Who doesn’t love mooing and oinking and clucking and neighing? Farm animals are a theme with so many options and resources – the hard part is choosing which songs, rhymes, activities, and books to present!
Although I only read Farmyard Beat in the Toddler Time session, I decided to do rhythm sticks as our prop this week in all the classes. I didn’t find a great transition as to how it related to the farm, but this was a new prop and the kids were all excited to try them out regardless of the theme.
Early Literacy Tip: Imitating animal noises is a great way for kids to practice making language sounds and developing sound meaning. Animal sounds also help children hear the smaller sounds in words, which is good for when they are starting to sound out words to read.
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.
Lifting Rhyme: Toast in the Toaster* (TT) (FT)
Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big* (FT)
Intro: I got out the “barn” that I made from a cardboard box spray painted red. What is this? It’s a barn! Where might we see a barn? On a farm. And who lives in a barn? Farm animals!
As we sang “on that farm he had a…” I popped out an animal from the barn doors, to much delight. 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, and a woof, woof there Here a woof, there a woof, everywhere a woof, woof! Old MacDonald had a farm, E – I – E – I – O! Source: traditional
One of my favorites! The graphics for the flannelboard come from the now-defunct Sunflower Storytime. Since the website is no longer available either in its original form or through the Internet Archive, I’m uploading my copy for you. Flannel/Fingerplay: Ten Fluffy Chicks (TT) (TB) (FT) Five eggs and five eggs, and that makes ten Sitting on top is Mother Hen Cackle, cackle, cackle (clap, clap, clap) What do I see? Ten fluffy chicks, as cute as can be Source: Mel’s Desk
I thought this was really fun! When I did a search for the song to get the King County link, I learned that this was a Glenn Miller song. Fingerplay: Boogie Woogie Piggy (TT) (FT) This little piggy went to market (pinky) This little piggy stayed home (ring) But this little piggy is the boogie woogie piggy (thumb, waves back and forth) and he boogie-woogied all the way home!
Oink, oink, oink, oink, oink, boogie woogie piggy (x3) (use thumb to pull up nose on the oinks, then dance that piggy!) And he boogie woogied all the way home!
This little piggy had roast beef (middle) This little piggy had none (index) But this little piggy is the boogie woogie piggy (thumb) and he boogie-woogied all the way home! (repeat Oink, oink, oink chorus) Source: King County (WA) Library System
Transition: If You’re Ready for a Story* (TT) (TB) (FT)
Read: Farmyard Beat by Lindsey Craig & Marc Brown (TT)
This was an absolute hit – the kids could finish the sentences for most of the farm noises, then I got to yell BOO! Read: Cows Go Boo! by Steve Webb & Fred Blunt (TB) (FT)
Rhythm Sticks Intro – Do you have the beat? Let’s make our own beat with rhythm sticks! (I did a little “er, this fit with the other book I read, let’s just have fun with this” in the two sessions that didn’t follow Farmyard Beat.) Practice: Lay them on your shoulders, tap fast & loud, tap soft & quiet, rub them together, roll them in a circle.
Rhythm Stick Song: Count the Beat (TT) (TB) (FT) (tune of Wheels on the Bus) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8… 9… 10! Source: Sarah French
Rhythm Stick Song: This Is the Way We Tap (TT) (TB) (FT) (tune of Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush) This is the way we tap our sticks Tap our sticks, tap our sticks This is the way we tap our sticks At our storytime (repeat with different motions: rub, tap them soft, tap the floor, tap our shoes, roll our sticks, tap them loud, etc) Source: Sarah French
This was a little trickier, since they had to wait with their sticks on their shoulders until the last line, when they could do the action. I saved it for my oldest group. Rhythm Stick Song: If You Have Some Rhythm Sticks (TB) (tune of Mary Had a Little Lamb) If you have some rhythm sticks, rhythm sticks, rhythm sticks (keep sticks on shoulders until last line) If you have some rhythm sticks, You can tap them now (tap!) (repeat with different motions: rub, hammer, drum) Source: Sarah French
Recorded Song: Tap Your Sticks by Hap Palmer (TT) (TB) (FT) from the album Rhythms on Parade see the video: https://youtu.be/M-UKTeWNgOk
Action Song: Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!* (TT) (TB) (FT)
Craft: Muddy Pig Painting (TB) (FT) This was another craft from the Sunflower Storytime blog (I miss it!) I printed the pig template on pink paper and asked a volunteer to cut them out. The kids glued them down, then used cotton balls to get the pig dirty with brown paint. Again, since Sunflower Storytime is no longer with us, I’m uploading the template!
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) Go Sleep in Your Own Bed! – Candace Fleming & Lori Nichols Old MacDonald Had a Farm – Jane Cabrera Five Fuzzy Chicks – Diana Murray & Sydney Hanson On the Farm – David Elliott & Holly Meade Barnyard Banter – Denise Fleming Big Red Barn – Margaret Wise Brown & Felicia Bond Farm Lullaby – Karen Jameson & Wednesday Kirwan The Greedy Goat – Petr Horáček Color Farm – Lois Ehlert Skip to My Moo – Iza Trapani & Maddie Frost
This storytime was presented in-person on 2/6, 2/7, & 2/8/23.
**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
Although I did a “snow” theme a couple of weeks ago, I still had activities and ideas I couldn’t fit into that program and which followed more of a theme of warm winter clothing.
I think I overplanned a bit for this session, and we skipped several things I had on my list, but it’s better to have too much material than too little. My third session was the one I was planning to retell Froggy Gets Dressed in, but – ironically enough – we had some snow and ice and cancelled programming that day!
Early Literacy Tip: Songs that focus on body parts increase children’s awareness of how different parts of their body can start specific movements. By using their muscles to make the motions in the song, children develop both their gross motor skills and body self-awareness.
Welcome Song: Hello, Friends* (TT) (TB)**
Warm Up Song: Wake Up, Feet* (TT) (TB) 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.
Lifting Rhyme: Toast in the Toaster* (TT)
Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big*
Intro: When it’s cold outside we need to dress warmly – did anyone wear their Coat today? Hat/boot/mitten/scarf/etc.
Bounce: Bumpin’ Up and Down in My Little Blue Sled (TT) (TB) Bumping up and down in my little blue sled Bumping up and down in my little blue sled Bumping up and down in my little blue sled Won’t you be my darling? (lift)
Hit a rock and we all fell over… (lean to sides) Source: adapted from the traditional
Let’s come inside to drink something hot. Ready to put the kettle on? Action Song: I’m a Little Teapot (TT) (TB) 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
Transition: If You’re Ready for a Story* (TT) (TB)
I think this is more entertaining for the adults than for the kids, but it’s cute and quick and goes through several winter clothing choices. Read: Under My Hood I Have a Hat byKarla Kuskin & Fumi Kosaka (TT)
A newer book about a bundled-up turkey who gives away his warm clothes to friends on the farm. Lots of funny puns and silly illustrations! Read: Cold Turkey by Corey Rosen Schwartz, Kirsti Call, & Chad Otis (TB)
Fingerplay: Warm Mittens (TT) (TB) I wiggle my left hand, I wiggle my right Inside of my mittens so warm and so tight I wiggle my pinkie, I wiggle my thumbs So when I make snowballs My hands don’t get numb! Source: Adventures of a Bookworm
This was one of the songs that I skipped for time purposes. Another reason is that I hadn’t really worked out what motions to pair with the song, which made it feel awkward to me. If I figure it out, I’ll gladly try again – I am a fan of the My Bonnie tune! Song: My Sweater (tune of My Bonnie) My sweater is warm and cozy My sweater is warm and dry When I play in very cold weather Oh bring me a sweater to wear Oh bring me, bring me, Oh bring me a sweater to wear, to wear Bring me, bring me, oh bring me my sweater to wear Source: Johnson County (KS) Library
This was a fun alternative to the usual tune of Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes, with a little built-in anticipation and silliness! Action Song: Hat, Coat, Pants, and Boots (TT) (TB) (tune of London Bridge) Hat, coat, pants, and boots (touch head, shoulders, knees, and toes) Pants and boots, Pants and boots Hat, coat, pants, and boots Mittens… (wiggle hands) Earmuffs! (hands over ears) (repeat, changing the last item to other clothing or accessories, including silly ones – scarf, glasses, bow tie, umbrella, etc) Source: adapted from Storytime Secrets
This probably should have been done earlier, maybe before the book – it didn’t flow very well in this spot. Bounce: Baby’s in a Bundle (TT) Baby’s in a bundle Baby’s very warm Baby’s very happy In the snowstorm Source: Handley Regional Library System (VA)
I was pretty excited to do this one, but we ended up not having time in the Teddy Bear session, and Family Time was cancelled for weather. I printed and laminated the Froggy and clothing pieces from Kizclub.com (they have lots of great resources!). I enlarged it to fit 11×17″ instead of 8.5×11″, and that seemed like a better size for a flannel for everyone to see. After laminating, I attached velcro dots to hold the clothing in place according to the story. To help them blend in, I colored the velcro with different Sharpie markers, and was pleased at how well they are hidden. This is definitely going to come out again in the future! Retelling: Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London & Frank Remkiewicz
Ukulele Song: Fuzzy Wuzzy Blanket (TT) (TB) (tune of the Oscar Mayer jingle) Oh I wish I were a fuzzy wuzzy blanket That is what I’d truly like to be ‘Cause if I were a fuzzy wuzzy blanket Everyone would snuggle up with me!
Additional verses: …fuzzy wuzzy beanie… …fuzzy wuzzy scarf… …pair of fuzzy mittens… Source: Book Besotted Librarian Blog
Craft: Warm Hat Suncatcher (TB) Inspired by this mitten project at Kinder Craze, I took a look at our library’s die cut designs and realized we had a winter hat die. This was better than mittens since I’d only have to cut out one per kid, and it would use less contact paper. I made an outline for the brim and the main body of the hat and asked volunteers to cut it out, then stuck the outline on a piece of contact paper, replacing the backing paper until we were ready to craft. I then provided tissue squares and another piece of contact paper to seal it all up. I relied on grownups to cut out the shape, punch a hole, and string some yarn through for a hanger. It was a bit more intensive craft, but everyone enjoyed piecing the tissue paper and making colorful designs for their hats.Again, our Family Time program was cancelled due to weather, so I packaged up the materials for that group and offered it in the next week as a Take and Make packet.
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) Three Little Kittens – Barbara McClintock Lost. Found. – Marsha Diane Arnold & Matthew Cordell Extra Yarn – Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen A Sled for Gabo – Emma Otheguy & Ana Ramírez González Not Now, Cow – Tammi Sauer & Troy Cummings A Hat for Minerva Louise – Janet Morgan Stoeke Winter Babies – Kathryn O Galbraith & Adela Pons Winter is the Warmest Season – Lauren Stringer Sweater Weather – Matt Phelan
This storytime was presented in-person on 1/23 & 1/24/23.
**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
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!
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 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
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
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
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.
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.
Everyone loves cookies, right? I did this theme for the first time before starting this blog, but even so, I made a lot of changes to my old plan for this year. I looked for more activities to suit the age I work with now, and replaced an extensive prop story use of the “Ten Little…” song melody that I’d used before I knew better. I think this is a better mix. I also had a fairly different plan for the younger Book Babies program than the one for the older Teddy Bears (Family time skewed younger, so I used the same plan as BB), with a different slate of songs and rhymes in addition to the books.
To be honest, the actual programs went a little haywire – I had a couple of kids/families that were pretty wired up and I felt off my game. That happens. I generally either plow on or just cut short what I’m doing in favor of going to either the next song with movement or finishing up with Zoom, Zoom, Zoom, always our last song. That didn’t really help this time! What kinds of strategies do you use when kiddos are extra wiggly and distracted?
Early Literacy Tip: Showing a child how to follow a recipe not only introduces print in a new way, but also develops early math skills through measuring. It also teaches the ability to follow directions. For babies, set out a small tub filled with uncooked beans or rice. Give them a scoop and let them play while you’re in the kitchen.
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 shoulders and fingers.
Lifting Rhyme: Toast in the Toaster* (BB) (FT)
Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big* (FT)
Intro: Mmm, today I’m in the mood for cookies! Let’s make some cookies together.
Rhyme: Pat a Cake (Cookie Style) (BB) (FT) Pat a cake, pat a cake, baker’s man (clap hands together) Bake me a cookie as fast as you can Roll it (roll hands) And pat it (pat lap) And mark it with a “C” (draw a C in the air or on baby’s belly) And put it in the oven for you and me! (point) Source: adapted from the traditional
Transition: If You’re Ready for a Story* (BB) (TB) (FT)
Read: Mr. Cookie Baker by Monica Wellington (BB) (FT)
I love this book, but it didn’t really work well for my group. This was the EXTRA wiggly group, so that may have been a factor, but I did notice with this retelling that it seemed a missed opportunity that “but the Cow loves cookies” was not consistently repeated after everygrouping. The repetition of the other animals made the book drag a little, too. The lilting rhymes help, but I think this is better for a little older kids. Read: The Cow Loves Cookies by Karma Wilson & Marcellus Hall (TB)
Tickle: Round and Round the Batter Bowl (BB) (FT) Round and round the batter bowl (circle on baby’s belly) One, two, three! (gentle poke on each number) A little here, a little there (touch both cheeks) As tasty as can be! (tickle or nibble belly!) Source: Storytime in the Stacks
I did this and Here’s a Cup for all three programs, but for Teddy Bears we did them before our book. Rhyme: Making Cookies (BB) (TB) (FT) (mime each action unless otherwise indicated) I am making cookie dough (point to self) Round and round the beaters go (roll hands) Add some flour from a cup Stir and mix the batter up Roll them, cut them nice and neat Put them on a cookie sheet Bake them, count them, 1, 2, 3 (count with fingers) Then serve them to my friends for tea! Source: Jen in the Library
The arms on my Scaredy Squirrel puppet that I usually use as my “little one” when I demonstrate rhymes are not long enough for this to work! I asked a grownup to help me demonstrate, then we did the rhyme twice more. Fingerplay: Here’s a Cup (BB) (TB) (FT) Here’s a cup, and here’s a cup, And here’s a pot of tea Pour a cup, and pour a cup, And drink some tea with me Source: Jbrary
Even though I didn’t read The Cow Loves Cookies for these sessions, I used my cow puppet to gobble up all the cookies. Click the source link to get Jessica’s template for the sugar cookie flannel!(I made six cookies, but only used five for this group) Puppet/Flannel Rhyme: Down Around the Corner (BB) (FT) Down around the corner at the bakery store Were five sugar cookies with frosting galore! Along came a cow looking for a treat… She saw those cookies and she took one to eat! (count down) Source: Storytime in the Stacks
So this is the song I adapted to replace the “Ten Little” melody. In the past I had a flannel oven, cookie sheet, and 10 cookies that a volunteer helped me make at my old library and followed the prop story from One Little Librarian (the blog is now not available to the public). I had left the flannel at that library and didn’t make a replacement, so this was just an action song for us. BUT, I did have laminated cookies for all the kids that I gave out during the “cool the cookies” verse that they fed to Cookie Monster later in the session. Action Song: This Is the Way We Make Cookies (TB) (tune of Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush) This is the way we pour the flour, Pour the flour, pour the flour This is the way we pour the flour To make our cookie treats
Additonal verses: Now we cream the butter & sugar… This is the way we stir the dough… Bake the dough… Cool the cookies… Eat the cookies… Source: original
You know who else loves to eat cookies? Cookie monster! This was made with a fairly high resolution picture of Cookie Monster, printed on cardstock and laminated, then attached to an empty tissue box covered in blue paper. Song: C is for Cookie (TB) C is for cookie, That’s good enough for me C is for cookie, That’s good enough for me C is for cookie, That’s good enough for me Oh, cookie, cookie, cookie – Starts with C! Source: Sesame Street, From the Album “Sesame Street Platinum All-Time Favorites”
After this rhyme, the kids took their paper cookies and fed them to Cookie Monster. Action Rhyme: Cookies Up (TB) Cookies up! Cookies down! Hold your cookie & turn around Cookies up! Cookies down! Wave your cookies all around Source: adapted from One Little Librarian
I wanted to make this a little longer, so made up the second and third verses. I’m particularly proud of the “mustachy” couplet! I asked everyone to join in on the echoes, and either raise their hands or do a lift there. Ukulele Song: I Wish I Were a Little Cookie Crumb (BB) (TB) (FT) (tune of If You’re Happy and You Know It) Oh, I wish I were a little cookie crumb (cookie crumb!) Oh, I wish I were a little cookie crumb (cookie crumb!) I’d go crumby, crumby, crumby Over everybody’s tummy Oh, I wish I were a little cookie crumb (cookie crumb!)
Additional verses: Oh, I wish I were a little chocolate chip (chocolate chip!)… I’d be melty and sweet And leave chocolate in your teeth…
Oh, I wish I were a cold glass of milk (glass of milk!)… I’d go splishy splishy splashy And leave you a cute mustachy… Source: verse 1, North Mankato Taylor Library (MN), verses 2 & 3, original
One last song for the babies! Let’s wash up our faces from all the messy cookie crumbs! Body Song: Eyes, Nose, Cheeky, Cheeky, Chin Eyes, nose cheeky cheeky chin Eyes, nose cheeky cheeky chin Eyes, nose cheeky cheeky chin Cheeky cheeky chin, nose, eyes Source: King County (WA) Library System
Action Song: Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!* (BB) (TB) (FT)
Craft: Cookie Design Craft We had giant cookies that could be decorated with crayons and adhesive foam shapes, mounted on another sheet of construction paper. I encouraged the kids to think about what flavor their cookie might have, and if they had a special name for their recipe.
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) The Duckling Gets a Cookie!? – Mo Willems Who Put the Cookies in the Cookie Jar? – George Shannon & Julie Paschkis Baker Baker Cookie Maker – Linda Hayward & Tom Brannon If You Give a Mouse a Cookie – Laura Numeroff & Felicia Bond May I Please Have a Cookie? – Jennifer E. Morris Gingerbread Baby – Jan Brett Good Night, Knight – Betsy Lewin The Cookie Fiasco – Dan Santat Stop and Smell the Cookies – Gibson Frazier & Micah Player
This storytime was presented in-person on 12/12, 12/13, & 12/14/22.
**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
Each year in November, I turn back to this theme and spend some time with the abstract idea of gratitude and feeling thankful. This has been my fourth iteration, and with each year, some things stay the same but there are also tweaks and updates.
Since the American Thanksgiving tradition is problematic at best, I focus on feeling thankful, and honestly, that can be as broad a concept as you’d like it to be! You can say – “I’m thankful for pets” and do the song My Dog Rags. You can be thankful for tacos and sing a song about that. The sky is the limit.
Since November is Native American Heritage Month, I also make a point to incorporate or at least highlight books by Indigenous authors at this program (though of course it’s a good idea to be aware of and read and celebrate books by Indigenous and other marginalized groups in storytime all year long.) I am thankful for the wealth of fantastic picture books available from a wide range of perspectives!
Lastly, I’m thankful for you, readers! I appreciate your likes and comments and hope that me documenting my process is in any way helpful. I’m always open to ideas and suggestions, too. Wishing you peace, safety, a little relaxation, and lots of appreciation for all you do.
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: 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 ears.
Lifting Rhyme: Toast in the Toaster* (BB)
Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big* (BB) (TB) (FT)
Talk: What does it mean to feel thankful? When someone does something nice for you, saying “thank you” lets them know we appreciate them and are happy they did what they did! We can also think for a moment about all the good things in our lives and feel happy about them, too. Let’s practice saying “thank you” with this rhyme.
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? (BB) (TB) (FT) 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
Transition: If You’re Ready for a Story* (BB) (TB) (FT)
This book is so great for the youngest group. I asked them to help me tell the story and prompted them at each “thank you” page. Read: Thank You, Bees by Toni Yuly (BB) (FT)
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 (TB)
I love those bees! Here’s a rhyme about the bees being inside their beehive. Tickle Rhyme: Here Is the Beehive (BB) (FT) Here is the beehive, but where are all the bees? (make fist) 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
I’m sure it comes as no surprise to you – something I love and something I’m always thankful for are books and reading! Here’s a fun song about books. Song: These Are My Glasses (BB) (TB) (FT) These are my glasses, this is my book I put on my glasses and open up the book Now I read, read, read And I look, look, look I put down my glasses and Whoop! Close up the book! Source: “Whaddaya Think of That?” by the Laurie Berkner Band
Scarf distribution: I am thankful for songs we can sing with our scarves! Will you practice with me – wave high, low, in a circle, throw and catch!
I’m thankful for the weather, even when it rains! Scarf Rhyme: Rain on the Green Grass (BB) (TB) (FT) Rain on the green grass (wave low) Rain on the trees (wave high) Rain on the roof (hold over head) But not on me! (let fall to the floor!) repeat with Sun, Snow, Leaves Source: Jbrary
Scarf Song: We Wave Our Scarves Together (BB) (TB) (FT) (tune of For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow) We wave our scarves together We wave our scarves together We wave our scarves together… Because it’s fun to do!
We wave them up high We wave them down low We wave them in the middle Because it’s fun to do! Source: Jbrary
I’m thankful for games we can play with our loved ones. Scarf Game: Peek-a-boo (BB) (FT) (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’m thankful for time to read and be with you. I kind of did the hand motions of the ASL version with my scarf in hand, just for something to do with the scarves. Scarf 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
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 kids to snuggle with someone they love. Before or afterwards is a good time to mention today’s early literacy tip, whichever flows more naturally for you. 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
Okay, we got pretty chill there for a moment, which is lovely. But now it’s time to bring our energy up again! Action Song: Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!* (BB) (TB) (FT)
Craft: Thankful Tree Since I’m at a new library this year, I just did the same craft that I did last year. I asked volunteers to cut out leaf shapes in various fall colors (red, yellow, orange, brown), and provided 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.
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) Gracias/Thanks – Pat Mora & John Parra Thank You, Omu – Oge Mora We All Play/Kimêtawânaw – Julie Flett The Thankful Book – Todd Parr We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga – Traci Sorell & Frané Lessac The Thank You Book – Mo Willems Wild berries/Pikaci-mīnisa – Julie Flett Thanku: Poems of Gratitude – Marlena Myles & Miranda Paul Thank You, Earth – April Pulley Sayre Grandma’s Tiny House – JaNay Brown-Wood & Priscilla Burris Bear Says “Thank You” – Michael Dahl & Oriol Vidal Thank You and Good Night – Patrick McDonnell
This storytime was presented in-person on 11/14, 11/15, & 11/16/22.
**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
It’s DINOvember and we are having all the fun with dinosaurs! Even my baby program had fun with some dinosaur songs and rhymes, though I felt I needed to adapt a couple traditional baby/toddler rhymes to involve them more. But just like a monster storytime, we did a lot of roaring and stomping and pretending.
You can find other versions of this theme from 2021 and 2024.
Early Literacy Tip: Everybody knows at least one child who can rattle off the names of dozens of dinosaurs. There’s a reason for that! Children’s brains are wired to learn as much vocabulary as possible. So, don’t underestimate them: give them all the words you can! Use the most specific terms possible and they will soak them up like a sponge.
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 shoulders and noses.
Lifting Rhyme: Toast in the Toaster* (BB)
Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big* (BB) (FT)
Intro: Today’s theme is all about dinosaurs! Even though they’re not around any longer, I love to imagine what these gigantic and amazing creatures might have been like. Some dinos were big, and some were little. Let’s do a rhyme.
Action Rhyme: Big Dino, Little Dino Big Dino, Little Dino, turn around Big Dino, Little Dino, touch the ground Big Dino, Little Dino, reach up high Big Dino, Little Dino, blink your eyes Big Dino, Little Dino, touch your nose Big Dino, Little Dino, touch your toes Big Dino, Little Dino, slap your knees Big Dino, Little Dino, sit down please Source: Project I.Am.Abbey
Transition: If You’re Ready for a Story* (BB) (TB) (FT)
I like the big flaps at the end of this board book, and all the cheerful, colorful dinosaurs in a prehistoric setting! Read: Hello Dinosaurs! by Joan Holub & Chris Dickason (BB)
This one is so simple and perfect.The ending always makes the adults chuckle. Read: We Love Dinosaurs by Lucy Volpin (TB) (FT)
It’s kind of amazing what even the two-year-olds already know about dinosaurs!I introduced each dinosaur with a very short description – “Triceratops had three horns and a big frill on its head – it was a plant-eater but used its horns to defend itself when needed.” The flannelboard dinosaurs can be used for both this song and “One Dinosaur Went Out to Play,” below, and the template is available at Mel’s Desk. Action Song: All Through the Swamp (tune of Wheels on the Bus) The Tyrannosaurus Rex goes grr grr grr Grr grr grr, Grr grr grr The Tyrannosaurus Rex goes grr grr grr All through the swamp
Additional verses: The Triceratops’ horns go poke, poke, poke… The Stegosaurus’ tail goes swish, swish, swish… The Brachiosaurus’ mouth goes munch, munch, munch… The Pteranodon’s wings go flap, flap, flap… Credit: Mel’s Desk
This and Dino Thumbs are the rhymes I quickly came up with for the youngest group, though I did do “Where Is T Rex” at all my sessions. Fingerplay: Where is T Rex? (BB) (TB) (FT) (tune of Where is Thumbkin?) Where is T Rex? Where is T Rex? (use thumbs) HERE I AM! HERE I AM! (use T-Rex voice!) HOW ARE YOU TODAY, FRIEND? VERY WELL I THANK YOU! ROAR AWAY! ROAR AWAY!
Where is Pteranodon? (thumb spread from fingers like wings) … Fly away! Fly away! Where is brachiosaurus? (use pointer finger) …Munch, munch, munch! Munch, munch, munch! (don’t retreat) Source: original, adapted from the traditional
I’ve seen this as “Tommy Thumbs” and also with “Egg Shakers.” My rhyme sheet had a picture of thumbs with dinosaur finger puppets on them! Fingerplay: Dino Thumbs (BB) Dino Thumbs are up Dino Thumbs are down Dino Thumbs are dancing All around the town Dance them on your shoulders Dance them on your head Dance them on your knees And tuck them into bed (fold arms) Source: adapted from the traditional
Rhyme: Dinosaur Stretch (BB) (TB) (FT) Spread your arms, way out wide Fly like Pteranodon, soar and glide Bend to the floor, head down low Move like Stegosaurus, long ago Reach up tall, try to be As tall as Brachiosaurus eating on a tree Using your claws, grumble and growl Just like Tyrannosaurus Rex on the prowl Source: Storytime Katie
This was on my plan, but I didn’t end up doing it at any of my sessions. Action Rhyme: Five Little Dinosaurs Five little dinosaurs sitting in a swamp. The first one said, “Let’s stomp, stomp, stomp.” The second one said, “Time for lunch!” The third one said, “Let’s munch, munch, munch.” The fourth one said, “Let’s stomp some more.” The fifth one said, “Let’s all roar!” GRRRR! Source: Everybody Loves Bubbles
Everyone enjoyed slapping their knees to make the sound of dinosaurs running! Ukulele/Flannel Song: One Dinosaur Went Out to Play (TB) (FT) (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, Diiiiiiiiiinosaur! (slap hands on thighs)
(count up to 5) Last line: …That they played until the day was done! Source: Mel’s Desk
Action Song: Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes* (BB)
Action Song: Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!* (BB) (TB) (FT)
Craft: Dinosaur Parade Headband In an attempt to make life easy, and since my library has a great selection of die cuts, I provided two green strips (2.24×12″, four strips per sheet of construction paper), and the four dinosaurs that we had dies for – T-Rex, Pteranodon, stegosaurus, and brachiosaurus. Glue sticks and staplers (pro tip: put the “bumpy side” of the staples on the *outside* of the headband) and everyone had a dinosaur parade to wear on their heads!
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!
For my older kids, I made a new manipulative for playtime (which was my suggested craft for our Storytime Shorts video series this month): Clothespin Stegosauruses! This was inspired by a craft I originally saw on Storytime Katie’s blog, and found another version on Oh, Hey, Let’s Play. She said she didn’t know where she originally got her artwork, but I loved it, so drew my own version based on hers. (If anyone finds the original source, let me know!) We have a ton of yard signs that were purchased for summer 2020 that were not used, so they are a great backer for this. You can also use cardboard. I put two mirror image dinos on one sheet of paper and printed on colored paper to glue to the stiff yard sign outline that I cut using an Exacto knife. Four was enough for my sore fingers, but that’s perfect for a toy that we’ll use at playtime but not take home. Then I colored wooden clothespins to match the colored dinos. In addition to the different colors, each dino has a different number of spikes, and the clothespins are numbered, too. Depending on a child’s age and development, they can start by just focusing on pinching the clothespins (strengthening hand muscles), then move up to color matching and/or number matching. I was fascinated by this article about kids not having the requisite hand strength for kindergarten activities and highlighted that when talking with caregivers about this activity.
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) Bones, Bones, Dinosaur Bones – Byron Barton Tyrannosaurus Wrecks! – Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen & Zachariah OHora Dinosaur Vs. the Library (series) – Bob Shea Dinosong – Tim McCanna & Richard Smythe What the Dinosaurs Did Last Night – Refe & Susan Tuma One-osaurus, Two-osaurus – Kim Norman & Pierre Collet-Derby Counting Dinos – Eric Pinder & Junissa Bianda Old MacDino Had a Farm – Becky Davies & Ben Whitehouse Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs – Mo Willems
This storytime was presented in-person on 11/7, 11/8, & 11/9/22.
**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
Holidays are tricky. My first consideration in planning storytime is serving anyone in my community who cares to attend, and to make EVERYONE feel welcome and included. I tend to avoid a specific holiday program, but try to find a way to tap into the feeling of the season while being inclusive. There are tons of great books featuring and about monsters in children’s literature, plus we get to talk a bit about how to gently face fears and empower kids to confront them. All that and a lot of roaring and stomping? Yes, please! I invited everyone to dress up in whatever kind of costume they would like, and I wore my green dragon onesie. (I now don’t recommend fleece onesie costumes for storytime – I was sweating buckets by the end!)
Early Literacy Tip: It’s natural for kids to have fears. One way to help your child conquer a fear is to gently expose them to it. Books can take a common fear like monsters and make them fun and comfortable to talk about. They also model how to be brave and address a fear, which is empowering. Two great books for this purpose are Go Away, Big Green Monster and Tickle Monster.
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 knees and arms.
Lifting Rhyme: Toast in the Toaster* (BB)
Intro: Today we’re having some fun with friendly monsters! I love getting to play pretend, especially something that goes roar! Can we pretend to be monsters together?
Action Rhyme: Wild Things Wild things, wild things, look at you! Wild things, wild things, what can you do? We can roar our roars! (roar) We can gnash our teeth at you! (show teeth and growl) We can wiggle our eyebrows! (wiggle) We can show our claws, too! (extend fingers) Wild things, wild things, look at you! Wild things, wild things, what can you do? ROAR! Source: Small Town Story Time Lady
Transition: If You’re Ready for a Story* (BB) (TB) (FT)
I think this book would work really well one-on-one, and I had high hopes for it for my group, but it just didn’t go over great in Book Babies. Maybe it was just the day (it was Halloween and the energy was super wiggly). Read: Let’s Play Monsters by Lucy Cousins (BB)
My other groups *loved* this book. Total hit. Read: Monsters Go Night-Nightby Aaron Zenz (TB) (FT)
These cute monsters came from the Picklebums.com blog, as well as the rhyme. But none of them have a nose! I went into Canva and did a little editing to the red one. I encouraged kids and grownups to play this one like “This Little Piggy” on their fingers. Fingerplay: Five Little Monsters (BB) (TB) (FT) This little monster has a big red nose This little monster has purple toes This little monster plays all night This little monster is such a fright And this little monster goes: “Tee-hee-hee – I’m not scary, I’m just silly me.” Source: picklebums.com
Puppet/Retelling: Go Away, Big Green Monster by Ed Emberley (TB) (FT) We had this puppet in our library inventory, so we retold the book. I admittedly felt a little awkward with this one – the pieces were kind of behind me and I kept stumbling over the words. I need more practice!
Action Song: Monsters Stomp (TB) (tune of The Ants Go Marching) The monsters stomp around the house hurrah, hurrah! The monsters stomp around the house hurrah, hurrah! The monsters stomp around the house Their brothers and sisters send them out So they stomp some more outside, Oh yeah, Around the house, Boom, boom, boom!
The monsters roar around the house, rahrrr, rahrrr… Source: Jbrary
It felt like I didn’t have much for the babies in this session, so I added a couple of bounces and tickles for them. I adapted this traditional one to have a couple of monster/Halloween references. Bounce Rhyme: Jelly on a Plate (BB) Jelly on the plate, Jelly on the plate Wibble wobble, wibble wobble (wobble & bounce baby) Jelly on the plate!
Additional verses: Sausage in the pan… turn them over… (lift and turn baby) Biscuits in the tin… shake them up… (gently wiggle and lift) Sweeties in my sack… pick them out… (gently pinch tummy) Monster in the house… turn him out… (supported fall back or side) Candles on the sill… blow them out… whoosh! (blow on neck) Source: adapted from Jbrary
This was on my plan, but I didn’t actually end up using it at any of the sessions. Tickle Rhyme: Do I Hear a Monster? If you think you hear a monster (cup hand to ear) Growling somewhere outside (point outward) It’s probably just your belly (rub tummy) Needing some food inside! Nom, nom! (nibble or tickle tummy) Source: Small Town Story Time Lady
Another one that’s only tangentially related to monsters, but was still fun. Tickle: Treasure Hunt (BB) Going on a treasure hunt, X marks the spot (draw an X on back) Big circle (draw), Little circle (draw) Dot, dot, dot (poke 3x) Spiders crawling up your back (walk fingers up back) Bite, bite, bite! (gently pinch shoulders) Snakes slither up your back (drag fingers up back) Bite, bite, bite! Tight squeeze (hug) Cool breeze (blow on neck) Now you’ve got the… shivers! (tickle) Source: Jbrary
Time for shaker eggs! It is time to do the Monster Boogie! Do you know what a boogie is? It’s a dance! So think about what your monster dance is going to look like, but we’re going to start by stomping like a monster! Recorded Shaker Egg Song: The Monster Boogie (BB) (TB) (FT) Source: The Laurie Berkner Band, album: Buzz, Buzz
Oh, all that dancing has me worn out. I think I need a snack. Let’s make some popcorn! Shaker Egg Rhyme: Pop, Pop, Pop (BB) (TB) (FT) 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
And now all that salty popcorn has made me thirsty! Let’s make ourselves a milkshake! Recorded Shaker Egg Song: The Milkshake Song (BB) (TB) (FT) Source: Old Town School of Folk Music, album: Wiggleworms
Action Song: Horns, Fangs, Knees, and Claws (BB) (FT) (tune of Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes) Horns, fangs, knees, and claws, knees and claws Horns, fangs, knees, and claws, knees and claws Eyes, ears, tail, and paws Horns, fangs, knees, and claws, knees and claws Source: Madelyn’s Library Programming
Action Song: Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!* (BB) (TB) (FT)
Craft: Monster Mask So I originally did a monster program in 2019, and reused the craft for this year. Then, I saw the craft first on Storytime Katie, who got it from Awesome Storytime. I had a PDF template saved in my files, but neither one of those sites has it – I’m not sure if they took it down or another library blog made the template – there’s no marking indicating. Since I couldn’t find the origin, I’ll upload my copy here, but if anyone knows the original source, let me know and I’ll defer to them! In any case, this is a super cute craft that’s pretty easy. I used four colors of neon cardstock and asked volunteers to cut out the eyes and face and mouth. I mixed up the eyes with a different color monster, and used different sized hole punchers on all the scrap to provide polka dots for decorating. All the kids really enjoyed this, and were eager to show me their masks when they were done. One last tip – the part of the face between the edges of the mouth and the sides of the face are pretty skinny, making it flip-floppy (technical term). I provided mini craft sticks to reinforce that area, as shown in the picture.
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) Monster Boogie – Laurie Berkner & Ben Clanton Eat Pete! – Michael Rex Can You Make a Scary Face? – Jan Thomas Tickle Monster – Édouard Manceau Leonardo the Terrible Monster – Mo Willems There’s a Monster in Your Book – Tom Fletcher & Greg Abbott Monster Trucks – Anika Denise & Nate Wragg The Monster at the End of this Book – Jon Stone & Michael Smollin If You’re a Monster & You Know It – Rebecca Emberley & Ed Emberley
This storytime was presented in-person on 10/31, 11/1, & 11/2/22.
**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
After moving to a new library, I’ve been using a lot of the themes that I developed while in a virtual-only setting at a different organization. It’s been really fun to see the in-person impact of some of the extension activities that seemed like, well, *maybe* real life kids would enjoy. (Virtual programs always felt like a shot in the dark since I wasn’t getting any immediate feedback.) I’m also working with a different book collection and a slightly younger audience, so books and some activities are adjusted. For example, the pumpkin vine prop I created back in 2020 was made with the book Mystery Vine by Cathryn Falwell in mind specifically. The new library doesn’t have this one (and it’s out of print so I can’t make the purchase), so I found a song that will work with the prop. I love that it’s like a puzzle, fitting pieces together to make a storytime that works for me now in this particular situation.
See other versions of this storytime from 2020 and 2025.
Early Literacy Tip: Narrative skills have to do with learning how to describe things and being able to tell stories. Little stories, like the one in “Pumpkin, Pumpkin on the Ground,” are great for children to start learning how stories work. “First the pumpkin is a seed, then it is a plant, then it is a pumpkin!”
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 knees and cheeks.
Lifting Rhyme: Toast in the Toaster* (BB)
Intro: It’s pumpkin time! Pumpkins are great big gourds that get ripe around this time. They are very tasty and are good for you – AND they can be fun to carve a face into! But how do pumpkins grow? That’s what this song is asking.
Fingerplay: Pumpkin, Pumpkin, On the Ground (BB) (TB) (FT) (tune of Twinkle, Twinkle) Pumpkin, pumpkin on the ground (ASL for pumpkin: gently flick middle finger on back of other hand) How’d you get so big and round? (arms circle over head) Once you were a seed so small (pinch fingers together) Now you are a great big ball (arms circle in front) Pumpkin, pumpkin on the ground (ASL pumpkin sign) How’d you get so big and round? (arms circle over head) Source: Jbrary
So how do they grow, in between being a tiny seed and a big pumpkin? I found a video of this song but had some trouble finding the original provenance – the video said the song was by Mary Ann Hall, but I also saw Marcia Louis credited (and I did find a YouTube video of hers, so that’s pretty credible.) In any case, I was able to figure out the chords, changed the key to fit my voice better, and now it’s available as a ukulele songsheet for you! This song is also a perfect replacement for the Mystery Vine book I didn’t have at this library. I could pull out a little of the vine after each verse and I got the extremely satisfying gasps of surprise when the green and orange pumpkins appeared! So fun.I set up the song by asking everyone to help me plant a pumpkin seed, let some rain fall down, let the sun shine, and then… a little pumpkin vine appeared! Ukulele Song: Pumpkin Vine (BB) (TB) (FT) I looked out my window and what did I find? Green leaves growin’ on my pumpkin vine Green leaves, Green leaves are growin’ (x3) Green leaves are growin’ on my pumpkin vine
Additional verses: …yellow flowers growin’ …honey bees buzzin’ …green pumpkins growin’ …orange pumpkins growin’ Source: Montessori de Terra Linda
Transition: If You’re Ready for a Story* (BB) (TB) (FT)
To shorten this a bit I paperclipped one rhyme set near the beginning of the book, and it worked well for my younger kids. Read: Pumpkin Day! by Candice Ransom & Erika Meza (BB) (FT)
To simplify and shorten, I ended the book when they were making pies and didn’t read the very last couple of pages. That also eliminates the reference to Halloween, in case that’s a concern in your community. I did it just to shorten the book, though. Read: How to Help a Pumpkin Grow by Ashley Wolff (TB)
Action Song: Roly Poly Pumpkin (BB) (TB) (FT) (tune of Itsy Bitsy Spider) Oh, the roly-poly pumpkin (roll arms, gradually speed up) Went rolling down the hill Once it started rolling It couldn’t keep still It rolled and rolled Until it bumped into a rock (clap) Then the roly-poly pumpkin (roll slowly) Rolled to a stop (stop suddenly) Source: King County Library System
Just adding a bounce for the littles Bounce: Bounce, Tickle, Hug (BB) (FT) I bounce you here, I bounce you there I bounce you, bounce you everywhere I tickle you here, I tickle you there I tickle you, tickle you everywhere I hug you here, I hug you there I hug you, hug you everywhere Source: Mansfield/Richland County (OH) Public Library
I saw that Mel’s Desk created a rhyme/game reminiscent of the Brown Bear, Brown Bear books. She started hers with Brown Bat, but I decided to make mine Orange Pumpkin. Mine is also circular – I start and end with the same flannel piece, which is a plain pumpkin on one side and a jack-o-lantern on the other, so I just flip it over as we say the last line. Flannel Rhyme: Orange Pumpkin, Orange Pumpkin, What Do You See? (BB) (TB) (FT) Orange pumpkin, orange pumpkin, what do you see? I see a red leaf looking at me!
Continue with: Red leaf > Black cat > Gray owl > Brown bat > Yellow moon > Orange Jack-o-Lantern
Look at that pumpkin – it has a face! It looks happy, doesn’t it? Just like this one (show happy face pumpkin on a stick.) What about this one, how do you think it’s feeling?
I used the printable pumpkins from Sunflower Storytime to briefly discuss feelings, then we sang a verse for each one. Song: If You’re Happy & You Know It If you’re happy and you know it, shout hooray (hooray!) If you’re happy and you know it, shout hooray (hooray!) If you’re happy and you know it, and you really want to show it If you’re happy and you know it, shout hooray (hooray!) …angry…stomp your feet… …surprised…say “oh, my!”… …sad…have a cry (boo hoo)… …silly…do a dance… Source: traditional
This is a fun rhyme, and I love how KCLS has options for babies, hand motions, and full body motions! Bounce Rhyme: Pumpkin, Pumpkin Sitting on a Wall (BB) Pumpkin, pumpkin Sitting on a wall (bounce) Pumpkin, pumpkin Tip and fall (tip to side) Pumpkin, pumpkin Rolling down the street (roll arms or legs) Pumpkin, pumpkin Trick or treat! (lift) Source: King County (WA) Library System
Action Rhyme: Pumpkin Chant (TB) (FT) (For each line, pat lap twice on 1st pumpkin, clap twice on 2nd, pat twice on 3rd, then do action for last word) Pumpkin, pumpkin, pumpkin bread! (Hold hands flat in front, one on top of the other) Pumpkin, pumpkin, pumpkin head! (Put hands on head) Pumpkin, pumpkin, pumpkin pie! (Hold hands in a big circle) Pumpkin, pumpkin, pumpkin eye! (Curve hands around eyes) Pumpkin, pumpkin, pumpkin cake! (Hold hands flat, one about 5 inches above the other) Pumpkin, pumpkin, pumpkin shake! (shake fists by head) Pumpkin, pumpkin, pumpkin stew! (Pretend to stir stew) Pumpkin, pumpkin, pumpkin BOO! (do a peek-a-boo) Source: Jane Willis Johnston, via Jbrary
Action Song: Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!* (BB) (TB) (FT)
Craft: Pumpkin Patch We did a take on a previous craft I did that also incorporated the green leaves and yellow flowers we sang about in our “Pumpkin Vine” song. I offered two methods for the yarn vines: grownups could draw swirling vine shapes on the page with glue, then older kids could follow the glue with the yarn. That would take a little more coordination, but is less messy. Alternatively, I had some liquid glue in a shallow bowl, and kids could dunk the yarn in to saturate it, then add the vines whichever way they wished. Messier, but easier. Both methods work on fine motor skills! Unfortunately, I saw a lot of grownups drawing the glue swirls and then sticking the yarn on themselves, just letting kids add the pumpkins, leaves, and flowers. 😦
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) Let it Grow – Mary Ann Fraser & Riley Samuels Mr. Pumpkin’s Tea Party – Erin Barker Pumpkin Eye – Denise Fleming The Great Pumpkin Contest – Angie Rozelaar Stumpkin – Lucy Ruth Cummins Amara’s Farm – JaNay Brown-Wood & Samara Hardy Pumpkin Countdown – Joan Holub & Jan Smith Piggies in the Pumpkin Patch – Mary Peterson & Jennifer Rofé Pumpkin Trouble – Jan Thomas Biscuit Visits the Pumpkin Patch – Alyssa Satin Capucilli & Pat Schories
One of these I’d like to especially highlight is Let it Grow by Mary Ann Fraser & Riley Samuels. It didn’t come in on hold for me in time to use it in the program, but it’s such an excellent book I would have substituted it for How to Help a Pumpkin Grow. It also goes through the life cycle of the pumpkin – seed to vine to leaves to flowers to fruit. But it’s cleverly written, has a BIPOC character/family and even goes beyond the expected Jack-o-lantern size pumpkin – they let theirs grow to be a GIANT pumpkin, which they take to the fair and then use in the pumpkin regatta! The back matter talks about the real life regatta and has some great photographs that I’m sure would elicit lots of oohs and aahs. I’ll definitely be using this one next time!
This storytime was presented in-person on 10/24, 10/25, & 10/26/22.
**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 did this program virtually at the beginning of 2021, and I was jazzed to be able to do it in person this month. EVERYONE enjoyed the rabbit in a hat puppet, and all the kids wanted a chance to pet it (there were a few that wanted to “rescue” it from its hat, too!) The rabbit in a hat craft was also a hit – I’d put out the toys for playtime and they were all so involved with the craft that they didn’t notice until several minutes later (usually toys come out and crafts are DONE.) Kitamura’s Hat Tricks book worked well for both the younger and older kids, though I’d wished I had something slightly simpler for the babies. But I had enough 1.5-2.5 year old kids in that group that they enjoyed it. Cleminson’s Magic Box was a backup title for the older kids, but I didn’t end up using it.
Early Learning Tip: Walking, running, and dancing all require the body’s ability to keep a steady beat. By doing lap bounces with your baby you are getting them ready for this later developmental stage. (BB)
Early Learning Tip: Counting songs are great ways to introduce children to consecutive numbers and counting. To mix it up, count up AND down, use your non-dominant hand for counting, and occasionally count from or to a number outside of 5 or 10, as we did today in “Six Magic Rabbits.” (TB) (FT)
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 shoulders and knees.
Lifting Rhyme: Toast in the Toaster* (BB)
Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big* (BB) (TB) (FT)
Intro: Today’s theme is about Magic! Has anyone been to a Magic show? Or saw a magician do a magic trick?
I saw on the Once Upon a (Story) Time… blog the author mentioned a chalk story called “The Magician’s Hat.” One of the commenters identified the book it came from, and I ILLed it but didn’t get it in time to incorporate it into my planning. But I did want to include it here for your benefit and for my future self! Drawing Rhyme: The Magician’s Hat (refer to the pictures to see what to add for each line. The last line does not have an addition to the drawing) The magician has an empty hat (1) Turned upside down with a brim like that (2) Then suddenly a head appears (3) With two bright eyes… (4) …and two long ears (5) And a small round nose… (6) …and whiskers, too. (7) And magic stories just for you Source: Chalk in Hand: The Draw and Tell Book by Phyllis Noe Pflomm (c)1986 via Once Upon a (Story) Time blog
Sometimes a magician will use a magic wand, like this one! But – perhaps you can do magic with your finger! It’s possible you’ll need your grownup to infuse your finger with some magic, so they might give it a little kiss or blow a little air on it. Okay, you’re ready! At the end, after it inevitably gets quieter when we “shh,” I said, “Oh, it got quiet! You DO have a magic finger!” That got some laughs from the grownups. 🙂 Fingerplay: Magic Finger (BB) (TB) (FT) Magic finger in the air, Magic finger in my hair Magic finger on my fist, Magic finger on my wrist Magic finger on my shin, Magic finger on my chin Magic finger on my hip, Magic finger on my lips (shhhh!) Source: adapted from YouthLiterature.comvia Storytime Katie (two middle lines by Ms. Emily)
Rhyme Game: Abracadabra (TB) (FT) (children act as the “spell” indicates) Abracadabra, Alaka-zitty When I say KAZAM you’ll all be kitties! KAZAM! Abracadabra, Alaka-zoo When I say KAZAM you’ll all be kangaroos! KAZAM! Abracadabra, Alaka-zion When I say KAZAM you’ll all be lions! KAZAM! Abracadabra, Alaka-zow When I say KAZAM you’ll all be cows! KAZAM! Abracadabra, Alaka-zap When I say KAZAM you’ll all take a nap! KAZAM! Abracadabra, Alaka-zids When I say KAPOW you’ll turn back to kids! KAPOW! Source: libraryfun.home.blog
Transition: If You’re Ready for a Story* (BB) (TB) (FT)
Hattie the Rabbit just gives me all the joy. Read: Hat Tricks by Satoshi Kitamura (BB) (TB) (FT)
I had this as a backup book, but didn’t end up reading it. Read: Magic Box by Katie Cleminson
I used a black piece of felt to put over the rabbit and other items in the hat to keep them from showing. I had a seashell, a soft flamingo ornament, a kazoo, and a crocheted bee as my other items. At last, I told the kids my magic was a little rusty and asked if they could get out their magic fingers to help me out. Finally, the rabbit appeared! They LOVED this. Rhyme with Puppet: Hat Trick (BB) (TB) (FT) Magic, magic, in my hat! I’ll pull out a rabbit – (pull anything other than a rabbit) Ahhhh! What is that?! (repeat until ready for the rabbit)
Magic, magic, in my hat! I’ll pull out a rabbit – See! Look at that! Source: SLC Book Boy
For my age group, I did only four rabbits. Flannel Rhyme: Six Magic Rabbits (TB) Six magic rabbits, each in a tall black hat Along comes a magician who gives each one a pat Then she waves her magic wand high above their ears Abracadabra, poof! One rabbit disappears! (Count down to one)
One magic rabbit, in a tall black hat Along comes a magician who gives him a pat Then she waves her magic wand high above his ears Abracadabra, poof! The last rabbit disappears! Source: Libraryfun.home.blog
Before this rhyme, I mentioned that knowing our left and right is a learned skill (and not an easy one!) so grownups can help, or they can mirror me.We did it twice – the first time I demonstrated using only my hands, then the rabbit in the hat did it with us the second time. Puppet Rhyme: Little Bunny in a Hat (BB) (TB) (FT) Little bunny in a hat, Sitting so still (begin with bunny hidden) Will she come out? Yes she will! (bunny pops out of hat) She looks to the left (turn puppet left) She looks to the right (turn puppet right) She looks straight ahead (turn puppet to front) And pops out of sight (hides in hat again) Source: Jbrary
Fingerplay: Two Magic Rabbits (BB) Two magic rabbits, sitting in a hat One named Peter, one named Pat Disappear Peter, Disappear Pat Come back Peter, Come back Pat Source: One Little Librarian
Fingerplay: Bunnies Up! (TB) (FT) (index and middle finger make bunny ears if you don’t have a puppet) Bunnies up! Bunnies down! Hold your bunny & turn around Bunnies up! Bunnies down! Put your bunny on the ground Source: One Little Librarian
What do magic rabbits like to do? Just like all rabbits, they like to bounce! Let’s do a new bounce rhyme. I have been doing “A Smooth Road” for almost all of my Book Babies sessions, so I thought it was time for a new bounce. I adapted this from We Wiggle and We Wiggle and We Stop and NOT the Bounce and Stop one that goes to the tune of Farmer in the Dell, despite the similar name. Bounce Rhyme: We Bounce and We Bounce and We STOP (BB) We bounce and we bounce and we STOP We bounce and we bounce and we STOP We bounce and we bounce and we bounce and we bounce And we bounce and we bounce and we STOP! Repeat with “lean” and “tickle” Source: adapted from Jbrary
Hm, who else knows how to disappear? These bees like to disappear into their beehive. Let’s see if they’ll come out. My transition here was a bit of a stretch, but oh, well! Tickle Rhyme: Here Is the Beehive (BB) Here is the beehive, but where are all the bees? (make fist) 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
Action Song: Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes* (BB)
Action Song: Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!* (BB) (TB) (FT)
Craft: Magic Rabbit in a Hat Puppet (TB) (FT) Since I had so much fun with my puppet, I wanted the kids to have something they could use to recreate our rhymes and games. I used the template shared on Libraryfun.home.blog, printed them on white cardstock, and included a jumbo craft stick and some sparkly star stickers for this easy craft.The kids really enjoyed coloring their rabbits and decorating the hat, and seemed very engaged.
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) Max and the Won’t Go to Bed Show – Mark Sperring & Sarah Warburton The Magic Rabbit – Annette LeBlanc Cate The Magic Hat – Mem Fox & Tricia Tusa Foxy – Emma Dodd Word Wizard – Cathryn Falwell Spells – Emily Gravett The Wizard – Jack Prelutsky & Brandon Dorman Magic Candies – Heena Baek & Sophie Bowman Magic Matt and the Dinosaur – Grace Maccarone & Norman Bridwell Paddington and the Magic Trick – Michael Bond & R.W. Alley
This storytime was presented in-person on 9/26, 9/27, & 9/28/22.
**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
Storytime with Ms. Emily Library 