ukulele – Page 5 – Storytime with Ms. Emily Library

Book Babies Storytime (August)

Posted on February 2, 2024February 1, 2024 by msemilylibrary

Here’s another Book Babies plan! This was the plan for August, 2023. This month’s prop was egg shakers, and we did a lullaby to the tune of “Love Me Tender” on ukulele. I do the same themeless plan three weeks each month at a time, to get the caregivers familiar and comfortable with the songs and rhymes. I usually switch to a different prop each month, and change out songs and rhymes a few at a time, so there are always a few familiars in the lineup.

The books featured in the photos below are just some of the board books made available for individual reading.

See all the Book Babies plans here.

Early Literacy Tip: Making up new lyrics to songs you already know (as in our lullaby, You’re My Rainbow) is a great way to be creative and introduce your child to popular music.

Here is our room setup, with the parachute out for babies to lay on/sit on, with a few chairs for those who prefer them to the floor. My pink short chair is perfect for this – I can move easily from it to the floor if I want to demo one way or another. I wish our parachute was colorful – I think the original idea was that you can write on it. There are some names on there from years ago that are probably grown with their own children by now.

Photo showing Book Babies setup, with a round white parachute spread on a purple rug, with purple chairs to either side. A board book is set on each wedge, and a small pink chair sits at the head, with a dog puppet on the chair and a frog stuffy laying on the parachute. An easel to the side of the chair has song lyrics on it.

For this and the next song, I use puppets to greet everyone.
Welcome/Puppet Song: Hello, Everybody
(tune of Skip to My Lou)
Hello, everybody and how are you?
Hello, everybody and how are you?
Hello, everybody and how are you?
How are you today?

Hello, [name 1], how are you?
Hello, [name 2], how are you?
Hello, [name 3], how are you?
How are you today?

I finally changed up this hello animal puppet song! I do still start with the dog Scout, then bring out two other random animals.
Song: The Dog Says Hello
(tune of Farmer in the Dell)
The dog says hello, The dog says hello
Woof, woof, Woof-woof, woof-woof
The dog says hello!
Repeat with any other animals; try using puppets!
Source: adapted from the traditional

This tune follows a major scale from one octave to the next and back again. I think it’s great for babies to hear it since it’s the basis of most Western music and having those tones in your head will help with musicality.
Body Song: Creeping Little Flea
(sing up and down a scale)
Creeping, creeping, little flea,
Up my leg and past my knee
To my tummy, on my nose
To my head where my hair grows! (top of scale)
Now he’s creeping down my chin,
To my tummy once again
Down my leg and past my knee
To my toe that little flea – GOTCHA! (tickle foot)
Source: King County (WA) Library System

A classic. I encourage parents to do the motions in front of their baby like a “puppet show.” Since it’s hard to put your arms behind your back when holding a baby, when the birds fly away, I just wiggle and then tuck my fingers away.
Fingerplay Rhyme: Two Little Blackbirds
Two little blackbirds, sitting on a hill
One named Jack, and one named Jill
Fly away, Jack; fly away, Jill
Come back, Jack; come back, Jill
Source: traditional

Bounce: Giddy-Up
Giddy-up, giddy-up ride to town
Giddy-up, giddy-up up and down
Giddy-up fast, Giddy up slow
Giddy-up, giddy-up, giddy-up, WHOA! (lean backwards gently)
Source: Mead Public Library (WI)

Bounce/Lift: Acka Backa
Acka backa soda cracker,
Acka backa boo!
Acka backa soda cracker,
Up goes you! (lift)
Acka backa soda cracker,
Acka backa boo!
Acka backa soda cracker,
I love you! (hug)
Source: traditional

This isn’t a terribly difficult song, but there are a lot more chords (eight) with the bridge part than the typical children’s song. If it’s helpful, it’s totally okay for you to have the songsheet out during your program – that’s what I do! It’s okay to not have songs memorized (and I think that goes for all songs/rhymes. I put words up for caregivers, but I use them, too, and I don’t think that’s a bad thing.)
Ukulele Lullaby: You’re My Rainbow
(tune of Love Me Tender)
You’re my rainbow, you’re my star,
You’re my bright red cookie jar
You’re my goldfish, you’re my pie,
You’re the apple of my eye
You’re my rainbow, you’re my star
You’re my bright red cookie jar
You’re my daisy, you’re my vine,
You’re my own true Valentine
Source: Dany Rosevear

Download a ukulele songsheet for You’re My Rainbow.

I place a book on each wedge on the parachute , so I encourage grownups to take a few minutes to grab a book that is nearby and looks interesting, and to interact with the book however they’d like with their baby. They can read the text, but they don’t have to – they can describe the pictures, colors, or even just let their baby practice turning pages. We generally do this for 2-3 minutes, or until the group as a whole seems to be nearing a stopping point.
Read: choose a board book that’s nearby and looks interesting to you!

Pictured:
Bath! Bath! Bath! – Douglas Florian & Christiane Engel
How Are You?/¿Cómo estás? – Angela Dominguez
How Kind! – Mary Murphy

We did this last month, but I liked it so much we kept it for this month.
Song: I’m Riding on My Bicycle
(Lay baby on their back, and cycle their legs like they’re riding a bike!)
I’m riding on my bicycle,
I’m riding on my bicycle,
I’m riding on my bicycle,
All around the town!

Verses:
My bike goes up, up, up… My bike goes down, down down… (legs go up or down)
My bike goes slow… My bike goes fast… (cycle fast and slow)
My bike goes twist… My bike goes turn… (cross legs both ways)
My bell goes ding-a-ling-a-ling! (tickle!)
Source: Nancy Kopman (this link is to the full song)

Prop Songs & Rhymes
Each month is a new prop. This month is shaker eggs! Babies love their shakers.

Shaker Song: Shake Your Shaker
(tune of Grand Old Duke of York)
You shake your shaker high
You shake your shaker low
You shake your shaker fast, fast, fast
And then you shake it slow
Source: Harris County (TX) Public Library

Shaker Song: 1 – 2, Shake it On Your Shoe
1, 2 – Shake it on your shoe
3, 4 – Shake it on the floor
5, 6 – Stir and mix
7, 8 – Stand up straight
9, 10 – Wave to your friends!
Source: Jbrary

This was one that sounds traditional, but I had never heard before. I like the tune.
Shaker Song: Cobbler, Cobbler
Cobbler, cobbler, mend my shoe
Get it done by half past two, Tu-la-roo-la-roo
Half past two is much too late
Get it done by half past eight, Tu-la-roo-la-roo
Source: Dynamic Music Room

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

To adapt this for babies, we bounce or clap rather than scraping our hands past each other, and walk fingers up and down baby’s body, arms, or legs for the “if you want to take a trip” part.
Lifting Song: Zoom, Zoom, Zoom
Zoom, zoom, zoom, We’re going to the moon
Zoom, zoom, zoom, We’re going to the moon
If you want to take a trip climb aboard my rocket ship
Zoom, zoom, zoom, We’re going to the moon
In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Blast off!
Source: Jbrary

I find it really helpful to finish with a rhyme that definitively says that storytime is over. This one is short and sweet.
Goodbye Rhyme: Hands Up High
Hands up high! (Put your hands in air)
Now give a big sigh (sigh and bring hands down)
Our storytime’s over
So wave bye-bye (wave)
Source: Pasadena Public Library

And that’s it! We don’t have time for free play at the end, but I encouraged grownups to take a little time in the children’s department to play and socialize together.

Suggested books are a little different on my handout since at my library board books are not able to be held if they’re checked out. My handout says:
Check out our board book selections – they cannot be held or requested, so see what’s available anytime you visit the library! Here are some other titles that *can* be requested:
Go! Go! Go! Stop! – Charise Mericle Harper
You Are New – Lucy Knisley
After the Buzz Comes the Bee – Rachel Isadora & Robie Rogge
Good Morning, Good Night – Anita Lobel
Leo Can Swim – Anna McQuinn & Ruth Hearson
5 Little Ducks – Denise Fleming

This storytime was presented in-person on 8/7, 8/21, & 8/28/23.

Storytime Handout:

Storytime: Color Wheel – Red

Posted on January 26, 2024January 25, 2024 by msemilylibrary

Starting our Color Wheel series with the primary colors, last week was Blue, this week is RED. There are lots of great red things to build our storytime around.

First off, I brainstorm what is red (usually or always) and songs and rhymes that work with those things. Here’s what I came up with for red:

Berries: Strawberry, raspberry, cherry
Apples
Cardinal bird
Tomato/Spaghetti/Pizza
Fire engines
Crabs
Ladybugs
Stop signs
Caboose
Barn
Hot/Bell Peppers

And thinking of extension activities, here are ones that came to mind:

One Red Sock flannel
Five Fat Sausages (my flannel shows the sausages as red)
Five Little Apples
Four Juicy Apples
Great Big Apple Tree
Green Means Go (? – uses three colors)
Little Apple Seed
Little Red Caboose
Little Red Train Going Down the Track
Hurry Drive the Fire Truck
Pat a Cake Pizza
Pick Berries High
Picked a Strawberry
Pretty Ladybug

I also searched other blogs for a red theme and got a few other ideas, then wove together a plan. I think I’m learning that the transitions are very important for these – it feels a little cheap to say, “oh, here’s another thing that’s red.” I didn’t do a great job with that this week, and I felt it during the program. It was a little disjointed and not as satisfying for me. Next week, yellow, I concentrated more on how to move from one topic to another and was a lot happier with the result.

Early Development Tip: Songs and rhymes that focus on body parts and their actions increase children’s awareness of how different parts of the body can start specific movements. By using their muscles to make the motions in a song, children develop both their gross motor skills and body self-awareness.

Welcome Song: Hello, Friends* (TT) (TB) (FT)**

Warm Up Song: Wake Up, Feet* (TT) (TB) (FT)
This is a repeated song that everyone seems to enjoy. I always begin and end with feet and tummies, but find two other body parts to wiggle in the middle. This week it was arms & chins.

Lifting Rhyme: Toast in the Toaster* (TT) (FT)

Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big* (FT)

Intro: Look at these beautiful colors on this color wheel! In the next couple of months, we’re going to get to know each of these colors in our storytimes. Today’s color is red! Can you think of anything that is red? Write items on whiteboard in red pen. Is anyone wearing red today?

I made this color wheel, using the “chart” feature in Canva, since I wanted an unusual seven-wedge pie, including pink, which I couldn’t find already made.

A round color wheel showing the colors red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and pink, with a highlighted white outline wedge around blue, which can spin on a push pin in the middle.

I plan to do this rhyme at the beginning of all of the color sessions. Just in case someone doesn’t wear a particular color, I gave out small colored dot stickers (that my library already had) to each kid as they arrive.
Action Rhyme: The Color I See (TT) (TB) (FT)
Red, red is the color I see
If you’re wearing red, then show it to me
Stand up, take a bow, turn around
Show me your red and sit back on the ground
Source: Librarian vs. Storytime

Transition: If You’re Ready for a Story* (TT) (TB) (FT)

A definite classic.
Read: The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Don & Audrey Wood (TT)

book cover of The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear

A much newer book, but one that really worked well. I decided to repeat it for my third session, even though they skew younger.
Read: Firefighter Flo! by Andrea Zimmerman & Dan Yaccarino (TB) (FT)

I changed the song order around depending on which book I read – we did “Picked a Strawberry” first after the Little Mouse book, and “Hurry Drive the Firetruck” after Firefighter Flo.

Song: Picked a Strawberry (TT) (TB) (FT)
(tune of Clementine)
Picked a strawberry, picked a strawberry
That was growing in the sun
Then I washed it, and I ate it
And I picked another one
Repeat with other red foods: apple, tomato, raspberry, etc
Source: Jbrary

This was a new to me apple rhyme, and a nice change from my usual Two Little Apples.
Action Rhyme: Little Red Apple (TT) (TB) (FT)
A little red apple grew high in a tree (raise fist above head)
I looked up at it, It looked down on me
“Please, please, please come down,” I said
And that little red apple fell right on my head! (bonk your own head with fist)
Source: Librarian vs. Storytime

I can think of another food that doesn’t grow on a tree or a bush, but it has a delicious red sauce on it. Pizza!
Tickle Rhyme: Pizza Pickle Pumpernickel (TT) (TB) (FT)
Pizza, pickle, pumpernickel, (bounce)
My little one shall have a tickle! (tickle)
One for your nose, And one for your toes,
And one for your tummy, where the pizza goes!
Source: King County (WA) Library System

Oh, there’s a tiny red bug over here. Do you know her name?
I used a flannel ladybug that I made for a bug storytime to fly around and land on my parts.
Body Rhyme: Ladybug, Ladybug (TT) (TB) (FT)
Ladybug, ladybug, Fly out of the farm
and land right on my little arm
Pair other rhyming places/body parts like:
Tree/Knee, Bed/Head, Rose/Nose
Source: Storytime Secrets

This one uses a problematic tune, so I try to sing it more like Old Town School of Folk Music. The actions are a lot of fun, and I always enjoy slowly driving back to the station.
Wee-oo, I hear a siren! What red vehicle uses a siren?
Action Song: Hurry, Hurry (TT) (TB) (FT)
Hurry, hurry, drive the fire truck
Hurry, hurry, drive the fire truck
Hurry, hurry, drive the fire truck
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding!

Additional verses: …turn the corner; …climb the ladder; …spray the water; Slowly, slowly, to the station…
Source: Old Town School of Folk Music

There’s another vehicle that’s usually painted red, and it’s at the end of a train.
This is always a fun song, which I play on ukulele, and use a wooden train whistle to do the Woo-woos at the end of each verse, encouraging the kids to woo along.
Ukulele Song: Little Red Caboose (TT) (TB) (FT)
Little red caboose chug, chug, chug,
Little red caboose chug, chug, chug,
Little red caboose behind the train, train, train, train
Smokestack on its back, back, back, back
Coming down the track, track, track, track
Little red caboose behind the train, Woo-woo!

Little red caboose chug, chug, chug,
Little red caboose chug, chug, chug,
Little red caboose behind the train, train, train, train
Always at the end, end, end, end
Comin’ round the bend, bend, bend, bend
Little red caboose behind the train, Woo-woo!

Always on time, time, time, time
Comin’ down the line, line, line, line
Little red caboose behind the train, train, train
Never running late, late, late, late
Comin’ through the gate, gate, gate, gate
Little red caboose behind the train, Woo-woo!
Source: Lindsay Munroe

Get a downloadable ukulele songsheet for “Little Red Caboose” here!

So this one we’ll do at the end of each color session, too – so there are some familiarity bookending this series. I have rainbow colored scarves, and pass them out for everyone to wave around while we sing.
Scarf Song: Rainbow Colors (TB) (FT)
(tune of Twinkle Twinkle)
Rainbow colors way up high, Happy colors in the sky
Red and pink and green and blue
Yellow, orange, and purple, too
Rainbow colors way up high, Happy colors in the sky
Source: adapted from King County (WA) Library System

Action Song: Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!* (TT) (TB) (FT)

Craft: Red Abstract Art (TB) (FT)
Another process art craft to focus more on creativity than on a finished product. I provide some art supplies (all red!) and let the kids do what they wish. Each week, I’ll plan to use slightly different media, but hope to keep the craft very open ended. This week I provided red crayons, red tempera paint, and red stickers.

Abstract art with red shapes made by different shades of red crayons, painted squiggles, and stickers of a red umbrella.

Play Time
The toddlers have two laundry baskets of baby toys – rattles and cars, sorters and stackers, toy phones and spinners. For the older kids, I have foam blocks, soft food toys, puzzles, and a few other items that are a little more sophisticated than the baby toys. For Family Time, I gauge the overall age of the group and put out what seems right for them. We play for 5-10 minutes at the most, then I ring the bell and ask the kids to help me clean up. I think the clean up bit is good practice for them!

Goodbye Song: See You Later Alligator* (TT) (TB) (FT)

Goodbye Rhyme: Tickle the Stars* (TT) (TB) (FT)

Other books I had available for families to browse (and may work for you on this theme)
Mine! – Candace Fleming & Eric Rohmann
Apple Farmer Annie – Monica Wellington
One Fox – Kate Read
Yoo-Hoo, Ladybug! – Mem Fox & Laura Ljungkvist
Firefighter Duckies! – Frank W. Dormer
One Red Sock – Jennifer Sattler
Pete’s a Pizza – William Steig
Llama, Llama Red Pajama – Anna Dewdney
Pizza Day – Melissa Iwai

This storytime was presented in-person on 1/15, 1/16, & 1/17/24.

Storytime Handout:

thumbnail of handout with suggested books, rhymes, and song lyrics

*Lyrics to these songs can be found on the Repeated Songs & Rhymes page.

**These symbols indicate the program sessions I used the activities for:
(TT) Toddler Time, ages 1-2
(TB) Teddy Bears, ages 2-3.5
(FT) Family Time, ages 0-3.5

Book Babies Storytime (July)

Posted on January 19, 2024January 17, 2024 by msemilylibrary

Here’s another Book Babies plan! During the summer I was outside for my toddler classes, so this was the only indoor program I did in June and July. Here’s the plan from July, 2023. I do the same themeless plan three weeks each month at a time, to get the caregivers familiar and comfortable with the songs and rhymes. I usually switch to a different prop each month, and change out songs and rhymes a few at a time, so there are always a few familiars in the lineup.

The books featured in the photos below are just some of the board books made available for individual reading.

See all the Book Babies plans here.

Early Literacy Tip: Pairing directional words with motions that match while singing and rhyming helps babies better understand their meanings in a fun way. The purposeful gestures we use in “I’m Riding on My Bicycle” and “The ‘Chute Is on My Head” help baby learn new words.

I sing this to the tune of Where Has My Little Dog Gone, and none of the videos I’ve seen of these words do. But I can’t not hear it to this tune! Do what works for you.
Body Song: Where Are Baby’s Fingers?
(tune of Where Has My Little Dog Gone)
Where, oh where are baby’s fingers?
Where, oh where are their toes?
Where, oh where, is baby’s belly button?
‘Round and round it goes!
(make circle around belly)

Where, oh where are baby’s ears?
Where, oh where is their nose?
Where, oh where, is baby’s belly button?
Round and round it goes!
Source: Jbrary

I thought it was very cool to learn (and share with my families) that this rhyme was published in a book for children in 1893. There are a few slightly different versions, but this is the one we did.
Fingerplay Rhyme: Here Is a Ball for Baby
Here’s a ball for baby (touch ten fingers together in a ball)
Big and soft and round
Here is baby’s hammer (pound fist into palm)
See how it can pound
Here are baby’s soldiers (hold fingers up)
Standing in a row
Here is baby’s music (clap hands)
Clapping, clapping so
Here is baby’s trumpet (hands to mouth like a trumpet)
Tootle-doo-doooo!
And here’s baby’s favorite game,
Peek-a-boo! (cover face with hands, then remove)
Source: Washington County (OR) Cooperative Library Services

Bounce: A Smooth Road
A smooth road! (repeat x4) (slowly, and sway baby gently)
A bumpy road! (x4) (a little faster, bouncing gently up and down)
A rough road! (x4) (even faster, bouncing and adding erratic swaying)
Oh, no! A hole! (tip over, lift up, and/or let them fall safely through your knees)
Source: Jbrary

Bounce/Lift: Acka Backa
Acka backa soda cracker
Acka backa boo!
Acka backa soda cracker
Up goes you! (lift)
Acka backa soda cracker
Acka backa boo!
Acka backa soda cracker
I love you! (hug)
Source: traditional

After some bouncing and lifting, we slow it down a bit with a lullaby. This is such a sweet one.
Ukulele Lullaby: Rockabye You
Rockabye you high, Rockabye you low
Rockabye you close, Rockabye you slow
Rockabye you high, Rockabye you low
Rockabye you everywhere we go

Rockabye the sun, Rockabye the moon
Rockabye the sweet flowers growing in June
Rockabye you love, My turtle dove
Rockabye you everywhere I go
Source: Kathy Reid-Naiman

Download a ukulele songsheet for Rockabye You

thumbnail of Rockabye you ukulele songsheet

Pictured:
Who Is Making a Mess? – Maria D’Haene & Charlie Eve Ryan
Sonrisas for Baby – Jen Arena & Blanca Gómez
Peek-a-You! – Andrea Davis Pinkney & Brian Pinkney

Before doing this rhyme, I shared our early development tip. I found this song on this blog post that shared this short video of a caregiver singing the song a capella and the baby doing the motion themselves and giving a joyful scream. It’s so cute. The official recorded version is a little long, so I do the chorus, then two verses back to back, then the chorus, then the last two verses. It’s very fun!
Song: I’m Riding on My Bicycle
(Lay baby on their back, and cycle their legs like they’re riding a bike!)
I’m riding on my bicycle,
I’m riding on my bicycle,
I’m riding on my bicycle,
All around the town!

Verses:
My bike goes up, up, up… My bike goes down, down down… (legs go up or down)
My bike goes slow… My bike goes fast… (cycle fast and slow)
My bike goes twist… My bike goes turn… (cross legs both ways)
My bell goes ding-a-ling-a-ling! (tickle!)
Source: Nancy Kopman (this link is to the full song)

Prop Songs & Rhymes
Each month is a new prop. This month we moved our books and played with the parachute.

Parachute Song: The Itsy Bitsy Spider
The itsy bitsy spider went up the water spout
Down came the rain and washed the spider out
Out came the sun and dried up all the rain
And the itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again
Source: traditional

Since this rhyme has some ups and downs, I thought it might work well for the parachute. Instead of clapping the numbers as we normally would, we made the sound of the clock with our voices.
Parachute Rhyme: Hickory Dickory Dock
Hickory, dickory dock,
the mouse ran up the clock
the clock struck one (ding!)
the mouse ran down, hickory dickory dock!

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

Parachute Song: The ‘Chute Is on My Head
(tune of Farmer in the Dell)
The ‘chute is on my head
The ‘chute is on my head
Hi-ho the dairy-o,
The ‘chute is on my head!

additional verses:
The ‘chute goes up and down…
The ‘chute goes fast and slow…
Source: Laughter and Literacy

Parachute Song: Peek a Boo
(tune of Frère Jacques)
Peek a boo, peek a boo
I see you, I see you
I see your button nose, I see your tiny toes
I see you, peek a boo!
Source: Jbrary

And that’s it! We don’t have time for free play at the end, but I encouraged grownups to take a little time in the children’s department to play and socialize together.

Suggested books are a little different on my handout since at my library board books are not able to be held if they’re checked out. My handout says:
Check out our board book selections – they cannot be held or requested, so see what’s available anytime you visit the library! Here are some other titles that *can* be requested:
Say Hello Like This – Mary Murphy
Wee Rhymes: Baby’s First Poetry Book – Jane Yolen & Jane Dyer
The Babies on the Bus – Karen Katz
One, Two, Buckle My Shoe – Jane Cabrera
Mine, Mine, Mine, Yours – Kimberly Gee
Boop! – Bea Birdsong & Linzie Hunter
Welcome to the World – Julia Donaldson & Helen Oxenbury

This storytime was presented in-person on 7/6, 7/13, 7/20, & 7/27/23.

Storytime Handout:

handout with book suggestions, rhyme and song lyrics

Book Babies Storytime (June)

Posted on January 5, 2024January 4, 2024 by msemilylibrary

Here’s another Book Babies plan! During the summer I was outside for my toddler classes, so this was the only indoor program I did in June and July. Here’s the plan from June, 2023. I do the same themeless plan a month at a time, to get the caregivers familiar and comfortable with the songs and rhymes. I usually switch to a different prop each month, and change out songs and rhymes a few at a time, so there are always a few familiars in the lineup.

The books featured in the photos below are just some of the board books made available for individual reading.

See all the Book Babies plans here.

Early Literacy Tip: Tummy time is important for newborns and infants 1–3 months old who are just developing neck control. Tummy time helps develop the muscles they’ll need to roll over, sit up, crawl, and walk. Always stay with your baby during tummy time. Start with a few minutes at a time, 2-3 times a day, and work up. It’s also good for older babies, 4–7 months old. They should still spend some supervised time on their bellies, even if they can roll over and sit with some help. Tummy time helps them practice lifting their head and chest further by straightening their arms. This strengthens arm, chest, and back muscles.

Fingerplay Rhyme: This Little Piggy
(wiggle each toe or finger on one side, starting with the thumb)
This little piggy went to market
This little piggy stayed home
This little piggy had roast beef
And this little piggy had none
And this little piggy cried “wee wee wee” all the way home (tickle!)

(now try on the other hand or foot, starting with the pinky)
This little piggy had a rub-a-dub-dub
And this little piggy had a scrub-a-dub-dub
This little pig-a-wig ran upstairs
And this little pig-a-wig cried out ‘BEARS!’
Down came the jar with a big slam bam (clap or pat foot)
And this little piggy had all the jam
Source: traditional, second verse found with King County (WA) Library System

Bounce Rhyme: Rocking Horse
Rocking horse, rocking horse, to and fro (rock side to side)
Side to side and away we go!
Rocking horse, rocking horse, front and back (rock front and back)
Don’t fall off just like that! Whoaaa! (lean back)
Source: Intellidance

This is such a really fun rhyme! The person who posted it to the Storytime Solidarity Facebook Group didn’t have a source, so if anyone knows where it came from or who wrote it, please let me know!
Bounce/Lift: Fishy, Fishy, Fishy
Fishy, fishy, fishy goes swishy, swishy, swishy (bounce)
Flip flop, flip flop, flip flop (rock side to side)
Uuuuup, (lift baby high in air)
KERPLOP! (return baby to lap)
Source: Storytime Solidarity

Download a ukulele songsheet for Rockabye You

Pictured:
Summer Babies – Kathryn O. Galbraith & Adela Pons
Sharing – Yusuke Yonezu
My Colors/Mis colores – Rebecca Emberley
Mama Bird, Baby Birds – Angela Johnson & Rhonda Mitchell

Before doing this rhyme, I shared our early development tip. This is a great rhyme to make rolling over fun. I also had to share what I learned about “stiles” when I was researching what that word was, and how they worked. (A stile is something that allows humans (and sometimes their dogs) to easily go over a fence in a field, while not letting the livestock through.)
Rhyme: Leg Over Leg
Leg over leg (criss cross legs)
The dog went to Dover
He came to a stile And – WHOOPS – He went over!
(lift legs or gently roll over)
Source: Jbrary

Prop Songs & Rhymes
Each month is a new prop. This month we got out our scarves.

Scarf Rhyme: Rain on the Green Grass
Rain on the green grass (shake on floor)
Rain on the trees (shake high)
Rain on the roof (hold above head)
But not on me! (drop scarf)
repeat with: Sun, Snow, Leaves
Source: Jbrary

We’ve done this song with the parachute before, so this month we used scarves.
Action/Scarf Song: Come Under My Umbrella
(tune of Did You Ever See a Lassie?)
Come under my umbrella, umbrella, umbrella (scarf over head)
Come under my umbrella, it’s starting to rain (wiggle scarf)
With thunder and lightning, and lightning and thunder (wave scarf dramatically in the air)
Come under my umbrella, it’s starting to rain
Source: traditional, see it used with scarves here

A fun take on the traditional nursery rhyme.
Scarf Rhyme: Little Bo Peep
Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep (hide scarf)
And doesn’t know where to find them
Leave them alone
and they’ll come home (bring scarf out)
Wagging their tails behind them! (wave scarf)
Source: Jbrary

And scarves are just perfect for a game of peekaboo!
Scarf Song: Peek a Boo
(tune of Frère Jacques)
Peek-a-boo, peek-a-boo
I see you, I see you
I see your button nose
I see your tiny toes
I see you! Peek-a-boo!
Source: Jbrary

And that’s it! We don’t have time for free play at the end, but I encouraged grownups to take a little time in the children’s department to play and socialize together.

Suggested books are a little different on my handout since at my library board books are not able to be held if they’re checked out. My handout says:
Check out our board book selections – they cannot be held or requested, so see what’s available anytime you visit the library! Here are some other titles that *can* be requested:
My Baby and Me – Lynn Reiser & Penny Gentieu
The Seals on the Bus – Lenny Hort & G. Brian Karas
Goodnight Moon – Margaret Wise Brown & Clement Hurd
Baby Day! – Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
Pat the Bunny – Dorothy Kunhardt
The Neighborhood Mother Goose – Nina Crews
Faces – Shelley Rotner & Ken Kreisler

This storytime was presented in-person on 6/8, 6/15, 6/22, & 6/29/23.

Storytime Handout:

Book Babies Storytime (May)

Posted on December 29, 2023December 28, 2023 by msemilylibrary

I’m slowly adding my backlog of Book Babies plans, so here’s what we did in the month of May, 2023. I do the same themeless plan a month at a time, to get the caregivers familiar and comfortable with the songs and rhymes. I usually switch to a different prop each month, and change out songs and rhymes a few at a time, so there are always a few familiars in the lineup.

The books featured in the photos below are just some of the board books made available for individual reading.

See all the Book Babies plans here.

Early Literacy Tip: The use of small percussion instruments such as bells, rhythm sticks, shakers, and drums helps children with muscular development and coordination.

I start this one with the same puppet as above, my floppy-eared dog, Scout. Then I’ll bring out one or two other puppets to say hello.
Welcome/Puppet Song: When Animals Get Up in the Morning
When dogs get up in the morning
They always say hello!
When dogs get up in the morning
They always say hello!
“Woof, woof, woof, woof,” That is what they say
“Woof, woof, woof, woof,” That is what they say
Source: King County (WA) Library System

Body Song: I Wake Up My Hands
I wake up my hands with a Clap, clap, clap,
Clap, clap, clap, Clap, clap, clap,
I wake up my hands with a clap, clap, clap,
And I wiggle my wiggles away!

Feet…stomp, stomp, stomp
Belly…beep, beep, beep
Body…wiggle, wiggle, wiggle
Source: Jbrary

Fingerplay Rhyme: Little Gnome
Up to the doorway (finger walks up arm)
Comes a little gnome (tickle neck)
Knock, knock! (gently “knock” top of head)
Ding, dong! (tap nose)
Anybody home? (finger to chin, can pull down to open mouth)
Source: Sing, Rhyme and Play with Ms. Christina

Bounce Song: Ride, Baby, Ride
Ride, baby, ride, Cha-cha, cha-cha, cha-cha
Ride that horsey ride
Ride, baby, ride, Cha-cha, cha-cha, cha-cha
Ride that horsey ride (repeat, whispering)
Whooooaaaa!
Source: Jbrary

Lifting Rhyme: Grand Old Duke of York
The grand old Duke of York, He had ten thousand men
He marched them up to the top of the hill
And he marched them down again!
And when you’re up, you’re up
And when you’re down, you’re down
And when you’re only half-way uuuuup…
You’re neither up nor down!
Source: traditional

After some bouncing and lifting, we slow it down a bit with a lullaby. I remind grownups that rocking and holding your baby while singing is a great way to calm them, even if it’s not bedtime.
Ukulele Lullaby: I See the Moon
(tune of Hush Little Baby)
I see the moon and the moon sees me
Down through the leaves of the old oak tree
Please let the moon that shines on me
Shine on the ones I love

Over the mountain, over the sea
Back where my heart is longing to be
Please let the moon that shines on me
Shine on the ones I love!
Source: Jbrary

Download a ukulele songsheet for I See the Moon

Thumbnail of I See the Moon ukulele chord sheet

Pictured:
Library Babies – Puck & Violet Lemay
In My Heart – Mackenzie Porter & Jenny Løvlie
Leo, Sleep Tight! – Anna McQuinn & Ruth Hearson

Tickle Song: Spots, Spots, Spots
(tune of the baseball organ build up)
Spots, spots, spots, spots, spots, spots, spots, spots
A leopard has lots of spots, What a lot of spots he’s got!
A tiger’s stripes are always nice, But a leopard has lots of…
Spots, spots, spots, spots, spots, spots, spots, spots
(tickle, tickle, tickle!)
Source: Jbrary

Prop Songs & Rhymes
Each month is a new prop. This month we got out the jingle bells! This was a lot of fun and the babies really liked the jingle noise. I did try to emphasize that there was a possibility that a bell piece could come loose and be a choking hazard, to try to keep grownups on the lookout. I did see bells go in mouths, so I am not sure if I would do bells for this group again. I wonder if there are infant-safe bells out there.

Bell Song: Are You Sleeping?
Are you sleeping, are you sleeping? (keep bells quiet)
Brother John, Brother John,
Morning bells are ringing, morning bells are ringing (ring bells)
Ding ding dong, ding ding dong
(try substituting your child’s name for “Brother John”)
Source: traditional

This is a good one for demonstrating a steady beat.
Bell Rhyme: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4
1 – 2 – 3 – 4, Jingle at the cottage door
5 – 6 – 7 – 8, Jingle at the cottage gate
Source: Kathy Reid-Naiman

Bell Song: Ice Cream Truck
(tune of Do You Know the Muffin Man)
Do you see the ice cream truck?
The ice cream truck, The ice cream truck?
Do you see the ice cream truck?
It’s driving down the street!

The bells go ring-a-ling-a-ling…
Source: adapted from the traditional

Bell Song: Shake Your Bell In the Air
(tune of If You’re Happy and You Know It)
Shake your bell in the air, in the air
Shake your bell in the air, in the air
Shake your bell in the air and hold it right there
Shake your bell in the air, in the air

…on the side… as you smile really wide
…way down low… then wave and say hello
Source: Jbrary

And that’s it! We don’t have time for free play at the end, but I encouraged grownups to take a little time in the children’s department to play and socialize together.

Suggested books are a little different on my handout since at my library board books are not able to be held if they’re checked out. My handout says:
Check out our board book selections – they cannot be held or requested, so see what’s available anytime you visit the library! Here are some other titles that *can* be requested:
This Is the Way a Baby Rides – Susan Meyers & Hiroe Nakata
Leo Loves Baby Time – Anna McQuinn & Ruth Hearson
This Little Piggy – Tim Harrington
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do You See? – Bill Martin, Jr. & Eric Carle
My Very First Mother Goose – Iona Opie & Rosemary Wells

This storytime was presented in-person on 5/1, 5/8, & 5/15/23.

Storytime Handout:

handout with suggested books, rhyme and song lyrics

Book Babies Storytime (April)

Posted on December 8, 2023November 30, 2023 by msemilylibrary

I’m slowly adding my backlog of Book Babies plans, so here’s what we did in the month of April, 2023. I do the same themeless plan a month at a time, to get the caregivers familiar and comfortable with the songs and rhymes. I usually switch to a different prop each month, and change out songs and rhymes a few at a time, so there are always a few familiars in the lineup.

The books featured in the photos below are just some of the board books made available for individual reading.

See all the Book Babies plans here.

Early Literacy Tip: Demonstrating the meaning of words with the way we say them reinforces that concept for babies. When we say “slowly” slowly and “quickly” quickly, our babies learn faster. In addition, slowing down our words – “slow-ly, slow-ly, slow-ly” makes it clear that each syllable is a separate sound.

Instead of opening and shutting our fingers, we opened and shut our whole hands in a clapping motion. We talked here a bit about how babies aren’t quite ready for that fine motor manipulation, but as they become older toddlers and preschoolers it will help them with their grip strength.
Fingerplay Rhyme: Open, Shut Them
Open, shut them, Open, shut them
Give a little clap, clap, clap
Open, shut them, Open, shut them
Lay them in your lap, lap, lap!
Creepy, crawly, Creepy, crawly
Right up to your chin, chin, chin
Open up your little mouth,
But do not let them in, in, in!
Source: traditional

Since this is a longer song and we’re doing all the verses, I eliminated the second bounce/lift song I usually do.
Bounce & Lift Song: She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain
(bounce baby until the end of each line)
She’ll be comin’ round the mountain when she comes (yee haw!) (lift)
She’ll be comin’ round the mountain when she comes (yee haw!) (lift)
She’ll be comin’ round the mountain,
She’ll be comin’ round the mountain
She’ll be comin’ round the mountain when she comes (yee haw) (lift)

She’ll be ridin’ six white horses… (whoa there) (tilt back)
Oh, we’ll all have chicken and dumplings… (yum, yum) (rub tummy)
Yes, we’ll all go out to meet her… (kiss, kiss)
Source: traditional, baby bounce adaptation from Jbrary

After a fun bounce, we slow it down a bit with a lullaby. I remind grownups that rocking and holding your baby while singing is a great way to calm them, even if it’s not bedtime.
Ukulele Lullaby: I See the Moon
(tune of Hush Little Baby)
I see the moon and the moon sees me
Down through the leaves of the old oak tree
Please let the moon that shines on me
Shine on the ones I love

Over the mountain, over the sea
Back where my heart is longing to be
Please let the moon that shines on me
Shine on the ones I love!
Source: Jbrary

Download a ukulele songsheet for I See the Moon

Pictured:
Hello Bugs, What Do You Do? – Loes Botman
Kiss by Kiss/Ocêtôwina – Richard Van Camp & Mary Cardinal Collins
Hey, Baby! – Andrea Pippins

Tickle Rhyme: Slowly, Slowly
Slowly, slowly, very slowly creeps the garden snail
Slowly, slowly, very slowly up the garden rail
Quickly, quickly, very quickly runs the little mouse
Quickly, quickly very quickly into his little house
Source: Jbrary

Prop Songs & Rhymes
Each month is a new prop. This month we moved all the books and babies off the parachute and actually used it with our rhymes and songs.

Any rhyme that has a lot of “up” and “down” are good ones to adapt to parachute time.
Lift/Parachute Rhyme: Grand Old Duke of York
The grand old Duke of York, He had ten thousand men
He marched them up to the top of the hill
And he marched them down again!
And when you’re up, you’re up
And when you’re down, you’re down
And when you’re only half-way uuuuup…
You’re neither up nor down!
Source: traditional

Lift/Parachute Song: Let’s Go Riding On an Elevator
Let’s go riding on an elevator, elevator, elevator
Let’s go riding on an elevator, Ride along with me!
First floor, Second floor, Third floor, Fourth floor, Fifth floor…
And down-down-down-down-down!
Source: Jbrary

The first week we tried to put the babies in the middle of the parachute and the adults held and walked the parachute in a circle around them – the idea being that the babies would slowly rotate in the middle. (Like in this video) Instead, the babies fell over on each other. (Oops!) After that, we held our babies and walked around in a circle holding the parachute.
Parachute/Action Song: Ring Around the Rosie
Ring around the rosie,
Pocket full of posies
Ashes, ashes,
We all fall down!
Source: traditional

This is a great way to put the parachute away.
Parachute Song: Parachute Fly
(tune of Skip to my Lou)
(kids go under the parachute and adults raise and lower)
Up, up, up it goes,
Down, down, down so low
Raise our parachute to the sky
Count to 3 and watch it fly
Spoken:
Up on one…
Down on two…
Up on three…
and FLY! (adults let go and leader pulls ‘chute in to themselves)
Source: Gymboree

And that’s it! We don’t have time for free play at the end, but I encouraged grownups to take a little time in the children’s department to play and socialize together.

Suggested books are a little different on my handout since at my library board books are not able to be held if they’re checked out. My handout says:
Check out our board book selections – they cannot be held or requested, so see what’s available anytime you visit the library! Here are some other titles that *can* be requested:
My Baby and Me – Lynn Reiser & Penny Gentieu
The Seals on the Bus – Lenny Hort & G. Brian Karas
Goodnight Moon – Margaret Wise Brown & Clement Hurd
Baby Day! – Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
Pat the Bunny – Dorothy Kunhardt
The Neighborhood Mother Goose – Nina Crews
Faces – Shelley Rotner & Ken Kreisler

This storytime was presented in-person on 4/3, 4/10, & 4/17/23.

Storytime Handout:

Storytime: Feeling Thankful (2023)

Posted on December 1, 2023November 30, 2023 by msemilylibrary

I have generally not repeated storytime themes, (at a single library – I have repeated themes I did at my old job!) EXCEPT for my Feeling Thankful theme, which I’ve done every November since 2019. Every year there are a few tweaks, of course. New books, different songs, but the core is there. This year was not very different – just two new scarf songs and different books.

As I’ve written before, holiday themes don’t feel inclusive to me, and American Thanksgiving has a lot more underlying issues beyond that. But I feel that gratitude and feeling thankful and appreciative are universal, and I look forward to celebrating them each year.

Speaking of – THANK YOU for being a reader. I started this blog to document what I’ve done, not even sure if anyone would see it. I owe so much to other library bloggers and sharers that I’ve always hoped readers would find something of use to them, their libraries, and their patrons. Thanks for reading and for doing the work you do.

If you’re looking for more ideas, take a look at the Feeling Thankful themes from every year I’ve done this theme here.

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

Welcome Song: Hello, Friends* (TT) (TB) (FT)**

Lifting Rhyme: Toast in the Toaster* (TT) (FT)

Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big* (FT)

Talk: What does it mean to feel thankful? When someone does something nice for you, saying “thank you” lets them know we appreciate them and are happy they did what they did! We can also think for a moment about all the good things in our lives and feel happy about them, too. Let’s practice saying “thank you” with this rhyme.

Figuring out how to do this rhyme without the middle finger AND using it to do the ASL sign for I love you is one of my proudest moments. 🙂
Fingerplay: Where is Thumbkin? (BB) (TB) (FT)
Where is Thumbkin, Where is Thumbkin?
Here I am, Here I am,
How are you today, Friend?
Very well, I thank you.
Run away, run away.

(repeat with pointer, pinky, then all three)
Where are three friends, Where are three friends?
Here we are, Here we are,
How are you today, Friends?
Very well, we thank you.
I love you, I love you.
Source: adapted from the traditional rhyme by Ms. Emily

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

Transition: If You’re Ready for a Story* (TT) (TB) (FT)

I found a new Thank You book this year! This is a board book, so it’s not very big, but it does work for my group. I liked the different ways of saying thank you, both in words and in actions.
Read: The Thank You Book by Danna Smith & Juliana Perdomo (TT) (FT)

This is a fun title, with some unusual things to be thankful for. I am a Spanish learner, so I read the subject for the thanks in Spanish, but not the whole explanation. So for the first page, I read “Para el sol, for the sun that wakes me up…”
Read: Gracias/Thanks by Pat Mora & John Parra (TB)

Gracias mentions bees, but the Thank You Book didn’t. We just glossed over it!
I’m thankful for the bees that pollinate our plants and make us honey!
Tickle Rhyme: Here Is the Beehive (TT) (TB) (FT)
Here is the beehive, but where are all the bees? (make fist)
Hidden away where nobody sees
Watch and you’ll see them come out of the hive:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (open fingers)
They’re alive! Buzz, buzz, buzz! (tickle)
Source: Jbrary

I’m sure it comes as no surprise to you – something I love and something I’m always thankful for are books and reading! Here’s a fun song about books.
Song: These Are My Glasses (TT) (TB) (FT)
These are my glasses, this is my book
I put on my glasses and open up the book
Now I read, read, read
And I look, look, look
I put down my glasses and
Whoop! Close up the book!
Source: “Whaddaya Think of That?” by the Laurie Berkner Band

Scarf distribution: I am thankful for songs we can sing with our scarves! Will you practice with me – wave high, low, in a circle, throw and catch!

I’m thankful for the weather, even when it rains!
Scarf Rhyme: Rain on the Green Grass (TT) (TB) (FT)
Rain on the green grass (wave low)
Rain on the trees (wave high)
Rain on the roof (hold over head)
But not on me! (let fall to the floor!)
repeat with Sun, Snow, Leaves
Source: Jbrary

I’m thankful for games with our loved ones!
Scarf Song: Let’s Go Riding on an Elevator (TT) (TB) (FT)
Let’s go riding on an elevator, elevator, elevator
Let’s go riding on an elevator – Ride along with me!
First floor, Second floor, Third floor, Fourth floor, Fifth floor…
And down-down-down-down-down!
Source: Jbrary

We did this one three times each session. They loved throwing the scarves up!
Scarf Rhyme: Jack in the Box (TT) (TB) (FT)
Jack in the box (scrunch scarf up in one fist)
Sits so still
Will he come out?
Yes, he will! (throw scarf in the air)
Source: Jbrary

This flannel was made from the template created by Mel at Mel’s Desk! I go over the lyrics first and add the flannel pieces, then play the song (recorded or ukulele). I encourage kids to snuggle with someone they love. Before or afterwards is a good time to mention today’s early literacy tip, whichever flows more naturally for you.
Flannel/Ukulele Song: Thanks a Lot
Thanks a lot, Thanks for Sun in the sky
Thanks a lot, Thanks for clouds so high
Thanks a lot, Thanks for whispering wind
Thanks a lot, Thanks for the birds in the spring
Thanks a lot, Thanks for the moonlit night
Thanks a lot, Thanks for the stars so bright
Thanks a lot, Thanks for the wondering me
Thanks a lot, Thanks for the way I feel
Thanks for the animals, Thanks for the land,
Thanks for the people everywhere
Thanks a lot
Thanks for all I’ve got
Thanks for all I’ve got
Source: From the Album “Baby Beluga” by Raffi

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

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

thumbnail of Thanks A Lot ukulele songsheet

Action Song: Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!* (TT) (TB) (FT)

Craft: Thankful Wreath (TB) (FT)
I used die-cuts from my library’s collection to make the leaves and asked volunteers to cut out the middle of a paper plate, hole punch it and string it with yarn. If you don’t have a die-cutter, you can use these templates for leaves at firstpalette.com. 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. I also mentioned that it might be easier to glue the leaves to the outer side of the plate (curving out) rather than the inner part (curving in) like I did. I had trouble getting my leaves to stick and had to hold them on there for 20-30 seconds.

Goodbye Song: See You Later Alligator* (TT) (TB) (FT)

Goodbye Rhyme: Tickle the Stars* (TT) (TB) (FT)

Other books I had available for families to browse (and may work for you on this theme)
Thank You, Omu – Oge Mora
The Thankful Book – Todd Parr
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga – Traci Sorell & Frané Lessac
The Thank You Book – Mo Willems
Thank You, Earth – April Pulley Sayre
The Thank You Letter – Jane Cabrera
When We Are Kind – Monique Gray Smith & Nicole Neidhardt
The Blue Table – Chris Raschka
Thank You, Bees – Toni Yuly
Thank You, Neighbor! – Ruth Chan

This storytime was presented in-person on 11/20, 11/21, & 11/22/23.

Storytime Handout:

*Lyrics to these songs can be found on the Repeated Songs & Rhymes page.

**These symbols indicate the program sessions I used the activities for:
(TT) Toddler Time, ages 1-2
(TB) Teddy Bears, ages 2-3.5
(FT) Family Time, ages 0-3.5

Book Babies Storytime (March)

Posted on November 17, 2023November 15, 2023 by msemilylibrary

I’m slowly adding my backlog of Book Babies plans, so here’s what we did in the month of March, 2023. I do the same themeless plan a month at a time, to get the caregivers familiar and comfortable with the songs and rhymes. I usually switch to a different prop each month, and change out songs and rhymes a few at a time, so there are always a few familiars in the lineup.

If you have any control over your schedule, I highly recommend starting your Monday morning with an infant class. It always makes me happy and gives a positive start to the week! The books featured in the photos below are just some of the board books made available for individual reading.

See all the Book Babies plans here.

Early Literacy Tip: With egg shaker songs for babies, we don’t want to overwhelm them or scare them with sound. We don’t expect them to do specific movements, but there are two main ways we can use egg shakers with them: We shake the egg shakers to the steady beat along with the songs we sing, or we can give them to the babies to shake while we sing or listen. The goal here is merely to expose them to the sound of songs. If we’re the ones shaking the beat, they’ll start to build an unconscious awareness of the beat.

Body Song: These Are the Toes of My Baby
(tune of Take Me Out to the Ballgame)
These are the toes of my baby,
These are the toes of my sweet
These are her feet and her tiny knees
I can’t help it I’ll give them a squeeze!
And she’s got two arms just for hugging
And hands that clap and wave
But it’s her eyes, ears, nose and her chin
That really draw me in!
(big smooch!)
Source: Jbrary

Rhythm Rhyme: Hippopotamus on a City Bus
(bounce 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!” (hug baby)
A cow… “Mooooove over!” (lean far to one side)
A snake…“Sssssssssit down!” (fall thru knees)
A sheep…“Baaaack up!” (lean far back)
Source: Jbrary

We generally got up to three repetitions.
Lifting Rhyme: Tick Tock
Tick tock, tick tock, I’m a little cuckoo clock
Tick tock, tick tock, Now I’m striking one o’clock
Cuckoo! (count up and increase lifts!)
Source: Jbrary

After a fun bounce, we slow it down a bit with a lullaby. I remind grownups that rocking and holding your baby while singing is a great way to calm them, even if it’s not bedtime. I would do Spanish to start, but then ask if anyone knew how to say “I love you” in any other languages. If not, I had a cheat sheet on my ukulele songsheet!
Bilingual Lullaby with Ukulele: Yo te amo / I Love You
Yo te amo, yo te amo
All day long I’ll sing this little song to you.
Yo te amo, yo te amo
Darling, I love you!
Source: Jbrary
Thanks to Storytime Ukulele, who published the chords to this song. I made my own PDF version that you can download.

Get a downloadable ukulele songsheet here!

thumbnail for yo te amo ukulele songsheet

Pictured:
Peekaboo Planet – John Hutton & Candice Hartsough
Maisy’s Bus – Lucy Cousins
City Baby – Laurie Elmquist & Ashley Barron

After reading, we do a rhyme that’s good for “on your back.” I saw this modification for the traditional nursery rhyme from Intellidance, which uses leg movements for each line.
Action Nursery Rhyme: One, Two, Buckle My Shoe
1, 2, Buckle my shoe (“walk” feet on numbers, tap feet together)
3, 4, Shut the door (open and close legs)
5, 6, Pick up sticks (lift legs up)
7, 8, Lay them straight (stretch legs out)
9, 10, A big fat hen! (tickle!)
Source: Intellidance

Prop Songs & Rhymes
Each month is a new prop. This month I shared today’s early literacy tip and gave two egg shakers to each child/caregiver pair.

Shaker Song: If You’re Happy and You Know It
If you’re happy and you know it, give a shake
If you’re happy and you know it, give a shake
If you’re happy and you know it, and you really want to show it
If you’re happy and you know it, give a shake
…give a tap
…clap your egg!
Source: Jbrary

After doing the traditional rhyme earlier, I thought it would be fun to reinforce it with the shaker egg version.
Shaker Song: 1 – 2, Shake it On Your Shoe
1, 2 – Shake it on your shoe
3, 4 – Shake it on the floor
5, 6 – Stir and mix
7, 8 – Stand up straight
9, 10 – Wave to your friends!
Source: Jbrary

Shaker Song: The Milkshake Song
You take a little milk – pour some milk!
And you take a little cream – pour some cream!
You stir it all up, You shake it and you’ll sing…
Milkshake, milkshake shake it up, shake it up!
Milkshake, milkshake shake it all up! (x2)
Source: Old Town School of Folk Music, via Jbrary

And that’s it! We don’t have time for free play at the end, but I encouraged grownups to take a little time in the children’s department to play and socialize together.

Suggested books are a little different on my handout since at my library board books are not able to be held if they’re checked out. My handout says:
Check out our board book selections – they cannot be held or requested, so see what’s available anytime you visit the library! Here are some other titles that *can* be requested:
Maisy Big, Maisy Small – Lucy Cousins
Te amo, Bebé, Little One – Lisa Wheeler & Maribel Suárez
Baby Day – Jane Godwin, Davina Bell, & Freya Blackwood
Moo-Moo, I Love You! – Tom Lichtenheld & Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Animals Here We Grow! – Shelley Rotner
Hand in Hand – Rosemary Wells

This storytime was presented in-person on 3/6, 3/13, & 3/20/23.

Storytime Handout:

Storytime: Owls

Posted on October 27, 2023October 27, 2023 by msemilylibrary

Here’s another theme with an animal that just feels autumnal, even though yes, of course, owls are around all year. Perhaps it’s their big eyes and the way they show up in Halloween illustrations. In any case, it was very fun to flap our wings and hoot a lot this week. I even heard from a grown-up the following week that their child had been singing “If You Want to Be an Owl” on repeat – yes!

I read the book Owl Babies for two groups, and I wasn’t sure how it would go over. It’s a little longer than the books I usually do, and I’d read mixed reviews on storytime blogs where it worked for some people and didn’t for others. My kids LOVED it. The room was quieter than it ever is, and their eyes were glued to the illustrations. Perhaps I should try more plot-driven titles with a bit of suspense?

Early Literacy Tip: When we say rhymes, play rhyming games with children, and point out the rhyming words, it helps them hear the smaller sounds in words which will help them later when they try to sound out words to read.

Welcome Song: Hello, Friends* (TT) (TB) (FT)**

Lifting Rhyme: Toast in the Toaster* (TT) (FT)

Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big* (TB) (FT)

Intro: (With owl felt) Whooo is this? Do you know what he says? Today we are going to talk about owls. They have sharp beaks – that is their nose & mouth, and very sharp claws or talons. They sleep during the day and hunt for food at night.

Rhyme: The Owl (TT) (TB) (FT)
There’s a wide eyed owl (circle fingers around eyes)
With a pointed nose, (forefinger makes a v at end of nose)
Two pointed ears, (point fingers up on top of head)
and claws for toes, (curl fingers like claws)
When he sits up in the tree (point up)
and he looks at you, (point out)
he flaps his wings, (fold arms and flap)
and he says “Whoo, Whoo”
Source: Johnson County Library (Kansas)

Transition: If You’re Ready for a Story* (TT) (TB) (FT)

This is a pretty cool book – there are just four words per page, and it reads a little like a palindrome – once you get to the middle, the words are repeated in backwards order, giving it a slightly different meaning and making the story circular.
Read: Owl Sees Owl by Laura Godwin & Rob Dunlavey (TT)

As mentioned above, this one mesmerized both groups I read it too. They helped me by joining in with Bill’s plaintive, “I want my mommy!” which I did in a higher-pitched voice.
Read: Owl Babies by Martin Waddell & Patrick Benson (TB) (FT)

Okay, let’s pretend to be owls!
Action Song: If You Want to Be an Owl (TT) (TB) (FT)
(tune of Did You Ever See a Lassie)
If you want to be an owl, an owl, an owl
If you want to be an owl, then flap your wings
Flap this way and that way, and that way and this way
If you want to be an owl, then flap your wings

Additional verses:
…blink your eyes!
…say hoot-hoot!
Source: original

Fingerplay: Owl’s Eyes (TT) (TB)
Owl’s eyes open wide at night (circle eyes with fingers)
He looks to the left, he looks to the right
He turns his head around and around
And then he makes a most curious sound!
Whoo! Whoo! Whoo!
Source: King County (WA) Library System

What do you think owls see when they are flying around? The sun? No, the stars!
Song: Twinkle, Twinkle (TT) (TB) (FT)
Twinkle, twinkle little star
How I wonder what you are
Up above the world so high
Like a diamond in the sky
Twinkle, twinkle little star
How I wonder what you are
Source: traditional

I’ve had good luck with flannels that work like the book “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” This is my take on what the Hoot Owls sees in the tree, using flannels from a variety of other sets.
Flannel Rhyme: What Do You See? (TT) (TB) (FT)
Hoot Owl, Hoot Owl, what do you see?
I see a brown squirrel in the old tree

Brown squirrel-red apple
Red apple – green worm
Green worm – orange leaf
Orange leaf – black crow
Black crow – yellow moon (above tree)
Yellow moon – Hoot owl hooting at me (Hoo, hoo!)
Source: original

Flannel tree with various flannel items in the canopy - black crow, brown squirrel, orange leaf, red apple, green inchworm, and gray owl. A yellow crescent moon is in the sky to the side.

This was a fun rhyming game from Jessica at Storytime in the Stacks. I decided just to use words that end in “oo,” but of course you could use rhymes that aren’t spelled the same, too, like “blue” or “shoe.”
Flannel Rhyme: Little Baby Owls (FT)
Little baby owls learning how to “hoo.”
They flap their wings and then say… “boo!”
(how many rhymes can you make before the little owls get it right?)
Source: Storytime in the Stacks

My owl flannel set was modeled on Storytime Katie’s.
Ukulele/Flannel Song: One Night Owl Went Out to Play (TT) (TB) (FT)
(tune of Five Little Ducks)
One night owl went out to play under the moon so far away
He had such enormous fun,
That he called out for another owl to come! HOOT! HOOT!

Repeat: 2… 3… 4…
Five night owls went out to play under the moon so far away
They had such enormous fun,
That they played until they saw the sun!
…then what did they do? (I put my head in my hands and started to snore)
Source: Storytime in the Stacks

Get a downloadable ukulele songsheet (words to One Dinosaur, same tune) here!

Thumbnail of ukulele songsheet for One Dinosaur Went Out to Play

Flannel tree with five expressive owls in neon colors, some with eyes wide open, some half shut, and looking in different directions.

I didn’t end up using this one for time, but it’s always good to have a little extra in your back pocket.
Action Song: Hoot, Hoot
Hoot hoot went the little brown owl one day,
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) la de la de la (wavy arms)
la de la de la, La de la de la! We know owls go la de la de la
They don’t go hoot, hoot, hoot!
Additional Verses:
Jump jump went the little red squirrel one day…
But… We know squirrels go rub a dub a dub (running arms)
Grrr, grrr went the big brown bear one day…
But… We know bears go huggy, huggy, hug (hug self)
Source: Jbrary

Action Song: Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!* (TT) (TB) (FT)

Craft: Cupcake Liner Owl Puppets (TB) (FT)
After looking at scores of owl crafts, I saw a Pinterest pin from Julia Hull District Library for these cupcake liner owls and knew that was our craft. There’s no blog, it’s just an image pin, but I made a template based on the photo. You can get two owl bodies on a piece of brown construction paper, and I printed the eyes, beaks, and feet on goldenrod paper. I added the craft stick to make it a puppet, and just used white mini cupcake liners for the eye feathers. It was simple to put together and the kids loved it – several came up to show me their creations!

Download a template for the owl body, beak, eyes, and feet!

Owl puppet made of brown construction paper with eyes made from white cupcake liners with smaller yellow and black pupils glued to the middle, with a triangular beak and three toed feet, glued to a jumbo craft stick.

Goodbye Song: See You Later Alligator* (TT) (TB) (FT)

Goodbye Rhyme: Tickle the Stars* (TT) (TB) (FT)

Other books I had available for families to browse (and may work for you on this theme)
Little Hoot – Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Jen Corace
Hooray for Today! – Brian Won
Don’t Blink! – Amy Krouse Rosenthal & David Roberts
Little Owl’s Night – Divya Srinivasan
A Book of Sleep – Il Sung Na
“I’m Not Cute!” – Jonathan Allen
Good Night Owl – Greg Pizzoli
Hoot Owl: Master of Disguise – Sean Taylor & Jean Jullien
Owl Love You – Matthew Heroux & Wednesday Kirwan
Whoo Goes There? – Jennifer A. Ericsson & Bert Kitchen

This storytime was presented in-person on 10/16, 10/17, & 10/18/23.

Storytime Handout:

*Lyrics to these songs can be found on the Repeated Songs & Rhymes page.

**These symbols indicate the program sessions I used the activities for:
(TT) Toddler Time, ages 1-2
(TB) Teddy Bears, ages 2-3.5
(FT) Family Time, ages 0-3.5

Book Babies Storytime (February)

Posted on October 13, 2023October 4, 2023 by msemilylibrary

I wrote up my plan for my very first Book Babies sessions in January of this year, but I’m realizing I haven’t updated it at all. I do the same themeless plan a month at a time, to get the caregivers familiar and comfortable with the songs and rhymes. I usually switch to a different prop each month, and change out songs and rhymes a few at a time, so there are always a few familiars in the lineup.

This has really turned out to be a great program, and I consistently get eight to twelve babies, which seems just right. We have a lot of fun bouncing, singing, tickling, and giggling. After the first month, I instituted a few minutes of individual reading instead of reading aloud to the group. The books I’ll feature in the photos below are just some of my favorite board books I’ve passed around.

Early Literacy Tip: Singing to your child is important, and it doesn’t matter if you sing in English or another language. In one scientific study, babies as young as one week could distinguish their mother’s voice from a group of other female voices. Singing helps trigger speech development, and children love hearing their grownups’ voices, so sing aloud to your children at home in any language you like.

One last rhyme with Scout the puppet, adapted from one about “Teddy.” I have looked for the source that I got this one and unfortunately I did not record it. I tried googling but nothing came up. If anyone knows the source, I’m happy to give credit!
Puppet Rhyme: Where’s Scout?
Let’s clap our hands for Scout,
Scout’s come to play
Cover up your eyes
While Scout hides away! (hide puppet behind back)
Where’s Scout? Here he is! (reveal puppet)

Light brown dog hand puppet named "Scout." Scout is a hound dog with big floppy ears and jowls on the sides of his mouth.

I feel that a body part song is an important part of baby programming. This one can be repeated with any body parts, and I started jotting down some different options to do each time. I’m currently doing three verses, always starting with “nose.”
Body Song: Hello, Everybody, Can You Touch Your Nose?
Well, hello, everybody,
Can you touch your nose?
Touch your nose,
Touch your nose?
Well, hello, everybody,
Can you touch your nose?
Touch…your…nose!

Other verses:
Touch your toes, rub your tummy, pat your back, touch your chin, touch your ears, squeeze your knees, touch your hands, pat your head, clap your hands, tickle your neck, etc.
Source: Jbrary

This is a hit with every group I try it in, and the babies are no exception!
Bounce: Toast in the Toaster
I’m toast in the toaster,
I’m getting very hot
Tick tock, tick tock,
UP I pop!
Source: Jbrary

After a fun bounce, we slow it down a bit with a lullaby. I remind grownups that rocking and holding your baby while singing is a great way to calm them, even if it’s not bedtime. I asked the group if anyone knows how to say “I love you” in another language, and we did do several different versions in the weeks that we sang this one!
Bilingual Lullaby with Ukulele: Yo te amo / I Love You
Yo te amo, yo te amo
All day long I’ll sing this little song to you.
Yo te amo, yo te amo
Darling, I love you!
Source: Jbrary
Thanks to Storytime Ukulele, who published the chords to this song. I made my own PDF version that you can download.

Get a downloadable ukulele songsheet here!

Pictured: Ten Little Birds/Diez Pajaritos – 123 Andrés & Sara Palacios
Whose Knees Are These? – Jabari Asim & LeUyen Pham
Opposites – Sandra Boynton
I Love All of Me – Lorie Ann Grover & Carolina Búzio

After reading, we do a rhyme that’s good for “on your back” – maybe one to do after a diaper change. It ends in a tickle!
Tickle Rhyme: Wiggle Waggle Went the Bear
Wiggle, waggle went the bear (open and close baby’s legs)
Catching bees in his underwear
One bee out, (open) one bee in (close)
One bee bit him on his big bearskin!
Bzz! Bzz! Bzz! (tickle)
Source: Jbrary

Prop Songs & Rhymes
Each month is a new prop. This month we got out the scarves.

Fingerplay/Scarf Song: Rain Is Falling Down
Rain is falling down, SPLASH (wiggle fingers/scarf down, then to ground)
Rain is falling down, SPLASH
Pitter patter, pitter patter (softly drum ground)
Rain is falling down, SPLASH

Sun is peeking out, PEEK (hide behind scarf)
Sun is peeking out, PEEK
Peeking here, peeking there
Sun is peeking out, PEEK
Source: Jbrary

Action/Scarf Song: Come Under My Umbrella
(tune of Did You Ever See a Lassie?)
Come under my umbrella, umbrella, umbrella (scarf over head)
Come under my umbrella, it’s starting to rain (wiggle scarf)
With thunder and lightning, and lightning and thunder (wave scarf dramatically in the air)
Come under my umbrella, it’s starting to rain
Source: traditional, see it used with scarves here

Action/Scarf Song: This Is the Way We Wash
(tune of Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush)
This is the way we wash our face,
Wash our face, wash our face!
This is the way we wash our face, When we take a bath!
(arms, legs, back, tummy, etc.)
Source: Greenville Library

Scarf Song: Peek a Boo
(tune of Frère Jacques)
Peek-a-boo, peek-a-boo
I see you, I see you
I see your button nose
I see your tiny toes
I see you! Peek-a-boo!
Source: Jbrary

And that’s it! We don’t have time for free play at the end, but I encouraged grownups to take a little time in the children’s department to play and socialize together.

Suggested books are a little different on my handout since at my library board books are not able to be held if they’re checked out. My handout says:
Check out our board book selections – they cannot be held or requested, so see what’s available anytime you visit the library! Here are some other titles that *can* be requested:
B Is for Baby – Atinuke & Angela Brooksbank
Knock at the Door – Kay Chorao
Sleepy, Oh So Sleepy – Denise Fleming
Hello Baby! – Mem Fox & Steve Jenkins
Bright Brown Baby – Andrea Davis Pinkney & Brian Pinkney
Jazz Baby – Lisa Wheeler & R. Gregory Christie
Ten Tiny Tickles – Karen Katz

This storytime was presented in-person on 2/6, 2/13, & 2/20/23.

Storytime Handout: