ukulele – Page 11 – Storytime with Ms. Emily Library

Preschool Storytime: What We Wear

Posted on October 28, 2020October 26, 2020 by msemilylibrary

I’ve been wanting to do a clothing theme since making the One Red Sock flannel a few months ago, so finally got a chance to do it. This was a fun theme, with lots of great options for books as well as songs and rhymes. I was also able to use the last Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award nominee from 2020 I hadn’t yet used in storytime, Pirate Jack Gets Dressed. I loved the flannelboard idea found in the program guide, and ended up with two versions. The first was a quicker, easier print out that came straight from the guide. I used magnets and quickly learned that it’s really hard to have multiple layers with magnets! Plus, some things went under his beard, complicating the layering. I ended up making a felt version that worked much better. This was a good storytime to talk about the myth of “girl colors” and “boy colors” since Pirate Jack loves all the colors, and I also put in a little plug about glamorous clothes good for some people (boys and girls), but it’s okay to want to wear plain clothes, too. Dismantling gendered socialization one storytime at a time!

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

Early Literacy Tip: Playing rhyming games in the car, while waiting for an appointment, or anywhere can be a fun way to help your child hear the smaller sounds in words. Remember, children can recognize a rhyme before they can make the rhyme. So if it’s too hard to make rhymes, let them start with hearing rhymes and recognizing them. For example, the question “Does cat rhyme with bat?” is easier for young children to answer than the question, “What rhymes with cat?” Children enjoy playing with words and their sounds.

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

Ukulele Song: If Your Clothes Have Any Red
(tune of If You’re Happy and You Know It)
If your clothes have any red, any red,
If your clothes have any red, any red,
If your clothes have any red,
Put your fingers on your head,
If your clothes have any red, any red.

Additional verses:
Blue … count your fingers up to two
Green … curl your fingers and look mean
Pink … open your eyes wide then blink
Black … do a quick jumping jack
Brown … make a face like a clown
Yellow … Sit back down and look real mellow
Credit: Firefly Early Literacy Award Program Guide 2020 (Pink, black, and brown verses by Ms. Emily)

Download a ukulele songsheet for If You’re Happy and You Know It)

Read: Pirate Jack Gets Dressed by Nancy Raines Day & Allison Black
I did the flannel while reading the book. A little more difficult, but it was worth it. I started by creating a printed cardstock version, laminated, and attached with magnets. As someone who has to complicate everything, I replaced the generic face with an actual scan of Pirate Jack’s illustration. I cut out his beard and cut slits in the shirt, vest, and coat to get them all to fit underneath. However, the paper version was VERY precarious on a vertical magnet board and awfully difficult to keep so many layers in the right place. When it was clear that wasn’t working well, I went ahead and did a felt version. I lengthened his body to fit the pants and boots (in the paper version his boots are just stuck on the ends of his legs with nothing underneath.) I like the felt version a lot, even though it was a lot of work! The parrot might be my favorite piece!

Action Song: Baby, Put Your Pants On
(tune of Shortnin’ Bread)
Baby, put your pants on, pants on, pants on (mime putting on pants)
Baby, put your pants on: 1, 2, 3!

Repeat with other articles of clothing (socks or tights, shoes, etc.)

Now that you’re all dressed, all dressed, all dressed
Now that you’re all dressed, Let’s go out to play!
Credit: Storytime Hooligans

Our next book is about a missing sock! It reminded me of a poem I heard that made me laugh:
Poem: I’m Glad I’m Not a Centipede
I’m glad I’m not a centipede
And I will tell you why:
I would have 100 feet
And 100 shoes to tie!
Credit: thelibraryann

Read: One Red Sock by Jennifer Sattler
Two flannels in one storytime! Crazy.

Flannel for one red sock. Purple hippo, pink chair, variety of socks next to the book.

Action Rhyme: Hickory Dickory Dock
Hickory, dickory, dock. Let’s put on our socks.
We’ll walk around, Without a sound,
When we put on our socks

Additional verses:
…We’ll slide around…
…We’ll tiptoe around…
Credit: Miss Mariah’s Library

Shaker Song: We Shake and We Shake and We Stop
We shake and we shake and we STOP
We shake and we shake and we STOP
We shake and we shake and we shake and we shake
and we shake and we shake and we STOP
Repeat with other actions such as circle, roll, twirl, tap, wave)
Credit: Jbrary

Shaker Song: Wishy Washy Washerwoman
Waaaay down in the valley where nobody goes
There’s a wishy washy washerwoman washing her clothes
She goes wishy washy up, she goes wishy washy down
She goes wishy washy up, she goes wishy washy down
That’s how the wishy washy washerwoman washes her clothes!

Additional verses:
…drying her clothes, she goes whoo-eee! (shake in a circle)
…folding her clothes, she goes side, side (clap shaker to one side, then the other)
Credit: traditional, as sung by Carole Peterson on her page Macaroni Soup

Our next story is about a little girl who likes to wear glamorous clothes!
Read: Mary Had a Little Glam by Tammi Sauer & Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Action Song: Hat, Sweater, Pants, and Shoes
(tune of Head Shoulders Knees and Toes)
Hat, sweater, pants, and shoes (Pants and shoes)
Hat, sweater, pants, and shoes (Pants and shoes)
Belt, and scarf, and underwear!
Hat, sweater, pants, and shoes (Pants and shoes)
Credit: Literary Hoots

Craft: Clothesline Scene
Color a field or the ground for your clothesline to sit on. Glue down the ends of the yarn but leave the middle free, then the sticks to make the clothesline. Color and cut clothes out, then “hang” them using tabs. (If this is too fiddly, feel free to glue down the string and the clothes.) Add details like sun, clouds, trees, etc.
I couldn’t find clothes with tabs the way I wanted, so I created my own page of clothesline clothes using Canva. Download the PDF here.

I also booktalked these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video.
Ella Sarah Gets Dressed by Margaret Chodos-Irvine
Mrs. McNosh Hangs Up Her Wash by Sarah Weeks & Nadine Bernard Westcott

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented virtually on 9/29/20.

Storytime Handout:

Preschool Storytime: No Theme

Posted on October 26, 2020 by msemilylibrary

This was my second virtual storytime ever, way back in March. I worked with books I had at home and tried to transition between them using rhymes and songs. I used shaker songs, so encouraged caregivers to make a simple shaker at home using rice or beans in a closable container their child could grip (mine is a 4 oz plastic food container secured with tape). I also said that even if you don’t have a shaker, you can participate by getting out your “magic shaker” – an invisible shaker you can shake and make noise with a “cha-cha” sound. This was a storytime I did exclusively on Facebook Live, and do not have a permanent YouTube version available. With everyone staying safer at home, we weren’t providing handouts or Take and Make packets at that time. I tried to suggest either crafts made with household materials or activities caregivers could do with their child.

Welcome Song: Clap and Sing Hello

Fingerplay: Mr. Bullfrog
Here is Mr. Bullfrog (make fist)
sitting on a rock (place fist on other palm)
He jumps into the water… (lift fist, building anticipation)
Kerplop! (clap hands together)
Credit: Storytime with Miss Tara and Friends

Read: Jump! by Scott M. Fischer

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!
Credit: Jbrary (see video for motions)

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

Read: The Pigeon Wants a Puppy! by Mo Willems

Action Song: 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 (flop hands up and down by ears)
and his tail wig wags (wiggle bottom)
And when he walks, he goes zig zag! (zig zag hands together)

He goes flip flop, wig wag, (pause) zig zag (repeat motions above)
He goes flip flop, wig wag, (pause) zig zag
He goes flip flop, wig wag, (pause) zig zag
I love Rags and he loves me! (arms cross chest)
Credit: Jbrary

Ukulele Song: Days of the Week
(tune of the Addams Family Theme)
Days of the week (clap, clap)
Days of the week (clap, clap)
Days of the week, days of the week, days of the week (clap, clap)

There’s Sunday and there’s Monday
There’s Tuesday and there’s Wednesday
There’s Thursday and there’s Friday
And then there’s Saturday!
Credit: Yogibrarian

Download a ukulele songsheet for Days of the Week

Read: Saturday by Oge Mora

Breathing Exercise
When things don’t go our way, sometimes it helps to take some deep breaths, just like Ava did in Saturday. Will you breathe with me? Let’s breathe in for 3 counts and out for 3 counts.

Activity Suggestion: Puppets!
Just as Ava and her mother made puppets, so can you! You can make puppets from a sock, a paper lunch sack, or even make finger puppets out of plain paper. Dramatic play is great for storytelling and narrative skills, and is a great creative outlet! My puppets were a paper bag flamingo, a sock puppet with pink bows, and a pigeon finger puppet. (My sock puppet was dismantled after storytime.)

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented virtually on 3/30/20.

Baby & Toddler Storytime: Eggs

Posted on October 17, 2020 by msemilylibrary

Well, this was a very loose theme. I believe it was near Easter, and I was using only my own personal books during lockdown. It was just past my own birthday, so that’s how I looped in The Birthday Box. It was slim pickin’s at that point! I also did a bit of talking during this storytime about mask wearing, so that took up some time I would normally have done some more rhymes. This was a storytime I did exclusively on Facebook Live, and do not have a permanent YouTube version available. With everyone staying safer at home, we weren’t providing handouts or Take and Make packets at that time. I tried to suggest either crafts made with household materials or activities caregivers could do with their child.

Welcome Song: Clap and Sing Hello

I’d used the printable flannelboard for this rhyme from Sunflower Storytime before, but at home I had to do without. Instead I made it a fingerplay.
Fingerplay: Ten Fluffy Chickens
Five eggs and five eggs (show hands, one at a time, with fingers wide)
And that makes ten (bring hands together)
Sitting on top is Mother Hen (fold one hand over other)
Cackle cackle cackle (clap, clap, clap)
What do I see? (questioning pose)
Ten fluffy chickens (all fingers out)
Yellow as can be (wiggle fingers)
Credit: Sunflower Storytime

Read: Good Egg by Barney Saltzberg
This is such a fun novelty book – it includes tabs and pop-up elements and compares an egg getting ready to hatch to a dog. In the end, the egg “speaks” – “peep, peep!”

Earlier in the spring, we talked about how caregivers could make a simple shaker at home using rice or beans in a closable container their child could grip (mine is a 4 oz plastic food container secured with tape). I always say that even if you don’t have a shaker, you can participate by getting out your “magic shaker” – an invisible shaker you can shake and make noise with a “cha-cha” sound.
Shaker Song: We Shake and We Shake and We Stop
We shake and we shake and we STOP
We shake and we shake and we STOP
We shake and we shake and we shake and we shake
and we shake and we shake and we STOP
Additional verses:
We circle…
We tap…
We roll…
Credit: Jbrary

Read: The Birthday Box by Leslie Patricelli
Another book that uses a cardboard box to discuss imagination, à la Not a Box by Portis.

And now a transition from imagination to going on an imaginary trip to the moon…
Action Song: Zoom, Zoom, Zoom
Zoom, zoom, zoom (scrape hands past each other rhythmically)
We’re going to the moon.
Zoom, zoom, zoom
We’re going to the moon.
If you want to take a trip (walk fingers up opposite arm)
climb aboard my rocket ship.
Zoom, zoom, zoom
We’re going to the moon.
In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 (count on fingers and crouch progressively lower)
Blast off! (jump up!)
Credit: Jbrary

Discussion: Masks
I made a small sized mask to fit on my Scaredy Squirrel puppet, who “attends” all my virtual storytimes, and talked about mask wearing.
I know we’re mostly staying in the house right now, but if you go out to a store or on a walk, you may see people who look a little different – they’re wearing a mask! Here’s Scaredy Squirrel’s mask. It covers his nose and mouth, and is held in place with these loops that go behind his ears. It may look a little funny and different, but it’s not scary! It is just hiding those parts of his face so that his germs can’t go out to others, and others’ germs don’t come in to his nose or mouth to make him sick. Ms. Emily has a mask, too – see how it goes over my ears and covers my nose and mouth. I’m still here underneath, and it looks a little silly, like I’m hiding. But I’m not hiding from friends, I’m hiding from GERMS! So, if you see people wearing masks while you’re out, there’s no reason to be scared. It just helps protect us if we have to go out. Your grown up might ask you to wear a mask, too. It takes some getting used to, but it isn’t hard! Grownups, remember, the CDC recommends that kids under the age of 2 shouldn’t wear a mask, but older kids can.

Ukulele Song: 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 goose kissing a moose?”
Down by the bay!
Additional verses:
… a whale with a polka dot tail?
… a fly wearing a tie?
… a bear combing his hair?
… a llama eating pajamas?
Did you ever have a time when you couldn’t make a rhyme?
Credit: traditional, as popularized by Raffi on the album Singable Songs for the Very Young

Download a ukulele songsheet for Down By the Bay

Activity Idea: Design an Egg
Grownups can draw egg shapes on paper, then kids can draw and design fanciful patterns. You can also draw what might be inside an egg – a chicken? A duck? An alligator?!

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented virtually on 4/7/20.

Preschool Storytime: Mistaken Identity

Posted on October 1, 2020 by msemilylibrary

What a mouthful for a storytime theme – Mistaken Identity! Yet, I easily found three books that tied to this concept and I’m sure there are many more. We spent a moment at the beginning of the session breaking down the phrase and talking about what it means, and I got feedback later that the kids really enjoyed these stories. This was an early-lockdown storytime I did exclusively on Facebook Live, and do not have a YouTube version available. With everyone staying safer at home, we weren’t providing handouts or Take and Make packets at that time. I tried to suggest either crafts made with household materials or activities caregivers could do with their child.

Welcome Song: Clap and Sing Hello

Read: Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins

Fingerplay: Hickory Dickory Dock
Hickory, dickory dock
the mouse ran up the clock (fingers run up arm)
the clock struck one (clap once)
the mouse ran down (fingers run down arm)
hickory dickory dock.

Additional verses:
…the clock struck two (clap twice) the mouse said, boo! …
…the clock struck three (clap three times) the mouse said, whee! …
…the clock struck four (clap four times) the mouse said, no more! …
Credit: Jbrary

Song: Grr, Grr Went the Big Brown Bear
Grrr, grrr went the big brown bear one day (make claws and scary face)
Grrr , grrr went the big brown bear
Grrr, grrr went the big brown bear one day
And they all went grrr, grrr, grrr
But… We know bears go (clap) huggy, huggy, hug! (hug yourself)
(Clap) Huggy, huggy, hug, (clap) huggy, huggy, hug!
We know bears go (clap) huggy, huggy, hug!
They don’t go grrr, grrr, grrr

Jump, jump went the little red squirrel one day (jump!)
Jump, jump went the little red squirrel
Jump, jump went the little red squirrel one day
And they all went jump, jump, jump.
But… We know squirrels go (clap) rub a dub a dub! (arms “run” in front of you)
(Clap) Rub a dub a dub, (clap) rub a dub a dub!
We know squirrels go (clap) rub a dub a dub!
They don’t go jump, jump, jump

Mmm-ahh went the little green frog one day (stick out tongue)
Mmm-ahh went the little green frog
Mmm-ahh went the little green frog one day
And they all went mm-mm-ahh!
But… We know frogs go (clap) sha-na-na-na-na (jazz hands)
(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 mm-mm-ahh!
Credit: Jbrary

Read: The Wide-Mouthed Frog by Keith Faulkner & Jonathan Lambert

For this song, I use three differently sized frog rasps that I purchased on Amazon. They’re a lot of fun and the kids love them. Thanks so much to Ada Moreau Demlow for posting a video of her original creation on Facebook!
Song: Three Frogs in a Bog
There was a big frog (rasp, rasp)
Lived in a big bog (rasp, rasp)
He swam in the water (rasp, rasp)
Played on a big log (rasp, rasp)
Big log (rasp, rasp)
Big bog (rasp, rasp)
Big frog (rasp, rasp)

There was a middle-sized frog…
There was a little frog…

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

Three wooden frog-shaped percussion instruments, with a line of ridges down the back; large, medium, and small. Each holds a removable wooden percussion stick in its mouth. — Frog rasps

Fingerplay: Mr. Bullfrog
Here is Mr. Bullfrog (make fist)
sitting on a rock (place fist on other palm)
He jumps into the water… (lift fist, building anticipation)
Kerplop! (clap hands together)
Credit: Storytime with Miss Tara and Friends

Read: Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Tom Lichtenheld

Ukulele Song: Duck On Her Head
Ms. Emily’s got a duck on her head
Ms. Emily’s got a duck on her head
Ms. Emily’s got a duck on her head
And she keeps it there all day! (Quack, quack!)

Repeat with children’s names and other animals. I used animals that were in our stories and rhymes today: Rabbit, Frog, Bear, Goose, Mouse.
Credit: Laurie Berkner (Original song is “Pig on Her Head”)
Get a downloadable ukulele songsheet here!

Craft Idea: Animal Headband
Use construction paper and any other craft materials you wish to create a headband featuring an animal you like best! Add ears, eyes, noses or snouts to evoke different animals. I made a duck, and traced my hands to make the wings. Pro tip – always staple with the smooth side toward the inside so it doesn’t get tangled in a child’s hair!

Yellow paper headband with features to look like a duck: wing feathers, eyes, and an orange beak.

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented virtually on 4/14/20.

Baby & Toddler Storytime: Firefly Award

Posted on September 12, 2020May 10, 2021 by msemilylibrary

Since 2015, the Indiana State Library has had an annual reader’s choice award for excellent picture books called the Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award. Libraries around the state are encouraged to present the five nominated books and collect votes from kids ages 0-5. Even in lockdown, there were ways to promote the program. The ISL got permission to do a read-aloud video for each title available during the voting period. I promoted two of those titles during this storytime and encouraged parents to watch the remaining three and vote. (I have/will be featuring the other titles in other storytimes.) We learned later that the winning title for 2020 was Don’t Blink! The ISL does a great job promoting this program, and creates a programming guide with suggested extension activities for each title, which I drew from to create this storytime. Read more about the Firefly Award here! This was also a storytime I did exclusively on Facebook Live, and do not have a YouTube version available. With everyone staying safer at home, we weren’t providing handouts or Take and Make packets at that time. I tried to suggest either crafts made with household materials or activities caregivers could do with their child.

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

Welcome Song: Clap and Sing Hello

Tickle song: Spots, Spots, Spots
Spots, spots, spots, spots, spots, spots, spots, spots
A leopard has lots of spots
What a lot of spots he got
A tiger’s stripes are always nice
But a leopard has lots of spots
Spots, spots, spots, spots, spots, spots, spots, spots
Credit: Jbrary

Read: B Is for Baby by Atinuke & Angela Brooksbank

Ukulele Song: My Bonnie
(Stand up or sit down (or raise or lower arms) every time you hear a word beginning with “B”!)
My Bonnie lies over the ocean,
My Bonnie lies over the sea,
My Bonnie lies over the ocean,
Oh bring back my Bonnie to me.

Bring back, bring back, Oh bring back my Bonnie to me, to me:
Bring back, bring back, Oh bring back my Bonnie to me.
Credit: Traditional, actions as described on the album Jim Gill Sings Do Re Mi on His Toe Leg Knee.
Get a downloadable ukulele songsheet here!

Thumbnail of ukulele songsheet for "My Bonnie"

Many people in African countries are experts at carrying items on their head. These could be anything from a basket of fruit to a sewing machine! This leaves their hands free for other tasks and for greeting friends. (Point out illustration on the B is for Bougainvillea page) How far can you go with a beanbag, pillow, or stuffed animal on your head?

Action Song: The Bean Bag
Verse 1
Throw the bean bag and catch
Turn around, turn around, stamp, stamp, stamp
Throw the bean bag and catch
Turn around, turn around, stamp, stamp, stamp

Chorus
Put it on your head and walk around the room (4 times)

Put it on your shoulder, Put it on your elbow
Put it on your knee, Put it on your back now
Put it on your stomach, Put it on your finger
Put it on your foot, Put it on your arm now
repeat chorus
repeat verse 1
Credit: Hap Palmer, from the album Can a Jumbo Jet Sing the Alphabet?

Have you ever tried to skip bedtime? What did you do? Did it work? What is you usual bedtime routine? Here’s a story about skipping bedtime.

Read: Don’t Blink! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal & David Roberts

Lullaby: Over the Ocean
Sailing, sailing over the water
Sailing, sailing over the sea
Sailing, sailing over the ocean
Sail back home to me
Credit: Kathy Reid Naiman from the album A Smooth Road To London Town

*SEE EDIT ABOVE* Ukulele Song: Every Little Cell
(tune of Shortnin’ Bread)
Every little cell in my body is happy
Every little cell is healthy and well
Every little cell in my body is happy
Every little cell is healthy and well

Cells on my left, cells on my right
All my cells are doing just fine
Cells from my top all the way down my spine
My cells work together to keep me in line
Credit: Mick Jeffries taught me the first verse, I wrote the second
(I also saw Allison Davies perform it with a different second verse)

Activity Suggestion: Beading
We saw beautiful, colorful beads in B is for Baby. Spend some time this week beading! Beading is a great activity for fine motor skills. You can make big beads by cutting sections of cardboard tubes (and children can decorate them, too). Older children may enjoy beading with pasta or large wooden beads. For the string, use yarn, shoelaces, or household twine. Wrap tape around the ends of yarn and twine to make it easier to thread.

Also check out the other Firefly Award nominees!
Firefly Home by Jane Clarke & Britta Teckentrup
Pirate Jack Gets Dressed by Nancy Raines Day & Allison Black
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented virtually on 4/21/20.

Baby and Toddler Storytime: Things That Go

Posted on August 27, 2020May 10, 2021 by msemilylibrary

I was getting down to the last few “themes” that seemed to work out of the books I had in my home and a box of books my director pulled for me while the library was closed, but transportation is a classic and there are lots of extensions that go with it! This was also the first video that I re-recorded with booktalks instead of full readings in order to archive it permanently on YouTube. (The full video went live on Facebook and was deleted in a week.) With everyone staying safer at home, we weren’t providing handouts or Take and Make packets at that time. I tried to suggest either crafts made with household materials or activities caregivers could do with their child.

*EDIT: I’ve realized that the tune “Shortnin’ Bread” is rooted in racism and can be harmful. I’ll no longer be using “Every Little Cell” 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: When children are young, they treat books as they would any other toy – they play with them! This means they put them in their mouths and explore them by pushing and pulling and sometimes tearing them. When you allow your young children to explore books, they are learning how to handle them. Keep some in their toy box. You are helping your children develop print awareness. They are learning how books work, with pages that turn. This is one of the skills that researchers have shown is an important part of a strong foundation for reading.

Welcome Song: Clap and Sing Hello

Read: Vroom! by Barbara McClintock
I love that this title features a female protagonist, lots to look at in the scenery, and even shows the author posing in front of her race car on the back flap!

Action Rhyme: Green Means Go
Green means “GO!” Go! Go! Go! (roll arms quickly)
Yellow means “Slow.” Slow… slow… slow. (roll arms slowly)
Red means “STOP!” (ASL sign for stop: one hand making a chopping motion onto flat opposite hand)
Go! Go! Go! (roll fast!)
Slow… slow… slow. (roll slowly)
Stop! (ASL Sign)
Credit: Jbrary

Song: I’ll Take You Ridin’ in My Car
I’ll take you ridin’ in my car, car (“drive” with a “steering wheel”)
I’ll take you ridin’ in my car, car
I’ll take you ridin’ in my car, car
I’ll take you ridin’ in my car.
Additional verses:
The doors on the car go open and shut… (hands or arms move open and shut)
The windshield wipers go swish, swish… (arms wiper back and forth)
The horn on the car goes beep, beep… (push the horn)
The engine it goes “brrrmp, brrrmp”… (make engine noises with raspberry lips)
Credit: Woody Guthrie, as adapted by Jbrary

Read: Puppy Truck by Brian Pinkney

Lap Bounce: Bumpity, Bumpity Goes the Dump Truck
(tune of Michael Finnegan)
Bumpity, bumpity goes the dump truck
Bumpity, bumpity goes the dump truck
Bumpity, bumpity goes the dump truck
Dump out the load! (lean to side or back)
Credit: Jbrary

Action Song: The Wheels on the Bus
The wheels on the bus go round and round
Round and round, Round and round
The wheels on the bus go round and round
All through the town!

Additional verses:
The money on the bus goes clink, clank, clink…
The wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish…
The driver on the bus says “Move on back!”…
The doors on the bus go open and shut…
The babies on the bus go “Wah, wah, wah!”…
The parents on the bus go “Shush, shush, shush!”…
Credit: Traditional

Read: The Pigeon Loves Things That Go! by Mo Willems

Rhythm Rhyme: Hippopotamus on a City Bus
(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)

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, a snake, a snake got on the bus
Yes, a snake, a snake, a snake got on the bus
And all, and all, and all the people said,
“Sssssssssit down!” (motion hand down)

A sheep, a sheep, a sheep got on the bus
Yes, a sheep, a sheep, a sheep got on the bus
And all, and all, and all the people said,
“Baaaack up!” (lean far back)
Credit: I’ve known this one a long time, but Jbrary has a lap bounce version.

An off-theme song to wrap up, but one to reinforce some feelings of healthfulness.
*SEE EDIT ABOVE* Ukulele Song: Every Little Cell
(tune of Shortnin’ Bread)
Every little cell in my body is happy
Every little cell is healthy and well
Every little cell in my body is happy
Every little cell is healthy and well

Cells on my left, cells on my right
All my cells are doing just fine
Cells from my top all the way down my spine
My cells work together to keep me in line
Credit: Mick Jeffries taught me the first verse, I wrote the second
(I also saw Allison Davies perform it with a different second verse)

Activity Suggestion: Play with Cars
Take some time to play with cars or trucks this week! You can make a track using tape on the floor, chalk on a sidewalk outside, or use the pattern lines already on rugs or blankets. If you don’t have toy cars, you can decorate toilet paper rolls. You may even want to have a “drive-in movie” at your house by making a car with an old cardboard box. (Image credits to A Little Pinch of Perfect and Welcome to Nana’s)

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented virtually on 5/5/20.

Preschool Storytime: Summertime Fun

Posted on August 25, 2020August 25, 2020 by msemilylibrary

The first inkling of this storytime theme came from a desire to use the book Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall. It’s a gorgeous book with a lovely story about everyday fear and courage at a public pool. As I was researching other books to use with a “Summer” theme, I saw several that had to do with pools, vacations, visiting relatives, selling lemonade etc. All things that kids right now cannot do due to public places being closed and the need to stay safer at home. I decided that I really wanted to highlight the summer fun that can be had even with lockdowns and quarantine. I will definitely return to Jabari Jumps another time, but for now I focused on popsicles, hiking/camping, and firefly watching.

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

Early Literacy Tip: Our fingerplay and craft activities encourage your children to use finger motions of different kinds, grasping, and gripping muscles. These motions help them later when they are learning to write.

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

What’s something that makes you think it’s summer? It’s hot! What makes it hot? The sun!
Ukulele Song: Mr. Sun
Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun
Please shine down on me
Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun
Hiding behind a tree
These little children are asking you
To please come out so we can play with you
Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun
Please shine down on me
Credit: Raffi (from the album Singable Songs for the Very Young)
Get a downloadable ukulele songsheet here!

Action Rhyme: Big Round Sun
Big round sun in the summer sky (arms rounded up high)
Waved to a cloud that was passing by (wave)
The little cloud laughed as it started to rain (fingers wave down)
And out came the big round sun again. (arms rounded high)
Credit: Mel’s Desk

One thing I like to do when it’s hot outside is have a popsicle! This book talks about paletas – that’s popsicles in Spanish.

Read: What Can You Do With a Paleta?/¿Qué Puedes Hacer Con una Paleta? by Carmen Tafolla & Magaly Morales

I sang this one instead of using the recording, so I could do the different flavors (I think the official song only does lime, grape, and rainbow.) I did the first verse as a setup, then only repeated the second part for each flavor.
Flannel Song: I’m Eating a Popsicle
In the summer when it’s really hot,
I want something that will hit the spot
Well it’s not a pickle & I’m not very fickle
All I want is an ice cold popsicle!

I’m eating a grape popsicle,
I’m eating a grape popsicle
Slurp, slurp, slurp, (slurp, slurp, slurp)
Yum, yum, yum (yum, yum, yum)
Now stick out your tongue: egh, egh, egh
Stick out your tongue: egh, egh, egh
What color is your tongue when you’re done?
(repeat with: lime, cherry, orange, lemon, blueberry, rainbow)
Credit: Jodi Koplin’s Jigglejam (from the album Jumpin’ Bean)

Flannel of a girl with afro puff hair and 7 popsicles: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and rainbow striped. There is a matching removable tongue to go with each flavor. — My cute popsicle girl!

In the summer we can also go camping or on a nature hike. Or on a boat like a canoe or a rowboat.

Bounce Song: Rowin’ Down the River
(tune of Bumpin’ Up & Down in My Little Red Wagon)
Rowin’ down the river in my little green canoe (bounce or row)
Rowin’ down the river in my little green canoe
Rowin’ down the river in my little green canoe
Won’t you be my darlin’?

Additional verses:
Lookin’ out for rocks… (shade eyes)
Wavin’ to a turtle… (wave)
Don’t stand up or you might tip over… (lean left and right)
Credit: Ms. Emily Library, adapted from Mel’s Desk

Read: Hiking Day by Anne Rockwell & Lizzy Rockwell

Fingerplay: Here is the Camper
Here is the camper (Hold up finger)
Here is the tent (Bend fingers of other hand over like tent)
They crawl inside on a summer night (Finger goes under hand)
Fireflies flicker in a friendly way (Fists opening out rapidly)
All is calm ’til the light of day. (Head on folded hands)
Credit: Sturgis Kids Wiki

Something special we enjoy in Indiana, perhaps even in your backyard: fireflies (or lightning bugs)! Did you know that the Say’s Firefly is the Indiana State Insect?

Fingerplay: Two Little Fireflies
Two little fireflies shining in the sky,
One shined low and one shined high.
Fly away low, Fly away high.
Come back low, Come back high.

Two little fireflies shining in the grass,
One shined slow and one shined fast.
Fly away slow, Fly away fast.
Come back slow, Come back fast.
Credit: Indiana Firefly Award 2020 Program Guide

Two paper fireflies attached to popsicle sticks. — Firefly puppets made with art shared by the Indiana Firefly Award 2019 Program Guide

Read: Firefly Home by Jane Clarke & Britta Teckentrup

Song: Twinkle, Twinkle Firefly
(tune of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star)
Twinkle, twinkle firefly, How I watch you in the night.
I see you sparkle, I see you shine, I hold you in these hands of mine.
Twinkle, twinkle firefly, A world of wonder flashing by.
Credit: Indiana Firefly Award 2020 Program Guide

Craft: Firefly Suncatcher. Use contact paper and tissue paper squares to make a firefly suncatcher. (or mooncatcher?) From I Heart Arts N Crafts via the Indiana Firefly Award 2020 Program Guide.

Craft depicting fireflies with black heads and wings and yellow and green thoraces made from tissue paper and clear contact paper. — Image credit to Jackie at I Heart Arts N Crafts

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

I also booktalked these alternative titles during the permanent YouTube video. Each corresponds to one of the themes above. Let’s Go Hiking was actually written by a local author who is also one of my storytime moms!
One Hot Summer Day by Nina Crews
Let’s Go Hiking by Caitlin Taylor
Among a Thousand Fireflies by Helen Frost & Rick Lieder

This storytime was presented virtually on 8/18/20.

Storytime Handout:

Preschool Storytime: Silly Stories

Posted on August 20, 2020August 19, 2020 by msemilylibrary

This was one of my last storytimes that I did before we had access to the library building again, so I used books I had in my house as well as ones I had asked my director to pull for me. This storytime and the ones that came before it in lockdown were a bit of a mishmash of what I had on hand and a “theme” I could connect them with. These three books were just silly, so that became the theme! As with all the other storytimes done when the library was closed, we were not offering Take and Make packets or handouts.

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

Early Literacy Tip: Helping your children associate books and reading with something enjoyable and positive is supporting print motivation, a child’s interest in and enjoyment of books and reading. Researchers have noted that children who have enjoyable experiences around books are more likely to stick with learning to read even if it difficult.

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

Read: Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems

Action Rhyme: The Colors I See
Red, red is the color I see
If you’re wearing red then show it to me!
Stand up, take a bow, turn around
Then sit back down right on the ground!
Repeat with any colors – don’t forget black, white, and brown!
Credit: King County Library System

Flannel Game: Little Mouse
Little Mouse, Little Mouse,
Are you in the red house?

Flannel set with seven houses of varying colors and sizes and one small mouse

Read: Who Wet My Pants? by Bob Shea & Zachariah Ohora

Bouncing Song: Baby, Put Your Pants On
(tune of Shortnin’ Bread)
Baby put your pants on, pants on, pants on
Baby put your pants on, 1, 2, 3
Baby put your pants on, pants on, pants on
Baby put your pants on, 1, 2, 3

Leg to the left, leg to the right
Wiggle and jiggle and pull ’em up tight.
Leg to the left, leg to the right
Wiggle and jiggle and pull ’em up tight.

Other verses: shirt, socks, shoes, hat
Credit: Jbrary

Fingerplay: Two Little Friends
Two little friends are better than one (two fingers on one hand, one finger on the other)
And three are better than two
And four are much better still –
Just think! What four little friends can do!
List activities that four friends can do together.
Credit: King County Library System

Read: Dinosaur Vs. Bedtime by Bob Shea

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!

Activity Suggestion: Paper Plate Doughnuts. Make your own doughnuts like the ones in Who Wet My Pants? with paper plates. Decorate the outside with the icing and sprinkles you like, and ask a grownup to help cut out a hole in the middle. If you make multiples, you can use them for a ring toss game!

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented virtually on 5/12/20.

Preschool Storytime: My Many Feelings

Posted on August 19, 2020May 10, 2024 by msemilylibrary

I’ve been wanting to do a storytime about feelings for a while now. With the kids going back to school and the world turned upside down, it seemed like the time had come. There are so many great picture book options – you could probably do a theme on each feeling individually! I tried to whittle down my favorites to include in the handout.

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

See another version of this theme from 2024.

Early Literacy Tip: Learning to identify and name our feelings has been shown to release chemicals in the brain that help us feel calmer and able to control negative feelings. According to research, children who understand their own and others’ feelings and learn to manage their emotions have been shown do better in their lives in several ways. These skills are important for getting along with others, staying alert and engaged in activities, and for solving problems peacefully. Books showing emotions help kids develop these skills.

Welcome Song: We Clap and Sing Hello

Discussion: What are some different feelings? Happy, sad, angry, surprised, scared, bored, lonely, curious, confident, shy, worried, silly… How can we tell what other people are feeling? Tone of voice, the way their body is held, mostly in the face! Use Sunflower Storytime’s feeling faces and ask the kids to make their best faces for each emotion.

Action Rhyme: Feelings
Sometimes on my face you’ll see (point to face)
How I feel inside of me (Point to chest)
A smile means happy, a frown means sad (Smile, then frown)
And when I grit my teeth, I’m mad (Grit teeth and frown)
When I’m proud I beam and glow (Smile, thumbs up)
But when I’m shy, my head hangs low (Bow head)
Credit: Karen Folk. 1001 Rhymes and Fingerplays, via Sunflower Storytimes

Read: Hooray for Hat! by Brian Won

Flannel Song: Five in the Bed
There were five in a bed, and the little one said (5 fingers up)
“Roll over, roll over” (make rolling motion)
And they all rolled over and one fell out.
There were four in a bed… (continue down to one)

There was one in the bed and the little one said,
(tune of He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands)
“Ahhhhhhhh. I’ve got the whole bed to myself!
I’ve got the whole wide bed to myself!
I’ve got the whole bed to myself,
I’ve got the whole bed to myself! Goodnight!”
Credit: traditional

[My friend Rebecca at Oconee County Library cued me in to connecting the songs Five in the Bed and He’s Got the Whole World; I think it’s a brilliant mashup! I made my own copy of Five in the Bed flannel using inspiration from Adventures in Storytime for the faces and Making Learning Fun for the bed. The faces flip to show their sleeping and surprised faces (the little one starts out grumpy)]

Read: Mouse Was Mad by Linda Urban & Henry Cole

Ukulele Song: Take a Breath (The Self-Reg Song)
When I’m not doing fine, I keep this in mind
I can take a breath or two
When I want to feel well, I can be still
I can take a breath or two

Breathing in, Breathing out, Breathing in, Breathing out
When I am still, I can be fine, Breathing in and out

Additional verses:
…I can sing a song or two…
…I can move my arms around…

Last verse:
To change how I feel, I keep this in mind
I can take a breath – I can hum a song – I can move my arms –
And feel all right.
Credit: Raffi, from the album Dog on the Floor
Get a downloadable ukulele songsheet here!

Thumbnail of ukulele songsheet for Take a Breath

Finger Rhyme: Five Little Frogs
(hold each finger in turn, starting with the thumb)
Five little frogs standing in a row
This little frog stubbed his toe
This little frog said, “Oh, Oh, Oh!”
This little frog laughed and was glad
This little frog cried and was sad
This little frog, so thoughtful and good,
Ran for the doctor as fast as he could
Credit: Mansfield/Richland County (OH) Public Library

Read: The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld

Song: If You’re Happy and 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, then your face will surely show it
If you’re happy and you know it shout hooray

Additional verses:
If you’re grumpy and you know it, stomp your feet…
If you’re sad and you know it have a cry (boo hoo)…
If you’re silly and you know it wave your arms…
If you’re surprised and you know it shout “oh my!”…
If you’re scared and you know it, cover your eyes…
Credit: Traditional

Craft: Paper Plate Faces
from the Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award 2020 Program Guide
This activity is a great way to talk about feelings, as well as working on fine motor skills. Use paper plates to make faces by JUST drawing the EYES and NOSE (hair, ears, and eyeglasses optional!) Use the longer pipe cleaner pieces to make different mouth expressions on the paper plate, and the shorter pieces to make eyebrows if desired. Lead your child with questions like “Can you make a happy face with the pipe cleaner?” and “What would the face look like with an angry expression?” OR, let your child decide what emotion to create, then talk about what they made.

Picture of paper plate craft with examples of a happy, surprised, and angry face made with pipe cleaner mouths and eyebrows.

Suggested Activity: Play with blocks the way Taylor does in The Rabbit Listened. Blocks have many benefits to early learning, such as matching, counting, sorting, and even gravity, balance, and geometry.

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented virtually on 8/11/20.

Storytime Handout:

Baby and Toddler Storytime: Opposites

Posted on August 13, 2020August 13, 2020 by msemilylibrary

I’m not sure what sparked this theme – I think I was pondering that so many of our rhymes and songs feature opposites, and I found and loved the book Up, Up, Up, Down. Then it just all came together. This is the last of my Baby and Toddler themes for spring. During the summer, it seemed like the fairytale theme worked better with longer books, so they were all preschool oriented. I did try to offer bounces and motion alternatives for younger kids during that time. I probably should start alternating again! When I planned this program in mid-May, we weren’t providing handouts or Take and Make packets. I tried to suggest either crafts made with household materials or activities caregivers could do with their child.

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

Early Literacy Tip: Helping children understand the concept of opposites helps give them more information about the world around them. They’re building background knowledge which means they’ll have better comprehension when they start learning to read independently.

Welcome Song: Clap and Sing Hello

Action Rhyme: Roly Poly
(Roll hands and change voice to coordinate with the lyrics)
Roly poly, roly, poly, up, up, up (arms up, voice higher)
Roly poly, roly, poly, down, down, down (arms down, voice low)
Roly poly, roly, poly, out, out, out (arms far from chest, voice expansive)
Roly poly, roly, poly, in, in, in (arms close to chest, voice and lips collapsed)
Roly poly, roly, poly, BIG, BIG, BIG (large movements, voice loud)
Roly poly, roly, poly, very, very small (roll only index fingers, voice quiet)
Roly poly, roly, poly, fast, fast, fast, fast, fast! (roll quickly, voice frenetic)
Rol…ly… po…ly… in… your… lap (roll very slowly, then lay hands down, speak in slow motion)
Credit: Rebecca Jane Flanagan

Action Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big
This is big, big, big (hold arms out to side)
This is small, small, small (cup hands together)
This is short, short, short (flat hand lowers)
This is tall, tall, tall (flat hand reaches up)
This is fast, fast, fast (circle fists quickly)
This is slow, slow, slow (circle fists slowly)
This is yes, yes, yes (nod head)
This is no, no, no (shake head)
Credit: Mel’s Desk

Read: Up, Up, Up, Down by Kimberly Gee

Lifting Song: The Elevator Song
Oh, the city is great and the city is grand!
There’s a whole lot of people
On a little piece of land
And we live way up on the 57th floor
And this is what we do when we go out the door:

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.
Credit: Jbrary

Read: Don’t Wake Up the Tiger by Britta Teckentrup

Activity Suggestion: Opposites Scavenger Hunt
Spend some time this week searching for and pointing out opposites with your child in your everyday life. Remember to look for things that can be felt (rough/smooth, soft/hard, wet/dry) as well as those that can be seen (tall/short, round/square, black/white). Explore movement opposites with our rhymes or a game of your own (fast/slow, loose/rigid, over/under, in front/behind.)

Closing Rhyme: Tickle the Stars

This storytime was presented virtually on 5/19/20.