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Baby Storytime

Father and Son
Overview
Baby 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. 

Baby Outline
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
Baby Books
Hello Baby by Stephani Stilwell
Fiesta Babies by Carmen Tafolla
Bear Has a Belly by Jane Whittingham
Baby Says by Flowerpot Press
Do Crocs Kiss by Salina Yoon
How Do You Make a Baby Smile by Philemon Sturges
Hands On! by Anne Wynter
I Am A Baby by Kathryn Allen
Rock-A-Bye Room by Susan Meyers
Families by Star Bright Books
Lucy & Henry Are Twins by Elizabeth Winthrop
Some Babies Are Wild by Marion Dane Bauer
Dinosaur Dance! by Sandra Boynton
Please, Baby, Please By Spike Lee
Leo Loves Baby Time By Anna McQuinn
Baby Parade By Rebecca O'Connell
All Kinds of Kisses By Nancy Tafuri
Fiesta Babies By Carmen Tafolla
Big Fat Hen By Keith Baker
What's On My Head By Margaret Miller
Hurry! Hurry! By Eve Bunting
All of Baby Nose to Toes By Victoria
Hush, Little Baby By Brian Pinkney
Baby Faces By Margaret Miller
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
I Like It When... By Mary Murphy
Where is Baby's Belly Button By Katz
I Love Colors By Margaret Miller
I Kissed the Baby! By Mary Murphy
Choral Reading
Group Read Alouds
Red Light, Green Light by Yumi Heo
Chicka Chicka ABC By Bill Martin Jr
Five Little Ducks By Justine Smith
Time for Bed By Mem Fox
Where's Spot By Eric Hill
Dear Zoo By Rod Campbell
Barnyard Dance! By Sandra Boynton
Peek-A-Who By Nina Laden
Fall by Roger Priddy
Opening & Closing Songs
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
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)

Baby Bounces
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
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…

Props
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
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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