Baby Storytime – Hello!

This was my first storytime of a new session. We took a long 3 month break, so I wanted to make sure everyone felt comfortable. During the first 2 storytimes I always introduce myself, talk about why we're here, and share a rough outline of what each storytime will look like.

I also make the parents go around the circle and introduce themselves, their baby, and say a "fun fact" about their child. It can be a new milestone, something they love/hate, or something they just want to share. It really helps me remember the child's name and relieves some of the awkwardness in the room.

Opening Song
Welcome Song

Opening Rhyme/Movement
Hands are Clapping

Early Literacy Tip
It's ok if your child doesn't participate during the songs. They're in a new space and might be nervous. Parents just keep smiling and doing the motions and your little ones will start mimicking you. You're the role models, so they look at you to see what they should be doing.

Shape Game
I know I said I was going to get rid of this, but I chickened out. So many kids request it or come up and immediately start saying the shapes that I know it is a great thing. I'm just sick of it. Maybe if I make new flannel shapes I'll feel better about it? Something to add to my to-do list.

Today, I hid a happy face because I love when people say hello to me! You can find out about this game here.

Rhyme/Movement
Itsy-Bitsy Spider

Book
Say Hello Like This by Mary Murphy
This book is new and adorable! It is a perfect book to use with babies. You should all go buy it right now.

Rhyme/Movement
Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Rhyme/Movement
Giddy-up, Giddy-up

Book
Hi, Pizza Man! by Virginia Walter
A storytime classic. It's a little long for my crowd, so I usually clip a few pages. Everyone loves waving hello though!

Rhyme/Movement
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Rhyme/Movement
The Elevator Song

Choral Reading
I finally decided to use books other than Brown Bear, Brown Bear and started purchasing new board book sets for our choral reading time. I went back and forth between these two sets for the 6 week session. I will be introducing new ones each session.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?  by Bill Martin Jr.
or
Ten Little Fingers and Tel Little Toes by Mem Fox

Egg Shakers
Baa, Baa, Black Sheep
The Egg Shaker Song

Closing Song
Zoom, Zoom, Zoom

Playtime!