Books: Raindrop, Plop! by Wendy Cheyette Lewison Red Rubber Boot Day by Mary Lyn Ray Are You Ready to Play Outside? by Mo Willems Raindrops Roll by April Pulley Sayre Split! Splat! by Amy Gibson The Rain Came Down by David Shannon
Board Story: “If all the raindrops”
If all the raindrops Were lemondrops and gumdrops Oh, what a rain that would be! Standing outside, with my mouth open wide Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah! If all the raindrops were lemondrops and gumdrops, Oh, what a rain it would be!
If all the snowflakes Were candy bars and milkshakes…
If all the sunbeams Were bubblegum and ice cream…
Flannelboard: “Ten Little Umbrellas” & “Ten Little Raindrops” One little, two little, three little umbrellas Four little, five little, six little umbrellas Seven little, eight little, nine little umbrellas Ten umbrellas up for the rain Repeat with raindrops going on top of umbrellas – last line, “Ten raindrops falling down.” Pull raindrops away, counting down – last line, “No raindrops out today.” Pull umbrellas away, counting down – last line, “Everything’s put away!”
Action Rhymes / Songs:
Action Rhyme: “Splash! Fall the Raindrops” Splash! Fall the raindrops, (Clap hands softly) To the ground they go; (Point to the ground) We need the raindrops, (Wiggle fingers down from head to waist) To help the flowers grow. (Make cup of hands for flowers)
Action Rhyme: “Rain Is Falling Down” The rain is falling down (flutter fingers down) SPLASH! (clap once loudly) Pitter patter pitter patter (tap legs softly) The rain is falling down (flutter fingers down) SPLASH! (clap once loudly) Pitter patter pitter patter (tap legs softly) [Repeat until kids are worn out.] Credit: Modified from King County Library System
“It’s Raining, It’s Pouring” It’s raining, it’s pouring The old man is snoring He went to bed and bumped his head And couldn’t get up in the morning Credit: Childhood
Play time: Get out the parachute! Or go outside with umbrellas! If you have a sprinkler or a splash pad, or it’s actually raining, even better.
Early Literacy Asides:
Explain: Today we’ll be learning about letter knowledge. Letter knowledge means that children know that the same letter can look different and that letters have names and represent sounds.
Example: Teaching children animals sounds is a great way to start helping them learn that different things, including letters, have different sounds. Letters are also made up of lines, circles, and curves. Being able to make and recognize those shapes is a way to start the process of recognizing the different letters.
Empower: Share handout.
Other books considered / used for display: Listen to the Rain by Bill Martin Jr Duckie’s Rainbow by Frances Barry This is the Rain by Lola M Scaefer Rainy Day! by Patricia Lakin Mr. Grumpy’s Motor Car by John Burningham Rain by Manya Stojic Wow! Said the Owl by Tim Hopgood Ruby’s Rainy Day by Rosemary Wells Soggy Saturday by Phyllis Root What Can You Do in the Rain? by Anna Hines The Umbrella by Jan Brett Itsy Bitsy Spider by Iza Trapani The Patterson Puppies and the Rainy Day by Leslie Patricelli
Books: Kitten’s First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes What Will Fat Cat Sit On? by Jan Thomas Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat Are You Waking Up? by Bill Martin Jr. Pete the Cat and the Four Groovy Buttons by Eric Litwin (board story) Three Little Kittens by Paul Galdone Color Kittens by Margaret Wise Brown Gato Guapo by Anika Denise
Board Story: “Down Around the Corner” Down around the corner at my mom’s pet store were five little kitties, and not one more. Along came someone with a nickel to pay and they bought the little kitty and they took it away.
“Little Cat, Little Cat, Are you under the <color> hat?”
Action Rhymes / Songs:
“Five Little Kittens” Five little kittens standing in a row They nod their heads to the children so They run to the left, they run to the right They stand up and stretch in the bright sunlight Along comes a dog, who’s in for some fun M-e-oooow, see those kittens run!
Fingerplay: “Little Kittens” Five little kittens (hand in a fist) All black and white Sleeping very soundly All through the night Meow, meow, meow, meow, meow (raise each finger individually) It’s time to get up now.
Song: “If You’re a Kitty and You Know It” If you’re a kitty and you know it, say meow. If you’re a kitty and you know it, say meow. If you’re a kitty and you know it, then your face will surely show it. If you’re a kitty and you know it, say meow. Lick your paws, show your claws, swish your tail, do all four.
Fingerplay: “Kitty Cat, Pounce” Kitty cat, kitty cat Sneaks out of the house. Kitty cat, kitty cat Creeps up to a mouse, And … pounce! Kitty cat, kitty cat Creeps up to a bird. Kitty cat, kitty cat Is not even heard And … pounce! But the mouse ran And the bird flew away, So kitty cat, kitty cat found A ball of yarn To play … pounce!
“The three little kittens, they lost their mittens,” BY MOTHER GOOSE The three little kittens, they lost their mittens, And they began to cry, “Oh, mother dear, we sadly fear, That we have lost our mittens.” “What! Lost your mittens, you naughty kittens! Then you shall have no pie.” “Meow, meow, meow.” “Then you shall have no pie.”
The three little kittens, they found their mittens, And they began to cry, “Oh, mother dear, see here, see here, For we have found our mittens.” “Put on your mittens, you silly kittens, And you shall have some pie.” “Purr, purr, purr, Oh, let us have some pie.”
The three little kittens put on their mittens, And soon ate up the pie, “Oh, mother dear, we greatly fear, That we have soiled our mittens.” “What, soiled your mittens, you naughty kittens!” Then they began to sigh, “Meow, meow, meow,” Then they began to sigh.
The three little kittens, they washed their mittens, And hung them out to dry, “Oh, mother dear, do you not hear, That we have washed our mittens?” “What, washed your mittens, then you’re good kittens, But I smell a rat close by.” “Meow, meow, meow, We smell a rat close by.”
Early Literacy Asides: Early Literacy Aside #1: Explain – Phonological Awareness Last week I explained phonological awareness – the ability to hear the smaller sounds that make up words. We talked about how rhyming is one way children learn to hear that words are made up of smaller parts. By saying rhymes and by singing songs with them you are supporting phonological awareness. This will help them later when are trying to sound out words as they learn to read.
Early Literacy Aside #2: Example – Phonological Awareness Sing to your children even if you don’t have perfect pitch. In songs, each syllable has a different note. Without really thinking about it, children are hearing words being broken down into parts. This helps them when they have to sound out words.
Other books considered / used for display: Inside Cat by Brendan Wenzel Cat Problems by Jory John If You Give a Cat a Cupcake by Laura Numeroff Pete the Cat – I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin The Tale of Tom Kitten by Beatrix Potter Katy Cat and Beaky Boo by Lucy Cousins Have You Seen My Cat? by Eric Carle How to be a Cat by Nikki McClure How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Cats? by Jane Yolen Mama Cat Has Three Kittens by Denise Fleming Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel A Kitten’s Year by Nancy Raines Day Four Fierce Kittens by Joyce Dunbar I Walk at Night by Lois Duncan Feathers for Lunch by Lois Ehlert Top Cat by Lois Ehlert Millions of Cats by Wanda Gag Three Little Kittens by Paul Galdone Cat Count by Betsy Lewin Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat, Are You Going to Sleep? by Bill Martin Jr. Kittens! Kittens! Kittens! by Susan Meyers There Are Cats in This Book by Vivian Schwarz Grumpy Cat by Britta Teckentrup Matilda and Hans by Yokococo I See Kitty by Yasmine Surovec Cat & Mouse by Ian Schoenherr If You See a Kitten by John Butler
Books: The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash by Trisha Hakes Noble Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London Creepy Pair of Underwear by Aaron Reynolds Mrs. McNosh Hangs Up the Wash by Sarah Weeks Ella Sarah Gets Dressed by Margaret Chodos-Irvine One Big Pair of Underwear by Laura Gehl Polar Bear’s Underwear by Tupera Fred Gets Dressed by Peter Brown
Fred by Jack Prelutsky As soon as Fred gets out of bed his underwear goes on his head. His mother laughs, “Don’t put it there, a head’s no place for underwear!” But near his ears, above his brains is where Fred’s underwear remains.
At night when Fred goes back to bed, he deftly plucks it from his head. His mother switches off the light and softly croons, “Good night!” And then, for reasons no one knows Fred’s underwear goes on his toes.
Action Rhyme: “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” One, two, buckle my shoe Three, four, shut the door Five, six, pick up sticks Seven, eight, lay them straight Nine, ten, begin again // that’s the end! Credit: Childhood
Action Rhyme: “Red, Red” Red, red is the color I see If you’re wearing red, then show it to me! Stand up, take a bow, turn around Then sit back down right on the ground! (Additional colors: blue, black, brown, purple, pink, white)
Action Rhyme: “Old Shoes, New Shoes” Old shoes, new shoes, (Child) is wearing (description) shoes One, two, three four, Now I stomp them on the floor!
Song: “I’m Going to Take a Sweater” (Tune: Jolly Good Fellow) I’m going to take a sweater, a sweater, a sweater I’m going to take a sweater when I go out today When I go out today, when I go out today I’m going to take a sweater when I go out today (Additional: Umbrella, hat, raincoat, etc.) Credit: Best Kids Book Site
Play time: Provide dolls and stuffed animals plus clothing, socks, and shoes for kids to practice dressing them. They also like playing with the lacing cards and the “I Can Tie My Shoes” practice books.
Early Literacy Asides:
Early Literacy Aside #1: Explain – Narrative Skills We’ll keep talking about narrative skills this week. Narrative skill is the ability to describe things and events and to tell stories. When a child learns this skill, it helps him understand that stories have a beginning, middle, and end.
Early Literacy Aside #2: Example – Narrative Skills You can help your child build narrative skills in lots of ways but probably the easiest is just simply by talking to him. Describe everything you see, ask questions, build on their response by giving them additional ways to describe things. A child could never hear too many words.
Other books considered / used for display: Clothesline Clues by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook What Color is Your Underwear? by Sam Lloyd Too Purpley by Jean Reidy Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London New Socks by Bob Shea Bear Gets Dressed by Harriet Ziefert Polly’s Pink Pajamas by Vivian French In My New Yellow Shirt by Eileen Spinelli Vegetables in Underwear by Jared Chapman Polar Bear’s Underwear by tupera Jesse Bear What WIll You Wear by Nancy Carlstrom White Time to Get Dressed by Elivia Savadier Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by Eric Litwin
Books: I am Invited to a Party by Mo Willems Happy Birthday Cupcake by Terry Border A Birthday for Cow by Jan Thomas The Monster Mac and Cheese Party by Todd Parr If You Give a Pig a Party by Laura Numeroff Don’t Spill the Beans by Ian Schoenherr
Board Story:
Flannelboard: “Down Around the Corner” Down around the corner in the bakery shop Were five yummy cupcakes with sprinkles on top Along comes (puppet) with a dollar to pay He/she buys a cupcake and takes it away (continue with four, three, two, and one) Credit: Mel’s Desk (for the original rhyme) & Anne’s Library Life for using cupcakes instead of cookies!
Flannel: Five Candles Five candles on a birthday cake Five, and not one more You may blow one candle out, And that leaves four! (There for all to see / three; Standing straight and true / two; Helping us have fun / one; We know its task is done / none)
Action Rhymes / Songs:
Happy Birthday Happy Birthday to You Happy Birthday to You Happy Birthday Dear (name) Happy Birthday to You.
For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow For he’s a jolly good fellow, for he’s a jolly good fellow For he’s a jolly good fellow (pause), which nobody can deny Which nobody can deny, which nobody can deny For he’s a jolly good fellow, for he’s a jolly good fellow For he’s a jolly good fellow (pause), which nobody can deny!
Play time: Dance party with shakers and scarves and noise makers!
Early Literacy Asides: Early Literacy Aside #1: Explain – Talking Children are able to comprehend words spoken to them before they are able to produce them on their own. Sign language is an excellent way to allow your child to speak with you before their vocal chords are fully developed.
Early Literacy Aside #2: Example – Talking Babbling is the same for all babies the world over. Over time these sounds are narrowed to the sounds of the languages that surround them. By 10or 12 months he will be talking a gibberish that mimics the cadences of the language. Answer your baby’s babbles by repeating them and then adding a new sound.
Other books considered / used for display: Secret Pizza Party by Adam Rubin The Secret Birthday Message by Eric Carle Spot’s Birthday Party by Eric Hill Party in the Wood by Lisa Ann Marsoli The Party and Other Stories by Sergio Ruzzier What a Party by Ana Maria Machado Tea Party Rules by Ame Dyckman Scaredy Squirrel Has a Birthday Party by Melanie Watt Grumpy Monkey Party Time by Suzanne Lang
Books: Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein First the Egg by Laura Vaccaro Seeger Chicken Little by Rebecca & Ed Emberly The Wolf’s Chicken Stew by Keiko Kasza That is Not a Good Idea by Mo Willems Chick by Ed Vere Chicken Storytime by Sandy Asher
Board Story:
Little Red Hen
Wolf’s Chicken Stew
Five Eggs
Five eggs and five eggs (hold up fingers) that makes ten Sitting on top is mother hen (fold one hand over other) Crackle crackle crackle (clap) What do I see? Ten fluffy chicks as yellow as can be
Action Rhymes / Songs:
Action / Rhyme: Little Birds Little birds, little birds, jump up and down Little birds, little birds, don’t make a sound Little birds, little birds, tip-toe to me Little birds, little birds, bend your knees Little birds, little birds, peep, peep, peep Little birds, little birds, sleep, sleep, sleep Little birds, little birds, fly to the leaves Little birds, little birds, sit down please
SONG: If You’re a Chicken and You Know It (to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It”) If you’re a chicken and you know it flap your wings: flap flap! (hands near armpits, elbows out, flap “wings” twice) If you’re a chicken and you know it flap your wings: flap flap! (hands near armpits, elbows out, flap “wings” twice) If you’re a chicken and you know it, and you really want to show it (hands near armpits, elbows out, flap “wings” twice) If you’re a chicken and you know it, flap your wings: flap flap!
Other Verses: Fly up high: fly fly (jump up in air) Scratch with your feet: scritch scratch (drag one foot along ground, then other) Go peck peck: peck peck (Make a beak with hand, tap it on the other hand) Say bok bok: Bok! Bok! (say bok bok) Settle into your nest: settle settle (sit down and wiggle bottom)
Early Literacy Asides:
Early Literacy Aside #1: Explain – Letter Knowledge Let’s talk a bit about letter knowledge. The beginning of letter knowledge for very young children is not doing letter flash cards with your baby. Your baby learns through all his/her senses. Letting your child feel shapes will later help them make out shapes in letters.
Early Literacy Aside #2: Example – Letter Knowledge Talking to your children about what it is alike and what is different in pictures or things you see around you also helps your children distinguish similarities and differences that will later help in distinguishing differences in letters. This in turn will help when they are learning how to read.
Other books considered / used for display: Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band by Kwame Alexander Stuck in the Mud by Jane Clarke Charlie the Chick by Nick Denchfield and Ant Parker Is Everyone Ready for Fun? by Jan Thomas Chickens to the Rescue by John Himmelman Chicken Big by Keith Graves The Little Red Hen by Rebecca and Ed Emberley Chicks and Salsa by Aaron Reynolds First the Egg by Laura Vaccaro Seeger Max’s Chocolate Chicken by Rosemary Wells
Books: Firefigher Duckies by Frank Dormer Firefighter Flo by Andrea Zimmerman Fire Fighter Piggy Wiggy by Christyan Fox The Firefighters’ Thanksgiving by Maribeth Boelts Clifford the Firehouse Dog by Norman Bridwell Fire! Fire! Said Mrs. McGuire by Bill Martin Jr.
Board Story: Who uses this? Police officer or firefighter? I held up different pictures and the kids called out which side of the board I should put them on.
Action Rhymes / Songs:
Hurry Hurry SUNG TO: 10 LITTLE INDIANS Hurry, hurry, drive the fire truck, Hurry, hurry, drive the fire truck, Hurry, hurry, drive the fire truck, ERRRRRRRR! Hurry, hurry, ring the bell Hurry, hurry, ring the bell Hurry, hurry, ring the bell… Ding ding ding ding ding Hurry, hurry climb the ladder Hurry, hurry climb the ladder Hurry, hurry climb the ladder… climb, climb, climb, climb, climb Hurry, hurry squirt the water Hurry, hurry squirt the water Hurry, hurry squirt the water? splash, splash, splash, splash, splash!
Little Firefighter SUNG TO: I’M A LITTLE TEAPOT I’m a little firefighter on the go Here is my helmet, here is my hose When I see a fire hear me shout Turn on the water and put the fire out! Fire Safety Song What do you dial if there’s a fire, What do you dial if there’s a fire, What do you dial if there’s a fire, Dial 9-1-1! What do you do to plan for fire, What do you do to plan for fire, What do you do to plan for fire, Have a fire drill! What do you do if you’re on fire, What do you do if you’re on fire, What do you do if you’re on fire, Stop, drop and roll! Who comes in a truck if there’s fire, Comes in a truck if there’s fire, Comes in a truck if there’s fire, It’s the Fireman!
Fire Safety SUNG TO: FRERE JACQUES
Never, never, play with matches If you do, if you do You might burn your fingers, you might burn your fingers That won’t do, that won’t do.
Never, never, play with fire If you do, if you do, You might burn your house down, you might burn your house down, That won’t do, that won’t do.
Never, never, play with fire If you do, if you do, You might burn the forest, You might burn the forest That won’t do, that won’t do.
Fingerplay: “Five Brave Firefighters” Five brave firefighters Sleeping in a row Ring goes the bell And down one goes….
Action Rhyme: “Hurry, Hurry” Hurry, hurry, drive the fire truck (pretend to turn wheel) Hurry, hurry, drive the fire truck (pretend to turn wheel) Hurry, hurry, drive the fire truck (pretend to turn wheel) Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding! (ring bell) (Turn the corner (lean over to one side, then the other), climb the ladder (pretend to climb), spray the water (pretend to spray a hose).)
Play time: We have a large wooden firetruck for the kids to play with as well as a few other toy firetrucks. I invited our local fire captain to bring a real firetruck for the kids and their families to tour after storytime. They loved taking their picture with the firefighter and the firetruck.
Early Literacy Asides: Explain: Children must have a lot of background knowledge, knowledge about the world around them, in order to later understand what they read. Gaining background knowledge begins from birth. Children with strong background knowledge are more likely to understand what they read and are more likely to become successful readers. One way for them to accumulate background knowledge is by talking with them about everything you see and do together.
Example: Children are curious about their world. There is so much to know! You help them learn when you share with them what you know and when you help them find new information by reading books, for example. All their knowledge will help them understand what they read when they learn to read in school.
Empower: You may often hear the phrase, “read with your child 15 minutes a day.” No one expects young children to sit and be read to for that long in one sitting. It is far more important that the interaction be positive than it is to be long. Keeping the interaction around books enjoyable helps children understand that reading is fun and will keep them motivated to learn to read when they’re ready.
Other books considered / used for display:
Fire Fire Said Mrs McGuire Fire Truck by Ivan Ultz Firefighter Ted by Andrea Beaty I Love Trucks! by Philemon Sturges Firefighter Frank by Monica Wellington Firefighters A to Z by Chris Demarest Firefighters in the Dark by Dashka Slater Fireman Small by Wong Herbert Yee Poinsettia and the Firefighters by Felicia Bond Firefighters! Speeding! Spraying! Saving by Patricia Hubbell
Books: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen Bailey Goes Camping by Kevin Henkes One Dog Canoe by Mary Casanova Ten Flashing Fireflies by Philemon Sturges Pete the Cat Goes Camping Monster & Mouse Go Camping by Deborah Underwood
Board Stories:
Flannelboard: “Five Little Kernels” Five little kernels sizzling in the pot All of a sudden, one went POP! (Countdown)
10 Flashing Fireflies Based on book of the same name by Philemon Sturges
Action Rhymes / Songs:
Row, Row, Row Your Boat Backwards! (P) Row, row row your boat Gently down the stream Merrily, merrily, merrily Life is but a dream.
Rock, rock, rock your boat Gently down the stream Merrily, merrily, merrily Life is but a dream.
Row, row row your boat BACKWARDS down the stream If you see an alligator Don’t for get to scream! Aaaaggghh! Source: Sturgis Kids
Song: *Campfire Pokey (tune of Hokey Pokey) You put your marshmallow in, you take your marshmallow out You put your marshmallow in and you shake it all about You do the campfire pokey and you turn yourself about, That’s what it’s all about! (Other verses include hotdog, potato, popcorn, etc.)
*Here is the Camper – finger rhyme Here is the camper (hold up finger) Here is the tent (bend fingers of other hand like tent) He crawls inside on a summer night (finger goes under) Fireflies flicker in a friendly way (flicker your hands) All is calm till the light of day (head on folded hands)
Song: *A Camping We Will Go! Tune: The Farmer in The Dell
Tree (marching action) A camping we will go. A camping we will go. Hi ho we’re off to the woods. A camping we will go.
Tent (hands up making a tent shape) Sue will bring the tent. Oh Sue will bring the tent. Hi ho we’re off to the woods. A camping we will go.
Backpack (put on back pack, hiking motions) Lee will bring the gear Oh Lee will bring the gear Hi ho we’re off to the woods A camping we will go.
Campfire (hammer pound hands, building motions) Tom will build the fire. Oh Tom will build the fire. Hi ho we’re off to the woods. A camping we will go.
Bear (bear claws and growls) The bear will bring a snack The bear will bring a snack Hi ho we’re off to the woods —wait…a BEAR?!?! (scared face)
(running in place) I think it’s time to go! I think it’s time to go! Hi ho we’re going home! No camping—we won’t go!
Action Rhyme: “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” We’re going on a bear hunt (We’re going on a bear hunt) Gonna catch a big one (Gonna catch a big one) I’m not scared (I’m not scared) What a beautiful day! (What a beautiful day!) Oh look! It’s some long, wavy grass! Can’t go under it (Can’t go under it) Can’t go over it (Can’t go over it) Can’t go around it (Can’t go around it) Gotta go through it (Gotta go through it!)
(Trees, River, Storm, Cave, etc. until you meet a bear; then run back!)
Play time: I set up an indoor kids play tent and this awesome plush campfire set from Fisher Price. These were available for the kids to explore after storytime. A great way to practice sharing and taking turns.
Early Literacy Asides:
Early Literacy Aside #1: Explain – Letter Knowledge Letter Knowledge is all about learning the names of each letter, and the sounds and words each letter corresponds to.
Early Literacy Aside #2: Example – Letter Knowledge Letters are made up of shapes, so learning the names of shapes is also considered to be a part of Letter Knowledge. Learning to recognize shapes helps to train the eye as your child begins to recognize printed letters.
Other books considered / used for display: Duck Tents by Lynne Barry Maisy Goes Camping by Lucy Cousins A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen Tacky Goes to Camp by Helen Lester Into the Outdoors by Susan Gal Scare a Bear by Kathy-Jo Wargin Sheep Take a Hike by Nancy Shaw Into the Outdoors by Susan Gal The Camping Trip by Jennifer Mann
Books: The Duckling Gets a Cookie by Mo Willems The Cow Loves Cookies by Karma Wilson If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff Mr. Cookie Baker by Monica Wellington The Cookie Fiasco by Dan Santat The Last Chocolate Chip Cookie by Jamie Rix
Board Stories:
Flannelboard: “Down Around the Corner” Down around the corner in the bakery shop Were five yummy cookies with sprinkles on top Along comes (child’s name) with a dollar to pay He/she buys a cookie and takes it away (continue with four, three, two, and one)
“Ten Little Cookies” Ten little cookies laying on a plate Mom eats two and then there are 8. When Dad comes home, two cookies he picks Leaving on the plate only 6. Brother comes home, slamming the door. He eats two cookies, then there are 4. When sister comes home, there are still a few She eats a couple, then there are 2. Baby wakes up. His nape is done. He eats a cookie, then there is 1. The cat jumps on the table and eats the last one. Poor dog! He’s too late. He only gets a crumb.
Action Rhymes / Songs:
Song/Action Rhyme: “Who Stole the Cookies?” Who stole the cookies from the cookie jar? [Child’s Name] stole the cookies from the cookie jar. Who me? Yes, you! Couldn’t be? Than who?
“Making Cookie Dough” I am making cookie dough (point to self) Round and round the beaters go (roll hands over hands) Add some flour from a cup (pour from cup) Stir and mix the batter up (pretend to self) Roll them, cut them nice and neat (pretend to roll out with pin, then cookie cut) Put them on a cookie sheet (pretend to lay out on cookie sheet) Bake them, count them, 1, 2, 3 (count with fingers) Then serve them to my friends for tea (pretend to eat cookies)
“Patty Cake (Cookie Style)” Patty cake, patty cake, baker’s man (clap hands together) Bake me a cookie as fast as you can Roll it (make a rolling motion with hands) And Pat it (pat hands on your lap) And mark it with a “C” (for cookie!) (draw a letter C in the air) And it in the oven (mime putting tray in oven) for you (point out) and me! (point to yourself)
“Ten Little Cookies” Ten little cookies, don’t they look so fine? (Child’s Name) ate the peanut butter, then there were nine. Nine little cookies, boy, they sure smell great (Child’s Name) ate the brownie cookie, then there were eight. Eight little cookies, we’re in cookie heaven (Child’s Name) ate the sugar cookie then there were seven. Seven little cookies, some with chocolate chips (Child’s Name) ate the chunky one, then there were six. Six little cookies, there’s no need to cry (Child’s Name) ate the gingersnap, then there were five. Five little cookies with frosting galore (Child’s Name) ate the one with sprinkles, then there were four. Four little cookies, some for you and me (Child’s Name) ate the M & Ms, then there were three. Three little cookies but before I knew (Child’s Name) ate the lemon one, then there were two. Two little cookies, laying in the sun (Child’s Name) ate the one with nuts, then there was one. One little cookie, we’re almost done, I ate the shortbread and then there were none.
“Great Big Cookie” I am a great big cookie (circle hands over head) Chocolately and round (extend hands out to sides) Filled with lots of chocolate chips (point to chips) The best that can be found. (rub tummy) I am a great big cookie (circle hands over head) Take a bite of me (make chewing motions with hands) Tasty, sweet, delicious (extend hands out to sides) I’m oh-so-yummy! (rub tummy) I WAS a great big cookie (circle hands over head) The very best around (extend hands out to sides) Now there’s nothing left of me (shake head) Just crumbs upon the ground. (sit down)
“Making Cookies by Jean Warren” First we add the butter and we mash it, mash it. Then we add the sugar and we blend it, blend it. Then we add the eggs and we whip it, whip it. Then we add the flour and we stir it, stir it. Then we make a ball and we roll it, roll it. Then we choose a cutter and we cut it, cut it. Then we get a cookie sheet and place it, place it. Then put in the oven and bake it, bake it. Then set it on a rack and we cool it, cool it. Then we pop it in our mouth and we eat it, eat it.
“C Is For Cookie” – Cookie Monster’s Song “C” is for cookie, that’s good enough for me. “C” is for cookie, that’s good enough for me. “C” is for cookie, that’s good enough for me. Oh, cookie, cookie, cookie starts with “C”!
“Making Cookies” We are making cookie dough. (hold out arms like a bowl) Round and round the beaters go. (move hand around bowl, twirling finger) Add some flour; just 2 cups. (dump in 2 cups) Stir and stir the batter up. (stirring motion) Roll them, cut them nice and neat. (rolling pin motion) Put them on a cookie sheet. (place pretend cookies) Bake them, cool them on a rack, (pretend to place on rack, blow) Serve them to my friends for snack! (pretend to hand out & eat)
“Five Little Cookies” Five little cookies, with frosting galore! Daddy ate the red one, and then there were four. Four little cookies, two plus two you see. Mommy at the green one, and then there were three. Three little cookies, and before I knew, Brother ate the white one, and then there were two. Two little cookies; oh, what fun! Sister ate the brown one, and then there was one. One little cookie, yum-yum-yum! I ate the last one, and then there were none.
Early Literacy Asides:
Explain: We’re going to continue to talk about vocabulary this week and discover more ways to build it. When you read with your children, don’t just read the words. Talk about the pictures. Describe what is going on. Perhaps a picture makes you remember something. Hearing you talk is one of the best ways for your young children to develop a strong vocabulary.
Example: What happens when YOU don’t know the meaning of a word? What a great opportunity to show your children what we do when we don’t know something! There’s the dictionary, or course, but you might also be able to figure out what the word means from what else is going on – in the story or maybe a picture. Talk through your thought process so your child will understand how we find out the answers to questions.
Empower: Share handout.
Other books considered / used for display: Interrupting Chicken – Cookies for Breakfast by David Ezra Stein Cookiesaurus Rex by Amy Fellner Gingerbread Friends by Jan Brett The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins The Gingerbread Man retold by Louise Martin Bulldog’s Big Day by Kate McMullan Bad Boys Get Cookie! by Margie Palatini The Best Mouse Cookie by Laura Numeroff Yum! A Tale of Two Cookies by Jane Seymour No Cookies? by Sarah Albee May I Please Have a Cookie? by Jennifer Morris Who Ate All the Cookie Dough by Karen Beaumont Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons by Amy Krouse Rosenthal The Gingerbread Girl Goes Animal Crackers by Lisa Ernst Campbell When Carrot Met Cookie by Erica Perl The Great Cookie Kerfuffle by Jessica Shaw The Smart Cookie by Jory John
Ol’ Mama Squirrel by David Ezra Stein That Pup! by Lindsay Barrett George Nuts to You! By Lois Ehlert A Good Day by Kevin Henkes Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watt
Board Story:
Five Little Squirrels Five little squirrels with acorns to store, One to sleep and then there were four. Four little squirrels hunting acorns in a tree, One fell down, and now there are three. Three little squirrels wondering what to do. One got lost, and now there are two. Two little squirrels tossing acorns for fun. One got tired, and now there is one! One little squirrel playing in the sun. He ran away, now there are none.
Five Little Squirrels (T, P) Tune: Five Little Ducks 1 little squirrel went out to play Up in the branches one autumn day. He had such enormous fun, He called for another little squirrel to come. 2 little squirrels… 3 little squirrels… 4 little squirrels… 5 little squirrels went out to play Up in the branches one chilly day. They had such enormous fun, Then all scurried home ’cause winter had come.
Down around Down around the corner by the big oak tree Sat five little acorns looking so yummy Along came a squirrel with a big bushy tail. He took one acorn and ran off down the trail. Four, three, two, one, zero.
Action Rhymes / Songs:
Tune: She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain I’ll be gathering all the acorns till they’re gone. I’ll be gathering all the acorns till they’re gone. I’ll be gathering all the acorns, gathering all the acorns, gathering all the acorns till they’re gone. And I’ll put them all inside my little home. I will put them all inside my little home. I will put them all inside, put them all inside, put them all inside my little home. And I’ll eat the nuts until the winter’s gone. I will eat the nuts until the winter’s gone. I will eat the nuts until, eat the nuts until, eat the nuts until the winter’s gone. Then I’ll do it all again come next fall. I will do it all again come next fall. I will do it all again, do it all again, do it all again come next fall.
Action Song: “Grey Squirrel” (Tune: Brother John) Grey Squirrel, Grey Squirrel Swish your tail, Swish your tail Wrinkle up your funny nose Hold a nut between your toes Grey Squirrel, Grey Squirrel
Fingerplay: “This Little Squirrel” This little squirrel said, “Let’s run and play!” This little squirrel said, “Let’s hunt nuts today!” This little squirrel said, “Yes, nuts are good.” This little squirrel said, “Yes, my favorite food.” This little squirrel said, “Come climb this tree.” (run fingers up other arm, quickly) And crack these nuts: one, two, three! (clap hands three times)
Fingerplay: “Two Little Squirrels” Two little squirrels sitting on a hill One named Jack, the other named Jill Run away Jack, run away Jill Come back Jack, come back Jill (Cloud/quiet & loud; Pole/fast & slow; Sky/Low & High)
Poem: “THE SQUIRREL by Anonymous Whisky, frisky, Hippity hop; Up he goes To the tree top!
Whirly, twirly, Round and round, Down he scampers To the ground.
Furly, curly What a tail! Tall as a feather Broad as a sail!
Where’s his supper? In the shell, Snappity, crackity, Out it fell.
Early Literacy Asides:
Early Literacy Aside #1: Explain – Phonological Awareness One of the early literacy skills that children need to be able to learn to read is phonological awareness. This is the ability to hear the smaller sounds in words. This is why it’s so important to talk to your babies – they need to hear the sounds of your language. Did you know babies can distinguish among each of the 150 sounds of human speech? By 12 months, they recognize the speech sounds only of the languages they hear from the people who talk and play with
Early Literacy Aside #2: Example – Phonological Awareness Reading and talking about what you read help your child get ready to read. After you’ve read a rhyming book to your child, come back to a page with rhyming words and talk about two words that rhyme. Children will sometimes fill in the rhyming word, especially if they’ve heard the book before. If your children are able, then stop just before you say the second word of the rhyming pair and let your child fill in the word. Recognizing and making rhymes will help children sound out words when they are ready to read.
Other books considered / used for display: Who’s in the Forest? By Phillis Gershator Will & Squill by Emma Chichester Clark Earl the Squirrel by Don Freeman The Very Best Bed by Rebekah Raye The Busy Little Squirrel by Nancy Tafuri The Busy Tree by Jennifer Ward Those Darn Squirrels by Adam Rubin Micawber by John Lithgow Erroll by Hannah Shaw In November by Cynthia Rylant Leaf Trouble by Jonathan Emmett One Wide Sky by Deborah Wiles The Very Best Bed by Rebekah Raye Acorns Everywhere by Kevin Sherry The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming A Very Big Fall by Emmy Kastner Unlimited Squirrels in I Lost My Tooth by Mo Willems
Books: I’m the Biggest Thing in the Ocean by Kevin Sherry What’s in the Deep Blue Sea? By David A Carter Sand Cake by Frank Asch Beach Feet by Lynn Reiser To the Beach by Linda Ashman At the Beach by Shira Evans
Board Story or fingerplay:
“Five Little Ocean Friends” Five little ocean friends on the ocean floor, The starfish walks away and now there are four Four little ocean friends living in the sea The crab slides away now there are three Three little ocean friends looking for a clue “Glub, glub,” said the lobster now there are two Two little ocean friends not having much fun Off swam the sea horse now there is one One little octopus sad and all alone Back swims the starfish, back swims the crab, Back swims the lobster, back swims the sea horse And they played in the sea foam, safe in their home.
Five Little Seashells Five little seashells washed up on the shore. Along came a wave and then there were four. Four little seashells as happy as can be. Along came a wave and then there were three. Three little seashells all shiny and new. Along came a wave and then there were two. Two little seashells lying in the sun, Along came a wave and then there was one. One little seashell left all alone, Put it in your pocket and take it home.
Action Rhymes / Songs:
Waves on the Sea (To the Tune of: Wheels on the Bus) The waves on the sea go up and down (raise and lower arms) Up and down, up and down, The waves on the sea go up and down All day long.
Extra verses: The fish in the sea go swish swish swish..(swish back and forth) The sharks in the sea go snap snap snap..(clap your hands) The octopus in the sea go wiggle, wiggle, wiggle (wiggle self) The lobsters in the sea go pinch, pinch, pinch (make pinching motion) The boats in the sea go toot toot toot…(make blowing horn motion) The sharks in the sea go chomp, chomp, chomp (clap hands together) The clams in the sea go open and shut (open and close hands) The seahorse in the sea rocks back and forth (rock back and forth) The kids in the waves jump up and down (jump up and down) The whale in the sea goes squirt, squirt, squirt (make squirt sound effect)
Ocean version of “Hokey Pokey” You put your shark’s teeth in, You take your shark’s teeth out, You put your shark’s teeth in And you snap them all about! (Repeat with: crab’s claws, octopus arms, whale spout, etc. Ask for other suggestions?)
Early Literacy Asides:
Early Literacy Aside #1: Explain – Reading / Print Motivation Today we’ll be talking about print motivation, which is quite simply, the interest in and enjoyment of books.
Early Literacy Aside #2: Example – Print Motivation Print motivation or the love of books is simple to foster. Start early by providing board books for your baby to chew on. As your child grows, find books for them that match their interests. Remember that it’s okay to stop reading if your child doesn’t like the book or gets distracted. The important thing is to make reading fun – not stressful or a chore.
Other books considered / used for display: Spot Goes to the Beach by Eric Hill D.W. All Wet by Marc Brown What if? By Laura Vaccaro Seeger Maisy Goes Swimming by Lucy Cousins Out of the Ocean by Debra Frasier Beach Days by Ken Robbins At the Beach by Huy Voun Lee Flotsam by David Wiesner What If by Laura Vaccaro Seeger Row Row Row Your Boat by Iza Trapani Blue Sea by Robert Kalan Those Summers by Aliki Sand Castle by Brenda Shannon Yee Baby Beluga by Raffi (CD [CHI/2079] CD C437s) BIG Book: Fish is Fish by Leo Lionni BIG Book: Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister BIG Book: Swim the Silver Sea, Joshie Otter by Nancy Carlstrom
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