BabyTime

Our book this time was The Baby Goes Beep by Rebecca O’Connell. Young children enjoy hearing and making the sounds along with the baby as he explores his environment.















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

Grownups, when you say animal (and car, and...) sounds with your children, what your children are really learning are the sounds WE say in our language! This will help them become good readers because they’ll need to hear all those sounds in order to “take apart” words and sound them out when they read. Playing with your children will help them get ready to read!
Credit: Mel's Desk


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.


Rhyme: “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.)


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)

Fingerplay/Tickle Rhyme: “One Little, Two Little, Three Little Fingers”

One little, two little, three little fingers             (wiggle each finger)

Four little, five little, six little fingers

Seven little, eight little, nine little fingers

Ten little fingers on my hand

They wiggle and they wiggle and they wiggle all together       (wiggle fingers)

They wiggle and they wiggle and they wiggle all together

They wiggle and they wiggle and they wiggle all together

Ten  little fingers on my hand

They clap and they clap and they keep on clapping            (clap)

They clap and they clap and they keep on clapping

They clap and they clap and they keep on clapping

Ten little fingers on my hand

Nursery Rhyme: “Pease Porridge Hot”

Pease porridge hot

Pease porridge cold

Pease porridge in the pot nine days old

Some like it hot

Some like it cold

Some like it in the pot nine days old

Dancing: “Mama’s Little Baby Loves Dancing”

(to the tune of: "Short'nin' 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: “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: “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!

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 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:

Jbrary

Mel's Desk

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

BabyTime

Our book this time was Books Always Everywhere by Jane Blatt.

I couldn't resist this celebration of the many ways children interact with books. The text is very brief, which lets the illustrations convey the details.



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: “Baby Put Your Pants On”
(to the tune of "Short'nin' Bread")

Baby put your pants on, pants on, pants on         (move baby's legs)
Baby put your pants on, one, two, three              (gently poke baby's belly)
Baby put your pants on, pants on, pants on
Baby put your pants on, one, two, three

Leg to the left, leg to the right                            (move legs)
Wiggle and jiggle and pull them up tight
Leg to the left, leg to the right
Wiggle and jiggle and pull them up tight

Baby put your pants on, pants on, pants on
Baby put your pants on, one, two, three

This is a great song to do while changing a diaper. It's also very easy to switch up the words for any other piece of clothing. We've done hats and coats in the winter and this time we tried it out using sunscreen!


Bounce: “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: “One Little, Two Little, Three Little Fingers”

One little, two little, three little fingers             (wiggle each finger)
Four little, five little, six little fingers
Seven little, eight little, nine little fingers
Ten little fingers on my hand

They wiggle and they wiggle and they wiggle all together       (wiggle fingers)
They wiggle and they wiggle and they wiggle all together
They wiggle and they wiggle and they wiggle all together
Ten  little fingers on my hand

They clap and they clap and they keep on clapping            (clap)
They clap and they clap and they keep on clapping

They clap and they clap and they keep on clapping

Ten little fingers on my hand

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)


Nursery Rhyme/Tickle: “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)


Dance/Movement: “Shoo, Fly!”
(Form a circle)

Shoo fly, don’t bother me                                         (walk around the circle)
Shoo fly, don’t bother me
Shoo fly, don’t bother me
‘Cause I belong to somebody

I feel, I feel, I feel like a morning star                     (walk toward the center)
I feel, I feel, I feel like a morning star                     (walk back)
I feel, I feel, I feel like a morning star                     (walk toward the center)
I feel, I feel, I feel like a morning star                     (walk back)

Shoo fly, don’t bother me                                        (walk around the circle)
Shoo fly, don’t bother me
Shoo fly, don’t bother me
‘Cause I belong to somebody


Dance/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 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


Scarf Song: “There’s a Scarf on my Head”
(to the tune of  “There's a Spider on the Floor”)

There’s a scarf on my head, on my head                    (put scarf on your head)
There’s a scarf on my head, on my head
There’s a scarf on my head, there’s a scarf on my head,
There’s a scarf on my head, on my head

(continue with knees, toes, tummy etc.)


Scarf Rhyme: “Pat-a-Cake”
This nursery rhyme is usually done with clapping and hand motions, but it's also fun to do with a scarf in your hands.

Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker's man              (clap)
Bake me a cake as fast as you can
Roll it                                                             (roll fists over one another)
And pat it                                                       (pat hands together)
And mark it with a "B"                                  (trace letter on baby's tummy or hand)
And put it in the oven for baby and me.    

(It's fun to change this rhyme and use baby's initial instead of the letter B.)


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)


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

Blowing bubbles with music

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

Jbrary
Loons and Quines
Storytime Kids

BabyTime

Our book on Wednesday was Overboard by Sarah Weeks. A young bunny thinks it's funny to throw things from his high chair, crib, etc. We made use of the repeated refrain of "Overboard!" by throwing our scarves and pom-pom balls in the air. It was a fun way to make the book more interactive for the little ones.




Our "Did You Know" literacy fact was:

Interacting with books looks different for babies and toddlers. Developmentally appropriate ways for them to use books include: mouthing books; stacking or playing with books; asking for the same story over and over; acting out or retelling parts of a favorite story. We want to make interacting with books fun and build positive associations.


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.

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]


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.


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: “A-Bouncing We Will Go”
(to the tune of: “Farmer in the Dell”)

A-bouncing we will go
A-bouncing we will go
Hi ho the derry-o
A bouncing we will go

Repeat: rocking, tickling, arms go up and down, legs go back and forth

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)


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


Scarf Song: “I Have a Little Ladybug”
(to the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb”)

I have a little ladybug (wave scarves side to side)
Ladybug, ladybug
I have a little ladybug
Whose wings are black and red

See the little ladybug (wave scarf in circles)
Ladybug, ladybug
See the little ladybug
Flying here and there (wave above head)

Now it’s landing on the ground (swirl scarf on ground)
On the ground, on the ground
Now it’s landing on the ground
And crawling everywhere (wiggle scarf on ground)


Scarf Song: “Wind, Oh Wind”

Wind, oh wind, oh wind, I say
What are you blowing away today?

Scarves, scarves, scarves, I say
I’m blowing the scarves away today.

(Could reepeat with leaves, clouds, 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

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

Jbrary

AnnesLibraryLife

Preschool Storytime: Baby Animals

Book: Mouse’s First Spring by Lauren Thompson




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: “Ten Fluffy Chickens”

Five eggs and five eggs         (hold up fingers)

And that makes ten

Sitting on top is Mother Hen

Cackle, cackle, cackle (make chicken noises)

And what do I see?

Ten fluffy chickens                         (flip eggs over to reveal chicks)

Yellow as can be!

Book: A Book of Babies by Il Sung Na




Flannelboard Song: “The Ducks on the Bus”
(to the tune of "The Wheels on the Bus")

The ducks on the bus go quack quack quack!
Quack quack quack! Quack quack quack!
The ducks on the bus go quack quack quack!
All through the town!

Repeat: lambs go baaa, bunnies go hop, birds go chirp, chicks go peep

Flannelboard Rhyme: “Five Little Ducks”
Five little ducks went out to play, over the hill and far away
Mother duck said, “Quack, quack, quack”
And only four little ducks came back.

(Count down until…)

Sad mother duck went out one day, over the hill and far away
Mother duck said, “Quack, quack, quack”
And all five little ducks came back.

At the end, I asked the kids to help Mother Duck call for her babies and we QUACKED loudly until all the babies came back.

Shaker Song: “Shake Your Shaker” 

(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)

photo credit: Sue Lessig

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)

Book: Baby Bird by Joyce Dunbar

Fingerplay: “Two Little Bluebirds”

Two little bluebirds (hold up 2 fingers)

Up in a tree

Built a nest (rest fingers on other curved palm)

For all to see.

Along came the babies, 

One, two, three. (hold up 3 more fingers)

Now they’re all

A happy family! (wiggle all 5 fingers)

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)

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

Book: Baby Animals by Jim Pipe

Nursery Rhyme: “Little Bo Peep” 

Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep 

And doesn't know where to find them.

Leave them alone and they'll come home

Wagging their tails behind them.

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!

photo credit: Sue Lessig

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)

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:

Baby animal coloring page and animal stencils

Animal puzzles

Playdough

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

Perry Public Library

Storytime Katie - spring animals; 10 fluffy chickens

Abby the Librarian

Flannelboard Fun

Jbrary

Flannel Friday