Toddlers: Sky

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

Higher, Higher by Leslie Patricelli***
It Looked Like Spilt Milk by Charles Shaw***
Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle
Touch the Brightest Star by Christie Matheson

Early Literacy Tip
Early experiences help to form the architecture of the brain and lay a strong foundation for both social and emotional development. We’re practicing sharing today with our stars.

Theme Extension Activities

Featured CD: Zoom Zoom Cuddle & Croon by Kathy Reid-Naiman***

Featured Track: #1 I Like to Rise (with foam stars)***

Flannelboard: “Four Little Stars”

Flannelboard: “What’s the Weather?”***

Repeating Extension Activities

• Clap Your Hands*
• Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
• This Is Big, Big, Big***
• Wiggle Your Fingers & Stomp Your Feet*
• Zoom, Zoom, Zoom**

How It Went

Tuesday morning
Originally, I only had planned three books: It Looked Like Spilt Milk, Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me and Touch the Brightest Star. That was before I did my average age for the classes and realized I had a lot more younger toddlers than I planned for. I added Higher, Higher and I’m so glad that I did. I use it a lift/book and ask parents to lift their children/children’s arms up higher as we go. Also: foam stars while the kids danced was adorable. We also sang a surprise “Twinkle Twinkle” since it was requested!

Thursday morning (9:30)
I had the best group of dancers this morning. Shaking their little squirrel tails during It Looked Like Spilt Milk and jumping like crazy during “I Like to Rise”. I didn’t really deviate from my Tuesday line-up in terms of books and songs and extensions because Tuesday worked so well. I feel like this has been my favorite session of toddlers since I’ve started here and it’s just been an absolute joy to do it. I’m starting to dread that I’m not doing the toddler classes in our winter session!

Thursday morning (10:30)
When you have a new family sign-up and after storytime they rave about you/your class to your co-worker? Yeah, that was this class. I don’t really have anything else to say!