A's 100th day of school

This is a little late in posting, but I wanted to share what we did for A's 100th day of school. It took place about a week before Valentine's Day, but it didn't happen on the day she thought it would. You see, we had a huge snowstorm which cancelled school. When I told her that morning, she was disappointed, but I reassured her that the 100th day of school would still happen next Monday morning.

To get ready, I had an idea for a special gift for her teacher--100 kisses in a jar. She counted them by placing them in sets of ten on the table.

Then, we made mini donuts. I didn't make 100 of them, just enough for each child to have two. Because I had made them the day before the snow storm, I knew that they wouldn't last over the weekend. So, A made deliveries to our neighbors. It was a welcome treat on a very snowy day.

On Sunday afternoon, we worked on another batch--still as yummy as the first. I found the recipe here. They have the perfect touch of lemon in them!

We melted vanilla bark coating and dipped each one. A had fun adding the sprinkles. Her class loved them!

As for her 100th day project, she came up with something very different--nothing like what I saw when I taught school. She counted out 100 Q-tips and put them in a jar! Have any of you ever heard of that project? She did a great job and had a fun day at school celebrating 100 days of growing smarter.:)

"Obey your teacher and be kind to others."

For the past few days, that is what I've been leaving with A as she heads off to school. We want her to remember to obey her teacher and to be kind to others around her.

She began K5 last Thursday as a half day student. She already loves her teacher and enjoys being at school. It is different being on the other side of things now. I had been so used to being the teacher and now I'm a parent. It's fun to hear about her day and to see what she brings home in her back pack.

Because I want her to keep learning and growing at home, I've begun putting out activities on the table for her to do before lunch. Here are a few ideas that I've begun or that we will do this year:

Leap pad (paid $2 for it at a thrift store and it came with one book:)

phonics games like Boggle Jr.

number and letter puzzles

dry-erase writing tablet

quiet reading time

A Beka curriculum phonics for K5 (I'm on the hunt for a used set)

Family Fun activities--I just subscribed to this magazine for a few dollars and the first issue came yesterday. We are sooo excited about this!

We are thrilled with what her teacher is doing in the classroom. They do lots and lots of activities. Reading is encouraged, but the "sight word list" is comprised of many words that can be read phonetically. That is a big reason why I want to do some supplemental things at home, like mentioned above. If we're able to adopt her, we'd like to put her in a private Christian school next year, and we know that teaching her the A Beka phonics will help her out so much and she won't be lost next year. She will be an awesome reader.

In my living room, I like to write phrases with the scrabble tiles. A and I came up with the one below (her name is blocked out for privacy). Notice the letter K--it has a five next to it. It was just perfect. "A_____ is in K5."

We are celebrating the beginning of school and having so much fun. Will you pray that A has a great year and obeys and makes wise choices with her classmates?

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32

Celebration story time

This month was my last to do story time for the year. I had a great time and will miss the kids until school starts up again in the fall. The theme for this story time was celebrations, so it was fun coming up with things I could do to fit this theme. I decided to do a book about a mother for Mother's Day and then focus the rest on birthdays.

Before I began, I placed this hat on my head:

I thought it was pretty cute! We sang the "Hello Time" song, then I pulled out a special friend who I have brought out before--Mr. Monkey!

He had on a birthday hat, so he was ready to celebrate, too!

This first book called, Hazel's Amazing Mother, by Rosemary Wells, is such a cute story. Hazel's Mother does so many things for her, and at the end of the tale, shows her courage in a way that demonstrates loves to her daughter. So sweet....

Then I did a finger play about cakes:

A delicious cake

Mix the batter, stir the batter (stirring motion)

Shake some flour in. (shake one hand)

Mix the batter, stir the batter (stirring motion)

Place it in a tin. (pour into pan)

Sprinkle little raisins on, (sprinkling motion)

Pop it in to bake. (put "cake" in oven)

Open wide the oven door,

And out comes a cake! (open oven)

Bunny Cakes, by Rosemary Wells, is another cute and funny book about Max and Ruby. They set out to make cakes for their grandmother and surprise her at the end.

Then we played a balloon game where the kids had to hit their balloon in the air and try not to let it fall on the ground. We played a second round where we sang the Alphabet Song while we did it.

I read a poem called, "The End" by A.A. Milne. It's one of my favorites!

The End

When I was one,

I had just begun.

When I was two,

I was nearly new.

When I was three,

I was hardly me.

When I was four,

I was not much more.

When I was five,

I was just alive.

But now I am six, I'm as clever as clever.

So I think I'll be six now forever and ever.

The last book was called The Secret Birthday Message, by Eric Carle. It is a simple story about a boy who has to find his birthday present by following clues.

For our last activity, I used these adorable cupcake cutouts that I purchased at the Dollar Tree for an alphabet game. I wrote a letter on each one, then put some velcro on the back to attach to the flannel board. I left several letters out, so the object of the game was that they had to figure out what letter came next. If they did, then I placed it on the board and put a real birthday candle behind it.

When we were done, we sang, "Happy Birthday" to everyone. Then, I brought Mr. Monkey out again and we sang, "The Good-bye Song" to end our time together.

We had fun at our celebration! Hope this gives you some ideas to use for a story time or learning activities at home.

Gardening story time

My story time for last month was so much fun. It was neat to read stories and do activities about gardening. Here's what I did...

After singing our "Hello Time" song, I pulled out a puppet that starts off as a caterpillar and ends up as a butterfly (you just turn it inside-out!:). I read the following poem while I held my cute critter:

Little Caterpillar

There was a little caterpillar crawling all about

He worked and he worked without a doubt,

Wrapping himself in a snug cocoon.

Waiting and waiting, will it be soon?

Look, he's coming out, my oh my!

For now he's become a beautiful butterfly.

The first book I read was called Tops and Bottoms, by Janet Stevens. It is a humorous story with a great lesson: "If you want to eat, you've got to work." It's also a Biblical principal to teach to kids. We shared it with A after we read this same book to her.

The next thing I did was share another poem called, "The Rain."

The Rain

Pitter-patter, raindrops,

Falling from the sky;

Here is my umbrella,

To keep me safe and dry.

When the rain is over,

And the sun begins to glow,

Little flowers start to bud,

And grow and grow and grow!

The next book I read was called, Growing Vegetable Soup, by Lois Ehlert. The story begins with a family planting the seeds, then harvesting it, then finally, putting all of the vegetables in a pot to make soup.

I made a game called Veggie Soup Letter Match. Using some felt and letter stickers, this activity was easy to put together. The kids had to match a lowercase letter to its uppercase letter. When they figured it out, they placed the veggies in a pot. When we were all done, I had a few kids take turns stirring our vegetable soup.

The last book I read was called, The Carrot Seed, by Ruth Krauss. We all enjoyed this classic story of a boy who believed his carrot seed could really grow when others around him didn't think so.

The librarians had a pot with a fabric carrot inside. It was covered with a piece of brown cloth to represent soil. They let me use this to retell the story with the kids. I used a real carrot seed and let them see that up close, too.

At the end of the story time, we sang "The Good-bye" song together. We had a ton of fun and can't wait until this month's story time, which I'm currently working on.

Stay tuned for our final story time of the year. You won't want to miss this one! :)

Bath time fun

Recently, I was flipping through my Family Fun Craft book, and I noticed a couple of projects we could do to make bath time more fun for A. The first thing we made was a whale scoop using an empty milk jug, scissors and permanent marker.

After we cleaned it out, I cut some of the top off to make a large mouth for our whale. Then, A gave the whale a face using the marker.

She loves using the scoop to play with the water and to rinse herself off at the end of her bath. Mr. Whale also stores other bath toys when not in use, keeping the bath tub a lot cleaner these days.:)

We've also had some fun with this batch of homemade finger paints. The recipe calls for a bit of dish soap, so they're perfect for bath time.

A makes shapes and letters on the wall--a great educational activity. And the nicest thing about it is that it washes right off when she's done playing with it.

Here's the recipe for you to try:

Homemade finger paints

2 tablespoons sugar

1/3 cup cornstarch

2 cups cold water

1/4 cup clear dishwashing liquid

food coloring (for vibrant colors, use food coloring paste)

Mix the sugar and cornstarch in a small pan, then slowly add the water. Cook over low heat, stirring until the mixture becomes a smooth, almost clear gel (about 5 minutes). When the mixture is cool, stir in the dishwashing liquid. Scoop equal amounts into containers and stir in the food coloring. Store in airtight containers.

A's activity jar

It's been a busy week, as Q and I have been doing respite care for twin brothers since last Friday. They go home tomorrow, and hopefully, I'll be back to blogging more regularly. I've been wanting to share with you something I've been doing with our foster daughter A, which has been a lot of fun and a help, too.

It's called the Activity Jar. Inside this canning jar are strips of paper that each have some kind of activity written on it. I put a label on it with smiley face stickers on the side (I've erased A's name for privacy).

When she has finished her morning chores, she can choose an activity to do. There are some school-type activities, so it's a neat way to get her ready for kindergarten in the fall. She now attends preschool, but when she's home, this jar is a wonderful thing for us to do. Some activities require my help, but there are some that with just a minute or two of prep, she's on her own and busy for a while.

There's usually time to do a couple in the morning before lunch. Sometimes we even do a couple in the afternoon after rest time. The first rule I have is that she at least do an activity for about twenty minutes, even if it is not her favorite. Of course, we have found a few things she really loves, so she spends a lot of time on those. The second rule is that whatever she chooses, that's what we do (unless it requires me to play a game with her and I can't just then because I'm busy prepping a meal or something; then she just chooses something else).

When she gets done with an activity, it goes into another jar. When the activity jar is empty, we put them all back and start over. I've already thought of a couple things to add for the next round to keep it exciting!

Here are a few of the activities I've come up with. I've put a * next to the ones that A really loves.:)

1. Practice writing letters in tablet. *

2. Play dress-up.

3. Put on a puppet show.

4. Make a macaroni necklace. *

5. Type on the computer. *

6. Play with paper/magnetic dolls. *

7. Play with play-dough and cookie cutters. *

8. Play Candy land, Hi-ho cherrio, or Memory. *

9. Paint with watercolor pencils.

10. Do giant puzzles. *

As the weather is getting warmer, I've been thinking about coming up with a jar for outside activities like sidewalk chalk, painting with water, playing soccer, flying a kite, nature walks, bubbles, etc.

Have any of you done something like this? If so, what activities can you suggest for us to add to the jar? I'd love to hear your ideas.:)

Valentine's Day story time

I had a great time at the Valentine's Day story time with the preschoolers this month. After singing our "Hello time" song, I pulled out a new friend out of my bag.

Meet Freddy--

He's pretty cute, huh? But, he doesn't turn into a prince when you kiss him! Oh well, at least I tried. One little girl asked if she could try, too (I didn't have her do it, but it was a nice thought though).

Then, I taught the kids a song that I sang with my Kindergartners back in the day:

Valentine, valentine,

won't you be my valentine?

Valentine, valentine,

won't you be mine?

The first book I read was called My Friend Harry, by Kim Lewis. It's about a little boy who starts school but has to leave his stuffed animal friend behind. After I read the book, I pulled out a stuffed koala who was one of my special friends when I was a girl. Then the kids shared about their friends, too.

The second book I read was called Sweet Hearts, by Jan Carr. It's about a young panda who makes lots of valentine surprises for his family.

Using these felt hearts, I read the following poem:

I have five little valentines, not one more,

I'll give one to mother, and then I'll have...

Four little valentines are all that I see

I'll give one to Dad and then I'll have...

Three little valentines all bright and new

I'll give one to Grandma and then I'll have....

Two paper valentines--this is lots of fun

I'll give one to Grandpa, and then I'll have just...

One paper valentine, and I know what to do

I'll give my last valentine to no one but

YOU.

The last book I read was called A Circle is not a Valentine, by H. Werner Zimmerman. We all loved this book which also teaches the kids about shapes. It is funny and the pictures are delightful.

I passed out a candy heart to each kid, then showed them something I decorated just for them...

...this Valentine gingerbread house. I found the house at the clearance section at Wal-mart. Then, I used Valentine-colored sprinkles, frosting and hearts to decorate it. The kids really liked it a lot and so I left it there so they could enjoy it.

I pulled Freddy out again and we sang the Valentine song and the Good-bye song together. Can't wait until next month's story time...stay tuned!

Music story time

A couple of weeks ago, I did a music story time for the preschool kids at the center. I thought I'd share with you what I did with them, as it could give you ideas to do at home or with other children you work with.

After singing our "Hello Time" song, I brought out a friend who I've had for a long time. His name is Tex. Do you want to meet him?:)

He's a kooky-looking sort of fellow that the kids say looks like a monkey! Honestly, I don't know what he is, but he sure is a lot of fun for the kids.

The first book I read is called, Animal Music, by Harriet Ziefert. With simple rhyme, it shared a couple of stories about animals who played different instruments.

After that first book, we sang a song called "Farm Sounds" and it is sung to the tune of "The Wheels on the Bus." I used my farm animal puppets as we sang each verse.

The cow in the barn goes moo, moo, moo,

moo, moo, moo, moo, moo, moo,

The cow in the barn goes moo, moo, moo,

All around the farm.

The pig in the pen goes oink, oink, oink,

oink, oink, oink, oink, oink, oink,

The pig in the pen goes oink, oink, oink,

All around the farm.

The hens in the coop go cluck, cluck, cluck,

cluck, cluck, cluck, cluck, cluck, cluck,

The hens in the coop go cluck, cluck, cluck,

All around the farm.

The lambs on the hill go baa, baa, baa,

baa, baa, baa, baa, baa, baa,

The lambs on the hill go baa, baa, baa,

All around the farm.

The second book I read is called Our Marching Band, by Lloyd Moss. This story was also a poem about kids who were learning their instruments to play in a band. When I was done, I pulled out an instrument that a lot of kids learn before they begin playing a band instrument--a recorder.

I played a simple tune on it, then showed them my husband's trombone. He taught me how to put it together and play it so they could hear what it sounds like. I don't know how to play songs on it, so the sound that came out was pretty interesting!

The last book I read is called Max found Two Sticks, by Brian Pinkney. I really enjoyed this story and the beautiful illustrations. A young boy finds two sticks outside then plays them on different objects during the day. It's a great way to introduce rhythm to children.

I had the kids play their sticks (their pointer fingers) while I sang the following song:

Tap your sticks (to the tune of "row, row, row your boat")

by Jean Warren

Tap, tap, tap your sticks

tap your sticks today,

Tap them high, tap them low,

Tap them every way.

I brought along a CD with Sousa band music and had the kids pretend to play instruments as we walked in a circle a few times. We ended our time by singing the "Good-bye song" and Tex even came out to give them hugs.

Our story time was a lot of fun and we all had a great time!

Winter story time

Last week, I did my winter story time with the kids at the preschool. I had a lot of fun planning it, but I must say, that I wish I could have done a real Christmas-theme for them. We are not allowed to share the Nativity story (and too much Santa) with the preschool kids. All in all, it went very well and the kids really enjoyed it.

After singing the "Hello" song, I pulled out my new friend, Mr. Bear:

He's all dressed for winter and was shivering when he came out of my bag. By the end of the time, he was warming up and enjoyed receiving hugs from the kids.

The first book I read was called The Snow Tree by Caroline Repchuck. Bear and his friends decorate a tree using items found in nature. It is beautifully illustrated and the story teaches colors and a lesson in pulling together as a team to get a great result.

Then I read the following poem and had the kids pretend to stomp on the ice while I read it a second time:

"Ice" by Dorothy Aldis

When it is winter time

I run up the street

And make the ice laugh

With my little feet--

"crickle, crackle, crickle

crrreeet, crrreet, crrreeet."

The next book I read was called Inside, Outside Christmas, by Robin Spowart. It showed pictures of mice doing different Christmas activities, and it had pairs of rhyming words throughout.

I read a poem called, "Christmas Gifts" by Betty Cooke. It goes well with the next activity I did with the kids.

Some packages are lovely

With fancy bow and tie;

The paper looks so glossy

It captivates the eye.

It's not the pretty ribbon

or cover bright and bold,

But the spirit of the giver

Hidden in the fold.

Wrap a little of yourself

And tie it with a smile,

Fill it full of warmth and love

And give a gift worthwhile!

I decorated this tissue box with a bow and some Christmas figures (gift tags). Inside, I placed a few pieces of papers that said things like, "Color a pretty picture and give it to someone you love" or "Bake some cookies for a neighbor." I had children pull them out and I read them. They were just simple gift ideas that they could do as a three or four-year-old with some help from home.

The last book I read is called, Cookie Count, by Robert Sabuda. It is a fantastic pop-up book! Each page shows a different type of cookie that can be counted. It begins with one chocolate chip cookie and ends with ten windows for hiding--inside the gingerbread house! I think this was the favorite book of them all.

I made a cookie matching game to play at the end of our time together. I made chocolate chip cookies using felt, then backed them with magnets. Then, I placed six different holiday shapes (two of each kind) on a small cookie sheet and put the cookies on top of them. The shapes were gift tags I bought at the dollar store. I had the kids take turns making matches. We had a lot of fun playing this game together.

I took Mr. Bear back out of the bag to sing our good-bye song. It was hard to leave, but we'll be back in January for more reading fun!

Hope this gives you some ideas for some holiday fun! Merry Christmas.:)

Monkey story time

I started back up again as a story teller for the library. Each month, I'll do two story times at the local recreation center's day care. I had so much fun with the kids this week. They are a cute bunch!

This month's theme was monkeys. I found a new "hello" song to sing with the kids when I arrived.

"Hello Time" (to the tune of "Oh, Susanna")

Oh, it's time to say hello, hello

Hello and how are you?

Oh, it's time to say hello, hello

To everyone of you.

Hello friends, a big "hello" to you!

We will sing and read and laugh today,

Yes, this is what we'll do.

The first book I read was the classic, Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina. A peddler rests by a tree and discovers that his caps have been taken by several monkeys. I won't tell you the end, but it is a fun one to read if you haven't done so already.

I pulled out Marvin Monkey out of my bag to greet the kids. He also helped me tell the poem, "Jonathan Bing."

Poor old Jonathan Bing

went out in his carriage to visit the King,

But everyone pointed and said, "Look at that!

Jonathan Bing has forgotten his hat!"

(He'd forgotten his hat!)

Poor old Jonathan Bing

went home and put on a new hat for the King,

But by the palace the soldier said, "Hi!

You can't see the King; you've forgotten your tie!"

(He'd forgotten his tie!)

Poor old Jonathan Bing,

He put on a beautiful tie for the King,

But when he arrived, and Archbishop said, "Ho!

You can't come to court in pajamas, you know!"

Poor old Jonathan Bing

went home and addressed a short not to the King:

"If you please will excuse me, I won't come to tea;

For home's the best place for all people like me!"

The next two books I read were Monkey and Me by Emily Gravett and Five Little Monkeys sitting in a tree, by Eileen Christelow. After that last book, I used a glove puppet with five little monkeys and a crocodile to retell the story with the kids.

One by one those monkeys disappeared as I told the poem...

Five little monkeys swinging in a tree.

Teasing Mr. Crocodile, "You can't catch me! You can't catch me!"

Along comes Mr. Crocodile, as quiet as can be and he... (the children use two hands with palms together to clap shut like a crocodile's mouth.)

SNAPPED that monkey right out of the tree!

Continue the poem, but begin the succeeding verses with four, three, two, and finally, one little monkey. The last verse is said as follows:

No more monkeys swinging in the tree,

Only Mr. Crocodile

Happy as can be!

As I ended the story time, I brought Marvin Monkey back out to give the kids a hug. I sang the same good-bye song as last year. It's sung to the tune of the "Mickey Mouse good-bye song."

Now it's time to say good-bye,

good-bye to all of you,

Have a great day; read some good books

And I'll see you real soon.

I can't wait until next month--I'll be sure to tell you about it. Hope it gives you ideas on a story time you can do with the children in your life. :)

Until next time...

Summer Reading at the Library

Have you enrolled yourself or your kids for the summer reading program at your local library? If not, do so right away! While some programs are just for kids and teens, some add one in for the adults. Q and I have both signed up for it...after all, we read anyway and we may be rewarded for doing so. There is a weekly drawing for our program, but the kids can earn lots of neat prizes like books and a ticket to an amusement park in Denver. Keeping them reading through the summer is an awesome way to increase their skills and get them ready for the next school year.

After volunteering this past school year doing story times at a preschool, I decided to be a volunteer for this program, too. I go in every Monday afternoon and sit at the desk ready to sign people up and award prizes. I love interacting with others in my community, especially the kids. 

Volunteering there has one perk that I really look forward to....

I get to choose a drink from the coffee shop each time I go in. Since I don't drink coffee, I get a smoothie. This one is a mango-peach mix and I love it! I want to try different combos during the summer. 

What do you enjoy about the summer reading program at your local library? I'd love to hear your stories! Happy reading...

More of our kids....

Here are a few more pictures from the graduation I went to on Saturday. They turned out so well that I just had to share them!

These guys are "our kids" because Q loves and cares for them like I do. From having them in youth group, teaching them in a class or helping them prepare a sermon for the annual competition, he has been there for these guys. As you know, just a couple of them were in my third grade class, but a few more were in my high school choir.

Bronner graduated from the academy last year. Last week, his mom called me and asked if I could write a letter of recommendation for him to receive a music scholarship at a Christian college in California. He had started off in another school, but the Lord has directed him to transfer to get a better music education. I'm so glad I can do this for him. He did a great job singing in my choir both years I taught. He is currently interning at his church leading the choir. 

I know you've already seen her, but I thought this picture of me and Bethany came out really cute. Isn't she gorgeous?;)

Ryan had his open house on Sunday, so mid-afternoon, Q and I drove to his house about forty-five minutes away. It was so good to see our last Pastor and his family there. This picture of he, Ryan and Q is a great reminder to me of how much a pastor can influence young people to serve the Lord. Ryan's got great models to look up to. 

These are all the graduates who we taught in the school. Katie and her twin brother Andy (on the far left) went to the academy for many years and were in my third grade class, too. This year they have been finishing up their senior year home schooling.

We had a great time with these kids, their parents, and friends from our last church at Ryan's open house. It was such a sweet memory and one that I will never forget.

By the way....a few of these pictures were taken by Ryan's sister, Leah, who is a professional photographer. I've had the privilege of knowing her for several years as she also went to the academy. She's got such a great spirit about her--as well as a good eye with her camera! Check out her website called Leah Christine Imagery. You'll love her photos!

My Kids

Even though I don't have any children of my own, I've always considered my students as my kids. I've got close to two hundred of them from the twelve years I taught in the elementary and high school levels. I felt like a mom to so many of them, especially when I taught kindergarten. From giving hugs and calming fears to putting on band-aids and pulling out loose teeth, I was their "mom" eight hours a day.;) 

My first four years of teaching were in the third grade classroom. Three of those classes have already graduated from high school. My fourth year's class graduated this past Saturday, and I just couldn't miss it. After my anniversary get away, I drove an hour to Fort Collins to be a part of this special celebration. 

I thought I'd show you a few pictures from the 2000-2001 school year. Three from the class picture below stayed through all these years and graduated from Front Range Baptist Academy.

I really liked this class a lot. They were a lot of fun and a joy to teach.

Bethany is the only girl who graduated from the original class. She was--and still is such a great girl. She's so full of talent.

Nathan was a great student, but was always so full of energy. He and the other Nathan were best of friends and both could rattle off capitals of countries better than anyone!

Iman loved playing his drums, and still does as a matter of fact. He talked a lot about his rockets and even brought one to school to show us how he could make it zoom into the air.

Here I am with the three...Iman, Bethany and Nathan. Besides playing the drums, Iman still loves his rockets. He is staying close to home to attend college and will be an engineering major. Bethany was the salutatorian of the class. Although she already knows where she's going to school, she is not sure what she will be majoring in. Her mom and I think she would make a great elementary school teacher because she is so good with kids. Nathan was the valedictorian this year....still so very smart! He will be majoring in music in college. He is a super trumpet player and also sings well.

I'm so proud of them! I'm so excited for them in the days ahead and how they will continue to use their talents for the Lord. It has encouraged my heart that I've been able to see them grow up and that I had a small part in their lives over the years.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. III John 4

Dr. Seuss story time

It was story time again at the local recreation center's day care. Story telling is right up my alley, so each month it has been fun preparing a program for my two groups.

Since it was Dr. Seuss's birthday earlier this month, the day care asked if my story time could revolve around that theme. I found a picture book called, The Boy on Fairfield Street: How Ted Geisel Grew up to become Dr. Seuss, by Kathleen Krull. I read it to get a background on this famous children's author.

I borrowed this Cat in the Hat hat from the library. I walked into the day care wearing it and the kids loved it! 

I began by having the kids sing the opening song with me--"When ducks get up in the morning." Then, I shared three fun facts about Dr. Seuss before reading his first published book, And to think I saw it on Mulberry Street. Because one of the things the boy imagines is a brass band, I had the kids sing "The Finger Band" song with me. It's to the tune of "Here we go 'round the Mulberry Bush" so it's really easy to learn. I had the kids do the motions with me as we sang each verse.

The finger band is coming to town, coming to town, coming to town, 

The finger band is coming to town, so early in the morning. (wiggle fingers as they're pulled out from behind your back)

This is the way they wear their hats.....

This is the way they wave their flags.....

This is the way they beat their drums.....

This is the way they blow their horns.....

The finger band is going away, going away, going away,

The finger band is going away, so early in the morning. (sing quieter and wiggle fingers as they are put behind your back)

After the song, I read one of my favorite kids' books called, Are you my mother? by P.D. Eastman. After this, we did the following fingerplay:

Baby Bird

We are baby robins in a nest.

We are yawning...nodding...stretching.

We have all been fed,

And now we're in bed.

We are yawning...nodding...stretching.

The last book I read was another Dr. Seuss favorite. Perhaps it's one of yours, too. There's a Wocket in my Pocket is a fun story full of rhyming words and silly characters.

After this book, I asked the kids if they had wockets in their pockets. They dug in their pockets as I did mine. Then, one by one, I began pulling things that were not wockets, but they each had a piece of paper with a Dr. Seuss quote attached to them. In three of my pockets I had a toy car, domino, and wooden bead. The last pocket revealed a special guest....

...the Cat in the Hat! I borrowed this finger puppet from the library as well. The kids thought it was neat that he and I had matching hats.

I found some Dr. Seuss quotes from the internet to use for this fun activity. The ones I used were the following:

From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere.

Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.

If you never did you should. These things are fun and fun is good.

The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.

To go along with the "cat in the hat" theme, I read this poem to them:

One little cat on a sunny day

Put on his hat and went out to play.

Two little cats when it started getting dark

Put on their hats and went to the park.

Three little cats when the sky was blue

Put on their hats and went to the zoo.

Four little cats by the kitchen door

Put on their hats and went to the store.

Five little cats on a sunny day

Put on their hats and they all ran away.

I made these hat finger puppets to use with that poem. I placed them on my fingers one at a time as I read about each cat. They were made with felt and were super easy to make!

Before I left, I shared one more Dr. Seuss quote:

Today is gone. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.

Then, we sang our good-bye song. This story time was a lot of fun! It made me laugh when one of the kids said that when they got home, they were going to check to see if they had any wockets in their pockets.;)

Hope this gives you some ideas on sharing books, songs and poetry with the kids in your life.