The 2017 summer reading/learning program themes of “Build a Better World,” from CSLP, and “Reading by Design,” from iREAD and the California State Library, both focus on building, construction, and design. Over the next few months, BayNews and our blog will feature storytime plans that fit those themes while still being appropriate for preschoolers.
Although preschoolers may not know what an architect does, they are interesting in buildings (as evidenced by the many picture books on buildings). So you can focus on who designs buildings, and allow preschoolers to design their own! Make simple houses out of shoeboxes as seen here (www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-for-kids/shoebox-dollhouse-video/), or play with Duplo blocks. Be sure to sing “Johnny Works with One Hammer,” a popular fingerplay. See our previous Architects storytime ideas, too.
Beaty, Andrea. Iggy Peck, Architect. Iggy’s talent for building comes in handy when his 2nd grade class is stranded on an island.
Beil, Karen M. Jack’s House. Max the dog is really in charge of building Jack’s house, in this cumulative tale.
Eldarova, Sofia. Builder Mouse. Edgar the mouse wants to be an architect, so he builds things out of food scraps.
Guarnaccia, Steven. Three Little Pigs: An Architectural Tale. In this reinterpretation of the classic folktale, each pig’s abode is influenced by a famous architect.
Hale, Christy. Dreaming Up: A Celebration of Building. Children’s play reflects real-life buildings in this creative look at architecture.
Laden, Nina. Roberto: the Insect Architect. Because he is a termite, no one trusts Roberto to design a building.
Munro, Roxie. Architects Make Zigzags: Looking at Architecture From A to Z. An alphabetical list of common features seen in buildings, including gables, ironworks, etc. Have the audience call out each letter of the alphabet.