Tag: ukulele

Preschool Storytime: Green

Posted on by msemilylibrary

This was a milestone storytime for me. It was the one that I had planned and ready to go March 17, 2020, but was abandoned because our library closed March 16th. Because it was tied up as a St. Patrick’s Day alternative, I never used the theme later on while doing virtual, but held on to it to use in March 2021. So getting this ready for this year had a lot of “capital F” Feelings surrounding it.

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m not really into doing holiday themed programs, but would prefer to celebrate some secular aspect of popular holidays. Thus, instead of going on about leprechauns, rainbows, and Catholic saints, I focused this theme on the color green.

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

Early Literacy Tip: “Crossing the midline” is when we move our arm or leg across the middle of our body to perform a task. Crossing the midline is vital to the development of using both sides of the body together, such as putting on shoes and socks, writing and cutting. Practice crossing the midline by: playing with bubbles, cutting or drawing across a page, playing catch, and encouraging children to reach with one hand to touch their opposite foot, arm, ear, etc.

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

Discussion: We’re talking about the color green today. What are some things that are green? If you’re in person, you could shuffle the books around based on the answers you get – frogs, trees and grass seem to be common responses. I also mined my flannels for anything that was green!

Lots of green flannel pieces, culled from many sets. Includes dark and light green apples, alien, yarn, snake, turtle, chameleon, truck, rectangle, and two trees.

Bounce Song: Bumping Up and Down
Bumping up and down in my little green wagon
Bumping up and down in my little green wagon
Bumping up and down in my little green wagon
Won’t you be my darling?

Additional verses:
Driving around in my little green car… stroller… bicycle… etc.
Credit: adapted from Raffi

Additional or Alternative Action Rhyme: I Had a Little Turtle
I had a little turtle (make turtle with fist – thumb is the head)
His name was Tiny Tim
I put him in the bathtub
To see if he could swim.
He drank up all the water (glub, glub)
He ate up all the soap (munch, munch)
And when he woke up next morning
He had bubbles in his throat! (bubbly noises)
Credit: Jbrary

Read: One Frog Sang by Shirley Parenteau & Cynthia Jabar

The turtle verse might be my favorite of all the variations!
Song: Mmm-ah Went the Little Green Frog
Mmm-ahh (stick out tongue) went the little green frog one day,
Mmm-ahh went the little green frog
Mmm ahh went the little green frog one day,
And they all went mmm, mmm, ahh
But… We know frogs go (clap) sha-na-na-na-na (wiggle arms)
(clap) Sha-na-na-na-na, (clap) Sha-na-na-na-na
We know frogs go (clap) sha-na-na-na-na
They don’t go mmm, mmm, ahh!

Additional verses:
Hiss, Hiss went the slippery snake one day… (hands snake back and forth)
But… We know snakes go (clap) shoo-be-do-be-do (jazz hands)

Slow, slow went the little green turtle one day… (one hand on other, palms down, like a shell)
But… We know turtles go (clap) cowabunga, dude! (shaka hand sign)
Credit: Jbrary (different videos for frog, snake, and turtle verses)

Action Rhyme: Funny, Funny, Froggy
Funny, funny froggy, Hop, hop hop!
Funny, funny froggy, Stop, stop, stop!
Funny, funny froggy, Don’t run away!
Funny, funny froggy, Sit and play!
Credit: Perry Public Library (OH) via Books and Bibliotheks

I thought the rebus pictures at the back of the book were perfect for a flannel, though I had to add the bug. You can download a PDF of these here. They definitely helped me keep the song straight! (Note that you sing “chick in the egg, and the bird on the egg,” changing the pattern. It took me a few practice tries to get it right)
Read/Sing/Flannel: There Was a Tree by Rachel Isadora
There was a hole (there was a hole)
In the middle of the ground (in the middle of the ground)
The prettiest hole (the prettiest hole)
That you ever did see (that you ever did see)
Oh, the hole in the ground and the green grass grew all around, all around,
And the green grass grew all around!

Add a phrase each verse until you get to:
Oh, the bug on the wing,
and the wing on the chick,
and the chick in the egg,
and the bird on the egg,
and the egg in the nest,
and the nest on the branch,
and the branch on the tree,
and the tree in the hole,
and the hole in the ground,
And the green grass grew all around, all around,
And the green grass grew all around!

Printed and laminated "flannel" pieces showing the rebus symbols from Isadora's book. Includes hole, tree, branch, nest, egg, bird, chick in egg half, wing, and bug.

I really love how meditative and calming this song is.
Song: Standing Like a Tree
Standing like a tree (start with “prayer” hands in front of your heart)
With my roots dug down, (stomp feet)
My branches wide and open; (arms reach up and out)
Come down the rain, (fingers wiggle downward)
Come down the sun, (arms go back up and then go down, hands making a circle)
Come down the fruit to a heart that is open to be… (arms go back up, hands cup and move to heart)
Standing like a tree (repeat)
Credit: Betsy Rose, motions from Fall Creek Elementary’s video

Movement/Yoga: Tree Pose
I explained that the tree pose is a good balance builder and explained how to do it, with variations to make it easier and harder. And that it’s okay to feel unsteady or fall – it’s part of the process to get stronger.

Screenshot from virtual storytime video, showing Ms. Emily in Tree Pose.

Fingerplay: Five Plump Peas
Five plump peas in a peapod pressed (make a fist and cover with the other hand)
One grew, two grew, and so did all the rest (raise all fingers on first hand one by one)
they grew, & they grew, & they grew, & never stopped (hands get wider and wider)
They grew SO BIG that the peapod… POPPED! (hands spread as wide as possible, then clap!)
Credit: Carole Stephens

Read: In the Tall, Tall Grass by Denise Fleming

You might notice a lot of people wearing green tomorrow. Let’s see what we’re wearing today! (If in person, I would hand out shamrock stickers so everyone was wearing green. For virtual, I just went with it.)
Ukulele Song: I If You’re Wearing Green Today
(tune of If You’re Happy and You Know It)
If you’re wearing green today, dance a jig,
If you’re wearing green today, dance a jig
If you’re wearing green today, dance a jig, smile and wave
If you’re wearing green day dance a jig

Additional verses:
Clap your hands… Spin around… Shout Hooray!… Stomp your feet
Credit: Sunflower Storytime via Storytime with Ms. Kelly

Craft/Activity: Cutting the Grass
I saw this activity from Little Pine Learners and thought it was really clever. Kids get scissor practice, crossing the midline, the fun of discovery, and some coloring, if they wish. I made my own set of items that could be found under the grass (that pill bug was challenging but fun!), and stapled green construction paper over the top. In my take-home instructions, I encouraged parents to tape down the white part to a table or somewhere vertical, like the refrigerator to help make the cutting a little easier. Parents and kids can go on a scavenger hunt for these items in their own yard or in a park to extend the fun and learning. Download a printable PDF of the artwork here!

I also suggested these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video.
The Croaky Pokey by Ethan Long
Gator, Gator, Gator by Daniel Bernstrom & Frann Preston-Gannon
Where Is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox & Judy Horacek

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented virtually on 3/16/21.

Storytime Handout:
I had these already printed out from 2020, so I didn’t update them. (The header is different and there’s no info on our virtual storytimes). The Red Light/Green Light song was something I would have done in person, but not virtually.

Handout including suggested books and rhyme and song lyrics.

Preschool Storytime: Pets

Posted on by msemilylibrary

I’m not sure why I thought it was a great idea to do a bunch of animal-themed storytimes in the months BEFORE our animal-themed summer reading program, but here we are. Kids love animals, so it’s probably okay to do a bunch on them! There were so many great books for pets that I had lots of trouble deciding which to feature.

The flannel pieces I made from “scratch,” starting with clipart from Canva and building the layers. Since there are lots of potential pets, there was plenty of options to choose from, so I did as many animals as I could, and probably still left out a few. It was another labor of love, with some tiny pieces. Does anyone else feel like they ruin anything they add paint to? I just have NOT gotten a handle on how to make puffy paint look good. Overall, though, I’m happy with how it turned out.

See another version of this theme from 2025 here.
You can see the virtual program that does not include the full books read aloud here.

Early Literacy Tip: Even before your child can read on their own, books are a great way to work on visual literacy skills. Let them “read” the pictures to you – they’ll learn to pick up details, tell a narrative, and appreciate how illustrations can tell a story as well as text. Books like Dog in Charge or even wordless picture books are great for this exercise.

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

Discussion: Who has a pet at home? What kind? What do you love about them? If not, what kind of pet would you get if you could? Some of us can’t have pets because we’re allergic, or we don’t have the time or live in a space to properly take care of a pet, so maybe we have pretend pets or stuffed animals.

I adapted this rhyme to fit the pets I made flannels for, and updated the names to reflect a more modern and diverse set of kiddos.
Rhyme: Pet Show
We’re having a pet show in our neighborhood
With prizes for the pets that are good
Blake’s cat is the bravest and Juan’s turtle is cute
Quinn’s dog is funny, while Will’s hermit crab sure can scoot
Ana’s bunny is softest with her silky coat
And Noor’s goldfish is pretty, though all it does is float
Lane has a chameleon that is the best at hiding
And Jin has a snake that is very good at sliding
Khari has a guinea pig that really loves to chew
But my bird’s the only one that can say, “I love you”
Credit: adapted by Ms. Emily from Stratford Library (CT)

Flannel of various pets. Includes a chameleon, turtle, dog, goldfish, guinea pig, hermit crab, rabbit, cat, snake, and parakeet.

Read: Some Pets by Angela DiTerlizzi & Brendan Wenzel

Flannel Activity: Pet Voices
This my pet _____ . They make this sound ______.
(for example)
This is my pet fish. They make this sound: “Glub Glub”
Get creative with noises! Dog, cat, bird, snake, rabbit, lizard, turtle, etc.
Credit: Jen in the Library

Song: How Much is that Pet in the Window?
How much is that doggy in the window? Woof woof!
The one with the waggily tail?
How much is that doggy in the window? Woof woof!
I do hope that doggy’s for sale

Additional verses: (What do other animals do and say?)
Kitty…meow…whiskers so long
Bird… tweet tweet…flappity wings
Rabbit…hop hop…hoppity legs
Fish… glub glub… swimmy fins
Credit: Jen in the Library

Update 6/17/21: I recently used this song at an outreach event and played it on ukulele. It was a hit!

Get a downloadable ukulele songsheet here!

I used the template at kizclub.com for this one. I’m a little extra, so I used an exacto knife to cut out some of the white spaces before laminating. I also changed up the animal pronouns instead of defaulting male as the book does.
Flannel Retelling: Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell

Printed and laminated "flannel" pieces for the book Dear Zoo. Includes an elephant, giraffe, lion, snake, monkey, frog, camel, and dog, with crates for each.

I love this title so much. There’s some inference needed to understand what’s going on in the story, so don’t be afraid to talk it out with a younger group, but it’s just such a sweet book.
Read: Alfie by Thyra Heder

Action Rhyme: I Had a Little Turtle
I had a little turtle (make turtle with fist – thumb is the head)
His name was Tiny Tim
I put him in the bathtub
To see if he could swim.
He drank up all the water (glub, glub)
He ate up all the soap (munch, munch)
And when he woke up next morning
He had bubbles in his throat! (bubbly noises)
Credit: Jbrary

Action Rhyme: Can You?
(act out each line)
Can you hop like a rabbit?
Can you creep like turtle in a bog?
Can you stalk like a cat?
Can you run like a dog?
Can you slither like a snake?
Can you swim like a fish?
Can you sit down now and listen
And be as still as this?
Credit: adapted from Jen in the Library

I went back and forth on whether to read this one or Mr. Fuzzbuster Knows He’s the Favorite. Both are great. Dog in Charge is a little shorter, though, so it won out.
Read: Dog in Charge by K.L. Going & Dan Santat

Ukulele Song: The Goldfish by The Laurie Berkner Band, from the album Victor Vito

Get a downloadable ukulele songsheet for “The Goldfish” here!

thumbnail of ukulele songsheet for The Goldfish.

Craft: Fishbowl
Paper plate crafts are great. I love that it (hopefully) shows parents that they don’t need fancy art supplies to let their kids get creative. For this one, I took inspiration from Sunflower Storytime (who, in turn, credits Daisy Cottage Designs), and mine turned out to be a mix of the two. Since I had just given out cereal last week, I decided to use some leftover dried beans as the aquarium rocks, and used green tissue paper to make the underwater plant. If you don’t have beans, puffed rice would make a lighter alternative. I liked the look of the multicolored beans, though. I had two plants only because I had alternative directions on how to make two kinds, but gave the kids material enough for just one.

I also suggested these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video.
Lola Gets a Cat by Anna McQuinn & Rosalind Beardshaw
Take Your Pet to School Day by Linda Ashman & Suzanne Kaufman
Mr. Fuzzbuster Knows He’s the Favorite by Stacy McAnulty & Edward Hemingway

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented virtually on 3/9/21.

Storytime Handout:

Handout including book suggestions and rhyme and song lyrics.

Preschool Storytime: Soup

Posted on by msemilylibrary

In the colder months, I just love a hot bowl of soup. This session was pushed back one week due to a snow day closure, so I was extra prepared… One thing that was a challenge, though, is that so many of the songs and rhymes are presenting the same info. How to make soup, the steps involved, the motions of stirring and adding to a pot. I did my best to mix it up but it still felt a little repetitive to me as I was presenting. Perhaps I should have just cut a couple activities and made it shorter overall.

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

Early Literacy Tip: Some songs tell a story or have a logical sequence, like “Make the Soup.” Children learn what comes next. Recounting an event using a song helps them understand how narrative works and helps break down tasks step by step. Try adapting this to another task, like getting dressed or getting ready for bed.

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

Discussion: When it’s cold outside, a hot bowl of soup sounds really tasty! It helps to warm you up, and there are so many kinds. What kinds of soup can you think of?

Action Rhyme: Stir the Soup
Stir the soup in the pot,
Oh, boy, it’s really hot
Stir it fast, really fast
Stir it really, really slow
Stir it high, stir it low
It’s still hot, let’s blow
Stir it fast like you should.
I think it’s done! Mmmmmmmm! It’s good!
Credit: Johnson County (KS) Library

Have you ever helped make soup from scratch? Let’s see what it takes. I also provided a scan of the soup recipe from the back of this book in my take-home packets.
Read: Soup Day by Melissa Iwai

Action Song: Make the Soup
(tune of Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush)
Come and help me make the soup
make the soup, make the soup
Come and help me make the soup
One cold and frosty evening

Additional verses:
First you put the pot on the stove …
Then you pour the water in …
This is the way we add some veggies …
This is the way we stir the pot …
Now it’s time to take a sip …
Credit: Johnson County (KS) Library

Action Song: The Soup is Boiling Up
(tune of The Farmer in the Dell)
The soup is boiling up (hands corkscrew up)
The soup is boiling up
Stir it slow, around we go (stir)
The soup is boiling up
Sub kinds of soup: chili, daal, ramen, noodles, etc.
Credit: Jbrary

Read: Soup for One by Ethan Long

You can do this one as a fingerplay or by adding green pompoms to a play pot. When the peas “jump” out of the pot, they’ll go everywhere and cause some giggles. If you’re doing this one in person, you can give each child a “pea” and count up as many peas/kiddos as you have.
Fingerplay: Pea Soup
(begin with five fingers up)
One little pea jumped into the pot,
And waited for the soup to get hot (fold one finger down)

(count down)
Finally, the soup got so very, very hot,
That all the little peas jumped out of the pot!
(open hand jumps)
Credit: Librarian is on the Loose blog

Screenshot from storytime video, showing Ms. Emily holding a blue and orange play kitchen soup pot in one hand and a small green pompom in the other.
Pea Soup

Action Song: I Feel Crazy, So I Jump in the Soup
I feel crazy so I jump in the soup
I feel crazy so I jump in the soup
I feel crazy so I jump in the soup
I jump jump jump in the soup

Additional verses:
…swim…gallop…splash…sit…
Credit: Laurie Berkner, from the album “Victor Vito”

Read: Is That Wise, Pig? by Jan Thomas

Who likes alphabet soup? It’s fun to see if you can spell words or just find certain letters. Let’s sing our ABCs!
Song: ABCs

Ukulele Song: Noodles in My Soup
(tune of If You’re Happy and You Know It)
There are noodles, noodles, noodles in my soup
There are noodles, noodles, noodles in my soup
There are oodles, oodles, oodles
Of the most delicious noodles
There are noodles, noodles, noodles in my soup
(repeat with other soup ingredients, but keep 3rd & 4th lines)
Credit: Librarian is on the Loose blog

Craft: Alphabet Soup
Construction paper soup bowl! This was pretty easy – I asked a volunteer to cut out circles and spoons, and provided a generous snack-sized bag of Alpha-bits cereal to glue down and snack on. (I provided a copy of the nutrition facts and ingredient list from the box so caregivers knew exactly what was in the cereal.) Kids were encouraged to draw the soup ingredients that they like in addition to adding the cereal.
Warning! Alpha-bits cereal is NOT made the way it used to be, it seems. All of my pieces were very puffy and misshapen, and I could only identify a couple of actual letters – maybe an A, I, D, L, maybe a weird E or F. It was very disappointing. You may have better luck with actual dry alphabet noodles (though that doesn’t have the added benefit of being a snack on the side).

Craft of a bowl of soup with an orange placemat, blue bowl, light brown soup, and gray spoon. The soup has colored ingredients like celery, mushrooms, peas, and carrots, and has alpha-bits cereal glued to it. Caption says "Ms Emily's Alphabet Soup!"

I also booktalked these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video.
Every Color Soup by Jorey Hurley
Perfect Soup by Lisa Moser & Ben Mantle
A Soup Opera by Jim Gill & David Moose

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented virtually on 2/23/21.

Storytime Handout:

Handout including suggested books, rhyme and song lyrics.

Preschool Storytime: On-the-Fly Snow Day Edition!

Posted on by msemilylibrary

We had a snow day back in February on my usual storytime Tuesday. I debated just cancelling, but since I have the ability and the setup for virtual storytimes at home from when we were in lockdown, I decided to do a short improvised version. I looked through my personal book collection for something that would be seasonally appropriate and decided to go with the first chapter of Owl at Home by Arnold Lobel, all about a snowstorm! A couple more songs and a rhyme about sledding, and I was set. I had about an hour and a half between when I decided to do it and air time, but that turned out to be just perfect. I think it was one of my highest viewed (during the live), too!

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

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

Fingerplay: Here’s a Hill
Here’s a hill (tilt one arm like a hill)
And here’s a hill (tilt other arm like a hill)
All covered with snow (fingers wiggle down)
I’ll put on my coat (mime)
And jump on my sled (jump in seat)
And ZOOM, down the hill I will go! (clap hands, slide past each other)
Credit: The Holiday Zone via Storytime Katie

Read: Owl at Home by Arnold Lobel excerpt: Chapter 1 – The Guest

Song: Hoot, Hoot Went the Little Brown Owl
Hoot, hoot went the little brown owl one day (cup hands around mouth)
Hoot, hoot went the little brown owl
Hoot, hoot went the little brown owl one day
And they all went hoot, hoot, hoot!

But… We know owls go (clap) lah-di-dah-di-dah! (wiggle arms up and down)
(Clap) lah-di-dah-di-dah, (clap) lah-di-dah-di-dah!
We know owls go (clap) lah-di-dah-di-dah!
They don’t go hoot, hoot, hoot!

Additional verse:
Jump, jump went the little red squirrel one day (jump!) …
We know squirrels go (clap) rub-a-dub-a-dub (running arms)…
Credit: Jbrary

You know what sounds good on a cold day like today? A hot bowl of soup! What kind of soup do you like?
Ukulele Song: Noodles in My Soup
(tune: If You’re Happy and You Know It)
There are noodles, noodles, noodles in my soup
There are noodles, noodles, noodles in my soup
There are oodles, oodles, oodles
Of the most delicious noodles
There are noodles, noodles, noodles in my soup
repeat and sub other foods like peas, carrots, chicken, etc. (keep lines 3 & 4 the same)
Credit: The Librarian Is on The Loose

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

That’s it! No craft, no handout. Short and sweet.

This storytime was presented virtually on 2/16/21.

shows book covers for titles used in this storytime

Preschool Storytime: Knitting & Yarn

Posted on by msemilylibrary

As I was planning for a “Warm and Cozy” theme in December, I noticed that there were quite a few books about knitting that came up in my searches. I love to knit and crochet and these books were pretty darn cute. So I set them aside and planned to do a theme just on knitting and yarn.

NOTE: I’ve realized that the rhyme “Baa Baa Black Sheep” has problematic associations with racism and can be harmful. I’ll no longer be using it during storytime.

See another version of this theme from 2026.

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

cat knit book cover, showing a irritated dark gray cat tangled up in red yarn, with the ball end in the foreground with a pair of knitting needles in it.

Early Literacy Tip: Lacing activities help children develop fine motor skills, hand/eye coordination, motor planning, visual perception, improved attention, patience, and perseverance. In addition, lacing helps children practice the precursor skills for shoe tying and writing.

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

Discussion: What is this I have? It’s some yarn, and I’m using these needles to knit. Knitting is a way to make yarn into clothes like sweaters, mittens, hats, scarves. Do you know where yarn comes from? Our first book is about how a knitted item is made, all the way back from the wool sheared from the sheep. Did you know that the oldest piece of knitting found was a sock from Egypt in the 11th century CE!

Read: Farmer Brown Shears His Sheep by Teri Sloat & Nadine Bernard Westcott

NOTE: Since this storytime I’ve learned that this rhyme has problematic associations with racism. I will no longer be using it. I think in the future I would use this felt set to discuss different colors of wool without using the rhyme.
Nursery Rhyme: Baa, Baa, Black Sheep
Baa, baa black sheep have you any wool?
Yes, sir, yes, sir, three bags full
One for the mister, One for the dame
And one for the little boy who lives down the lane

Baa baa ___ sheep have you any wool?
Yes, ma’am, yes ma’am, three needles full
One to mend a jumper, One to mend a frock
And one for the little girl, With holes in her socks

Baa baa ___ sheep have you any wool?
Yes, child, yes, child, three bags full
One for the kitten, One for the cats
And one for the guinea pigs to knit some woolly hats

Baa, baa naked sheep have you any wool?
No, friend, no friend, I’m cold right through
Baa, baa naked sheep, what can we do?
Knit a sweater for me and you!
Credit: traditional, final rhyme and flannel via Piper Loves the Library

Sheep flannel set. Includes sheep with pink, green, red, dark gray, blue, and brown wool, plus a "naked" sheep and a green/pink/blue/orange striped sweater to add to the naked sheep.

I was pretty proud of myself for writing a new knitting verse!
Action Song: These Are My Glasses
These are my glasses, And 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

These are my glasses, And this is my yarn
I put on my glasses And start to knit my yarn
Now I look, look, look, And I knit, knit, knit
I put down my glasses and…
WHOOP! It’s time to quit
Credit: Laurie Berkner, from the album Whaddaya Think of That?
(second verse by Ms. Emily)

Read: Cat Knit by Jacob Grant

This flannel was a labor of love. I am so pleased with how it turned out, even though it was a lot of work! Click the link for more on how I made it, plus a downloadable template.
Counting Rhyme: Ten Balls of Yarn
Ten balls of yarn, sitting in a bowl
One fell out and started to…. ROLL
It bounced on my foot and there it sits
How many balls are left to knit?
(Count down to one)
Credit: Canton Public Library (MI)

Flannel set for "Ten Balls of Yarn" Includes blue, white, purple, green, pink, brown, red, yellow, orange, and black.

Song: Click Clack Went the Knitting Needles
(tune of Mmm Ahh Went the Little Green Frog)
Click, clack went the knitting needles one day (pretend to knit)
Click, clack went the knitting needles
Click, clack went the knitting needles one day,
and they both went click clack click!

But… We know needles go (clap) la de la de la (wave arms)
(clap) la de la de la, (clap) la de la de la!
We know needles go (clap) la de la de la,
they don’t go click clack click!

Roll, roll went the big ball of yarn one day (roll arms)…
We know yarn goes (clap) rub a dub a dub (running arms)…
Credit: Canton Public Library (MI)

This was a song that my predecessor played every week in storytime, and it’s a favorite with many of our regulars. I stopped doing it every week, but sprinkled it in every so often. This is the first time I did it for a virtual program – it seemed so appropriate for a knitting theme!
Recorded Song: Tap Your Sticks
Credit: Hap Palmer, from the album Rhythms on Parade

I like to knit, but it took me some time to learn how. And I wasn’t very good at it at first! Just like the girl in our next book.
Read: A Hat for Mrs. Goldman by Michelle Edwards & G. Brian Karas

Action Rhyme: Mittens Up
Put your mittens UP, put your mittens DOWN
Hold your mittens together, and turn around!
Put your mittens UP, put your mittens DOWN
Put your mittens flat down on the ground.
Credit: One Little Librarian

With “movie magic” I added a knitted item to my ensemble for each verse. One benefit of pre-recorded storytimes! I didn’t do this song for my Facebook Live version since I ran out of time.
Ukulele Song: I Wish I Were a Fuzzy Wuzzy Blanket
(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 …
Credit: Book Besotted Librarian Blog

Click here for a ukulele songsheet of this tune (words are for Pepperoni Pizza)

thumbnail of "I Wish I Were a Pepperoni Pizza" ukulele songsheet
screenshot from YouTube showing Ms. Emily wearing a knitted sweater, scarf, hat, and fingerless mittens, with a knitted blanket over one arm, with her ukulele, at the end of playing "I Wish I Were a Fuzzy Wuzzy Blanket"
ALL THE KNITS!

Craft: Y is for Yarn Lacing Card
Not exactly a craft this week, but a lacing activity. I asked a volunteer to pre-cut the Ys from craft foam, punched holes, and provided a length of yarn that had tape on both ends (imitating a shoelace). This correlated with our Early Literacy Tip for the week. Craft idea from The Lion is a Bookworm.

Photo of green foam letter "Y" laced with red yarn.

I also booktalked these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video.
Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen
Leave Me Alone! by Vera Brosgol
Knit Together by Angela Dominguez

knit together book cover, showing a mother and daughter hugging. The daughter is wearing a knit hat and scarf and the title is made with red yarn.

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

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

Storytime Handout:

Handout with suggested books and rhyme/song lyrics

Preschool Storytime: Bathtime

Posted on by msemilylibrary

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

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

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

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

thumbnail of Rubber Ducky Ukulele songsheet

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

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

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

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

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

Storytime Handout:

Rhyme sheet with book suggestions

Preschool Storytime: Hibernation

Posted on by msemilylibrary

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

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

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

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

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

Read: Hibernation by Margaret Hall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thumbnail of ukulele sheet

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

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

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

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

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

Storytime Handout:

handout with suggested books and rhyme/song lyrics

Preschool Storytime: Favorites

Posted on by msemilylibrary

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

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

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

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

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

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

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

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

closeup of fingerplay one images

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

closeup of fingerplay two images

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

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

closeup of scarf song images

Read: Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings

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

closeup of song images

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

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

closeup of action song images

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

closeup of ukulele song images

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

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

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

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

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

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

Storytime Handout:

Storytime handout with suggested books and rhyme/song lyrics.

Preschool Storytime: Feeling Thankful (2020)

Posted on by msemilylibrary

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

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

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

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

Read: Gracias / Thanks – Pat Mora & John Parra

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

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

Storytime Handout:

Preschool Storytime: Sounds We Hear

Posted on by msemilylibrary

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

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

See another version of this theme from 2025.

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

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

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get a downloadable ukulele songsheet here!

thumbnail of "shake my sillies out" ukulele song

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

Click here to download the String Phone Experiment Sheet.

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

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

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

Storytime Handout: