Pamela Jane’s Little Goblins Ten is a perfect addition to any October storytime. The lyrical language reminds me of Ten Timid Ghosts. The Halloween version of “Over in the Meadow” features all the holiday fixings: monster, zombie, wolf, mummy, goblin, skeleton, witch, ghost, bat, dragon. This un-scary counting book will be a crowd pleaser for each child who wants a turn with their own little goblin:
Can you tell Halloween is my favorite holiday?!
For more Halloween storytime ideas, check out Library Village, they’re hosting this week’s Flannel Friday Extravaganza! To find out more about Flannel Friday, check out the website, the Pinterest board, and the Facebook Group.
Over the past few years I’ve slowly introduced preschool holiday celebrations. I’ve done this for a couple of reasons: 1) Some preschoolers do not go to preschool. They have friends from storytime and would like to celebrate with them. This is a great way to celebrate in the community. 2) Some schools in my district do not celebrate holidays in any way. Families miss celebrating like they did when they were a child. These programs have been extremely successful and grow in attendance each year! The press also loves to cover these events (as you can see from the awesome photos!).
Here are some tips for running your own program:
1) Have a literary theme. You can tailor your reading and costume, and watch your circ go up!
2) Have a snack. I am 99% anti-food for allergy and nutrition reasons and I don’t normally offer food at programs, though the holiday ones fall into the special category. I always do peanut-free and gluten-free options and have copies of a list of ingredients for parents. Cheerios, cheese sticks and fruit options are always popular. Plus, you can put cereal into a baggie and decorate with pretty much any theme!
3) Have stations setup. Include a list of instructions and a completed example. This way families can move around the room and work at their own pace.
4) Don’t forget to wear your costume! I always make a handmade, literary character costume.
If you’re looking for an easy, last minute Easter craft here’s one! I did a special spring program for my preschoolers and they loved it!
I read Press Here by Herve Tullet and had all the children help me press, rub, shake, and clap along with me to make the magic happen. This also was a good springboard for ideas for families to take home and do with their children. Then, we got straight to the craft to leave plenty of time for dancing. You’ll need:
Small cups
Cheerios (not the best for sound, but non-toxic/no choking hazard)
Plastic eggs
Duct tape (there are so many cool kinds nowadays!)
Electrical tape
Spoons (2 per child)
Stickers to decorate
Scissors (for yourself while setting up)
Setup:
Pour the Cheerios in the cups. I made sure to be generous. Of course the little ones are going to have a snack while they’re working!
Cut strips of duct tape and electrical tape. Stick them to the wall or edge of the table.
Place spoons, eggs, Cheerios, and stickers on each table.
Highlight your music collection for checkout!
Directions for families:
1. Add Cheerios to fill egg. Close egg tightly.2. Place egg between two spoons and wrap handles with duct tape.3. Place electrical tape over the egg and hold spoons and egg together.4. Decorate with stickers and shake away!
I taped directions all over the room, and gave parents a crash course before we got to work. I played music during the program so as children finished, they could dance around with their new instrument. I always have extra, so some children make extra for their siblings, cousins, or friends who they will be seeing for the holiday.
If you’re looking for an easy, last minute Easter craft here’s one! I did a special spring program for my preschoolers and they loved it!
