Story Time Theme: Playing

The answer is bubbles.  I think that anyone who offers a storytime program should definitely be aware of the power of bubbles. 

Our focus this week was on the last of the five early literacy skills: play.  I read three books all about play, but hands down our favorite was Playground Day by Jennifer J. Merz.  This is a great story that the kids can interact with as they guess the animals, make animal noises, and move like the animals.  But, by far, the kids favorite part was when I blew bubbles for them to pop.  And if you don’t know this little secret – get a Gymboree bubble wand, it will save you from hyperventilating or passing out from blowing bubbles.  And although it’s expensive, the Gymboree bubble solution is awesome!  The whole room was filled with bubbles and the best part is, is that they are very sturdy so they’ll actually fall to the floor and just stay there unpopped for quite a while. 

We had a lot of fun at storytime this week!  And now that I’ve covered all five literacy skills, next week we’re going to do a language storytime with a book with Spanish words, I’m doing a book in American Sign Language, and a silly story called Everywhere the Cow Says Moo! by Ellen Weinstein.

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: Play helps children think symbolically, so they understand that spoken and written words can represent real objects and experiences.

ASL Sign: play (use “y” hands; shake in front of chest)

Book 1: Joey and Jet by James Yang

Transition

• Traditional (fine motor): 5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed
• Parachute (popcorn): “Sandy River Belle” (Putumayo Kids Presents: European Playground)

Book 2: Playground Day! by Jennifer J. Merz

Transition (changes weekly) – Bubbles

• Traditional (gross motor): “I’m Gonna Catch You” (The Best of the Laurie Berkner Band – Laurie Berkner)
• Parachute: “I’m Gonna Catch You” (The Best of the Laurie Berkner Band – Laurie Berkner)

Book 3: Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis

Closing

• Traditional: Shake Your Sillies Out Puppet Show
• Parachute: “Mbube” (Putumayo Kids Presents: African Playground)