Storytime with Miss Jennifer: 2016

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Preschool: Letter E

Gathering song: “If You’re Ready”
(to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It”)

If you’re ready for a story, take a seat
If you’re ready for a story, take a seat
Clap your hands and stomp your feet
Make your hands all nice and neat
If you’re ready for a story, take a seat

Opening Song: “Clap and Sing Hello”
(to the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell”)

We clap and sing hello
We clap and sing hello
With our friends at storytime
We clap and sing hello

(Repeat with wave and stomp.)

Introduction: We brainstormed some words that start with E. Then we sang the ABC song.

What's in the Mail? : I told the kids that I had stopped by the mailbox on the way to storytime and that we had some special mail.

Inside the first envelope was a picture of an elephant. I wonder why there is an elephant in our mail?
Inside the second envelope was a picture of some eggs. Hmmm....
Inside the third envelope was a picture of a child eating. Interesting...
Inside the fourth envelope was the letter E! That's right, all of these things start with the letter E!

I mentioned that E is a special letter because it can say two things. It can say /e/ like elephant, or it can say its name like /ee/ in eat.

Flannelboard rhyme: “Five Elephants in the Bathtub”

One elephant in the bathtub, going for a swim (hold up one finger, make swimming motions)
Knock, knock (clap)
Splash, splash (pat knees)
Come on in! (beckoning motion)

Repeat, counting up...

On last verse, change final line to "they all fell in!" and knock pieces to the floor.

Action Rhyme: “The Elephant’s Trunk”

The elephant has a great big trunk
That goes swinging, swinging so
He has tiny, tiny eyes
That show him where to go
His huge long ears go flapping,
Flapping up and down
And his great big feet go stomping,
Stomping on the ground.

Book: Elephant’s Story by Tracey Campbell Pearson

Action Song: “This is the Way”, Elephant Style
(to the tune of “Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush”)

This is the way I stomp my feet,
Stomp my feet, stomp my feet.
This is the way I stomp my feet,
'Cause I am an elephant.

Repeat with: stand and sway, move my trunk

Rhyme Cube - We roll the cube to help choose our rhymes. This time we did "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes."

"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

"Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes"

Head, shoulders, knees, and toes

Knees and toes

Head, shoulders, knees, and toes

Knees and toes

Eyes, ears, mouth, and nose

Head, shoulders, knees, and toes

Flannelboard Story: The Most Wonderful Egg in the World by Helme Heine

Three hens were arguing about who was the most beautiful. They went to ask the King for help. The King told them that what someone can do is more important than how they look. They should each lay an egg and the chicken with the best egg would be made a princess.

The first egg was the most perfect size, shape, and color. The second egg was the biggest ever seen. The third was very unusual - it was square and multicolored.

The King couldn't decide between the eggs since each was perfect in its own way, so he made all three hens princesses.

Book: Eggs 1 2 3 by Janet Halfmann

Shaker Song: “Egg Shakers Up”

Egg shakers up, (shakers above head)

And egg shakers down, (shakers on the floor)

Egg shakers dancing all around the town. (move shakers back and forth)

Dance them on your shoulders

Dance them on your head

Dance them on your knee

And tuck them into bed (fold shaker inside hands, under head)

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

(Repeat: give a clap, give a tap)

Story/Game: I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie by Alison Jackson

As I read the poem, the children came up to the board and fed the old lady.

Scarf Song: “Popcorn Kernels”

Popcorn kernels, popcorn kernels (wave scarf)

In the pot, in the pot (hide scarf inside cupped hands)

Shake them, shake them, shake them (shake cupped hands)

Shake them, shake them, shake them

Til they pop! Til they pop! (throw scarf into the air)

Scarf Song: “We Wave Our Scarves Together"

(to the tune of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow”)

We wave our scarves together

Because it’s fun to do!

Wave ‘em up high

Wave ‘em down low

Wave ‘em in the middle

Because it’s fun to do!

We throw our scarves together

Because it’s fun to do!

We throw ‘em up high

We throw ‘em down low

We throw ‘em in the middle

Because it’s fun to do!

Closing Rhyme: “Tickle the Clouds”

Tickle the clouds

Tickle your toes

Turn around

Tickle your nose

Reach down low

Reach up high

The stories are over,

Wave goodbye

Craft, Manipulatives, Exploration:

Elephant finger puppet

Playdough

Sensory box with rice, beans, plastic elephants and other animals

This storytime was inspired by the lovely folks at:

SLC Bookboy

Intentional Storytime

Pixelbeard the Librarian

Miss Anna Presents Alphabet Storytime

Catch the Possibilities

First Grade and Fabulous

Jbrary

Flannel Friday

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Fall Fun Evening Program

Our family evening program for November was a Fall Fun party with a storytime, crafts, games, and snacks. These evening events are still pretty new and I was a little worried that it wouldn't be as well attended as the Halloween event, but over 60 people came out!

Here's how it went...

Storytime

The gym is not an ideal place for storytime, but acoustics aside, it went really well. The kids were very attentive, especially given all the other activities in the room. I was assisted by Miss Sarah, who's a graduate student in Library Science and has been helping me all semester. She's awesome!

Fingerplay: “Five Little Leaves” (w/glove puppet)

Five little leaves so bright and gay (Hold up five fingers)
Were dancing about on a tree one day. (Wiggle fingers on one hand)
The wind came blowing through the town. (Make wind noises)
Ooooooooo……………Ooooooooooooooo………
One little leaf came tumbling down. (Bend down one finger)

Repeat, counting down.

Action Song: “All the Leaves Are Falling Down”
(to the tune of “London Bridge”)

All the leaves are falling down, falling down, falling down (flutter fingers down)
All the leaves are falling down, it is autumn.
Take the rake and rake them up, rake them up, rake them up (imitate raking leaves)
Take the rake and rake them up, it is autumn.
Make a pile and jump right in, jump right in, jump right in, (jump)
Make a pile and jump right in, it is autumn.

Flannelboard story: Fall Is Not Easy by Marty Kelley

This poem is told from the tree's point of view.

Winter is easy...no leaves.

Spring is easy...just buds.

Summer is easy...green leaves.

Fall is NOT easy...leaves are changing and the tree keeps getting mixed up.

(there are several more...)

Whew...winter is easy.

The kids thought this was hilarious and asked me to "do it again!" They laughed just as hard the second time.

Flannelboard Game: “Little Bird, Are You In the ____ Tree”

Little bird is hiding behind one of these trees. Can we find him?

Scarf Song: “Autumn Leaves”

(to the tune of “London Bridge”)

Autumn leaves are falling down, falling down, falling down (flutter scarves down)

Autumn leaves are falling down, falling on the ground.

Autumn leaves are whirling round, whirling round, whirling round (twirl around)

Autumn leaves are whirling round, all over town.

Scarf Song: “Popcorn Kernels”

(to the tune of "Frere Jacques")

Popcorn kernels, popcorn kernels (wave scarf)

In the pot, in the pot (hide scarf inside cupped hands)

Shake them, shake them, shake them (shake cupped hands)

Shake them, shake them, shake them

Til they pop! Til they pop! (throw scarf into the air)

Scarf Song: “We Wave Our Scarves Together”

(to the tune of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow”)

We wave our scarves together

Because it’s fun to do!

Wave ‘em up high

Wave ‘em down low

Wave ‘em in the middle

Because it’s fun to do!

We throw our scarves together

Because it’s fun to do!

We throw ‘em up high

We throw ‘em down low

We throw ‘em in the middle

Because it’s fun to do!

Book: When the Leaf Blew In by Steve Metzger

Song: “The Acorn Song (I’m a Nut)”

I’m an acorn, small and round

Lying on the cold, cold ground

People always step on me (stamp foot)

That is why I’m cracked you see.

I’m a nut (click tongue twice)

I’m a nut (click, click)

I’m a nut, I’m a nut, I’m a nut. (click, click)

Action Rhyme: “Squirrel, Squirrel Turn Around”

Squirrel, squirrel, turn around

Squirrel, squirrel, touch the ground

Squirrel, squirrel, climb a tree

Now shake that bushy tail with me!

Goodbye Song: “We Clap and Sing Goodbye”

(to the tune of “Farmer in the Dell”)

We clap and sing goodbye

With our friends at storytime

We clap and sing goodbye

Games and Crafts in the Gym

Beanbag Toss

Leaf Matching

I Spy Fall Sensory Bin

Fall Mural - Sarah drew a beautiful fall scene on butcher paper. We attached it to the gym wall and gave the kids markers and stamps to decorate with.

Felt Table - I put a large piece of felt on a table and left out some fall-themed pieces for creative play and storytelling.

Balloon Ping Pong

Giant Parachute

It looked a lot like this...

Seeds, Flowers, and Popcorn from the Banneker Community Garden

Leaf Wreath Craft

Turkey Craft

This storytime and larger program was inspired by the lovely folks at:

Sunflower Storytime
Storytime Katie -fall; fall; fall animals
Abby the Librarian
Flannel Friday
Jbrary
and (thank goodness for) Pinterest

BabyTime

Our book this time was In a People House by Theo LeSeig, otherwise known as Dr. Seuss. This rhyming book is full of pictures and words that are familiar to young children (and some that may be new vocabulary!)

Our “Did You Know?” fact today was about Print Awareness:

Babies like books with pictures of familiar objects. As you read, try showing your child a real life example of something from the book. This will help them learn that pictures represent real things, and eventually that printed words also represent real things. (credit: Saroj Ghoting - opens a .doc file)

Welcoming Song: “We Wave Hello Like This”
(To the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell”)

We wave hello like this
We wave hello like this
We clap our hands for all our friends
We wave hello like this

Lap Bounce: “Bumping Up and Down In My Little Red Wagon”

Bumping up and down in my little red wagon
Bumping up and down in my little red wagon
Bumping up and down in my little red wagon
Won’t you be my darling?

Repeat with: my little black stroller, tricycle, shopping cart, whatever baby rides in.

Rhyme: “Where, Oh Where Are Baby’s Fingers?”

Where oh where are baby’s fingers? [touch fingers]
Where oh where are baby’s toes? [touch toes]
Where is baby’s belly button? [trace on baby’s tummy]
Round and round it goes.

Where oh where are baby’s ears? [touch ears]
Where oh where is baby’s nose? [touch nose]
Where is baby’s belly button? [trace on baby’s tummy]
Round and round it goes.

Rhyme: “Grand Old Duke of York”

The grand old Duke of York (bounce baby)
He had ten thousand men
He marched them up to the top of the hill (lift baby)
And marched them down again.

‘Cause when you’re up you’re up (lift baby)
And when you’re down you’re down
And when you’re only halfway up (lift baby)
You’re neither up nor down.

He marched them to the left (bounce left)
He marched them to the right (bounce right)
He marched them to the top of the hill (lift baby)
Oh, what a silly sight!

Fingerplay/Tickle Rhyme: “This Little Piggy”

You can do this traditional rhyme with a child's fingers or toes.

This little piggy went to market (wiggle one finger/toe for each piggy)
This little piggy stayed home
This little piggy had roast beef
This little piggy had none
And this little piggy cried "Wee wee wee" all the way home (tickle)

Dancing: “Mama’s Little Baby Loves Dancing”
(to the tune of "Shortnin' Bread")

Mama's little baby loves dancing, dancing (sway)
Mama's little baby loves turning around (turn in a circle)
Mama's little baby loves dancing, dancing (sway)
Mama's little baby loves to boogie down (twist)

Lean to the left,
Lean to the right
Hug that baby nice and tight
Lean to the left, lean to the right
Hug that baby nice and tight

Mama's little baby loves dancing, dancing (sway)
Mama's little baby loves turning around (turn in a circle)
Mama's little baby loves dancing, dancing (sway)
Mama's little baby loves to boogie down (twist)

Dancing/Movement: “Go In and Out the Window”

Stand in a circle, holding baby. In the second verse, turn baby to face another child in the circle. If you are alone, you could use a mirror.

Go in and out the window (swing baby toward middle of circle)
Go in and out the window
Go in and out the window
As we have done before

Turn and face your partner (turn toward another baby)
Turn and face your partner
Turn and face your partner
As we have done before

Go up and down the staircase (lift baby up and down)
Go up and down the staircase
Go up and down the staircase
As we have done before

Nursery Rhyme/shaker song: “Mary Had a Little Lamb”

Try bouncing, clapping, or shaking an instrument along with the rhythm of traditional nursery rhymes like this one.

Mary had a little lamb,
It's fleece was white as snow;
And everywhere that Mary went
The lamb was sure to go.
It followed her to school one day,
Which was against the rules;
It made the children laugh and play
To see a lamb at school.

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

(Repeat: give a clap, give a tap)

Closing Song: “We Wave Goodbye Like This”
(to the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell”)

We wave goodbye like this
We wave goodbye like this
We clap our hands for all our friends
We wave goodbye like this

Bubbles with music

This storytime was inspired by the lovely folks at:

Jbrary

Preschool: Letter D

Gathering song: “If You’re Ready”
(to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It”)

If you’re ready for a story, take a seat
If you’re ready for a story, take a seat
Clap your hands and stomp your feet
Make your hands all nice and neat
If you’re ready for a story, take a seat

Opening Song: “Clap and Sing Hello”
(to the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell”)

We clap and sing hello
We clap and sing hello
With our friends at storytime
We clap and sing hello

(Repeat with wave and stomp.)

Introduction: We brainstormed some words that start with D. Then we sang the ABC song.

What's in the Mail? : I told the kids that I had stopped by the mailbox on the way to storytime and that we had some special mail.

Inside the first envelope was a picture of a dog. I wonder why there is a dog in our mail?
Inside the second envelope was a picture of a dinosaur. Hmmm....
Inside the third envelope was a picture of some dancers. Interesting...
Inside the fourth envelope was the letter D! That's right, all of these things start with the letter D!

Book: Bark, George by Jules Feiffer

Fingerplay: “Five Little Doggies” (with glove puppet)

Five little doggies were playing in the sun. (Hold up hand, fingers extended)
This one saw a rabbit, and he began to run. (Bend first finger)
This one saw a butterfly, and he began to race. (Bend second finger)
This one saw a pussycat, and he began to chase. (Bend third finger)
This one tried to catch his tail, and he went round & round. (Bend fourth finger)
This one was so quiet, he never made a sound. (Bend thumb)

Flannelboard game: “Where, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone”

Oh where, oh where has my little dog gone
Oh where, oh where can he be
With his ears cut short and his tail cut long
Oh where, oh where can he be?

I hid the dog behind one of the objects. We sang the song together and the kids tried to guess where the dog was hiding.

Rhyme Cube - We roll the cube to help choose our rhymes. This time we did "I'm a Little Teapot" and "Two Little Blackbirds."

"I'm a Little Teapot"

I'm a little teapot, short and stout
Here is my handle
Here is my spout
When I get all steamed up, hear my shout
Just tip me over and pour me out

"Two Little Blackbirds"

Two little blackbirds sitting on a hill (hold out both thumbs)
One named Jack (wiggle left thumb)
And one named Jill (wiggle right thumb)
Fly away, Jack (put left hand behind back)
Fly away, Jill (put right band behind back)
Come back, Jack (bring left thumb out)
Come back, Jill (bring right thumb out)

Scarf Song: “We Wave Our Scarves Together”
(to the tune of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow”)

We wave our scarves together
We wave our scarves together
We wave our scarves together
Because it’s fun to do!
Wave ‘em up high
Wave ‘em down low
Wave ‘em in the middle
Because it’s fun to do!

We throw our scarves together
We throw our scarves together
We throw our scarves together
Because it’s fun to do!
We throw ‘em up high
We throw ‘em down low
We throw ‘em in the middle
Because it’s fun to do!

Scarf Song: “Popcorn Kernels”

Popcorn kernels, popcorn kernels (wave scarf)

In the pot, in the pot (hide scarf inside cupped hands)

Shake them, shake them, shake them (shake cupped hands)

Shake them, shake them, shake them

Til they pop! Til they pop! (throw scarf into the air)

Book: Dinosaur vs. the Library by Bob Shea

Flannelboard Rhyme: “Five Funny Dinosaurs”

Five funny dinosaurs, letting out a roar
One went away, and then there were four
Four funny dinosaurs munching on a tree
One went away, and then there were three
Three funny dinosaurs didn’t know what to do
One went away, and then there were two
Two funny dinosaurs having lots of fun
One went away, and then there was one.
One funny dinosaur sitting in the sun
He went away, and then there were none.

Action Rhyme: “Dinosaur, Dinosaur”

Dinosaur, dinosaur, turn around
Dinosaur, dinosaur, touch the ground
Dinosaur, dinosaur, reach up high
Dinosaur, dinosaur, wink one eye
Dinosaur, dinosaur, touch your nose
Dinosaur, dinosaur, touch your toes
Dinosaur, dinosaur, slap your knees
Dinosaur, dinosaur, sit down please

Shaker Song: “Shake Your Shakers in the Air”

(to the tune of: Old MacDonald Had a Farm)

Shake your shaker in the air, shake it in the air.

With a shake-shake here and shake-shake there,

Here a shake, there a shake, everywhere a shake-shake.

Shake your shaker in the air, shake it in the air.

Shake your shaker way down low, shake it way down low.

With a shake-shake here and a shake-shake there,

Here a shake, there a shake, everywhere a shake-shake.

Shake your shaker way down low, shake it way down low.

Shake your shaker way up high, shake it way up high.

With a shake-shake here and a shake-shake there,

Here a shake, there a shake, everywhere a shake-shake.

Shake your shaker way up high, shake it way up high.

Shaker Song: “Egg Shakers Up”

Egg shakers up, (shakers above head)

And egg shakers down, (shakers on the floor)

Egg shakers dancing all around the town. (move shakers back and forth)

Dance them on your shoulders

Dance them on your head

Dance them on your knee

And tuck them into bed (fold shaker inside hands, under head)

Action Song: “Dancing Sheep”

Shhh! It’s time to go to sleep (put finger to mouth, pretend to sleep)

But into my bedroom one sheep creeps (creep fingers)

“Don’t go to bed,” the one sheep said.

“I would rather dance instead!”

Soon he was… (draw these words out)

Dancing on the ceiling! (wave hands above head in “dancing” motion)

He was dancing on the floor! (wave hands on floor)

He was dancing on the window! (wave hands to one side)

He was dancing on the door! (wave hands to other side)

He kept on…

Dancing on the ceiling! (sing faster)

He was dancing on the floor!

He was dancing on the window!

He was dancing on the door!

(repeat several times getting faster each time through)

“Stop that dancing, silly sheep.

It is time to go to sleep!”

Soon the sheep lay on the floor.

Soon the sheep began to snore.

So I started … (draw these words out)

Dancing on the ceiling!

I was dancing on the floor!

I was dancing on the window!

I was dancing on the door!

(from: Dailey, Susan M. http://www.susanmdailey.com/fingerplays.html You can hear the song at this website.)

Action Song: “Dino-Pokey”

(to the tune of "The Hokey-Pokey")

You put your claws in,

You put your claws out,

You put your claws in,

And you scratch them all about.

You do the dino pokey

And you turn yourself around

That’s what it’s all about!

Repeat with:

You stomp your feet in…

You swish your tail in…

Dance Party with recorded music – using streamers and scarves

“We are the Dinosaurs” by Laurie Berkner

“My Flea Has Dogs” by Caspar Babypants

Closing Rhyme: “Tickle the Clouds”

Tickle the clouds

Tickle your toes

Turn around

Tickle your nose

Reach down low

Reach up high

The stories are over,

Wave goodbye

Craft, Manipulatives, Exploration:

Letter D coloring/tracing page

Playdough

Flannelboard

Dancing

This storytime was inspired by the lovely folks at:

Storytime Katie: Letter D, Puppies

SLC Bookboy

Miss Sarah's Storytime

Thursday, November 3, 2016

BabyTime

Our book this time was A Splendid Friend, Indeed by Suzanne Bloom.

Our “Did You Know?” fact today was about vocabulary:

When you read with your children, don’t JUST read the words. Talk about the pictures. Describe what is going on. Perhaps a picture makes you remember something. Hearing you talk is one of the best ways for your young children to develop a strong vocabulary.

(credit: Saroj Ghoting)

Welcoming Song: “We Wave Hello Like This”

(To the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell”)

We wave hello like this

We clap our hands for all our friends

We wave hello like this

Lap Bounce: “A Smooth Road”

(Put the baby on your lap, facing you preferably so s/he can see your face.)

A smooth road, a smooth road, a smooth road, a smooth road (sway)

A bumpy road, a bumpy road, a bumpy road, a bumpy road (bounce gently)

A rough road, a rough road, a rough road, a rough road (bounce harder)

A HOLE! (drop baby between knees)

Rhyme: “Zoom, Zoom, Zoom”

Zoom, zoom, zoom (rub babies hands together)

We're going to the moon

Zoom, zoom, zoom

We're going to the moon

If you want to take a trip (walk fingers up babies arms, legs)

Climb aboard my rocket ship

Zoom, zoom, zoom

We're going to the moon

In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 (count on fingers)

Blast off! (lift baby)

Fingerplay/Tickle Rhyme: “Wiggle Waggle Went the Bear”

Wiggle waggle went the bear (criss cross legs)

Catching bees in his underwear

One bee out (move legs apart)

One bee in (move legs together)

One bee bit him on his big bear skin (buzz and tickle)

This is another good rhyme to use when changing a diaper.

Nursery Rhyme: “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”

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

Dancing: “Go In and Out the Window”

(Stand in a circle, holding baby. In the second verse, turn baby to face another child in the circle. If you are alone, you could use a mirror.)

Go in and out the window (swing baby in football hold toward middle of circle)

Go in and out the window

As we have done before

Turn and face your partner (hold baby under arms, turn toward other baby)

Turn and face your partner

As we have done before

Go up and down the staircase (lift baby up and down)

Go up and down the staircase

As we have done before

Dancing/Movement: “Here We Go Up, Up, Up”

(to the tune of "Here We Go Looby-Loo")

Here we go up, up, up

Here we go down, down, down

Here we go back and forth

Here we go round and round

Here we go to the left

Here we go to the right

Let’s all blow a kiss

Now wave hello (goodbye) like this!

Scarf song: “Peek-a-Boo #1”

(to the tune “Frere Jacques”)

Peek a boo, peek a boo (peek out from behind scarf or hands)

I see you, I see you (touch baby’s chest)

I see your button nose (touch baby’s nose)

I see your tiny toes (wiggle baby’s toes)

I see you

Peek a boo (peek out from behind scarf or hands)

Scarf song: “This is the Way”

(Use the scarf to “wash” the baby.)

This is the way we wash our face

Wash our face, wash our face.

This is the way we wash our face

So early in the morning.

Repeat with other body parts (knees, tummy, toes, elbow)

Closing Song: “We Wave Goodbye Like This”

(to the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell”)

We wave goodbye like this

We clap our hands for all our friends

We wave goodbye like this

Bubbles with music

Flannelboard: Old MacDonald Had a Farm

This storytime was inspired by the lovely folks at:

Jbrary

Preschool: Letter C

Gathering song: “If You’re Ready”
(to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It”)

If you’re ready for a story, take a seat
If you’re ready for a story, take a seat
Clap your hands and stomp your feet
Make your hands all nice and neat
If you’re ready for a story, take a seat

Opening Song: “Clap and Sing Hello”
(to the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell”)

We clap and sing hello
We clap and sing hello
With our friends at storytime
We clap and sing hello

(Repeat with wave and stomp.)

Introduction: We briefly discussed that C is the third letter in the alphabet and brainstormed some words that start with C. Then we sang the ABC song.

What's in the Mail? : I told the kids that I had stopped by the mailbox on the way to storytime and that we had some special mail.

Inside the first envelope was a picture of a cat. I wonder why there is a cat in our mail?
Inside the second envelope was a picture of a cow. Hmmm....
Inside the third envelope was a picture of some cookies. Interesting...
Inside the fourth envelope was the letter C! That's right, all of these things start with the letter C!

Book: Cat Secrets by Jef Czekaj

Flannelboard Action Rhyme: "Five Little Kittens"

Five little kittens tucked in so tight (wrap arms around self)
Sleeping so soundly all through the night (pretend to be sleeping)
But, when Mama cat says “Wake up right now…" (shake finger)
Up jumps a kitten with a big “Meow!” (put hands in the air)

(repeat, counting down; remove one blanket after each verse, revealing a kitten)

The last kitten to come out from under his blanket is a surprise visitor, Pete the Cat!

Folder Story: "Scat the Cat" (Words; Pattern and Directions)

Rhyme Cube - We roll the cube to help choose our rhymes. This time we did "I'm a Little Teapot" and "Humpty Dumpty."

"I'm a Little Teapot"

I'm a little teapot, short and stout
Here is my handle
Here is my spout
When I get all steamed up, hear my shout
Just tip me over and pour me out

"Humpty Dumpty"

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall
All the King's horses and all the King's men
Couldn't put Humpty together again.

Scarf Song: “We Wave Our Scarves Together"
(to the tune of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow”)

We wave our scarves together
We wave our scarves together
We wave our scarves together
Because it’s fun to do!
Wave ‘em up high
Wave ‘em down low
Wave ‘em in the middle
Because it’s fun to do!

We throw our scarves together
We throw our scarves together
We throw our scarves together
Because it’s fun to do!
We throw ‘em up high
We throw ‘em down low
We throw ‘em in the middle
Because it’s fun to do!

Scarf Song: “Popcorn Kernels”

Popcorn kernels, popcorn kernels (wave scarf)
In the pot, in the pot (hide scarf inside cupped hands)
Shake them, shake them, shake them (shake cupped hands)
Shake them, shake them, shake them
Til they pop! Til they pop! (throw scarf into the air)

Action Rhyme: “This Little Cow” (standing)

This little cow eats grass (chomp with fingers)
This little cow stomps hay (stomp feet)
This little cow dances round (turn in a circle)
This little cow runs away (run in place)
This little cow does nothing but lay (hands by face as if sleeping)
And sleep all day...MOO!! (jump to scare them)

Book: The Cow Loves Cookies by Karma Wilson

Flannelboard Rhyme: “Five Sugar Cookies”

Five sugar cookies with frosting galore,

Mama ate one, and now there are four

Four sugar cookies—two and two, you see?

Daddy ate one, and now there are three

Three sugar cookies, and before I knew

Sister ate one, and now there are two

Two sugar cookies—oh what fun!

Brother ate one, and now there is one

One sugar cookie, I’ll grab it and run

When I eat it, there will be none!

Shaker Song: “Egg Shakers Up”

Egg shakers up, (shakers above head)

And egg shakers down, (shakers on the floor)

Egg shakers dancing all around the town. (move shakers back and forth)

Dance them on your shoulders

Dance them on your head

Dance them on your knee

And tuck them into bed (fold shaker inside hands, under head)

Shaker Song: “C is for Cookie” by Sesame Street (from recording)

Closing Rhyme: “Tickle the Clouds”

Tickle the clouds

Tickle your toes

Turn around

Tickle your nose

Reach down low

Reach up high

The stories are over,

Wave goodbye

Craft, Manipulatives, Exploration:

Craft: paper plate/torn paper cookies

Flannelboard

Playdough

This storytime was inspired by the lovely folks at:

Storytime Katie

SLC Bookboy

Storytime with Miss Tara

Catch the Possibilities

Library Village - letter of the week mail

Orange County (CA) Public Library

So Tomorrow

Dr. Jean: Tell Me a Story

Recipes for Reading - "Five Little Kittens" featuring Pete the Cat

I Read to Relax