Baby Storytime
Overview
Outline
Books
CHORAL READING
Opening & Closing Songs
Tickles & Rhymes
Bounces
Movement Songs
Prop Songs
more resources
Overview
On Mondays at 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30 I have the pleasure of leading Baby Storytimes for ages 3-23 months. Attendance is limited to twelve babies and their families. Twelve is a successful number as too many participants will impact the experience for both caregiver and child. However, larger groups are just fine if you have the space to accommodate them or do not have time to provide multiple sessions. Offering separate sessions for ages 3-12 months (non-walkers) and 12-23 months (walkers) would be preferable, but have confidence in whatever you are able to manage for your library.
Siblings are welcome to attend (another reason limiting attendance is encouraged) which adds an extra element of chaos, but a necessary accommodation for many parents.
Caregivers are invited to sit with me on the ground in a circle, but chairs are available in the back of the room and attendees are encouraged to sit however they are most comfortable. Baby will not be comfortable if the caregiver is not comfortable.
We repeat the same songs, rhymes, and tickles for 3 weeks before swapping out a few new ones based on caregiver appeal and flow. I read a new book each week but typically provide the same group read-aloud for a few weeks. By week 8 there is a sense of fun and camaraderie as the content has become familiar to all.
Sticky nametags are set out at the beginning of each week for both caregivers and babies. When caregivers wear nametags too they are more likely to interact and get to know one another which makes the experience more engaging and memorable. Babies can't drive themselves to the library, so creating another reason for caregivers to attend (to meet up with new friends!) is a win.
Outline
Use this basic outline or mix things up each week based on the group:
Opening Song
2-3 Tickles/Rhymes
Book
2-3 Bounces/Songs
Choral Reading or Individual Reading
1-2 Prop Songs
Closing Song
Playtime
When collecting books or props from little ones, you can avoid tears by trading them for something even more exciting or colorful. This is why I try to hand out props after books or books after props.
For the littlest ones (non-walkers), I pass out or collect items, but walkers will enjoy bringing you their items after a session or two. It's a great opportunity for them to practice listening to directions and approaching non-family members, something they will need to do in daycare or preschool.
Ending with playtime is a great way for babies and caregivers to socialize and observe how others interact. As soon as I reach for the bucket of toys following the closing song, the little ones know what's next and take it from there. You don't need anything fancy. Children are often intrigued by things presented to them in a new environment. We frequently hear, "I have this toy at home, but my kid only plays with yours here!"
For the "Choral Reading" portion, pass out the same board book to each family so they can read the book aloud with you. However, this means your library will need to own multiple copies of the same book. As an alternative, you could fill a basket with various board books and let the caregivers pick. This encourages them to read on their own and observe others doing the same. After a few minutes of private reading time, I announce, "If you are finished with your book, I will trade you the book for a scarf to use in our next song" or let them keep the books and quietly collect them during playtime.
Most importantly, relax and have fun!!
Books to Read Aloud
Choral Reading
Opening & Closing Songs
We open Baby Storytime with Choo Choo and close with Baby Shark every week, no matter what. I learned these songs from the Babygarten curriculum. It's a joy to sit down and see little ones start rubbing their hands together in anticipation of Choo Choo and then quiet down after rambunctious props the moment they hear Baby Shark begin.
Choo Choo
Choo, choo, choo choo
Choo, choo, choo
Up the railroad track
Choo, choo, choo, choo
Choo, choo, choo
Then we come right back
First we go to ___’s house
Then we go to ___’s house…
And then we come right back!
Baby Shark
Baby Shark doot doot, doot da doot (Make shark mouth "snaps" with index finger and thumb)
Baby Shark doot doot, doot da doot
Brother Shark doot doot, doot da doot (Shark mouth with whole hand)
Brother Shark doot doot, doot da doot
Mama Shark doot doot, doot da doot (Shark mouth with both hands connected at wrist)
Mama Shark doot doot, doot da doot
Daddy Shark doot doot, doot da doot (Shark mouth with whole arms)
Daddy Shark doot doot, doot da doot
Now we swim doot doot, doot da doot (Swim arms)
Now we swim doot doot, doot da doot
From the shark doot doot, doot da doot (Swim arms again or make shark fin on head with hand)
From the shark doot doot, doot da doot
GOCTHYA! (Wrap baby in a big hug)
*Dana and Lindsay over at Jbrary have an excellent post with more Welcoming Activities and song ideas.
Tickles & Rhymes
Words of Wisdom to share with caregivers: "Many children like this kind of play on their bodies, but others may find it too sensitive and do not enjoy it. Feel free to just recite or sing the rhymes in a pleasant voice if your child doesn’t enjoy the tickles."
Baby, Baby Dumpling
Baby, Baby Dumpling
Put him in a pot (Wrap baby in a hug)
Butter him and sugar him (Rub hands over baby’s tummy and back)
And eat him while he’s hot!
Nom nom nom nom nom (Make “nom nom” noises into baby’s neck or tummy)
Here is My Nose
Here is my nose (Touch your nose)
Here is your nose (Touch baby’s nose])
Nuzzle nuzzle noses. (Eskimo kiss noses or tickle baby’s nose)
Here are my toes (Touch your toes)
Here are your toes (Touch baby’s toes)
Nuzzle Nuzzle toeses. (Tickle baby’s toes)
Here are my hands (Show your hands)
Here are your hands (Touch baby’s hands)
Give a little clap.
You can cuddle (Hug baby)
I can cuddle (Hug baby)
Curl up in my lap! (Put baby in lap or give great big hug)
Horsey Shoe
Horsey, horsey needs a shoe
Horsey, horsey don’t be blue
Tap the bottom (of baby’s foot)
Tap the top
Tap in a circle
Don’t you stop
Horsey, horsey loves his shoe
Horsey, horsey says thank you! (Give big hug or sign thank you)
Hot Cross Buns
Hot cross buns (Draw an X on baby’s back or palm)
Hot cross buns (Draw an X on baby’s back or palm)
One a penny (One finger up)
Two a penny (Two fingers up)
Hot cross buns (Draw an X on baby’s back or palm)
One to Five
One little nose, two little feet
Three little tickles on your tummy sweet!
Four little kisses on five little toes
Then one more kiss for your sweet little nose!
Pat a Cake
Pat a cake, pat a cake, baker’s man
Bake me a cake as fast as you can
Roll it, and pat it, and mark it with a B
And put it in the oven for baby and me
Pizza Baby
Knead the dough
Pizza baby, pizza baby, pizza baby (Knead baby’s tummy)
Spread the sauce
Pizza baby, pizza baby, pizza baby (Smooth hands on baby’s tummy)
Sprinkle the cheese
Pizza baby, pizza baby, pizza baby (Tap fingers on baby’s tummy)
Eat it up
Nom, nom, nom, nom, nom! (Put face by baby’s neck or tummy and make nom nom noises)
Pizza Pizza Pumpernickel
Pizza pizza pumpernickel
Baby girl shall have a tickle (Tickle baby)
One for her nose (Touch baby’s nose)
One for her toes (Touch baby’s toes)
And one for her tummy where the hot dog goes (Tickle tummy)
Round and Round the Garden
Round and round the garden (Draw circles on baby’s palm or tummy)
Goes the teddy bear (Draw circles on baby’s palm or tummy)
One step, two steps (Crawl fingers up baby’s arm)
Tickle you there! (Tickle under baby’s chin, arm, or tummy)
Round and round the garden (Draw circles on baby’s arm or tummy)
Goes the little deer (Draw circles on baby’s palm or tummy)
One step, two steps (Crawl fingers up baby’s arm)
Tickle you here! (Tickle under baby’s chin, arm, or tummy)
Slowly, Slowly
Slowly, slowly, very slowly (Slowly creep finger up baby’s leg)
Creeps the little snail
Slowly, slowly, very slowly (Slowly creep fingers up baby’s arm)
Up the wooden rail
Quickly, Quickly, very quickly (Quickly tickle fingers all over baby’s body)
Runs the little mouse
Quickly, quickly, very quickly (Quickly dance fingers around baby’s head)
All around the house
Teddy Bear
Give teddy a hug
Give teddy a squeeze
Give teddy a tickle on his knees!
Give teddy a kiss
Give teddy a drum (Drum fingers on belly)
Give teddy a tickle on his tum!
Tick Tock
Tick tock, tick tock, I’m a little cuckoo clock (Rock baby side to side like a pendulum)
Tick tock, tick tock, now I’m striking one o’clock
CUCKOO! (Lift baby high)
*Continue with two o’clock and three o’clock.
Up The Ladder
Up, up the ladder (Walk fingers up baby’s arm)
Hurry to the slide
Sit at the top (Rest fingers on baby’s head)
Then down you slide! (Slide fingers down baby’s arm)
Where Do They Go?
Where do your shoes go?
There, there, there. (Tap bottoms of baby’s feet)
Where does your hat go?
Hair, hair, hair
Where does the food go?
In your tum
Where does your diaper go?
On your bum!
Where, Oh Where Are Baby’s Fingers?
(Tap, tickle, or massage each of baby’s parts when mentioned)
Where, oh where are baby’s fingers?
Where, oh where are baby’s toes?
Where, oh where is baby’s belly button?
Round and round it goes. (Draw circle on baby’s tummy)
Where, oh where are baby’s ears?
Where, oh where is baby’s nose?
Where, oh where is baby’s belly button?
Round and round it goes. (Draw circle on baby’s tummy)
Bounces
All the Little Babies
All the little babies love bouncing, bouncing
All the little babies just love to bounce
All the little babies love bouncing, bouncing
All the little babies just love to bounce
Now lean to the left
And lean to the right
Hug that little baby nice and tight
*You can also swap out “All the” for “My”, Mama’s”, “Papa’s”, “Auntie’s”, “Grandma’s”, etc.
Baby Hop
Snuggle up together
Baby’s in your lap
Snuggle up together
And clap, clap, clap (Clap baby’s hands together)
Snuggle up together
Baby, don’t you nap
Snuggle up together
And tap, tap, tap (Tap baby’s feet together)
You’re working out together
Baby, don’t stop
Your working out together
Now hop, hop, hop (Bounce baby up and down)
*See StoryBlocks Baby Hop to learn the tune.
A Bouncing We Will Go
A bouncing we will go
A bouncing we will go
Hi-ho the derry-o
A bouncing we will go
A rocking we will go…
A tickling we will go…
Bumping Up and Down in My Little Red Wagon
Bumping up and down in my little red wagon
Bumping up and down in my little red wagon
Bumping up and down in my little red wagon
Won’t you be my darling
Down the hill and around the corner…(Lean baby forward and gently swing around and upright)
One wheel’s off and the axle’s broken… (Tip babies to the side)
*Tune by Raffi from the album "The Singable Songs Collection"
Hippopotamus Got On a City Bus
*Bounce baby throughout rhyme
A hip, a hip, a hippopotamus
Got on, got on, got on a city bus
And all, and all, and all the people said
You’re squishiiiiiing us! (Hug and squeeze baby)
A cow, a cow, a cow got on the bus
And all, and all, and all the people said
Moooooooo over! (Lean baby way to the side)
A sheep, a sheep, a sheep got on the bus
And all, and all, and all the people said
Baaaaaack up! (Lean baby way back)
Just Like This
Hug the baby, hug the baby
Give a little clap
Rock the baby, rock the baby
Bounce her in your lap
Tickle the baby, tickle the baby
Give a little kiss, MUAH!
Then lift the baby in the air
Just like this!
The Lady Rides
This is the way the lady rides
This is the way the lady rides
Lady rides, lady rides
This is the way the lady rides
On her way to town
This is the way the gentleman rides… (Faster)
This is the way the doctor rides…(Even faster)
This is the way the cowboy rides…(Even faster and a bit clumsy)
Whooooooa! (Lean way back to end the song)
The Muffin Man
Oh, do you know the muffin man
The muffin man, the muffin man?
Oh, do you know the muffin man
Who lives in Drury Lane?
Oh, yes I know the muffin man
The muffin man, the muffin man?
Oh, yes I know the muffin man
Who lives in Drury Lane?
Ride Baby Ride
*Bounce baby throughout and end by leaning way back on "Whoa!"
Ride, baby ride
Ch ch, ch ch, ch ch
Ride that horsie, ride
Ch ch, ch ch, ch ch
*Repeat song whispering and/or repeat it louder and faster
Whooooa!
Toast in the Toaster
Toast in the toaster getting very hot
Tick tock, tick tock
Up you pop! (Raise baby)
Movement Songs
Eyes Nose Cheeky Chin
Eyes, nose, cheeky, cheeky, chin
Eyes, nose, cheeky, cheeky, chin
Oh Eyes, nose, cheeky, cheeky, chin
Cheeky, cheeky, cheeky, chin, eyes, nose
Head and Shoulders Baby
Head and shoulders baby 1-2-3 (Touch baby’s head/shoulders and hold up fingers when counting)
Head and shoulders baby 1-2-3
Head and shoulders, head and shoulders
Head and shoulders baby 1-2-3
Knees and toes baby…Back and tummy baby…
*See the King County Library System Website for a video and additional verses.
Head Shoulders Knees & Toes
Head and shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes
Head and shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes
Eyes and ears and mouth and nose
Head and shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes
My Little Baby Loves Dancing
My little baby loves dancing, dancing
My little baby loves turning around
My little baby loves dancing, dancing
My little baby loves to boogie down
Lean to the left
Lean to the right
Hug that baby nice and tight
*You can also swap out “My” for “Mama’s”, “Papa’s”, “Auntie’s”, “Grandma’s”, etc.
I like asking caretakers to stand up for this one. If you want to get real fancy, try walking around the room in a big circle while dancing with it.
One Little, Two Little, Three Little Fingers
1 little, 2, little, 3 little fingers
4 little, 5 little, 6 little fingers
7 little, 8 little, 9 little fingers
10 little fingers on my hands
They wiggle and they wiggle and they wiggle altogether
They wiggle and they wiggle and they wiggle altogether
They wiggle and they wiggle and they wiggle altogether
10 little fingers on my hands
They clap and they clap and they keep on clapping…
10 little fingers and one kiss, MUAH!
Row, Row, Row Your Boat
Row, row, row, your boat
Gently down the stream
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily
Life is but a dream
Rock, rock, rock the boat
Over rapids we go
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily
Hope we don’t need a tow
We Wiggle and Stop
We wiggle and wiggle and STOP
We wiggle and wiggle and STOP
We wiggle and wiggle and wiggle and wiggle
And wiggle and wiggle and STOP
We clap…bounce…stomp…shake…yawn…
Prop Songs
SCARVES
Peek-a-Boo
Peek-a-boo, peek-a-boo,I see you!
I see your little button nose
I see your little tiny toes
Peek-a-boo, peek-a-boo, I see you!
Rain is Falling Down
Rain is falling down–splash (Slowly lower the scarf and tap toes on “splash”)
Rain is falling down–splash
Pitter patter, pitter patter (Tap scarf on each leg)
Rain is falling down–splash
Sun is peeking out–peek (Peek-a-boo scarf on each “peek”)
Sun is peeking out–peek
Peeking here, peeking there
Sun is peeking out–peek
Rain on the Green Grass
Rain on the green grass, rain on the trees
Rain on the rooftop, but not on me!
Sun on the green grass, sun on the trees
Sun on the rooftop, but not on me!
Snow on the green grass, snow on the trees
Snow on the rooftop, but not on me!
Leaves on the green grass, leaves on the trees
Leaves on the rooftop, but not on me!
This is the Way
*Use scarf to scrub/tickle each of baby’s parts
This is the way we wash our face,
Wash our face, wash our face.
This is the way we wash our face so early in the morning.
Knees…tummies…toes…ears…hair…
We Wave and Stop
We wave and wave and STOP
We wave and wave and STOP
We wave and wave and wave and wave
And wave and wave and STOP
We sway…shake...clap…yawn…bounce…
Where is Baby?
(Tune: Frere Jacques)
Where is baby? Where is baby? (Hold scarf in front of you face or baby’s)
There he is! There he is! (Lift scarf to reveal face)
I’m so glad to see you! I’m so glad to see you! (Smile and point at baby)
Peek-a-boo! Peek-a-boo!
"Shake Your Scarves" from The Second Line: Scarf Activity Songs by Johnette Downing
*Encourage caregivers and babies to follow along with the movements or just dance around. You may want to sing this song A Capella. As with most recorded music, the tempo tends to be too fast for babies.
Scarves up, scarves down, shake your scarves all around
Scarves up, scarves down, shake your scarves all around
Scarves in, scarves out, shake your scarves all about
Scarves in, scarves out, shake your scarves all about
Right knee, left knee, shake your scarves fancy free
Right knee, left knee, shake your scarves fancy free
Right hand, left hand, shake your scarves with the band
Right hand, left hand, shake your scarves with the band
On your back, on your tummy, shake your scarves nice and funny
On your back, on your tummy, shake your scarves nice and funny
Scarves up, scarves down, put your scarves on the ground.
“Let’s Go Fly a Kite” from Disney’s Mary Poppins Soundtrack
*Encourage caregivers and babies to wave scarves and dance around.
SHAKER EGGS
If You’re Happy and You Know It Shaker Version
If you’re happy and you know it give a shake
If you’re happy and you know it give a shake
If you’re happy and you know it and you really want to show it
If you’re happy and you know it give a shake
Tap your toe…Shake up high…
Shakers Up
Shakers up, shakers down
Shakers shaking all around
Shakers up, shakers down
Shakers all around
Shakers in, shakers out
Shakers shaking all about
Shakers in, shakers out
Shakers all about
We Shake and Stop
We shake and shake and STOP
We shake and shake and STOP
We shake and shake and shake and shake
And shake and shake and STOP
We tap…yawn…
“Rockin’ Robin” from Songs for Wiggleworms by Old Town School of Folk Music
*Encourage caregivers and babies to shake and dance along. The tune is too fast for babies, but parents will enjoy the excitement.
“Shake My Sillies Out” from The Singable Songs Collection by Raffi
*Encourage caregivers and babies to shake and dance along. I would suggest singing A Capella to slow it down for babies.
I've gotta shake, shake, shake my sillies out
Shake, shake, shake my sillies out
Shake, shake, shake my sillies out
And wiggle my waggles away
I've gotta clap, clap, clap my crazies out...
I've gotta jump, jump, jump my jiggles out...
I've gotta yawn, yawn, yawn my sleepies out...
BEAN BAGS
Froggy On Me
(Tune: London Bridge)
*Give a bean bag to caregivers and have them hop it on baby's toes, knees, etc. as described in song.
There’s a froggy on my toes
On my toes, on my toes
There’s a froggy on my toes
And he’s hop, hop, hopping on me!
There’s a froggy on my knee...tummy...shoulder...head...
And now he’s hopped away! (make bean bag hop away on the floor)
*Inspired by "Froggy Hop" found at Storytime Stuff
Hop Little Bunny
(Tune: Skip To My Lou)
*Lift bean bags up and down or side to side based on lyrics. Great song for scarves or shakers too!
Hop little bunny hop, hop, hop
Hop little bunny hop, hop, hop
Hop little bunny hop, hop, hop
Hop my little bunny
Sway little bunny sway, sway, sway...
Shake little bunny shake, shake, shake...
BELLS OR INSTRUMENTS
Tap Your Instruments
(Tune: London Bridge)
Tap your instrument on your toes
On your toes, on your toes
Tap your instruments on your toes
And make some music with me
Tap your instrument on your hand…
Shake your instrument to and fro…
PUPPETS
Put Your Puppet On Your Heart
(Tune: If you’re happy and you know it)
Put your puppet on your heart, on your heart
Put your puppet on your heart, on your heart
Put your puppet on your heart,
What a lovely way to start!
Puppet your puppet on your heart, on your heart
Knee…You’ll both be filled with glee
Toes…Now move it to your nose
Head…Put your puppet straight to bed
The Animals at the Zoo
(Tune: Wheels on the Bus)
The animals at the zoo jump up and down (Move hands, baby, or puppet up and down)
Up and down, up and down
The animals at the zoo jump up and down
All day long
The animals at the zoo might eat your toes…(Tickle baby’s toes or “bite” with puppet)
The animals at the zoo might tickle your tummy…(Tickle baby’s tummy)
The animals in the zoo stretch and yawn…(Stretch arms out wide and yawn big)
And mine says __________!
*Before starting song, ask caregivers and babies which puppet they were given and what sound their puppet would make.
There's Something in My Garden (or in the snow, pond, etc.)
*Hide puppets of each creature in a bin, behind a board, etc. and reveal it when appropriate.
There’s something in my garden,
Now what can it be?
There’s something in my garden
That I can’t really see.
Hear its funny sound....
RIBBIT - RIBBIT - RIBBIT.
A FROG is what I found!
RIBBIT - RIBBIT - RIBBIT.
THUMP - THUMP - THUMP...Rabbit
SQUEAK - SQUEAK - SQUEAK...Mouse
CAW - CAW - CAW...Crow
*Original from SurLaLune Storytime
STICKERS
Sticker on My Knee
(Tune: If you’re happy and you know it)
There’s a sticker on my knee, on my knee
There’s a sticker on my knee, on my knee
There’s a sticker on my knee, on my knee
Oh, woe is me
There’s a sticker on my knee, on my knee
There’s a sticker on my arm…it’s not doing any harm…
There’s a sticker on my nose…Why do you suppose…
There’s a sticker on my tummy…Isn’t it funny…
DUCKIES
Quack Quack Quack
Quack, quack, quack
The duck’s on your back
She climbs to your head
And jumps to your lap
Flap, flap, flap
Down your legs she taps
She waddles to your toes
And back to your lap
Skip, skip, skip
Our ducky does flips
She gives you a big kiss
Right on your lips!
*Use rubber duckies, flannel duckies, puppet duckies, paper duckies, any kind of ducky
MORE RESOURCES
Whether you're looking for fresh songs and rhymes or general advice, I can't recommend the following websites and blogs enough. Enjoy!
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Bayviews ACL Storytimes - Full storytime outlines by theme you can pick through for fun rhyme ideas.
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Jbrary Storytime Resources - Excellent collection of storytime ideas and tips for baby and beyond.
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KCLS Tell Me A Story - Hundreds of rhymes and songs organized by theme. Many include videos to learn the motions, too.
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Saroj Ghoting's Storytime Resources - Saroj, in my humble opinion, is the Godmother of early literacy-based storytimes. I purchased her book Early Literacy Storytimes @ your library for a class while in library school and still thumb through that well-worn copy to this day.