Sign language for penguin

Book: If You Were a Penguin by Wendell Minor and Florence Friedmann Minor

Song: If You’re a Penguin and You Know It (Tune: “If You’re Happy and You Know It”)
If you’re a penguin and you know it flap your wings,
If you’re a penguin and you know it flap your wings,
If you’re a penguin and you knot it, then your face will surely show it,
If you’re a penguin and you know it flap your wings,
…stomp your feet
…waddle around.

Book: Penguins, Penguins Everywhere! by Bob Barner

Song (dance with scarves): “It’s a Penguin Party / A la Fiesta de Pinguinos” – Linda Arnold: Splash Zone

Book: 10, 9, 8 Polar Animals by Rebecca Fjelland Davis (read first sentence on each page only)

Song: “Jumping and Counting” – Jim Gill: Jim Gill’s Irrational Anthem

Book: My Little Polar Bear by Claudia Rueda

Song: “I Like to Hop” – Brian Vogan & His Good Buddies: Born to Wiggle

Song: “Icky Sticky Bubble Gum” – David Landau: Kids and Kitties

Closing rhyme

Craft: Penguin coloring sheet

February 2014

Snow Story Time – Baby

January 17, 2014

Opening song

Book: Spot’s Snowy Day by Eric Hill

Song: “Snowflake, Snowflake” (Tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle”)

Snowflake, Snowflake, dance around,
Snowflake, snowflake, touch the ground,
Snowflake, landing on your nose,
Snowflake, landing on your toes,
Snowflake, Snowflake, dance around,
Snowflake, snowflake, touch the ground.

Rhyme: Jack Frost’s Nose

Where did you get that little red nose? (touch baby’s nose)
Jack Frost kissed it (pinch nose gently) I suppose.
He kissed it once (one kiss on nose)
He kissed it twice (two kisses)
Poor little nose, it’s as cold as ice (give baby’s nose a wiggle)

Book: Under My Hood I Have a Hat by Karla Kuskin, illustrated by Fumi Kosaka

Song: Boots and parka, scarf and hat (Tune: “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”)
Boots and parka, scarf and hat, scarf and hat
Boots and parka, scarf and hat, scarf and hat
In wintertime we dress like that!
Boots and parka, scarf and hat, scarf and hat
(Credit: Mel’s Desk)

Rhyme: Roly poly ever so slowly [slowly roll baby’s hands]
Roly poly faster faster faster faster! [roll hands faster]

Song: “Hands Go Up and Down” – Fisher Price: Babbles to Books

Book: In the Snow -by Sharon Phillips Denslow, illustrated by Nancy Tafuri

Song: “Let’s Tap our Feet Together” (Tune: “The More We Get Together”)

Let’s tap our feet together, together, together,Let’s tap our feet together, because it’s fun to do.

Let’s clap our hands….
Let’s touch our nose…
Let’s touch our ears…

Rhyme: Tick tock, tick tock, I’m a little cuckoo clock (swing baby side to side)
Tick tock, tick tock, stop!
What time is it? It’s one-o-clock.
Cuckoo! (lift baby)

Song (with jingle bells): “Jingle Bells” – Kimbo Educational: Where is Thumbkin?

Closing rhyme

Penguins and Polar Bears – Preschool

January 13, 2014

Introduction: We are talking about some animals that live in VERY cold places, penguins & polar bears. What do we know about penguins & polar bears? Where do they live?

Opening song

Book: Polar Opposites by Erik Brooks

Action Song: “Walking Through the Arctic”
Walking through the arctic (echo)
And what do you think I saw? (echo)
A great big polar bear! (echo)
He said, Sta-and-UP! (everyone jump up)
And shake, shake, shake this way (everyone shake)
And shake, shake, shake, that way
Shake, shake, shake this way
And then sit down (sit down)

Book: My Little Polar Bear by Claudia Rueda

Song (dance with scarves): “It’s a Penguin Party / A la Fiesta de Pinguinos” – Linda Arnold: Splash Zone

Book: Penguins, Penguins Everywhere by Bob Barner

Song (w/ puppet): “I’m a Little Penguin” (tune: “I’m a Little Teapot”)
I’m a little penguin, black and white.
Short and wobbly, and adorable sight.
I can’t fly at all, but I love to swim.
So I’ll waddle to the water and dive right in!

Book: A Penguin Story by Antoinette Portis

Movie: Antarctic Antics by Weston Woods, adapted from the book by Judy Sierra

Craft: Penguin collage w/ crinkled wax paper (ice) and batting (snow).

Things That Go Story Time – Baby

December 12, 2013October 26, 2014

Opening song

Book: Toot, Toot, Beep, Beep by Emma Garcia

Rhyme: This little train ran up the track (Trail fingers up baby’s arm from fingers to shoulder)
It went Choo Choo! (Tap baby’s nose!)
And then it ran back. (Trail fingers back down baby’s arm.)

The other little train ran up the track (Trail fingers up baby’s other arm from fingers to shoulder)
It went Choo Choo! (Tap baby’s nose!)
And then it ran back. (Trail fingers back down baby’s arm.)

Book: The Babies on the Bus by Karen Katz

Rhyme: Diddle diddle dumpling

Book: I Love Planes by Philemon Sturges

Song: (Tune: Shortnin’ Bread)
Mama’s little baby loves bouncin’, bouncin’
Mama’s little baby loves bouncin’ round.
Mama’s little baby loves bouncin’, bouncin’
Mama’s little baby loves bouncin’ round.

Lean to the left, lean to the right,
Now hug that baby nice and tight.
Lean to the left, lean to the right,
Now hug that baby nice and tight.

Rhyme: You put the oil in the pot and you let it get hot,
You put the popcorn in and you start to grin,
Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle, sizzle, sizzle, sizzle, sizzle, sizzle, POP! (wiggle baby, then lift)

Book (choral): Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy Shaw

Song (with shaky eggs): “Drive my Car” – Laurie Berkner: Under a Shady Tree

Closing rhyme

Bear Story Time – Preschool

December 5, 2013

Introduction: What do we know about bears? Where do they live? What do they like to eat? What do they do in the winter? Learn the sign language sign for bear.

Opening song

Book: Bear Has a Story to Tell by Phillip Stead, illustrated by Erin Stead

Song: “Goin’ on a Bear Hunt” – Greg & Steve: Kids in Action

Book: The Red Sled by Lita Judge

Song: “Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear” – Kimbo International: Teach a Toddler

Book: Maybe a Bear Ate It by Robie H. Harris, illustrated by Michael Emberley

Book: Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep by Maureen Wright

Craft: Bear Masks, decorated with glue and coffee grounds. This was a fun and slightly messy project. Several parents mentioned they were glad we did it at the library instead of at home but really clean-up was a breeze. For my younger group this week, we painted the same masks with a mixture of coffee (for the brown color) & shaving cream – this added texture and dimension and was good fine motor skills practice.

House Story Time – Toddler

December 2, 2013December 3, 2013

Opening song

Sign language for house

Book: Napping House by Audrey Wood, illustrated by Don Wood

Flannel: Some houses

Some houses are wood and some are stone.
But let’s build one with shapes alone.
Start with a square but we won’t stop.
Add a triangle up on the top.
Then a rectangle for the door.
Now square windows 1, 2, 3, 4!
A little circle just for fun.
Now our shape house is all done!

(Credit: Finger Tales by Joan Phelps)

Song: In and Out the Doors (Credit: Susan M. Dailey)
(sung to “Go In and Out the Window”)

Step in and out the front door. (take a step forward, then back)
Step in and out the front door. Step in and out the front door.
Then make a doorbell sound. (say “ding dong”)

Jump in and out the back door. (jump forward, then back)
Jump in and out the back door. Jump in and out the back door.
Bend down and touch the ground. (touch ground with hand)

Slide in and out the side door. (slide to one side, then other)
Slide in and out the side door. Slide in and out the side door.
And then turn all around. (turn around)

Step in and out the front door.
Jump in and out the back door.
Slide in and out the side door.
Then sit yourself right down. (sit down)

Book: A House Is a House for Me (abridged) by Mary Ann Hoberman, illustrated by Betty Fraser

Rhyme: Fingerplay: “Houses”
Here is a nest for robin (cup both hands)
Here is a hive for bee (fists together)
Here is a hole for bunny (make a circle)
And here is a house for ME! (make a roof)
Credit: Perry Public Library

Song: “Jumping and Counting” – Jim Gill: Jim Gill’s Irrational Anthem

Book: Do Lions Live on Lily Pads? by Melanie Walsh

Song: “Monkey Dance” – The Wiggles: Yummy Yummy

Song: “Bodies 1-2-3” – Ellen and Peter Allard: Sing it! Say it! Stamp it! Sway it! vol. 2

Song: “Icky, Sticky Bubble Gum” – David Landau: Kids and Kitties

Closing rhyme

Craft: Houses out of construction paper shapes

Thanksgiving Story Time – Toddler

November 25, 2013October 26, 2014

Opening song

Book: Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes, illustrated by Doris Barrette

Song & Flannel: “Thanks A Lot” by Raffi: Quiet Time (credit: Mel’s Desk) (kids sign the words “thanks” and “a lot.”)

Song: “If You’re Thankful and You Know It” (Tune: “If You’re Happy and You Know It”)

If you’re thankful and you know it, Clap your hands…
If you’re thankful and you know it, Stomp your feet…
If you’re thankful and you know it, Shout “I am!”…
If you’re thankful and you know it, Do all three…

Book: Thanksgiving by Trudi Strain Trueit

Song: “Turkey Hop” – Carole Peterson: H.U.M. All Year Long

Rhyme: Popcorn
You put the oil in the pot and you let it get hot
You pour the popcorn in and you start to grin.
Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle, sizzle, sizzle, sizzle, sizzle, sizzle, POP!
(Children begin in a crouched position, knees bent, then s-l-o-w-l-y rise until the final POP! when we jump up in the air!)

Book: Theo’s Thanksgiving by David Steinberg, illustrated by Julia Woolf

Song: “I’m Gonna Eat (On Thanksgiving Day)” w/ props – Laurie Berkner: Whaddaya Think of That?

Song: “Hello Mr. Turkey, how are you?” (Tune: “If you’re happy and you know it”)

Hello Mr. Turkey how are you,? (clap twice)
Hello Mr. Turkey how are you,? (clap twice)
With a gobble, gobble, gobble and a wobble, wobble, wobble (flap and walk like a turkey)
Hello Mr. Turkey how are you? (clap twice)

Song: “Icky, Sticky Bubble Gum” – David Landau: Kids and Kitties

Closing rhyme

Craft: Indian corn out of paper, tissue paper squares, and craft sticks (Credit: Play and Learn with Dana)

Food Story Time – Baby

November 22, 2013November 21, 2014

Opening song

Sign language for food.

Book: One Little Spoonful by Aliki

Rhyme: You put the oil in the pot and you let it get hot, (bounce)
You put the popcorn in and you start to grin,
Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle, sizzle, sizzle, sizzle, sizzle, sizzle, POP! (wiggle baby, then lift)

Song: “Popcorn” – Barenaked Ladies: Snacktime

Rhyme: Pat-a-cake

Book: The Big Eating Book by Guido Van Genechten

Rhyme: Two fat sausages in a frying pan (bounce)
One went pop (lift baby up) and the other went bam!

Rhyme: “Arms Up 1-2-3”
Arms up 1-2-3
Arms out 1-2-3
Arms together 1-2-3
Arms down 1-2-3

Legs up 1-2-3
Legs out 1-2-3
Legs together 1-2-3
Legs down 1-2-3

Song: “Kitchen Time Medley” – Fisher Price: Babbles to Books

Rhyme: Tick tock, tick tock, I’m a little cuckoo clock (swing baby side to side)
Tick tock, tick tock, stop!
What time is it? It’s one-o-clock.
Cuckoo! (lift baby)

Book: Eat by Roberta Intrater

Song (with shakers): “Fruit Salad Salsa” – The Laurie Berkner Band: Victor Vito

Closing rhyme

Owl Story Time – Preschool

November 20, 2013

Introduction: What do we know about owls? Where do they live? When do they sleep? What do they eat? Learn the sign language signs for owl.

Opening song

Book: Owl Babies by Martin Waddell, illustrated by Patrick Benson

Book: Moo Hoo by Candace Ryan, illustrated by Mike Lowery

Fingerplay: The Owl
There’s a wide-eyed owl (thumbs and forefingers around eyes)
With a pointed nose, (thumbs and forefingers to make a point)
He has pointed ears (clenched hands, forefingers up for ears)
And claws for toes. (make hands into claws)
He sits in a tree and looks at you; (fingers circles around eyes)
Then flaps his wings and says, (hands to chest and flap elbows)
“whoo, whoo ” (hands cup mouth to hoot)

Book: Little Owl’s Orange Scarf by Tatyana Feeney

Fingerplay: “Two Little Barn Owls” – adapted from Two Little Blackbirds
Two little barn owls sitting on a hill, one named Jack and one named Jill.
Fly away Jack, flay away Jill. Come back Jack, come back Jill . . .

Movie: White Owl, Barn Owl by Nicola Davies, DVD Nutmeg Media

Craft: Fuzzy owl art (Credit: Queen Bee Coupons)

Dog Story Time – Baby

November 14, 2013November 15, 2013

Opening song

Book: Please Take Me for a Walk by Susan Gal

Song (with dog puppet): “How much is that doggie in the window?”

Flannelboard: Dog houses (credit: Mel’s Desk)
Little dog, little dog, are you in the green house? Is this the green house? No, this is the red house. No, little dog, you are not in the red house, etc.

Book: One, Two, That’s My Shoe! by Alison Murray

Song: This Old Man (verses 1-3)

Rhyme: Ride away ride away (Bounce baby on lap)
Johnny will ride
He shall have a pussycat
Tied to one side (Slip baby to one side)
He shall have a puppy dog
Tied to the other (Slip baby to the other side)
And Johnny will ride to see his grandmother

Song: BINGO

Rhyme: Diddle diddle dumpling

Book (choral reading, with song): Snuggle Puppy by Sandra Boynton, song from Sandra Boynton: Philadelphia Chickens

Song (with shakers): “Hot Dog” – They Might Be Giants: Disney’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (stop after brass section)

Closing rhyme

Verona Story Time

Story Time Ideas from the Verona Public Library

Author: Julie Harrison

Polar Animals Story Time – Toddler

Snow Story Time – Baby

Penguins and Polar Bears – Preschool

Things That Go Story Time – Baby

Bear Story Time – Preschool

House Story Time – Toddler

Thanksgiving Story Time – Toddler

Food Story Time – Baby

Owl Story Time – Preschool

Dog Story Time – Baby