Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Woodland Creatures

The last storytime was about woodland creatures--all of the wondrous creatures you might find in the woods. Bigfoot, gnomes, and fairies, oh my!


Rhymes/Fingerplays/Songs:

1. Two Little Fairies (tune: Two Little Blackbirds)
Two little fairies
Dancing on the lawn.
One named Faye,
And one named Fawn.
Fly away Faye.
Fly away Fawn.
Come back Faye,
Come back Fawn!

2. Magic Finger 
Magic finger in the air (Spin finger above head)
Magic finger in my hair (Twirl finger in hair)
Magic finger on my hips (Place finger on hip)
Magic finger on my lips (Place finger on lips and become quiet)
Source: Youth Literature

3.  Five Tiny Gnomes

Five tiny gnomes in little cloth suits, 
Wearing funny hats and pointy boots.
When the sun has gone to sleep,
The gnomes come out to play hide-and-seek. 
The first gnome ducked behind an old wooden door. 
The second one nestled into grass growing on the forest floor. The third one climbed a tall, tall tree 
The fourth one crawled in a log where no one could see. 
The fifth gnome hid under a mushroom cap,
Where he decided to take a nap. 
Five tiny gnomes in little cloth suits,
Wearing funny hats and pointy boots.
Once the sun rises up in the sky,
The gnomes head home and they all say “Goodbye.” 
Source: Sunflower Storytime (Go here for the template too!)

 

Books:


1. "The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot!" by Scott Magoon




I love this book! It is super cute and hilarious. A nice retelling of "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" story. And who doesn't love a good Bigfoot story?









2. "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak



This book ended up being more for the parents than the kids. I had so much fun getting into this classic and the parents enjoyed listening to a well-known storybook. As the last book of a wonderful fall session of storytimes, I think I chose rather well.

Squirrels

Rhymes/Fingerplays/Songs:

1. This Little Squirrel
This little squirrel said, “Let’s run and play!”
This little squirrel said, “Let’s hunt nuts today!”
This little squirrel said, “Yes, nuts are good.”
This little squirrel said, “Yes, my favorite food.”
This little squirrel said, “Come climb this tree.” (run fingers up other arm, quickly)
And crack these nuts: one, two, three! (clap hands three times)

Source: Sunflower Storytime

2. Scurry Little Squirrel (tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”)
Scurry squirrels and don't be slow.
Winters coming, Don't you know?
Scamper, scamper all around.
Bury treasure in the ground.
Scurry Squirrels and don't be slow.
Winters coming, don't you know?

Source: Story Share Wiki

3. Five Little Squirrels
Five little squirrels sitting by the door,
One ran away and then there were four.
Four little squirrels climbing a tree,
One ran away and then there were three.
Three little squirrels with coats so new,
One ran away and then there were two.
Two little squirrrels warming in the sun,
One ran away and leaving only one.
One little squirrel wasn't having any fun,
He ran away and then there were none.

Source: Story Share Wiki

Books:

1. "The Busy Little Squirrel" by Nancy Tafuri












2. "Acorns Everywhere!" by Kevin Sherry


 

Monday, December 2, 2013

Hungry Bears

What's better than a hungry bear in winter time? Instead of having a storytime just about bears (too easy, I say!) I decided to delve a little deeper.


Rhymes/Fingerplays/Songs:

1. Bear Came Along
Five red apples, sweet to the core.
Bear came and ate one and then there were four.
Four red apples, swinging in a tree.
Bear came and ate one and then there were three.
Three red apples, one for you and you and you.
Bear came and ate one and then there were two.
Two red apples, shining in the sun.
Bear came and ate one and then there was one.
One red apple, left all alone.
Bear came and ate one and then there was none.
Source: Abby the Librarian


2. Going On a Bear Hunt
(Audience echoes each line and sets up a clap/lap-slapping rhythm)
We're going on a bear hunt.
Gonna catch a big one.
I'm not afraid.
Look, what's up ahead?
Mud! Can't go over it.
Can't go under it.
Can't go around it.
Gotta go through it.
(Make sloshing sounds and move hands as if sloshing through mud)

Following verses:
Sticks (Snap fingers) 
Trees (Make gestures climbing up and down)
Gate (Make gate-opening gestures)
River (Make swimming gestures)
~Reverse all motions quickly to get home~
Source: Sur La Lune

3. A Little Brown Bear
A little brown bear
Went in search of some honey. (hand over eyes like a visor)
Isn't it funny, a bear wanting honey? (tilt head to side)
He sniffed at the breeze, (sniff a couple times)
And listened for bees, (cup hand behind ear)
And, would you believe it,
He even climbed trees! (make climbing movements)
Source: Yorba Linda Public Library



Books:

1. "The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and THE BIG HUNGRY BEAR" by Don and Audrey Wood


















2. "Jamberry" by Bruce Degen