Preschool Class Visit, 2/2/12

This was a last-minute story time for me, as I didn't know until I arrived that I needed to do it, so I pulled out some old favorites and did a story time similar to the one I've done for other class visits. The kids were a little young for a couple of the books, but it still worked out just fine. 

Opening Song: Hello, how are you?

Book: Pete the Cat: Rocking in my School Shoes by Eric Litwin, pictures by Dean Martin (2011)
I only  read this because the original Pete the Cat is checked out. The group didn't enjoy this one nearly as much, and I found the song - which I sing without the recording - not to be as catchy as the first one either.

Song: The Wheels on the Bus (a cappella)

• wheels... round and round
• horn... beep beep beep
• door... open and shut
• driver... move on back
• wipers... swish swish swish
• babies ... waa waa waa
• grown-ups... shh shh shh

Book: Do You Know Which Ones Will Grow? by Susan A. Shea, illustrated by Tom Slaughter (2011)
This is the one book that was too old for them. It really works best with ages four to six. Still, they liked saying no to every question, even if they didn't know why they were saying it.


Song: Roll Your Hands

Book: Can You Cuddle Like a Koala? by Jim Butler (2003)

I put the book on a music stand so I could stand up and model each movement. The kids seemed a little unsure of whether it was okay to join in, but they gave it a good try. I especially loved watching them try to wink like owls.  

Song: Cuddly Koalas
I am wondering if I'll ever get sick of this song. I pair it with Australia books every time I read them. 

Book:  Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (1963)

This book was pure magic today. The kids were just mesmerized. And I love that perfect ending. Gets me every time.  

Song: One Little Monster

Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This

In retrospect, I realize I probably could have included something involving groundhogs. Oh well. I'll get my chance this afternoon.