It was surprising to learn that something as simple as knowing a few nursery rhymes can make the difference in kindergarten success, but studies show that children who know at least five Mother Goose rhymes [continue reading]
storytime
Monsters Storytime Ideas (2015)
Toddlers and preschoolers love friendly monsters, so a storytime on these imaginary beings can help a child process nighttime fears. Make a paperbag puppet based on Emberley’s Go Away, Big Green Monster! Or, try one [continue reading]
Frogs Storytime Ideas (2015)
Many preschoolers are interested in their local parks and environments, so frogs can be a great choice for a storytime theme. Often they can see frogs in the wild in many areas near their homes. [continue reading]
Ducks Storytime Ideas
Even in urban centers such as Oakland, there are ducks in nearby parks, lakes, and other areas that are visited by preschoolers. For a craft project on this familiar animal, make these duck finger puppets [continue reading]
Legendary Creatures Storytime Ideas
Many of the preschoolers that I read to wear shirts with Bigfoot, Yeti, and other legendary creatures displayed. There are several picture books featuring these creatures which would make for a fun storytime. For a [continue reading]
Cities Storytime Ideas
There are so many great picture books featuring cities, including Last Stop On Market Street, which makes the topic a perfect storytime theme. Make these easy mess-free tie-dye shirts. Or if you want something simpler, make [continue reading]
Imaginary Friends Storytime Ideas
When The Adventures of Beekle by Dan Santat received the Caldecott Medal, I was impressed with the story as much as the illustrations. A little girl befriends an imaginary creature in a heartfelt, brief story [continue reading]
Chickens Storytime Ideas
There are so many great picture books featuring chickens, it makes a for a perfect storytime theme. Make these cool rod puppet chickens, or try some of these Extraordinary Warren activities if you read the book by [continue reading]