Baby/Toddler Story Time, 2/14/12

I felt very discouraged this morning. The groups were small, which immediately made me wonder if they've moved onto something else, and the spirit and mood of the entire program was just very dull and not at all like its normal, vibrant self. I think it's partly because it's the middle of February and I've been doing the same songs and rhymes since early January, but still, I felt kind of weird and out of it during all three sessions. But I don't think it really showed to the audience - I had to try a little harder to smile than normal, but managed to maintain my Miss Katie persona nonetheless. Here's my Valentine-inspired repertoire, which I did three times.  (I suspect doing three in a row also contributed to my feelings of blah.)

Opening Song: Hello, how are you?

Book: Where is Baby's Valentine? by Karen Katz (2006)
A word to the wise - the flap for the lamp will fall down if you do not hold it up with a finger. This will create a major spoiler, which only the nannies will notice. 

Rhyme: Five Little Valentines
I made stick puppets for these - and they were a big hit! I think I might try to do some more rhymes like this, with the text that the object "says" printed right on it. If I do, I'll make a post about it!

Rhyme: Wiggle Fingers

Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big

Book: All Kinds of Kisses by Nancy Tafuri (2012)
This is my favorite Nancy Tafuri book to date. I love the animal sounds, especially "Eeep" for the mice and "Coo" for the doves.

Song: Shake My Sillies Out 

Song: I'm a Little Teapot

Song: There's a Little Wheel a-Turnin' In My Heart 

Flannel Board: I Have Five Kisses
The kids loved this, but the nannies kept stealing my thunder and saying the next line before I was ready!

Song: If You're Happy and You Know It (a cappella)

Song: The Wheels on the Bus (a cappella)

Song: Tommy Thumb (sessions 1 and 2 only)

Song: ABCD Medley (session 3 only)

Song: One Little Finger

Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This

After writing all of that out, I've figured out my problem. I need more variety not just in content, but in types of content. My group used to skew a lot older, and many threes joined us, even though they were past the 36-month cut-off age. Now the group is made up of lots of one-year-olds, so I could probably do more of the simpler stuff I really like and cut back on the more complicated movements. Something to ponder as we move into Spring.