Storytime: Openings

Getting storytime started on the right note is essential for a successful session. My favorite part of storytime is singing. Who actually gets to sing at their job, aside from rock stars and opera singers? Why say it when you can sing it? I use a couple of different songs for each age group. Toddlers tend to watch, while preschoolers interact.


"Hello Ev'rybody" from Hello Everybody: Playsongs and Rhymes from a Toddler's World by Rachel Buchman. I use the tune and some of the words by Rachel, but use a tambourine instead of a guitar.

Hello, everybody, yes, indeed,
Yes, indeed, yes, indeed.
Hello, everybody, yes, indeed,
Yes, indeed, my darlings.

My name is Courtney, yes, indeed,
Yes, indeed, yes, indeed.
My name is Courtney, yes, indeed,
Yes, indeed, my darlings.

It's time for stories, yes, indeed,
Yes, indeed, yes, indeed.
It's time for stories, yes, indeed,
Yes, indeed, my darlings.

I can add more verses until everyone is settled and seated. This is very helpful if you usually have late-comers. I begin every storytime, regardless of age, with "Hello, Ev'rybody." It adds unity to the whole program and is comforting for those transitioning into an older group.


My other goal for the introduction is for everyone to learn each other's names. For the babies and toddlers we say the rhyme "Rum, Pum, Pum" from
Mother Goose on the Loose by Betsy Diamant-Cohen. You can use a tambourine or another drum. I use one of the handheld drums that looks like a lollipop.

Rum, pum, pum, this is my drum.
Rum, pum, pum, this is my drum.
My name is Courtney.
What's your name?

Then, we go around the circle and tap out the syllables of each baby or toddler's name. For the toddler group, ages 2 and 3, we sing "The More We Get Together" traditional song with just a little twist. We start by patting our knees to get the rhythm.

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

With (names of all children, including siblings).
The more we get together, the happier we'll be.


Then, we repeat the first verse super fast while clapping our hands. I say the names of the children, but the parents usually join in after a few weeks. I use an interactive name game with the preschoolers, ages 3 to 5. "Bibbity-bobbity Bumblebee" is a traditional rhyme, but I use Sharron Krull's version with a bee puppet to engage the children. I start by introducing Mr. Bee, ask the children what noise he says, and ask them to say hello to him in bee language (buzz). Then, we pat our legs in rhythm.

Bippoty, boppity, bumblebee,
Can you say your name for me?

Can everyone say (child's name)?
Pat it, clap it, buzz it.

After we buzz the child's name, we go onto the next person. I give everyone a chance each week. If the child is shy, the parent will volunteer the name or I'll say it if I know it. I always give them a chance to say it themselves each week. Most of the time, they will eventually say the name themselves, but it may take a month. I also give the children with only one syllable a GIANT pat, clap and buzz, so they don't feel left out or cheated. Finally, we say good-bye to Mr. Bee and introduce the theme of the week.

Sensational Storytimes!

My storytimes are upbeat and fast-paced. I've tried so many different routines over the past 5 years and have finally settled into a groove. Finding your ideal routine takes trial and error as well as extensive research. It has taken me almost the whole 5 years I've been a children's librarian to read all the books on our professional shelf. The explosion of storytime blogs has not helped me to finish my quest for the perfect storytime routine. Instead, I'm constantly bombarded with fantastic ideas I have to try!

Fortunately, I have the opportunity to create programs for all ages, so I can use all the great songs, fingerplays and stories I find at some point. I've been wanting to post various storytimes I do according to theme. I have so much information, I'm going to have to write a book someday so I won't include everything. Check back every couple of weeks to see new themes added. Please let me know if I have a source incorrect and I'll give credit where credit is due. I love using traditional songs and rhymes, though.

Illustration Note: Miss Karyn is leading this game during storytime. It's so hard to get pictures of me doing things because I'm DOING them.

Book Review: What's Special About Me, Mama? by Kristina Evans

The first element that drew me to this book was the artwork on the cover. As you may recall from my post for Eric Carle, collage is my favorite form of illustration. It adds texture and dimension to the book without being easily damaged (like pop-up and lift-the-flap books). I did a little research about the illustrator, Javaka Steptoe and discovered he uses "found art" or everyday objects in his work.

The second element, and first line of text, that made me pick up this book was the title. The first spread poses the question, "What's special about me, Mama?" with the little boy peeking over the arm of the chair at his mama. All you can see are his eyes. There is something so endearing about this moment, and every parent can relate to this type of question. The mama's answer is also one parents all over the world have said: "So many things, Love."

Everything about your child is special to you, so it is difficult to choose just one or two things. The little boy in the story makes it more of a challenge by asking the mama to choose things unique to him, characteristics he doesn't share with any other family members (mother, father, aunt). The final answer may surprise you, but it will definitely touch your heart.

Share this book with your only child, a child expecting to be a big brother or sister or one who already is a sibling. For a project after reading, find objects in your house that can be used in a collage. Try the recycle bin and under the couch, first. Paint the items with bright colors and glue them to a piece of paper, planter or coffee cup for a keepsake as unique as your child.