Preschoool Storytime

For the winter session, I’m getting the chance to offer a parachute preschool storytime for children ages 3.5 – 5 years old.  I’m really excited to be given the opportunity to work with a little bit of an older group of kids – I normally am in charge of toddler storytime (ages 2 – 3.5 years) where most of my books are very simple concepts and easy storylines.  I’m super excited to try out some longer books with higher concepts that might be a little easier to understand at a preschool level.
For my toddler story time, I have decided to go theme-less this session.  This is the first time I’m trying something like this.  Normally, themes help me organize my storytime, but last fall I had a few really difficult storytimes and decided to change things up for this session to see if it works.  So my theme-less storytimes will focus on my favorite picture books to read to this age group.  I figure, at least I’ll enjoy the books, which is sometimes half the battle.  And if I enjoy them, I’m hoping the kids will too.  I’ve also pulled some wiggle/movement songs from Jbrary – an awesome resources for sure!
For my parachute preschool storytime, I’m looking at some really great books that I’ve wanted to use in storytime, but knew would never work with my young crowd.  I’m also taking some chances on a few that I’m curious to see the response to.  As for parachute activities, I’ll be trying some activities that require more directions and working together.  Normally, my toddlers just like to shake the parachute, but with preschoolers, I hope to actually play some quick games and activities.
We don’t start back until the end of the month, but I’m getting my lesson plans in order and am excited to see the group of kids I get!  In the meantime, we’re offering a Petite Picasso program (all about art exploration) for ages 2 – 5 next week that I need to focus on as well… It should be a lot of fun!