A few people seemed excited about the ukulele when I brought it in, but they were less enthusiastic when I actually played it. I didn't expect them to think I was a musical genius, because I'm not, but they just seemed sort of puzzled as to why I bothered to bring a musical instrument. (After the fact, one nanny did tell me she and the little girl with her loved it and hope to hear more next time, so maybe it will catch on...)
Song (with ukulele): Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
This is one of those rare easy readers that can work for babies and toddlers. Kids actually started repeating the lines of the book after I read them, and they seemed to get really excited by the different colored stars.
Song: Here We Go Up, Up, Up
This is really cute as an action song, but I also reminded everyone that the little ones who don't walk yet can roll their hands instead.
The back matter for this book lists Pluto as a planet, so it's probably not one libraries should be keeping on their shelves as an informational book. The text of the story proper only mentions Pluto's orbit, not anything about its planetary status, however, so it works fine for story time. The bright, bold illustrations are perfect, even if the information about the planets goes a little bit over the little ones' heads.
Song: Stars Shining Bright
They really get into this song. I saw some older kids - even elementary school aged! - singing along with me by the end.
Song: Head and Shoulders, Baby
I am so happy to have this song in my repertoire now. I was really going to lose it if I had to sing Shake My Sillies Out all summer!
Song: The Wheels on the Bus
I have started singing this song before the third or fourth book to regain silence. The verse where the parents go "shhh shhh shhh" works like a charm and manages to restore order without me having to look like a bad guy.
I have never shared this song at story time because I was always worried it sounded too religious. Raffi's version is much more secular, and the illustrations focus on kids putting on a play, so I felt much more comfortable singing it. It also went nicely with the stars theme I had going!
Song with Puppet: Mrs. Moon
I used the moon I shared in my recent Flannel Friday post. Most of the nannies know Mr. Sun and they joined right in singing about Mrs. Moon to the same tune.
This book went over better than I expected. I lost them towards the end, but they still seemed to like most of the animals. I have a good action song to go with this one, which I'll have to remember to use the next time.
Song: One Little Finger
I brought this song back out of retirement after a short break. Everyone remembered it so well!
Song: ABCs
Song with Puppets: Goodnight by the Laurie Berkner Band
Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This