Superhero Storytime!

Wizard World Comic Con is coming to St. Louis this weekend, so in honor of that (and because this Storyteller is super excited) we are doing Superhero Storytime!!!

Opening Song: If you’re Happy and You know it! (Clap, Stomp, Shout Hurray)

If you’re Ready for a Story, Clap your hands!

If you’re Ready for a Story, Clap your hands!

If you’re Ready for a Story, If you’re Ready for a Story,

If you’re Ready for a Story, Clap your hands!

Sit Down Song:

The more we read together, together, together

The More we read together, the happier we’ll be,

‘Cause my books are your books and your books are my books,

The More we read together, the happier we’ll be.

Book One: Baron von Baddie and the Ice Ray Incident by George McClements

Fingerplay: Counting Superheroes

(From jbrary.com)

5 superheroes ready to fly

Here comes the villain, Stop that guy!

This superhero can save the day.

Off he flies – up, up, and away!

Count down from 4, 3, 2, 1, 0

Book Two: Princess Super Kitty by Antoinette Portis

I’m a Superhero Big and Strong

(Tune: I’m a Little Teapot)

I’m a Superhero Big and strong

My clothes are tight and my cape is long

When someone needs help they call my name

And I fly there faster than a jet airplane!

Song: Superhero, Superhero, Turn around 

(From jbrary.com)

Superhero, superhero turn around

Superhero, superhero touch the ground

Superhero, superhero put on your suit

Superhero, Superhero put on your boots.

Superhero, Superhero, jump up high

Superhero, Superhero, fly, fly, fly

Superhero, Superhero, turn around.

Superhero, Superhero, please sit down.

Book Three: Kapow by George O'Connor

Song:Did you ever see a Superhero?

(From jbrary.com)

Did you ever see a hero, a hero, a hero,

Did you ever see a hero, flying through the sky?

Fly this way and that way, and that way and this way

Did you ever see a hero flying through the sky?

Verses: Putting on their cape, hopping on one foot, saving the day, twirling around

Superhero

(sung to: Wheels on the Bus)

The Superheroes arms flex and lift,

Flex and lift, flex and lift, the superheroes arms flex and lift, all around the town.

Eyes go zap, zap, zap

Legs run very fast

Legs jump super high

Flies zoom zoom zoom

The person in trouble yells help help help!

The superhero goes to save the day

If you’re a hero and you know it !

(Sung to: If you’re happy and you know it)

If you’re a hero and you know it, Flex your muscles

If you’re a hero and you know it, Flex your muscles

If you’re a hero and you know it than your post will surely show it (heroic pose)

If you’re a hero and you know it flex your muscles.

Verses: Jump up high, Fly around, Run real fast

Super Pokey

We put our right glove in

We put our right glove out

We put our right glove in

And we shake it all about

You do the Super Pokey and you fly yourself around

That’s what it’s all about!

Verses: Left glove, Right boot, Left boot, Mask, Cape, Super Self!

Today's craft is a combination from FirstPalette.com and Me!

First, we will make these Superhero masks (they can choose!)

Color, cut out, holepunch, add string, instant superhero mystique!

Then we will make our own logo!

Last time I did this, I made my own logo with an SL (SuperLibrarian!) and taped it to my chest and cape. It's also great because we can talk about the words "logo," "emblem," and "initials."

Other Recommended Reads:

I chose the books that I chose this week because one has a male superhero/villian, one has a female, and one has both! But here are some that almost made the cut because they were also adorable:

Hero Dad by Melinda Hardin; Illustrated by Bryan Langdo (A great story for a military family)

The Amazing Adventures of Bumblebee Boy or Ladybug Girl by David Soman and Jacky Davis (sibling rivalry story!)

Super Duck by Jez Alborough (cute)

Superhero by Marc Tauss (actual black and white photos of an African American boy playing superhero which is great because there isn't enough African-American representation in mainstream superheros)

The Wonder Woman, Batman, and Superman Origin books from Ralph Cosentino (Superheroes have been going darker to capture adult audiences and alienate kids, who still love them. These are kid friendly introductions to the heroes they want to love but can't see in the theatre.)

Have a Super Week!

Windy Day/Kite Storytime

Windy Day Story Time

Opening Song: If you’re Happy and You know it! (Clap, Stomp, Shout Hurray)

If you’re Ready for a Story, Clap your hands!

If you’re Ready for a Story, Clap your hands!

If you’re Ready for a Story, If you’re Ready for a Story,

If you’re Ready for a Story, Clap your hands!

Sit Down Song:

The more we read together, together, together

The More we read together, the happier we’ll be,

‘Cause my books are your books and your books are my books,

The More we read together, the happier we’ll be.

Book: Stuck by Oliver Jeffers

Five Little Kites

 Original Author Unknown; From PreschoolEducation.com

One little kite in the sky so blue,
Along came another, then there were two.
Two little kites flying high above me;
Along came another, then there were three.
Three little kites, just watch them soar,
Along came another, then there were four.
Four little kites, so high and alive
Along came another, then there were five.
Five little kites dancing across the sky,
What a sight to see, way up so high!

Five bright kites Watch them soar!.
Along came a strong wind, and now I have four.
Four bright kites flying over the sea.
Along came a big wave, and now I have three
Three bright kites, I'll give one to you.
Three bright kites, now I have two.
Two bright kites flew too near to the sun.
Poor little kites! Now I have one.
One bright kite - that's enough for me,
I'll keep it away from the kite - eating tree!

Book: Princess Hyacinth: The Surprising Tale of a Girl who Floated by Florence Parry Heide; Illustrated by Lane Smith

 

The Playful Wind 

Original Author Unknown; From PreschoolEducation.com

The wind came out to play one day.
He swept the clouds out of his way.
(Make sweeping motion with hands.)
He blew the leaves and away they flew.
(Mke fluttering motions with fingers.)
The trees bent low and their branches did too!
(Lift arms high and lower them.)
The wind blew the great big ships at sea.
(Repeat sweeping motion.)
The wind blew the kite away from me

Noisy Wind 

 Original Author Unknown; From PreschoolEducation.com

Sung to: "The Farmer in the dell"

I like the noisy wind,
I like the noisy wind.
It roars and mutters
(voice loud, then softer)
And Shakes the shutters.
(shake hands Tambourine-Style.)
I like the noisy wind
I Like the Noisy wind,
I like the noisy wind.
It flaps the flag
(flap your arms back and forth)
And rustles my bag.
(rub hands together briskly)
I like the noisy wind.

Book: Kite Day A Bear and Mole Story by Will Hillenbrand

 

WINDY today 

Sung to: "Bingo"

Today the winds are blowing hard,
and windy is the weather.
W-I-N-D-Y, W-I-N-D-Y. W-I-N-D-Y
And WINDY is the weather.

I See The Wind Fingerplay

Original Author Unknown; From PreschoolEducation.com

I see the wind when the leaves dance by,
(Dance hands around)
I see the wind when the Clothes wave "Hi!"
(Wave hand)
I see the wind when the trees bend low,
(Bend arms over and down)
I see the wind when the flags all blow.
(wave arms high)
I see the wind when the kites Fly high,
(raise arms high)
I see the wind when the clouds float by.
(wave hand gently)
I see the wind when it blows my hair,
(lift hair with hands.)
I see the wind 'most everywhere!
(Hold hands out, palms up.)

Whistling Wind

Original Author Unknown; From PreschoolEducation.com

Sung to: "If you're happy and you know it"

If you hear the whistling wind,
Cup your ears.
If you hear the whistling wind,
Cup your ears.
If you hear it in the trees
Making music with the leaves,
If you hear the whistling wind,
Cup your ears.
If you feel the Blustery wind,
Whirl around
If you feel the blustery wind,
Whirl around.
If you feel it lift your hair
Like a kite up in the air,
If you feel the blustery wind,
Whirl around.

My Kite 

 Original Author Unknown; From PreschoolEducation.com

Sung to: "The Farmer in the Dell"

My kite is up so high,
My kite is up so high,
Oh my - - just watch it fly
My kite is up so high.

My kite is falling down,
My kite is falling down,
Oh no - - it's down so low
My kite is falling down.

The wind has caught my kite,
The wind has caught my kite,
What fun - - I'm on the run
The wind has caught my kite.

My kite is up so high,
My kite is up so high,
Oh my - - just watch it fly
My kite is up so high.

Closing Song: The More We Get Together.

Today’s Craft brought to you Teaching the Little People Blog:

 

http://teachingthelittlepeople.blogspot.com/2012/03/rainbow-streamers-in-preschool.html

Additional Recommended Reads:

The Sunhat by Jennifer Ward; Illustrations by Stephanie Roth Sisson

Love is in the Air by Jonathan Fenske

The Flyaway Blanket by Allan Peterkin; Illustrated by Emmeline Pidgen

Flora’s Very Windy Day by Jeanne Birdsall; Illustrated by Matt Phelan

Blowin’ in the Wind; Lyrics by Bob Dylan; Illustrations by Jon J Muth

First Day of Spring Storytime!

The first day of spring, March 20th, falls on Storytime day this year, and I'm shocked that while I've done many Spring-y themes over the years, I have never done a Spring Storytime!

Opening Song:
If you're happy and you know it (clap your hands, stomp your feet, shout hurray, do all three!)

If you're ready for a story clap your hands (clap clap)
If you're ready for a story clap your hands (clap clap)
If you're ready for a story, if you're ready for a story,
If you're ready for a story, clap your hands. (clap clap)

Sit down song:

The more we read together, together, together, 

the more we read together, the happier we'll be,
'Cause your books are my books are your books and
your books are my books, 
The more we read together, the happier we'll be.

First Story: 
Mama, is it Summer Yet? by Nikki McClure
(Despite 'summer' being in the title, this story is much more about the changes in the springtime.)


Song:

Plants  (Original Author Unknown)

Sung to: "The Farmer In The Dell"-Found at www.preschooleducation.com

The farmer plants the seeds
The farmer plants the seeds
Hi, Ho and Cherry O
The farmer plants the seeds

Other Verses:
The rain begins to fall...
The sun begins to shine...
The plants begin to grow...
The buds all open up...
The flowers smile at me...

Second Story:

Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit by Il Sung Na

(This one is a little more about fall than spring, but I want to use it to talk about the seasons changing, plus Il Sung Na's pictures are to die for)

Song:

Hello Spring Time! 

Submitted by: Judy Lambert to www.preschooleducation.com

Sung to: "Good Night Ladies"

Hello spring time
Hello spring time
Hello spring time
We're glad spring time is here.

Hello flowers
Hello flowers
Hello flowers
We're glad spring time is here!

Hello green grass... We're glad spring time is here.
Hello birds... We're glad spring time is here.
(To finish song, repeat first verse after you have said hello to all the spring things the children can think of.)

Third Story:

Spring is Here by Will Hillenbrand

Songs:

I'll Plant A Little Seed

Original Author Unknown

Sung to: "I'm A Little Teapot"-Found at www.preschooleducation.com

I'll plant a little seed in the dark, dark ground.
Out comes the yellow sun, big and round.
Down comes the cool rain, soft and slow.
Up comes the little seed, grow, grow, grow!
I'll plant a little seed in the dark, dark ground.
Out comes the yellow sun, big and round.
Down comes the cool rain, soft and slow.
Up comes the little seed, grow, grow, grow!

Little Ducks Song
Original Author Unknown
Sung to: "London Bridge"-Found at www.preschooleducation.com

Little ducks go quack, quack, quack
Quack, quack, quack,
Quack, quack, quack -
Little ducks go quack quack quack
In the springtime.
(ask the kids what sounds that springtime animals make and have them in the verses!)

Spring Morning 

Sung To: "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush"

This is the way the bunny hops, bunny hops, bunny hops,
This is the way the bunny hops,
On a spring time morning.

This is the way the blue bird flies...
This is the way the little chick walks......
This is the way the little duck swims......
This is the way the little lamb runs.....
This is the way the children play.....

Closing Song:

The More we Get Together

Today's Craft from 3dinosaurs.com

http://3dinosaurs.com/wordpress/index.php/torn-paper-flowers/

I love this craft because it's open-ended, which encourages creativity. It uses left over paper, only requires glue and paper, and still uses fine motor without using scissors (which I love, but we can use new skills)

Other Recommended Stories:

The Twelve Days of Springtime by Deborah Lee Rose; Illustrated by Carey Armstrong-Ellis

Hurray for Spring by Patricia Hubbell; Ill by Taia Morley

Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson

Best Monster Storytime Songs for Little Monsters

There are so many brilliant monster books for preschoolers out there.

In my library I've, at times, come across an anti-Halloween sentiment in parents but Monsters tend to squeak by.  The other great thing about Monster storytime is you have plenty of opportunities to yell "RAWR" which is both entertaining for the kids and annoying to the desk staff.

I've complied my favorite Monster-themed songs, great for Little Monsters.

If You're a Monster and You Know it

Tune: " If you're happy and you know it"

If you're a monster and you know it shake your horns
If you're a monster and you know it shake your horns.
If you're a monster and you know it then your growl will surely show it. RAWR! 
If you're a monster and you know it shake your horns.

Continue with:
...show your claws
...gnash your teeth
...stomp your feet
...give a roar

(There is an Ed and Rebecca Emberley book that is similar to this, though I prefer just to sing it this way.)

5 Little Monsters 

5 little monsters under my bed
1 crawled out from my bed spread
Mama came in then she said!
"No more monsters underneath the bed"

Continue counting down until there are:
"Now there are no more monsters underneath the bed So Go to Sleep!"


Horns and Fangs 

Tune: "Head and Shoulders"

Horns and fangs,
knees and claws,
knees and claws.
Horns and fangs,
knees and claws.
Eyes and ears and tail and paws.


(Faster and Faster!)

Five Little Monsters (Fingerplay)

This little monster has a big red nose
This little monster has purple toes.
This little monster plays all night.
This little monster is such a fright.
And this little monster goes:
"Tee-hee-hee"
"I'm not scary, I'm just silly me."

(Hold up hand and point to each finger)

Monster Pokey

Tune: Hokey Pokey

You Put your right paw in, 

you put your right paw out, 

you put your right paw in and you shake it all about.  

You do the Monster Pokey and you turn yourself around.  

That’s what it’s all about.  

Monster Pokey! Rawr!

Verses: Left paw, Right Claw, Left Claw, tail, horns, teeth, whole Monster self.

(Yes, another Hokey Pokey take off.  So sue me, It's what it's all about!)

Next: My favorite Preschool Monster Books

Pirate Librarian: Sea Shanties

Pirate Songs to go with your Pirate Storytime:

I put in anywhere from 3 to 8 songs per storytime, depending on the age group, the availability, and the length of songs on the subject I’m reading about.  People often ask, “How do you get kids to sit still for storytime?” The answer is, “I don’t.”  Active songs bring a kinesthetic aspect for storytime and break up the “sit still and shut up” aspect of storytime.

The main reason I like to include Roger the Jolly Pirate by Brett Helquist in my storytime, because you can use the words to "What would you do with a drunken sailor?" in a kids storytime.  They get to sing a real sea shanty without, you know, the alcoholism.  The words and the tune are in the back of  Helquist’s book, but here is the first verse:

"Oh What shall we do with our Jolly Roger?

What shall we do with our Jolly Roger?

Oh What shall we do with our Jolly Roger?

Ear-ly in the morning.

Way-hey, up she rises,

Way-hey, up she rises,

Way-hey, up she rises,

Dreaded Jolly Roger."

It goes on like that, with each verse about parts of the story. Ask the children what happened and introduce the verses lyrics that way. Usually, a parent will answer but really try to encourage the kids to.  Narrative skills (recalling a story just read in narrative form) is a skill they will use the rest of their lives.

 The Hokey Pokey is an awesome song because it is one of the easiest Piggy-back songs there is.  I would be ashamed with how many times I've used the hokey pokey when I've gotten into a spot with Preschool-friendly songs, but I can't bring myself to be. (Repetition is good for learning right?) 

Here's the Pirate Pokey:

 "You put your right hook in, you put your right hook out, you put your right hook in and you shake it all about. You do the pirate pokey and your turn yourself around, that's what it's all about. Pirate Pokey! Arrrrrh!"

Continue with, Left hook, right boot, peg leg, eye patch, pirate hat, whole pirate self. You, of course, turn your hands into hooks, cover your eye for eye patch, put your hands on your head in for hat, and I like to tell them to keep their leg really straight for peg leg, because it's funnier that way.

There are also great Pirate Songs Listed on Born Librarian’s Blog here:

These went over really well at my Pirate Storytime, though I have to say that we replaced a line in “Pirate and you Know it.”   Instead of :

“If you’re a pirate and you know it, then you'll hear the sea winds blowin.”

We said:

“If you’re a Pirate and you know it, then your growl will surely show it.  Yarrrh!”

Another excuse to yell “Yarrrh!” during a storytime is always good I think.

So there you have it.  Pirate books (here) and Pirate songs to make a great Pirate Storytime for your little Pirates.