As I went to post the storytime I shared this week, I realized I had forgotten to post the last one I did at the Library! So this week will be a preschool-storytime twofer!
Since it was around Halloween-time, I decided to do not scary stories, but stories about being scared. It’s an important feeling for little ones (and grownups!) to work through, and sometimes books can help teach techniques for dealing with fear and having courage.
Books We Shared
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
Jabari, his father, and sister take a trip to the local pool. Today, Jabari wants to jump off the high dive. But is he ready to take the plunge? A great story about overcoming fears featuring a loving father who helps his boy through it. Jabari is delightful.
Snip Snap! What’s That? by Mara Bergman, illustrations by Nick Maland
A crocodile has gotten into the apartment! Are we scared? YOU BET WE ARE! See how three children deal with a reptilian invader in this fun book with repeating phrases.
Flannelboard Story
We shared the story of The Fearsome Beast with story and template taken from Judy Sierra’s Flannel Board Storytelling Book.
When Caterpillar finds Rabbit’s log house empty, he decides to play a trick on Rabbit. Caterpillar hides in the log, and when Rabbit asks who’s there, Caterpillar responds:
“I am a great warrior, son of the long one.
I crush the rhinoceros to the earth,
and I make dust of the elephant.
I am invincible!”
Of course, no one wants to tangle with whoever is in the log – certainly not rhino or elephant – and it’s not until Frog comes along that Caterpillar’s jig is up.
You can find this Masai tale in another version in Verna Aardenma’s Who’s In Rabbit’s House illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon.
Movements
Sometimes you have to fake it until you make it. So we did a twist on a familiar rhyme to make us feel brave. Try this out at home with your little one!
If You’re Brave and You Know It
(to the tune of: “If You’re Happy and You Know It”
If you’re brave and you know it, clap your hands. (clap, clap)
If you’re brave and you know it, clap your hands. (clap, clap)
If you’re brave and you know, then your face will surely show it.
If you’re brave and you know, clap your hands. (clap, clap)
If you’re brave and you know it, stomp your feet. (stomp, stomp)
If you’re brave and you know it, stomp your feet. (stomp, stomp)
If you’re brave and you know, then your face will surely show it.
If you’re brave and you know, stomp your feet. (stomp, stomp)
If you’re brave and you know it, say “I am!” (say “I am!” and flex arms over head)
If you’re brave and you know it, say “I am!” (say “I am!” and flex arms over head)
If you’re brave and you know, then your face will surely show it.
If you’re brave and you know, say “I am!” (say “I am!” and flex arms over head)
Music from CDs
Music always adds to storytime. Here is a song we shared today:
“Clap Your Hands” from Wiggleworms Love You by Old Town School of Folk Music
“Shake My Sillies Out” from More Singable Songs by Raffi
Film We Watched
“Scaredy Squirrel” from Katie Loves the Kittens…and More Funny Stories. Based on the book by Mélanie Watt.
Scaredy Squirrel is afraid of a lot of things. And he loves his routine. But what happens when he steps out of his comfort zone?
It’s great to talk about things you watch with your child! This helps them extend their language!
Here are some suggestions for things to talk about after watching “Scaredy Squirrel”:
– Have you ever done something that you were afraid of?
Continue the Fun
Here are some more books about feeling scared or being brave. They are available for check out at your Pasadena Public Library Branch:
I am (Not) Scared by Anna Kang, illustrated by Christopher Weyant