In any case, based on the fact that our groups are now larger, and knowing how difficult it was to keep their attention all summer, I've changed the structure of my story times a little bit. I've sort of divided the half-hour session into three parts - actual story time, a lesson about a letter of the alphabet, and a sing-along. (I feel much less guilty about simply singing for the whole second half of story time when there is an obvious early literacy component.) This Tuesday morning session was the first one with the new format, and it was very successful, so I hope this is a sign of good things to come. Here is what story time looked like yesterday:
Opening Song (with ukulele): Hello, how are you?
Song: Roll Your Hands
Rhyme: Hop Your Bunny
We did this rhyme with one bunny at first, then repeated it with two bunnies.
Rhyme: Blue is the Lake
Flannel Board Song: The Artist’s Crayons
Letter of the Week: Letter A
I placed two felt letters on the board - a capital A and a lower case a - then showed everyone how to make the letter A in American Sign Language. Then I showed them a picture of an ant and put that on the flannel board.
- Song: The Ants Go Marching
We only counted up to five ants, because I secretly despise this song.
- Rhyme: Alligator Rap
I showed a picture of an alligator, asked the kids to identify it, then put it on the flannel board. We did the rhyme twice. - Rhyme: Way up High in the Apple Tree
I showed the kids two apples, again asked them what they were, then put them on the board. We did this rhyme twice as well. - Song: Five Astronauts Went Up in Space
Song: If You're Happy and You Know It
Song: The Wheels on the Bus
Song: Chickadee
Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This
I love the Letter of the Week idea! A great way to revamp your sessions so they are more structured and less chaotic -- I hope it works well!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm excited about it. It makes it so much easier to choose from my collection of songs and rhymes, and it keeps everybody more or less focused - or it did this first time, at least! I'll introduce B on Friday - fingers crossed for another successful story time.
DeleteI've started doing it too for another fun, twist on storytime. It certainly helps in the planning process and wanting to do something different. With the younger kids, in small group settings, I let each child trace the letter with their fingers.
ReplyDeletePaula