BabyTime

Our book this time was Apple by Nikki McClure, which is a good example of a high contrast book. Especially for the first few months while their eyesight is developing, babies love looking at bold, contrasting colors and simple patterns. It's also great to use the simple text as a starting point for a conversation about what is happening in the pictures. An older child could tell you their version of the story.

Welcoming Song: “We Wave Hello/Goodbye 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.

Rhyme: “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)

Lap Bounce: “Giddy-up, Giddy-up”

Giddy-up, giddy-up ride to town                (bounce baby on knee)

Giddy-up, giddy-up up and down              (lift baby up and down)

Giddy-up fast                                          (bounce quickly)

Giddy up slow                                          (bounce slowly)

Giddy-up, giddy-up, giddy-up, Whoa!       (dip baby backwards gently)

Fingerplay/Tickle Rhyme: “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)

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”

Bounce or clap along to help baby feel the rhythm. 

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

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: “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!

Shaker Song: “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.)

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 Hello/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

Today's storytime was inspired by the lovely folks at:

Reading with Red

Storytime Katie

Frisco (TX) Public Library