I was so happy when one of my preschools asked for “Interactive Stories” as a theme because there are SO MANY good books that invite audience participation and movement!
The Plan
Books
Hop, Hop, Jump! by Lauren Thompson****
The Mixed-Up Truck by Stephen Savage**
Play This Book by Jessica Young*
Shake the Tree! by Chiara Vignocchi****
Ten in the Bed by Jane Cabrera***
Extension Activities
Flannelboard: “Going on a Bear Hunt”****
Flannelboard: “Red Crane, Red Crane”**
Prop Sticks: “Green Says Go”***
Prop: Song Cube****
How It Went
Preschool 1 (four classrooms)
I got to read in this preschool’s library! Each classroom had their own storytime. Both The Mixed-Up Truck and Shake the Tree! worked well in every classroom. Hop, Hop, Jump got one class too riled up and their teachers had to redirect them a few times to make sure they gave their classmates enough space. The “Going on a Bear Hunt” flannelboard continues to be a massive success when paired with a hidden bear puppet. I actually didn’t use any rhymes or songs on their own, other than my opening/closing routines since the kids were up and moving the entire storytime. I would definitely repeat this theme again!
storytime katie 
Would you mind sharing your Going on A Bear Hunt with a hidden bear puppet?
Aren’t interactive stories just the best for building print motivation? Thanks for sharing! I’m thinking of making Shake the Tree into a flannelboard… such a fun book!
Thank you for sharing these wonderful ideas with us. I am a very busy Media Specialist in a Elementary School. When I visit your website you help me so much with your themes, books, extension activities… thank you again