The Big Help

When I first started searching for sources, I stumbled across Mother Goose on the Loose. This program became my bible for the first session I put together. The information it gives on what may work and will not work is very helpful. The insight on how to structure the program (like keeping it fast-paced and action-packed) aided me in my attempts to make my program successful. I highly HIGHLY recommend this program!!

It's hard to find.

Books that is. Rhymes, too. "For what?" you ask. Books and rhymes that are appropriate for babies and toddlers for a library program. For the past 2 and a half years, I have been putting together baby and toddler story times for my library. I have found it increasingly harder to find age appropriate books (namely board books) that I can purchase or order through our catalog in a large quantity. I figure if I'm having trouble finding ideas, I'm sure there are others out there facing the same problems.

First, I'd like to explain how I have organized my program. The baby and toddler program is called Read, Rhyme, and Romp. It is for children age 0 through 3 years and their caregivers. The program usually has a broad theme like "My World" or "Music and Me" for marketing purposes, but I don't adhere firmly to the theme (we use the same theme for our preschool story time). I use it as a suggestion. Anyway, each "theme" lasts for 6-10 weeks (we usually have a 6 week break in between sessions which coordinates with holidays and summer reading program preparation).

I keep each weekly program to 20 minutes. I have found this to be about the right length for the attention span of babies and toddlers. I also keep it at a fast pace; this way the children can stay focused. I have created an outline for my program which includes the same opening and closing rhymes for each program, as well as, reoccurring interactive rhymes, finger-plays and flannel boards (see my first post). Repetition creates a predictable program, and this helps the children feel comfortable and take ownership of the program.

Now I will explain why I need multiple copies of the same book. When we read the book of the day, each child is given a copy, so he/she and the caregiver can interact with the book while I read. I encourage the parents to read along with me. This may seem like chaos, but once you get the routine established (2 to 3 weeks), it works fantastically.

Within this program I also promote the 6 early literacy skills--print awareness, print motivation, vocabulary, letter knowledge, phonological awareness, and narrative skills--endorsed by Every Child Ready to Read. I do this by printing the day's skill with a brief description in my handout (which also includes the rhymes of the day). I will also do quick asides on how to promote the skill at home.

I do believe I have made this post longer than I intended, but I genuinely hope that this "brief" description can help someone in their quest for baby and toddler programming.

Example please.

I wanted to get your attention, so I will give you a small preview now. In my next post, I will explain how my program runs and where I got my ideas (remember, librarians borrow ideas :)

Here is an example of how one of my 20 minute baby/toddler programs would go:

*Opening rhymes:

 The More We Get Together

The more we get together, together, together
The more we get together, the happier we'll be
‘Cause your friends are my friends and my friends are your friends.
The more we get together the happier we'll be.

Good Morning, Mrs. Perky Bird (use bird puppet)

Good morning , Mrs. Perky Bird,

(Wave bird puppet around/have children wave)

Perky Bird, Perky Bird,

Good morning, Mrs. Perky Bird, where are you?

I’m flying in the air—in the air,

(fly bird through the air)

the air—the air, the air—the air.

I’m flying in the air—the air, and down to the ground.

(slowly move her to the ground)

Book: The More We Are Together

*Interactive rhyme:  

Hickory Dickory Dock(use mouse finger puppets)

Hickory Dickory dock,
The mouse ran up the clock,
The clock struck one
The mouse ran down,
Hickory Dickory dock.

*Action rhyme:

Handy Spandy

Handy spandy, sugary candy, we all jump in.

(jump into circle)

Handy spandy, sugary candy, we all jump out.

(jump out of circle)

Handy spandy, sugary candy, we all jump up.

(jump up)

Handy spandy, sugary candy, we all sit down.

(sit down)

Action rhyme:

Roly Poly

Roly poly, roly poly, up, up, up.

(lift baby/raise arms)

Roly poly, roly poly, down, down, down.

(drop baby between legs/put arms down)

Roly poly, roly poly, out, out, out.

(move arms out)

Roly poly, roly poly, in, in, in.

(move arms in for a big hug)

Action rhyme:

Open, Shut Them

Open, shut them,  

(open and close hands in front of you)
Open, shut them,  
Give a little clap clap clap.           

(clap 3 times as you say “clap”)
Open, shut them, open, shut them,      
Lay them in your lap lap lap.       

(fold hands in lap)  

Creepy crawly, creepy crawly,
Right up to your chin chin chin.     

(fingers crawl up chest to chin)
Open up your little mouth,            

(open mouth)
But do not let them in in in.           

(quickly put hands behind back)

*Interactive rhyme:

Rum Pum Pum (use drum)

Rum pum pum. This is my drum. 

Rum pum pum.  This is my drum.

My name is (say your name). What’s your name?

(pound out the syllables in your name)

Instruments:  

(use egg shakers)

We’re Going to be Friends #7 on Curious George CD

*Closing rhyme:

See You Later, Alligator

See you later, alligator 
(use hand to shade your eyes as if searching)
In a while, crocodile 
(point to watch or clock)
Bye-bye, butterfly
(wave)
Toodle-oo, kangaroo 
(wave while bouncing)
Time to go, buffalo
(look at watch and shake head as if running late)
Just like that, fat cat
(snap fingers)
It’s the end, my friend.
(shrug shoulders and throw up hands in a “giving up” gesture)