I didn't have much of a plan for today, since attendance for this group can be kind of unpredictable, but I made sure to choose books that would appeal to fours and fives, even though the crowd had mostly younger kids. We'll be discontinuing this story time at the end of August and possibly replacing it with a preschool or toddler story time, so creating a routine at this point seems kind of pointless, but I still like to adhere to whatever I've advertised.
Here's what we read and sang:
Opening Song: Hello, how are you?
I read this book in a very conversational tone, mainly addressing anything I said to the actual four year olds in the room, two very outspoken boys who have been coming to my story times since we opened. I loved hearing their observations, and enjoyed reassuring one little boy that no, I don't most of these animals would eat him if given the chance!
Song: Shake My Sillies Out
I wanted to read Dooby Dooby Moo, but chickened out at the last minute and went with this title, which I know much better. It wound up being a great success. The kids laughed out loud at my exaggerated "moooos" and joined in with me on the last few.
Song: ABCD Medley
Song: One, Two, I Love You (Numbers Are Our Friends)
This book won The E.B. White Readaloud award, but I found it very difficult to read aloud. The kids in my target age group were mesmerized by the story, but the adults and smaller kids seemed restless and no amount of inflection or excitement in my voice really changed that. Do other people read this a certain way? I'd love to know if I'm missing some tricks!
Song: Turn Around
Song: Skinnamarink
It's nice to be back, and it was especially good to be able to slowly get back into the routine with a small group. Looking forward to Baby Lap Time tomorrow!
