Chickens - Family Storytime

This is for an all ages, whole family storytime:

• Opening - Look Up, Look Down (sign language song from Pick Me Up!: Fun Songs for Learning Songs)
• Book #1 - Chickens to the Rescue by John Himmelman
• Book #2 - Hurry! Hurry! by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Jeff Mack (alternative longer book: Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein)
  
• Stand up activity - Mack Chicken Dance (action song from Big Fun by Greg & Steve)
• Flannelboard - Old Macdonald Had a Farm
  
• Book #3 - I Bought a Baby Chicken by Kelly Milner Halls, illustrated by Karen Stormer Brooks
• Book #4 - Chicken Little by Rebecca Emberley and Ed Emberley
  
• Activity - This Is the Way the Chicken Moves (action chant written by Carol Hopkins)

This is the way the chicken walks
Bob the head, chin in front
Bob the head, chin in front
This is the way the chicken stretches
Flap, flap, flap your wings
Flap, flap, flap your wings
This is the way the chicken dances
Move your tail feathers to the left
Move your tail feathers to the right
This is the way the chicken sits
Fold your legs on the nest like so
Fold your legs on the nest like so

• Closing - I Know a Chicken (egg shaker song from Whaddaya Think of That by Laurie Berkner)
  
• Family Small Motor Activity - Create chicken coops out of straw connectors

Thanksgiving Storytime

Storytime for 1 to 3 year olds:

• Opening - Skinnamarink (from Car Songs: Songs to Sing Anywhere by Dennis Buck at Kimbo), Sticky Sticky Bubblegum
• Book #1 – Biscuit Is Thankful by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, pictures by Pat Schories (board book)
• Stand-up Activity - If You're Happy and You Know It (traditional action song from Songs for Wiggleworms by Old Town School of Folk Music)

• Bridge - 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

• Flannelboard/Math Activity - Turkey Cheese Fondue (counting rhyme by Carol Hopkins)

1, 2, make some fondue
3, 4, make some more
5, 6, together they mix
7, 8, where's the plate?
9, 10, let's make it again
10 turkeys eating cheese fondue

• Sit-down Activity - 10 Fat Turkeys (not sure where I picked up this fingerplay)

Ten fat turkeys standing in a row.
They spread their wings and tails just so.
They look to the left,
They look to the right,
When they strut their stuff, they're quite a sight!
But you won't see them on Thanksgiving Day,
'Cause one by one they'll run away.

• Book #2 - Five Silly Turkeys by Salina Yoon (board book)
• Activity – I'm a Little Turkey (action song to the tune of "I'm a Little Teapot" found in The Mailbox Preschool magazine, Oct./Nov. 1999, page 37)
• Closing - Eggshakers to the song "I Know a Chicken" from Whaddaya Think of That? by Laurie Berkner
• Craft – Glue feathers onto a turkey shape

Night Time - Family Storytime

This is for an all ages, whole family storytime:

• Opening - If You're Happy and You Know It (action song from Children's Favorite Songs Vol. 3 by Walt Disney Records)
• Book #1 - Dark Night by Dorothée de Monfreid
• Book #2 - Baby Danced the Polka by Karen Beaumont, picture by Jennifer Plecas (Alternative book: There's Something In My Attic by Mercer Mayer)
  
• Stand up activity - The Owl (action rhyme found in many sources)

There's a wide eyed owl
(thumbs and forefingers around eyes)
With a pointed nose,
(forefinger makes a V at end of nose)
Two pointed ears,
(forefingers extended up from head for ears)
And claws for toes.
(fingers and arms bent in front of chest)
When he sits up high in the tree,
(point up to top of tree)
And he looks at you,
(point at a child in the group)
He flaps his wings,
(fold arms into arm pits and flap)
And he says, "Whoo, Whoo."

• Flannelboard - Five Little Bats on a Dark Night (counting down rhyme I found on the website Estherstorytimes)
• Book #3 - The Napping House by Audrey Wood, illustrated by Don Wood (Alternative book: Hush!: A Thai Lullaby by Minfong Ho, pictures by Holly Meade
  
• Activity - Ten Little Kittens Good Night (fingerplay, not sure where I picked up this one)
  
• Closing - Shake My Sillies Out (action song from More Singable Songs by Raffi)
  
• Family Small Motor Activity - Create a paper plate shooting star: (1) Spiral cut a paper plate. (2) Cut out a star. (3) Invite children to glue the star to the paper plate and decorate with color pens.
  

Apple Storytime

Storytime for 1 to 3 year olds:

• Opening - Skinnamarink (from Car Songs: Songs to Sing Anywhere by Dennis Buck at Kimbo), Sticky Sticky Bubblegum
• Book #1 – Apple Farmer Annie by Monica Wellington
• Stand-up Activity - Great Big Apple Tree (action song to the tune of "Are You Sleeping?" written by Carol Hopkins)

Great big apple tree
Great big apple tree
Standing tall
Standing tall
Moving your branches
When the wind blows
Then the apples fall
Down to the ground

• Bridge - 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

• Flannelboard/Math Activity - Four Little Apples (counting down rhyme found in Ready to Go Storytimes: Fingerplays, Scripts, Patterns, Music, & More by Gail Benton and Trisha Waichulaitis)
• Sit-down Activity - Four Red Apples (action song to the tune of "This Old Man" written by Carol Hopkins

Four red apples on the tree
Two for you and two for me
So-o shake that tree and watch them fall
1, 2, 3, 4, that is all.

• Book #2 - Apples, Apples by Salina Yoon (lift-flap board book)
• Activity – I'm a Little Teapot (traditional action song from This Little Piggy: Lap Songs, Finger Plays, Clapping Games, and Pantomine Rhymes edited by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Will Hillenbrand, musical arrangement by Adam Stemple)
• Closing - Eggshakers to the song "I Know a Chicken" from Whaddaya Think of That? by Laurie Berkner
• Craft – Print out a tree for each child. Use red dot stickers to add apples to the tree.

Firetruck Storytime

Storytime for 1 to 3 year olds:

• Opening - Skinnamarink (from Car Songs: Songs to Sing Anywhere by Dennis Buck at Kimbo), Sticky Sticky Bubblegum
• Book #1 – Fire Fighter Piggywiggy by Christyan and Diane Fox
• Stand-up Activity - I'm a Little Firefighter (action song to the tune of "I'm a Little Teapot" written by Carol Hopkins)

I'm a little firefighter off I go
Here is my helmet
Here is my truck
When my clothes catch on fire I know what to do
I stop, drop, and roll to put the fire out

• Bridge - 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

• Flannelboard/Math Activity - Five Firefighters (counting down song to the tune of "Five Little Ducks" found in Mailbox Preschool magazine Oct/Nov 2007, page 40)
• Sit-down Activity - Drive the Firetruck (action song from Songs for Wiggleworms by Old Town School of Folk Music)
• Book #2 - Maisy's Fire Engine by Lucy Cousins (board book)
• Activity – Wheels on the Fire Truck (action song to the tune of "Wheels on the Bus" found in Mailbox Preschool magazine Oct/Nov 2006, page 34)
• Closing - Eggshakers to the song "I Know a Chicken" from Whaddaya Think of That? by Laurie Berkner
• Craft – Color a paper fire fighter hat

Halloween Storytime

Storytime for 1 to 3 year olds:

• Opening - Skinnamarink (from Car Songs: Songs to Sing Anywhere by Dennis Buck at Kimbo), Sticky Sticky Bubblegum
• Book #1 – Snappy Little Halloween by Dugald Steer, illustrated by Derek Matthews (pop-up)
• Stand-up Activity - Jack-O-Lantern, Jack-O-Lantern (action rhyme written by Carol Hopkins)

Jack-O-Lantern, Jack-O-Lantern turn around.
Jack-O-Lantern, Jack-O-Lantern roll on the ground.
Jack-O-Lantern, Jack-O-Lantern dance on your toes.
Jack-O-Lantern, Jack-O-Lantern light up your nose.
Jack-O-Lantern, Jack-O-Lantern reach up high.
Jack-O-Lantern, Jack-O-Lantern jump to the sky.
Jack-O-Lantern, Jack-O-Lantern smile with heat.
Jack-O-Lantern, Jack-O-Lantern find your seat.

• Bridge - 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

• Flannelboard/Math Activity - Three Little Pumpkins (my notes do not say where I found this rhyme)
• Sit-down Activity - I Know a Little Pumpkin (fingerplay written by Carol Hopkins)

I know a little pumpkin who sat on a wall
(large circle in front of body)
I know this pumpkin had a great fall
(touch ground)
He rolled out the garden
(roll hands)
He rolled down the street
He rolled to a stop in front of a gate
(one hand palm out for stop)
Along came kid with a design update
(tap head)
Later that night as the kids trick or treated
By the door sat the pumpkin with a smile that greeted
(point to smile)

• Book #2 - Maisy's Halloween by Lucy Cousins (board book)
• Activity – Pumpkins Over There (action rhyme written by Carol Hopkins)

Pumpkins small
(make small pumpkin with hands)
Pumpkins tall
(hands up high)
Pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere
(spin around)
Pumpkins fat
(hands make fat pumpkin)
And pumpkins thin
(hands together almost touching)
Pumpkins, pumpkins over there!
(point across the room)

• Closing - Eggshakers to the song "I Know a Chicken" from Whaddaya Think of That? by Laurie Berkner
• Craft – Triangle jack-o-lantern: Give each child an orange pumpkin shape and some small yellow triangles. Invite the children to make a jack-o-lantern face by gluing on the triangles.

Apples - Family Storytime

This is for an all ages, whole family storytime:

• Opening - Look Up, Look Down (sign language song from Pick Me Up!: Fun Songs for Learning Signs)
• Book #1 - Applesauce Season by Eden Ross Lipson, illustrated by Moridcai Gerstein
  
• Book #2 -Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall, illustrated by Shari Halpern
• Stand up activity - Applesauce (action chant I found at http://www.susandailey.com/apples.htm)
  
• Flannelboard - Five Red Apples (counting down chant written by Carol Hopkins)
  

5 red apples, hanging on the tree
5 red apples, big and round and shiny
Along came a child with a hungry, grumbly tummy
And picked one apple right out of the tree.
(continue counting down to zero apples)

• Book #3 - Orange Pear Apple Bear by Emily Gravett
  
• Book #4 - Dappled Apples by Jan Carr, illustrated by Dorothy Donohue
  
• Activity - Look At this Apples I Have Found (fingerplay I have seen on many websites)
  

Look at this apple I have found
(circle hands)
So round and rosy on the ground
We will wash it and cut it in two
(perform actions)
Half for me and half for you.
(point to self and then away from self)

• Closing - Two Little Apples/Shake, Shake the Apple Tree (egg shaker song from Kindermusik Family Our Kind of Day disc 1)
  
• Family Small Motor Activity - Wormy Apples (Punch holes around the edge of a precut cardstock apple. Invite children to weave a yarn "worm" through the holes and then color the apple with color pens.)
  

Chickens Storytime

Storytime for 1 to 3 year olds:

• Opening - Skinnamarink (from Car Songs: Songs to Sing Anywhere by Dennis Buck at Kimbo), Sticky Sticky Bubblegum
• Book #1 – Big Fat Hen by Keith Baker
• Stand-up Activity - Little Chick, Little Chick (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.

• Bridge - 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

• Flannelboard/Math Activity - Hens of a Different Color (color rhyme I found on a website)
• Sit-down Activity - 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.

• Book #2 - Charlie Chick: A Pop-up Book by Nick Denchfield and Ant Parker
• Activity – Here's a Little Egg (action rhyme I have seen in a number of places, but I first found at http://www.geocities.com/mystorytime/chickens/htm#Fingerplays)

Here's a little egg, so smooth and white
(sit criss cross, head down, arms in lap)
Peck, peck, peck, there's something inside!
Peck, peck, peck, here comes a little beak.
(move head up and make beak with fingers)
Peck, peck, peck here come two little feet.
(extend feet)
Peck, peck, peck, here come the wings.
(flap arms as wings)
Peck, peck, peck, and a pick, pick, pick,
(move to squatting position)
And crack, crack, CRACK!
Out pops the baby chick!
(stand up, arms above head)

• Closing - Eggshakers to the song "I Know a Chicken" from Whaddaya Think of That? by Laurie Berkner
• Craft – Chicken walk coloring sheet

Llama Llama Story Fun

A library program for children ages 3 through 8 years old.

As part of the Jumpstart "Read for the Record" campaign, we started off reading the book Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney. We tried to read this from an ebook off Jumpstart's webpage but our laptop was having issues, so we used a paper book instead. We followed this up with a reading of Is Your Mama a Llama? by Deborah Guarino, illustrated by Steven Kellogg.

After the book readings the children had a chance to play pin the tail on the llama, glue fleece onto a llama drawing, and a coloring page. A great big thank you to our shelver for making a life size baby llama for pin the tail on the llama.

From Russia with Love

A library program for children ages 4 through 12.

A staff member who is originally from Russia talked about growing up in Russia and shared some folk art pieces she brought from her former country (including nesting dolls).

The children's librarian then told the story of "The Enormous Turnip" with the help of the children.

Finally, the children made their own paper nesting dolls of the characters from the story "The Enormous Turnip."

This was a fun and easy program to put together thanks to the help of our Russian staff member. The children actually enjoyed coloring and cutting out the paper nesting dolls. Though there was some trouble with the glue making the figures stick to each other.

Fancy Folds

A library program for children ages 7 to 12 years old.

A librarian started the program off by telling a paper folding story to the children. During the story she made an origami hat and an origami boat along with a few other shapes. After the story, the librarian taught the children and adults how to fold the hat. She then showed everyone how a few quick folds can turn the hat into a boat.

We then sent the children to the tables to explore other origami shapes. Each table had paper, crayons, and instructions for making origami folded art. Each table had a different set of instructions. The simplest instructions were for a cat or dog face. The next simplest was for a jumping frog. Other popular instructions included the crane and french fries in a box.

Mice Are Nice Storytime

Storytime for 1 to 3 year olds:

• Opening - Skinnamarink (from Car Songs: Songs to Sing Anywhere by Dennis Buck at Kimbo), Sticky Sticky Bubblegum
• Book #1 – Ten Little Mice by Joyce Dunbar, illustrated by Maria Majewska (big book)
• Stand-up Activity - Little Mouse (adapted from a Teddy Bear action rhyme by Carol Hopkins)

Little mouse, little mouse turn around.
Little mouse, little mouse creep to the ground.
Little mouse, little mouse scamper on your toes.
Little mouse, little mouse twitch your nose.
Little mouse, little mouse squeak up high.
Little mouse, little mouse jump to the sky.
Little mouse, little mouse pat your feet.
Little mouse, little mouse have a seat.

• Bridge - 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

• Flannelboard/Math Activity - Five Mean Tabby Cats (counting backwards rhyme that I don't remember where I found it)
• Sit-down Activity - Hickory Dickory Dock (fingerplay)

Hickory dickory dock
(clapping)
A mouse ran up the clock
(one hand run up the other arm)
The clock struck 1
(clap once)
The mouse ran down
(one hand run down the other arm)
Hickory dickory dock
(clapping)

Hickory dickory dock
A mouse ran up the clock
The clock struck 2
(clap twice)
The mouse said "BOO!"
(try to tickle child)
Hickory dickory dock

Hickory dickory dock
A mouse ran up the clock
The clock struck 3
(clap three times)
The mouse said "Wheee!"
(one hand slide down the other arm and the down to the floor as if on a slide)
Hickory dickory dock

Hickory dickory dock
A mouse ran up the clock
The clock struck 4
(clap 4 times)
There is no more
(shake head, show empty hands)
Hickory dickory dock.

• Book #2 - Lunch by Denise Fleming
• Activity – Little Mice Go Creeping (action rhyme I found in What'll I Do with the Baby-O? by Jane Cobb)
• Closing - Goin' On a Bear Hunt (rhythm stick song from Kids In Action by Greg & Steve)
• Craft – Mouse face with a teardrop shape and a heart shape

Garden Storytime

Storytime for 1 to 3 year olds:

• Opening - Skinnamarink (from Car Songs: Songs to Sing Anywhere by Dennis Buck at Kimbo), Sticky Sticky Bubblegum
• Book #1 – Mrs. McNosh and the Great Big Squash by Sarah Weeks, pictures by Nadine Bernard Westcott
• Stand-up Activity - A Little Plant (action rhyme I found in 52 Programs for Preschoolers by Diane Briggs)
• Bridge - 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

• Flannelboard/Math Activity - Four Little Flowers (this is actually a fingerplay written by Jean Warren that I found on a website, not sure which one)

Four little flowers I did see.
I picked one, there there were three.

Three little flowers pretty and new.
I picked another, then there were two.

Two little flowers out in the sun.
I picked one more, there there was one.

One little flower left in the sun.
I picked it too, then there were none!

• Sit-down Activity -Ten Little Flowers (fingerplay written by Carol Hopkins)

(show and count your ten fingers)
Ten little flowers standing in the sun
(stretch and spread out fingers)
Ten thirsty flowers begin to droop
(bow down fingers)
Along come the clouds
(point to the sky)
And the rain begins to fall
(flutter hands down)
Ten little flowers lift their head to the sun again.
(lift fingers up from the bow)

• Book #2 - Jasper's Beanstalk by Nick Butterworth and Mick Inkpen
• Activity – I'm a Little Sunflower (action song to the tune of "I'm a Little Teapot" I found in a Mailbox magazine)
• Closing - Goin' On a Bear Hunt (rhythm stick song from Kids In Action by Greg & Steve)
• Craft – Paper and yarn beanstalk

Fathers Storytime

Storytime for 1 to 3 year olds:

• Opening - Skinnamarink (from Car Songs: Songs to Sing Anywhere by Dennis Buck at Kimbo), Sticky Sticky Bubblegum
• Book #1 – My Dad by Anthony Browne
• Stand-up Activity - Do It for Your Father (action song to the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat")

(suite actions to words)
Roll, roll, roll your hands
As fast as fast can be.
Do it now, let me see,
Do it for your father.
Clap, clap, clap your hands
As loud as loud can be.
Do it now, let me see,
Do it for your father.
Stomp, stomp, stomp your feet
As hard as hard can be.
Do it now, let me see,
Do it for your father.
Jump, jump, jump your feet
As high as high can be.
Do it now, let me see,
Do it for your father.
Roll, roll, roll your hands
As fast as fast can be.
Do it now, let me see,
Do it for your father.

• Bridge - 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

• Flannelboard/Math Activity - Daddy Mouse

(Make 6-8 different colored houses and put them on the board. Put a small mouse under one of these houses. Before you look under a house, say the rhyme with the children.)
Daddy Mouse, Daddy Mouse, where is your baby?
Daddy Mouse, Daddy Mouse, look for your baby in the yellow house.
(Be sure to use different house colors.)

• Sit-down Activity - Come a' Look a' See (fingerplay song I first picked up at a workshop conducted by Jane Cobb but can also be found on the cd The Baby Record by Bob McGrath)
• Book #2 - Just Like Daddy by Frank Asch
• Activity – If You're Happy and You Know It (action song from Songs for Wiggleworms by Old Town School of Folk Music)
• Closing - Goin' On a Bear Hunt (rhythm stick song from Kids In Action by Greg & Steve)
• Craft – Tissue paper scales glued onto a fish shape

Mouse Tales - Preschool Storytime

Preschool storytime for 3 to 5 year olds:

• Opening – Row, Row, Row Your Boat from Songs for Wiggleworms from Old Town School
• Alphabet activity - Lower case letters in the hat
  
• Book #1 - A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton
  
• Stand-up activity - The Great Big Bear (action chant written by Carol Hopkins)

The great big bear,
(sing language for bear)
Gives a warning with a soft little growl.
(growl)
Waves its paws in the air.
(move hands like claws)
Shakes its great big head
(shake head)
Rubs its furry little ears
(rub ears)
Gives a great big roar
(loud roar)
Then goes to sleep in its lair.
(hands to side of face for sleep)

• Book #2 - Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh
  
• Book #3 - If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond
  
• Activity – Can You Scamper Like a Mouse? (adapted from a rhyme told by Rob Reid)

(suite actions to words)
Can you scamper like a mouse?
Can you stalk like a cat looking for a mouse?
Can you growl like a tiger?
Can you hop like a frog?
Can you climb like a monkey?
Can you bark like a dog?
Can you slither like a snake?
Can you fly like a bat?
Can you howl like a wolf?
Can you sit like a kid at storytime?

• Closing – Round of Applause (action rhyme adapted from one told by Rob Reid)
• Craft - Make a little mouse face with a teardrop shaped face, a heart cut in half for ears, some dot stickers, glue sticks, and color pens.
  

Fathers Storytime - Preschool

Preschool storytime for 3 to 5 year olds:

• Opening – Row, Row, Row Your Boat from Songs for Wiggleworms from Old Town School
• Alphabet activity - Lower case letters in the hat
  
• Book #1 - My Father the Dog by Elizabeth Bluemle, illustrated by Randy Cecil
  
• Stand-up activity - Some Dogs (action chant adapted by Carol Hopkins)
  

(suite actions to words) Some dogs run
Some dogs bark
Some dogs jump
Some dogs growl
Some dogs roll in the grass
Some dogs yip
Some dogs sniff
Some dogs howl
And some dogs just wag their tails all day.

• Book #2 -Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle
  
• Book #3 - My Dad the Magnificent by Kristy Parker, illustrated by Lillian Hoban
  
• Activity – Do It for Your Father (action song to the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat")

(suite actions to words)
Roll, roll, roll your hands
As fast as fast can be.
Do it now, let me see,
Do it for your father.

Clap, clap, clap your hands
As loud as loud can be.
Do it now, let me see,
Do it for your father.

Stomp, stomp, stomp your feet
As hard as hard can be.
Do it now, let me see,
Do it for your father.

Jump, jump, jump your feet
As high as high can be.
Do it now, let me see,
Do it for your father.

Roll, roll, roll your hands
As fast as fast can be.
Do it now, let me see,
Do it for your father.

• Closing – Round of Applause (action rhyme adapted from one told by Rob Reid)
• Craft - Water color sheet
  

Construction Trucks Storytime

Storytime for 1 to 3 year olds:

• Opening - Skinnamarink (from Car Songs: Songs to Sing Anywhere by Dennis Buck at Kimbo), Sticky Sticky Bubblegum
• Book #1 – Get to Work Trucks by Don Carter
• Stand-up Activity - Cranes Reach (action chant written by Carol Hopkins)

Cranes reach up high
(reach high)
Cranes reach down low
(touch ground)
Cranes reach really, really far picking up their load.
(stretch arms out)

Cranes turn to the right
(with arms out, turn to the right)
Cranes turn to the left
(with arms out, turn to the left)
Cranes reach up really, really high dropping off their load.
(reach high)

• Bridge - 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

• Flannelboard/Math Activity - All Around the Construction Site (to the tune of "Pop Goes the Weasel" adapted by Carol Hopkins)

All around the construction site
I see lots of busy trucks
Here's one coming down the street
Hey, it's a dump truck!
(repeat with other construction trucks)

• Sit-down Activity - Wheels on the Dump Truck (fingerplay to the tune of "Wheels on the Bus" written by Carol Hopkins)

The wheels on the dump truck go round and round, round and round, round and round,
The wheels on the dump truck go round and round
Driving to the work site.
(roll hands over each other)

...The driver in the dump truck goes steer, steer, steer...
(pretend to drive)
...The box on the dump truck tips up and down...
(put arms together in front of body, have one arm move up and down at the elbow)
...The horn on the dump truck goes beep, beep, beep...
(pretend to honk horn)

• Book #2 - Truck Jam by Paul Stickland (pop-up)
• Activity – Peter Hammers (action song from Little Songs for Little Me by Nancy Stewart)

• Closing - Goin' On a Bear Hunt (rhythm stick song from Kids In Action by Greg & Steve)
• Craft – Glue sand onto a dump truck

Magic Storytime

Storytime for 1 to 3 year olds:

• Opening - Skinnamarink (from Car Songs: Songs to Sing Anywhere by Dennis Buck at Kimbo), Sticky Sticky Bubblegum
• Book #1 – The Magic Rabbit by Richard Jesse Watson
• Stand-up Activity -I Saw a Little Rabbit (action rhyme)

I saw a little rabbit go hop, hop, hop
(jump)
I saw his ears go flop, flop, flop
(flop hands on head)
I saw his eyes go blink, blink, blink
(point to eyes and blink)
I saw his nose go twink, twink, twink
(wiggle nose)
I said, "Little rabbit, won't you stay?"
(beckon with hand)
He looked at me and hopped away
(jump)

• Bridge - 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

• Flannelboard/Math Activity - Five Magic Rabbits (counting backwards rhyme, I first found at the Harris County Public Library website, but have since seen on several other websites)

Five magic rabbits in a tall black hat.
Along comes a magician who gives each a pat.
She waves her magic wand high above their ears,
Abracadabra, poof!
One rabbit disappears.
(count down to zero)

• Sit-down Activity - This Is the Boat, the Magic Boat (fingerplay, I first heard this at a workshop by Jane Cobb)

This is the boat, the golden boat,
(Cup hands together palms down)
That sails on the silvery sea,
(Undulate hands like waves)
And these are the oars, the ivory oars,
(Interlace fingers with thumbs sticking out to the sides)
That lift and dip, that lift and dip.
(Lower and raise fingers)
And here are the ten little Ferrymen
(Show 10 fingers up high)
Running along, running along,
(Make fingers run)
To take the oars, the ivory oars
(Interlace fingers with thumbs sticking out to the sides)
That lift and dip, that lift and dip,
(Lower and raise fingers)
That move the boat, the golden boat,
(Move cupped hands gently back & forth)
Over the silvery sea.
(Undulate hands like waves)

• Book #2 - The Magic Hat by Mem Fox, illustrated by Tricia Tusa
• Activity – Suzy Had a Little Hat (action song to the tune of "Mary Had a Little Lamb" written by Carol Hopkins)

Suzy had a little hat, little hat, little hat
(hold hands together in the shape of a hat)
Suzy had a little hat, she wore right up here!
(put hat on top of head)

Suzy went jump, jump, jump,
Jump, jump, jump
Jump, jump, jump,
Suzy went jump, jump, jump,
With her hat right up here!

Suzy went running...
Suzy went spinning...
Suzy went bend her knees...
Suzy went sitting...

• Closing - Goin' On a Bear Hunt (rhythm stick song from Kids In Action by Greg & Steve)
• Craft – Decorate white felt in the shape of a hat with color pens

Magic Storytime - Preschool

Preschool storytime for 3 to 5 year olds:

• Opening – Do Your Ears Hang Low? (action song from Six Little Ducks by Kimbo)
  
• Alphabet activity - Letters in the hat
  
• Book #1 - Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig (this book was a tad too long, even after I shortened it)
  
• Activity - A Walking We Will Go (action song to the tune of "Farmer In the Dell")

A walking we will go
A walking we will go
Hi ho the derry oh
A walking we will go
(repeat with more action words, such as jumping, running, stomping, etc.)

• Book #2 -My Little Sister Ate One Hare by Bill Grossman, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes
• Book #3 -Snappy Little Fairy Tales by Beth Harwood, illustrated by Derek Matthews
  
• Activity – Fairies In the Yard (action song to the tune of "Wheels on the Bus")

The fairies in the yard are twirling around, twirling around, twirling around,
The fairies in the yard are twirling around, all around the yard.
(repeat with more action words, such as flying, jumping, running, etc.)

• Closing – Round of Applause (action rhyme adapted from one told by Rob Reid)
• Craft - Decorate a rock to be a "magic pebble" with cloth pens and Sharpies

Bears Storytime

Storytime for 1 to 3 year olds:

• Opening - Skinnamarink (from Car Songs: Songs to Sing Anywhere by Dennis Buck at Kimbo), Sticky Sticky Bubblegum
• Book #1 – My Bear and Me by Barbara Maitland, pictures by Lisa Flather
• Stand-up Activity - Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear (action chant)

Teddy bear, teddy bear turn around
Teddy bear, teddy bear touch the ground
Teddy bear, teddy bear dance on your toes
Teddy bear, teddy bear touch your nose
Teddy bear, teddy bear reach up high
Teddy bear, teddy bear jump to the sky
Teddy bear, teddy bear find your feet
Teddy bear, teddy bear find your seat

• Bridge - 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

• Flannelboard/Math Activity - All Types of Bears written by Carol Hopkins (to the tune of "Mary Had a Little Lamb")

Grizzly bears are big and brown.
Big and brown, big and brown.
Grizzly bears are big and brown.
And live in the woods.

Polar bears are soft and white.
Soft and white, soft and white.
Polar bears are soft and white.
And live where it is cold.

Panda bears are black and white,
Black and white, black and white
Panda bears are black and white.
And live with bamboo.

Koala bears have great big ears,
Great big ears, great big ears,
Koala bears have great big ears,
And live high in a tree.

Teddy bears are just my size.
Just my size, just my size.
Teddy bears are just my size.
To cuddle with at night.

• Sit-down Activity -Bears Eat Honey (fingerplay written by Carol Hopkins)

A bear,
(sign language for "bear")
Eats honey.
(pretend to eat)
He thinks it's yummy in his tummy.
(rub tummy)
But the bees don't think it's funny!
(put fingers of hands to together for the bee)
Buzzzzzzzzzzzzz!

• Book #2 - Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr., pictures by Eric Carle
• Activity – Great Big Bear (action chant written by Carol Hopkins)

The great big bear,
(sing language for bear)
Gives a warning with a soft little growl.
(growl)
Waves its paws in the air.
(move hands like claws)
Shakes its great big head
(shake head)
Rubs its furry little ears
(rub ears)
Gives a great big roar
(loud roar)
Then goes to sleep in its lair.
(hands to side of face for sleep)

• Closing - Goin' On a Bear Hunt (rhythm stick song from Kids In Action by Greg & Steve)
• Craft – Decorate teddy bear stick puppet