)
Red, orange, and yellow squares of construction paper were glued to a black piece of construction paper, with two (regular) craft sticks glued crisscross underneath. Simple, but I like that there are some different materials and a 3D element in the sticks. Inspired by this craft at Once Upon a (Story) Time (photo credit to her blog, since I don’t have mine anymore!)

Photo of craft with red, orange, and yellow squares of construction paper glued to a black piece of construction paper, with two craft sticks glued crisscross underneath
photo from Once Upon a (Story) Time blog

Centers/Playtime (B) (P)
We spent 5-10 minutes in playtime and socialization each storytime. The babies and toddlers had a couple of baskets full of baby toys – stackers and sorters and pull toys, cars and rattles and toy phones, that sort of thing. I’m not sure where the library got them, whether they purchased them or had donations or looked at yard sales. The preschool group had more complex or interactive toys like puzzles, musical instruments, finger puppets, and toys that I’ve seen on the Lakeshore Learning site that require just a bit more sophistication.

Parachute Time (B) (P)
I honestly forget what I did during parachute time! I think we practiced holding it high, low, shaking fast and slow, and maybe did a song like the Itsy Bitsy Spider. It’s been a long time and when I get out the parachute again I’ll have to re-learn how to do it!

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars* (B) (P)

This storytime was presented in person on 6/18/19 & 6/20/19.

Summer Storytimes: Arctic & Antarctic

Posted on by msemilylibrary

It’s summer, and we all want a little chill, right? What better way than to imagine ourselves in the ice and cold of the earth’s poles, and to play with ice water?

Last summer, I did an outreach to the local parks camp where they chose the themes and I presented a story, song, and craft for it. One of their themes was the Arctic, which I also coopted for one of my regular storytimes. This year, I wanted to revisit that theme (adding the Antarctic) and use it as an excuse to integrate ice play into our summer stations.

I bought an inflatable globe to point out where the Arctic and Antarctic are in relation to us, which was a bonus toy to play with during the unstructured station time. I’m always frustrated when polar bears and penguins get lumped together when they live so far away from each other!

view of my storytime cart, with the speaker, my water, a stack of books (If You Were a Penguin on top) and an inflatable globe showing NASA images of the earth (land, sea, and clouds)
The globe!

This week my two unique stations were ice play and painting with ice. I had a new action station as well – dodge the seaweed!

For a more in-depth explanation of the structure of this summer’s programs, read the intro to the first session, Ocean Life.

Early Literacy Tip: One way of learning is with movement, which is called kinesthetic learning. When we act out what is happening on the pages of a book, it can more concretely connect new vocabulary words with their meanings. When we use meaningful gestures to explain words, we help build your child’s vocabulary.

Welcome Song: Hello, Friends 
(tune of Goodnight, Ladies)
Hello, friends! Hello, friends!
Hello, friends, it’s time to say hello!
Hello, [name 1], hello, [name 2]!
Hello, [name 3], it’s time to say hello! (repeat as needed)
(ASL motions: salute for “hello,” then take the index fingers on each hand and you link them together as though they are hugging each other back and forth for “friends”)
Source: Glenside Public Library District

Warm-Up Rhyme: We Wiggle and Stop (repeated)
(Use the ASL sign for the word “stop” – one hand “chops” across the opposite hand)
We wiggle and we wiggle and we STOP
We wiggle and we wiggle and we STOP
We wiggle and we wiggle and we wiggle and we wiggle
And we wiggle and we wiggle and we STOP
(This week we also “waddled” like a penguin and used our flippers to “swim” like a walrus – I’ll do two new motions in addition to wiggle each week to keep it interesting)
Source: Jbrary

Intro to Weekly Theme: It’s time to chill! Let’s explore some animals that live in places that are cold. [Show the globe.] Here’s where we live, in Indiana. Way up here is the north pole, or the Arctic. That’s where animals like polar bears, caribou (also known as reindeer), and walruses live. Here’s a silly song about the walrus.

I recently saw Reading Rena’s video of this song, and really liked how she does the ending. I didn’t do different articles of clothes like she did, but that’s a good option. I wanted to keep it to two verses, so I just did “shakes” and “turns.” It is, of course, a perfect song for a scarf or shaker prop, but for these outdoor sessions I’m streamlining.
Themed Song: The Walrus Washes His Winter Coat
Oh, the walrus washes his winter coat (rub hands together)
Down by the wavy ocean (make a waving motion)
He adds some water and he adds some soap (pretend to pour)
and he waits…and he waits…and he waits. (point to wrist)

Then the laundry shakes, shakes, shakes (shake arms)
The laundry shakes and shakes and shakes
The laundry shakes, shakes, shakes
until it’s clean. (repeat)

Additional verses:
The laundry turns … until it’s clean (roll arms)
Last time:
Well, the walrus washed his winter coat
Down by the wavy ocean
He shakes it out (shake out your coats!)
And he hangs it up to dry (hang it on the clothesline!)
And now his coat is clean!
Source: Brytani Fraser via Jbrary and Reading Rena

Now let’s travel all the way to the other end of the earth, the south pole, or Antarctica, where a lot of penguins live!

Themed book:
If You Were a Penguin by Wendell & Florence Minor
OR
Walrus Song by Janet Lawler & Timothy Basil Ering
Obviously to get to to the south pole, we’d need to do a penguin story, but the Walrus Song book is very cool as well. If you stayed in the Arctic, that would be a great choice. If You Were a Penguin was the shortest and most interactive penguin book I could find, which I’m learning is really a requirement for my group.

I adapted the lyrics only slightly from Jbrary’s pirate themed song to be a little more generic ocean. I also let grownups know this could be a lifting song, but only if they’re feeling ambitious! I invite everyone else to do the up and down motions with me.
Repeated Song: The Ocean Song
(tune of The Elevator Song)
Oh, the ocean is great and the ocean is grand!
There are lots of big ships but very little land
And we sleep down deep in a hammock near the floor
And this is what we do when we go out to shore:

(ready?) We… ride… the…
waves going up, we ride the waves going down
we ride the waves going up, we ride the waves going down
we ride the waves going up, we ride the waves going down
And we turn… a-… round!
Source: Jbrary

After the Ocean Song, I’m invariably out of breath, so it’s time for a breathing break. I’d considered doing ocean wave breathing on the theme, but I decided that Five Finger Breathing is an easy one to teach and for kids to remember, which is my point in doing it.
Breathing Break: Five Finger Breathing
Whew, I could use a breathing break! Let’s get out our five fingers and spread our hands out wide. We’re going to breathe in deeply as we trace our fingers up, pause for just a moment at the top of our finger, then breathe out as we trace down. Ready?

I like to mention that this song was adapted by an occupational therapist as a reminder of ways to self-soothe.
Repeated Movement Song: Big Sea Star
(tune of A Ram Sam Sam)
A big sea star, a big sea star
Little cuddle clam and a big sea star
A big sea star, a big sea star
Little cuddle clam and a big sea star
A pufferfish! A pufferfish!
Little cuddle clam and a big sea star
A pufferfish! A pufferfish!
Little cuddle clam and a big sea star
Source: Jbrary

Release to Stations
I have seven stations each week, which involve a mixture of dry, wet, and an action station. We spend about 20 minutes in free play.

Repeated Stations:
Kinetic Sand (Dry)
I bought some kinetic sand and added it to two plastic bins. In the recycling bin I found some fruit cup containers that had fun shapes and added them plus some plastic shovels. I keep a sheet underneath this station to catch any stray sand that escapes the bins. I didn’t realize until after I planned this station that kinetic sand should not be put in mouths, so I do warn the parents that if their kiddo is still exploring with their mouth, they may want to skip this one.

Kinetic sand station outside - two bins set on a blue sheet, with small plastic containers, plastic shovels, and sand in them

Pouring Station (Wet)
I asked coworkers to collect clean plastic recyclables with wide openings for this station and visited Goodwill for some additional pitchers. We had measuring cups and funnels in our materials, as well as a baby pool, which is the perfect container. I fill the pool with plastic bins and fill them randomly with water from the hose each week. (Also, I must have had some sunscreen on my lens taking pictures outdoors – there’s a weird blur!)

Pouring station, with a faded red baby pool filled with various plastic containers of all shapes and sizes

Rotating Stations:
Craft Stick Sort (Dry)
I noticed in my storage bin that I had these boxes of dot painters that have small holes already in the top. I colored a ring around each hole a different rainbow color and added colored craft sticks for a fine motor and color identification station.

Craft stick sort station with small cardboard boxes with eight small holes in each, ringed in color, and a pile of colored craft sticks in front of them

Beanbag Sort (Dry)
We had these beanbags from Lakeshore Learning that are different colors and shapes. They’re a super easy station where kids can play and sort with them in several ways.

Beanbag sort station, with shiny plastic beanbags in cube, sphere, and pyramid shapes in rainbow colors.

Dodge the Seaweed (Action)
We had some small cones in our action set, so I duct taped a paint stirrer to the tops of them, then haphazardly added green crepe paper to look like seaweed. For the amount of time it took me, I think they look pretty good! I was fully expecting them to get kind of torn up after the first week of use, but they held up. That might partly be because it was pretty hot out and I’m not sure a lot of kids were running around, though. 🙂

Dodge the seaweed station, with green and blue cones topped by green crepe paper "seaweed"

Unique Stations:
Ice Play (Wet)
I filled a medium sized bin with water, a bowl or colander, a few plastic animals like orcas, seals, and a whale shark, scoops and slotted spoons. I kept a 20 lb bag of ice in a cooler in the shade nearby, then when we released to stations I emptied the ice into the bins. This was a popular station since it was pretty hot all three days. This picture was taken at the end of the program, so almost all of the ice had melted by that time! Nevertheless, the kids seemed to enjoy scooping and feeling the ice.

Ice play station with two plastic bins half filled with water and ice. a teal colander is in one and a pink bowl is in another, with various slotted spoons, scoopers, and plastic whales and seals.

Ice Painting (Art/Messy)
Darn, I didn’t get a picture of this. I made the ice “paints” using some liquid watercolor we have, mixed with water in ice cube trays and with one of the mini-craft sticks in each cube for a handle. I made two trays, thinking I might have to make more each day, but they actually lasted me through all three days. I had a second cooler and put some ice in the bottom of it, then put the ice cube trays on top. I got the cooler out when we released to stations and kept the trays in the cooler in between uses. Outside of a few kids wanting to eat them (nontoxic paint, but still yucky), this was fun. Several grownups said how neat an idea it was and asked how I made the cubes (and I let them know that they could probably also use food coloring) and I overheard one say they were going to do this at a birthday party later that summer!

Ice painting sign: "Get creative: use an ice cube to paint! Let the watercolor paint melt on your paper. Use the stick to hold the cube (or not!) Enjoy the process and see what your child makes!

After about 20 minutes exploring stations, I rang the bell to call everyone back to the storytime area. 20 minutes felt like a good time – kids had generally found their way to all the stations and were winding down.

Everybody loves bubbles! The trick to doing bubbles outside, I’m finding, is to figure out which way the wind is blowing and get upwind of your group!
Recorded Bubble Song: Pop, Pop, Pop by Nathalia
From the album “Dream a Little,” available on Spotify

CD cover of Nathalia's "Dream A Little" album.

Goodbye Song: See You Later, Alligator
(tune of Clementine)
See you later, alligator (wave with one hand, then the other)
In a while, crocodile (open and shut arms like a croc’s mouth)
Give a hug, ladybug (hug yourself or a loved one)
Blow a kiss, jellyfish! MWAH! (move hand like a jellyfish then blow a kiss!)
Source: King County Library System

Other books I had available for families to browse (and may work for you on this theme)
Penguin Problems by Jory John & Lane Smith
If Wendell Had a Walrus by Lori Mortensen & Matt Phelan
A Penguin Story by Antoinette Portis
Polar Bear Morning by Lauren Thompson & Stephen Savage
Polar Bear Night by Lauren Thompson & Stephen Savage
Poles Apart by Jeanne Willis & Jarvis
Don’t Be Afraid, Little Pip by Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman
What’s in the Egg, Little Pip? by Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman

Cover of A penguin story
Cover of Don't Be Afraid, Little Pip
cover of If Wendell Had a Walrus
cover of Penguin Problems
cover of Polar Bear Morning
cover of Polar Bear Night
cover of Poles Apart
cover of What's in the Egg, Little Pip?

This storytime was presented in-person on 6/20, 6/21, & 6/22/22.

Family Storytime: Feeling Thankful (2021)

Posted on by msemilylibrary

I haven’t repeated storytime themes very often, but I find it comforting to do this theme every year in November, just tweaking my books and activities from year to year. With the tumult of the pandemic, I’m not sure how many of my families have actually experienced all three versions of this, but I’m finding it’s a worthy repeat. You can see the version I did in 2020 here (I hadn’t been blogging in 2019, but perhaps someday I’ll write up those older sessions.)

As in the past, I prefer not to focus on the American Thanksgiving tradition, culturally and problematically wrapped up in false narratives and violent colonialism, but on gratitude as a concept. I also like to use this opportunity to highlight Native authors and illustrators. This year I also talked kindness and family get-togethers (both of which I’m thankful for) as segues into our books.

Additionally, this was a significant storytime for me, as it was my last one at this library. I accepted another position (still doing storytime!) and this was a great theme for me to say goodbye and express my appreciation for all the storytime friends I’ve made and the library as a whole. More on that transition in an upcoming post!

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

Our new repeated warm-up rhyme.
Warm-Up Rhyme: Open, Shut Them
Open, shut them, Open, shut them
Give a little clap, clap clap!
Open, shut them, Open, shut them
Lay them in your lap, lap, lap!

Creepy, crawly, Creepy, crawly
Right up to your chin, chin, chin
Open up your little mouth,
But do not let them In, in, in!

Higher, higher, Higher, higher
Almost to the sky, sky, sky
Then like little birdies
Watch them Fly, fly, fly!

Lower, lower, Lower, lower
Almost to the ground, ground, ground
Quickly pick them up again
And turn them round and round:
Faster, faster, faster!
Slower, slower, slower.

Open, shut them, Open, shut them
Give a little clap, clap clap
Open, shut them, Open, shut them
Lay them in your lap, lap, lap!
Source: adapted from King County Library System (WA)

Talk: What does it mean to feel thankful? When would you say “thank you” to a person? Let’s practice with this fingerplay

Figuring out how to do this rhyme without the middle finger AND using it to do the ASL sign for I love you is one of my proudest moments. 🙂
Fingerplay: 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.
Source: adapted from the traditional rhyme 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.

I am always thankful when people are kind to one another. This book is by two Native American creators. Monique Gray Smith is of Cree, Lakota and Scottish descent, and Nicole Neidhardt is Diné, also known as Navajo.
Read: When We Are Kind by Monique Gray Smith & Nicole Neidhardt

Book cover of When We Are Kind.

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.
Verse 2 Source: Story Time Secrets

Breathing Break: Soup Breathing
Time for a mindful breathing break. I asked the kids to imagine they were holding a bowl of their very favorite soup, and asked what kind they liked. Then with their hands cupped in front of them, we slowly breathed in the delicious aroma through their noses, then slowly and gently breathed out through their mouths to cool off this hot soup. Afterward, I let them know that this exercise always makes me feel good and more grounded, and they could always get out their bowl of soup if they need help calming down or feeling more connected to their bodies.
Source: Lucky Little Learners

One more repeated activity.
Action Song: Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!
Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon!
(hands scrape past each other rhythmically)
Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon!
If you want to take a trip (fingers walk up arm)
Climb aboard my rocket ship!
Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon!
In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, BLASTOFF! (crouch, then jump!)
Source: Jbrary

I’m thankful for time to get together with family! This grandma has a tiny house, but a BIG family!
Read: Grandma’s Tiny House by JaNay Brown-Wood & Priscilla Burris

Book cover of Grandma's Tiny House.

Ukulele Song: If You’re Thankful and You Know It
(tune of If You’re Happy 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

Additional Verses:
Stomp your feet, Shout “hooray”, Do all three
Source: adapted from the traditional

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
Source: From the Album “Baby Beluga” by Raffi

Thanks a lot flannel set with a yellow sun, white cloud, red bird, blue swirl for wind, yellow crescent moon, purple star, single person figure with arms raised, pink heart, elephant, evergreen tree, and group of three people of various skin tones with arms to the side.

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

thumbnail of Thanks A Lot ukulele songsheet

Craft: Thankful Tree
The concept is very similar to the “Thankful Wreath” from last year. Each craft packet had several leaf shapes in various fall colors (red, yellow, orange, brown), and a piece of sky blue construction paper with a brown bare tree shape printed on it. I added the heading “I am thankful for…” at the top, and kids could write (with or without help) or draw the things they’re grateful for on the leaves and paste them on.

Download a PDF of the tree and leaves here!

Thankful tree craft - a dark brown bare tree figure on light blue paper with a heading, "I am thankful for..." and fall colored leaves listing gratitudes: books, love, storytime friends, feeling safe, family, and music.

I also booktalked these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video.
Let’s Be Kind by Ekaterina Trukhan
The Blue Table by Chris Raschka
Thanks a Ton! by Sabrina Moyle & Eunice Moyle
The Thank You Book by Mo Willems

Goodbye Song: See You Later, Alligator
(tune of Clementine)
See you later, alligator (wave with one hand, then the other)
In a while, crocodile (open and shut arms like a croc’s mouth)
Give a hug, ladybug (hug yourself or a loved one)
Blow a kiss, jellyfish! MWAH! (move hand like a jellyfish then blow a kiss!)
Source: King County Library System

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented virtually on 11/23/21.

Storytime Handout:

Storytime handout with suggested books, rhyme and song lyrics

Family Storytime: Bedtime

Posted on by msemilylibrary

Bedtime is a perennial favorite storytime theme, so I challenged myself to craft a session using only NEW bedtime books – ones that have been published in 2021. I had lots of options, and I loved being able to showcase some titles that caregivers may not have seen yet.

This is another reason why I’m happy with my decision to booktalk books rather than read them in full on my permanent YouTube videos. This allows me to have a book-centered virtual program that does not violate copyright laws (and I don’t have to jump through publisher hoops), AND I get to highlight six books instead of the two or three I’d have time to read in their entirety. When I get back to in-person storytimes, I’ll be sad to not get to share as many great titles with families. I always put a list on my handout, but I’m not sure how effective that is.

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

Early Literacy Tip: When we talk about the sequence of our days with our children, they have a chance to hear vocabulary words in context and begin to learn how to put events in order… both skills that help with comprehension when they are readers.

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

Our new repeated warm-up rhyme.
Warm-Up Rhyme: Open, Shut Them
Open, shut them, Open, shut them
Give a little clap, clap clap!
Open, shut them, Open, shut them
Lay them in your lap, lap, lap!

Creepy, crawly, Creepy, crawly
Right up to your chin, chin, chin
Open up your little mouth,
But do not let them In, in, in!

Higher, higher, Higher, higher
Almost to the sky, sky, sky
Then like little birdies
Watch them Fly, fly, fly!

Lower, lower, Lower, lower
Almost to the ground, ground, ground
Quickly pick them up again
And turn them round and round:
Faster, faster, faster!
Slower, slower, slower.

Open, shut them, Open, shut them
Give a little clap, clap clap
Open, shut them, Open, shut them
Lay them in your lap, lap, lap!
Source: adapted from King County Library System (WA)

Intro: Let’s talk about Bedtime! For some, it’s their favorite time of day (parents?) For others, it may be a chore. But I’d like to share some rhymes, songs, and books that show that bedtime can be lots of fun! And when we get enough sleep at night, we feel refreshed and ready for our day in the morning. If you have a light scarf, bandana, or even a tissue, grab it now and we’ll be using it in our songs later.

Fingerplay: Here Is a Baby
Here is a baby (raise pointer finger)
Ready for a nap
Lay her down in her mother’s lap (place finger in palm)
Cover her up so she won’t peek (curl fingers around pointer)
Rock her till she’s fast asleep (rock)
Source: Library Village

Read: Brown Baby Lullaby by Tameka Fryer Brown & AG Ford

cover of the book brown baby lullaby

Scarf Song: This Is the Way We…
(tune of Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush)
This is the way we wash our face (rub scarf on face)
Wash our face, wash our face
This is the way we wash our face,
When we get ready for bed!

Additional verses:
Wash our toes // wash our arms // wash our tummy //
Read a book // give a hug // snuggle and drift
Source: Library Village & Handley Regional Library (VA)

Aside: Another great action song that ends in bed is Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear. Check out this version by Jazzy Ash, which will tire you out! (Linked in the YouTube video description and on the handout)

Song: Look at All the Bunnies
Look at all the bunnies sleeping til it’s nearly noon
Shall we wake them with a merry tune?
Oh so still! Are they ill?
Wake up, wake up, wake up little bunnies
Wake up, wake up, wake up little bunnies
Hop little bunnies, hop, hop, hop
Stop little bunnies, stop, stop, stop… and FREEZE!
Source: King County Library System

Sydney Hanson is the master of cuteness!
Read: Five Fuzzy Chicks by Diana Murray & Sydney Hanson

Cover of the book five fuzzy chicks.

I just love this song! I use my laminated pieces for “Ten Yellow Chicks” (originally from Sunflower Storytime) to illustrate it on the flannel board, and explain what is happening before singing the song. In English, we interpret the sounds of chicks as “peep” or “cheep,” but in Spanish we say “pío.” And these chicks wander away from their mother and get hungry and cold. But the mother hen is a good mama, so she finds food for them, corn and wheat, and gathers them under her wings to get warm and go to sleep. But the next day, the silly chicks do it all over again! 
Flannel Song: Los Pollitos Dicen
Los pollitos dicen, pío, pío, pío
cuando tienen hambre, cuando tienen frío (hambre=rub belly, frío=rub shoulders)
La gallina busca, el maíz y el trigo
les da la comida, y les presta abrigo
Bajo sus dos alas, acurrucaditos,
duermen los pollitos hasta el otro día (duermen=lay head on hands, sleepy)
Pío, pío, pío dicen los pollitos
cuando tienen hambre, cuando tienen frío
Source: traditional – watch here: https://youtu.be/a7zUbmjUtDM

Printed and laminated flannelboard pieces showing a brown chicken and ten yellow chicks.

Breathing Break: Soup Breathing
Time for a mindful breathing break. I asked the kids to imagine they were holding a bowl of their very favorite soup, and asked what kind they liked. Then with their hands cupped in front of them, we slowly breathed in the delicious aroma through their noses, then slowly and gently breathed out through their mouths to cool off this hot soup. Afterward, I let them know that this exercise always makes me feel good and more grounded, and they could always get out their bowl of soup if they need help calming down or feeling more connected to their bodies.
Source: Lucky Little Learners

One more repeated activity. This has always been a favorite song, and it actually fits with our theme this week!
Action Song: Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!
Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon!
(hands scrape past each other rhythmically)
Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon!
If you want to take a trip (fingers walk up arm)
Climb aboard my rocket ship!
Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon!
In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, BLASTOFF! (crouch, then jump!)
Credit: Jbrary

Lullabies are a must for a bedtime storytime!
Lullaby: Twinkle, Twinkle
Twinkle, twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are
Up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky
Twinkle, twinkle little star How I wonder what you are!
Source: traditional, I used the motions from Jbrary

Ukulele Lullaby: Hush, Little Baby
Hush, little baby, don’t say a word,
Mama’s gonna buy you a mockingbird
And if that mockingbird won’t sing,
Mama’s gonna buy you a diamond ring
And if that diamond ring turns brass,
Mama’s gonna buy you a looking glass
And if that looking glass gets broke,
Mama’s gonna buy you a billy goat
And if that billy goat won’t pull,
Mama’s gonna buy you a cart and bull
And if that cart and bull turn over,
Mama’s gonna buy you a dog named Rover
And if that dog named Rover won’t bark
Mama’s gonna buy you a horse and cart
And if that horse and cart fall down,
You’ll still be the sweetest little baby in town.
Credit: traditional

Download a Ukulele songsheet for Hush, Little Baby

thumbnail of ukulele songsheet for "hush little baby"

Craft: Night Sky
A super simple craft this time – I cut out crescent moon shapes from white cardstock to glue to a piece of black construction paper, and gave each kid some sparkly star stickers to make their own night sky. On the craft how-to sheet, I posed some questions to encourage kids and caregivers to talk. “Can you imagine your stars make shapes like constellations?  What stories might you tell about these shapes?” Idea (and photo, I didn’t make a sample) borrowed from Library Village.

A white paper crescent moon glued to a piece of black construction paper with sparkly star stickers to make a night sky scene
image from Library Village blog

I also booktalked these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video.
Bedtime for Sweet Creatures by Nikki Grimes & Elizabeth Zunon
Close Your Eyes by Lori Haskins Houran & Sydney Hanson
It’s So Quiet by Sherri Duskey Rinker & Tony Fucile
Sloth Wasn’t Sleepy by Kate Messner & Valentina Toro

Goodbye Song: See You Later, Alligator
(tune of Clementine)
See you later, alligator (wave with one hand, then the other)
In a while, crocodile (open and shut arms like a croc’s mouth)
Give a hug, ladybug (hug yourself or a loved one)
Blow a kiss, jellyfish! MWAH! (move hand like a jellyfish then blow a kiss!)
Credit: King County Library System

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented virtually on 11/16/21.

Storytime Handout:

Picture of storytime handout with book list, rhyme and song lyrics

Family Storytime: Boxes

Posted on by msemilylibrary

Another theme on a “concept” that has been treated well in children’s picture book literature is boxes! Imaginative play in or using cardboard boxes, as well as the shape concepts of square and cube, the related idea of block play – all are great early learning tools and fun to riff on at storytime.

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

Find another version of this theme from 2024.

Early Literacy Tip: Playing helps children’s brains grow and develop in so many ways! When we pretend and act out stories, like pretending that a box might be a rocket ship, and what we might do on a space adventure, we’re using problem-solving skills and it prepares us to write stories of our own someday.

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

I started using a new warm-up rhyme this week. I’d known the first two verses for many, many years, but saw the “Higher” and “Lower” verses and decided to expand! I chant this, though I think some librarians sing it.
Warm-Up Rhyme: Open, Shut Them
Open, shut them, Open, shut them
Give a little clap, clap clap!
Open, shut them, Open, shut them
Lay them in your lap, lap, lap!

Creepy, crawly, Creepy, crawly
Right up to your chin, chin, chin
Open up your little mouth,
But do not let them In, in, in!

Higher, higher, Higher, higher
Almost to the sky, sky, sky
Then like little birdies
Watch them Fly, fly, fly!

Lower, lower, Lower, lower
Almost to the ground, ground, ground
Quickly pick them up again
And turn them round and round:
Faster, faster, faster!
Slower, slower, slower.

Open, shut them, Open, shut them
Give a little clap, clap clap
Open, shut them, Open, shut them
Lay them in your lap, lap, lap!
Source: adapted from King County Library System (WA)

Intro: Oh, do you like my hat? What do you mean it’s not a hat? It’s a box! That’s the wonderful thing about a box.  It can be a hat… or a mixing bowl … or a hiding place!

I used a variety of animal puppets in an old paper box – I chose that since it has a lid rather than just flaps.
Puppet Rhyme: Here is a Box
Here is a box where something is hid
I wonder whatever is under the lid?
Let’s listen for a shout
And see who comes out!
(make animal noises and have kids guess who is in the box before opening)
Source: Storytime in the Stacks

screenshot from virtual storytime showing a chicken puppet that has just emerged from a cardboard box.

Read: Not a Box by Antoinette Portis

This was a really fun flannel that I saw on several storytime blogs – Fun With Friends at Storytime got super fancy with three different shades of felt for each box to make them look more three dimensional. I stuck to one color per box, but I did include a front and back piece, gluing the front piece to just three sides of the back, so the box would create a little “pocket” I could put small laminated pictures in that were “in” the box. The lid was another separate piece that could be removed. I used the template shared by Anne’s Library Life but the rhyme came from One For the Books blog. The small mystery items were different brightly-colored toys and animals that I found on Canva. I was sure to include a “jack in the box” as one of the mystery items, since I wasn’t sure how familiar modern kids would be with this old-fashioned toy. “Jack” features prominently in our song “Turn Around” later in storytime, so I got this picture out again to remind kids who Jack was and why he was in a box.
Flannel Game: Mystery Boxes
Little [pink] box let me look inside and see
What’s inside? Ready? 1, 2, 3! (lift the lid)
Source: adapted from One For the Books blog

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 at each “snap”)
He snapped at a minnow, and he snapped at me!
He caught that mosquito, he caught that flea (clap with each “caught”)
He caught that minnow
But he didn’t catch me! (waggle finger)
Source: Jbrary

I really liked the idea of this one-verse song that I found on Anne’s Library Life, but wanted to expand it! Of course, you can shorten/remove verses to fit your audience as needed.
Ukulele Song: Wiggle Box
(tune of Buffalo Gals)
Let’s open up the wiggle box, the wiggle box, the wiggle box
Let’s open up the wiggle box, and wiggle our cares away!

Additional verses:
There’s a lot of wiggles in the wiggle box… so wiggle and dance today!
There’s a lot of giggles in the wiggle box… so wiggle and laugh today!
Now throw all your wiggles in the wiggle box… And lock that box up tight!
(slowly, relaxed)
Now that the wiggle box is closed up tight… We’re ready for a story today!
Source: Verse 4 from Anne’s Library Life, remainder by Ms. Emily

Get a downloadable ukulele songsheet for “Wiggle Box” here!

This has really interesting illustrations if you have a small group that can appreciate them. I liked that the text was pretty simple and short, too.
Read: What to Do With a Box by Jane Yolen & Chris Sheban

It’s pretty unusual for me to do two ukulele songs in one storytime, but it worked out here. This is from Sue Schnitzer, who I was connected to through the ukulele community, and I didn’t even realize she put out children’s song albums because she was also a librarian! She graciously shared the chords for this song with me. Check her out! One more note – be sure to practice this one ahead of time! I didn’t realize how difficult it was to spin in a circle and play ukulele and sing all at the same time, and it took me a couple of tries to get the rhythm down!
Ukulele Song: Turn Around
Can you turn around with me? (spin in place)
It’s as easy as can be
Round and round and round just so
Then ker-PLOP! Down we go! (fall to the floor)

(tacit) Jack is quiet – shhh! (fingers to lips)
In his box… (arm covers head)
Open the lid… (slowly open arm out)
And up he… POPS! (jump up)
Source: Sue Schnitzer, from the album “Wiggle and Whirl”

Get a downloadable ukulele songsheet for “Turn Around” here!

Breathing Break: Soup Breathing
After all that turning and falling and jumping, I was ready for a breathing break. I asked the kids to imagine they were holding a bowl of their very favorite soup, and asked what kind they liked. Then with their hands cupped in front of them, we slowly breathed in the delicious aroma through their noses, then slowly and gently breathed out through their mouths to cool off this hot soup. Afterward, I let them know that this exercise always makes me feel good and more grounded, and they could always get out their bowl of soup if they need help calming down or feeling more connected to their bodies.
Source: Lucky Little Learners

One more repeated activity. This has always been a favorite song!
Action Song: Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!
Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon!
(hands scrape past each other rhythmically)
Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon!
If you want to take a trip (fingers walk up arm)
Climb aboard my rocket ship!
Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon!
In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, BLASTOFF! (crouch, then jump!)
Credit: Jbrary

Craft: Blocks Craft and Box Coloring Page
Two crafts today! I used an idea from Storytime Katie for a very simple 2D blocks craft, making some random squares, rectangles, triangles, half circles, and “bridge” shapes (a rectangle with a half circle cut out of it) from different colored construction paper, and a plain white sheet to glue them to. (Photo from Storytime Katie’s blog)
I also created a Box Imagination sheet, which just has a plain box in the middle with lots of white space around, in which kids could color whatever they imagined the box to be. (I made mine a treehouse as an example.)

You can download the sheet here!

I also booktalked these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video.
A Box Can Be Many Things by Dana Meachen Rau & Paige Billin-Frye
Boxitects by Kim Smith
Big Box, Little Box by Caryl Hart & Edward Underwood
Blocks by Irene Dickson

Goodbye Song: See You Later, Alligator
(tune of Clementine)
See you later, alligator (wave with one hand, then the other)
In a while, crocodile (open and shut arms like a croc’s mouth)
Give a hug, ladybug (hug yourself or a loved one)
Blow a kiss, jellyfish! MWAH! (move hand like a jellyfish then blow a kiss!)
Credit: King County Library System

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented virtually on 11/9/21.

Storytime Handout:

Family Storytime: Breakfast

Posted on by msemilylibrary

Mmmmm. Breakfast (and breakfast food) might be my favorite meal of the day. And there are some fun and cute books out there about breakfast items.

This was my first back-to-virtual-only program after a summer and fall of outdoor in-person sessions. I missed seeing the families in person and sometimes wonder what the actual impact of virtual programming is, but the days were getting colder and we were not doing indoor in-person programs at the library.

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

Early Literacy Tip: As you go about your day, stop for a moment and listen to the sounds around you. Ask your children what they hear. Talk about what you hear. Try to imitate the sounds. Even little activities like this one help your children develop phonological awareness – the ability to hear and play with the smaller sounds in words.

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

Warm-Up Rhyme: We Wiggle and Stop
(Use the ASL sign for the word “stop” – one hand “chops” across the opposite hand)
We wiggle and we wiggle and we STOP
We wiggle and we wiggle and we STOP
We wiggle and we wiggle and we wiggle and we wiggle
And we wiggle and we wiggle and we STOP
(Try other motions such as jump, twirl, stretch)
Source: Jbrary

Intro: My favorite meal of the day is breakfast! What are some things that you like to eat for breakfast? Discuss and suggest. I added flannel parts from Flip Flap Jack to the board (randomly, not to build the “man”) as I talked through (realizing that probably the most common and favorite food for kids is probably cereal, which is not part of the flannel…) In the future, I might add things like eggs and cereal (hot or cold) to my set just so they are represented. Our rhymes and songs started with toast!

Chant: Bread and Butter
Bread and butter,
marmalade and jam
Let’s say “Breakfast”
as quiet as we can – “Breakfast!”

Other verses:
Loud, Slow, Fast, High, Low
(you can change the word as well as the adverb)
Source: traditional

Lifting Rhyme: Toast in the Toaster
I’m toast in the toaster,
I’m getting very hot
Tick tock, tick tock,
UP I pop!
Source: Jbrary

Read: Early One Morning by Mem Fox & Christine Davenier

book cover of Early One Morning

Fingerplay: Five Fat Sausages
Five fat sausages (show five fingers)
frying in a pan (lay fingers in the flat opposite hand)
The grease got hot (wiggle the “sausage” fingers)
and one went BAM! (clap!)
(count down)

No fat sausages frying in a pan.
The grease got hot and the pan went BAM!
Source: Jbrary

Action Rhyme: Mixing Pancakes
(mime actions)
Mixin’ pancakes, stirrin’ pancakes
Pour ’em in the pan
Frying’ pancakes, flippin’ pancakes
Catch ’em if you can!
Source: Adapted from poet Christina Rossetti via Jbrary

Read: Please, Mr. Panda by Steve Antony

book cover of Please, Mr. Panda

For this one, I chose the names of five of my regular in-person kids to pick a doughnut. And I had to include my favorite kind of doughnut in the flannel – jelly-filled!
Flannel Song: Five Colored Doughnuts
Down around the corner at the bakery shop
There were five little donuts with frosting on top
Along came [name], hungry for a treat,
And s/he picked the [color] one to take home and eat!
(count down)
Source: Literary Hoots

Flannel showing 4 traditional doughnuts (with light green, lavender, pink, and brown icing) and one jelly-filled doughnut with white icing and a small pink dot of jelly at one end.

Breathing Break: “Soup” Breathing – Which became “Oatmeal Breathing!”
Instead of using a bowl of soup as we have been in the last couple of weeks, today we imagined our favorite hot cereal in our bowls in front of them. I suggested oatmeal, porridge, cream of wheat, and grits! You could also go into what kinds of toppings and mix-ins they like, if you wanted to prolong the discussion. Then with their hands cupped in front of them, we slowly breathed in the delicious aroma through their noses, then slowly and gently breathed out through their mouths to cool off this hot cereal. Afterward, I let them know that this exercise always makes me feel good and more grounded, and they could always get out their bowl if they need help calming down or feeling more connected to their bodies.
Source: Lucky Little Learners

One more repeated activity. This has always been a favorite song!
Action Song: Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!
Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon!
(hands scrape past each other rhythmically)
Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon!
If you want to take a trip (fingers walk up arm)
Climb aboard my rocket ship!
Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon!
In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, BLASTOFF! (crouch, then jump!)
Source: Jbrary

This was another instance where I had two versions of the flannel props. I’d originally planned this theme earlier in the fall, when I would be doing it outdoors in person, but moved things around so it was my first virtual-only theme in November. One set is actually made of flannel, that I purchased from Storytelling Fun. It is nice to have a detailed felt set, but I was disappointed that the the images, which seemed to be ink-jet printed onto white felt, seemed very pixelated. I also made a larger paper version that was photocopied from the book by Gail Benton and Trisha Waichulaitis, who wrote the song. I colored and laminated it, and it turned out pretty well, so I’ll have to make a reason to use it at some point.
Flannel Song: Flip Flap Jack
Intro:
There was a man made of food (Made of food?) Made of food!
There was a man made of food and his name was Flip Flap Jack!

Chorus:
And he danced upon the table, the table, the table.
He danced upon the table, and his name was Flip Flap Jack!

Verses:
His head was a pancake (A pancake?) A pancake!
His head was a pancake and his name was Flip Flap Jack
His hair was made of whipped cream (whipped cream?) Whipped cream!
His hair was made of whipped cream and his name was Flip Flap Jack

(Do two verses between each chorus repetition, and repeat the intro at the very end as an outro)
His eyes were blueberries / His nose was a strawberry / His mouth was a sausage / His ears were oranges / His body was a waffle / His arms were two bananas /His legs were made of bacon / His feet were made of French toast /His bellybutton was a raspberry
Source: Gail Benton and Trisha Waichulaitis from the book Ready to Go Storytimes: Fingerplays, Scripts, Patterns, Music and More. To get the tune in my head and an idea of movements, I used this video from Klamath County Library (OR).

Craft: Paper Plate Pancake
This was a take on a craft I saw on the What Happens in Storytime blog. The kids got a paper plate, three light brown circles, three yellow squares, some brown yarn, and red and blue pom poms. They could then build their pancake breakfast however they liked. In the instructions, I noted that kids could glue down their creations if they wanted to make “art,” but they could also leave the pieces loose and treat it like play food, taking orders from different family members and extending the activity to do some dramatic play.

I also booktalked these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video.
Everyone Loves Bacon by Kelly DiPucchio & Eric Wight
Dozens of Doughnuts by Carrie Finison & Brianne Farley
Woodpecker Wants a Waffle by Steve Breen
Pancakes with Grandma by Kathryn Smith & Seb Braun

Goodbye Song: See You Later, Alligator
(tune of Clementine)
See you later, alligator (wave with one hand, then the other)
In a while, crocodile (open and shut arms like a croc’s mouth)
Give a hug, ladybug (hug yourself or a loved one)
Blow a kiss, jellyfish! MWAH! (move hand like a jellyfish then blow a kiss!)
Source: King County Library System

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented virtually on 11/2/21.

Storytime Handout:

Image of storytime handout with books to read list and rhyme/song lyrics.

Family Storytime: The American Southwest

Posted on by msemilylibrary

Sometimes life inspires storytime! I was planning to take a two week vacation to visit family in Arizona and do some sightseeing as well, so the week before I was to be off, storytime was all about the Southwest! It was fun to do some learning before the trip as well as incorporate things I love about the region, such as the animals and plants that live there. I also wanted to highlight the fact that Native peoples have lived there continuously, as well as it once being a part of Mexico, so there are many wonderful traditions and stories from the region, and they are told in many languages. I had trouble finding a book that was short and simple enough to share from a Native perspective, but I tried to offer some of the longer options on my take-home reading list.

This was also my last outdoor in-person storytime of the season, though I picked up virtual programming again when I returned home in November. It was really nice to be able to offer outdoor programs, but the weather was turning colder and more unpredictable as far as the rain and wet.

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

Early Literacy Tip: The American Southwest has been (and still is) the home of Native American nations for centuries including the Lakota, Navajo, Hopi and many other nations. It was also once a part of a Spanish territory, and then Mexico, before becoming part of the United States. This means a rich collection of stories about the Southwest exists in English, Spanish, and Native languages. Your child can build good speaking and listening skills and habits when they listen and talk to people who are fluent in any language.
Source: Adapted from this Storytime Starter document from the Madison Public Library (WI)

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

Welcome Song: Hello, Friends
(tune of Goodnight, Ladies)
Hello, friends! Hello, friends!
Hello, friends, it’s time to say hello!
Hello, [name 1], hello, [name 2]!
Hello, [name 3], it’s time to say hello!
(ASL motions: salute for “hello,” then take the index fingers on each hand and you link them together as though they are hugging each other back and forth for “friends”)
Source: Glenside Public Library District

I handed out shaker eggs at the beginning of storytime and we used them for several songs. For this one, we wiggled our eggs, rolled them (rolled our arms), and made a big circle in front of us.
Warm-Up Rhyme: We Wiggle and Stop
(Use the ASL sign for the word “stop” – one hand “chops” across the opposite hand)
We wiggle and we wiggle and we STOP
We wiggle and we wiggle and we STOP
We wiggle and we wiggle and we wiggle and we wiggle
And we wiggle and we wiggle and we STOP
(Try other motions such as jump, twirl, stretch)
Source: Jbrary

Anytime a rhyme uses “left” and “right,” I make a point of telling the crowd to “mirror me” and I do the opposite.
Fingerplay: Two Desert Tortoises
(tune of Two Little Blackbirds)
Two desert tortoises walking at night
One turns left, the other turns right
Come back tortoises, don’t go away
Come back here, it’s time to play
Source: Brevard County Libraries (FL)

This storytime took place at the tail end of Hispanic Heritage Month, so I mentioned that both Pat Mora and Francisco X. Mora are of Mexican heritage. I read the title in English and Spanish, and mentioned that the book is bilingual, but that I’d only be reading the text in English today.
Read: Listen to the Desert/Oye al desierto by Pat Mora & Francisco X. Mora

Book Cover for Listen to the Desert

Shaker Rhyme: Mr. Rattlesnake
I wish that I could rattle and shake
Just like Mister Rattlesnake!
Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle,
And shake, shake, shake
Just like Mister Rattlesnake!
Source: MCLS Kids Wiki

I kind of shoehorned this song to be a “shaker” song. Kids could hop like a rabbit, or make their egg shaker “jump.” For the coyote verse, the shaker could be the moon we howled at. The cactus verse didn’t really incorporate it, though!
Shaker Song: In the Desert
(tune of Wheels on the Bus)
The jackrabbit in the desert can hop like this,
Hop like this, hop like this
The jackrabbit in the desert can hop like this,
All night long!

Additional verses:
The coyotes in the desert can howl…
The rattlesnakes in the desert can rattle…
The saguaro in the desert can stand like this…
Source: Literary Hoots

I really enjoy using my frog rasp instruments with a song written by a fellow librarian and posted on Storytime Underground – Three Frogs in a Bog. I rewrote it so I could have some desert toads! I used the rasps, but encouraged the kids to use their shakers.
Shaker Song: Three Toads
There was a big toad (shake, shake)
Lived in a cactus by the road (shake, shake)
He hopped in the desert (shake, shake)
Croaked his hellos (shake, shake)
Big toad (shake, shake)
By a big road (shake, shake)
Croaked a big hello (shake, shake)
(repeat for middle-sized and little frogs)

And then one day (shake, shake, shake)
The toads got together (shake, shake, shake)
Hopped in the desert (shake, shake, shake)
In the hot dusty weather (shake, shake, shake)
Three toads (shake, shake, shake)
Three friends (shake, shake, shake)
The end! (shake, shake, shake)
Source: adapted by Ms. Emily from Ada Moreau Demlow

Three wooden frog rasp instruments, large, medium, and small

Shaker Collecting Song: If You Have a Red Egg
(tune of Do You Know the Muffin Man)
If you have a red egg, a red egg, a red egg
If you have a red egg, please bring it up here!
Repeat with other colors of eggs.
Source: adapted from this ALSC Blog post

Breathing Break: Soup Breathing
Since the weather was turning colder, I brought back our soup breathing visualization. I asked the kids to imagine they were holding a bowl of their very favorite soup, and asked what kind they liked. Then with their hands cupped in front of them, we slowly breathed in the delicious aroma of their very favorite soup through their noses, then slowly and gently breathed out through their mouths to cool off this hot soup. We repeated about 5 times. Afterward, I let them know that this exercise always makes me feel good and more grounded, and they could always get out their bowl of soup if they need help calming down or feeling more connected to their bodies.
Source: Lucky Little Learners

One more repeated activity. This has always been a favorite song!
Action Song: Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!
Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon!
(hands scrape past each other rhythmically)
Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon!
If you want to take a trip (fingers walk up arm)
Climb aboard my rocket ship!
Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon!
In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, BLASTOFF! (crouch, then jump!)
Source: Jbrary

The main reason I chose this one is that it was short and showed some different animals. I wish there were more short titles on this topic!
Read: Way Out West Lives a Coyote Named Frank by Jillian Lund

Book cover for Way Out West Lives a Coyote Named Frank

I *love* this song. It has a great tune and everyone likes howling and snoring! I had fun making a flannel for this one, but generally flannels are too small for the outdoor crowd. Instead, I used a larger template from Nancy Stewart to make bigger coyotes that stuck with magnets to my book cart. The tune I learned is slightly different from Nancy’s original, which a librarian friend Rebecca taught me. You can hear it in the video link above.
Counting/Flannel Song: Five Coyotes
Five coyotes, sittin’ on a hill
Just sittin’ and a howlin’ at the moon
Aahh-ooo!
One coyote had his fill
So he went to sleep and snoozed
Snore!
(Count down)
Source: adapted by Rebecca Ballard from Nancy Stewart

For the regular-sized flannel, I had plans to make them double-sided, with the reverse showing the coyotes curled up and sleeping, but ran out of time. Someday I’ll add that! I also did my best to make the moon look realistic, with craters in the right place. 🙂

Craft: Saguaro Cactus
Inspired by Literary Hoots, this was an easy yet really attractive craft, with some nice 3D elements. Cactus trunks and arms can be cut from construction paper, and the kids can glue them down however they like. I snapped toothpicks in half to make spines they could glue on, and picked out some magenta tissue paper squares they could crumple and glue to the tops. (I learned later that saguaro blooms are white/yellow – oops.)

Craft of a saguaro cactus, with one main trunk and two arms, glued on a sandy colored paper. Toothpicks are glued on as spines, and pink tissue paper flowers are glued to the top of the trunk and arms.

I also booktalked these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video.
Big Moon Tortilla by Joy Cowley & Dyanne Strongbow
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard & Juana Martinez-Neal
The Seed and the Giant Saguaro by Jennifer Ward & Mike K. Rangner
She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain by Jonathan Emmett & Deborah Allwright

Goodbye Song: See You Later, Alligator
(tune of Clementine)
See you later, alligator (wave with one hand, then the other)
In a while, crocodile (open and shut arms like a croc’s mouth)
Give a hug, ladybug (hug yourself or a loved one)
Blow a kiss, jellyfish! MWAH! (move hand like a jellyfish then blow a kiss!)
Source: King County Library System

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented in-person and virtually on 10/12/21.

Storytime Handout:

Family Storytime: Fire Trucks

Posted on by msemilylibrary

Another theme culled from the Chase’s Calendar of Events, October is Fire Safety Month in the US. I called our local fire station and asked if they would be able to be guests for my Tuesday and/or Saturday program for this week. They said they could for Tuesday, and they would *try* for Saturday, since they were short staffed and would be on call.

I’m a planner and like to have all the contingencies covered, so this was hard for me! Even for the Tuesday program, I didn’t get a lot of information about what to expect or what the firefighters themselves would be expecting when they arrived, despite my tentative ask. I figure the fire chief is pretty busy and probably doesn’t have a lot of attention for working out details for a volunteer appearance, so I didn’t make myself a nuisance and follow up. It was a good time for me to practice going with the flow.

photo of firefighters in front of their truck, explaining their gear, with storytimers looking on.

My solution was to plan a storytime as if the guests wouldn’t show at all, and just be prepared to drop some or all of it as needed. This worked well – I ended up using about half of my plan when the firefighters showed up 10 minutes late on Tuesday, and didn’t show up at all on Saturday. (And of course, I wouldn’t have them available for the virtual version at all.) I had what I needed, but was able to adjust. Their visit turned out great, too. I “made” one of them help me tell the book I was in the middle of when they arrived (making sound effects). The two others that didn’t get roped into this snickered in the background, but my “victim” was very good-natured about it all. And during the fire truck show and tell, the grownups were just as entranced (if not more) and asked lots of questions!

This storytime also had a TON of props – most of which I didn’t use in the outdoor session. It’s nice to have them on hand though, for when we’re back indoors.

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

Early Education Tip: We talk about possible emergencies not to scare anyone, but to be prepared! It’s important that children know what a fully dressed firefighter looks and sounds like, as well as what to do if they hear the fire alarm, and have practiced a fire escape plan. While we hope we’ll never need to use it, it’s better to have those skills in our brains ahead of time in case there is a fire emergency.

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

Welcome Song: Hello, Friends
(tune of Goodnight, Ladies)
Hello, friends! Hello, friends!
Hello, friends, it’s time to say hello!
Hello, [name 1], hello, [name 2]!
Hello, [name 3], it’s time to say hello!
(ASL motions: salute for “hello,” then take the index fingers on each hand and you link them together as though they are hugging each other back and forth for “friends”)
Source: Glenside Public Library District

Warm-Up Rhyme: We Wiggle and Stop
(Use the ASL sign for the word “stop” – one hand “chops” across the opposite hand)
We wiggle and we wiggle and we STOP
We wiggle and we wiggle and we STOP
We wiggle and we wiggle and we wiggle and we wiggle
And we wiggle and we wiggle and we STOP
(Try other motions such as jump, twirl, stretch)
Source: Jbrary

Intro: Firefighters are people who are trained to put out fires and help people who may be hurt or stuck. They use a big truck that has special equipment just for fighting fires. It’s important for us to talk about who they are, what they do, and what YOU can do if there’s an emergency.

I didn’t end up using this one outdoors, but it was a nice backup. The flannel printout is generously provided on the Literary Hoots blog!
Song: If You’re Going to Fight a Fire
(tune of If You’re Happy and You Know It)
If you’re going to fight a fire,wear your helmet
If you’re going to fight a fire, wear your helmet
Firefighters feeling steady
Very quickly let’s get ready!
If you’re going to fight a fire, wear your helmet
(repeat with gloves, boots, hat, etc)
Source: adapted from Literary Hoots

printed and laminated picture of a firefighter, with removable helmet, gloves, and boots.

In the virtual version, I used this rhyme and firefighter flannel template from Storytime in the Stacks in place of the above song. He’s really cute in his red boxer shorts!
Flannel Rhyme: Here Is a Firefighter
Here is a firefighter!
Here are his pants.
Here is his coat,
and here is his hat.
Here are his gloves,
Here are his boots.
Here is his mask,
And his fire hose too!
Source: Storytime in the Stacks

photo of flannel set with a bald firefighter in red boxer shorts, with pieces for a coat, pants, gloves, boots, hat, mask, and hose. Inset shows all the pieces together.

This one is told almost entirely in sound effects. I love the bold illustrations and diverse firefighters.
Read: Fire Engine No. 9 by Mike Austin

Cover of Fire Engine No. 9 book

I made a large version of this that I could stick on my bookcart for the outdoor version, and a smaller one for the flannelboard. That’s a definite advantage to printed out flannels – they’re scalable!
Counting Rhyme: One Brave Firefighter
One brave firefighter putting out the fire
Swoosh goes the water,
But the flames climb higher
The firefighter calls for a friend with a shout:
“HELP ME PUT THIS FIRE OUT!”

Count up, last verse:
Four brave firefighters putting out the fire.
Swoosh goes the water
And the flames start to expire!
The firefighters clap their hands and shout:
“HOORAY, we put the fire out!”
Source: Madelyn’s Library Programming Blog

printed and laminated flannel set with four different firefighters holding hoses.

I originally learned this song to the tune of “10 Little Indians,” which I no longer use. I was happy to discover that the Old Town School of Folk Music has a version that uses a different melody.
Action Song: Hurry, Hurry
Hurry, hurry, drive the fire truck (turn a steering wheel)
Hurry, hurry, drive the fire truck
Hurry, hurry, drive the fire truck
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding! (ring a bell)

Additional verses:
Turn the corner (lean far left and right)
Put the ladder up, (climb a ladder)
Spray the fire hose (hold a hose and move it back and forth)

Last verse, we drive the fire truck back to the station:
Slowly, slowly, drive the fire truck
Slowly, slowly, drive the fire truck
Slowly, slowly, drive the fire truck
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding! (ring a bell)
Source: adapted from Old Town School of Folk Music from the Songs for Wiggleworms album

Breathing Break: Soup Breathing
Since the weather was getting cooler, I returned to the soup breathing for our breathwork visualization. I asked the kids to imagine they were holding a bowl of their very favorite soup, and asked what kind they liked. Then with their hands cupped in front of them, we slowly breathed in the delicious aroma through their noses, then slowly and gently breathed out through their mouths to cool off this hot soup. Afterward, I let them know that this exercise always makes me feel good and more grounded, and they could always get out their bowl of soup if they need help calming down or feeling more connected to their bodies.
Source: Lucky Little Learners

One more repeated activity. This has always been a favorite song!
Action Song: Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!
Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon!
(hands scrape past each other rhythmically)
Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon!
If you want to take a trip (fingers walk up arm)
Climb aboard my rocket ship!
Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon!
In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, BLASTOFF! (crouch, then jump!)
Credit: Jbrary

This is a sillier story!
Read: Firefighter Duckies by Frank W. Dormer

Cover of Firefighter Duckies book

The next two songs got cut for the in-person sessions.
Song: Fire Safety
(tune of What Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor)
What do you call if there’s a fire (x3)
Call 9-1-1!

What do you do to plan for fire (x3)
Have a fire drill!

What do you do if your clothes are on fire(x3)
Stop, drop and roll!

Who comes in a truck if there’s a fire (x3)
It’s the firefighter!
Source: Johnson County Library (KS)

The flannel and song both came from the Making Learning Fun site – I adjusted the truck so it would fit on one piece of felt.
Song: The Wheels on the Truck
(tune of Wheels on the Bus)
The wheels on the truck go round and round
Round and round, round and round!
The wheels on the truck go round and round
When they fight the fire

Additional verses:
Door- open and shut; Siren- woo, woo, woo;
Ladder- up and down; Hose-woosh,woosh,woosh
Source: Making Learning Fun

Flannel set of a fire truck. Accessories include a door, wheels, headlight, siren light, ladder, hook, mask, hatchet, and hose.

Craft: Fire Truck
Adapted and simplified from Busy Bee Kids Crafts. The ladder became a rectangle of yellow, and I encouraged the kids to draw themselves in the truck windows.

Picture of fire truck craft, with a yellow ladder. siren light is drawn with pink highlighter, wheels are drawn in black marker, and two firefighters are drawn on the white windows.

I also booktalked these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video.
Firefighters! Speeding! Spraying! Saving! by Patricia Hubbell & Viviana Garofoli
Fire! ¡Fuego! Brave Bomberos by Susan Middleton Elya & Dan Santat
Firefighter Ted by Andrea Beaty & Pascal Lemaitre
I’m Brave! by Kate & Jim McMullan

Goodbye Song: See You Later, Alligator
(tune of Clementine)
See you later, alligator (wave with one hand, then the other)
In a while, crocodile (open and shut arms like a croc’s mouth)
Give a hug, ladybug (hug yourself or a loved one)
Blow a kiss, jellyfish! MWAH! (move hand like a jellyfish then blow a kiss!)
Credit: King County Library System

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented in-person and virtually on 10/5/21 & 10/9/21.

Storytime Handout:

Family Storytime: Cows & Horses

Posted on by msemilylibrary

This started out as a “cowboy/cowgirl” storytime, but I liked the idea of focusing more on the animals than the more narrow subject of cow wrangling. The whole thing was kicked off by the Jan Thomas book, Let’s Sing a Lullaby with the Brave Cowboy that my friend and colleague Christy suggested as being a great ukulele song to play while reading. I’m not sure who to credit for writing out the original song, but I did find the tune on Jan Thomas’ site, which was very helpful to get it into my head. I also tried hard not to gender the profession, so substituted “cowpoke” instead of cowboy/cowgirl in songs and rhymes. This was another theme I could go all out on for dressing up with stuff I had in my closet – jeans, flannel shirt, bandanna, and hat (that I’d saved from my post-prom event 20 years ago!)

screenshot of virtual storytime, showing cowpoke outfit.

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

Early Literacy Tip: Your child may not have much experience with cowpokes and ranches and horses, but talk to them about new ideas and experiences anyway. The more we talk to our children, the bigger their vocabularies grow. Sometimes we get bored talking about the same old daily routine with our kids. New topics can keep us motivated to keep talking!

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

Welcome Song: Hello, Friends
(tune of Goodnight, Ladies)
Hello, friends! Hello, friends!
Hello, friends, it’s time to say hello!
Hello, [name 1], hello, [name 2]!
Hello, [name 3], it’s time to say hello!
(ASL motions: salute for “hello,” then take the index fingers on each hand and you link them together as though they are hugging each other back and forth for “friends”)
Source: Glenside Public Library District

Warm-Up Rhyme: We Wiggle and Stop
(Use the ASL sign for the word “stop” – one hand “chops” across the opposite hand)
We wiggle and we wiggle and we STOP
We wiggle and we wiggle and we STOP
We wiggle and we wiggle and we wiggle and we wiggle
And we wiggle and we wiggle and we STOP
(Try other motions such as jump, twirl, stretch)
Source: Jbrary

Fingerplay: Ten Galloping Horses
Ten little horses galloped into town,
Five were black and five were brown
They galloped up
They galloped down
Then they galloped out of town!
(repeat & whisper, then end silently doing motions)
Source: King County Library System (WA)

Read: Clip-Clop! by Nicola Smee

Clip Clop book cover

Bounce: Giddy-Up!
(tune of William Tell Overture)
Giddy-up, giddy-up, giddy-up, up, up! (bounce)
Giddy-up, giddy-up, giddy-up, up, up!
Giddy-up, giddy-up, giddy-up, up, up!
Whoa, horsie! (lean back with child)
Source: Handley Regional Library (VA)

Action Song: The Horses Are Walking
The horses are walking,
They’re walking along, walking along, walking along
The horses are walking, they’re walking along.
Whoa, whoa, WHOA!
Additional verses: Trotting, galloping
Source: Jbrary

Breathing Break: Five Finger Breathing
Our breathwork visualization. We inhale while tracing up a finger, pause at the top, then exhale while tracing down, and pause at the bottom. Repeat for all five fingers. At the end, I let them know this is a great way to get calm, get centered or focused, and get ready for the next thing. I also remind them they can take a ten finger break if they need to, and it’s always available for them whenever they need it.

One more repeated activity. This has always been a favorite song!
Action Song: Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!
Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon!
(hands scrape past each other rhythmically)
Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon!
If you want to take a trip (fingers walk up arm)
Climb aboard my rocket ship!
Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon!
In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, BLASTOFF! (crouch, then jump!)
Source: Jbrary

Fingerplay: This Little Cow
(count on fingers)
This little cow eats grass (pinkie)
This little cow eats hay
This little cow looks over the hedge
This little cow runs away
And this BIG cow does nothing at all (thumb)
But lie down in the fields all day! (lay thumb down)
Source: North Mankato Taylor Library (MN)

I felt the need to explain what chaps were before this song.
Action Song: I’m a Little Cowpoke
(tune of I’m a Little Teapot)
I’m a little cowpoke (point to self)
Here is my hat (put on hat)
Here are my boots, (stomp feet)
And here are my chaps (slap sides of legs)
When I get up, I work all day (pretend to lasso)
Get on my horse, (swing leg up)
And ride away! (pretend to ride)
Source: Adventures in Storytime

I used a wire book holder to prop up the book while I sang and played the lullaby parts (and did some editing for the video version), but it would be much easier to have a colleague help you by holding and possibly reading the “cow” parts.
Read/Sing: Let’s Sing a Lullaby with the Brave Cowboy by Jan Thomas
Get a copy of the sheet music here!
Listen to the song on the Jan Thomas website!

Let's Sing a Lullaby with the Brave Cowboy book cover.

Action Song: The Cowpoke Pokey
(tune of the Hokey Pokey)
You put your left spur in,
You take your left spur out,
You put your left spur in and you shake it all about
You do the cowpoke pokey and you turn yourself around
That’s what it’s all about – Yee-haw!

Additional verses:
Right spur, lasso (“throw” a rope in and out), hat (head), ride your horse in (whole self)
Source: Loudest Librarian

Craft: “Footprint” Horse
This craft was modeled after one from the Busy Bee Kids Crafts site. But since these are for take and makes, I didn’t actually do “footprints” – the parts and pieces were pre-cut, and although my head was still vaguely footprint shaped, I’m not sure anyone would recognize that. Yarn and googly eyes give them some texture and interest, making a cute and simple craft.

picture of craft, with horse neck, head, and ears as separate construction paper pieces, with googly eyes and yarn mane.

I also booktalked these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video.
Noni the Pony by Alison Lester
Moo! by David LaRochelle & Mike Wohnoutka
A Wild Cowboy by Dana Kessimakis Smith & Laura Freeman
I Wanna Be a Cowgirl by Angela DiTerlizzi & Elizabet Vukovic

Goodbye Song: See You Later, Alligator
(tune of Clementine)
See you later, alligator (wave with one hand, then the other)
In a while, crocodile (open and shut arms like a croc’s mouth)
Give a hug, ladybug (hug yourself or a loved one)
Blow a kiss, jellyfish! MWAH! (move hand like a jellyfish then blow a kiss!)
Source: King County Library System

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented in-person and virtually on 9/28/21.

Storytime Handout: