Artist tip: I love Laurie Berkner for everything, but especially for the babies because most of her songs have clear movements that go along with the words. She has a lot of albums and most of her songs are winners for kids under five because she speaks clearly and has a voice that makes them want to listen!
Hello: "The More We Get Together"
I like to tell parents that it's never too early to learn to clap on the beat, because learning about rhythm helps stimulate the language center of the brain. They clap on the beat today, and they're better readers tomorrow! During this song we clap on the beat, point to our fellow storytime goers on "your friends," and point to ourselves on "my friends."
Warming up Motor Skills: "Open, Shut Them"
On this song we do the movements described in the lyrics: open our hands, close our hands, clap three times, put our hands in our lap, creep our fingers up to our chin, and don't let them in our mouths.
Stretch: "Tall/Small"
For this song, I make sure to emphasize that grownups and babies should stretch at whatever level they are currently operating on. The grownup can keep the baby on their lap and help them stretch their arms up. The grownup can stand themselves and hold they baby while they stretch. The grownup can balance the baby while the baby stands on the floor, and help them stretch there. Wherever both are most physically comfortable is where I encourage them to try this gentle stretch.
Click here to listen to the version I use
This is where the rest of storytime comes in. And then...
Transition Song: "Peek-a-Boo"
For some reason, this song makes babies and younger toddlers drop whatever they're doing and pay attention. It's great. I sometimes use it with the preschoolers because you're never too old for a silly game, but I use it every single week with the babies. Their grownups love it too; I've heard back from a few moms that they sing it at home!
Click here to listen to the version I use
Goodbye: "Skidamarink"
I use this song for the babies' goodbye rather than one that actually says "goodbye" because it promotes positivity and love between baby and grownup. In storytimes with the older kids I'm giving them an opportunity to say goodbye to me and the program room, but the babies aren't operating on that emotional level yet. They're still working on forming bonds with their caregiver, and I think this song promotes that.
Click here to listen to the version I use
Also, I found this video from an adorable vintage kids show I've never heard of. They do the movements just like I do in storytime.
Bubbles!
The last thing I do at every storytime is blow bubbles. The kids go crazy over them! I play the same songs every time so they get to know that after we say goodbye, we have bubbles for the duration of two songs, and then storytime is over until next time. Our regulars know this is the way it always goes, which is a great introduction to establishing routines in other aspects of life as they grow.
Community Play Time
Baby Lapsit is unique in that the families are encouraged to stay for 15-20 minutes after storytime for a special playtime. I bring out a bin of toys and play some quiet background music, and it's just a fun, unstructured play session where babies can socialize with other little beings close to their age, and caregivers can also chat with each other and make connections. I've seen many friendships and even play groups or preschool co-ops get started this way!
No comments:
Post a Comment