Many of my storytime regulars are at storytime with nannies, grandparents, and various other caregivers, so instead of doing a Mother’s Day or Father’s Day program, I do things similar, but more inclusive themes, such as families and love.
Books
My Family is a Zoo by K. A. Gerrard
The Napping House by Audrey Wood
One Little, Two Little, Three Little Children by Kate DiPucchio
The Family Book by Todd Parr
Activities
“The Family Bed”
This song is also sometimes called “Ten in the Bed” and starts at 10 instead of 5. My tots are a little too impatient to sing this verse 10 times, so I cut it to five and added a fun little verse at the end to the tune of “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.”
“The Family Bed”
There were 5 in the bed
And the little one said, “Roll over, roll over.”
So they all rolled over and one fell out
There were 4 in the bed
And the little one said, “Roll over, roll over.”
Count down to 1.
There was one in the bed,
And the little one said:
“I’ve got the who-le bed to myself,
I’ve got the who-le bed to myself,
I’ve got the who-le bed to myself –
I’ve got the whole bed to myself!”
“This is My Family”
A short fingerplay without any references to who is in your family. Your family could be parents, foster parents, grandparents, a nanny, or anyone else!
“This is my Family”
If you peek into my room at night
(stand on toes as if peeking)
My family you will see
(nod head)
They kiss my face and tuck me in tight,
(blow kiss)
Why? Because they love me!
(hug yourself)
“Five Little Owls”
I did this little counting rhyme with a flannel. I made each owl smaller than the last so that it looked like a little owl family!
“Five Little Owls”
Five hoot owls sitting a tree
One flew away, how many do you see?
One, two, three, four. (count down)
Conclusion
What a fun, cute storytime! I love Dippuchio’s One Little, Two Little, Three Little Children which is a joyful, singable book. The rhymes and songs I have here were all very accessible to the toddlers while still being fun for the preschool siblings in the room!
