Catch That Chicken - Family Storytime

A Wednesday morning storytime for ages 0-6 years old.  

Opening #1: “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” from Songs for Wiggleworms by Old Town School of Folk Music

Opening #2: Roly Poly Oh So Fast (hand rolling body part chant adapted by Carol Hopkins)

Roly poly, roly poly, oh so fast!
Roly poly, roly poly, oh so slowly.
Roly poly, roly poly, up.
Roly poly, roly poly, down.
Roly poly, roly poly, hands on your head.
Roly poly, roly poly, hand on your feet.

(Repeat with other body parts)

Roly poly, roly poly, hands in your lap.

 

Opening #3: Fee Fi Fo Fum

Fee fi fo fum,
(clap for each syllable)

See my fingers,
(wiggle fingers)

See my thumbs.
(wiggle thumbs)

Fee fi fo fum,
(clap for each syllable)

Good bye fingers,
(hide one hand behind back)

Good bye thumbs.
(hide the other hand behind back)

(Repeat several times moving and saying the words faster and faster)

 

 

Literacy activity flannelboard: Hi-Ho the Derry-O Baby Animals on the Farm

I found some "Animal and their young" matching card print outs on the Twinkl education resource website. I made multiple copies of the baby animals and handed them out to the children. When I put a mother animal on the board, the children with the corresponding baby animal would then place their card on the board. 

 

  

 

Book #1: Catch That Chicken! by Atinuke, illustrated by Angela Brooksbank 

Theme activity #1: Little Chick, Little Chick Turn Around (action rhyme adapted by Carol Hopkins from the "Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear Turn Around" jump rope rhyme)

(Suite actions to words.)

Little chick, little chick turn around.
Little chick, little chick scratch the ground.
Little chick, little chick strut on your toes.
Little chick, little chick touch your nose.
Little chick, little chick reach up high.
Little chick, little chick flap to the sky.
Little chick, little chick wiggle your feet.
Little chick, little chick find your nest seat.

  

Theme activity #2: Two Little Chickens Sitting on a Fence (fingerplay adapted from the rhyme "Two Little Blackbirds")

Two little chickens sitting on a fence.
One named Jack, the other named Jill.
Fly away Jack. Fly away Jill.
Come back Jack. Come back Jill.
Two little chickens sitting on a fence.

  

Transition: Dance Your Fingers (fingerplay adaption from a video I saw from New York Public Library)

Dance your fingers up;
(put fingers high in the air)

Dance your fingers down;
(touch the ground)

Dance your fingers from side to side;
(move hands from left to right side of body and back again, several times)

And dance them all around.
(hands move in a large wiggly circle in the air in front of your body)

Dance them on your shoulders;
(fingers wiggle on your shoulders)

Dance them on your head;
(fingers wiggle on top of your head)

Dance them on your tummy;
(fingers wiggle on top of your tummy)

And put them all to bed.
(fold hands in lap or tuck under armpits)

  

***Parent literacy tip: Singing songs that involves identifying colors or body parts is a fun way to reinforce vocabulary.  

Book #2: I Spy on the Farm by Edward Gibbs (board book) 

Book #3: Charlie Chick: A Pop-up Book by Nick Denchfield, illustrated by Ant Parker 

Closing music with egg shakers: “I Know a Chicken” from Whaddaya Think of That? by Laurie Berkner        

  

 

Art activity:  I found some baby chick wood ornament crafts at the Dollar Store around Easter.  I gave these wood decorations to the children to decorate with color pens and glued on feathers.  

Optional other books:
Hen in the Bed by Katrina Charman, illustrated by Guilherme Karsten 
I Bought a Baby Chicken by Kelly Milner Hall, illustrated by Karen Stormer Brooks 

 

 

 

 

Little Chickens - Baby Toddler Storytime

A Wednesday morning storytime for ages 0-2 years old.  

Opening #1: Skinnamarink (action song from Car Songs: Songs to Sing Anywhere by Dennis Buck from Kimbo)

Opening #2: Sticky, Sticky Bubblegum (fingerplay)

Sticky, sticky bubblegum, bubblegum, bubblegum; 
Sticky, sticky bubblegum;
Stuck to your __________.
1, 2, 3, PULL!

(Repeat with more places to stick the gum)

 

 

Book: Five Little Chicks by Nancy Tafuri

Themed activity #1:  Two Little Chickens Sitting on a Fence (fingerplay adapted from the rhyme "Two Little Blackbirds")

Two little chickens sitting on a fence.
One named Jack, the other named Jill.
Fly away Jack. Fly away Jill.
Come back Jack. Come back Jill.
Two little chickens sitting on a fence.

 

Themed activity #2: Chicken in the Barnyard (baby tickle rhyme I found in a lot of places including this great video at https://youtu.be/cSQ-jGSAPBY?si=zGa1ayo1EqkAj8bo) 

Chicken in the barnyard staying out of trouble.
(draw a little circle on the baby's palm, tummy, or back)
Along come the turkies.
(slowly creep fingers near arms)
And... "Gobble, gobble, gobble!"
(tickle baby) 

 

Lap rhyme #1: Tick Tock (lap bounce)

(bounce baby from leg to leg)

Tick tock, tick tock, I’m a little cuckoo clock.
Tick, tock, tick tock, now it is one o’clock… Cuckoo!
(raise baby up for each cuckoo)

(repeat for other times of day)
Now it is two o’clock… Cuckoo! Cuckoo!

Now it is three o’clock… Cuckoo! Cuckoo! Cuckoo!

 

Lap rhyme #2: Counting Bubbles (counting rhyme I learned during a BrainDance workshop)

One bubble, two bubbles, three bubbles, top.
(pat legs with hands for each number chanted, then place hands on top of head)

Three bubbles, four bubbles, five bubbles, drop.
(pat legs with hands for each number chanted, then drop hands to lap)

Six bubbles, seven bubbles, nine bubbles, pop.
(pat legs with hands for each number chanted, then clap hands loudly in front of body)

Ten little bubbles floating down!
(twinkle hands down to floor)

Now let’s blow _____ bubbles.
(This is a breath exercise.  Pick a number and pretend to blow that number of bubbles through hand.  Don’t forget to pop the bubbles with a loud clap after blowing it up.  I count the bubble while I do the clap.) 

 

Lap rhyme #3: Little Owls (a quiet time or transition song I adapted from one I learned from Librarian Michelle A. to the tune of “Are You Sleeping?”)

Little owls, little owls,
They say, “Who!”
They say, “Who!” 
All very quietly, all very quietly,
Now they say, “Shhhh!”
Now they say, “Shhhh!”

 

Lap rhyme #4: Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes (traditional song)

Head, shoulders, knees, and toes,
Knees and toes.
Head, shoulders, knees and toes,
Knees and toes.
And eyes and, ears and, mouth and nose.
Head, shoulders, knees and toes,
Knees and toes.

   

***Literacy tip: Singing songs that involves identifying colors or body parts is a fun way to reinforce vocabulary.  

Transition: Dance Your Fingers (fingerplay adaption from a video I saw from New York Public Library)

Dance your fingers up;
(put fingers high in the air)

Dance your fingers down;
(touch the ground)

Dance your fingers from side to side;
(move hands from left to right side of body and back again, several times)

And dance them all around.
(hands move in a large wiggly circle in the air in front of your body)

Dance them on your shoulders;
(fingers wiggle on your shoulders)

Dance them on your head;
(fingers wiggle on top of your head)

Dance them on your tummy;
(fingers wiggle on top of your tummy)

And put them all to bed.
(fold hands in lap or tuck under armpits)

 

Letter of the day: “C” is for Chickens  

 

 

Flannelboard: Hens of a Different Color (color rhyme I picked up somewhere many years ago)

Closing song with egg shakers: “Shake With You” from Bouncy Blue from the Learning Groove by Mr. Eric & Mr. Michael     

Optional extra book:
Big Fat Hen by Keith Baker

 

 

 

 

Homeschool Meet-up: Build & Create Day

A monthly Friday morning library program for homeschool families. 

Goals:

·                     Opportunity to explore STEAM concepts in a relaxed setting.

·                     Participants can socialize and connect with other homeschool families.

·                     Students build confidence and cooperative skills by completing tasks together.  

 

Activities of the day:

“A” is for art - Creation Station

I brought out leftover supplies from past passive craft tables for the children to decorate and craft with.    

  

“E” is for Engineering - Build with Blocks

I placed several building toys on the floor for the children to build and create with.  

• Straw Connectors
• Manga-tiles
• Marble run
• Peg blocks 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March Library Lady Visits

  This last March I went out to a local preschool for a special storytime.  This storytime was part of their “We Love Books Month” celebration.  The children were great listeners and loved the scarf activities we did after the stories.    

 

 

BOOKS:
Crash, Splash, and Moo! by Bob Shea (interactive)
Hooray for Hat! by Brian Won
The Magic Hat by Mem Fox, illustrated by Tricia Tusa
The Magic Rabbit by Richard Jesse Watson
Zip Zap Wickety Wack: A Story About Sharing by Matthew Diffee

 

SCARVES WITH MUSIC:

“Popcorn Calling Me” action song from Buzz Buzz by Laurie Berkner

"Silly Dance Contest” action song from Jim Gill Sings the Sneezing Song & Other Contagious Tunes by Jim Gill  

 

SCARF ACTION CHANT:

Fishing, Wishing Song (I learned from a PCLS Sharing Music with Young Children STARS class)

I’m going fishing, fishing, fishing;
And I’m wishing, wishing, wishing;
For a – jumpy fish!
(jump around or throw scarves into the air)

I’m going fishing, fishing, fishing;
And I’m wishing, wishing, wishing;
For a – spinning fish!
(spin scarves)

I’m going fishing, fishing, fishing;
And I’m wishing, wishing, wishing;
For a – hiding fish!
(hide scarf in your hand behind your back)

 

 

 

Unicorns and Dragons Today - Baby Toddler Storytime

A Tuesday morning storytime for ages 0-2 years old.  

Opening #1: Skinnamarink (action song from Car Songs: Songs to Sing Anywhere by Dennis Buck from Kimbo)

Opening #2: Sticky, Sticky Bubblegum (fingerplay)

Sticky, sticky bubblegum, bubblegum, bubblegum; 
Sticky, sticky bubblegum;
Stuck to your __________.
1, 2, 3, PULL!

(Repeat with more places to stick the gum)

 

 

Book: Today I'll Be a Unicorn by Dana Simpson (board book) 

Themed activity #1:  "If You're Happy And You Know It" traditional action song from Songs for Wiggleworms 

Themed activity #2: “I’m a Little Teapot” traditional action song from the book recording of This Little Piggy by Adam Stemple, et al.

Lap rhyme #1: Tick Tock (lap bounce)

(bounce baby from leg to leg)

Tick tock, tick tock, I’m a little cuckoo clock.
Tick, tock, tick tock, now it is one o’clock… Cuckoo!
(raise baby up for each cuckoo)

(repeat for other times of day)
Now it is two o’clock… Cuckoo! Cuckoo!

Now it is three o’clock… Cuckoo! Cuckoo! Cuckoo!

 

Lap rhyme #2: Counting Bubbles (counting rhyme I learned during a BrainDance workshop)

One bubble, two bubbles, three bubbles, top.
(pat legs with hands for each number chanted, then place hands on top of head)

Three bubbles, four bubbles, five bubbles, drop.
(pat legs with hands for each number chanted, then drop hands to lap)

Six bubbles, seven bubbles, nine bubbles, pop.
(pat legs with hands for each number chanted, then clap hands loudly in front of body)

Ten little bubbles floating down!
(twinkle hands down to floor)

Now let’s blow _____ bubbles.
(This is a breath exercise.  Pick a number and pretend to blow that number of bubbles through hand.  Don’t forget to pop the bubbles with a loud clap after blowing it up.  I count the bubble while I do the clap.) 

 

Lap rhyme #3: Dance Your Fingers (fingerplay adaption from a video I saw from New York Public Library)

Dance your fingers up;
(put fingers high in the air)

Dance your fingers down;
(touch the ground)

Dance your fingers from side to side;
(move hands from left to right side of body and back again, several times)

And dance them all around.
(hands move in a large wiggly circle in the air in front of your body)

Dance them on your shoulders;
(fingers wiggle on your shoulders)

Dance them on your head;
(fingers wiggle on top of your head)

Dance them on your tummy;
(fingers wiggle on top of your tummy)

And put them all to bed.
(fold hands in lap or tuck under armpits)

 

Lap rhyme #4: Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes (traditional song)

Head, shoulders, knees, and toes,
Knees and toes.
Head, shoulders, knees and toes,
Knees and toes.
And eyes and, ears and, mouth and nose.
Head, shoulders, knees and toes,
Knees and toes.

   

Transition: Open-Shut Them (fingerplay)

Open, shut them
(open and close hands)
Open, shut them
Give a little clap (clap)
Open, shut them

Open, shut them
Put them in your lap
(put hands in lap)

Creep them, creep them
Under your chin
(creep fingers up chest)
Open your mouth, but don't put them in
(do as words say)

Open, shut them
Open, shut them
Give a little clap
Open shut them
Open shut them
Put them in your lap 

 

Letter of the day: “U” is for Unicorn  

 

 

Flannelboard: Five Green Dragons (counting down rhyme I found at EverythingPreschool.com)

Five green dragons making such a roar.
One danced away and then there were four.
Four green dragons dancing around a tree.
One danced away and then there were three.
Three green dragons dancing around you.
One danced away and then there were two.
Two green dragons dancing in the sun.
One danced away and then there was one.
One green dragon having lots of fun
She danced away and then there were none.

  

Closing song with scarves: “Milkshake Song” from Songs for Wiggleworms by Old Town School of Folk Music    

 

 

 

 

March Preschool Tours

This March I hosted another round of preschool tours for a nearby preschool. The children always squeel with delight when books come through the book drop!

  

 

For the Two's and Three's class I read:

Peekaboo, Blueberry! by Barney Saltzberg (lift-flap, board book)
Tails by Matthew Van Fleet (lift-flap, moving-parts, board book)
What’s Next Door? by Nicola O’Byrne (interactive)

 

For the Four's class I read:

The Magic Rabbit by Richard Jesse Watson
What’s Next Door? by Nicola O’Byrne (interactive)

 

 

Stinky Garbage Trucks - Family Storytime

A Tuesday morning storytime for ages 0-6 years old.  

Opening #1: “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” from Songs for Wiggleworms by Old Town School of Folk Music

Opening #2: Roly Poly Oh So Fast (hand rolling body part chant adapted by Carol Hopkins)

Roly poly, roly poly, oh so fast!
Roly poly, roly poly, oh so slowly.
Roly poly, roly poly, up.
Roly poly, roly poly, down.
Roly poly, roly poly, hands on your head.
Roly poly, roly poly, hand on your feet.

(Repeat with other body parts)

Roly poly, roly poly, hands in your lap.

 

Opening #3: Fee Fi Fo Fum

Fee fi fo fum,
(clap for each syllable)

See my fingers,
(wiggle fingers)

See my thumbs.
(wiggle thumbs)

Fee fi fo fum,
(clap for each syllable)

Good bye fingers,
(hide one hand behind back)

Good bye thumbs.
(hide the other hand behind back)

(Repeat several times moving and saying the words faster and faster)

 

Literacy activity flannelboard: There Was an Old Woman Recycling Rhyme (adapted by Carol Hopkins from a rhyme found at Storytime Source Page)

Directions: Give each child a picture of bottles, cans, boxes, or newspapers.  Each child comes up to put their picture on the board when their recyclable item is said.  

There was an old woman who lived in a shoe 
She had so much trash, she didn't know what to do
She learned from a friend to separate a few
And got herself a Recycling Bin.

There was an old woman who lived in a shoe
She had so much trash, she didn't now what to do
She piled up the bottles, the bottles, the bottles,
And took them out back to the Recycling Bin.

There was an old woman who lived in a shoe
She had so much trash, she didn't know what to do
She piled up the cans, the cans, the cans,
And took them out back to the Recycling Bin.

There was an old woman who lived in a shoe
She had so much trash, she didn't now what to do
She piled up the newspapers, the newspapers, the newspapers,
And took them out back to the Recycling Bin.

  

  

 

Book #1: I Stink! by Kate & Jim McMullan 

Theme activity #1: I'm a Little Garbage Truck (action song to the tune of "I'm a Little Teapot" written by Carol Hopkins)

I'm a little garbage truck, watch me go
Here is my hopper
Here is my cab
When I get all filled up, to the dump I go
Just tip me over and dump the garbage out

 

Theme activity #2: Morning at the Dump (fingerplay written by Carol Hopkins)

(show ten fingers)
Early in the morning, down at the dump
See the dump trucks standing all in a row
See them dump their garbage
(bend fingers)
Dump, dump, dump
Now watch them rolling away
(roll hands over each other)
To go gather more
(sign language for "more")

  

Transition: Come 'A' Look And See (fingerplay song I first picked up at a workshop conducted by Jane Cobb but can also be found on the music CD The Baby Record by Bob McGrath)

Come a' look a' see, here's my mama, 
(point to thumb)
Come a' look a' see, here's my papa, 
(point to index finger)
Come a' look a' see, my brother tall, 
(point to tall finger)
Sister, baby, 
(point to ring, then baby finger) 
I love them all. 
(Kiss the fingertips of your finger family) 

  

***Parent literacy tip: When you are reading books with your child, don't forget to talk about feelings.  This helps build vocabulary and understanding.     

Book #2: The Earth Book by Todd Parr 

Book #3: Garbage Trucks by Paul Zachary 

Closing music with bells: “The Tempo Marches On” from Jim Gill Sings Do Re Mi on His Toe Leg Knee by Jim Gill      

  

 

Art activity:  Color and glue stuff onto a garbage truck drawing

Optional other books:
Trashy Town by Andrewa Zimmerman and David Clemesha, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino 
All the Colors of the Earth by Sheila Hamanaka