Following up on last week’s “City Life” storytime, this time we went to the country! My library is in a suburban area, so it’s possible the kids here have some familiarity with rural or urban areas, or none at all. In either case, it’s good to explore our world with books!
It is very easy to plan a “Farm” storytime – there are plenty of books and rhymes and songs about farm animals. But I really wanted to reflect what it’s like for PEOPLE living in the country, and from a modern standpoint, at that. It’s much harder to find books featuring non-stereotypical Farmer and Farmer’s Wife-type books. However, there are some excellent newer ones out there. I was really happy to see the book, Frances in the Country by Liz Garton Scanlon & Sean Qualls, featuring a BIPOC child visiting her cousins in the country. And C is for Country by Lil Nas X & Theodore Taylor III is another fun modern title. And though we did sing Old MacDonald, hopefully we got a little broader sense of what actually living in the country is like.
Early Literacy Tip: Learning shapes and practicing manipulating them as we do in our tractor craft this week is an important early literacy skill. A child who is able to distinguish between shapes is better equipped to notice the differences in shapes of letters. This helps not only with reading but also with writing.
Welcome Song: Hello, Friends* (TT) (TB) (FT)**
Warm Up Song: Wake Up, Feet* (TT) (TB) (FT) This is a repeated song that everyone seems to enjoy. I always begin and end with feet and tummies, but find two other body parts to wiggle in the middle. This week it waships & noses.
Lifting Rhyme: Toast in the Toaster* (TT) (FT)
Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big* (TB) (FT)
Intro: What does it mean to live in the country? There are fewer people on more land, it’s farther from cities and towns. Living in the country might mean there are farms, but it could also mean living in mountains, forests, even deserts. Even if you don’t live on a farm, a lot of people have the space to have a nice big garden in the country
Remember our elevator song from last week? Here’s a version about the country! Lifting Song: The Country Song (TT) (TB) (FT) Oh, the country is great and the country is grand! There are not a lot of buildings on a whole lot of land And we live way out by the forest and the trees We grow a lot of vegetables and maybe keep some bees We put the seeds in the earth, we take the vegetables out We put the seeds in the earth, we take the vegetables out We put the seeds in the earth, we take the vegetables out And we dance and shout! Source: Jbrary
Bees are really important – they help pollinate the plants that give us food, as well as making honey. Tickle Rhyme: Here Is the Beehive (TT) (TB) (FT) Here is the the beehive (show fist) But where are the bees? Hidden away where nobody sees Watch and you’ll see them come out of the hive 1, 2, 3, 4, 5… (show fingers) They’re alive! Buzz buzz buzz! (tickle) Source: Jbrary
Transition: If You’re Ready for a Story* (TT) (TB) (FT)
This was the shorter of my two books, but I still paperclipped one set of pages to shorten! Parents were very skeptical about putting vinegar in a drink as described in the switchel recipe. I love that this one shows a mother and daughter doing the farm work. Read: Hey, Hey, Hay!A Tale of Bales and the Machines that Make Them by Christy Mihaly & Joe Cepeda (TT) (FT)
Read: Frances in the Country by Liz Garton Scanlon & Sean Qualls (TB)
I made up these lyrics for the last time I did the Country Life theme. This time I left out the “taking a break” verse for time. Riding on a tractor looks like fun, but also hard work! Bounce: Bumpin’ Up & Down in My Little Green Tractor (TT) (TB) (FT) (bounce child, then lift, hug, or lean on the last line) Bumpin’ up and down in my little green tractor Bumpin’ up and down in my little green tractor Bumpin’ up and down in my little green tractor Over the fields we go!
Additional verses: Mowin’ down the grass in my little green tractor… (bounce or “steer” tractor) Takin’ a break for cake and switchel… (bounce or pretend to eat & drink) Baling up the hay in my little green tractor… (bounce or roll arms) Source: adapted from the traditional
We got out scarves and did some songs. You see a lot of corn being grown in the country. Did you know that our state, Indiana, is the second largest producer of POPcorn in the US? Scarf Song: Popcorn Kernels (TT) (TB) (FT) (tune of Frère Jacques) Popcorn kernels, popcorn kernels (wave scarves overhead) In the pot, in the pot (bunch up scarf in your fist) Shake them, shake them, shake them! (shake) Shake them, shake them, shake them! ‘Til they POP! ‘Til they POP! (toss scarves up into the air) Source: Jbrary
If you live in the country, you might have room for a big garden! Scarf Song: Picked a Strawberry (TT) (TB) (FT) (tune of Clementine) Picked a strawberry, picked a strawberry That was growing in the sun Then I washed it, and I ate it And I picked another one Repeat with other foods: apple, grape, tomato, blueberry, etc Source: Jbrary
We can also grow some apples! Scarf Rhyme: Way Up High in the Apple Tree (TT) (TB) (FT) Way up high in the apple tree, (pull scarf up through hand) I saw two apples looking at me (make fists w/ scarf in one) I shook that tree as hard as I could (shaking motion) Down came the apples, (drop scarf) and mmmm, they were good! (rub tummy) Source: traditional
Everyone loves puppets! I made the barn for a farm storytime recently and I get some really rapt toddlers for this one! Puppet Song: Old MacDonald had a Farm (TT) (TB) (FT) Old MacDonald had a farm, E – I – E – I – O! And on that farm he had a dog, E – I – E – I – O! With a woof, woof here, & a woof, woof there Here a woof, there a woof, everywhere a woof, woof! Old MacDonald had a farm, E – I – E – I – O! How many other farm animals can you think of? Source: traditional
Action Song: Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!* (TT) (TB) (FT)
Craft: Shape Tractor (TB) (FT) Using some basic shapes, we made a tractor hauling hay in a trailer. My library had some yellow cotton balls in the craft closet, but white would work just as well.
Play Time The toddlers have two laundry baskets of baby toys – rattles and cars, sorters and stackers, toy phones and spinners. For the older kids, I have foam blocks, soft food toys, puzzles, and a few other items that are a little more sophisticated than the baby toys. For Family Time, I gauge the overall age of the group and put out what seems right for them. We play for 5-10 minutes at the most, then I ring the bell and ask the kids to help me clean up. I think the clean up bit is good practice for them!
Goodbye Song: See You Later Alligator* (TT) (TB) (FT)
Goodbye Rhyme: Tickle the Stars* (TT) (TB) (FT)
Other books I had available for families to browse (and may work for you on this theme) Green on Green – Dianne White & Felicita Sala The Old Truck – Jarrett Pumphrey & Jerome Pumphrey Birdsong – Julie Flett Farmhouse – Sophie Blackall Summer Sun Risin’ – W. Nikola-Lisa & Don Tate Everything Is Different at Nonna’s House – Caron Lee Cohen & Hiroe Nakata City Dog, Country Frog – Mo Willems & Jon J. Muth C Is for Country – Lil Nas X & Theodore Taylor III Early One Morning – Mem Fox & Christine Davenier
This storytime was presented in-person on 8/15, 8/16, & 8/21/23.
**These symbols indicate the program sessions I used the activities for: (TT) Toddler Time, ages 1-2 (TB) Teddy Bears, ages 2-3.5 (FT) Family Time, ages 0-3.5
Springtime in Indiana is capricious, but thankfully we had some warm days, some rain, and some early blooms to reflect on. Although an ostensibly “springtime” theme, I focused mostly on seeds and plants. I’ve done gardening themes before, and I’ve also done a couple of sessions on bugs (here and here) that might also fit into this theme, if you are looking for more ideas.
Early Literacy Tip: Learning directional words like up, down, above, and below is foundational to learning to write letters. When you use words like these with your child and you gesture to show what you mean, you’re setting them up to learn how to write later on.
Welcome Song: Hello, Friends* (TT) (TB) (FT)**
Warm Up Song: Wake Up, Feet* (TT) (TB) (FT) This is a repeated song that everyone seems to enjoy. I always begin and end with feet and tummies, but find two other body parts to wiggle in the middle. This week it was fingers and knees.
Lifting Rhyme: Toast in the Toaster* (TT) (FT)
Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big* (FT)
Intro: This week is the first official day of spring. Every day, the days are getting a little bit longer, the weather changing like the season, but moving toward getting a little warmer, and the little seeds that have been in the ground all winter long are starting to wake up!
As simple as this is, it worked really well for all three groups. Fingerplay: During the Spring (TT) (TB) (FT) During the spring, it often showers (flutter fingers down) Or the sun shines for many hours (form circle with arms) Both are very good for the flowers! (cup hands, extend arms) Source: Storytime Katie
Fingerplay: Dig a Little Hole Dig a little hole, Plant a little seed Pour a little water, Pull a little weed Chase a little bug, Heigh-ho, there he goes! Give a little sunshine, Grow a little rose Credit: SurLaLune Storytime via Storytime Katie
Transition: If You’re Ready for a Story* (TT) (TB) (FT)
Read: A Seed Grows by Antoinette Portis (TT) (FT)
What a beautiful book this is. I love its playfulness and gentleness. Read: How to Say Hello to a Worm by Kari Percival (TB)
Fingerplay: Five Plump Peas Five plump peas in a peapod pressed (make a fist and cover with the other hand) One grew, two grew, and so did all the rest (raise all fingers on first hand one by one) they grew, & they grew, & they grew, & never stopped (hands get wider and wider) They grew SO BIG that the peapod… POPPED! (hands spread as wide as possible, then clap!) Source: Carole Stephens
Rhyme: Be A Seed Be a seed, small and round Sprout, sprout, sprout up from the ground. Shake your leaves for all to see Stretch your arms up, you’re a tree! Source: Jbrary
Action Rhyme: A Big Green Leaf (TT) (TB) (FT) (tune of A Ram Sam Sam) A big green leaf, a big green leaf (hold hands apart) Little ladybug (pinch fingers close) On a big green leaf (x2)
A bumblebee- BZZ! (tickle) A bumblebee- BZZ! (tickle) And a little ladybug On a big green leaf (x2) Source: Storytime in the Stacks
Scarf Song: One Bright Scarf (TT) (TB) (FT) One bright scarf waiting for the wind to blow Toss it up high, and wave it down low Wiggle it fast, and wiggle it slow (hide the scarf) Hey! Where did it go? (bring out) Here it is! Source: Jbrary
Scarf Rhyme: Here is a Green Leaf (TT) (TB) (FT) (start by crumpling scarf between both hands) Here is a green leaf, and here is a green leaf (show thumbs) and that, you see, makes two Here is the bud that makes the flower (show a tiny bit of the scarf) Now watch it bloom for you! (open hands to let scarf expand) Source: Jbrary
Scarf Rhyme: Little Seed (TB) (FT) (start by scrunching scarf in one hand) Little seed in the ground Sitting oh, so still Little seed, will you sprout? YES, I WILL! (pull scarf up out of hand) Source: Lady Librarian Life
Ukulele Song: Mr. Sun Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun Please shine down on me Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun Hiding behind a tree
These little children are asking you To please come out so we can play with you
Craft: Dot Painted Flowers Pretty simple. I used two die cuts to make flowers on white construction paper, and provided light blue backing paper, glue sticks, and dot markers. I’d also read a great article on how radishes are a great veggie for children to grow, since they are very quick to both sprout and mature. I bought a package of radish seeds and gave them out with some simple instructions.
Play Time The toddlers have two laundry baskets of baby toys – rattles and cars, sorters and stackers, toy phones and spinners. For the older kids, I have foam blocks, soft food toys, puzzles, and a few other items that are a little more sophisticated than the baby toys. For Family Time, I gauge the overall age of the group and put out what seems right for them. We play for 5-10 minutes at the most, then I ring the bell and ask the kids to help me clean up. I think the clean up bit is good practice for them!
Goodbye Song: See You Later Alligator* (TT) (TB) (FT)
Goodbye Rhyme: Tickle the Stars* (TT) (TB) (FT)
Other books I had available for families to browse (and may work for you on this theme) And Then it’s Spring – Julie Fogliano & Erin E. Stead If You Plant a Seed – Kadir Nelson Flower Garden – Eve Bunting & Kathryn Hewitt On a Snow-Melting Day – Buffy Silverman A Seed is Sleepy – Dianna Hutts Aston & Sylvia Long Emile and the Field – Kevin Young & Chioma Ebinama My Garden/Mi Jardín – Rebecca Emberley Lola Plants a Garden – Anna McQuinn & Rosalind Beardshaw How a Seed Grows – Helene J. Jordan & Loretta Krupinski Planting a Rainbow – Lois Ehlert
This storytime was presented in-person on 3/20, 3/21, & 3/22/23.
**These symbols indicate the program sessions I used the activities for: (TT) Toddler Time, ages 1-2 (TB) Teddy Bears, ages 2-3.5 (FT) Family Time, ages 0-3.5
Oof, it’s been awhile… (Cue the Critical Role crew) It’s been a busy couple of weeks, but I’ll catch up!
I’d done a version of a “Favorites” theme before as a virtual-only program, and transforming it into something that worked for live in-person sessions wasn’t too difficult, but took a little thought. For one, I had a lot of favorite songs and rhymes I wanted to incorporate, more than before. I also was worried about the “voting” aspect – with quite a few kids, I didn’t want to have votes for several different things and then I would have to choose anyway.
So instead, I decided to incorporate an element of chance with a foam six-sided die. I split my favorite rhyme and song selections into groups of six. They seemed to naturally fall into groups of fingerplays, action songs, some scarf songs, and ukulele songs. I added a couple here or there, took a few off the list, and that was it for the planning. For books, I looked at my Goodreads to find my top rated picture books from the last couple of years. It was remarkably quick to plan. (Proponents of themeless storytimes may be thinking – “That’s what I do every week!”)
There was an element of visuals that took a little more work. I always print out the words to our songs and rhymes on an 11×17″ sheet and flip them as we move through storytime. For visual interest, I include a little icon or picture on almost every page. To help make the selections, I printed and laminated the icon from all the songs to put up on the board under the numbers 1-6. That way the group (and I) had a visual cue as to which song corresponded with each die roll. My stack of song sheets was a lot larger than usual, but it worked just fine.
This was a lot of fun. My songs consisted of some favorites that everyone knew – Two Little Blackbirds, I’m a Little Teapot, Wheels on the Bus – but I also explained that some of them were favorites of mine that they may not have heard before. Some just never fit with my previous themes. That mix of familiar and unfamiliar seemed to add some excitement.
Early Literacy Tip: Talking with your children, especially as you share books, is one of the best ways to develop your children’s vocabulary. In books they see things they might not otherwise see, like different kinds of animals. Take advantage of expanding their vocabulary by talking with them about the pictures in books.
Welcome Song: Hello, Friends* (TT) (TB) (FT)**
Warm Up Song: Wake Up, Feet* (TT) (TB) (FT) This is a repeated song that everyone seems to enjoy. I always begin and end with feet and tummies, but find two other body parts to wiggle in the middle. This week was elbows and ears.
Lifting Rhyme: Toast in the Toaster* (TT) (FT)
Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big* (FT)
Intro: Today I wanted to do some of my favorite storytime songs, rhymes and books. Some might be new to you, but some might be your favorites, too! I have so many favorites, I picked too many, so we are going to get some help in what we do today!
For each group of songs, I put up the icons and said the titles. If I got a lot of “Little Teapot!” just from that, I’d make that one of our choices. Otherwise, we rolled the foam die to decide (no repeats!) Fingerplay: Let the dice or popular consensus choose 2 from list: 1. Five Plump Peas (FT) 2. Two Little Blackbirds 3. I’m a Little Teapot (TT) (TB) 4. Slowly, Slowly 5. Hickory Dickory Dock (TT) 6. Here is the Beehive (TB) (FT)
Five Plump Peas Five plump peas in a peapod pressed (make a fist and cover with the other hand) One grew, two grew, and so did all the rest (raise all fingers on first hand one by one) they grew, and they grew, and they grew, and never stopped (hands get wider and wider) They grew SO BIG that the peapod… POPPED! (hands spread as wide as possible, then CLAP!) Source: Jbrary
Two Little Blackbirds Two little blackbirds (pointer fingers up) Sitting on a hill One named Jack (wiggle one finger) One named Jill (wiggle the other finger) Fly away, Jack (first finger hides behind back) Fly away, Jill (second finger hides behind back) Come back, Jack (first finger returns) Come back, Jill (second finger returns) Source: traditional
I’m a Little Teapot I’m a little teapot, Short and stout Here is my handle (crook one hand to hip) Here is my spout (hold other hand out to side) When I get all steamed up then I shout: “Tip me over and pour me out!” (tilt body to the side of the spout) Source: traditional
Slowly, Slowly (fist with thumb sticking out is “snail,” which crawls slowly up one arm, then the other) Slowly, slowly, very slowly creeps the garden snail Slowly, slowly, very slowly up the garden rail
(fingers wiggle up one arm then the other quickly, then tickle under the chin) Quickly, quickly, very quickly runs the little mouse Quickly, quickly very quickly ‘Round about the house Source: Jbrary
Hickory Dickory Dock Hickory, dickory dock The mouse ran up the clock (fingers scurry up arm) The clock struck one (pause and clap once) The mouse ran down (fingers scurry down arm) Hickory dickory dock
…2, the mouse said, “boo!” (hands splay out) …3, the mouse said, “whee!” (arms go wide) …4, the mouse said, “no more!” (shake finger) Source: Jbrary
Here is the Beehive Here is the beehive (make fist) But where are all the bees? Hidden away where nobody sees Watch and you’ll see them come out of the hive: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (open fingers) They’re alive! Buzz, buzz, buzz! (tickle) Source: Jbrary
Transition: If You’re Ready for a Story* (TT) (TB) (FT)
For each group, I gave them a choice between two of the four that I chose for the week, and they voted. Of the four, only Mel Fell was not chosen. All were fun, but I think Animals Go Vroom! got the best response! Read: Animals Go Vroom! by Abi Cushman (TT) Read: Strollercoaster by Matt Ringler, Raúl the Third, Elaine Bay (TB) Read: Just In Case You Want to Fly by Julie Fogliano & Christian Robinson (FT) Read: Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor
Action Song: Let the dice or popular consensus choose 2 from list: 1. All the Fish (TT) 2. The Old Gray Cat (FT) 3. Five Coyotes 4. Hippopotamus on the City Bus (FT) 5. My Dog Rags (TB) 6. Bananas Unite! (TT) (TB)
All the Fish All the fish are swimming in the water (hands zig zag in front) Swimming in the water, Swimming in the water All the fish are swimming in the water Bubble, bubble, bubble, …SPLASH! (both hands corkscrew upwards, then clap together)
All the ducks are quacking… (hand opens and closes like a duck) All the frogs are jumping… (jump!) All the kids are splashing… (slap hands downward as if splashing) Source: Caspar Babypants, from the album I Found You
The Old Gray Cat The old gray cat is sleeping, Sleeping, sleeping (cradle head in hands) The old gray cat is sleeping In the house (hands join together above head)
The little mice are creeping… (tiptoe and hands “paw” forward) The little mice are nibbling… (hands come to mouth) The old gray cat is creeping… (hands “stalk” forward) The little mice are hiding… (hide face with hands) So the old gray cat is sleeping… (cradle head in hands) Source: King County (WA) Library System
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
Hippo on the Bus (bounce or slap thighs rhythmically until the last line of each verse) A hip, a hip, a hippopotamus Got on, got on, got on a city bus And all, and all, and all the people said, “You’re squishing us!” (squish face or hug baby)
A cow, a cow, a cow got on a bus Yes, a cow, a cow, a cow got on the bus And all, and all, and all the people said, “Mooooove over!” (lean far to one side)
A snake…“Sssssssssit down!” (motion hand down or fall thru knees) A sheep…“Baaaack up!” (lean far back) Source: Jbrary
My Dog Rags I have a dog and his name is Rags He eats so much that his tummy sags (arms circle in front of tummy) His ears flip flop and his tail wig wags (flop hands up and down by ears, then wiggle bottom) And when he walks, he goes zig zag! (zig zag hands together)
(repeat motions above) He goes flip flop, wig wag, (pause) zig zag (x3) I love Rags and he loves me! (hug self) Source: Jbrary
Bananas Unite Bananas……unite! (arms meet and extend above head) Peel bananas, peel, peel bananas (x2) (one arm opens to the side, then the other) Chop bananas, chop chop bananas (x2) (one hand chops across other palm) Mash bananas, mash mash bananas (x2) (palms mash together) Eat bananas, eat, eat bananas (x2) (bring hands to mouth) Goooooooooo BANANAS! (wild arms) Source: Jbrary
These were clear favorites in every class, so we chose the same songs this grouping! Action Song 2: Let the dice or popular consensus choose 2 from list: 1. The Elevator Song 2. The Wheels on the Bus (TT) (TB) (FT) 3. A Smooth Road 4. Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes 5. Tick, Tock 6. Zoom, Zoom, Zoom (TT) (TB) (FT)
Elevator Song Oh, the city is great and the city is grand! There’s a whole lot of people (hands go wide) On a little piece of land (hands come together) And we live way up on the 57th floor (point up) And this is what we do when we go out the door: (point out)
(either lift baby up and down, or reach tall and crouch down) We take the elevator up and the elevator down, Take the elevator up, take the elevator down Take the elevator up and the elevator down And we turn around (spin in a circle) Source: Jbrary
I usually only do 3 or 4 total verses for this – sometimes there are favorites so I’ll ask what else the bus does. Wheels on the Bus The wheels on the bus go Round and round, round and round, round and round (fists circle) The wheels on the bus go round and round All through the town!
The wipers on the bus go Swish, swish, swish… (arms pivot back and forth) The doors on the bus Open and shut… (arms move apart and together) The horn on the bus goes Beep, beep, beep… (hand mimes pushing a button) The driver on the bus says “Move on back”… (cock thumb back to shoulder) The people on the bus go Up and down… (bounce body up and down) The baby on the bus says “Wah, wah, wah”… (fists wring at eyes) The parents on the bus say “Shh, shh, shh”… (lift forefinger to lips) Source: traditional
A Smooth Road A smooth road! (repeat x4)(slowly, and sway baby gently) A bumpy road! (x4) (a little faster, bouncing gently up and down) A rough road! (x4) (even faster, bouncing and adding erratic swaying) Oh, no! A hole! (tip over, lift up, and/or let them fall safely through your knees) Source: Jbrary
Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes (touch each body part as it’s mentioned) Head, shoulders, knees, and toes, Knees and toes! Head, shoulders, knees, and toes, Knees and toes Eyes and ears and a mouth and nose, Head, shoulders, knees, and toes, Knees and toes! (can repeat, singing faster) Source: traditional
Tick, Tock, Tick Tock Tick tock, tick tock (bounce or sway baby on lap) I’m a little cuckoo clock tick tock tick tock Now I’m striking one o’clock: cuckoo! (lift on each cuckoo) (repeat, counting up) Source: Jbrary
Zoom, Zoom, Zoom (rhythmically slide hands past each other) Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon If you’d like to take a trip (fingers walk up opposite arm) climb aboard my rocket ship (repeat on other arm) Zoom zoom zoom, we’re going to the moon In 5…4…3…2…1…BLAST OFF! (count on hands, crouch lower and lower, then jump, or lift baby) Source: Jbrary
Scarf Songs: Let the dice or popular consensus choose 3-4 from list: 1. Jack in the Box (TT) (TB) (FT) 2. Popcorn Kernels (TT) (TB) (FT) 3. Peek a Boo 4. Shake it to the East (TB) (FT) 5. One Bright Scarf (TT) 6. Row Your Boat (TT) (TB) (FT)
Jack in the Box (scrunch scarf up in one fist) Jack in the box (shake fist in rhythm with rhyme) Sits so still Will he come out? Yes, he will! (pull scarf out from fist and wave) Source: Jbrary
Popcorn Kernels (tune of Frère Jacques) Popcorn kernels, popcorn kernels (wave scarf overhead) In the pot, in the pot (bunch up in fist) 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
Peekaboo (tune of Frère Jacques) Peek-a-boo, peek-a-boo, I see you, I see you (alternately hide face and reveal with scarf) I see your button nose, I see your tiny toes (touch nose and toes) I see you! Peek-a-boo! Source: Jbrary
Shake it to the East Shake it to the east (shake scarf to one side) Shake it to the west (then to the other) Shake it all around and (shake in a circle) Then you take a rest (clasp hands, stilling scarf)
Shake your scarves up Shake your scarves down Shake it, shake it, shake it, and Then you settle down Source: Jbrary
One Bright Scarf One bright scarf waiting for the wind to blow (wave scarf) Toss it up high, and wave it down low Wiggle it fast, and wiggle it slow (hide the scarf behind back, under shirt, etc) Hey! Where did it go? (bring out) Here it is! Source: Jbrary
Row, Row, Row Your Boat Row, row, row your boat (hold both ends of scarf across body, then move forward and back like oars) Gently down the stream Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily (wave scarf) Life is but a dream!
Rock, rock, rock your boat (rock body and move scarf up and down) Gently down the stream If you see a crocodile Don’t forget to SCREAM! (Aaah!) (wave scarf wildly)
Row, row, row your boat Gently to the shore If you see a lion there Don’t forget to ROAR! (Grrrrr!) (wave scarf while making claws) Source: traditional (mostly)
I let them keep their scarves to dance with during our last song. Ukulele/Dancing Songs: Let the dice or popular consensus choose 1 from list: 1. Mr. Sun 2. Apples & Bananas (TT) (TB) 3. Down By the Bay 4. Shake My Sillies Out (FT) 5. How Much is that Doggie in the Window? 6. You Are My Sunshine
Mr. Sun Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun Please shine down on me Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun Hiding behind a tree These little children are asking you To please come out so we can play with you Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun Please shine down on me Source: Raffi, from the album Singable Songs for the Very Young
Apples and Bananas (begin with the correct pronunciation, then change the long vowel sounds for each verse to a, e, i, o, and u) I like to eat, eat, eat apples and bananas I like to eat, eat, eat apples and bananas
…ate ayples and ba-nay-nays …eet eeples and ba-nee-nees …ite iples and ba-ni-nis …ote oples and ba-no-nos …ute uples and ba-nu-nus Source: Raffi, from the album One Light, One Sun
Down by the Bay Down by the bay, Where the watermelons grow Back to my home, I dare not go For if I do, my mother will say: “Did you ever see a whale with a polka dot tail, Down by the bay?”
…goose kissing a moose… …fly wearing a tie… …bear combing his hair… …see llamas eating pajamas… …have a time you couldn’t make a rhyme… Source: Raffi, from the album Singable Songs for the Very Young
I decided to change “crazies” to “kookies” to help destigmatize mental health issues. Shake My Sillies Out I gotta shake, shake, shake my sillies out Shake, shake, shake my sillies out Shake, shake, shake my sillies out And wiggle my waggles away!
I gotta clap, clap, clap my kookies out… I gotta jump, jump, jump my jiggles out… I gotta stretch, stretch, stretch my stretchies out… I gotta yawn, yawn, yawn my sleepies out… Source: Raffi, from the album Raffi in Concert with the Rise and Shine Band
How Much is that Doggie in the Window? How much is that doggie in the window? (Woof woof!) The one with the waggily tail? How much is that doggie in the window? (Woof woof!) I do hope that doggie’s for sale
Kitty…meow…whiskers so long Birdie… tweet tweet…flappity wings Rabbit…hop hop…hoppity legs Fishy… glub glub… swimmity fins Source: traditional
You Are My Sunshine You are my sunshine, My only sunshine You make me happy When skies are gray You’ll never know, dear, How much I love you Please don’t take My sunshine away Source: traditional
Craft: My Favorites Coloring Sheet (TB) (FT) Last week’s craft, the puffy snow paint, was pretty involved, so it was really lovely (on my end) to just print out some pages and put them out with our crayon bins. The kids didn’t complain.This is a sheet I created using Canva for the last Favorites session (at a different library), so I just reused it.You can download a copy here.
Play Time The toddlers have two laundry baskets of baby toys – rattles and cars, sorters and stackers, toy phones and spinners. For the older kids, I have foam blocks, soft food toys, puzzles, and a few other items that are a little more sophisticated than the baby toys. For Family Time, I gauge the overall age of the group and put out what seems right for them. We play for 5-10 minutes at the most, then I ring the bell and ask the kids to help me clean up. I think the clean up bit is good practice for them!
Goodbye Song: See You Later Alligator* (TT) (TB) (FT)
Goodbye Rhyme: Tickle the Stars* (TT) (TB) (FT)
Other books I had available for families to browse (for this theme, just choose your favorites!) Red House, Tree House, Little Bitty Brown Mouse – Jane Godwin & Blanca Gómez Bathe the Cat – Alice B McGinty & David Roberts I Love You Because I Love You – Mượn Thị Văn & Jessica Love Off-Limits – Helen Yoon Pokko and the Drum – Matthew Forsythe You Matter – Christian Robinson Nanette’s Baguette – Mo Willems Everybody in the Red Brick Building – Anne Wynter & Oge Mora The Day You Begin – Jacqueline Woodson & Rafael López Thank You, Omu! – Oge Mora Crash, Splash, or Moo! – Bob Shea Lulil & the Language of Tea – Andrea Wang & Hyewon Yum Crown – Derrick Barnes & Gordon C. James We Sang You Home – Richard Van Camp & Julie Flett Mr. Fuzzbuster Knows He’s the Favorite – Stacey McAnulty & Edward Hemingway Vroom! – Barbara McClintock
This storytime was presented in-person on 1/16, 1/17, & 1/18/23.
**These symbols indicate the program sessions I used the activities for: (TT) Toddler Time, ages 1-2 (TB) Teddy Bears, ages 2-3.5 (FT) Family Time, ages 0-3.5
Last week was the first of my fall storytimes. They represent another big shift in the way I have been able to present since I started at this library. Last spring when I started, we were still observing pandemic protocols, which meant social distancing (each family sat at a separate table) and a very limited capacity of 7 kids with their grownup and an occasional sibling. Over the summer, I was able to present storytime outside, with no need for capacity limits. Now, with vaccines available to kids ages 6 months and up, and masks optional (and virtually abandoned by 90% of the population where I live in the Midwest), we’re back to what was our pre-pandemic storytime protocols.
That means I have registration for 15 families (which can include multiple kids) and we have open space on the rug for everyone to get close, though I do offer chairs for grown-ups who need them. It was quite a paradigm shift. Monday’s Book Babies program for ages 0-2 was at full capacity, and the rug was just a writhing mass of little limbs, parents reaching for runners, overstimulated kiddos exploring and taking it all in. Overall, it went better than I expected! I credit caregivers for participating and doing their best to keep their little ones interested. I explained at the beginning that I don’t expect a 2 year old to sit still for 25 or 30 minutes and listen intently. That roaming around and being more interested in their neighbor than in me is normal and fine. That we are all learning how this new configuration works and the more we participate, the more the kids will, too. It’s a new challenge.
Funny enough, registration for the Tuesday class for 2-3.5 years was full, but only about half of them showed. It was so strange to see everyone in chairs on the opposite side of the rug from me, sitting quietly and shyly. Now that threw me for a loop, after the previous day’s experience!
Early Literacy Tip: Today we used a lot of movements to represent words in our songs and books. Words like up, down, left, right, small, big, nose, toes, and tummy! Pairing purposeful gestures with words helps little ones learn and put meaning to words. Older kids get practice with fine and gross motor skills and controlling their bodies in space. When we sing and use these purposeful gestures, we help kids develop their minds and bodies.
Instead of singing everyone’s name, after singing the first verse we went around the circle and each caregiver introduced themselves and their little one, giving their age and a favorite plaything. Welcome Song: Hello, Friends* (BB) (TB) (FT)**
Warm Up Song: Wake Up, Feet* (BB) (TB) (FT) This is a repeated song that everyone seems to enjoy. I always begin and end with feet and tummies, but find two other body parts to wiggle in the middle. This week was arms and knees.
Intro: Today we’re talking about opposite words. Words like up and down, big and small, awake and asleep. Let’s start with a rhyme where we make our hands open (like this…) and shut (like this…) Good!
Fingerplay: Open, Shut Them (Hello/Goodbye Version) (BB) (TB) (FT) Open, shut them, open, shut them Put your hands down low, low, low Open, shut them, open, shut them Wave and say hello-lo-lo!
Open, shut them, open, shut them Raise your hands up high, high, high Open, shut them, open, shut them Wave and say goodbye, bye, bye! Source: One Little Librarian
Lifting Rhyme: Toast in the Toaster (BB) I’m toast in the toaster, I’m getting very hot Tick tock, tick tock, UP I pop! Source: Jbrary
Action Rhyme: Up and Down (BB) (TB) (FT) Put your arms up, Put your arms down Put them in the middle, Move them all around One arm to the left, One arm to the right Give yourself a hug, And hold on tight! Source: Mansfield/Richland County (OH) Public Library
Transition: If You’re Ready for a Story* (BB) (TB) (FT)
Read: Up, Up, Up, Down by Kimberly Gee (BB)
Read: Big Bear, Small Mouse by Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman (TB) (FT)
Scarf warmup: Wave your scarves up high and low, fast and slow, and throw them up and try to catch them.
Here’s a song about a spider who goes UP and DOWN the waterspout! We used our scarves to modify the movements. In the two older classes, we also did the Great BIG Spider (who has a great big voice) and the Very Quiet Spider (who whispers). Scarf Song: The Itsy Bitsy Spider (BB) (TB) (FT) The itsy bitsy spider climbed up the water spout Down came the rain and washed the spider out Out came the sun and dried up all the rain And the itsy bitsy spider climbed up the spout again Source: traditional
Scarf Song: Peek a Boo (BB) (tune of Frère Jacques) Peek a boo, peek a boo I see you, I see you I see your button nose, I see your tiny toes I see you, peek a boo! Source: Jbrary
I could not for the life of me get this tune in my head when faced with this song in the moment. Just a total brain failure. The grown ups were very gracious. I did some very strange half-song, half-chant for this. Of course, afterward, I couldn’t get the tune OUT of my head… Scarf Song: We Wave Our Scarves Together (TB) (FT) (tune of For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow) We wave our scarves together (3x) because it’s fun to do! Wave them up high Wave them down low Wave them in the middle Because it’s fun to do! Source: Jbrary
Scarf Song: One Bright Scarf (TB) (FT) One bright scarf waiting for the wind to blow Toss it up high, and wave it down low Wiggle it fast, and wiggle it slow (hide the scarf) Hey! Where did it go? (bring out) Here it is! Source: Jbrary
I let the babies hang on to their scarves until playtime, and grabbed them when they were distracted by toys. Scarf Collection: If You Have a Red Scarf (TB) (FT) (tune of Do You Know the Muffin Man) If you have a red scarf A red scarf, a red scarf If you have a red scarf then hold it up high! (repeat with other colors) Source: unsure, have used for a long time
Bounce: A Smooth Road (BB) (FT) A smooth road! (repeat x4) (slowly, and sway baby gently) A bumpy road! (x4) (a little faster, bouncing gently up and down) A rough road! (x4) (even faster, bouncing and adding erratic swaying) Oh, no! A hole! (tip over, lift up, and/or let them fall safely through your knees) Source: Jbrary
Tickle: Up the Hill (BB) Here goes a turtle up a hill, creepy, creepy, creepy, creepy (crawl up arm or body) Here goes a rabbit up the hill, boing, boing, boing, boing (bounce up arm) Here goes an elephant up the hill, thud, thud, thud, thud (clap up arm) Here goes a snake up the hill, slither, slither, slither, slither (slither up arm) Here comes a rock DOWN the hill, boom, boom, boom, boom, CRASH! (bounce down, clap hands for crash) Source: Storytime Katie
Action Song: Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes (BB) (FT) Head, shoulders, knees and toes (knees and toes!) Head, shoulders, knees and toes (knees and toes!) Eyes and ears and a mouth and nose Head, shoulders, knees and toes (knees and toes!) Source: traditional
Craft: Itsy Bitsy Spider (TB) (FT) I liked this simple “glue stuff down” craft I saw on the Preschool Wonders Blog. I decided to ask a volunteer to glue all the legs to the spiders so it simplified it a bit, and put out crayons so the kids could decorate however they liked.
Play Time The babies have two laundry baskets of baby toys – rattles and cars, sorters and stackers, toy phones and spinners. For the older kids, I have foam blocks, soft food toys, puzzles, and a few other items that are a little more sophisticated than the baby toys. For Family Time, I gauge the overall age of the group and put out what seems right for them. We play for 5-10 minutes at the most, then I ring the bell and ask the kids to help me clean up. I think the clean up bit is good practice for them!
Goodbye Song: See You Later Alligator* (BB) (TB) (FT)
Goodbye Rhyme: Tickle the Stars* (BB) (TB) (FT)
Other books I had available for families to browse (and may work for you on this theme) Marta! Big & Small – Jen Arena & Angela Dominguez Stop, Go, Yes, No! – Mike Twohy Baby’s Opposites – Nancy Raines Day & Rebecca Evans Maisy Big, Maisy Small – Lucy Cousins Big Little – Leslie Patricelli Spot’s Opposites – Eric Hill Cat & Dog: A Tale of Opposites – Tullio Corda A High, Low, Near, Far, Loud, Quiet Story – Nina Crews My Book of Opposites – Britta Teckentrup Mine, Mine, Mine, Yours – Kimberly Gee
This storytime was presented in-person on 8/15, 8/16, & 8/17/22.
**These symbols indicate the program sessions I used the activities for: (BB) Book Babies, ages 0-2 (TB) Teddy Bears, ages 2-3.5 (FT) Family Time, ages 0-3.5
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)
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)
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
Read: Ruby’s Sleepover by Kathryn White & Miriam Latimer (P)
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
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!)
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.
To do an arctic animal storytime in July, we needed to put on our pretend hats! I don’t think I would have come up with this theme myself, but the parks camp I did outreach to had this as their theme, so I adapted it for my outdoor storytime.
To be honest, I felt like this storytime was a little “off.” Maybe I wasn’t super comfortable with some of the materials. Maybe the audience was just a little more wiggly than usual. Maybe the imminent threat of rain made me feel rushed. More than likely, it was a combination of things. I don’t dwell. Some days you just have an off day, and that’s okay.
Early Literacy Tip: Counting up or down in songs like Five Little Polar Bears helps kids strengthen their number recognition. And don’t be afraid to change up the number – eight little polar bears or ten little polar bears will let kids hear lesser-used numbers.
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”) Credit: Glenside Public Library District
Our new warm-up for the last few weeks of the summer session. 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) Credit: Jbrary
This book might have been the start of my “offness” – although I like that it shows a wide variety of arctic animals AND it shows the arctic in the summertime AND it’s a book you can sing, it just wasn’t right for my group. It was too long, and because it was a regular sized book, the pictures were too small. I skipped a few pages, but I could still see the attention wandering. Read: Way Up in the Arctic by Jennifer Ward & Kenneth J. Spengler
For the virtual, I stuck velcro on the back of these laminated pieces, but for the in-person session, I taped craft sticks on the bears to make them easier to hold. Counting Song: Five Little Polar Bears Five little polar bears riding on a sled One fell off and bumped his head Mama called the doctor and the doctor said, “No more polar bears riding on a sled!” (count down) Credit: Literary Hoots
Another regular-sized book. The illustrations of cut and torn paper are AMAZING, but again, probably too small for my audience to really see. Read: A Polar Bear in the Snow by Mac Barnett & Shawn Harris
Movement: Arctic Animal Movement Can you… …Walk on four feet like a polar bear? …Turn your head like a snowy owl? …Swim like an orca/beluga whale? …Flap your wing like an arctic tern? …Stomp your feet like a caribou? …Hop like an arctic hare? Credit: Guilderland Public Library
Breathing Break: Five Finger Breathing Our breathwork visualization for the last few weeks of the summer session. 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 new 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
I always try to do several songs that use a particular prop so that the kids have some time with them. Today was scarves! To collect them at the end of the in-person session, I sang “If You Have a Red Scarf” to the tune of The Muffin Man and directed kids to listen for their color.
Scarf Song: Dance Like Snowflakes (tune of Frère Jacques) Dance like snowflakes Dance like snowflakes In the air, in the air Whirling, twirling snowflakes Whirling, twirling snowflakes Everywhere, everywhere Credit: Jbrary
Scarf Song: We Wave Our Scarves Together (tune of For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow) We wave our scarves together (3x) because it’s fun to do! Wave them up high Wave them down low Wave them in the middle Because it’s fun to do! Credit: Jbrary
I added the “drying” verse because this song is too fun to just do two verses! For the “tumble” action, we threw our scarves up and caught them, like they were tumbling around in a dryer.This song was probably the most successful activity of the storytime! Scarf Song: The Walrus Washes His Winter Coat Oh, the walrus washes his winter coat Down by the wavy ocean He adds some water and he adds some soap and he waits…and he waits…and he waits.
Then the laundry shakes, shakes, shakes The laundry shakes and shakes and shakes The laundry shakes, shakes, shakes until it’s clean. (repeat)
Additional verses: The laundry spins … until it’s clean The laundry tumbles … until it’s dry Credit: Brytani Fraser via Jbrary
Craft: Polar Bear Scene This was inspired by Tompkins County Public Library, and I loved how they suggested different mediums and let the kids decide what to do with them. So I printed an outline of a polar bear on a dark blue sheet of construction paper, provided cotton balls and chalk, and gave both example photos below. Kids could use the cotton for snow or for the bear, and chalk for the opposite, or do whatever they liked!
I also booktalked these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video. Sweetest Kulu by Celina Kalluk & Alexandria Neonakis The Bear Report by Thyra Heder Sea Bear by Lindsay Moore
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 7/13/21.
I knew I’d done a bug storytime recently, but I couldn’t resist repeating the theme for our summer outdoor storytime. For one, I had two big books that featured bugs, and for another, there’s just so many good songs and rhymes and movement activities for bugs. It worked out really well, and the families seemed enthusiastic. All summer, I didn’t use many props or flannelboards, so these blog posts have seemed kind of boring with fewer pictures. I’ll have more to show for fall programs!
Early Literacy Tip: When we do fingerplay activities like “The Itsy Bitsy Spider,” we use various finger motions, and change and exaggerate them for verses like “the great big spider.” These motions help your child’s finger strength and dexterity which is important later when they are learning to write, tie shoes, or hold utensils like a fork or toothbrush.
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”) Credit: Glenside Public Library District
Our new warm-up for the last few weeks of the summer session. 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) Credit: Jbrary
Read: In the Tall, Tall Grass by Denise Fleming
Song: The Itsy Bitsy Spider The itsy bitsy spider climbed up the water spout Down came the rain and washed the spider out Out came the sun and dried up all the rain And the itsy bitsy spider climbed up the spout again (repeat with Great Big Spider, teeny weeny spider) Credit: traditional
For this session, I used fruit instead of Herman’s relatives and went grape, apple, banana, pineapple, and watermelon!) Silly Story: Herman the Worm I was sittin’ on my fencepost, chewing my bubblegum (munch, munch) Playin’ with my yo-yo, (wee-oo! wee-oo!) When along came Herman the worm And he was this big (measure a small worm) And I said: “Herman? What happened?” “I ate a grape.” (Herman gets bigger and bigger, eating more fruit, then goes back to being tiny) …And I said: “Herman? What happened?” “I burped!” Credit: traditional, see motions at Jbrary
So, this book is all about different vegetables that grow up, down, or around, but there are SO MANY wiggly bugs in the illustrations! So, in addition to asking the kiddos to reach up, reach down, and turn around when the text says, we also pointed out and identified one bug on each page. Read: Up, Down, and Around by Katherine Ayres & Nadine Bernard Westcott
Breathing Break: Five Finger Breathing Our new breathwork visualization for the last few weeks of the summer session. 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 new 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
I handed out scarves for the last three songs – yay for being able to do props again! Song: We Wave Our Scarves Together (tune of For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow) We wave our scarves together (3x) because it’s fun to do! Wave them up high Wave them down low Wave them in the middle Because it’s fun to do! Credit: Jbrary
Scarf Song: I’m a Caterpillar (tune of Skip to My Lou) I’m a caterpillar, wiggle with me (rep. 3x, wiggle scarf) What’ll I be my darling?
Additional verses: I’m a chrysalis, now sleep with me… (whisper) I’m a butterfly, come fly with me… (hold scarf in middle and “fly”) Credit: Adventures of a Bookworm
For the virtual program, we did: Popcorn Kernels (tune of Frère Jacques: sing each line twice) Popcorn kernels (wave scarves overhead) In the pot (bunching scarves up in fist) Shake them shake them shake them (shake fists) ’til they POP! (toss scarves) Credit: Jbrary
For the outdoor program, I collected scarves with this song. Song: If You Have a Scarf (tune of Do You Know the Muffin Man) If you have a red scarf, Red scarf, red scarf If you have a red scarf Please bring it up here! Credit: have used this a long time, not sure the original source!
Craft: Butterfly Mask Just a nice printable template from Simple Mom Project. I purchased the elastics since this library didn’t have any in the supply room, and asked a volunteer to pre-cut the masks. I added some sequins to the supply bags to give them some sparkle!
I also booktalked these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video. The Spider and the Fly by Mary Howitt & Tony DiTerlizzi The Eensy Weensy Spider Freaks Out! Big Time! by Troy Cummings Daddy Is a Doodlebug by Bruce Degen
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 7/6/21.
Our local parks department runs a summer half-day camp for preschoolers, and asked the library to come out for a story and craft session once a week. It was another outdoor opportunity to connect with our community, so I was happy to do it! We had time each week for a book, a song, and a craft, and the kiddos were a lot of fun. The camp had their own weekly themes, so I tailored each session to what they were already doing. Where I could, I then used any overlapping animal themes for my weekly library storytime (dinosaurs, arctic, jungle), but did something different the weeks they had non-animal themes (transportation, olympics).
Pets: 6/17/21
I’d done a pet theme a few months earlier, so this was an easy one. I got to read a book that was a little long for my “all ages/family” virtual program, but was perfect for a group of preschoolers. I did a different voice for each pet and really hammed it up. They loved it! For our song, I wanted to get the ukulele out, so did “How Much is that Pet in the Window.” Their “job” was to make the animal noises after each line, and they took that job *very* seriously. 🙂
Book: Mr Fuzzbuster Knows He’s the Favorite by Stacy McAnulty & Edward Hemingway
Song: How Much Is that Pet in the Window? How much is that doggy in the window? Woof woof! The one with the waggily tail? How much is that doggy in the window? Woof woof! I do hope that doggy’s for sale
Additional verses: (What do other animals do and say?) Kitty…meow…whiskers so long Bird… tweet tweet…flappity wings Rabbit…hop hop…hoppity legs Fish… glub glub… swimmy fins Credit: Jen in the Library
Craft: Paper Plate Fishbowls In the past I’d used dried beans for the aquarium rocks, but for simplicity and weight I used crispy rice cereal for this group.My photo is from my original sample.
Dinosaurs: 6/24/21
Again, I’ve done dinosaurs in the past (pre-blog), so it was easy to pull together a song and book.I figured out the chords for Five Little Ducks the way I sing it (which seems to be a little different from a lot of the chord sheets I looked at, strangely enough). I also had flannel board dino pieces that I brought along and held up for each new dinosaur. They were from a template on the Mel’s Desk blog.
Book: We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
Ukulele Song: One Dinosaur Went Out to Play (tune of Five Little Ducks) One dinosaur went out to play By a giant fern one day She had such enormous fun That she called for another dinosaur to come: “Oh, Diiiiiiiiiiiinosaur!” (slap thighs for “running” sounds)
(count up to 5) Last line: …That they played until the day was done! Credit: Mel’s Desk
Craft: Shape-o-Saurus Make a dino using simple shapes. This was a tough one to do on a windy day – shapes blew everywhere! But the kids still enjoyed it. I created a template to get all the shapes for two dinos on one sheet of construction paper, which you can download here. I printed them on red, green, and purple, but you could do any color you like.
Another easily adapted theme from sessions I’ve done in the past. I used a new-to-me book and tried to keep the craft as simple as possible. I figured a familiar song would be welcome and the kiddos were happy to call out the Wheels on the Bus verses we did together.
Book: Toad on the Road: A Cautionary Tale by Stephen Shaskan
Ukulele Song: The Wheels on the Bus The wheels on the bus go round and round, (circle arms) Round and round, Round and round. The wheels on the bus go round and round, All through the town.
Additional verses: The wipers on the bus go Swish, swish, swish (wiper motion) The doors on the bus go open and shut (open/close hands) The horn on the bus goes Beep, beep, beep (push a horn) The driver on the bus says “Move on back” (cock thumb back) The people on the bus go up and down (bounce up and down) The baby on the bus says “Wah, wah, wah” (wring hands at eyes) The parents on the bus say “Shush, shush, shush.” (bring index finger to lips)
Craft: Name Train Simple craft this time. I printed a train engine on two halves of 11×17 paper and provided construction paper squares to make cars. (My cars were too big for kids to have one per letter, so we figured out how to get their name on using 4 cars or less…) For a little extra sensory experience, we glued down cotton ball steam – which is hard to see in the picture!
A cold weather theme for the middle of summer! I had an inflatable globe I’d intended to bring to point out the arctic and antarctic (the fact that polar bears and penguins get grouped together is one of my pet peeves), but I’d left it behind. Oh, well, next time! I also left the ukulele at home this week on purpose – our song worked better with motions, and I brought our storytime scarves for it. I added a verse about the dryer since it felt wrong to wash without drying!
Book: A Polar Bear in the Snow by Mac Barnett & Shawn Harris
Scarf Song: The Walrus Washes His Winter Coat Oh, the walrus washes his winter coat Down by the wavy ocean He adds some water and he adds some soap and he waits…and he waits…and he waits.
Then the laundry shakes, shakes, shakes The laundry shakes and shakes and shakes The laundry shakes, shakes, shakes until it’s clean. (repeat)
Additional verses: The laundry spins … until it’s clean The laundry tumbles … until it’s dry Credit: Brytani Fraser via Jbrary
Craft: Polar Bear Scene This was inspired by Tompkins County Public Library (NY). I printed a picture of a polar bear on dark blue construction paper, and gave kids chalk and cotton balls. They could choose to fill the bear with either chalk or cotton, or the snow (or really, whatever they wanted.) I showed them examples of both and let them go. It was fun to see the variety of what they made.
Olympics: 7/22/21
This theme was actually not one I’d ever done before, so I pulled a lot of books to see what might fit. I considered Peanut Goes for the Gold by Jonathan Van Ness & Gillian Reid – it’s super cute and a pretty recent title (plus, Peanut uses they/them pronouns – bonus!), but ultimately decided to go with Jabari Jumps. I’d thought it would be more relatable, and worked with the song I’d chosen. Our craft was an abstract process art piece that the kids really got into.
Book: Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
Ukulele Song: If You’re Going to the Pool (tune of If You’re Happy and You Know It) If you’re going to the pool, wear your suit If you’re going to the pool, wear your suit If you’re going to the pool, then a suit will keep you cool If you’re going to the pool, wear your suit (Additional verses: hat, flip flops, sunglasses, what else?) Credit: Teeny Tiny Library
Craft: Olympic Rings Inspired by the Happy Hooligans blog, this was a simple process art. I brought paper plates, tempera paint, toilet paper tubes, and construction paper, showed them how to make a ring, and let them at it! Some were done in three minutes, some lingered for ten.
Jungle: 7/29/21
The last session! Our book was on the longer side and the group got a little wiggly during it, so perhaps it is a better fit for slightly older kids – maybe kindergarten. The other option I was thinking of was Oh, No! by Candace Fleming & Eric Rohmann, which might have been better with the interactive option for the repeated phrase. I set up the chant by talking about monkeys and what the phrase “go bananas” meant – that helped them know exactly what to do on the last line! And the craft was one I was pretty proud of – I’d seen this lion fork painting at Crafty Morning and adapted the idea to painting the tiger’s stripes! (Since grouping savanna animals with jungle animals is another pet peeve of mine…) I found a picture of a stripeless tiger, made some jungle leaves, and the kids built their scene.
Craft: Tiger in the Jungle I asked the kids to glue down all the parts and pieces first – leaves and tiger, then gave them forks to dip into black paint to add the stripes. Lastly, they could draw any other elements on their page, such as vines or other animals.
There’s just something about spring that makes me want to do stories about colors! And the retelling of White Rabbit’s Color Book is kind of magical.
A “color” storytime is also a good opportunity to talk about race in an explicit way in storytime. This is something that I’ve been wanting to do but just have not felt there was a comfortable “in” to get there. Of course, it’s not about me (a white woman) being comfortable. There’s some fear of messing up and fear of possible push-back, but none of those are good reasons to avoid talking about race in an age-appropriate way. I consulted with a librarian of color that was kind enough to offer feedback and went for it. There was no push-back that I’m aware of and I hope that it was a good way to educate both kids AND their parents that it is okay and necessary to talk about race even with young kids.
Early Education Tip: Research shows that children form race-related ideas long before they’re ready to talk about race and racism… awareness of race begins as early as infancy! No matter their age, all children collect clues from their experiences to make sense of the world, so early, honest, and age-appropriate conversations really matter. Check out the Sesame Street Workshop’s excellent resources and videos for every age: https://www.sesameworkshop.org/what-we-do/racial-justice
Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello
Discussion: [For my virtual audience: To get ready for today’s storytime, please grab 1 or 2 scarves, bandanas, washcloths, or even a t-shirt that has a rainbow color – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, or purple.] Now that it’s starting to be springtime, I’m noticing lots and lots of colors outside, how about you? New leaves, new flowers! Let’s do some rhymes and songs that celebrate colors! Let’s get warmed up by identifying some colors and shapes.
Rhyme Game: Pink Square, Pink Square Pink square, pink square, what do you see? I see a … blue circle looking at me.
Blue circle, blue circle, what do you see? I see a … green rectangle looking at me. Credit: Sunflower Storytime
I have a flannel for this book, but it felt like I had a lot of props and flannels going on with this storytime, so I decided to just read the book this time. Read: Dog’s Colorful Day by Emma Dodd
Rhyme: Blue is the Lake Blue is the lake (point to the floor) Yellow is the sun (point to the sky) Silver are the stars when the day is done (wiggle fingers) Red is the apple (make circle with hands) Green is the tree (raise arms over head like branches) Brown is the cookie for you and me! (rub tummy) Credit: Harris County Public Library via Librionyian
Action Song: If You’re Wearing… tune of “Do You Know the Muffin Man” If you’re wearing red today, red today, red today If you’re wearing red today, Would you touch your head? Additional verses: brown … touch the ground blue … tie your shoe white … take a bite green … look mean black … touch your back gray … shout “hooray!” Credit: adapted fromLego Librarian
Discussion: There’s one color that doesn’t get a lot of attention, but it’s a beautiful color that we all have with us all the time! It’s BROWN, and everyone’s skin has some brown in it. The thing that makes our skin brown is called melanin, and that’s also what helps color our hair and our eyes. Some people have a lot of melanin, and some people only have a little bit. There are some people whose bodies don’t produce melanin at all, but that’s quite rare. In this next book, a little boy describes all the different colors of brown in his family! No one has exactly the same color. I love how he gives them all beautiful names.
Read: Brown: The Many Shades of Love by Nancy Johnson James & Constance Moore
I encouraged kiddos to use their scarves for this if the wanted to. Flannel/Scarf Song: Bubble, Bubble, Pop! One little red fish swimming in the water, (motion one finger, then weave hand back and forth as if swimming) Swimming in the water, swimming in the water, One little red fish swimming in the water Bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, (corkscrew index fingers upwards on both sides) POP! (clap) (repeat, change the number and/or color of fish) Credit: Jbrary
Scarf Song: Rainbow Dancers Rainbow dancers let’s get ready Hold your scarves nice and steady You’ll hear the colors of the rainbow Listen for your time to go: Shake red… Shake orange… Shake yellow… Shake green… Shake blue… Shake purple… Red scarves – turn around! Orange scarves – up and down! Yellow scarves – reach up high! Green scarves – fly, fly, fly! Blue scarves – tickle your nose! Purple scarves – touch your toes! Everybody dance around Swirl your scarves up and down! Shake purple… Shake blue… Shake green… Shake yellow… Shake orange… Shake red… Rainbow dancers dance around Scarves swirl up and down Our colorful dance is at an end Thank you, thank you, all my friends Credit: Jbrary
Flannel Retelling: White Rabbit’s Color Book by Alan Baker I used the fantastic tutorial on Sunflower Storytime to put this together. I couldn’t find colored pails, so I covered white pails with felt. Some tips I learned: • Make sure the pails are well ABOVE the eyeline/camera line of your audience, so they can’t see inside • PRACTICE • Arrange the rabbits in the order that you’ll be exchanging them in the pails, but try to separate them if possible. • Felt sticks to itself (as we all know!) You may need to draw out your “hop, swish, swish, swish” and maybe add some kind of flourish so that you have time to release one rabbit and pull out another without them sticking • PRACTICE!
Since it’s springtime, let’s end with a rhyme about rain! Get your scarves out! Scarf Song: Rain on the Green Grass Rain on the green grass(flutter scarf downward) Rain on the tree (arms up like branches) Rain on the rooftop (fingers peak together like a roof) But NOT on me! (hold scarf above head) Repeat with different colored items: yellow duck, pink flower, blue stream, brown squirrel, etc. Credit: King County Library System
Craft: Rainbow Simple, simple craft, inspired by Storytime Katie. In my instructions home, I emphasized the idea of creative freedom, and making this a “process” craft instead of a “product” craft. Process-focused art gives a child an open-ended project so they have the opportunity to express themselves in the art. I provided the rainbow template and some tissue paper squares, but also suggested using other mediums – paint, crayons, markers, or colored pencils instead of or in addition to the tissue squares.
Image from Storytime Katie
I also suggested these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video. Red Is a Dragon by Roseanne Thong & Grace Lin Are Your Stars Like My Stars by Leslie Helakoski & Heidi Woodward Sheffield Mix It Up! by Hervé Tullet
As is often the case, this theme was inspired by noticing several cute picture books on the topic of hiding, seeking, and peek-a-boo. The challenge, then, was to choose titles that were different enough to be interesting, rather than rehashing the same shtick over and over. This is a great theme to use scarves and the ever-popular Little Mouse flannel game.
Early Literacy Tip: Peek-a-boo is a game that helps develop object permanence, which is part of early learning. Object permanence is an understanding that objects and events continue to exist, even when they cannot directly be seen, heard, or touched. Did you know baby’s age affects how they play peek-a-boo? 0-3 Months – Baby just watches and may smile or coo 3-6 Months – Helps baby visually track if you “peek” from different spots 6-9 Months – Baby becomes curious and might laugh because they enjoy the game 9-12 Months – Baby imitates you and may use early language by saying “boo” 12+ Months – Baby might initiate the game by covering their eyes
Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello
I found a number of these different-sized ladybugs made by a predecessor. They are sewn and have some kind of crinkly material in the middle – I’m not sure what they were used for before. But I used one of the smallest ones to “hide” on my body. Using a “itty bitty” voice for the ladybug parts makes it more silly and fun. Rhyme with Flannel: Hide and Seek Ladybug Ladybug, ladybug, where are you? I’m right here beside your shoe. Ladybug, ladybug, where could you be? I’m right here upon your knee. Ladybug, ladybug, did you give me the slip? I’m right here sitting on your hip. Ladybug, ladybug, where did you go? I’m right here, perched on your elbow. Ladybug, ladybug, are you here? I’m right here, over on your ear. Ladybug, ladybug, you’re gone I suppose? I’m right here sitting on your nose! Credit: Canton Public Library (MI)
Read: Where’s Lenny? by Ken Wilson-Max
Scarf Rhyme: Little Bo Peep Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep (hide scarf behind you) And doesn’t know where to find them Leave them alone and they’ll come home (bring scarf out) Wagging their tails behind them (shake scarf) Credit: Jbrary
Scarf Song: One Bright Scarf One bright scarf waiting for the wind to blow Toss it up high, and wave it down low Wiggle it fast, and wiggle it slow (hide the scarf) Hey! Where did it go? (bring out) Here it is! Credit: Jbrary
Scarf Game: Peekaboo Peekaboo, where are you hiding in your… PLACE! PEEKABOO! Peekaboo, I see you and your smiling… FACE! PEEKABOO! Credit: Jbrary(link no longer available)
Strangely, the game played in this book is hide and seek, not peek-a-boo. Read: Peek-A-Boo Bunny by Holly Surplice
Flannel: Little Mouse Little mouse, little mouse, Are you in the _____ house? I always knock on the door before seeing if Mouse is home! Credit: ubiquitous – I can’t remember where I first saw this long ago
Fingerplay/Tickle: Here Is the Beehive Here is the beehive, But where are the bees? Hidden away, Where nobody sees Watch and you’ll see them Come out of the hive: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5… They’re alive! Buzz, buzz, buzz! Credit: Jbrary
Read: The Elephants’ Guide to Hide-and-Seek by Kjersten Hayes & Gladys Jose
Ukulele Song: Mr. Sun Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun Please shine down on me Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun Hiding behind a tree
These little children are asking you To please come out so we can play with you
Craft: Hide and Seek House Kids get to craft their own lift-the-flap picture. I included pictures of a dog, cat, or mouse to color and hide behind the door, but of course kids can draw whatever they please.
I also suggested these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video. Where’s Baby? by Anne Hunter Everybunny Count! by Ellie Sandall Hide ‘n’ Sheep by Jennifer Sattler & Benson Shum
Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars
This storytime was presented virtually on 3/23/21.
Storytime with Ms. Emily Library 