Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Preschool Storytime: Summer Fun!

Even though Mother Nature seems to be a bit confused about what season it is, it's summer in storytime-land.  To get everyone in a summer-time mood, here is what I did:

BOOK:  The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant; illustrated by Stephen Gammell
We talked about some of the things families did during the summer, and someone mentioned going on trips, so this was the perfect book to start out with.  A family from Virginia packs up their car for a long trip up north to visit their relatives during the summer.  While they are visiting, they have fun spending time together having picnics, playing games, and just spending time together.  This is a great story about families and the joy that comes from having them visit.

FINGERPLAY:  Happy Summer
Five little ladybugs napping a tree     (close eyes and pretend to sleep)
Wake up to the sound of a bumblebee,     (BZZZZZZZ)
A little bunny's feet go hop, hop, hop,     (bounce up and down)
A shower of raindrops go plop, plop, plop.     (pat hands on legs)
Then a silly little bird sings loud and clear     (TWEET, TWEET, TWEET)
And the ladybugs say, "Summer must be here!"
(Source: King County Library System)

BOOK:  What Can You Do With a Paleta? by Carmen Tafolla; illustrated by Magaly Morales
Most kids screamed out "ice cream" when I asked what they like to eat during the summer.  This is a good multi-cultural choice to share with kids.  A paleta is a popsicle, and this story tells the joy of eating a cold, yummy paleta during a hot summer day, and the fruity choices available.  Okay, now I want one.

FLANNEL GAME:  Ice Cream Cones
For this game, I have a cone and several colors of ice cream made out of felt.  The kids help me "build" an ice cream cone by shouting out flavors (for smaller children, you can put the scoops on the board and see if they can guess the color and flavor).  If you have a smaller group, you can hand out the scoops of ice cream and call up children based on what flavor they have in their hand.

BOOK:  Froggy Learns to Swim by Jonathan London; illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz
It wouldn't be summer without swimming, and you can't go wrong with Froggy.  Froggy is afraid of the water, but with a little encouragement and help from his mom, he learns to swim.

SONG:  "If You're Going to the Pool" (tune: "If You're Happy and You Know It")
If you're going to the pool, wear your suit.
If you're going to the pool, wear your suit.
If you're going to the pool, then a suit will keep you cool.
If you're going to the pool, wear your suit.
...wear your hat
...wear your flip flops
...wear your sunglasses
(also, you can ask children for suggestions)
(Source:  Mel's Desk)

OTHER BOOKS TO SHARE:
Marshmallow Kisses by Linda Crotta Brennan
A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever by Marla Frazee
One Watermelon Seed by Celia Barker Lottridge
The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli
Beach Day by Karen Roosa
Mouse's First Summer by Lauren Thompson
The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog by Mo Willems
Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems

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