One of the greatest things that adults can do is nurture a generation of children who love, respect, and care for themselves and others. Simple acts of kindness are simple and effective ways to empower children to spread love throughout their community. Many mommy bloggers have taken up the 14 Day Spread Love Challenge starting February 1st as a sort of countdown to Valentine’s Day. This storytime celebrates love in all its forms.
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: Spread Love
Random acts of kindness–When you practice kindness, YOU change for the better, AND so does our world! There are 5 big ways to show love: say nice things, give a thoughtful gift, spend time together, provide a kind touch, and do something nice.
When you observe children being caring, offer specific feedback by telling them exactly what they did and draw out how it positively affected another person. Ask to take a photo! You can weave lessons of love throughout the day by asking children to describe two ways that someone was helpful to them that day–allowing them to admire and appreciate those loving gestures and find a desire to imitate them in order to make others happy.
Rhyme: Little Heart
I have a little heart,
And it goes thump, thump, thump
It keeps right on beating,
When I jump, jump, jump
I get a special feeling, when I look at you.
It makes me want to give you a hug or two.
Book: How Do You Love? By Kellie Byrnes
Flannel Rhyme: “Frozen Penguin” by Caspar Babypants on the album Winter Party
–Call and response in parenthesis–
Frozen penguin lonely in the cold snow
Frozen penguin I will warm you up
Put a hat upon your head x3
On your head (on your head)
Oh oh oh oh
Frozen penguin lonely in the cold snow
Frozen penguin I will warm you up
Put a jacket on your back x3
On your back (on your back), on your head (on your head),
Oh oh oh oh
Frozen penguin lonely in the cold snow
Frozen penguin I will warm you up
Put a scarf around your neck x3
Round your neck (round your neck), on your back (on your back), on your head (on your head),
Oh oh oh oh
Frozen penguin lonely in the cold snow
Frozen penguin I will warm you up
Put some boots on your feet x3
On your feet (on your feet), Round your neck (round your neck), on your back (on your back), on your head (on your head),
Oh oh oh oh
Frozen penguin lonely in the cold snow
Frozen penguin I will warm you up
Recorded Song: “The I Love You Song” by Jennifer Paskow
Settle Down Rhyme: If You’re Ready for a Story
Book: If You’re Groovy and You Know It by Litwin
Craft: Handprint Flowers
Craft kits available at library for registered patrons include: return envelope, cardstock, paintbrush, 2 paint colors
- Paint one hand with paint.
- Spread fingers and place entire hand on one side of the paper, pressing down on the fingers.
- Lift up and wash/wipe off hand.
- Take your paintbrush and use the opposite color to trace around your handprint. (encourages fine motor skills!)
- Make as many handprints as you’d like
- Let dry.
Optional: Cut out handprints
Optional: Write first name on handprints
- Place handprints in the return envelope and drop off at the library.
When the handprints were returned, I cut, laminated, taped a large popsicle stick to the back, and placed them outside the library in order to spread cheer and love!
Other recommended books
Library Bonanza 