Now that Open House Night is over, my thoughts quickly start thinking about the first week of school. We normally don’t have library classes that first week, but I do go visit all the classrooms just to say hi and introduce myself. I warn the teachers during inservice the week before that the “Book Fairy” will be stopping in on the first day to say hello to ELE, ICAP, Pre-K, 1st, and 2nd grade. Then on the second day, the “Library Goddess” will come visit 3rd, 4th, and 5th.
I know I look silly beyond belief, but it’s extremely fun and the kids always ask on Open House night if the “Book Fairy” or “Library Goddess” is going to come again! I’ll be working on my costume this weekend, but you can go to my Library Costume Pinterest board to see some other great ideas in case you want to “transform” yourself for the beginning of the year! 🙂
The other thing that I also start thinking about is my little tiny babies in ELE and Pre-K. I struggled the most with these little guys when I first started, not so much in the lessons, but in getting them focused when they first came in. They always had SOOO much to tell me, that it sometimes was difficult to get started.
After spending some time investigating different routines, I came across this great Storytime chant/song on the Steed Library Wiki.
After spending some time investigating different routines, I came across this great Storytime chant/song on the Steed Library Wiki.
I thought this would be perfect for my Pre-K and Kinder students, but ended up doing it even with my wiggly first graders. They absolutely LOVED it, and I would even hear them practicing it while they waited for me to join them on the carpet. You can get it here at my TpT store .
What methods do you have to start your Storytime? I’d love to hear your ideas!
We do one I saw somewhere … "First my hands are by my side, Then behind my back they hide. I shake them high! I shake them low. I shake them fast! I shake them slow. Then my hands go clap, clap, clap. And I lay them in my lap. Now I'm quiet as can be because SHHH! It's storytime. you see."
I used to do one … well. I had to google it because I couldn't remember all the words. Our version wasn't exactly this but it was pretty close. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaf4ks2Obdw
I like that one too! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing!!! I can't wait to use this with my kindergarteners! I love your blog too by the way! I am a classroom teacher turned librarian and this is my first year!
Thanks Becky! Good luck in your first year! 🙂
We sing the following to the tune of popeye the sailor man: Monday is library day (clap clap), Monday is library day (clap clap), We'll read a good book and we'll have some big fun, Cause Monday is Library day. Add your own hand or body motions- helps get the wiggles out!
Thanks Ruthie! 🙂
I just started following you! You have some many great ideas! Can't wait to share and collaborate with you this year. You can follow me at lovechapterbooks.blogspot.com
Thanks Kelli! I look forward to reading your blog! 🙂 Have a great year! 🙂
I like this one- I matched it to the music for When the Saints go marching in… Awesome.
The books on your skirt…. how did you get these? Print off the computer?
Hi Lisa,
Yes, I actually just printed pictures of book covers on white carstock, laminated them, and then punched a hole at the top. I used safety pins to “hang’ them around my skirt! LOL! Simple, but the kids thought it was cute! 🙂
Sandy