For a good while now, I’ve been doing a monthly program called Tickled Pink. On the first Tuesday of each month, I have simple storytime, craft, and playtime for young children ages 1-5. I focus on one of the six early literacy skills each month.
One of the reasons I started the program was my preschool storytime on Tuesdays dwindled. I would have 2-3 children each time if any came at all. My Lil’ Peeps storytime on Thursdays for young children was growing. So, I decided to have the special monthly event for them. Sometimes I get quite a crowd, but other times I get a very small showing.
Today, we focused on the narrative skill. We read Snowballs by Lois Ehlert and All You Need for a Snowman by Alice Schertle. We sang Once There Was a Snowman, and we recited the fingerplay about the chubby snowman. Then, we crafted snowpeople. We stapled three paper plates together, distributed cut out shapes, and packing peanuts. The kids had a great time gluing things on their plates. Afterward, there was a playtime with the early literacy toys I received from a Contra Costa First 5 grant a few years ago.
Some of my favorite resources for this:
Crafty Kids by Rosie Hankin – nice, simple projects. I often precut, and the kids assemble – not the best way to use imagination, but fun once in awhile
Big Book of Stories, Songs, and Sing Alongs by Beth Maddigan has some nice, simple crafts
