"At the moment that we persuade a child, any child, to cross the threshold, that magic threshold into the library, we change their lives forever, for the better."

—President Barack Obama (then Senator Obama)

Linkedin and ALA Conference!

I recently asked my former advisor on how I can increase my chances of getting a job working in a library and he suggested I use Linkedin. I've since then just updated my professional profile on LinkedIn to further highlight my job experiences and background. Connect with me and view my profile! 

http://lnkd.in/V-dfps

I'm also very excited that I'll be able to attend the ALA conference this year because it is in Chicago! This is the perfect chance to get more acclimated with the field of Library Science. I've decided that I'm also going to work on my Masters in Library Science! I filled out my FAFSA and now I'm going to finally apply to the colleges I'm interested in. Two of my former professors said they would write me reference letters and my former advisor said he would also write me one! I'm very excited about my future career as a Children's Librarian. I am definitely following my dreams and I could not be more happy. 

Dinosaur Storytime for 0-3 age group -- Dig Into Reading!

Theme: Dinosaurs -- Dig Into Reading! 

Introduction Song: Open Shut Them
Open, shut them,
Open, shut them
Give a little clap, clap, clap
Open, shut them, open, shut them
Lay them in your lap, lap, lap
Creepy crawly, creepy crawly,
Right up to your chin, chin, chin
Open up your little mouth
But do not let them in, in in


(Same song used in all of my storytimes. Repetition is good for young children!) 

Book #1 - Bones, Bones, Dinosaur Bones

This is such a neat book because it introduces children to dinosaurs and paleontologists in a simple way that makes it easy for children to understand. I especially love the part where it explains how paleontologists put together the bones to see what the real dinosaur once looked like. My favorite part is the surprise ending when it shows all the bones put together! The book is meant for preschool aged children but it is short enough that the toddlers can sit still and listen to it without a problem. 

Dinosaur Fingerplay: Five Dinosaurs
(Sung to the tune of “Five Little Ducks Went Out to Play”)

Five dinosaurs went out to play
(hold up five fingers)
Over the hills and far away
(move hand up and down)
Mama dinosaur said “roar, roar, roar”
(Roar!)
But only four came running to the door
(make a sad face and hold up four fingers)
(Continue until no dinosaurs are left on the board. Then sing…)
No dinosaurs went out to play…
ALL the dinosaurs came running to the door!

Source: The Storytime Lady

Action Song: Dinosaur Stomp

Do the dinosaur, STOMP, STOMP! 

Do the dinosaur, CHOMP, CHOMP!
Do the dinosaur, ROAAAAAAAR

heh, I actually thought the song was "do the dinosaur, jump, jump" so I had the children jump. OOPS! "Chomp, Chomp" are the actual lyrics and you're supposed to move your arms up and down in a chopping motion like shown in the video.

This is me and the children all doing the Dinosaur Stomp! They really had a blast doing it!

Book # 2: Dinosaurs, Dinosaurs by Byron Barton

The Westmont Public Library has the big book version of this story and it's a really awesome one that introduces children about how ancient dinosaurs really are. The illustrations are very bright and it describes the many different characteristics dinosaurs have. For example, Some dinosaurs are described as fierce, scared, hungry, tired and sleepy. When I read about the sleepy dinosaurs, I of course, read it in a sleepy sounding voice which grabs the attention of the young children. This story also introduces children to the different names of dinosaurs like diplodocus, ankylosaurus, tyrannosaurus rex, and so on. I definitely recommend this book for any Dinsoaur themed storytime. 

Fingerplay: Five Enormous Dinosaurs

Five enormous dinosaurs, letting out a roar, 

(Cup hands to your mouth and let out a ROAR!)

Until one went away, and then there were four.

Four enormous dinosaurs, munching on a tree, 

(Pretend to be munching on a tree)

Until one went away, and then there were three.

Three enormous dinosaurs were taken to the zoo, 

(Pretend to run!)

Until one got away, then there were two.

Two enormous dinosaurs having lots of fun, 

(Push both hands above your head)

Until a volcano blew right up, then there was one.

One enormous dinosaur, he must have weighed a ton 

(Extend arms out to show how BIG he was)

Until the lakes dried up, and then there were none!

Song:Jumping and Counting by Jim Gill

This song is not dinosaur related by the patrons grew to really LOVE this song. The children would ask for this song if I didn't play it so I began playing it at every storytime. It's a really awesome song that is fun and teaches children essential counting skills. For the 0-3 age group, this is an excellent way to introduce math to them! 

You may here the song here: https://soundcloud.com/childrens-music-jim-gill/jumping-and-counting

Book #3 Dinosaur Vs. Library

This book is pretty neat. The children had a lot of fun acting out the "ROAR" parts of the story and it seemed to help them pay attention. The story also talks about using an "inside roar" which helps teach children manners. I normally would be the one reading the story but my supervisor, Lynn, lead storytime on Thursdays which is when this picture was taken. I had lead a dinosaur storytime the day prior. 

Song: Tyrannosaurus Rex

(Sung to: "Mary Had a Little Lamb")

Dinosaurs walked on this earth,

On this earth, on this earth.

Dinosaurs walked on this earth,

A long, long time ago. 

This song was short but I actually ended up singing it twice. I sung it at a regular volume at first, then I asked the audience to join in and sing it in a loud voice. 

Song with shakers: Dinosaur Song

What a great story this is with awesome dinosaur sounds! This was a really perfect ending. 

Me on the right with my Supervisor, Lynn, the Youth Services Librarian at the Westmont Public Library. The children really love playing with the shakers! 

Closing Song  (to tune of the Mulberry Bush)
This is the way our hands say goodbye
With a clap clap-clap
Clap, clap-clap.
This is the way our hands say goodbye
With a clap, clap-clap ,clap-clap.
This is the way our knees say goodbye
With a tap tap-tap.Tap tap-tap.
This is the way our knees say goodbye
With a tap tap-tap, tap-tap.
This is the way we wave goodbye
Wave goodbye, wave goodbye
This is the way we wave goodbye
Goodbye until next time.

The children all waving goodbye!

Farms and Gardens Storytime for Early Talkers (Ages 0-3)

Theme: Farms and Gardens! 


Introduction Song: Open Shut Them
Open, shut them,
Open, shut them
Give a little clap, clap, clap
Open, shut them, open, shut them
Lay them in your lap, lap, lap
Creepy crawly, creepy crawly,
Right up to your chin, chin, chin
Open up your little mouth
But do not let them in, in in


(Same song used in all of my storytimes. Repetition is good for young children!) 

Book #1 - Farmer McFee by Pam Miller

We have the Big Book version of this story at the library where I am doing my internship at. I really love this story because it shows that women can be farmers too and they can get dirty in overalls just like men. I like a story that doesn't follow stereotypical gender roles. The book reads "Could it be... Farmer Mcfee? and the picture shows the back of someone. You can't tell whether the person is male or female from behind and then when you see the face, it's a woman and the story reads "No! That's Grandma Mcfee!"  then it goes through other people in the family and eventually it gets to Farmer Mcfee. 

Action Rhyme: African Planting Chant

Down to the earth and up to the sky. 

(repeat three times, bending to touch ground and stretching high)

Our shovels are sharp. 

(repeat three times, pretending to dig with a shovel)

We sow our seeds, we sow our seeds, we sow our seeds. 

(reach into left hand with right, and scatter seeds)

Down to the earth and up to the sky, 

down to the earth and up to the sky, 

down to the earth and up to the sky

Source: King County Library

Book # 2 
Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert

This is the perfect book to read during the springtime! I really love the colorful illustrations of all the plants and it's also perfect for teaching children about colors and gardening. 

The Farmer Plants the Seeds (Sung to the tune of Farmer in the Dell)


The farmer plants the seeds. 
(put seeds in the ground)
The farmer plants the seeds.

High ho the derry oh,

The farmer plants the seeds.

The sun comes out to shine. 
(make big circle with arms)

The sun comes out to shine.
Hi ho the derry oh,
The sun comes out to shine.

The rain begins to fall. 
(hands flutter to the ground) 
The rain begins to fall.
Hi ho the derry oh,
The rain begins to fall.

The seeds begin to grow.
(children begin to rise)
The seeds begin to grow.

Hi ho the derry oh,

The seeds begin to grow.

The farmer digs them up.
 (pretend to use a shovel)

The farmer digs them up.
Hi ho the derry oh,
The farmer digs them up.

Now we'll have some to eat.

(pretend to eat)

Now we'll have some to eat.

Hi ho the derry oh,Now we'll have some to eat.

Book #3 Farmyard Beat by Lindsey Craig and Marc Brown

This is an excellent book for young children because of the way the book reads like a song with repetition! 

Song: Goofy Old Macdonald by Carole Peterson

This is a goofy version of the regular Old Mcdonald that everyone knows. With this song, Carole Peterson makes the wrong animal noises and all the kids shout out "No! That's not right!!" and then the children sing the correct animal sound. I played this for the children at storytime and kids were laughing and singing. It was a nice filler song because it let children get out some giggles in between a few books.  

Book: 5 Little Ducks by Penny Ives

This is a great book for any duck or farm storytime and it helps children practice their counting

Song with shakers: Ducks like Rain

This song is one of my favorites! I get it stuck in my head often and in the song, Carole Peterson sings out "Quack, quack quack quack!" over and over again and the kids really enjoy singing it out. 

Closing Song  (to tune of the Mulberry Bush)
This is the way our hands say goodbye
With a clap clap-clap
Clap, clap-clap.
This is the way our hands say goodbye
With a clap, clap-clap ,clap-clap.
This is the way our knees say goodbye
With a tap tap-tap.Tap tap-tap.
This is the way our knees say goodbye
With a tap tap-tap, tap-tap.
This is the way we wave goodbye
Wave goodbye, wave goodbye
This is the way we wave goodbye
Goodbye until next time.

Pet Themed Storytime for Early Talkers (Ages 0-3)

Theme:  Pets!

Introduction Song: Open Shut Them

Open, shut them,

Open, shut them

Give a little clap, clap, clap

Open, shut them, open, shut them

Lay them in your lap, lap, lap

Creepy crawly, creepy crawly,

Right up to your chin, chin, chin

Open up your little mouth

But do not let them in, in in

Book #1 - Please Take Me For a Walk by Susan Gal

5 Happy Puppies (Flannel board)

Five happy puppies were playing in the sun.

This one saw a rabbit, and he began to run.

Four curious puppies were playing in the sun.

This one saw a butterfly, and he began to race.

Three excited puppies, playing in the sun.

This one saw an orange cat, and he began to chase.

Two bored puppies were lying in the sun.

This one tried to catch his tail, and he went round and round.

One lonely puppy, sitting all alone.

He was so quiet, he never made a sound.

Source: Johnson County Library

Book #2 Fur by Jan Mark

Kitty-cat, Kitty-cat

Kitty-cat, kitty-cat, turn around

Kitty-cat, kitty-cat, touch the ground

Kitty-cat, kitty-cat, paws up high 

Kitty-cat, kitty-cat, wink one eye

Kitty-cat, kitty-cat, touch your nose

Kitty-cat, kitty-cat, touch your toes

Kitty-cat, kitty-cat, slap your knees

Kitty-cat, kitty-cat, sit down please

Song: Old Gray Cat -- Track #10 on  Start Smart Songs for 1's, 2's, and 3's

Book #3 Pet Shop Lullaby by Mary Ann Fraser

Song: Hop Like a Bunny by William Janiak

Book #4 I Am Running Away Today by Lisa Desimini

If You’re a Pet

If you’re a dog and you know it, give a bark – woof-woof! 

If you’re a dog and you know it, give a bark – woof- woof! 

If you’re a dog and you know it, and you really want to show it, 

If you’re a dog and you know it, give a bark – woof-woof!

If you’re a kitty and you know it, say meow – meow-meow!

If you’re a kitty and you know it, say meow – meow-meow!

If you’re a kitty and you know it, and you really want to show it,

If you’re a kitty and you know it, say meow, – meow-meow!

If you’re a fishy and you know it, swim around – glub-glub!

If you’re a fishy and you know it, swim around – glub-glub!

If you’re a fishy and you know it, and you really want to show it,

If you’re a fishy and you know it, swim around – glub-glub!

If you’re a birdy and you know it, fly around – tweet-tweet!

If you’re a birdy and you know it, fly around – tweet-tweet!

If you’re a birdy and you know it, and you really want to show it,

If you’re a birdy and you know it, fly around – tweet-tweet!

Source: Brighton Memorial Library

Song with Shakers: Jim Gill - Shakin' Everywhere

kids love this song! Jim Gill tells kids to start shaking from their head to their toes, starting with shaking their hair. It's a lot of fun and one I use often in storytime.

Closing Song  (to tune of the Mulberry Bush)

This is the way our hands say goodbye

With a clap clap-clap

Clap, clap-clap.

This is the way our hands say goodbye

With a clap, clap-clap ,clap-clap.

This is the way our knees say goodbye

With a tap tap-tap.

Tap tap-tap.

This is the way our knees say goodbye

With a tap tap-tap, tap-tap.

This is the way we wave goodbye

Wave goodbye, wave goodbye

This is the way we wave goodbye

Goodbye until next time.

Letters "S" and "U" -- Preschool Storytime for 4 & 5 year olds

Letters: S & U -- Preschool Storytime for 4 and 5 year olds

Display: Near the window I displayed sloth and unicorn stuffed animals with a yellow street sign that says "Sloth Crossing" 

The picture above shows two of my sloth stuffed animals and the "sloth crossing" sign that I own. 

Welcome Song (with actions)

Let's clap our hands for_____(child's name.)

Let's clap our hands for_____(next child in the circle.)

Let's clap our hands for_____(next child in the circle) 

You're welcome here today!

Song finishes when everyone has been welcomed. Other actions

may be: stamping feet,tapping knees,nodding head e.t.c. 

Book #1 - Slowly Slowly Slowly Says the Sloth by Eric Carle

Activity: Sammy the Star-Eating Sloth!

I introduced my puppet Sammy just as I previously mentioned in my last post.  Basically I told the children I asked the zoo to send me a pet and they sent me Sammy in a post office box. I opened the box in front of the children and they looked amazed by what they saw. I pulled the sloth out of the box and put him on my arm and said that he really liked stars. 

Then I had yellow stars laminated with images on the back of them that begin with the letter "s". I called the children one by one up to the front and they all had to give a clue away to the group of what the image was. If they didn't know what it was, I helped them out. 

Example: Star with an image of spagetti. I said "this is a noodle dish with tomato sauce! It rhymes with Magetti!" My supervisor says it is perfectly fine to make up a nonsense word to rhyme with it to give them a clue. I then had the children "feed" Sammy the stars by putting it in his mouth. They laughed so hard when I had the sloth make pretend eating sounds. "Om nom nom! Yummy!" I made the sloth say.  The kids laughed at this and thought it was very amusing. I discarded the stars into the box that the sloth came from with the puppet's mouth. 

Book #2 - I Wished for a Unicorn by Robert Heldbreder

Activity: Up the Stool or Under the Umbrella

After reading the unicorn story I brought Sammy the Sloth out again. I told the children to get into a circle and watch me. I'm going to have Sammy pick one child at a time (by tapping the kids on the head softly) and then the children will choose to go either under an umbrella (a Scooby Doo Umbrella to emphasize the letter "s") or up on a stool (stool also begins with the letter "s"! Would you look at that?!)

The children all closed their eyes and once I picked a child, that child would then go up on the stool or under the umbrella. The kids would then open their eyes and be surprised to see what the child chose to do. Then the kids and I (and Sammy the sloth!) would all sing 

"Under the umbrella, umbrella, umbrella" 

Then if the kids chose to be up on the stool we would sing:

"Up on the Stool, up up up! Up on the stool, up on it today!" 

Goodbye Song:Time to Say Goodbye

(tune: “Up on the House Top”)

Now is the time to say, “Goodbye”.

My how fast the time did fly.

Our day is done, so we must say,

“Goodbye, goodbye for today”.

Ho, Ho, Ho – Time to go.

He, He, He – Wave like me.

Now it is time to say, “Goodbye”.

Grab your things and off you fly! 

What I then did was I passed out out smiley-face or star stickers to re-emphasize the letter "s" but I wish I had been able to pass out unicorn stickers to remind them of both letters. 

Take Home Craft

I need to upload a picture of these letters to show an exaple but my supervisor has big letters that children color and decorate that coincide with an animal or object that begins with that letter. For this week the S was made to look like a sea-horse with seaweed surrounding it. 

Then as a take-home sensory activity the children are to use cotton balls to form the letter "s".  The cotton balls are supposed to resemble snowballs. Since it's February, this activity makes perfect sense! 

For the take-home craft for the letter "U" the children color an upside down umbrella with the letter U on it. The children are given instructions to splatter water down on blue paint for it to look like rain!

The take-home sensory activity for the letter "U" the children will simply write underneath something. For example, the children could write under the covers, under a table, under a chair, etc.