This first Thursday of every month I donate my time and talents to our local library. I lead a story time for the little ones in our community. I started the story time when I think our daughter was 3. I missed taking her like I had taken the boys when we lived in Cedar Rapids and I wanted to give her those same opportunities but without driving an hour round trip. So, I offered to lead one at our library and it has been going ever since. Out of all the volunteering I do, this is MY FAVORITE. Today we had 9 kids and they are always so excited to come to story time. The best part is when the kids see me out and about in the community. I get the biggest hugs! So even though I am doing the giving – I think I am the one who gets the most from it!
I love selecting the book and theme for the month. Then looking for songs, finger-plays, craft and a snack to tie it all in. I am so thankful for the internet, as I have found lots and lots of ideas there. My other favorite resource is THE MAILBOX. It is a teacher resource book that is shipped every couple months. I know that the teachers in our school use it and it has also given me great ideas. I also have a story time friend, Lucy the Lamb. She is a puppet and helps welcome the kids each time with our story time song.
Today’s story time theme was Fall. I read the book I SEE FALL by Charles Ghigna and AG Jatkowska. We also sang a song while dropping different colored leaves. Our craft today was to make a fall tree. I don’t remember where I found this idea, but it worked really well for our group of 2-3 year olds. You could also change this up for a Apple theme using red and green tissue paper.
Items Needed:
Blue Construction Paper
Brown Construction Paper
Red, Orange, Yellow, Purple, and Green Tissue Paper
Glue (Elmer’s liquid glue works best)
Posted Under 10 day give, Children's books, Storytime, volunteer