Toddlers: My Day

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

Goodbye, Hello! by Shen Roddie
If You’re Happy and You Know It by Jane Cabrera**
Lulu’s Busy Day by Caroline Uff*
Say Hello! by Linda Davick***

Early Literacy Tip
Library programs like this can be considered a child’s first class. Encouraging personal interactions with a group leader help children develop a positive attitude toward learning.

Theme Extension Activities

Featured CD: Songs for Wiggleworms***

Featured Track: #18 Milkshake**

Flannelboard: “Dog’s Colorful Day”*

Flannelboard: “Ten Little Babies”**

Repeating Extension Activities

• Elevator Song**
• Everyone Can March*
• This Is Big, Big, Big**
• Thumbkin*
• Wiggle Your Finger & Stomp Your Feet**

How It Went

Tuesday morning
This was an older group with nine returning toddlers from previous sessions. “Everyone Can March” was their very favorite thing that we did today. Our parents had great participation and were able to keep the toddlers grouped together on the rug. They were also great models for what to do. I managed a tricky toddler who didn’t want to listen to mom, but was happy to follow my directions. I also made new friends today — one who gave me a hug on the way out!

Thursday morning (9:30)
This is my smallest toddler group (only 18 out of 20 registered) and is also my youngest group. They were pretty hesitant about me at the beginning, but many of them came around by the end of the thirty minutes. I did “Milkshake” with this group in particular to start working on giving/taking since I do it a lot in toddler time. Lots and lots of laughter during the “Or with a giggle” line in SAY HELLO.

Thursday morning (10:30)
This was my rowdiest group and biggest since I let a few extra kids slip in. This was the group that loved singing. So we did “Elevator Song”, “Thumbkin”, the Song Cube, and read IF YOU’RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT. They also were the best group at singing along to “Ten Little Babies” with me!