We re-opened storytime and social hour with animals. We talked a bit about the new Storybook Trail at Beaver Creek Reserve, which inspired many of the social hour activities after storytime.
New Welcome Song: (adapted from JBrary found here)
The more we get together, together, together
The more we get together the happier we'll be.
For your friends are my friends and my friends are your friends.
The more we get together the happier we'll be.
The more we read together, together, together
The more we read together the happier we'll be.
Read big books and small books read short books and tall books
The more we read together the happier we'll be.
The more we sit together, together, together
The more we sit together the happier we'll be.
Sit down with your friends and stay til the end
The more we sit together the happier we'll be.
Book: What to Do if an Elephant Stands on Your Foot
Song with shaker eggs: Laurie Berkner's "I Know a Chicken"
Book: Little Mouse by Alison Murray
Fingerplay/Song: 5 Jungle Monkeys by Colleen and Uncle Squaty
Book: The Big Wide-Mouthed Frog by Ana Martin Larranaga
Song: I can sound Like ...
(using my tree see in picture... i rotate the animal by spinning the circle)
Goodbye Song: You Are My Sunshine (adapted from the traditional)
NEW! I'M PLAYING MY UKE WHILE WE SING THE SONG!!
You are my sunshine my only sunshine.
You make me happy when skies are grey.
You'll never know dear how much I love you.
Please don't take my sunshine away.
You are all special so very special.
You're growing up every day.
You're learning lots and making friends.
Please come back again to play.
(We ran out of time for The Busy Tree.)
Social Hour Activities:
Follow the Animal Tracks - I taped animal footprints down, starting from the same table. Follow the tracks to see which animal left them.
Pretend to be an animal and read books about animals together...or check them out.
Pretend to be an animal who burrows underground.
Next Week: Being Brave and a special visit from Family Resource Center Playgroup Coordinator, Sharon Ivers!
Remember, all ages and abilities are welcome at Storytime and Social Hour. We look forward to meeting you!