As someone who scours the internet for storytime content for slightly niche themes, it’s finally time I jumped back in the saddle and gave back. Two years later, and what a wild and completely normal time it has been. As with most librarians who had the ability and resources to do so, I shifted all my storytimes to virtual screen time. This provided its own host of challenges but, in the end, “ya get what ya get and you don’t get upset.” (This was and continues to be an attitude that I never had throughout this pandemic but it rhymes!)
I continued providing my Social Emotional Learning storytime called “Sunshine Squad” virtually throughout the pandemic. While literally everything has gone down the poop tube, many educational experts are extremely concerned about the lack of social emotional learning for children who have been separated from others during this time. Cooperation, playing together, sharing, friendship, tolerance, empathy, and recognizing–labeling–and sharing feelings: these are all SEL areas that children need extra emphasis on during this time of recovery.
So let me share my storytime plans–specifically adapted for the screen–all about these topics. Check out my SEL Storytime page for the full list of Sunshine Squad storytimes. First up: being a big ol’ grump.
Welcome Song
Tune: Skip to My Lou
Hello (name) and how are you? x3
Welcome to storytime
Welcome Book: The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates
3 Ways to be be a part of Sunshine Squad (from Sunflower Storytime)
- Being kind to yourself
- Being kind to others
- Being kind to animals and nature
Affirmation Chant by Cynthia Dawn (featured on Miss Sarah’s Storytime)
I am great! (Arms wide)
I am smart! (Finger to head)
I am strong! (Flex muscles)
I am loved! (Hug yourself)
Today is an awesome day! (Thumbs up)
Introduction to theme: Anger
Kids can breathe, stomp on the ground, refocus on an alternative activity
Parents can try to remain as calm as possible, narrate what led up to the tantrum and why they might be feeling that way–validate their feelings while putting a limit on behaviors like hitting or biting. “I am here to keep you safe.”
Book: Mad Mad Bear by Kimberly Gee
Song: I Am Feeling Very Mad
Tune: In The Hall Of The Mountain King from Peer Gynt by Edvard Grieg
I am feeling very mad, very mad, very mad
I am feeling very mad so I make a grouchy face
I am feeling very mad, very mad, very mad
I am feeling very mad so I make a grouchy face
So I give myself a hug…
So I stomp around this room…
*deep breath*
I am feeling better, better, better
I am feeling better and no one got hurt
I am feeling better, better, better
I am feeling better and no one got hurt
Settle Down Rhyme: If You’re Ready for a Story
Book: Allie All Along by Sarah Lynne Reul
Recorded Rhyme: “Rainstorm Activity” by Kira Willey from Mindful Moments for Kids
Recorded Song with scarves: “I’ve Got Peace Like a River” by Elizabeth Mitchell
I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.
I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.
I’ve got joy like a fountain…
I’ve got love like an ocean…
Craft: Calm-Down Glitter Bottle
Craft kits available at library for registered patrons include: clear Elmers glue, glitter in condiment cup, clear bottle
- Pour entire Elmer’s glue bottle, 1 ¼ cup (10 fl oz) hot water from the tap, and glitter in the bottle.
- Optional (but not included in the kit): Add 3-4 drops of food coloring.
- If there is space left in the bottle, add a little more hot water until water line is almost at the top of the bottle.
- Shake well until mixed.
- Secure lid with hot glue, super glue, or any other strong adhesive.
Song: Calm Down from Esme & Roy
When the glitter starts to fall like snow
Take a deep breathe nice and slow
Watch as it settles all around
Feel your body calming down
Goodbye Rhyme: Tune: Skip to My Lou
Wave wave wave goodbye
Wave, wave, wave goodbye
Wave, wave, wave goodbye
I hope to see you soon
Library Bonanza 