Valentine Storytime

Storytime yesterday was only about 20 minutes (before free play), and I’ve been trying to figure out a way to fill the full 45 minutes without totally losing the kids’ interest. They’re mostly under three, so it’s a bit hard. Then again, I’ve been avoiding repeating song and rhymes, but tikes crave repetition, so I should be able to pad with that.

Anyway, I decided even though it’s a full week till Valentine’s Day, I’d do a V-day theme. I’ve always loved Valentine’s Day (despite the blatant commercialism) because TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY (and will get it’s own post later tonight) and I loved dressing thematically.

So, here’s the program: (I gave the kids Valentine’s stickers – ones big enough that they couldn’t quite swallow them in one bite)

1. I’m a Little Valentine (to the tune of “I’m a Little Teapot”)
I’m a little valentine,
Red and white,
With ribbons and lace
I’m a beautiful sight.

I can say, “I love you,”
On Valentine’s Day.
Just put me in an envelope
And give me away!

2. Things I Love – you raise your hand if I name something you love, like he color green, petting kittens, eating ice cream.

3. The Hokey Pokey

4. Valentine Mice!, by Bethany Roberts (Author), Doug Cushman (Illustrator)

5. The Aardvark Song (I sang this to them, because it’s long and random enough to be difficult to teach to those who don’t know their address yet)

There is a large, dark aardvark in the park
They say he’s missing from the zoo
The police are searching high and low
But they cannot find them, can you? Peek-a-boo!
Why did the go? Oh, I’ll tell you the reason!
‘Cause it’s aardvark mating season!
So if two aardvarks have a date
Then they will slip right through those old zoo gates
So if you see two aardvarks necking in the park,
Do not break an aardvark’s heart!
Do not be a spy, you’re not the FBI,
Do not break and aardvark’s heart!

6. Skinnamarink – you know you know it.

7. Reprise of “I’m a Little Valentine”

8. Free play