But it wasn't a total disaster, and I remain hopeful that the coming weeks, where my themes are more sophisticated and even less baby-friendly, will bring in more of my school-age crowd and fewer of the two and unders.
Here is what I ended up presenting.
Opening Song: Hello, how are you?
This song turns off the older kids, and I saw kids actually choose not to come into the room based on the fact that we were singing. I know it's my security blanket, but next week, when my program focuses on Martin Luther King, Jr., I'll be leaving it out in the hopes that some fourth and fifth graders might join us.
I haven't read this book in a very long time, and was glad to revisit it. The kids also seemed really into it, which surprised me, given how quiet and introspective it is.
Rhyme: Frozen is the Lake
I wrote this rhyme, again based on Blue is the Lake. It went over pretty well, but could have used more practice.
The kids all knew this book, and seemed to enjoy it. And I can't imagine doing a Winter story time without it!
Song: Skate on the Frozen Pond
I wrote this song based on Curtsy Like a Princess from my Fantasy story time. It was a pretty big hit - definitely the most successful non-book activity of the program.
I really wanted the kids to say the name of each article of clothing when I pointed to it, but even when told what to say, they sat mute. This is not a group for class participation!
Song: Five Little Snowmen Riding on the Sled
This song is becoming a dud. I don't understand why.
Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This
Again, the kids don't like this. No idea what to do instead.
Other books I considered reading at this story time include:
- Footprints in the Snow by Mei Matsuoka
- Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner
- White Snow, Bright Snow by Alvin Tresselt
You might try Rob Reid's Goodbye Rhyme (from Something Musical Happened at the Library--you can also find the words online). I use it at the end of one of my programs and the kids think it's funny. You wave goodbye with various body parts, including your eyes (you wink), your "derriere", and your tongue (blow a raspberry). I also use the Hokey Pokey as the last song in a different storytime I do; obviously it's not a goodbye song, but they really like it and that appeals to various ages.
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