Kindness always starts with something small: a smile, a pause to listen, a laugh, or a helping hand. Like a seed planted in the ground, that kindness can grow into something spectacular.
This storytime for ages 0-6 has particular emphasis on the effect of something small on the happiness of another. Check out the other social-emotional storytime themes on my SEL page.
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: Plant a Seed of Kindness
Book: If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson
Action Rhyme (scarves): Watch It Bloom
Adapted from jbrary’s “Here is a Green Leaf”
Here is a green leaf
And here is a green leaf
That, you see, makes two
This is the bud
That makes the flower
Now watch it bloom for you
Here is you
And here is me
Together, you see, makes two
When we help each other
And listen and love
Watch kindness bloom from you
Recorded Song: “Planting a Seed of Love” by Pam Donkin
-LOVE: form heart with hands
Grow like a seed
-PEACE: dig with hands
Grow like a seed
-SONG: Hands over mouth
Grow like a seed
-LOVE: form heart with hands
Settle Down Rhyme: If You’re Ready for a Story
Flannel Story: Ducks Don’t Wear Socks by John Nedwidek
Note: A silly story about putting a smile on a friend’s face. It looks like the creator of this flannel had artistic ability (and time) that far exceeded mine so props to them.
Book: The Power of One by Trudy Ludwig
Craft: Handprint Pottery
Craft kits available at library for registered patrons include: paint, paintbrush, 2 seeds, soil, small terra cotta pot
- Pour entire Elmer’s glue bottle, 1 ¼ cup (10 fl oz) hot water from the tap, and glitter in the bottle.
- Turn pot upside down
- Paint child’s entire hand
- Place palm on bottom of the pot, spread their fingers out like their giving a high-five, and place fingers down onto the sides of the pot.
- Decorate
- Fill pot with soil.
- Poke 2 holes, about 1 inch deep, and plant your seeds.
- Put the pot outside in full sun for 50 days until harvest. A sprinkle of water daily should do the trick.
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 