This week we chose to focus on Writing as an early literacy skill in story time. In both of my classes, the kids were bouncing off the walls and the stories didn’t go as well as I had hoped, but we definitely had fun dancing to Stop & Go by Greg and Steve – the kids loved freezing when the music stopped. And I tried another wordless picture book – The Line but it didn’t work as well as Where’s Walrus?, most likely because with Where’s Walrus? the kids had to find the walrus, whereas with The Line the story wasn’t as interactive. They still were able to answer my questions and figured out the storyline, it just wasn’t as effective I felt. I also thought Monsters Love Colors would be a HUGE hit, but it fell flat. I even had the kids wiggle every time the monsters created a new color, but they weren’t very interested in the wiggling part and only semi-interested in the colors. Sometimes, storytime just doesn’t go as well as I hoped, but next week should definitely be a lot of fun, we’re going to focus on the last early literacy skill – playing! And I’m busting out the bubbles, and let’s be honest, who can so no to bubbles?!?!? Opening Traditional: Put Your Hands Up In the Air & Open Shut Them Parachute: “Rockin’ the Chute” (Shakin’ the Chute: Fitness with a Parachute – Michael Plunkett) & My Wiggles Puppet: Meet Willy (monkey) and give high fives! Early Literacy Tip/Story Stretcher: Reading and writing go together. Both represent spoken language and communicate information. Children can learn pre-reading skills through writing activities. ASL Sign: Write (uses a quick scribbling movement across the palm of the left hand) Book 1: Andrew Drew and Drew by Barney Saltzberg Transition Traditional (fine motor): 5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed (fast version) Parachute (popcorn): “Sandy River Belle” (Putumayo Kids Presents: European Playground) Book 2: Monsters Love Colors by Mike Austin Transition (changes weekly) Traditional (gross motor): “Stop & Go” (Shake, Rattle & Rock – Greg & Steve) Parachute: “Stop & Go” (Shake, Rattle & Rock – Greg & Steve) Book 3: The Line by Paula Bossio Closing Traditional: Shake Your Sillies Out Puppet Show Parachute: “Mbube” (Putumayo Kids Presents: African Playground)