Tools
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.
The theme of tools can be really fun if you bring in a few examples – perhaps even toy tools, like these found at Melissa and Doug. Also, be sure to include the song “Johnny works With One Hammer.” For a hands-on activity, use these simple tools coloring pages: www.coloring.ws/construction3.htm .
Cerato, Mattia. Drew the Screw. Various tools introduce themselves and talk about what they do in helping to build a treehouse.
Fleiss, Sue. Let’s Build. In this rhyming story, a boy and his dad build a clubhouse.
Fleming, Denise. Alphabet Under Construction. A mouse works his way through the alphabet; many of the letters involve tools.
Meshon, Aaron. Tools Rule! A yard is filled with tools that get together to build a shed.
Neitzel, Shirley. The House I’ll Build for the Wrens. In this cumulative tale with rebus clues, a boy uses his mother’s toolbox to build a birdhouse.
Rockwell, Anne F. Let’s Go to the Hardware Store. The kids accompany dad to the hardware store to find tools needed for a home improvement project.
Shulman, Lisa. Old MacDonald Had a Woodshop. A sheep builds a toy farm for the baby animals, in this delightful cumulative story.