# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We had a really heavy downpour this morning, after a two-hour school delay so needless to say I only had six little ones in my storytime. The show must go on and the kids that were there got a little more individualized attention which they all really liked. They really liked Red Sled and had a blast using the rhythm sticks to the Caspar Babypants song "I Want to Be a Snowman." And if you're wondering... we picture walked our way through Over and Under the Snow (way too long for storytime) but has a lot of great information!

Opening: "Put Your Hands Up In the Air"

Puppet Meet & Greet: Meet Woolly (monkey puppet)

Early Literacy Tip: Wordless and nearly wordless picture books allow children to help tell the story even more!

Book 1: Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner

Transition: " 5 Little Snowflakes"
Five little snowflakes (Hold up 5 fingers.)
Floating by my door, (Move hand in a floating motion.)
One blew away.
(Dramatically move both hands from one side to the other.)
And then there were four. (Hold up 4 fingers.)

Wiggles: " Once There Was a Snowman"
Once was there was a snowman, snowman, snowman
Once there was a snowman
Tall, tall, tall
In the sun he melted, he melted, he melted
In the sun he melted
Small, small, small

Book 2: Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson

Transition: "I Wanna Be a Snowman" - Sing Along! by Caspar Babypants (with rhythm sticks)

Book 3: Red Sled by Lita Judge

Closing: "Shake My Sillies Out" Puppet Show

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Toddler Storytime Theme: Winter Animals - Literacious

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We had a really heavy downpour this morning, after a two-hour school delay so needless to say I only had six little ones in my storytime. The show must go on and the kids that were there got a little more individualized attention which they all really liked.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
BOOK 1: Shape by Shape by Suse Macdonald
Great read aloud book! As you turn the pages, more shapes are added to make the dinosaur. The group loved to see the dino come to life!

Put your Put your Hold your Wave your Hold your Hold your FINGERPLAYS/ACTION RHYMES:
Shapes (to the tune of Twinkle Twinkle)
Blue shape in the air Hold it high and leave it there.
Blue shape on your back
Now please lay it in your lap.
Blue shape in your hand
Now everyone please stand.

Blue shape at the door Now please lay it on the floor.

Blue shape and jump, jump, jump.
Blue shape way, way up! (Yellow, purple, green.)

If You're Wearing... (Tune of Mary Had a Little Lamb)If you're wearing red today, red today, red today
If you're wearing red today, please stand up!

(continue with all the colors that the group is wearing..Please clap your hands, please touch your ears, please stand on one leg, please rub your tummy, please jump up and down, etc.

For this one I just cut out different flannel shapes and sang the song!

Square, Square what do you see?
I see a Blue Diamond looking at me!
Diamond, Diamond what do you see?
I see a Red Triangle looking at me!
(continue on with rectangle, circle, etc.)
CLOSING RHYME: Tickle the Clouds
I made this template and printed one out for each child, along with the shapes pre-cut. The parents and kids loved working on this one together!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
TODDLER PROGRAM OPENING SONG: The More We Get Together OPENING RHYMES: Two Little Blackbirds (Soft and Loud) Open, Shut Them BOOK 1: Shape by Shape by Suse Macdonald Great read aloud book! As you turn the pages, more shapes are added to make the dinosaur. The group loved to see the dino come to life!...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Today, March 2, is Dr. Seuss's birthday! So this week's storytime was all about Dr. Seuss.

Now if you've tried to do a preschool Seuss storytime, you know it's not as easy as it sounds. Many of Seuss's books are way too long for preschoolers, so this calls for a little creativity. Luckily, I have the fabulous Miss T who put together this storytime and she had the fabulous Mel of Mel's Desk who posted about her Dr. Seuss baby storytime!

So here's what we did:

Opening Song: "Shake Your Sillies Out" by Raffi

Memory Box: This week's Memory Box item is a toothbrush from the book In a People House.

Book: Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. Following Mel's advice, we only read the beginning part and the ending part.

Book: In a People House by Theo LeSieg

Fingerplay: One Little Cat with little finger hats

One little cat on a sunny day
Put on his hat and went out to play
Two little cats when the sky turned dark
Put on their hats and went to the park
Three little cats when the sky turned blue
Put on their hats and went to the zoo
Four little cats by the kitchen door
Put on their hats and went to the store
Five little cats on a sunny day
Put on their hats and they all ran away.

Flannelboard Story: One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss. We just did the very beginning part of the story:
One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish
Black fish, blue fish, old fish, new fish
This one has a little star
This one has a little car
Say! What a lot of fish there are!
Song: We sang "Happy Birthday" to Dr. Seuss, of course!!

Book: Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now! by Dr. Seuss

Flannelboard Story: Ten Apples Up On Top by Theo LeSieg. Again, we just did the very beginning part of the story:

One apple on top.
Two apples on top.
Look! See! I can do three.
I'm not going to stop; I'll put four apples on top.
I'm not through; I can get five apples on top. Can you?
I am so good, I will not stop, six, seven eight apples on top.
Not one will I drop, I have nine apples on top.
Nine is very good. But then... Come on and we will make it ten!
Ten apples up on top!

Felt Activity: Color hats. I passed out one felt hat to each child and invited them up to put their hat on the board when I called their color. An activity like this is a simple way to get kids involved with your storytime and to reinforce concepts like colors.

Take-Home Craft: A Cat in the Hat picture. Google eyes, pipe cleaners, and pom poms. What more could kids possibly want? (Okay, glitter, but I am NOT putting glitter into take-home craft bags.)

This week for the book list handout, I featured nonfiction titles from the series The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That because I figured they would be titles families are less familiar with. (And also, we're more likely to, y'know, actually have them on the shelves this week...)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Today, March 2, is Dr. Seuss's birthday! So this week's storytime was all about Dr. Seuss. Now if you've tried to do a preschool Seuss storytime, you know it's not as easy as it sounds. Many of Seuss's books are way too long for preschoolers, so this calls for a little creativity.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
OPENING SONG: Mister Sun OPENING RHYMES:
SIGN LANGUAGE: Butterfly
Cross wrists, palms toward you, lock thumbs, and flutter fingers to represent the shape and movement of a butterfly.

Fly fly fly butterfly (make the sign for "butterfly" while singing)
Fly fly fly butterfly
Fly fly fly butterfly
Fly high up in the sky.
Credit: The Virtual Vine

BOOK 1: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Pop-Up by Eric Carle
And just when you thought the Very Hungry Caterpillar couldn't get any better - it comes as a pop-up book! And it's amazing.

FINGERPLAY: Flutter, Flutter, Butterfly
Tune: Twinkle Twinkle

Flutter, flutter butterfly
Floating in the spring sky
Floating by for all to see
Floating by so merrily
Flutter, flutter butterfly
Floating in the spring sky
Credit: Best Kids Book Site
ACTION SONG: Butterfly Driving a Truck by Caspar Babypants
from the album Sing Along!
We danced to this song with colorful scarves and pretended to be butterflies.

BOOK 2: Butterfly, Butterfly: A Book of Colors by Petr Horacek
Lucy sees a beautiful butterfly in the garden one day, but then can't find it the next. While she searches, she sees many other, colorful creatures. This book has a surprise pop-up at the end!
SNACK: Butterfly Jello
CLOSING SONG: from Sharon, Lois and Bram's album Skinnamarink TV

I picked up a pack of these butterflies on sticks on clearance at the end of last summer. I wasn't sure what I was going to use them for, but they ended up looking incredibly cute in pre-made jello cups! It was a fun (and food allergy friendly) snack for my last storytime of the school year.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
TODDLER PROGRAM OPENING SONG: Mister Sun OPENING RHYMES: Open, Shut Them Two Little Blackbirds SIGN LANGUAGE: Butterfly Cross wrists, palms toward you, lock thumbs, and flutter fingers to represent the shape and movement of a butterfly. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n-otbQDWXQ SONG: Fly Fly Butterfly Tune: Skip to My Lou Fly fly fly butterfly (make the sign for "butterfly"...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Age: 18-36 months (coloring page instead of craft), 3-5 years (with craft)

This school year in storytime I decided to use the alphabet to give me inspiration for themes. So this week, L is for Ladybugs!

1) These Are My Glasses - Laurie Berkner
My current opening song that we sing acappella every week. I start by asking them to show me their glasses and their book so that they remember the signs. We sing it through twice, then I'll ask them to quietly put their "books" in their lap.

These are my glasses (make the letter o with each hand)
And this is my book(hands together)
I put on my glasses(put "glasses" over eyes)
And open up the book(open book hands)
Now I read read read(hold book up in front of face like reading)
And I look look look(put glasses over eyes and look around room)
I put down my glasses and...(lower glasses)
WHOOP! Close up the book.(clap as if closing a book quickly)

2) Mystery Box
This week I had a Beanie Baby ladybug that I put in the box.

The longest of our books today, this one kept the kids' attention with the bold pictures of different animals.

4) Song - We are the Dinosaurs - Laurie Berkner
This song has nothing to do with ladybugs. But the kids love it. Even my 18-month-old walks around at home, stomping her feet and saying "march! march!"

Hurray for toddler-friendly non-fiction books! I did paperclip and skip the pages on the ladybug's life cycle... but it was good for the kids to see real photos, since it's currently winter and they probably have no clue what a ladybug looks like!

6) The Lovely Ladybug
This was a fun little rhyme I found from Kathryn. I've never done folder stories before, I think I need to add more to my collection! The younger kids had fun telling me the color name when I showed it to them, and I had the older kids guess the color based on the rhyme before revealing it.

Let's play a ladybug color game, I'll give you rhyming clues
If you know it, say the name of each color that I use!
The first color for our buggy fellow
Is the color of sunshine - it's the color yellow.
Frogs in the pond and a fresh snap bean
Did you guess the color green?
The sky above and the ocean too
Such a beautiful color, it's the color blue.
Strawberry ice cream, come on now, think.
You are right! It's the color pink!
Grapes for jelly on a P B & J
Purple is the color we say!
Pumpkins or basketballs rolling by
Orange is the color that we now spy.
Fluffy clouds and the moon at night
Did you say the color white?
Roses that grow in a garden bed
Are this beautiful color, the color red.
Ladybug, ladybug up in the sky
Thanks for the fun and now we say, "Goodbye!"

I think the parents got more of a kick out of this book than the kids (especially the younger group), but they all did what the book said!

8) Song & Rhyme Cube
This week we rolled I'm a Little Teapot, the Itsy Bitsy Spider, and If You're Happy and You Know It.

Love love love this book. My copy at my house has a broken spine from being read (and stepped on...) so often. I'll admit (and I said this to the parents too!), the very first time I read this book I wondered what the heck was happening to the ladybugs...

10) L is for Ladybug coloring page (18-36 mo.) or L is for Ladybug craft (3-5 yrs)
I found on Pinterest the exact look I was going for with this craft. I didn't put it on a background though, and used a brad to attach the wings to the body so they could move. The dots are fingerpaint!

Other ladybug ideas:
The Grouchy Ladybug - Eric Carle
Ladybug Girl - David Soman
Five Little Ladybugs - Karen Henley (too much like 10 Little Ladybugs above)
Little Ladybug flannel
Pretty Ladybug flannel song

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Age: 18-36 months (coloring page instead of craft), 3-5 years (with craft) This school year in storytime I decided to use the alphabet to give me inspiration for themes. So this week, L is for Ladybugs! 1) These Are My Glasses - Laurie Berkner My current opening song that we sing acappella every week.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Today we shared stories about cookies. Yum yum storytime fun!

MOVEMENT: Welcome Song*

MOVEMENT: "Clap Your Hands" from Wiggleworms Love You by Old Town School of Folk Music

BOOK:

The Cow Loves Cookies by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Marcellus Hall

Making Cookies
I am making cookie dough(point to self)
Round and round the beaters go(roll hands over hands)
Add some flour from a cup(pour from cup)
Stir and mix the batter up (pretend to self)

Roll them, cut them nice and neat (pretend to roll out with pin, then cookie cut)
Put them on a cookie sheet(pretend to lay out on cookie sheet)
Bake them, count them, 1, 2, 3(count with fingers)
Then serve them to my friends for tea(pretend to eat cookies)

FLANNELBOARD STORY:
Cookies and Counting

Flannelboard set found in the Target dollar/three dollar section

For this one, I put the cookie sheet, oven, and then counted out ten cookies with the group. I explained that each cookie had a different number of chocolate chips. For the first example, we counted the chips together, and then I had the kids guide me as I placed the cookie in the correctly numbered space on the cookie sheet. Since the group wasn't very large, I had kids come up and place the rest of the remaining cookies.

Then I put the whole tray in the oven, and pulled the cookies out again. When they were baked, I put the cookies only back on the flannelboard, and we did this rhyme together:

Ten Little Cookies
Ten little cookies laying on a plate
Mom eats two and then there are 8.

When Dad comes home, two cookies he picks
Leaving on the plate only 6.

Brother comes home, slamming the door.
He eats two cookies, then there are 4.

When sister comes home, there are still a few
She eats a couple, then there are 2.

Baby wakes up. His nape is done.
He eats a cookie, then there is 1.

The cat jumps on the table and eats the last one.
Poor dog! He's too late. He only gets a crumb.

MOVEMENT: "Shake My Sillies Out" from More Singable Songs for the Very Young by Raffi

BOOK:

Who Ate All the Cookie Dough? by Karen Beaumont, illustrated by Eugene Yelchin

Patty Cake (Cookie Style)
Patty cake, patty cake, baker's man(clap hands together)
Bake me a cookie as fast as you can
Roll it(make a rolling motion with hands)
And Pat it(pat hands on your lap)
And mark it with a "C" (for cookie!)(draw a letter C in the air)
And it in the oven(mime putting tray in oven)
for you(point out)
and me!(point to yourself)

VIDEO:

"The Duckling Gets a Cookie!?" from The Duckling Gets a Cookie!? ...and More Stories by Mo Willems. Based on the book by Mo Willems

MOVEMENT: Storytime's Over*
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL IDEAS:

Book: Cookiesaurus Rex written by Amy Fellner Dominy & Nate Evans, illustrated by AG Ford
Book: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie written by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond
DVD: Some Sesame Street DVD with Cookie Monster
GREAT RESOURCES FOR MORE IDEAS:
HOW IT WENT:
This was a fun and tasty storytime! I was glad I got to try out my set from Target - I hadn't used that one before. I realized I didn't change that much from when I did this storytime back in 2012 (at least, I used a lot of the books I identified then too). But it was still a fun theme, and I think long enough from when I did it the first time.

ATTENDANCE: 18 (adults and children)

DATE PRESENTED: Saturday, February 9, 2019 @ Children's Room

*To see the words to these movements and activities I use frequently, please visit my A-capella Movements Section on my Storytime Movements and Music Page

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Today we shared stories about cookies. Yum yum storytime fun! MOVEMENT: Welcome Song* MOVEMENT: "Clap Your Hands" from Wiggleworms Love You by Old Town School of Folk Music BOOK: The Cow Loves Cookies by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Marcellus Hall MOVEMENT: Making Cookies I am making cookie dough (point to self) Round and round the beaters go (roll hands...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I know your library's probably closed for the holiday, but here are some patriotic storytime ideas for when you get back (or next summer... or for Patriot Day in September!):
Books to share:
Olivia Forms a Band by Ian Falconer - When Olivia finds out that there won't be a band for the evening's fireworks display, she's determined to start her own band to play.

Fourth of July Mice by Bethany Roberts - Simple, rhyming text takes us through the day as a family of mice celebrate the Fourth of July, from marching in a parade to playing baseball to sharing sparklers on a summer's eve.

Meet Our Flag, Old Glory by April Jones Prince - Verse about the flag also contains some information about the flag's history.

Hats Off for the Fourth of July by Harriet Ziefert - Rhyming text describes the various acts that go by in a Fourth of July parade.

Mouse's First Summer by Lauren Thompson - Mouse does many summer things in this sweet, simple book, including celebrate the Fourth of July.

Happy 4th of July, Jenny Sweeney! by Leslie Kimmelman - People all over the town get ready for their Fourth of July celebration.

Apple Pie Fourth of July by Janet S. Wong - A Chinese-American girl worries that Americans won't want to eat the Chinese food her family is preparing at their restaurant, but she's pleasantly surprised to find out that people DO want to eat Chinese food on July Fourth.

How to Bake an American Pie by Karma Wilson - Rhyming text presents things that make America great: a thirst to be free, a giant melting pot, etc.
Songs:
Sing some patriotic songs or play recordings and march around the room or use scarves, bells, or Mel's flannel rings (see below) for kids to dance or play along.

Yankee Doodle

You're a Grand Old Flag

The Star-Spangled Banner

"The Irrational Anthem" by Jim Gill from his CD Jim Gill's Irrational Anthem - a fun participation song to the tune of "The Star Spangled Banner".

Take Me Out to the Ballgame (hey, baseball is America's pastime, right?)
Felts, Rhymes, and Activities:
"This apple is red.... This fire enhine is red... This heart is red..." and then put up one of the white items:

"This bone is red.... NO! That's not right! This bone is... white!" and so on. The flag (red, white, AND blue) is the last thing that you put up.

Have the children help you build an American flag! We have the red and white stripes and white stars here. You can either pass them out to the kids and have them bring up the pieces to help you make the flag or ask the kids what you need for the flag and then put the pieces on yourself.

10 little fireworks standing in a row

10 little fireworks standing in a row

When one little firework decides it's time to go

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, blast off

There'll be 9 little fireworks standing in a row...

Here's hoping that these suggestions SPARK some ideas for your next patriotic storytime! What other books, rhymes, props, or songs have you used for a Fourth of July (or Flag Day or Patriot Day or American) storytime have you used?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Happy 4th of July!!! I know your library's probably closed for the holiday, but here are some patriotic storytime ideas for when you get back (or next summer... or for Patriot Day in September!): Books to share: Olivia Forms a Band by Ian Falconer - When Olivia finds out that there won't be a band for the evening's fireworks display, she's determined to start her own band to play.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
One of the best things about warmer weather is picnics! Use one of these 5 ideas for making a book inspired picnic or create one of your own!

Any of the Curious George books

would work well for this picnic, but our favorite Curious George book is Curious George Visits the Zoo

. George gets in a little trouble stealing some bananas from the zookeepers, but he saves the day when he uses them to rescue a little boy's balloon.

Peanut butter and banana sandwiches

Monkey munch (granola)

Yellow Hat cheese slices

Jungle juice (juice or flavored water)

is the classic story about how the Rainbow Fish learns that being beautiful is not nearly as important as sharing with your friends. (See more activities for The Rainbow Fish)

Rainbow fruit kabobs

Wise octopus string cheese

Fish scales (crackers with a few wrapped in tin foil)

Sea water (any drink with fizz)

The Lorax

by Dr. Suess is a classic and has a great message about ecology.

Lorax mustache sandwiches (pita or flatbread sandwiches)

Trees (broccoli)

Trufulla fruit (grapes)

Trufulla fruit juice (juice) or fresh butterfly milk (milk)

Who doesn't love The Three Little Pigs

???

What's a picnic without ants? This ant themed picnic would be perfect with any ant book like Hey, Little Ant

,

Ant and Grasshopper, or

Two Bad Ants

.

Ants on a log (celery spread with peanut butter or cream cheese and sprinkled with raisins)

Ants made from hard boiled eggs and straws

What are your favorite picnic foods?

Check out our picnic craft too!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
One of the best things about warmer weather is picnics! Use one of these 5 ideas for making a book inspired picnic or create one of your own! Any of the Curious George books would work well for this picnic, but our favorite Curious George book is Curious George Visits the Zoo .

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
These preschool apple books are ripe for the pickin' and your little ones are sure to love each one. Fill your autumn book basket with books from this list. They're perfect for all of your preschool apple themed activities! Our local apple orchard just announced that it's open for picking.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Autumn is the perfect time to read about scarecrows with your preschoolers. This collection of scarecrow books for kids is a great place to start!

I've never actually built a scarecrow. I buy mine at the store. But, I love doing scarecrow crafts with kids. And, reading scarecrow picture books is a lot of fun in the fall.

The picture books featured below are so much fun for kids. Reading stories about scarecrows may inspire your little ones to try making one of their own.

Scarecrow Books for Kids

Fill your book basket with these fun scarecrow books for kids! Most of these books can be found at your library or used bookstore. If you have a hard time finding them, you can order the books from Amazon by clicking the images or links below.

There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves! | That wild old lady is back swallowing fall-themed items. What can you make from leaves, clothes, a pumpkin, and rope? That's right, a scarecrow!

The Scarecrow | It sure is dull staring at endless fields of corn all day, but it's worse if you're a scarecrow! Fuzzy Fred might be scary on the outside, but all he really wants is a friend. But with a head stuffed with straw and wooden pegs for fingers, Fuzzy Fred may be too good at scaring people; and with no one to talk to, what's a scarecrow to do?

The Silly Scarecrow | Is there something scary in the fields at Mountainview Farms? Or is it something silly instead?

Scarecrows | In fall, scarecrows stand in the fields. See how these symbols of fall make it a fun season.

|
While a farmer tends his field of wheat, six hungry crows watch and wait in a nearby tree. When the wheat ripens, the farmer builds a scarecrow to frighten them off, but these ingenious crows are not so easily scared.

Once Upon a Pumpkin Patch | Once a Pumpkin Patch is a Halloween story about a friendly scarecrow and his adventures as he meets new friends in his pursuit to become a real boy.

Scarecrow! | Each page of this Word by Word First Reader has just one word, so readers can read and enjoy this funny story about a scarecrow.

The Lonely Scarecrow | A lonely scarecrow with a scary face has trouble making friends with the animals who surround him, until a heavy snowfall transforms him into a jolly snowman

The Scarecrow's Dance | Jane Yolen introduces us to the fickle scarecrow, who decides to leave his station and dance away the fall night. He leaps through the fields until he reaches the farmhouse, where he sees a small light in the window. Inside, a boy is saying his prayers, and he offers up a special prayer for the corn that will be harvested in the morning. Humbled, the scarecrow knows what he has to do: He returns to the field and watches over the corn as only he can.

Otis and the Scarecrow | On the farm where Otis the tractor lives, the farmer has introduced someone new-a scarecrow to shoo away the pesky crows. But when Otis and the animals greet the scarecrow with friendly smiles, the scarecrow's frown never leaves his face. So everyone leaves him alone.

The Little Scarecrow Boy | This treasured picture booktells the tale of a little scarecrow boy and the lessons he learns from his scarecrow father about the world - until he decides to test his knowledge and himself.

Scarecrow Pete | A friendly scarecrow with a suitcase encourages a young child to read, and together they explore such classics as "Moby Dick" and "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." Told in rhyming verse.

Scarecrow | Scarecrows. They perch high above gardens and fields, with borrowed coats and button eyes and pie-pan hands that glint in the sun. What else is there to know about them?

The Scarecrow's Hat | A resourceful chicken seeks the help of her farm animal friends to solve a problem, while giving something of herself along the way. Chicken really admires Scarecrow's hat. Scarecrow would gladly trade his hat for a walking stick to rest his tired arms. Chicken doesn't have a walking stick to trade, but she knows someone who does. Thus begins her quest to find items to trade among her farm friends, all to obtain a walking stick to swap for Scarecrow''s hat. But why does Chicken want an old straw hat?

Scaredy Crow | Scaredycrow is a scarecrow with a big problem. He's scared of EVERYTHING! He's scared of the crows that fly by in the day. He's scared of the bats that swoop down in the night. He's scared of the barnyard animals, too. And the feeling is mutual! The crows, the bats, and other barnyard friends are all terribly afraid of the lonely, little scarecrow out in the field.

Related Posts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
15 of Our Very Favorite Scarecrow Books for Kids of All Ages

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Autumn is the perfect time to read about scarecrows with your preschoolers. This collection of scarecrow books for kids is a great place to start! I've never actually built a scarecrow. I buy mine at the store. But, I love doing scarecrow crafts with kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Thanksgiving Books for Toddlers & Preschoolers | !!Mummy Bloggers Posts Group Board!! | Toddler books, Thanksgiving books, Autumn activities for kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Thanksgiving is fast approaching! I love how books can help explain the meaning of holidays to children through imagination, illustrations, rhyme, and silliness. Here are some of our favorite Thanksgiving books in our library. Click on any of the photos in this post to check out a few of the pages before you purchase!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
As Christmas approaches, I get so excited to read some of my favorite themed read alouds. I am always a huge fan of gingerbread books and gingerbread themes. I think I love them because they usually work no matter if you celebrate Christmas at school or not. I know many schools don't do Santa and the like, so gingerbread can be a great, festive alternative. These 17 gingerbread books for kids are sure to be a hit this season!

* Pair these with our Gingerbread Centers for an entire month of ready to go gingerbread fun!

17 Fun Gingerbread Books for Kids
The Gingerbread Man
The classic story of the gingerbread man who can outrun everyone, except the sly old fox!
The Gingerbread Kid Goes to School
The school principal bakes a gingerbread cookie and brings it to school in his lunchbox. When the principal opens his lunchbox, the gingerbread kid winks and jumps off the desk. Where is he off to in such a hurry?
The Gingerbread Girl
The lonely old woman and the lonely old man decide to bake a girl this time, but when they open the oven, she runs off like her brother did.
Gingerbread Baby
This twist on the classic tale involves the chasing down of the gingerbread baby - yes, baby! Matti opens the oven too soon, and off goes the gingerbread baby in the famous chase.
The Gingerbread Man
A bestselling classic tale of The Gingerbread Man. I love the catchy phrases that kids love to chant along with and the bright illustrations in this version.
The Gingerbread Cowboy
"Giddyup, giddyup as fast as you can. You can't catch me, I'm the Gingerbread Man!" This Wild West version of the classic tale is a fun twist, especially when he meets the dreaded coyote (instead of a fox).
The Gingerbread Pirates
It's Christmas Eve, and Jim and his mother are making pirate gingerbread men to leave for Santa. But late that night, when Jim is fast asleep, Captain Cookie darts away on a daring adventure to find his pirate crew - and rescue them from that mysterious character he's heard about: a cannibal named Santa Claus. This funny twist is entertaining for sure!
Gingerbread Mouse
Mouse is snug in her bed when a tree branch falls on her house! Now, she must find another place to live. Where will she go?
Ten Tiny Gingerbread Men
Ten gingerbread men love bouncing everywhere. Count down from 10 to 1 and follow along with their adventures. Counting books are always a favorite of mine, and make great read alouds for little ones!
The Library Gingerbread Man
In this fun twist, the gingerbread man is loose in the library! No one can stop him, not even characters from books.
The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School
When a class leaves for recess, their just-baked Gingerbread Man is left behind. So, he heads out to find them. Will they be reunited?
The Gingerbread Girl Goes Animal Crackers
The gingerbread girl is back with a new batch of friends - the animal crackers! They don't want to listen to the Gingerbread Girl, but if they don't, they may all become treats for that trickster fox!
The Gingerbread Man
The classic tale of The Gingerbread Man, designed for early readers with large text and engaging illustrations. It's a great addition to your gingerbread collection of read alouds!
Gingerbread Friends
The Gingerbread Baby is back! He pops into a bakery, looking for friends, but none of the treats in there will say a word! As he runs back home, he is chased yet again by a long line of hungry creatures.
The Gingerbread Boy
In this modern twist on the classic tale, the Gingerbread Boy is on the loose in New York City, and he taunts everyone from construction workers to subway musicians, until his fateful chase through Central Park!
The Gingerbread Bear
A mom bakes a cookie for her daughter, but the Gingerbread Bear escapes and runs all over the Woodlands National Park! A park ranger, campers, and wildlife friends all come together to try to chase and capture him.
Catch That Cookie!
Marshall knows that gingerbread men simply cannot run. They are only for eating! But... when he opens his oven, he finds his gingerbread men gone! To find them, he must solve a series of rhyming clues.

What are your favorite Gingerbread Books for Kids?

More Gingerbread Fun

Looking for fun gingerbread activities to go along with these read alouds? Here are some of our favorites!

Paper Bag Gingerbread House (The Kindergarten Connection)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
17 Fun Gingerbread Books for Kids - The Letters of Literacy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As Christmas approaches, I get so excited to read some of my favorite themed read alouds. I am always a huge fan of gingerbread books and gingerbread themes. I think I love them because they usually work no matter if you celebrate Christmas at school or not.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Our fall session for storytime begins at the end of September, but with Labor Day weekend coming up and fall programming beginning soon after, I know I have to get in gear and started planning for my storytimes. This fall I'll be offering a toddler storytime for children ages 2 - 3.5 years old with their parents and caregivers as well as a parachute storytime opportunity for a wider range of children ages 2 - 5 with their parent or caregiver.
Sometimes I feel like parents think I just pull a few books off the shelf, grab some CDs and head into storytime, but they don't realize that my planning is in depth - I think about childhood development, literature and illustrations, movement activities, fine motor skills, and so many other things. Storytime planning really is so much more than just books.
1.) To start my planning, I first create a list of books that I want to look at to see if they would fit for my program - sometimes I focus on themes, others times I choose books because I know they'll be a big hit but have nothing in common with each other. This is how I normally begin, sometimes though I'll head straight to the shelves and start browsing too.
2.) After I have a good list of books, I find them all and start going through them one-by-one. Checking for length, language, diversity, level of excitement, etc. Sometimes, I'll know right away it's not going to work, others I try and figure out ways to make it work - cutting out a few pages, creating a flannelboard or adding a puppet or musical instrument and sometimes you find the perfect book that will work just right! (Just like Goldilocks!)
3.) After I've read through my books, I start organizing them for each week I'll use them, I usually read three books in each storytime and each session has six weeks, so I need at least 18 solid choices. I try and pair longer stories with shorter ones, really interactive books with less interactive books and so on.
4.) Once I've figured out what books are scheduled for each week, I begin adding in the transitions, opening, closing, musical instruments, flannel board, extension activities. I think the hardest part for me is figure out music, for whatever reason, I have the hardest time finding music to go with my storytime. Songs need to be not too long, directions sometimes help, and even though I usually play music off an iPod, I still feel better if I know most of the words to sing along too. During this stage I also think about what to tell the parents to encourage early literacy education and skills at home.
5.) Finally, it's all about practice, reading books out loud, listening to the songs, practicing flannel boards rhymes. I've done back-to-back storytimes and the second one (usually) runs more smoothly than the first, just because you can see how the books work with the kids and what you need to do to adjust it.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Storytime Planning, so much more than just books! - Literacious

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our fall session for storytime begins at the end of September, but with Labor Day weekend coming up and fall programming beginning soon after, I know I have to get in gear and started planning for my storytimes.

# data[].attributes.body
My Little Polar Bear by Claudia Rueda
For ages 0-5 years old

Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett
For ages 1-3 years old

Polar Bear Paddle by David Bedford
For ages 4-6 years old

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Instantly access over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids on Epic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
By Melissa Lennig on . This content contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Inside: This easy and fun polar bear craft for kids includes a free printable polar bear outline, making this project perfect for school or home!
This past Sunday, the boys and I visited our local library and checked out several books about polar bears. My kindergartener was especially curious about how polar bears survived and stayed warm in the arctic snow. He poured over the books all afternoon!

Shared below is an easy polar bear craft that helped anchor our new knowledge of polar bears. It includes a free printable polar bear outline, so you can have fun at home too!

Easy Polar Bear Craft for Kids with Polar Bear Outline

One interesting thing we learned was that polar bears actually have black skin! Their black skin absorbs heat, a 4.5-inch layer of fat helps keep their body warm in icy water, and their thick fur prevents heat loss on land.

This simple paper craft illustrates the polar bear's thick white fur and black skin. It's fun for home or school and helps develop fine-motor skills in little ones.

Materials for Polar Bear Craft

Polar Bear Craft Directions

1. Print our free polar bear outline on white card stock. Our polar bear template is a 2-page PDF that includes a large polar bear and 2 medium-sized polar bears.

2. Invite your child to choose the polar bear they wish to use, then paint it with black washable paint.

Tip: No paint? Trace the polar bear outline onto black card stock or construction paper instead!

3. When the paint is dry, cut out the polar bear with scissors.

4. Next, glue stretched cotton balls over the polar bear's body.

5. Glue 1 wiggly eye to the polar bear's face.

6. Cut a small circle of black paper for the polar bear's nose and secure it with glue to the polar bear's face.

7. Glue the polar bear onto light blue card stock.

8. Last, use white paint and silver glitter to create a snowy scene. Kids can use a paintbrush, cotton swabs, or their fingertips!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Free Printable Polar Bear Craft for Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
By Melissa Lennig on . This content contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Inside: This easy and fun polar bear craft for kids includes a free printable polar bear outline, making this project perfect for school or home!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Okay, you've pulled books for your storytime. Maybe you've got a felt story or some puppets or fingerplays, but you need just one more thing... I want to share one of my new favorite songs. This song has been a hit every time, it's super easy, and it's a great one to know in case of momentary lulls or a gap in your program. It's called If You're Wearing Red Today.

I've heard it used with two different tunes. I usually use the tune to Mary Had a Little Lamb, but you can also use Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush.

If you're wearing red today, red today, red today
If you're wearing red today, please stand up!

That's it! Easy peasy, right?! Of course you repeat and replace the color red with whatever colors you see out there in the audience. And I usually do "please stand up" two or three times and then warn them that I'm going to mix it up, so they'd better listen. And then I do other actions. Please clap your hands, please touch your ears, please stand on one leg, please rub your tummy, etc. etc.

In my experience, the kids really respond to it and they like listening for the colors and the actions. When I think we've gotten everybody to do an action at least once, I'll ask if we missed any colors (and often they'll suggest doing the color I happen to be wearing..!).

So, keep this one in your bag of tricks and the next time you blaze through the stories you thought would take up 30 minutes, you can pull it out and have a good ol' time.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Okay, you've pulled books for your storytime. Maybe you've got a felt story or some puppets or fingerplays, but you need just one more thing... I want to share one of my new favorite songs. This song has been a hit every time, it's super easy, and it's a great one to know in case of momentary lulls or a gap in your program.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Plan a Storytime | Library Programs

# data[].attributes.body
Shape by Shape by Suse Macdonald
For ages 3-8 years old

Butterfly Butterfly by Petr Horacek
For ages 3-7 years old

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We want you to take a little piece of Story Time home with you today!

Did you hear a song that you want to sing? Did you want to try a fingerplay with your child to improve motor skills? What about introducing your child to American Sign Language (ASL) which has proven to promote early communication, encourage speech development, and reduce tantrums?

Browse the age-appropriate Story Time elements that you can easily do at home.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We want you to take a little piece of Story Time home with you today! Did you hear a song that you want to sing? Did you want to try a fingerplay with your child to improve motor skills?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Master List || Opening & Closing Songs || Getting the Wiggles Out || Rhymes for Babies

A master list including all of the songs, rhymes, and fingerplays I've used in storytimes. Where applicable, I have given credit to the source where I found the activity. When I write "Childhood" as the credit, I honestly do not remember where I learned it! I watched a ton of PBS as a kid, attended several enrichment programs (library, church, Girl Scouts), and had some amazing elementary school teachers - all my credit to them!

Action Rhyme: "After My Bath"
After my bath...I try, try, try
To rub myself till I'm dry, dry, dry(pretend to rub body with a towel)
Hands to dry and fingers and toes(point to body parts)
Two wet legs and one shiny nose(point to body parts)
Just think how much less time it would take
If I were a dog and could shake, shake, shake!(shake whole body)
Credit: SurLaLune Storytime // Used: "Bathtime" Storytime

Song: "The Ants Go Marching"
The ants go marching one by one, hurrah! Hurrah!
The ants go marching one by one, hurrah! Hurrah!
The ants go marching one by one,
The little one stops to suck his thumb,
And they all go marching down, to the ground, to get out of the rain.
(two, tie his shoe; three, climb a tree; four, shut the door; five, take a dive)
Credit: Childhood // Used: "Bugs" Storytime & "Letter A" Storytime & "Bugs" Storytime & "Music" Storytime & "Bugs" Storytime

Song: "Apples and Bananas"
I like to eat, eat, eat apples and bananas
I like to eat, eat, eat apples and bananas (Repeat with other vowels sound)
Credit: Childhood // Used: "Food" Storytime & "Yellow" Storytime & "Letter A" Storytime & "Fruits and Veggies" Storytime & "Music" Storytime & "Number Two" Storytime

Fingerplay: "Baby Mice"
Where are the baby mice?
Squeak, squeak, squeak
I cannot see them
Peek, peek, peek
Here they come out of their hole!(bring your fist forward)
One, two, three, four, five, and that is all!(open your fingers one at a time)
Credit: Perry Public Library Storytime // Used: "Mice" Storytime & "Letter M" Storytime

Action Rhyme: "Bears Eat Honey"
A bear eats honey(pretend to eat)
He thinks it's yummy
In his tummy(rub tummy)
But the bees don't think it's funny!
Buzzzzzzzzzzzz!(make buzzing noise)
Credit: King County Library System // Used: "Bears" Storytime & "Letter B" Storytime

Action Rhyme: "Big Yellow Moon"
Big yellow moon shines so bright, (circle overhead)
Glides across the starry night (arms left to right)
Looks down at me (hand shades eyes)
Asleep in bed, (head on hands)
Whispers, "Good night sleepyhead." (shh)
Big yellow moon, your turn is done (move arms down)
Here comes Mr. Morning Sun (circle overhead)
I wake up. (arms stretch out)
You go to bed. (head on hands)
"Sleep well, Moon, you sleepyhead." (shh)
Credit: King County Library System // Used: "Bedtime & Pajamas" Storytime & "Letter Y" Storytime & "Kevin Henkes" Storytime & Pajama Storytime

Action Rhyme: "Birthday Months"
If your birthday is in January, turn around
If your birthday is in February, touch the ground
(March, march along; April, sing a song; May, wiggle your nose; June, shake your toes; July, jump up high; August, reach the sky; September, tap your shoe; October, call out "Boo!"; November, tickle your ears; December, give three cheers)
Credit: Addison Public Library // Used: "Birthday" Storytime

Puppet Rhyme: "Bumble Bee"
Bumblebee, bumblebee, landing on my nose.
Bumblebee, bumblebee, now he's on my toes.
On my arms, on my legs, on my elbows.
Bumblebee, bumblebee he lands and then he goes.
Credit: Mrs. Jones - Insects // Used: "Bugs" Storytime & "Spring Animals" Storytime & "Bugs" Storytime & "Emma Dodd" Storytime

Song: "Can We Find?" (Tune: Muffin Man)
Can we find an orange cat,
An orange cat, an orange cat?
Can we find an orange cat?
We want to say hello!
Credit: "Color Bears" Flannelboard // All Daycare Storytimes

Song: "Colors We Know" (Tune: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star)
Red and orange, green and blue, shiny yellow, purple too!
These are the colors that we know, way up high in the great rainbow.
Red and orange, green and blue, shiny yellow, purple too!
Credit: Everything Preschool - Colors // Used: "Colors" Storytime & "Colors" Storytime

Song: "Construction Worker Song"
This is the way we pound our nails, pound our nails, pound our nails
This is the way we pound our nails, so early in the morning
(Saw the wood, turn the screwdriver, drill a hole, stack the bricks, stir the paint, paint the walls)
Credit: Everything Preschool // Used: "Tools" Storytime & "Construction" Storytime & "Construction" Storytime & "Tools" Storytime

Action Rhyme: "Choo-Choo Train"
Everyone rubs their hands together in a circular motion to make the noise, slowly at first, getting faster, the librarian says the following:
Choo, choo, choo, choo
Too-too, too-too, too-too
Choo-choo, choo-choo, choo-choo
Ding-dong, Ding-dong, Ding-dong, Ding-dong
Hissssssssssssssss
Credit: In-House Activity // Used: "Things That Go" Storytime

Action Song: "Dance Like Snowflakes" (Tune of "Are You Sleeping?")
Dance like snowflakes,
Dance like snowflakes
In the air, in the air
Whirling, twirling snowflakes
Whirling, twirling snowflakes
Here and there, everywhere
Credit: BellaOnline // Used: "Winter" Storytime

Fingerplay: "Dance Your Fingers Up"
Dance your fingers up, dance your fingers down
Dance your fingers to the side, dance them all around
Dance them on your shoulders, dance them on you head
Dance them on your tummy, and put them all to bed
Credit: Best Kids Book Site // Used: "Dance" Storytime & "Me" Storytime & "Letter D" Storytime & "Bedtime & Pajamas" Storytime & Pajama Storytime

Song: "Did You Ever See a Fishy?" (Tune of "Did You Ever See a Lassie?")
Did you ever see a fishy, a fishy, a fishy
Did you ever see a fishy, swim this way and that?
Swim this way and that way, and that way and this way?
Did you ever see a fishy, swim this way and that?
Credit: Childhood // Used: "Fish" Storytime & "Sea Creatures" Storytime & "Ocean" Storytime

Song: "Did You Ever See a Llama?" (Tune of "Did You Ever See a Lassie?")
Did you ever see a llama, a llama, a llama
Did you ever see a llama, go this way and that?
Go this way and that way, and that way and this way?
Did you ever see a llama, go this way and that?
Credit: Modified from Childhood // Used: "Letter L" Storytime

Song: "Did You Ever See a Penguin?" (Tune of "Did You Ever See a Lassie?")
Did you ever see a penguin, a penguin, a penguin
Did you ever see a penguin, swim this way and that?
Swim this way and that way, and that way and this way?
Did you ever see a penguin, swim this way and that?
Credit: Childhood // Used: "Letter P" Storytime

Flannelboard Song: "Driving Round In My Car"
Driving round in my little red car
Driving round in my little red car
Driving round in my little red car
Zoom zoom zoom zoom zoom
(Go through red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple)
Credit: Childhood // Used: "Colors" Storytime 2010 & "Colors" Storytime & "Transportation" Storytime & "Letter C" Storytime & "Letter Z" Storytime & "Cities" Storytime

Fingerplay: "During the Spring"
During the spring, it often showers (flutter fingers down)
Or the sun shines for many hours (form circle in the air with arms)
Both are good for the flowers! (cup hands and extend arms like flowers)
Credit: SurLaLune Storytime // Used: "Spring" Storyime

Flannelboard: "Elephants in the Bathtub"
One elephant in the bathtub
Going for a swim
Knock, knock(clap twice)
Splash, splash(slap knees twice)
Come on in!(motion with both hands to come in)
Five elephants in the bathtub
Going for a swim
Knock, knock(clap twice)
Splash, splash(slap knees twice)
It all fell in!(knock the felt pieces down)
Credit: SurLaLune Storytime // Used: "Bathtime" Storytime & "Letter E" Storytime

Action Song: "Farm Chores" (Tune: "Here We Go 'Round the Mulberry Bush")
This is the way we plant our seeds, plant our seeds, plant our seeds
This is the way we plant our seeds so early in the morning
[Water our seeds, weed our seeds, our seeds grow up, pick our plants, eat our plants]
Credit: Library School // Used: "Farm" Storytime & "Farm" Storytime

Flannelboard: "Five Dancing Ballerinas"
Five dancing ballerinas, prancing on their toes
The twirl and spin and jump; then off the stage she goes (count down)
Credit: Storytimes Online // Used: "Dance" Storytime

Song: "Five Green and Speckled Frogs"
Five green and speckled frogs
Sitting on a hollow log
Eating the most delicious bugs - YUM YUM
One jumped into the pool
Where it was nice and cool
Now there are only four speckled frogs - RIBBIT RIBBIT
(count down from there)
Credit: Childhood // Used: "Frogs" Storytime & "Counting" Storytime & "Music" Storytime & "Mo Willems" Storytime

Flannelboard: "Five Little Apples"
Five little apples hung in a tree
The farmer wasn't looking.
So guess who came to eat?
A rabbit! Munch, munch, munch!
(Mouse, crow, turtle, bat)
Now the tree is bare
There are no more apples there
But when next fall comes around
Guess who'll be there!
The rabbit, the mouse, the crow, the turtle, and the bat!
Credit: Storytime Secrets // Used: "Apples" Storytime & "Pumpkins and Apples" Storytime

Song: "Five Little Ducks"
Five little ducks went out to play, over the hill and far away
Mother duck said, "Quack, quack, quack, quack"
And only four little ducks came back
(count down until)
Sad mother duck went out one day, over the hill and far away
Mother duck said, "Quack, quack, quack, quack"
And all of her five little ducks came back
Credit: Childhood // Used: "Ducks" Storytime & "Family" Storytime & "Letter Q" Storytime & (Expanded to nine) in "Number Nine" Storytime

Song & Puppets: "Five Little Monkeys Swinging From the Tree"
Five little monkeys, swinging from the tree
Teasing Mr. Crocodile, "You can't catch me! No, you can't catch me!"
Along comes Mr. Crocodile, as quiet as can be
And snatched that monkey out of that tree
Credit: Childhood // Used: "Numbers" Storytime & "Monkeys" Storytime & "Number Five" Storytime & "Alligators and Crocodiles" Storytime

Fingerplay: "Five Little Nails"
Five little nails, standing straight and steady
Here I come with my hammer ready!
Bam, bam, bam! That nail goes down.
Now there's just four nails to pound.
(count down)
Credit: Mel's Desk // Used: "Construction" Storytime & "Letter N" Storytime & "Letter T" Storytime & "Tools" Storytime & Road Work Ahead

Song & Puppet: "Flutter, Flutter" (Tune: Twinkle, Twinkle)
Flutter, flutter butterfly,
Floating in the spring sky
Floating by for all to see,
Floating by so merrily
Flutter, flutter butterfly,
Floating in the spring sky
Credit: Best Kids Book Site // Used: "Orange" Storytime & "Spring" Storyime & "Bugs" Storytime & "Seasons" Storytime & "Eric Carle" Storytime & "Bugs" Storytime

Song: "Flutter, Flutter Little Bat" (Tune: "Twinkle, Twinkle")
Flutter, flutter little bat
How I wonder where you're at
Up above the midnight sky
Peeking down with yellow eyes
Flutter, flutter little bat
How I wonder where you're at
Credit: Library Palooza // Used: "Halloween" Storytime & "Animals at Night" Storytime

Rhyme (With Puppets): "Four Little Ocean Friends"
Four little ocean friends living in the sea
The turtle slides away now there are three
Three little ocean friends looking for a clue
"Glub, glub," said the lobster now there are two
Two little ocean friends not having much fun
Off swam the sea horse now there is one
One little octopus sad and all alone
Back swims the turtle, back swims the lobster, back swims the sea horse
And they played in the sea foam, safe in their home.
Credit: Beach Fingerplays from Carroll County Public Library // Used: "Sea Creatures" Storytime

Action Rhyme: "The Frog"
Croak said the frog,(make croaking sound)
With his golden eyes.(fists up to eyes)
Sitting on a lily pad,(crouch on the ground)
Catching flies.(grab air with hand)
I have a sticky tongue,(stick out tongue)
It's as fast as can be...
And I catch the mosquitoes(catch bugs again),
1-2-3.(count on three fingers)
Credit: Child Fun // Used: "Frogs" Storytime & "Letter F" Storytime

Song: "The Garden Song" (Tune: "Row, Row, Row Your Boat")
Dig, dig, dig your garden
Make it smooth and neat
Push, push, push that shovel,
Push it with your feet.
Plant, plant, plant your seeds
Push them down an inch
Cover your seeds with some soil
Cover with a pinch.
Water, water, water your seed
This will help them sprout,
Sprinkle lightly and let's not pour
And don't let them dry out.
Sun, sun, sunshine
It will turn them green,
Carrots and radishes and peppers, too
Tomatoes and some beans.
Watch, watch, watch them grow
See them grow so tall
Put a scarecrow in the ground
To protect them all.
Pull, pull, pull the weeds
Keep your garden clear
To make them grow up and out
And stretch out here and there.
Pick, pick, pick your feast
Cook some veggie soup
You'll have lots and lots to eat,
Enough to feed the group.
Credit: Step by Step - Garden Theme // Used: Kids Art Gardens

Fingerplay: "Here is a Bunny"
Here is a bunny with ears so funny (hold up index and middle fingers for ears)
And here is his hole in the ground (make a circle with the other hand)
At the first sound he hears, he pricks up his ears (extend two fingers)
And hops in the hole in the ground (fingers jump into the hole)
Credit: Early Literature // Used: "Spring" Storyime & "Bunny" Storytime & "Blue" Storytime & "Spring Animals" Storytime & "Easter" Storytime

Action Rhyme: "Hurry, Hurry"
Hurry, hurry, drive the fire truck(pretend to turn wheel)
Hurry, hurry, drive the fire truck(pretend to turn wheel)
Hurry, hurry, drive the fire truck(pretend to turn wheel)
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding!(ring bell)
(Turn the corner (lean over to one side, then the other), climb the ladder (pretend to climb), spray the water (pretend to spray a hose).)
Credit: Childhood // Used: "Red" Storytime & "Transportation" Storytime & "Letter E" Storytime & "Jobs" Storytime & "Firefighters" Storytime

Song: "I Can See Shapes" (Tune: London Bridge)
I can see a circle shape, circle shape, circle shape
I can see a circle shape, how about you?
(Little square, triangle, rectangle, diamond)
Credit: The Story Place // Used: "Shapes" Storytime

Song: "I'm a Little Penguin" (Tune: "I'm a Little Teapot.")
I'm a little penguin in the sea.
I can swim as fast as can be!
When I catch a fish, just look at me.
I'm as proud as I can be.
Credit: Step by Step - Penguin Theme // Used: Kids Art Penguins & "Penguins" Storytime

Action Rhyme: "Johnny Works With One Hammer"
Johnny works with one hammer, one hammer, one hammer
Johnny works with one hammer, and then he works with two
(Two hammers - both fists on legs; Three hammers - both fists on legs and one foot on the floor; Four hammers - both fists on legs and both feet on the floor; Five hammers - both fists on legs, both feet on floor and nod head up and down; "And then he goes to sleep!")
Credit: Mrs. Hegna's Storyroom // Used: "Tools" Storytime

Action Rhyme: "Kangaroo!"
Jump, jump, jump(Jump)
Goes the kangaroo(Jump)
I thought only one(Hold up one finger)
But now I see two!(Hold up two fingers)
Momma and her baby
With his head popping out(Make a fist, have other hand pop out)
He holds on tight(Hug yourself)
As they jump all about!(Jump)
Credit: Preschool Education - Animals: Zoo // Used: "Wild Animals" Storytime & "Zoo" Storytime

Fingerplay: "The Lamb Went"
The lamb went...
Around the cow in the corn(trace circle in palm)
Under the haystack(go under the hand)
Up the hill and down the hill(go up the arm and down the arm)
Over the fence(go above the hand)
Through the door(slide hands and clap)
And was back in time to meet the teacher(trace circle in palm)
Credit: Hubbard's Cupboard // Used: "Sheep" Storytime & "Letter L" Storytime

Song: "The Leaves are Falling Down" (Tune of "The Farmer in the Dell")
The leaves are falling down
The leaves are falling down
Red, yellow, green, and brown
The leaves are falling down
Credit: Preschool Education - Songs: Fall // Used: "Fall" Storytime & "Fall (Again)" Storytime & "Letter L" Storytime & "Leaves" Storytime

Action Rhyme: "Little Birds"
Little birds, little birds, jump up and down
Little birds, little birds, don't make a sound
Little birds, little birds, tip-toe to me
Little birds, little birds, bend your knees
Little birds, little birds, peep, peep, peep
Little birds, little birds, sleep, sleep, sleep
Little birds, little birds, fly to the leaves
Little birds, little birds, sit down please
Credit: Greatest Resource Education Child Care // Used: "Birds" Storytime & "Birds" Storytime & "Big & Little" Storytime

Action Rhyme: "Little Duck"
I saw a little duck go hop, hop, hop(hop three times)
I told the little duck to stop, stop, stop(hold up hand for stop)
I went to the window to say, 'How do you do?'(hold out hand for handshake)
He wagged his little tail and far away he flew!(shake tail and fly away)
Credit: Childhood // Used: "Ducks" Storytime 2010 & "Yellow" Storytime & "Letter D" Storytime & "Lauren Thompson" Storytime

Action Rhyme: "Little Heart"
I have a little heart,(place hand over heart)
And it goes thump, thump, thump(pat chest three times)
It keeps right on beating,
When I jump, jump, jump(jump three times)
I get a special feeling, when I look at you.(point to child)
It makes me want to give you a hug or two.(hug yourself)
Credit: The Best Kids Book Site // Used: "Love" Storytime

Action Rhyme: "Loud and Quiet"
Quietly, quietly not a sound
I'm listening and I'm listening
As I look around
No sounds as I nod (nod)
No sounds as I clap (clap)
No sounds as I tap my hands on my lap (tap)
Loudly, loudly, stamp and clap (stamp and clap)
Loudly, loudly, stamp and clap (stamp and clap)
Loudly, loudly, stamp and clap (stamp and clap)
All that noise, well fancy that!
Credit: Preschool Storytime Outlines // Used: "Loud and Quiet" Storytime & "Letter Q" Storytime & "Rosemary Wells" Storytime

Song: "Make a Circle, Draw a Square" (Tune: Oh My Darling Clementine)
Make a circle, make a circle, draw it in the sky
Use your finger, use your finger, make it round as pie
Make a square, Make a square, make the lines so straight
Draw a square, draw a square, draw one or draw eight
Draw a triangle, draw a triangle, always start at the top
Make a tent, make a tent, use three lines and then stop!
Credit: Best Kids Book Site // Used: "Shapes" Storytime

Action Rhyme: "Monster, Monster"
Monster, monster, turn around
Monster, monster, touch the ground
Monster, monster, reach up high
Monster, monster, touch the sky
Monster, monster, touch your nose
Monster, monster, grab your toes
Monster, monster, touch your knees
Monster, monster, sit down please
Credit: Childhood/Modified // Used: "Halloween" Storytime & "Green" Storytime & "Letter M" Storytime & Monsters & "Mo Willems" Storytime

Action Rhyme: "Monster Stomp"
If you want to be a monster, now's your chance.
'Cause everybody's doing the monster dance.
You just stamp your feet, wave your arms around.(Stomp, wave arms.)
Stretch 'em up, stretch 'em up,(Stretch up arms.)
Then put them on the ground.(Put hands on the floor.)
'Cause you're doing the monster stomp.(Stomp feet.)
That's right! You're doing the monster stomp.(Stomp feet.)
Credit: Sur La Lune Storytime // Used: "Monster" Storytime & "Monster" Storytime

Action Rhyme: "My Garden"
This is my garden(Extend one hand forward, palm up)
I'll rake it with care,(Make raking motion on palm with 3 fingers of other hand)
And then some flower seeds(Plant motion), I'll plant in there.
The sun will shine(Make circle with hands)
And the rain will fall,(Let fingers flutter down to lap)
And my garden will blossom(Cup hands together; extend upward slowly)
And grow straight and tall.
Credit: Step by Step - Garden Theme // Used: Kids Art Gardens & "Letter G" Storytime

Action Rhyme: "My Name Is..."
Hi, my name is Joe
And I work in a button factory
One day, my boss said to me, "Joe, are you busy?"
I said no.
"Push the button with your right hand."
(keeping pushing with right hand; add left hand, right foot, left foot)
...
One day, my boss said to me, "Joe are you busy?"
I said yes!!
Credit: Childhood // Used: "Names" Storytime

Action Play: "The Old Grey Cat"
The old gray cat is sleeping, sleeping, sleeping,
The old gray cat is sleeping in the house
The little mice are dancing, dancing, dancing(children dance)
The little mice are dancing in the house
The little mice are nibbling, nibbling, nibbling(children nibble)
The little mice are nibbling in the house
The little mice are resting, resting, resting(children rest their heads on hands)
The little mice are resting in the house
The old gray cat comes creeping, creeping, creeping(cat begins to creep)
The old gray cat comes creeping in the house
The little mice go scampering, scampering, scampering(children run in place)
The little mice go scampering in the house(children spin and sit down)
Credit: Everything Preschool Mice Games // Used: "Maisy & Friends"

Action Rhyme: "Old Shoes, New Shoes"
Old shoes, new shoes,
(Child) is wearing (description) shoes
One, two, three four,
Now I stomp them on the floor!
Credit: Preschool Education // Used: "Clothes" Storytime & "Letter O" Storytime & "Socks and Shoes" Storytime & "Bob Shea" Storytime

Action Rhyme: "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe"
One, two, buckle my shoe
Three, four, shut the door
Five, six, pick up sticks
Seven, eight, lay them straight
Nine, ten, begin again // 2nd time: that's the end
Credit: Childhood // Used: "Counting" Storytime & "Clothes" Storytime & "Number Two" Storytime & "Socks and Shoes" Storytime

Song: "Over in the Barnyard" (Tune: "Down By the Station")
Over in the barnyard
Early in the morning
See the yellow chickies
Standing in a row
See the busy farmer
Giving them their breakfast
Cheep, cheep, cheep, cheep
Off they go (remove finger puppet)
[Also, pink piggies and spotted cows]
Credit: Teach-nology Farm Songs // Used: "Farm" Storytime & "Farm" Storytime & "Farm" Storytime

Action Song: "Owl Hokey Pokey"
You put your right wing in
You put your right wing out
You put your right wing in
And you flap it all about
You do the owl pokey and you fly yourself around
That's what it's all about! Hoo, hoo!
(left wing, right claw, left claw, beak, whole self)
Credit: Ms. Hegna's Storyroom // Used: "Owls" Storytime & "Letter O" Storytime & "Owls" Storytime

Fingerplay: "Pat-a-Cake"
Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker's man
Bake me a cake as fast as you can
Roll it, and pat it, and mark it with a "B"
And put it in the oven for baby and me
Credit: Childhood // Used: "Food" Storytime & "Babies" Storytime & "Jobs" Storytime & "Cookies" Storytime & "Lauren Thompson" Storytime & "Cake" Storytime

Action Song: "The Pirate Song"
When I was one,
I banged my drum.
The day I went to sea.
I jumped aboard a pirate ship,
And the captain said to me.
We're going, this way, that way,
Forwards and backwards,
Over the Irish Sea.
A bottle of rum, to warm my tum,
And that's the life for me.
(When I was two, I buckled my shoe / When I was three, I banged my knee / When I was four, I knocked on the door / When I was five, I learned to dive) (I changed "rum" to "milk" when I did this one, haha.)
Credit: Early Years Experience // Used: "Imagination" Storytime

Flannelboard: "The Pirate Wore a Red Patch"
Pirate wore a red patch, red patch, red patch
Pirate wore a red patch all day long...
Credit: Loons and Quines // Used: "Pirates" Storytime

Fingerplay: "Pizza Man"
Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, pizza man (clap hands)
Make me a pizza as fast as you can (shake finger)
Roll it (roll)
Toss it (pretend to toss in air)
Sprinkle it with cheese (sprinkling motions)
Put it in the oven (pushing motion)
And bake it fast, please!
Credit: SurLaLune Storytime // "Pizza" Storytime & "Letter P" Storytime

Action Rhyme: "Rain Is Falling Down"
The rain is falling down (flutter fingers down)
SPLASH! (clap once loudly)
Pitter patter pitter patter (tap legs softly)
The rain is falling down (flutter fingers down)
SPLASH! (clap once loudly)
Pitter patter pitter patter (tap legs softly)
[Repeat until kids are worn out.]
Credit: Modified from King County Library System // Used: "Rainy Days" Storytime & "Clouds and Rainbows" Storytime & "Spring" Storytime & "Letter R" Storytime & "Weather" Storytime

Action Rhyme: "Red, Red"
Red, red is the color I see
If you're wearing red, then show it to me.
Stand up, take a bow, turn around
Show me your red and sit back on the ground. // Repeat with other colors.
Credit: Everything Preschool - Colors // Used: "Colors" Storytime & "Colors" Storytime & "Clothes" Storytime

Action Rhyme: "Rub-A-Dub-Dub"
Rub-a-dub-dub, one child in the tub(hold up one finger)
Tell me what you see.(point to eyes)
One foot with toes,(point to body parts)
A hand, a nose,
As clean as they can be.(rub hands together)
Rub-a-dub-dub, one child in the tub(hold up one finger)
Tell me what you see.(point to eyes)
Leg, and arms(shake legs and arms)
So clean and warm,
Do they have a hug for me?(hug yourself)
Credit: Perry Public Library - Bathtime Storytime // Used: "Bathtime" Storytime

Folder Story: "Scat the Cat"
I'm the Scat the Cat and I'm sassy and fat
And Miss Katie can change my color just like that!
Credit: Modified from Tell Me a Story // "Art" Storytime

Song: "Six Little Ducks"
Six little ducks that I once knew
Big ones, little ones, fair ones too
But the one little duck with a feather on his back
He led the others with a quack, quack, quack
Quack, quack, quack! Quack, quack, quack!
He led the others with a quack, quack, quack
Down to the water they did go
Wibble wobble, wibble wobble to and fro
Home from the water they did come
Wibble wobble, wibble wobble, ho-hum-hum!
Credit: Childhood // Used: "Number Six" Storytime

Song & Puppet: "Sleepy Bear" (Tune: "Thumbkin")
Where is bear? Where is bear?
Here I am. Here I am.
How are you this winter?
Very tired, thank you.
Go to sleep. Go to sleep.
(Have kids shout "WAKE UP BEAR" to do the song again.)
Credit: Preschool Education Music & Songs : Animals > Winter // Used: "Bears" Storytime & "Winter Animals" Storytime & "Letter B" Storytime & Used: "Hibernation" Storytime & "Kevin Henkes" Storytime

Action Rhyme: "Swimming"
Swimming in the water cool and bright(pretend to swim)
I kick my feet with all my might(kick feet)
And when I'm tired I turn and float(spin and hold arms out)
Pretending that I'm a boat
I like to hold my breath and dive(pretend to take breath and dive)
I swim beneath the water and count to five(count to five)
Wow! What a dive!
Credit: Hummingbird Educational Resources // Used: "Summer" Storytime & "Summer" Storytime

Action Song: "Ten in the Bed"
There were ten in the bed(Hold up five fingers)
And the little one said, "Roll over, roll over!"(Make rolling motion)
So they are rolled over and one fell out.(Hold up one finger & surprised face)
// Count down until
There was one in the bed(Hold up one finger)
And the little one said, "I've got it all to myself!"(Spread out arms)
Credit: Childhood // Used: "Bedtime" Storytime & "Day and Night" Storytime & "Numbers" Storytime & "Number Ten" Storytime & Pajama Storytime

Song: "Ten Little Dinosaurs" (Tune: "Ten Little Indians")
One little, two little, three little dinosaurs
Four little, five little, six little dinosaurs
Seven little, eight little, nine little dinosaurs
Ten little dinos for me!
Credit: Childhood/Modified // Used: "Dinosaur" Storytime

Song: "Ten Little Flowers" (Tune: Ten Little Indians)
One little, two little, three little flowers
Four little, five little, six little flowers
Seven little, eight little, nine little flowers
Ten flowers in the spring.
Give them rain and lots of sunshine
Give them rain and lots of sunshine
Give them rain and lots of sunshine
So they'll grow up tall
Credit: Modified from The Holiday Zone // Used: "Spring" Storyime & "Garden" Storytime

Puppets: "There's Something In My Garden"
There's something in my garden
Now what can it be?
There's something in my garden
That I can't really see.
Hear its funny sound...
RIBBIT RIBBIT RIBBIT
A frog is what I found!
RIBBIT RIBBIT RIBBT
(SQUEAK SQUEAK SQUEAK, A mouse is what I found! / CAW CAW CAW, A crow is what I found! / THUMP THUMP THUMP, A rabbit is what I found!)
Credit: SurLaLune Storytime // Used: "Bunny" Storytime & "Garden" Storytime

Song: "There Was a Princess" (repeat every line twice)
There was a princess long ago, long ago, long ago (curtsy)
And she lived in a big high tower, big high tower, big high tower (hands above head in triangle)
A wicked fairy cast a spell, cast a spell, cast a spell (wiggle fingers, cackle)
The princess slept for a hundred years, a hundred years, a hundred years (head on hands)
A great big forest grew around, grew around, grew around (spin)
A handsome prince came riding by, riding by, riding by (gallop)
He took his sword and cut the trees, cut the trees, cut the trees (make chopping motions)
He woke the princess with a kiss, with a kiss, with a kiss (blow kisses)
And everybody is happy now, happy now, happy now! (shoot "hooray!")
Modified from Perpetual Preschool (I know I got the words from there, but I watched several YouTube videos to learn the song and wound up mashing some of the versions together.) // Used: "Fairy Tales" Storytime

Fingerplay: "Two Little Frogs"
Two little frogs sitting on a hill,
One named Jack and one named Jill.
"Jump," said Jack. "Jump," said Jill.
And the both jumped down the great hill.
Come back, Jack. Come back, Jill.
And the both jumped up the great big hill.
Credit: Modified Childhood // Used: "Frogs" Storytime

Fingerplay: "Two Mother Pigs"
Two mother pigs lived in a pen (show thumbs)
Each had four babies, and that made ten (show fingers & thumbs)
These four babies were black as night (thumb in palm, wiggle fingers)
These four babies were black and white (switch hands, repeat)
But all eight babies loved to play
And they rolled and rolled in the mud all day (roll hands)
At night, with their mother, they curled up in a heap (clasp hands)
And squealed and squealed till they fell fast asleep.
Credit: SurLaLune Storytime // Used: "Pigs" Storytime & "Messy" Storytime & "Letter P" Storytime & "Number Eight" Storytime

Fingerplay: "Way Up High in the Apple Tree"
Way up high in the apple tree(stretch arms up high)
Two red apples smiled at me(hold up two fingers)
I shook that tree as hard as I could(make a shaking motion)
Down came the apples...(make a downward motion)
And mmm, they were good!(smile and rub stomach)
Credit: Childhood // Used: "Alphabet" Storytime & "Fall" Storytime & "Fall (Again)" Storytime & "Red" Storytime & "School" Storytime & "Apples" Storytime & "Pumpkins and Apples" Storytime & "Letter A" Storytime & "Fruits and Veggies" Storytime & "Back to School" Storytime & "Letter T" Storytime & "Trees" Storytime

Song: "We're Little Orange Crabs" (Tune: Farmer in the Dell)
We're little orange crabs
Who live down by the sea,
And where we do go
We're quick as quick can be.
We're little orange crabs
Who like to run and hide,
And when you see us walking by
It's always side to side.
Credit: Preschool Education - Sea & Ocean // Used: "Crabs" Storytime

Fingerplay: "Where Is Family?"
Where is mommy? Where is mommy?(put hands behind back)
Here I am! Here I am!(bring hands around from behind the back)
How are you today, ma'am? Very well, I thank you!(wiggle thumbs, one at a time)
Run away, run away!(hide hands behind back again)
(Daddy, Brother, Sister, Baby, Family.)
Credit: Childhood // Used: "Family" Storytime

Fingerplay: "Where Is Thumbkin?"
Where is thumbkin? Where is thumbkin?(put hands behind back)
Here I am! Here I am!(bring hands around from behind the back)
How are you today, sir? Very well, I thank you!(wiggle thumbs, one at a time)
Run away, run away!(hide hands behind back again)
(Repeat for each finger; I did leave out middle finger/tallman. It was too early in the morning and I feared I would burst into giggles.)
Credit: Childhood // Used: "Friends" Storytime & "Manners" Storytime

Action Song: "Winter Hokey Pokey"
You put your mitten in, you take your mitten out
You put your boots in, you take your boots out
You put your hat in, you put your hat out
You put your coat in, you put your coat out
Credit: Step by Step - Winter Theme // Used: "Winter" Storytime & "Snow" Storytime & "Letter W" Storytime

Song & Puppets: "You Can Hear" (Tune: She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain)
You can hear the lions roaring at the zoo, ROAR! ROAR!
You can hear the lions roaring at the zoo, ROAR! ROAR!
You can hear the lions roaring, you can hear the lions roaring
You can hear the lions roaring at the zoo! ROAR! ROAR!
(Elephants trumpeting, zebra braying, monkey eeking)
Credit: Perpetual Preschool // Used: "Wild Animals" Storytime & "Zoo" Storytime & "Letter Z" Storytime
Last updated: 5/16/14

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Master List || Opening & Closing Songs || Getting the Wiggles Out || Rhymes for Babies A master list including all of the songs, rhymes, and fingerplays I've used in storytimes. Where applicable, I have given credit to the source where I found the activity.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Shape Sailboat! Use Shapes to create this sail boat. Paint waves at bottom using tempera.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Book Lists & Recommendations for Ages 0-2

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Receive book suggestions, reading tips, educational activities, and great deals. Get 10% off your first order at the Scholastic Store Online when you sign up!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Storytime Planning: Themes
Many library storytime presenters grapple with finding books that fit a particular theme. This can lead to including a book that is not so good/enjoyable. but it fits the theme. This is my approach to themes--plan the theme around the books/stories, not visa versa. I usually plan several storytimes at once. I gather together lots of books, new titles I want to try as well as old favorites and always include factual books.

All of them must meet these criteria:

1. I like the book

2. I think the children will like the book

3. Book is appropriate for the age level the storytime is targeted to and

4. Book works well in a group setting.

Then I start laying them out in piles--making sure there is a mix of long/short, quiet/active, older/younger, and something I have a puppet or flannel board for, maybe a big book. THEN I look at each pile separately, and think, what could the theme be for this one? When I had Pierre, Anansi and the Moss Covered Rock and Three Billy Goats Gruff, my theme was Talk, Talk, Talk because all had good dialog in them. When I had The Gunniwolf, Swimmy, and Jump Frog Jump, my theme was Catch Me If You Can. If you can't think of a theme, you can always use Librarians' Favorites. Try thinking of verbs, not just nouns. Many time we don't present some really good book because it doesn't easily fit a theme. This way, choosing the good books first, children and adult participants don't miss out.

Helpful Sources

Storytime Share monitored by Saroj Ghoting

Idaho Commission for Libraries Bookworm A monthly newsletter (birth to 2, 3 - 5, and K-1) highlights one skill, offers suggestions for books, songs, fingerplays, activities

DIY Storytime Phoenix Public Library (It is DIY, but the librarian is facilitating the storytime.)

Iowa Library Service Areas Storytime Kits

Johnson County (KS) Finger Plays and Reading Wordless Books Demonstrations

Lexington (KY) Public Library Village Branch Information and books for storytimes for Spanish-speaking community

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Songs for Children

Kididdles has children's song lyrics, some tunes, songsheets

Idaho Commission for Libraries Signage and suggestions to make kits by skill--click on Early Literacy Centers

Early Literacy Enhanced Storytime Checklist

VIEWS2 Tools and Resources (Supercharged Storytimes)

Early Literacy and Mentoring Wiki, Carroll County (MD) Public Library

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Storytime Planning: Themes Many library storytime presenters grapple with finding books that fit a particular theme. This can lead to including a book that is not so good/enjoyable. but it fits the theme. This is my approach to themes--plan the theme around the books/stories, not visa versa.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Reading to Babies: Skills Your Baby Learns from Story Time

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Your baby's story time can be fun and exciting -- and vastly beneficial to her development. Here's how you can help Baby grasp important skills for her future.

# data[].attributes.body
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
For ages 3-7 years old

Ten Apples Up on Top by Dr. Seuss
For ages 3-7 years old

The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
For ages 3-7 years old

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Make this shape Cat in the Hat craft to celebrate Dr Seuss birthday and Read Across America Day. Consider it if you're looking for an easy craft to go along with a favorite Dr Seuss book. Or to help kids review shapes. This is no ordinary Cat in the Hat, it is created with circles, rectangles, triangles and a square. Because crafts are more than a fun way to keep kids entertained. They can also be used as learning tools.

Shape Cat in the Hat craft

Step 1: Download the Cat in the Hat template. Cut out all shapes and trace them on coordinating construction paper. You will need: 1 black circle and 1 white circle for the head, 1 small red circle and 2 red triangles for the bow tie, 1 white square, 1 white rectangle and 3 red rectangles for the hat.

Step 2: Start assembling the head by gluing the white circle on top of the black circle. Glue the circle sandwich at the bottom of the blue cardstock paper, leaving about 2" for the bow tie to go underneath.

Step 3: Put together the bow tie by gluing the red triangles on the small red circle, one triangle on each side. Glue the bow tie under the head.

Step 4: Let's move on to the hat and glue the white rectangle (the hat brim) on top of the head. The white square goes on top. Last thing would be to add the 3 red stripes. Glue the bottom and the top ones first and then the middle stripe so you can spread them equally.

Step 5: Use a black marker to draw the Cat in the Hat's eyes, nose, mouth and whiskers.

MORE DR SEUSS CRAFTS:
Check out more easy crafts for kids!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Make this shape Cat in the Hat craft to celebrate Dr Seuss birthday and Read Across America Day. Consider it if you're looking for an easy craft to go along with a favorite Dr Seuss book. Or to help kids review shapes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Super Simple Songs® is a collection of original kids songs and classic nursery rhymes made SIMPLE for young learners. Combining captivating animation and puppetry with delightful music that kids love to sing along with, Super Simple Songs makes learning simple and fun! Music is one of the most powerful teaching tools available for young learners.... Read more »

# data[].attributes.body
Butterfly, Butterfly: A Book of Colors by Petr Horacek
For ages 3-7 years old

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
For ages 3+

Butterfly: Colors and Counting by Jerry Pallotta
For ages 6 mos-3 years old

# data[].attributes.body
Ten Little Ladybugs by Melanie Gerth (board book)
For ages 3+

The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
For ages 6 months+

Ladybug Girl by David Soman
For ages 3-5 years old

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Your kids will be thrilled when they see these butterfly crafts just for them! Butterfly wings are especially great for art projects because they let kids flex their creative muscles; there are so many beautiful ways that you can design and color them. These butterfly crafts for kids are especially perfect for a sunny spring day or an indoor rainy day project.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Your kids will be thrilled when they see these butterfly crafts just for them! Butterfly wings are especially great for art projects because they let kids flex their creative muscles; there are so many beautiful ways that you can design and color them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This collection of ladybug crafts for kids will inspire you to get busy creating. Find out how to make ladybugs using common household items like paper plates, cardboard tubes, egg cartons and more!
This post may contain affiliate links.
Looking for some creative ideas for your gardening or insect unit? Check out all these adorable ladybug crafts perfect for kids of all ages. These ladybug projects also make great extension activities to go with The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle!

Paper Plate Ladybug Craft for Kids
Egg Carton Ladybug Craft for Kids
Paper Ladybug Craft from Easy Peasy and Fun

Ladybug Stones from Fireflies and Mud Pies

Tissue Paper Ladybug Craft from I Heart Crafty Things

Cupcake Liner Ladybug Craft from Kids Activities Blog

Seashell Ladybugs from Still Playing School

Paper Plate Ladybug from Housing a Forest

Toilet Paper Roll Ladybug Craft from Easy Peasy and Fun

Toilet Paper Roll Ladybug Craft from Sunshine Whispers

Paper Bowl Ladybug Craft from I Heart Crafty Things

Ladybug Finger Puppet from Artsy Momma

Felt Ladybug from Wildflower Ramblings

Ladybug Craft for Toddlers from Happy Hooligans

Balloon Print Ladybug Craft from I Heart Crafty Things

Cardboard Ladybug Craft from Housing a Forest

Cupcake Liner Ladybugs from Fun-A-Day!

Recycled CD Ladybug Craft for Kids from I Heart Crafty Things
Make a Ladybug Paper Bag Puppet
Are you a preschool teacher?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
18 Ladybug Crafts for Kids - Buggy and Buddy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This collection of ladybug crafts for kids will inspire you to get busy creating. Find out how to make ladybugs using common household items like paper plates, cardboard tubes, egg cartons and more! This post may contain affiliate links. Looking for some creative ideas for your gardening or insect unit?

# data[].attributes.body
The Cow Loves Cookies by Karma Wilson
For ages 3-8 years old

Who Ate All the Cookie Dough? by Karen Beaumont
For ages 2-5 years old

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff
For ages 4-8 years old

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This book by Laura Numeroff and Illustrated by Felicia Bond is so cute! My kids loved it! I thought it would be fun to create a Mouse Paper Bag Puppet to go with the story. I'll read the story using my puppet. Then the students can trace and cut the overalls, paws, ears, cookie and milk... Because "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie" he's going to want a glass of milk to go with it!

Here is the pattern you can print out:

I used colored card stock and a glue stick for the paper and tacky glue for the googly eyes, yarn whiskers, pom pom nose and overall buttons.

The base of the milk can be cut on a fold - that way you can just glue the edges and put the straw inside.

I'll make my own with them so they can see how it all goes together and where to draw the eyebrows, stitching, mouth, etc...

There is a piece of pink under the flap of the bag for the inside of the mouth and the cookie or straw will fit inside if they want to pretend he's drinking his milk - or eating his cookie.

Lots of imaginative play can ensue once this little guy is complete!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
"If You Give A Mouse A Cookie" Mouse Puppet Art Project

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This book by Laura Numeroff and Illustrated by Felicia Bond is so cute! My kids loved it! I thought it would be fun to create a Mouse Paper Bag Puppet to go with the story. I'll read the story using my puppet. Then the students can trace and cut the overalls, paws, ears, cookie and milk...

# data[].attributes.body
Olivia Forms a Band by Ian Falconer
For Ages 3-8 years old

Mouse's First Summer by Lauren Thompson
For ages 2-4 years old

Fourth of July, Sparkly Sky by Joan Holub
For ages 2-4 years old

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
For Week 27 of the 52 Weeks of Pinterest Challenge, I am sharing a quick and easy patriotic craft for 4th of July! I was inspired to try Fireworks Painting by this pin from Sweet Frugal Life. This was perfect timing since we are just finishing up our 4th of July Week Theme for our DIY Summer Camp {Camp Mom}.

I love how simple this project is! You start by using a cardboard tube. I used a paper towel roll and cut it in half. Then cut thin strips along the bottom of the tube so that you can fan them out.

We used white paper so I chose to do red and blue paint. I squirted the paint onto paper plates and let them use one tube for each color. They did a great job stamping the firework prints on to the paper. This is such a great craft for preschoolers and older kids.

Once they were finished painting, I let them squirt some glitter glue onto their prints. Bringing out the glitter glue is always fun and a hit with the kids!

I was really impressed with how beautiful these turned out. This would be a great craft for Memorial Day, Labor Day or 4th of July!
This post does include affiliate links. That means I could earn a tiny portion of any sale that is made through clicking on any of these products with no additional cost to you. All support is greatly appreciated!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Fireworks Painting - Easy Patriotic Craft for Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
For Week 27 of the 52 Weeks of Pinterest Challenge, I am sharing a quick and easy patriotic craft for 4th of July! I was inspired to try Fireworks Painting by this pin from Sweet Frugal Life. This was perfect timing since we are just finishing up our 4th of July Week Theme for our DIY Summer Camp {Camp Mom}.

# data[].attributes.body
Having a Picnic by Sarah Garland
For ages 2-5 years old

The Pig's Picnic by Keiko Kasza
For ages 3-5 years old

We're Going on a Picnic by Pat Hutchins
For ages 3+

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
My son brought this activity home from preschool (above, age four) and Kindergarten (below, age five). I figured if it is good enough for b...

# data[].attributes.body
10 Apples Up on Top by Dr. Seuss
For ages 3-7 years old

The Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall
For ages 4-8 years

Amelia Bedelia's First Apple Pie by Herman Parish
For ages 4-8

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I'm always looking for a quick and easy craft for kids, and these stuffed paper apples are one of my favorites for fall! They combine many different types of techniques from sponge painting to lacing, and are easily adaptable to just about any age.
(This post contains affiliate links.)
This paper bag craft is perfect for fall and provides all kind of fine motor practice! Children will use apple shapes cut from grocery bags and decorate them with sponge painting. They then get to stuff them and lace them shut forming a stuffed paper apple.

This lacing project would be a great addition to any fall unit or apple unit in the classroom and would make a festive decoration at home for fall!

Materials for Stuffed Paper Apples

Brown paper bag (or any paper you'd like to use)

Manila File Folders or sturdy paper to make a tracer

Scissors

Pencil

Paint (We used BioColor Paint because of its versatility, and I love that it has no odor .)

Sponges

Old newspaper or crinkle cut paper for stuffing

Stapler or hole punch with yarn

Brown and green construction paper

Glue (We used glue dots , but you could also use any liquid glue.)

How to Make Stuffed Paper Apples for Fall

1. Cut up an old paper shopping bag so it's flat.

2. Make an apple tracer by drawing a large apple on an old manila file folder or other sturdy paper and cut it out. (Make sure it's symmetrical. This will make it much easier when assembling the apple.)

3. Help your child trace two apples (for the front and back) on the brown paper bag. Cut out the apples.

4. Now it's time to paint! Place your paint and sponges on the table. (Lucy decided on the colors red, green, and yellow). Put your cut-out apples onto some newspaper or other paper you don't mind getting paint on.

5. Sponge paint the apples. We had fun trying out different color combinations! Lucy's favorite apple was the one she painted all three colors.

6. Set the apples aside to dry.

7. Once the apples are dry, it's time to stuff them! First, you'll want to take the front and back of your apple and secure them together, leaving a little hole to stuff. You can secure them by either stapling around the apple's edge or punching holes and having your child lace around the apple's sides.

8. Stuff your apple through the little hole you left. (We used leftover crinkle cut paper we had from gift wrapping, but you could also use torn up newspaper.)

9. Once you're done stuffing your apple, close the hole either by stapling it or finishing the lacing around the edge.

10. Cut out a brown stem and green leaf from your construction paper and glue them to your apple. You're finished!

I love how these apples were a team effort. We all did the painting, Lucy and I laced the apples, and Theo was the stuffer! We have our finished paper apples displayed near our nature table and fall books, but you could also attach some yarn to the top to hang them around your house to decorate for fall!

*This article was originally posted on September 20, 2013.

Some of Our Favorite Apple Themed Books for Kids

Apples by Gail Gibbons

Apple by Nikki McClure

Check out our ebook ABCs and 123s! You'll find 40+ ways to encourage children to explore letters and numbers through play!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Fall Craft for Kids: Stuffed Paper Apples

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I'm always looking for a quick and easy craft for kids, and these stuffed paper apples are one of my favorites for fall! They combine many different types of techniques from sponge painting to lacing, and are easily adaptable to just about any age. Follow our Fall Crafts & Learning Pinterest board!

# data[].attributes.body
The Scarecrow's Hat by Ken Brown
For ages 2-6 years old

The Lonely Scarecrow by Tim Preston
For ages 3-6 years old

The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry
For ages 4-8 years old

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Don't be scared of this Paper Plate Scarecrow idea! Part of the fun of the fall season is all the crafts you can do! Keep scrolling to see how we made this Paper Scarecrow Friend come to life with simple supplies and steps!

Hi friends! I'm so glad you landed on today's Paper Plate Scarecrow craft tutorial!

I sure hope you all have been enjoying all the fall and Thanksgiving kid crafts I've been sharing on the Glued To My Crafts blog the past few days. We have been busy crafting around here and I have a TON more tutorials to share with you all in the coming days. Several of which have a turkey theme to them {so stay tuned!}

But first - I want to focus on today's kid friendly craft titled the lovely Paper Plate Scarecrow.

Although scarecrows were originally intended to scare away creatures in the fields - this cute guy isn't scaring ANYONE today. He's super easy to pull together, adorable and guess what? It in-cooperates those little handprints too!

Ready to learn how to make your own paper scarecrow friend? Let's grab our craft supplies, find the full tutorial below and get to work on building him today!

Happy crafting, my friends! Don't forget to share pictures of your creations on our Facebook community wall! #gluedtomycrafts

Paper Plate Scarecrow Craft Supplies:

* Large Paper Plate {one per craft}
* Tan Tissue Paper { affiliate link}
* Orange/Brown/Yellow/White Cardstock { affiliate link}
* School Glue
* Craft Scissors
* Hand-Held Office Stapler
* Black Sharpie Marker

* First cut your tan tissue paper into small squares.
* Put a good amount of glue all over the paper plate.
* Have your child cover it completely, with the tan tissue paper squares.
* While they are doing that, cut out of cardstock the scarecrow embellishments. Think hat, eyes, nose, mouth etc. Don't forget to trace your child's hands, so the cutouts and can become the hair of the scarecrow.
* Once they are done with the tissue paper step, staple/glue on all the scarecrow features to finish off thepaper plate scarecrow.
* Then display it proudly for all to see! #gluedtomycrafts

If you are looking for even more kid friendly fall crafts like today's paper plate scarecrow post, be sure to check out these past blog posts from us:
Paper Bag Crow {Kid Craft}
Twine Wrapped Acorns - Kid Craft
Mixed Media Leaf Unicorn Hair - Craft Idea
Tye Dye Coffee Filter Pumpkin {Kid Craft}
Stained Glass Fall Trees {Kid Craft}

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Hi friends! I'm so glad you landed on today's Paper Plate Scarecrow craft tutorial! I sure hope you all have been enjoying all the fall and Thanksgiving kid crafts I've been sharing on the Glued To My Crafts blog the past few days.

# data[].attributes.body
10 Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston
For ages 3-5 years old

This First Thanksgiving Day: a Counting Story by Laura Krauss Melmed
For ages 4-8 years old

T is for Turkey: a True Thanksgiving Story by Tanya Lee Stone
For ages 3-5 years old

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If you are looking for an easy Thanksgiving craft the whole family can enjoy then you are in for a treat! This Printable Turkey Hat Craft is so cute colourful and fun!

Download the free printable template to make adorable Thanksgiving Turkey Headbands for the whole family to wear this holiday. You can trace the template onto coloured card or paint them if you prefer. Either way you'll have the cutest holiday headwear around!

Printable Turkey Hat Craft Tutorial

Supplies To Make Thanksgiving Turkey Hats:

Printable Turkey Hat Templates (Get yours at the bottom of this post.)

Coloured Cardstock

Googly Eyes

Glue

Scissors

Stapler

How To Make A Thanksgiving Turkey Hat Craft

1 - Print the turkey hat template. (Get yours at the bottom of this post.)

2 - Cut out the turkey hat template pieces.

3 - Trace the templates on to coloured card. Use light brown cardstock for the main turkey headband and head and coloured for the rest.

4 - Loop the two headband pieces together and staple them into place.

5 - Use the template to cut out lots of different coloured turkey tail feathers. To make it quicker and easier you can stack the coloured card and cut through multiple layers at the same time.

6 - Fan the turkey tail feathers out and staple them together.

7 - Glue the tail feathers into the inside of the turkey hat at the back.

8 - Use the round template to cut out a brown turkey head.

9 - Cut a yellow beak and red snood and glue them on to the turkey head with some googly eyes.

10 - Cut two long yellow legs and two orange feet.

11 - Accordion fold the turkey legs and glue the feet onto the ends.

12 - Glue the head onto the Thanksgiving turkey hat craft.

13 - Glue the legs onto the lower inside front of the hat. Position them quite wide so that they don't hang in front of your eyes.

Come and chat with us on Facebook, Pinterest , Instagram or YouTube or subscribe to our weekly craft newsletter.

Print The Instructions Below:

More Fun Thanksgiving Crafts To Try:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you are looking for an easy Thanksgiving craft the whole family can enjoy then you are in for a treat! This Printable Turkey Hat Craft is so cute colourful and fun! Download the free printable template to make adorable Thanksgiving Turkey Headbands for the whole family to wear this holiday.

# data[].attributes.body
Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett
For ages 4-8 years old

Catch That Cookie! by Hallie Durand
For ages 3-5 years old

Gingerbread Mouse by Katy Bratun
For ages 4-8 years old

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Here is a fun and festive gingerbread man craft to make during the holidays. This gingerbread craft will delight kids of all ages as they make their very own Jumbo Stuffed Gingerbread Man using household materials. This gingerbread man craft is a great way to sneak in fine motor skills!

post contains affiliate links.

This Jumbo Stuffed Gingerbread Man is an adorable Christmas craft! Now if only it were edible ; ) Right?!

Gingerbread Man Craft

Ready to make a jumbo stuffed gingerbread man?!

From a paper grocery bag, draw out a gingerbread man outline with a pencil. With scissors, cut the outline out.

If your paper bag has writing on the front, the outlines around so that the gingerbread man body is all brown.

** As noted in our supply list, another option is to trace and cut the gingerbread man's body from brown wrapping paper

. The large roll can then be used for wrapping paper!

Next, we decorated our gingerbread man with dot stickers and added eyes and a smile with a sharpie marker.

To keep the two outlines together, I placed paper clips around the gingerbread man. This helped with the next step... using a hole punch!

With a hole punch, start at the top and work your way punch holes around the gingerbread outline.

Ours were pretty close together, but fair warning that so many holes close together may tire little hands while lacing the yarn through the holes.

Although, bigger gaps might allow for the stuffing to pop out.

** If you choose to space the holes further apart, you may want to have a stapler handy for when you stuff the gingerbread man's body.

Alright, our gingerbread man's face is decorate, the holes are prepped... now it is time to add the icing! Aka.... white yarn!!

Use a paper clip to hold the yarn in place and from there begin to lace the yarn in and out of the holes-- all the way around the gingerbread man's body.

This gingerbread man craft is a fun, hands-on way to work on fine motor skills for preschoolers - 2nd grade! Who wouldn't love to have their very own giant gingerbread man?!! He's the perfect buddy to have this Christmas!

Once you lace the yarn almost all the way around the body, stuff the gingerbread man with Easter grass, tissue paper, paper towel, etc.

Use a pencil or some other long object to push the stuffing into the gingerbread man's legs and arms.

Finish lacing the gingerbread man and tie the ends of the yarn together.

Cut any remaining yarn.

And your gingerbread man craft is complete!!

How cute is it?!!

** If desired, continue to decorate your gingerbread man with glitter glue and/or other festive decorations!

More Christmas Activities for Kids:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Here is a fun and festive gingerbread man craft to make during the holidays. This gingerbread craft will delight kids of all ages as they make their very own Jumbo Stuffed Gingerbread Man using household materials. This gingerbread man craft is a great way to sneak in fine motor skills!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Keep Kids Engaged During Story Time

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Teaching Strategies for Early Childhood Education

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Strategies for Reading Aloud to Young Children