Storytime: Dance!

Dancing is such a fun and beneficial thing to do with preschoolers! They’re so creative with their movements and most are so happy to show you their moves! That’s why the storytime theme of dance is one of my favorites.

Introduction: I like to start by asking the kids a few open-ended questions. For this storytime, I started by asking everyone if they like to dance. Then I ask if they know any kinds of dances (like ballet, hip-hop, clogging, etc). In addition, I stress to the caregivers that through music and movement ALL children can feel successful. The concept of a community of learners is enhanced when librarians/teachers/caregivers and children can enjoy something together!

Opening Song: We always start our storytime with a song that highlights the 5 daily practices that form early literacy skills from Every Child Ready To Read.

Sign on the Day: Dance! Obviously! I have the kids do it with me a couple times to make sure they’ve got it down.

Book: I Got the Rhythm by Connie Schofield-Morrison

I adore this book! It’s great to talk about rhythm, which is so important and a great starter topic to dance, music, and song. Sometimes to help solidify the concept, I’ll ask the kids to tap their knees with me in different rhythms so they can see that it can be varied.

Song: Bunny Hop. For this, I downloaded a simple version of the bunny hop and taught the kids and their caregivers how to do the dance. We decided to do it in a line through the storytime room.

Book: Rupert Can Dance by Jules Feiffer

I adore Jules Feiffer and this title is no exception! It’s sweet and funny and the kids love the fact that dancing is Rupert’s secret. I always make sure to ask them if their pets dance like Rupert!

Song: My Body Makes Music. My coworker, L, first introduced this song to me during her bilingual storytime. Now, I like to share it during any preschool storytimes! It’s a great way to be inclusive to our Spanish speaking population and introduces a new language and culture to our English speakers. I have felt pieces representing body, hands, feet, mouth, and hips so I start off by introducing the Spanish words for each felt piece. Then, during the song, I make sure to point to each one as we sing it.

Mi cuerpo, mi cuerpo hace musica (2x)
Mis manos hace…clap clap clap
Mis pies hacen…stomp stomp stomp
Mi boca hace…la la la
Cintura hace…cha cha cha!
My body, my body makes music (2x)
My hands say…clap clap clap
My feet say… stomp stomp stomp
My mouth says…la la la
My hips says…cha cha cha!
Repeat Spanish version
Learn the tune Here!

Book: From Head to Toe by Eric Carle

After talking about how Rupert in our second book was shy to dance in front of people, I ask if anyone is shy about their dancing. Usually I have one or two kids say yes. I reiterate that there’s nothing to be shy about because we’re all having fun, but that they never have to dance if they don’t want to. However, this book, From Head to Toe, is a great example of how you can move your body!

Song: Tooty Ta from Dr. Jean

A tooty ta, a tooty ta, A tooty ta ta.
A tooty ta, a tooty ta, A tooty ta ta
Thumbs up . . . Elbows back . . . Feet apart . . . Knees together . . . Bottoms up . . . Tongue out . . . Eyes shut . . . Turn around . . .
This is a crazy hilarious dance to do with preschoolers! See Dr. Jean do it here!

Closing: We reviewed our ASL sign of the day one more time before singing our traditional goodbye song, Tickle the Clouds.

Other Titles to Check Out: