Toddlers: Hugs and Kisses

For more information on how I plan and prepare my toddler storytimes, check out this introduction post. And for a complete list of the repeating extension activities, visit this post. I starred the materials used in the plan; multiple stars indicate use for more than one session.

The Plan

Books

All Kinds of Kisses by Nancy Tafuri***
A Kiss Like This by Mary Murphy*
Dinosaur Kisses by David Ezra Stein*

Early Literacy Tip

When you give your children positive reinforcement by clapping or telling them that they did a great job, you are encouraging them to act both independently and cooperatively.

Theme Extension Activities

Featured CD: Under the Shady Tree by Laurie Berkner

Featured Track: “Blow a Kiss”***

Flannelboard: “H-E-A-R-T”***

Flannelboard: “Matching Hearts”**

Prop: Foam Hearts (With bonus song “All You Need Is Love” by Caspar Babypants)***

Repeating Extension Activities

• A Wiggle Wiggle Here*
• Elevator Song**
• Slowly, Slowly*
• These Are My Glasses**
• This Is Big, Big, Big***
• Thumbkin**

How It Went

Tuesday morning
I have the most wonderful storytime parents ever — I had one come to storytime WHILE IN LABOR. (She was at two centimeters with her second child coming. But I am still in awe!) Today was just a wonderful storytime dancing with a couple of my kiddos. But for whatever reason, this group always has trouble settling down.

Thursday morning (9:30)
My parents and caregivers loved “my jams” this morning. (Their words, not mine!) Apparently, we have a lot of Beatles fans still, which is awesome. All of the kids in this class practiced really good sharing with their foam hearts. They traded them back and forth and turned them in when we were done without any tears! I made sure to tell parents/caregivers that we’re working on sharing because it’s an essential school readiness skill.

Thursday morning (10:30)
One of my little boys ran straight in my arms for a big hug upon arrival! One of my little girls stood with me at the door greeting everyone because she was worried I would “forget to come in”, which is adorable and precious. The book “Dinosaur Kisses” was great interactive fun for this group!