Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Preschool Storytime: Monsters!

'Tis Halloween season, and at my library that means it's time for Monster Storytime!  I adore this theme for many reasons.  The main one being there are so many picture books to choose from, and each year I get to share new ones.  Another reason is I get to be sillier than I usually am, making funny monster noises and faces.  Can you believe I get paid for that?  So here is what I did today with my 3-6 year olds.  Check out these monster books, and many more, at the library today!

Books:
Your Pal Mo Willems Presents Leonardo the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems.  New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 2005.
Leonardo is a terrible monster - he can't seem to frighten anyone!  So, he comes up with a plan to find the perfect little boy and scare the tuna salad out of him!  Will he succeed?


If You're a Monster and You Know It by Rebecca Emberley; illustrated by Ed Emberley.  New York: Orchard Books, 2010.
Monsters sing their own version of this popular song that encourages everyone to express their happiness through singing and pretending you're a monster.


Monster Mash by David Catrow.  New York: Orchard Books, 2012.
In this illustrated version of the classic novelty song, a mad scientist's monster performs a new dance which becomes "the hit of the land" when the scientist throws a party for other monsters.

Bedtime for Monsters by Ed Vere.  New York: Henry Holt, 2012.
A hungry monster seeks a different type of bedtime snack.





Instead of reading the book, I showed the DVD version of Leonardo the Terrible Monster, and the kids loved it.  It's a good way to freshen up your storytime, and the kids always seem excited that we're watching a movie.  It is included on Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! and more stories by Mo Willems, produced by Scholastic Storybook Treasures (if you aren't aware of this marvelous DVD series, check them out today).

Rhymes:
Monster, Monster
(tune: "Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear")
Monster, monster, turn around.
Monster, monster, touch the ground.
Monster, monster, reach up high.
Monster, monster, squint your eyes.
Monster, monster, show your teeth.
Monster, monster, stamp your feet.

Horns, Fangs, Knees, and Claws
(tune: "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes")
Horns and fangs, knees and claws, knees and claws.
Horns and fangs, knees and claws, knees and claws.
Eyes and ears, and tail and paws.
Horns and fangs, knees and claws, knees and claws.
(source:  Youth Literature)

Flannelboard:
Go Away, Big Green Monster! by Ed Emberley
The kids really enjoyed this!  Thankfully, I had enough pieces for everyone to "help" me tell the story.  They love putting the pieces on the felt board, and I feel like it makes it all the more interactive.  I found the template for making this at Kizclub.com.

Craft:
We made Monster Masks.  This craft came from Sarah at Awesome Storytime.  The kids really enjoyed it, and I was grateful to find an easy craft that allowed kids to showcase their creativity and monster-rificness!


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