What’s this – another story time outline? I know, it’s like we’re travelling back in time! With things somewhat returning to some sort of normal (though not in our hospitals – thank you, health care workers!), I’ve started doing more in-person story times, both as a writer and as a librarian.
This week I had my librarian hat on as I visited a local community preschool for some songs and stories.
Whenever I visit a new group, I always pack more books that I could possibly have time to read. I pick shorter books, longer books, singable books, old favourites, new discoveries, active books, quiet books – essentially I try to grab a little bit of everything, so I can adapt my program to meet the needs and match the energy of the group. Like I always say, it’s a lot easier (and more fun!) to adapt your program than to try and force kids to adapt to your program.
The kids this week were very energetic and full of stories of their own, but they were also great listeners, and I pulled out more books than I had originally planned to, simply because they were so enthusiastic about being read to.
Here’s what we did!
Welcome Song: If You’re Ready for a Story – this is my version of “If You’re Happy and You Know It”, where I get the kids to show me they’re ready for a story. “If you’re ready for a story, and you really want to show me, clap your hands”, etc. We finish the song by putting our hands in our laps, which is a great place to keep our hands during a story.
Book One: Little Owl Lost
Song: I’ll Take You Driving In My Car – As I mentioned in a previous storytime outline, I learned this one from the wonderful Christine at the Maribyrnong Libraries in Australia. So much fun! We add a door opening and closing at the end, so the kids can clap their hands together.
Book Two: The Bus for Us
Song: The Wheels on the Bus – I mean, obviously.
Book Three: Animals Move
The kids were getting a bit wiggly at this point, so I busted out this movement-heavy book to get everyone up and moving. And move they did! I forgot just how many different jumping variations I included in the text – we were jumping, leaping, hopping, bouncing and pouncing around the room. Definitely make sure your kids have enough room to move safely when reading this one at story time, if you’re going to be acting out the different actions! Though if you wanted a more relaxed version, I’d suggest having kids guess what kind of animal each baby will grow up to be. I think my favourite action was “grooving”, as I had the kids show off their best dance moves. It was a HOOT. I don’t just write books because I want to use them in my own programs, but it’s certainly a big influence in my process!
Songs: Zoom, Zoom, Zoom & The Elevator Song
I love doing The Elevator Song at the end of a program, because it gives the kids one last opportunity to get all their jumps out, before sitting back down for our goodbye song.
Goodbye Song: Goodbye Friends
What a fantastic program! The kids were full of energy and enthusiasm, but also so excited to listen and engage with the stories. I floated all the way back to the library.