Baby/Toddler Lap Time, 6/1/12

I have to say it's a little bit discouraging to have an adult approach me after story time to say, "That was a tough one, huh?" But she was right. I had the attention of most of the kids, but some of the adults just would not sit quietly no matter what I did. We did our "quiet signal" at least three times, and that helped some, but it was just a restless morning. Thank goodness, we're moving to the larger meeting room on the second floor beginning next week. I think people will feel more included in the story time, and therefore more interested in participating, when they're not all crowded in the doorway. In any case, here it is - the first Baby/Toddler Lap Time of summer reading!

Opening Song: Hello, how are you? 

Rhyme: Blue is the Lake

Book: Max's Starry Night by Ken Wilson-Max (2001)
I have been trying to read one longer book and two shorter ones with my groups lately, but this was clearly not the morning for a book like this one, with dialogue and lots of really similar-looking illustrations. I think it went over well with the few preschoolers in the front of the room, but the babies and toddlers lost interest, along with their grown-ups, very quickly.

Song with Stick Puppets: Stars Shining Bright
This song went over very very well, thanks in part to threes and fours knowing their colors. I will do this again, as a flannel board, and with puppets, once I make permanent flannel board pieces. (I only had time to put together paper puppets yesterday.)

Song: I'm a Little Teapot

Book: The Napping House by Audrey and Don Wood (1984)

Song: Five Little Monkeys

Song: Head and Shoulders

Song: Moon Moon Moon 

Flannel Board Song: Five Astronauts Went Up in Space 

Book: How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Mark Teague
This had the right amount of text, and would have been just fine, I think, if the group hadn't totally lost interest by this point. I'll try it again later in the summer in a session with a different format.

Song with Puppets: Goodnight by the Laurie Berkner Band
The Tuesday group loved this song; the Friday group seemed perplexed. We'll try again next time.

Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This