Being Brave Family Storytime

This week I planned my storytime around being brave and we talked about all the different ways someone can be brave. The first book really helped set the tone for this. Here are the books I read:

• Brave by Stacy McAnulty
• Be Brave Little Penguin by Giles Andreae
• and Brave As Can Be by Jo Witek

My Outline:

• Song: Shake Your Sillies Out  by Raffi
• Literacy Tip Explain: Being able to express yourself verbally is an important life skill but it is impossible if you don't have the vocabulary for it. So it is important to talk about emotions with your child.
• Letter Activity: I do this every storytime. I pick two letters to focus on usually having to do with the theme, this week was B and S. I have the letter printed BIG on a popsicle stick (one upper case and one lower case). We talk about the name of the letter, the sound it makes, what the upper case and lower case look like, I ask for examples for words that start with the letter and then we sing a remixed version of Where is Thumbkin that goes like this:

(put both pictures behind back)
Where is letter Z

Where is letter Z

Here I am (bring out upper case letter)

Here I am (bring out lower case letter)

How are you today dear

Very well I thank you

Run away (put upper case behind back) 

Run away (put lower case behind back)

Then Repeat with second letter having the same conversations about the name, sound, and words.

• Read book one: Brave
• Song: Walking, Walking off the Songs for Wiggleworms CD by Old Town School
• Movement Rhyme: Superhero, Superhero (I should mention here that I always print out unusual rhymes or new songs on a big 30"x 40" foam board so that all the parents can participate.) I got this one from Jbrary and added an extra verse so I could use it as a transition as well. It is chanted to the tune of Teddy Bear Teddy Bear Turn Around.
 Superhero, superhero turn around
Superhero, superhero touch the ground
Superhero, superhero put on your suit
Superhero, superhero put on your boots
Superhero, superhero jump up high
Superhero, superhero fly, fly, fly
Superhero, superhero do not frown
Superhero, superhero sit on down




• Literacy Tip Example: An easy way to discuss different feelings is through books, like this next book, Be Brave Little Penguin. We are going to see emotions like fear and sadness but also happiness and courage.
• Read book two: Be Brave Little Penguin
• Activity: If You're Brave and You Know It, I got this one from Storytime with Ms Kelly . Just like If You're Happy and You Know it. We did clap your hands, stomp your feet, and say "I am!" 

• Transition Song: Quiet Hands (there are a few versions of this song out there but this is what I use)

My hands upon my head I'll place. 

Upon my shoulders, on my face, 

At my waist and by my side, 

Then behind me they will hide. 

Then I'll raise them way up high, 

And let my fingers fly, fly, fly, 

Then clap, clap, clap them-- 

One - Two -Three! 

Now see how quiet they can be.

• Read book three: Brave As Can Be
• Literacy Tip Empower: Here are my final thoughts on emotions today, I want to encourage you all to not only ask about your child's feelings, but also lead by example through talking about your own emotions when appropriate. 
• Closing Song: Bean Bag Song by Hap Palmer
• Craft: Be Brave Badges