Pre-K / K Class Visit, 1/19/12

The Catholic school next door brought their Pre-K and Kindergarten class over for story time this morning. I generally have a great experience any time any of their groups come over, but today was especially wonderful. I really think starting the day with them has made me much more pleasant to be around on this otherwise crazy day!

Opening Song: Hello, how are you? 
The teacher told me before we started that there are some kids in her class who don't speak any English,  but they responded so well to this song, they sing it every day. There is something magical about this tune, I think!

Book: Do You Know Which Ones Will Grow? by Susan A. Shea, illustrated by Tom Slaughter (2011)
I can't think of anything more enjoyable than a group of three-, four-, and five-year-olds shouting "No!" to silly questions. My library's copy of this book was instantly destroyed and taped back together after the first time it circulated, so it doesn't look gorgeous by any means, but this group loved it. They just loved it. I have never heard such laughter.

Song: Roll Your Hands
Once you have silly kids on your hands, the best thing you can do is sing a song  that promotes more silliness! We rolled hands slowly, then quickly, then repeated it with clapping, stomping, and shaking. Giggles all around. 

Book: King Bidgood's in the Bathtub by Audrey Wood and Don Wood (1985)
I have never laughed much at this book, but they were on a roll today, and laughed themselves silly over fishing, eating, and battling in the tub. They didn't get the ending, but it didn't matter.

Song: There is Clapping in the Castle (a cappella)
I didn't want to deal with the iPod on a morning with back-to-back programs, so I sang this Nancy Stewart song without the recording.  It was too short, but it didn't matter. They danced around and sat back down for not one, but two more books.

Book: Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin, illustrated by James Dean (2010)
Oh, Mr. Eric. That man is a genius. I learned the tune for Pete's song from his free download, and hammed it up with the kids this morning. They adored it, and apparently didn't already know it, which was a treat. They were so cute, joining in with me on the singing, bopping their little heads to the rhythm, and helping me out with each, "Goodness no!"

Book: Bark, George by Jules Feiffer (1999)This book was almost anti-climactic after the other three were such hits, but it still cracked them up, and one very wise kindergartner explained the ending for those who didn't quite get it on their own.

I love class visits. Unfortunately, no time to bask in the success of this one - I have an after school story time at 4:00!