Family Storytime: Be Brave

Clipart by Krista Wallden of Creative Clips. Graphic designed on PicMonkey.

Today's storytime theme was all about courage and bravery.  My colleague that assembled the basket and selected this week's theme recently introduced me to the work of Dr. Brené Brown.  

I have been watching Dr. Brown's videos (see the end of this post for my favorite video) and plan on reading ALL of her books because her research and writing on the topics of shame, empathy, connection, and courage are extremely thought-provoking and powerful.

"Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” ~ Dr. ​Brené Brown

THE PLAN

Pre-Storytime Music

These are the songs that we listened to before storytime.  If you are interested in checking out these songs, the album covers are linked to Amazon so you can listen to a sample and purchase these great songs!

"Because I Love You"

"L-O-V-E"

Pre-Storytime Activity: I Am Proud

Click on the photo to get the downloadable version of this activity.

Hello Song: We'll Wave Hello Together
Credit: Verona Storytime

To the tune of: Jolly Good Fellow
We’ll wave hello together,
We’ll wave hello together,
We’ll wave hello together,
Because it’s fun to do.

We’ll give a hug together,
We’ll give a hug together,
We’ll give a hug together,
Because it’s kind to do.

We’ll high five together,
We’ll high five together,
We’ll high five together,
Because it’s fun to do.

Letter of the Week: Bb

I purchased the clipart for this collage from the amazing Krista Wallden of Creative Clips.

After I introduced the letter of the week, we drew the letter B in the air.  Then, we talked about each of the pictures in the collage.  

letter_b_collage.pdf
File Size:	349 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Books

Recorded Music

These are the songs that we danced to during storytime.  If you are interested in checking out these songs, the album covers are linked to Amazon so you can listen to a sample and purchase these great songs!

"Walking, Walking"

"Hands Are for Clapping"

"If You're Happy & You Know It"

Songs We Sang

Come Along & Dance with Me

*Note: The video is the lapsit version of this song.

For older children, I like to use: dance, wiggle, tip-toe, stomp, jump, bend (I like to have them cross the midline with their arms when bending), and twist.

A PDF of a list of movement verbs is down below.

come_along_and_walk_with_me_verbs.pdf
File Size:	564 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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I Am Special

To the tune of: Are You Sleeping?

I am special,
I am special,
Yes I am.
Yes I am.
I'm a really neat kid
And a very sweet kid,
Yes I am,
Yes I am.

Fingerplays & Action Rhymes

My Feelings
Credit: Loving2Learn

When I am sad, I feel like crying.                 (rub eyes)
When I am proud, I feel like trying.             (head held high)
When I feel curious, I want to know.           (look up, wondering)
When I'm impatient, I want to go!               (cross arms, tap foot)
When I feel angry, I look this way.               (angry look)
When I feel happy, I smile all day.               (big smile)
When I am puzzled, I make a shrug.           (shrug shoulders)
When I feel loving, I want to hug.               (hug yourself)

One Hand Can Wave
Credit: Jbrary

One hand can wave
And one hand can snap
But it needs a friend
To clap, clap, clap!

Tall As a Tree
Credit: Pierce County Library System

Tall as a tree,             (stretch arms overhead)
Wide as a house,      (stretch arms out to sides)
Thin as a pin,            (arms tight against sides)
Small as a mouse.    (crouch)

Special Me
Credit: Kids Soup

Special, special, special me,
How I wonder what I'll be.
In this big world I can be,
Anything I want to be.
Special, special, special me,
How I wonder what I'll be.

Goodbye Song: Say Goodbye

This is the goodbye song that I used.  If you are interested in checking out this song, the album cover image is a link to Amazon where you can listen to a sample and purchase this song!

Post- Storytime Music

These are the songs that we listened to after storytime.  If you are interested in checking out these songs, the album cover images are linked to Amazon where you can listen to a sample and purchase these great songs!

"Smart Unique Special", "Born to Win", and "It's a Happy Day"

Dr. Brené Brown: Critics & Courage