Storytime Theme: Interactive Books

Today’s storytime theme is probably one of my most favorites to do with older toddlers and preschoolers – interactive books! At this age, the kids are able to follow the instructions the book typically asks of them and they still are young enough to have the wonder and magic of believing their actions cause a reaction. And I know what you’re thinking, how could you possibly use these books in a storytime full of kids? Well, I’ve done it before and I promise it actually works. I ask the kids to do the motions from their seat and I manipulate the book for everyone. And for the most part, it works!

Today’s lesson plan also includes some of my favorite rhymes that I’ve learned from Jbrary and have had a lot of success in storytime. In fact, you can see the flannel board I created for Bubble, Bubble, Pop that I posted a few years ago.

And rather than include my typical hands-on activities, I’ve added a few things that will make your storytime even more popular! Kids LOVE bubbles! A bubble machine is a great option to provide a ton of bubbles without having to rely on someone to blow them all. A much more expensive option are these amazing liquid floor tiles that I recently saw at a library down in Baltimore. They’re so fun and really sturdy too. Can’t afford them? Neither can I, but you could have kids create their own sensory bottles or bags. And finally, a parachute! This is another one of those things that kids love to play with! And again, if you need an alternative, try a sheet – you can either cut it into a circle or just use it as a rectangle – same idea, just less expensive.

Enjoy this lesson plan filled with fun, hands-on activities that are sure to be popular with the kiddos in your life!

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Storytime Theme: Interactive Books

Books

• The Black and White Factory by Eric Telchin, illustrated by Diego Funck
• Can You Make a Scary Face? by Jan Thomas
• Don’t Push the Button! by Bill Cotter
• High Five by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
• Huff & Puff by Claudia Rueda
• Pet This Book by Jessica Young and Daniel Wiseman
• Press Here by Hervé Tullet
• Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson
• This Book Just Ate My Dog! by Richard Byrne

Songs & Rhymes

• Bananas Unite – Jbrary
• Bubble, Bubble Pop! – Jbrary
• See the Little Bunnies Sleeping – Jbrary

Crafts & Activities

• Bubble Machine – Amazon
• Liquid Floor Tiles – Lakeshore Learning
• Parachute – Amazon