Celebrating Differences Story Time – Preschool

Opening Song

Book: This Is How We Play: A Celebration of Disability and Adaptation by Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp, illustrated by Kayla Harren

Song: “This Is How I Do It” – Laurie Berkner: Superhero

Book: Everybody Has a Body by Molli Jackson Ehlert, illustrated by Lorian Tu

Song: “Bodies 1-2-3” – Peter & Ellen Allard: Sing It! Say It! Stamp It! Sway It! Vol. 2

Flannel Rhyme: “Assistive Devices”
What do I need to help me be me?
Something I use in my daily routine.
I need a…

Repeat with: wheel chair, prosthetic, pair of glasses, fidget, computer, walker, wiggle seat, guide dog

Song: “Can You Clap” – Sue Schnitzer: Wiggle and Whirl, Clap and Nap

Book: The Same But Different Too by Karl Newson, illustrated by Kate Hindley

Puppets: Take out animal pairs that have both similarities and differences and discuss with the group.

Closing Rhyme

Party Story Time – Sensory Friendly

Opening Song

Book: Polly’s Pink Pajamas by Vivian French, illustrated by Sue Heap

Song: “Can’t Wait to Celebrate” – Jim Gill: Jim Gill’s Irrational Anthem

Book: A Birthday for Cow! by Jan Thomas

Song: “Tap, Tap, Tap” – Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer: Get Set for School Sing Along

Yoga/Breathing: Balloon breath

Social Story: Brownie & Pearl Step Out by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Brian Biggs
Brownie and Pearl Step Out

Closing Song

Craft: Decorate party crowns with stickers

Celebrating Black Lives Story Time – Preschool

Opening Song

Book: I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James

Song: “This Is How I Do It” – Laurie Berkner: Superhero

Flannel: “My Many Colored Capes”

Song: “Rainbow” – Wunmi: Science Fair

Book: Mommy’s Khimar by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Ebony Glenn

Song: “Scarves on Your Laps” – Johnette Downing: The Second Line

Book: I Am Enough by Grace Byers, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo

Closing Rhyme

Birthdays Story Time – Everybody

Opening song

Book:  A Birthday for Cow by Jan Thomas

birthday for cow book cover

Fingerplay: Make a Cake

Mix the batter, stir the batter (make a stirring motion with one arm/hand)
Shake some flour in (make a shaking motion with one arm/hand)
Mix the batter, stir the batter (make a stirring motion with one arm/hand)
Place it in a tin (pretend to pour)

Sprinkle in some chocolate chips (pretend to sprinkle)
Put it in to bake (open both hands, palms up, and slide them forward)
Then open wide the oven door (pretend to open door)
And out comes the cake! (open both hands, palms up, and slide them forward)

Song: “Can’t Wait to Celebrate” – Jim Gill: The Irrational Anthem

Book: The Birthday Box by Leslie Patricelli

birthday box book cover

Draw and Tell Story: Birthday Cake
(Credit: Linda Meuse, Notes from the Story Room)

Song: “Little Candles”
One little, two little, three little candles
four little, five little, six little candles
seven little, eight little, nine little candles
10 little candles on the cake.
Close your eyes, make a wish,
Ready, set, blow them out!

Song: “If You’re Happy and You Know It”– Laurie Berkner: Laurie Berkner’s Favorite Classic Kids Songs

Book: Brownie & Pearl Step Out by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Brian Biggs

brownie and pearl step out

Song: “Clap your Hands” – They Might Be Giants: Here Come the ABCs

Closing Rhyme

Craft: Decorate a paper cupcake with crayons and stickers