Did you miss storytime? Perhaps it is just one of those days when you need a little boost with your little ones. Fret not. We have gathered some storytime resources for you at home. Follow our steps below or mix-and-match for the ultimate storytime experience.
Today’s Theme: Sense-ational
One of the basic ways young children learn is through their senses. Seeing, hearing, tasting, touching, and smelling are amazing gifts our bodies use to understand the world around us. Focusing on our senses is a great theme to use in storytime to help children learn and celebrate our remarkable senses.
1. Jump Start with a Rhyme
Start your storytime by holding up five fingers and saying this rhyme, while pointing to your senses.
Five little senses are what I need,
To use when things are near.
I use my eyes to look and see,
I use my ears to hear.
I use my nose to smell things,
I use my hands to touch.
I use my mouth to taste,
The things I love to eat so much.
Five little senses standing in a row,
To see, hear, smell, touch and taste
The things I need to know.
2. Energize with a Song
Sing the classic tune “If You’re Happy and You Know It.”
If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands.
If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands.
If you’re happy and you know it then your face will surely show it,
If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands.
Follow the same format, but this time, highlight your other senses:
Pull your ears….
Wiggle your tongue….
Pat your eyes….
Tap your nose….
Tip: try making up some more verses with your feet, legs and arms.
3. Make a Sensory Bin
Fill a large plastic container with items that follow a theme. For example, you could create a garden-themed box and fill it with rice, beans or corn. Add:
- Plastic bugs
- Kid shovels
- Measuring cups, large spoons, containers
- Pebbles, rocks, puff balls
- Dump trucks
- Toy vegetables and flowers
Tip: use your imagination for other items.
4. Read a Book That Focuses on Senses
Looking for more? Ask a librarian to suggest more titles for your family.
5. Sing a Goodbye Song
See you next time! Wrap up your storytime and sing along with our librarians to "Skinnamarink."
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