Annnnnd, winter is officially here. I have to admit, I’m not a huge fan of winter. I love the first snow or two and the magic it brings, but….after that, I’m done. But I try not to express that to any of my patrons!
Introduction: Before singing our Hello Song, I ask the kids what they know about winter. Usually it’s the physical traits such as “there’s snow” or “It’s cold outside!” Or the kids will tell me things they like to do in the winter such as building a snowman, sledding, and drinking cocoa. In addition to all these suggestions, I try to make sure to talk a bit about seasons and why we have them.
Sign of the Day: We learned the sign for cold/winter. The gif below is actually the sign for cold, but many signers use it as a sign for winter. To sign the official word winter, you use the same movement, but use the hand sign for the letter W.
Book: Winter is Here by Kevin Henkes
A fantastic representation of all things winter, great for reinforcing our open-ended discussion at the beginning of storytime!
Song: Come Sing a Song of Winter (Tune: The More We Get Together). You can add some good sign language in here by using the ASL signs for “Winter” & “Sing.”
Come sing a song of winter,
Of winter, of winter.
Come sing a song of winter,
The cold days are here.
With snowing and blowing,
And rosy cheeks glowing!
Come sing a song of winter,
The cold days are here!
Book: No Two Alike by Keith Baker
Sparse text, but plenty of talking opportunities await in this book! Plus, there’s a great message that everyone and everything is unique.
Rhyme: Five Little Snowmen. I Love this rhyme because it encourages play as the kids melt at the the end! It becomes so silly and the kids ask to do it again and again!
Five little snowmen standing in a row (hold up 5 fingers)
Each with a hat (pat head) and a big red bow (pull at neck like a bow tie)
Along came the sun (arms form big circle over head)
And it shone all day (rock sun back and forth)
And one of those snowmen melted away! (Pretend to melt to the ground)
Continue until there are no snowmen left.
Book: Here Comes Jack Frost by Kazuno Kohara
I adore Kazuno Kohara! Her illustrations and engaging text invite interaction. This particular one is one of my favorites. I was always very intrigued by the the mystery and magic of the character of Jack Frost and would have adored this book as a kid!
Song: I’m a Little Snowman (Tune: I’m a Little Teapot). Similar to the other snowman rhyme, this song encourages play.
I’m a little snowman short and fat (Stand with arms in circle above stomach)
Here are my buttons (Point down front of shirt)
Here is my hat (Pat top of head)
When the sun comes out (Make sun with hands in circle above head)
I cannot stay (Shake head “no”)
Slowly I just melt away (Bend slowly down to floor)
Closing: After all the wintery fun, we review our ASL sign and then sing our goodbye song, Tickle the Clouds
More Books to Check Out:
Librarian Ginny 