This week we did a yoga and movement storytime! I rented yoga mats from our library system so every kid got to use a yoga mat and they were so excited about that.
Books We Read
From Head to Toe by Eric Carle
Plant a Kiss by Amy Rosenthal (do yoga movements with this read if kids can handle it: Yogi Librarian)
I am a Peaceful Goldfish by Shoshana Chaim and Lori Joy Smith
Unicorn Yoga by Gina Cascone and Bryony Williams Sheppard
Songs We Sang
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Twinkle twinkle little star
How I wonder what you are
Up above the world so high
Like a diamond in the sky
Twinkle twinkle little star
How I wonder what you are
(Do this song with star pose every time you sing “star”)
Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
Head, shoulders, knees and toes
Knees and toes
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes
Knees and toes
Eyes, and ears, and mouth, and nose
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes
Knees and toes
(I like to do this one slow, then fast, then let them do it as FAST as they can and they really get a kick out of that).
Bananas Unite!
Peel bananas, peel, peel bananas (x2)
Chop bananas, chop, chop bananas (x2)
Mash bananas, mash, mash bananas (x2)
Eat bananas, eat, eat bananas (x2)
GO BANANAS!
Credit: Jbrary
Extend and Stretch
Extend and stretch (x2) (put one arm in the air and stretch to the side then switch sides)
Twist and turn (x2) (twist your back)
This is yoga (x2) (raise hands and then go into namaste)
Ohm sweet ohm (x2) (do a little bow with hands in prayer pose)
Credit: Yogi Librarian
Early Literacy Tip
Incorporating movement into storytimes allows children to engage in unique ways with words and text.
How it Went
This was a very unique storytime experience and unlike anything I had done before. The preschoolers just loved it and did really well with plant a kiss and doing different movements from the unicorn book. The toddlers also just love doing the movements from the Eric Carle book and I think that is a great choice for all ages.
I love the idea of this storytime and I will keep doing it. Eventually I would love to think of my own flows and maybe a craft or something that fits in with the theme. If you have ideas, let me know!