BabyTime

Today's book was Say Hello Like This by Mary Murphy. Lively illustrations paired with simple text and large flaps that are easy for little fingers to lift make this book (and others by this author) great for sharing with very young children.




Our "Did You Know" literacy fact for today was:

Singing nursery rhymes and other songs introduces children to words they might not hear in everyday conversation. Having a larger vocabulary makes it easier when they begin to read.

Welcoming Song: “Let’s All Clap”

(to the tune of “Buffalo Gals”)

Let’s all clap ‘cause ____ is here

______ is here, ______ is here

Let’s all clap ‘cause ______ is here

______ is here today.

Tickle: “There Was a Little Mouse”

There was a little mouse (tickle)

Looking for his house (tickle)

Not here,         (tickle)

Not here,         (tickle)

But here, here, here (tickle tummy)

Nursery Rhyme: “Itsy Bitsy Spider” 

You can also do this rhyme with hand motions (see link above) or as a tickle.

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

Bounce: “Acka Backa Soda Cracker”

Acka backa soda cracker                 

Acka backa boo

Acka backa soda cracker

Up goes you!                                      (lift baby’s arms or whole baby)

Acka backa soda cracker

Acka backa boo

Acka backa soda cracker

I love you!                                          (kiss)

Song: “What Shall We Do with Lazy Katie” *

What shall we do with lazy Katie                     (rock or bounce)

What shall we do with lazy Katie

What shall we do with lazy Katie

Early in the morning?

Roll her on the bed and tickle all over                 (sway and tickle)

Roll her on the bed and tickle all over

Roll her on the bed and tickle all over

Early in the morning

Heave ho and up she rises                    (lift)

Heave ho and up she rises

Heave ho and up she rises

Early in the morning 

*You can substitute your child's name for Katie. Also, if (like me) you balk just a little at calling a baby lazy, you could use "sleepy" instead. I think that is what's really meant, anyway.

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]

Movement: “London Bridge”

London Bridge is falling down     (gently drop baby)

Falling down

Falling down

London Bridge is falling down

My sweet baby

So come and take a walk around   (walk and bounce)

Walk around

Walk around

Come and take a walk around

My sweet baby

Movement: “Ring Around the Rosie”

Ring around the rosie,                    (walk and bounce)

Pocket full of posies,

Ashes, ashes, we all fall down!      (gently drop baby)

The cows are in the meadow          (walk and bounce)

Eating buttercups

Thunder, lightning,

We all jump up!                             (jump)

Scarf Song: “Can You Wave Your Scarf With Me?” *

(to the tune of: "London Bridge")

Can you wave your scarf with me?

Wave your scarf along with me.

It’s as easy as can be.

Now put it on your…

(knee, tummy, toes, ear, head, etc.)

*Just change the original "shake your egg" to "wave your scarf"

Scarf Song: “Peek-a-Boo”

(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)

Goodbye Song: “The More We Get Together”

The more we get together, together, together

The more we get together, the happier we'll be

'Cause your friends are my friends

And my friends are your friends

The more we get together, the happier we'll be

Inspiration for today's storytime came from the lovely folks at: 

Pierce County Library

Jbrary

Never Shushed

Preschool Storytime: Eggs and Nests

Book: Five Little Chicks by Nancy Tafuri




Flannelboard Rhyme: “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




The kids sometimes take turns coming to the board to help Humpty fall off the wall.


Flannelboard Game: “Little Chick, Are You Inside the (color) Egg?”

We practiced our colors and taking turns while searching for the chick.





Book: The Odd Egg by Emily Gravett

Duck is the only bird without an egg until he finds and hatches one that looks a little different.




Song: “If You’re Happy and You Know It” 
We sang this song while I prepped for our next flannelboard rhyme (thanks, grownups!).

If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands
If you're happy and you know it clap your hands
If you'r happy and you know it
And your really want to show it
If you'r happy and you know it clap your hands

(Repeat: stomp your feet, shout Hooray!, do all three)


Flannelboard Rhyme: “Five Little Eggs” 



There are five little eggs
And what do we see
They’re about to crack open
“My goodness me,”
said Mother Hen.

The first egg cracks open
And what do we see
It’s a snappy little alligator
Looking at me.

The second egg cracks open
And what do we see
It’s a little purple dinosaur
Looking at me.

The third egg cracks open
And what do we see
It’s a little green turtle
Looking at me.

The fourth egg cracks open
And what do we see
It’s a pretty little bluebird
Looking at me.

The fifth egg cracks open
And what do we see
It’s a little yellow chicken
Looking at me.

“My baby!”
said the mother hen,
as happy as can be.

“Mommy!” said the chick.
“Did you meet all my sisters and brothers?”
“What!” shrieked Mother Hen,
“My goodness me.”




Book: Eggs 1, 2, 3 by Janet Halfman

We counted eggs and lifted the flaps to see what kind of animal hatched from each type of egg.




Shaker Song: “I Know a Chicken” by Laurie Berkner


Action Rhyme: “Little Birds”

Little birds, little birds, jump up and down
Little birds, little birds, don’t make a sound
Little birds, little birds, tip-toe to me
Little birds, little birds, bend your knees
Little birds, little birds, peep, peep, peep
Little birds, little birds, sleep, sleep, sleep
Little birds, little birds, fly to the leaves
Little birds, little birds, sit down please

Fingerplay: “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)

Flannelboard: Bluebird and Nest

We briefly discussed that birds lay their eggs in a nest. 

Book: Guess What Is Growing Inside This Egg by Mia Posada

We mostly used the beautiful pictures in this book, especially paying attention to the different kinds of nests used by each animal. 

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”

(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)

Game: Egg-and-Spoon Race 

We had a large group today, so there wasn't really room for a race. We took turns using four large novelty spoons to transport shaker eggs around the story area. Even the young toddlers were successful!

Closing Song: “The More We Get Together”

The more we get together, together, together

The more we get together, the happier we'll be

'Cause your friends are my friends 

And my friends are your friends

The more we get together, the happier we'll be.

Craft, Manipulatives, Exploration:

Sensory bins: birdseed, foam eggs, egg carton segments, plastic animals

Craft: Pipe cleaner and Cheerio bird feeder 

Playdough and coloring

Inspiration for today's storytime came from the lovely folks at: 

Jen in the Library: Eggs, Eggs Storybox

Storytime Katie

Flannel Friday

Jbrary

BabyTime: Kisses

Today's book was A Kiss Like This by Mary Murphy. This simple lift-the-flap book shows different animals kissing their babies, which is a great opening for snuggling and kissing your own child.




Welcoming Song: “Let’s All Clap”
(to the tune of “Buffalo Gals”)

Let’s all clap ‘cause ____ is here
______ is here, ______ is here
Let’s all clap ‘cause ______ is here
______ is here today.

Bounce: “Acka Backa Soda Cracker”

Acka backa soda cracker                 

Acka backa boo

Acka backa soda cracker

Up goes you!                                      (lift baby’s arms or whole baby)

Acka backa soda cracker

Acka backa boo

Acka backa soda cracker

I love you!                                          (kiss)

Bounce: “The 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!

Song: “What Shall We Do with Lazy Katie” *

What shall we do with lazy Katie                     (rock or bounce)

What shall we do with lazy Katie

What shall we do with lazy Katie

Early in the morning?

Roll her on the bed and tickle all over                 (sway and tickle)

Roll her on the bed and tickle all over

Roll her on the bed and tickle all over

Early in the morning

Heave ho and up she rises                 (lift)

Heave ho and up she rises

Heave ho and up she rises

Early in the morning

*You can substitute your child's name for Katie. Also, if (like me) you balk just a little at calling a baby lazy, you could use "sleepy" instead. I think that is what's really meant, anyway.

Song: “Baby Hokey Pokey”

You put your arms up 

You put your arms down

You put your arms up and you wave them all around

You tickle, tickle, tickle and you wiggle, wiggle, wiggle

That’s how baby hokey pokey goes

(Repeat: you put your legs up; you put your whole baby up)

Nursery Rhyme: “This Little Piggy”

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

This little piggy went to market                              

This little piggy stayed home

This little had roast beef 

This little piggy had none

And this little piggy went "Wee, wee, wee" all the way home        (tickle)

Movement: “London Bridge”

London Bridge is falling down   (gently drop baby)

Falling down

Falling down

London Bridge is falling down

My sweet baby

So come and take a walk around (walk and bounce)

Walk around

Walk around

Come and take a walk around

My sweet baby

Movement: “Mama’s Little Baby Loves Dancing”

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)

Shaker Rhyme: “Everyone Can Shake”

Everyone can shake, shake, shake

Everyone can shake, shake, shake

Everyone can shake, shake, shake

And now let's make a stop                  (chopping motion into palm of other hand*)

(Repeat: tap, clap, wave)

*this is the American Sign Language sign for stop; you can see the exact sign in the video linked above

Shaker Rhyme: “Can You Shake Your Egg With Me?”

Can you shake your egg with me?       

Shake you egg along with me?

It's as easy as can be.

Now put it on your knee.

(Repeat: tummy, head, etc.)

Goodbye Song: “The More We Get Together”

The more we get together, together, together

The more we get together, the happier we'll be

'Cause your friends are my friends

And my friends are your friends

The more we get together, the happier we'll be

Inspiration for today's storytime came from the lovely folks at:

Jbrary
Storytime Katie
Abby the Librarian
King County Library System - Tell Me a Story

Preschool Storytime: Bunnies!

Book: Duck Rabbit by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Is it a duck? Or is it a rabbit?? It all depends on how you look at it.

Fingerplay: “Here is a Bunny”

Here is a bunny with ears so funny                         (hold up index and middle fingers for ears)

And here is his hole in the ground                 (make a circle with the other hand)

At the first sound he hears, he pricks up his ears (extend two fingers)

And hops in the hole in the ground   (fingers jump into the hole)

Flannelboard Rhyme: “Five Little Strawberries” 

5 little strawberries growing in the patch 

Along comes a bunny and snatch, snatch, snatch

He ate it all up; he looked all around 

And then he hopped on without a sound

(Repeat, counting down)

Flannelboard Story: The Giant Carrot

(from Mother Goose’s Playhouse by Judy Sierra)

Similar to The Giant Turnip, characters in this story must work together to pull the carrot from the ground. Despite the skepticism of the larger animals, the tiny snail adds the last bit of strength needed to succeed.

Action Song: “If You’re HOPPY and You Know It”

If you’re hoppy and you know it, hop around

If you’re hoppy and you know it, hop around

If you’re hoppy and you know it

And you really want to show it

If you’re hoppy and you know it, hop around

(Repeat: wiggle your tail…stomp your feet…eat a carrot…wiggle your nose)

Shaker song: “If You’re Happy and You Know It”

If you’re happy and you know it shake your eggs

If you're happy and you know it shake your eggs

If you'r happy and you know it 

And your really want to show it

If you're happy and you know it shake your eggs

(Repeat: shake up high, shake down low, shout Hooray!)

Shaker Song: “Egg Shakers Up”

Egg shakers up,

And egg shakers down,

Egg shakers dancing all around the town.            

Dance them on your shoulders

Dance them on your head

Dance them on your knee

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

Shaker Song: “We Tap the Floor Together” 

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

We tap the floor together

We tap the floor together

We tap the floor together

Because it’s fun to do!

(Repeat: clap our hands, wave hello)

Fingerplay: “The Rabbit” 

I saw a little rabbit come

Hop, hop, hop!                  (hop fingers)

I saw his two long ears go

flop, flop, flop!                (bend fingers)

I saw his little nose go

Twink, twink, twink!        (wiggle nose)

I saw his little eyes go

Wink, wink, wink!                (wink)

I said “little rabbit, won’t you stay?”

Then he looked at me

And hopped away.                (hop fingers)

Book: Don’t Play with Your Food by Bob Shea

Buddy the monster plans to eat the bunnies, but the bunnies have other ideas.

Flannelboard Story: Too Many Bunnies based on the book by Matt Novak 

In a field, there were two holes. One was full of rabbits, one was empty. One by one, the rabbits decide that the other hole looks more appealing and move into it. Once again, there are too many bunnies in the hole! The silly bunnies now see the first hole is empty and the whole process repeats itself. 

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”

(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)

Book: Little White Rabbit by Kevin Henkes

A rabbit spends his day imagining. At the end of the day, he knows he can return home to the reality of his loving family.

Action Song: “Did You Ever See a Bunny?”

(to the tune of "Did You Ever See a Lassie?")

Did you ever see a bunny, a bunny, a bunny,

Did you ever see a bunny that hops so slow?

He hops, and hops, and hops, and hops,

Did you ever see a bunny that hops so slow?

(Repeat: hops fast, backwards, on one foot)

Closing Song: “The More We Get Together”

The more we get together, together, together

The more we get together, the happier we'll be

'Cause your friends are my friends 

And my friends are your friends

The more we get together, the happier we'll be.

Craft, Manipulatives, Exploration

Bunny Headbands

Pin the Tail on the Bunny

Playdough

Animals and blocks

Inspiration for today's storytime came from the lovely folks at:

Storytime Katie

Sunflower Storytime

Library Village

Read Sing Play

Johnson County Library

What Happens in Storytime

That's So Juvenile

Jen in the Library

Never Shushed

BabyTime: Peek-a-Boo!

Today's book was Peek-a-Boo Morning by Rachel Isadora. Very brief text combined with large, clear pictures depict a small child playing peek-a-boo with the people, animals, and objects in his world.



Welcoming Song: “Let’s All Clap”
(to the tune of “Buffalo Gals”)

Let’s all clap ‘cause ____ is here
______ is here, ______ is here
Let’s all clap ‘cause ______ is here

______ is here today.


Song: “Wake Up Feet”

Wake up feet, wake up feet,
Wake up feet and wiggle, wiggle, wiggle
Wake up feet, wake up feet,
Wake up and wiggle in the morning.

(Repeat with hands, ears, elbows, nose, hair, etc…)

(Great to sing when baby first wakes up or when you are changing diapers.
Older kids can sit on laps, babies can lie on the floor.)



Fingerplay/Tickle: “Here is the Beehive”

Here is the beehive [hold up closed fist]
But where are the bees? [shrug with other hand]
Hidden away where nobody sees [cover fist with other hand]
Watch and you’ll see them come out of the hive
One, two, three, four, five [poke out one finger at a time]
They’re ALIVE!! [buzzing sounds and tickles]


Song: “Baby Hokey Pokey” (a.k.a. "Arms Up")

You put your arms up
You put your arms down
You put your arms up and you wave them all around
You tickle, tickle, tickle and you wiggle, wiggle, wiggle
That’s how baby hokey pokey goes.

(Repeat with: you put your legs up; you put your whole baby up)

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.


Nursery Rhyme: “Pat-a-Cake”

Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker's man          (clap hands)
Bake me a cake as fast as you can
Roll it                                                        (roll hands)
Pat it                                                          (pat hands together)
And mark it with a "B" *                          (use your finger to write in the air or on baby's tummy)
And put it in the oven for baby and me  

(*You can also use the first initial of baby's name)


Movement/Dance: “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
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
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


Movement: “London Bridge”

London Bridge is falling down   (drop, as much as baby is comfortable with)
Falling down
Falling down
London Bridge is falling down
My sweet baby

So come and take a walk around (bounce)
Walk around
Walk around
Come and take a walk around
My sweet baby

Song with Scarves: “Peek-a-Boo”

(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)

Song with Scarves: “Peek-a-Boo #2”
(to the tune of “Frere Jacques”)

Where is ______? Where is _______?
There s/he is! There s/he is!
I’m so glad to see you. I’m so glad to see you.
Peek-a-boo! Peek-a-boo!


Song with Scarves: “One Bright Scarf”
(to the tune of "Ten Little Fingers")

One bright scarf waiting for the wind to blow           (hold in hand)
Wiggle it high                                                            (wiggle scarf above head)
Wiggle it low                                                             (wiggle scarf by knees)
Shake it fast                                                               (wiggle scarf quickly)
Shake it slow                                                             (wiggle scarf slowly)
Where did it go?                                                        (hide behind back, bring out empty hands)


Goodbye Song: “The More We Get Together”

The more we get together, together, together
The more we get together, the happier we'll be
'Cause your friends are my friends
And my friends are your friends
The more we get together, the happier we'll be



Inspiration for today's storytime came from the lovely folks at:

Jbrary
Storytime Katie
Abby the Librarian
King County Library System - Tell Me a Story

Preschool Storytime: Mice

Book: Squeak-a-lot by Martin Waddell 

(found in Stories for Me! A Read-Aloud Treasury for Young Children)

Fingerplay: "Five Little Mice" with stick puppet

Five little mice came out to play (hold up five fingers)

Gathering crumbs along the way (pick up crumbs)

Out came a pussycat sleek and black (tip toe*)

Five little mice went scampering back (run fingers)

Count down until…

No little mice came out to play (shake head no)

Gathering crumbs along the way

Out came the pussycat sleek and black (tip toe)

He saw no mice so he took a nap (pretend to sleep)

           

[*I changed this from the original by adding a cat stick puppet who did the tiptoeing for me.]

Action Rhyme: "Boing Boing Squeak" 

Boing, boing, squeak!        (bounce, bounce, jump)

Boing, boing, squeak!

A bouncing mouse is in my house (marching)

He’s been there for a week

He came from out of nowhere

He quickly settled in

I’m thankful that he came alone

I heard he has a twin

Boing, boing, squeak!        (bounce, bounce, jump)

Boing, boing, squeak!

He bounces in the kitchen (marching)

He bounces in the den

He bounces in the living room

Look, there he goes again

Boing, boing, squeak!       (bounce, bounce, jump)

Boing, boing, squeak!

The mouse just keeps on bouncing       (marching)

Every minute of the day

He bounces, bounces, bounces

But he does not go away

Boing, boing, squeak!      (bounce, bounce, jump)

Boing, boing, squeak!

[I changed this slightly from the original version, adding more choruses of "Boing, boing, squeak" and the motions.]

Nursery Rhyme / Action Rhyme: “Hickory Dickory Dock” 

Hickory Dickory Dock         (palms together, rock hands back and forth)

The mouse ran up the clock (fingers run up arm)

The clock struck one (clap once)

The mouse ran down         (fingers run down arm)

Hickory Dickory Dock         (palms together, rock hands)

Repeat with:

The clock struck two (clap twice)

The mouse said “boo!”         (peek-a-boo)

The clock struck three         (clap three times)

The mouse went “whee!"                (slide fingers down arm)

The clock struck four         (clap four times)

The mouse said “no more” (shrug)

Book: Cat and Mouse by Ian Schoenherr

Shaker Song: “Shake Your Shaker”

(to the tune of "Old MacDonald")

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,

And egg shakers down,

Egg shakers dancing all around the town.            

Dance them on your shoulders

Dance them on your head

Dance them on your knee

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

Shaker Song: “We Tap the Floor Together” 

We tap the floor together

We tap the floor together

We tap the floor together

Because it’s fun to do!

(Repeat: clap our hands, wave hello)

Flannelboard/Puppet Story: Lunch by Denise Fleming  

[I based my script on the book, but this way my mouse puppet gets to eat the food!]

Fingerplay: “Slowly, Slowly”

Slowly, slowly, very slowly creeps the garden snail         (inch thumb up one arm)

Slowly, slowly, very slowly up the garden rail                  (inch thumb up other arm)

Quickly, quickly, very quickly runs the little mouse         (run fingers up one arm)

Quickly, quickly, very quickly to his little house              (run fingers up other arm)

Flannelboard Game: “Little Mouse, Are You in the ___ House” 

Book: Maisy Goes to the Library by Lucy Cousins

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”

(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: “One Bright Scarf”

One bright scarf waiting for the wind to blow                  (hold in hand)

Wiggle it high                                                                  (wiggle scarf above head)

Wiggle it low                                                                    (wiggle scarf by knees)

Shake it fast                                                                    (wiggle scarf quickly)

Shake it slow                                                                   (wiggle scarf slowly)

Where did it go?                                                              (put it behind back, bring out empty hands)

Closing Song: “The More We Get Together”

The more we get together, together, together

The more we get together, the happier we'll be

'Cause your friends are my friends 

And my friends are your friends

The more we get together, the happier we'll be.

Craft, exploration, manipulatives:

Little Mice finger puppets

Playdough

Lacing shapes

After preschool storytime was over, I shared a modified version with K-2 students attending Spring Break camp in the community center. For this group, I replaced some of the rhymes with the flannelboard story Seven Blind Mice by Ed Young.







Each mouse touches a different part of the Something, until the last mouse shows them how to put the pieces together into one whole creature - an elephant!

Inspiration for today's storytimes came from the lovely folks at:

Storytime Katie

Perry Public Library

Jen in the Library

Abby the Librarian