A Story. A Song. An Activity.

 

Come join our virtual library every First Friday as we read a children's literary classic and do a lesson activities together. Children, parents, and providers welcome!

May

 

First Friday - "I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness" Reading

This month’s story introduces mindfulness and deep breathing to assist children with self-regulation strategies to use during moments of stress. Children, parents, and providers are all welcome.

 

First Friday - "I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness" Activity

“Float or Sink?” 

Play Provocation Space

Use what you have to facilitate this inquiry based approach
to exploring density, weight/weightlessness and buoyancy.
 
Discover what will float and what will sink…

 

Safe and Calm for Children - Children Meditation Song - The Learning Station

Stop. Take a Moment. Take a Breath.

Then share this short guided meditation song with children for a calming experience 

 

April

 

First Friday - "Chica Chica Boom Boom" Reading

“A told B, and B told C… I’ll meet you at the top of the coconut tree.” Join us as this month’s story provides a fun introduction to the Alphabet by bringing the letters to life… just in time for National Poetry Month! 

 

First Friday - "Chica Chica Boom Boom" Activity

“Alphabet Stamper Art”

Three Ways to Use Your Alphabet Stampers

Sand? Paint? Playdough?

Select your medium of choice and join us for three ideas on how to introduce unique experiences with your favorite set of alphabet stampers. Introducing letter awareness is the foundation for future literacy, but remember to keep it fun and interesting for the children. Here are three thoughts to guide you:

1. Don’t push. Don’t rush. Start with letters in the child’s name and build from there.

2. Follow the child’s lead. Gradually introduce more as their interest in literacy continues to grow.

3. Incorporate literacy into the daily routine. Spend time talking about the sounds letters make while also providing opportunities to identify letters in real life (i.e. at the park, in the grocery store, on buildings, and in the community).

 

“Boom Chicka Boom”

Fun Dance Song for Kids | Jack Hartman

Check out this fun song for another playful approach to experiencing rhythm, rhyme and repetition. Turn up the music and make room to dance! 

 

 

March

 

First Friday - "The Doctor With An Eye For Eyes" Reading

As we enter Women’s History Month, we celebrate the brave, amazing, innovative contributions that women and girls have made all throughout history. This month’s story, The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath, celebrates the work of Dr. Bath, while highlighting the perseverance that it took for her to become a doctor during a time when some opportunities were limited for women. Children, parents, and providers are all welcome.

 

First Friday - "The Doctor With An Eye For Eyes" Activity

“Invisible Ink” 

Crayon Resist Art

Dr. Bath used her gifts to help the world see! Let’s bring together art and science to amplify the message of female empowerment while celebrating women and girls.

You will need…

• -thick white paper
• -white crayon
• -watercolor paint

 

Kidz Bop Kids

“2020 Vision”

An anthem for children who have the vision to make the world shine! 

 

February

 

First Friday - "A Place Inside Of Me" Reading

To kick-off our Black History Month celebration we’re sharing a story that provides an opportunity to come together, give voice to feelings, and heal. Create a safe space within your home and/or child care environment to initiate healing conversations with children and families. A Place Inside of Me- A Poem to Heal the Heart models how to use creative expression as an outlet for everything we may be feeling. Joy, Fear, Sorrow, Anger, Compassion, Healing… and Hope! Children, parents, and providers all welcome.

 

First Friday - "A Place Inside Of Me" Activity

“Community Mural”

Create an opportunity for children and families to come together to create their vision for our homes, schools, and community. Then bring that vision to life with a community mural and plan of action. Together we can change the world!

Lift Every Voice And Sing (feat. Alvin Chea of Take 6)

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” Black National Anthem

This new twist to a classic tune encourages us to use our voices in ways that promote unity, healing, and hope. As we celebrate Black History Month, we lift our voices to declare peace, love, and belonging, for all children, everywhere. 

 

January

 

First Friday - "Your Name is a Song" Reading

As we enter a new year, we share a story of a young girl’s frustration at the constant mispronunciation of her beautiful name.  The story comes to life as the girl and her mother explore the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home.  Your Name is a Song is a celebration to remind each of us about the beauty, history, and magic behind names. Children, parents, and providers all welcome.

 

First Friday - "Your Name is a Song" Activity

“My Name is a Song” Play Provocation

Set up an area where children can explore, find the music and rhythm in their names, and create their own unique name song!

Sesame Street: Maya Angelou’s Name Song

Turn up the music and make room for children to sing along with acclaimed poet Maya Angelou featuring Elmo as we learn to celebrate our names!

 

 

December

 

First Friday - "Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes" Reading

Come join our virtual library event for a special children’s literary adventure!
 
As we share our final reading for 2021, we are excited that it is BOTH a Story and a Song!! Read (and sing) along with us as we follow Pete the Cat on his journey while walking in his brand new white shoes. Our hope for all of you is that no matter what the new year brings, you will just keep walking and singing your song. Children, parents, and providers all welcome.

 

First Friday - "Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes" Activity

“Pete the Cat" Snack Activity

In Pete the Cat: I Love my White Shoes, Pete accidentally steps into some things that change the color of his brand new white shoes. In this month’s Learning Activity Video we’re sharing how to create a simple snack that allows children to recreate Pete the Cat’s experience!

“I Feel Better When I’m Dancing” by One Voice Children’s Choir

Turn up the music and make room for children to move their bodies as we reinforce Pete the Cat’s invitation to just keep moving!

 

November

 

First Friday - "We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga" Reading

 Otsaliheliga (pronounced oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah)  is a Cherokee word used to express gratitude. This month’s reading of “We Are Grateful- Otsaliheliga” reminds us to celebrate blessings and reflect on struggles- all year long.

“Every Day, Every Season. Otsaliheliga. We are grateful.”

After our story reading, join us for a special song and a hands-on children’s learning activity. Children, parents, and providers all welcome!

 

First Friday - "We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga" Activity

 “I am Grateful for…”
Seasonal Gratitude Collage
 

Members of the Cherokee Nation show gratitude for the blessings and challenges that each season brings. Let’s explore how to foster gratitude with children (as well as within ourselves) through visual documentation.
 
Items you may find helpful

• Child-friendly magazines (or precut photos) 
• Cardstock or Construction Paper 
• Glue Stick 
• Scissors 
• Photos, stickers, or other materials to personalize your gratitude collage

“Thankful | 2021 Gratitude Appreciation Kids Songs” by the Juicebox Jukebox

 For family, friends, and the air we breathe… we are grateful.
 
Let’s think about what else we are thankful for as we sing and dance along to this gratitude song!

 

October

 

"Rosie Revere, Engineer" by Andrea Beaty Illustrated by David Roberts

“Rosie Revere, Engineer” is a beautifully-illustrated tale of a girl and her dream to become a great engineer. Where some people see rubbish, Rosie Revere sees inspiration. After our story reading, join us for a special song and a hands-on children’s learning activity. Children, parents, and providers all welcome!

 

Lesson Activity: “Cardboard Engineering" 

Rather than letting cardboard go to waste in your home, you can turn cardboard into great STEAM projects. Not only can you learn something new and get those creative juices flowing. It gets kids using their fine-motor and critical thinking skills and it’s a great way to repurpose materials from your recycle bin.Popular items used for Cardboard Engineering

• Paper towel rolls (or toilet paper roll)
• Card board boxes (of any shape or size)
• To-go boxes
• Cardboard dividers
• Glue Stick
• Scissors

You can use any materials that might help you decorate or foster creativity.

 

Sing-Along Song: "You are a Cardboard Engineer"

Tondra Gardner and Isaac Cox band together to engineer a sing along song called "You are a Cardboard Engineer!" You may recognize the tune, but we changed the words!

 

September

 

"The Best Mariachi in the World" by J. D. Smith and illustrated by Dani Jones

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month we will be reading “the Best Mariachi in the World” by J.D. Smith. Then, after the story reading, join us for a special song and a hands-on children’s learning activity. Children, parents, and providers all welcome!

Themes: The Sound of Mariachi; Celebrating Latino Heritage through Music

 

Lesson Activity: “DIY-Paper Tube Maracas" 

Repurpose these items to create child-sized musical instruments! 

Be creative. Make music. Have fun! 

Here's what you'll need:

• Paper tubes
• Tissue Paper 
• Glue Stick
• Noise maker “filler”
  •  (*ex. beans, rice, dry pasta, birdseed)

Decorate paper tubes by layering and gluing colorful pieces  of tissue paper onto the tube. Seal one end, fill with your  noise maker “filler” of choice and seal the other end. 

*Be mindful of the children and families in your program when selecting your noise maker “filler”)

Now you are ready to join the band!!

 

Sing-Along Song: "If I Had a Mariachi" with 123 Andres

Connect to Latin culture by listening to a mariachi band like the one in the story while introducing children to the English and Spanish names of the musical instruments in a traditional mariachi band.

Watch the video together with children as they distinguish between a trumpet, a guitar, and a violin to determine which instrument makes their favorite sound

 

August

 

"The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn and illustrated by Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak

The Kissing Hand is an American children's picture book written by Audrey Penn and illustrated by Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak. It features a mother raccoon comforting a child raccoon by kissing its paw.

 

Lesson Activity: “Draw and Tell Your Story - Story Dictation" 

Let’s explore how to support children’s emotional literacy through the illustration and dictation of their unique stories.

 

Sing-Along Song: How Are You Feeling Today? |Feelings Song| Taylor Dee

"How Are You Feeling" is a song to help kids learn how to express their emotions and feelings that ultimately affect their behaviors.

  

 

July

 

"Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown Illustrated by Clement Hurd

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Clement Hurd is a wonderful short story about a little bunny getting ready for bed and saying good night to all the things that surround him. This is a favorite bedtime story for children! Enjoy!

 

Lesson Activity: “GLOW IN THE DARK NEON ART" 

GLOW IN THE DARK NEON ART

What you will need:

• White Paper
• Neon Markers/ Highlighters
• Black Light Bulb

Grab your supplies and join us to create art that glows

(children who are still working on self-regulation skills may need additional support during these activities)

 

Sing-Along Song: Sun, Moon, and Stars | The Singing Walrus | Songs for kids 

Are you introducing the topic of 'space' to your kids in preschool and kindergarten? Do you want to inspire your little ones to do some fun crafts for an imaginary space adventure? Then check out this Sun, Moon, and Stars Song! The music is dreamy and uplifting, the lyrics are easy for little ones to sing along. Watch the three little chicks embark on a space journey with their home made space suits and rocket :)

  

June

 

"The Little Red Hen and the Grains of Wheat" Retold by L. R. Hen and Illustrated by Jago

Mira "La Gallinita Roja Y Los Granos de Trigo" en español. Haga clic en el enlace: https://youtu.be/Rpz9WE2973w 

 

Lesson Activity: “ NON-TOXIC “PUFFY PAINT”

 

Mira "Actividad de la lección" en español. Haga clic en el enlace: https://youtu.be/nzjJTHXQPxU

 

Sing-Along Song: Little Red Hen

 

 

 

May

 

"The Napping House" Written by Audrey Wood and Illustrated by Don Wood

Mira "La Casa Adormecida" en español. Haga clic en el enlace: https://youtu.be/v0On5FxI2qg

 

Lesson Activity: “Exploring Scientific Reactions”

 

 

Sing-Along Song: Wake Up! School Assembly Song and Dance

 

 

April

 

“Not Norman” Written by Kelly Bennett & Illustrated by Noah Z. Jones

Mira "Not Norman" en español. Haga clic en el enlace: https://youtu.be/lLg0QnL0Dp8

 

Lesson Activity: “Not Norman” Breathless Bubbles

 

 

Sing-Along Song: Flight of the Bumblebee- Canadian Brass

 

 

March

 

“Go Away Big Green Monster" by Ed Emberley

 

Lesson Activity: “Big Green Monster” Play Dough Art

 

Sing-Along Song: “Belly Breathe” w/ Elmo featuring: Common, and Colbie Caillat

 

 

february

 

“Shades of Black” A Celebration of Our Children by Sandra L. Pinkney and Photographs by Myles C. Pinkney

Lesson Activity: Find Your Shade (Self-Portrait Art) Activity

 Sing-Along Song: Celebration (Kool and The Gang) | Playing For Change | Song Around The World

 

January

 

“Stone Soup” / “Sopa De Piedras” by Marcia Brown

Lesson Activity: Making “Stone Soup” for Lunch

Sing-Along Song: “In Trinidad” by Ella Jenkins