PJ Storytime: Winter Theme

PJ Storytime is an event I host annually at the library. Children wear their pajamas and bring stuffed animals, pillows and blankets to listen to stories, sing songs and play.

Half the room before I began

This year, I planned a winter themed extravaganza.

Robert Sabuda is an amazing pop-up book master. The Christmas Alphabet is a beautiful rendering all in white. It is an excellent choice for a large group because it becomes interactive with the children trying to guess what's behind each letter.

Lift-the-flap books also work well as a participatory book experience. What could be baking in the oven or wrapped under the tree? Maisy is a recognizable character for library patrons.

I opted for a simple flannel activity with movement this year. Add a couple of fingerplays, the "Winter Pokey" and some singing with rhythm instruments and you have a complete storytime. Then, it's time for crafts and games!

The penguin toss game is a favorite with all ages. The toddlers love to go right up to the penguin and feed him.

Ice fishing with laminated fish covered in paperclips and fishing poles with strong magnets attached to the end. The packing peanuts are the ice.

Let it snow with a parachute and white cotton balls and loofahs.

I found some nutcracker soldier ornaments at Hobby Lobby. The black outlines and details are made from a fuzzy, velvety texture. You just color them with markers.

The paper plate snowman lacing, which I found on Pinterest, proved too difficult for most of the crowd. The Christmas magnets I found at the Dollar Tree last minute were just right, though.

I also invited the big man for a visit. I have him come during the last half hour of the evening when the games are still going strong. Then, if children are frightened or too old to visit with Santa, they have a pleasant alternative. Another fantastic PJ Storytime!

Sharing with TGIF and For the Kid's Friday.

Tot School: Winter

We've spent several weeks decorating the house for the holidays. Here are our winter trays.

Holiday activity book purchased at the Dollar Tree with lots of preschool fun inside. The gingerbread cookie carrier is filled with foam Christmas shapes, great for sorting and creating artwork.

Bobo chose four sheets of window clings and four sheets of wall decals for the house. We are down to these two sheets for the windows. He's been very busy! He also cleans the windows before putting them up, hence the spray bottle (white vinegar and water).

Snowball fight with poms and tongs and adorable snowmen baskets (a gift).

Lacing with Christmas shapes and chenille sticks. Bobo likes to make bracelets.

Polar Express play dough activity, read and explore.

Polar bear fridge decorator. Bobo assembled it using the fridge as a canvas.

Sharing with Tot School and the Children's Bookshelf and Montessori Monday

Flannel Friday: The Snow is Falling Down

"The Snow is Falling Down"

Sung to the tune of "The Farmer in the Dell"

By Miss Courtney

The snow is falling down,

The snow is falling down,

Add one snowflake for each line

It's like a blanket on the ground,

The snow is falling down.

Add snowy blanket

We roll it in a ball,

We roll it in a ball,

We make a great big circle,

When we roll it in a ball.

Add large circle

We make a smiley face,

We make a smiley face,

We add eyes, nose and mouth,

To make a smiley face.

Ask children, "What did we make?"

The end.

I'll be sharing this Winter flannel song next week for our annual PJ Storytime. I'm having a snow theme this year! Flannel Friday Holiday Round-Up Here!!!