As in April, the date I chose for our May story time was chilly and breezy, despite being surrounded by 80-degree days. This time, though, I did have the story time outside, and though people seemed to enjoy it (including a grandmother who was not part of our group!), it was not an experience I am eager to repeat any time soon. Book pages and flannel board pieces were flying everywhere in the breeze, my hair was in my face when I played the ukulele, and the kids were cold and not shy about saying so. This time, there were three babies under one, 4 toddlers in the 18-20 mos. range, and one almost three-year-old. Here's what we did.
Song: If You’d Like to Read a Book
Book: King Bidgood's in the Bathtub by Audrey and Don Wood
I don't think anyone in the group loved this book as much as I do, but it is just so much fun to read aloud. I think slightly older kids would have liked it better.
Flannel Board Song: Royal Crowns (based on Daddy's Ties)
I had four members of a royal family - king, queen, prince, princess - and four felt crowns, which kept blowing away. We sang about each one, while trying to keep warm.
Book: Titch by Pat Hutchins
I love Titch, as does Miss Muffet. This book was better received than King Bidgood.
Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big
Book: Butterfly, Butterfly by Petr Horacek
Pop-up books are always a hit. I had to actually purchase this book in order to get a copy where the butterfly had both wings, but it was worth it.
Song: Fly Like a Butterfly
We flapped our arms like wings when we sang this song. The toddlers were into it.
Songs with Ukulele: ABCs / Twinkle Twinkle / Baa Baa Black Sheep
I have been singing this song a lot to Miss Muffet and now I'm pretty tired of it, so it probably won't appear in my repertoire over the summer. Still, it's a great winding down song, since the final verse says goodbye.
Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This
My June story time is scheduled for this coming Monday, when the forecast is predicting clouds and warmth. I have 7 moms signed up, and I'm hoping for a more pleasant experience!