Programs designed for children ages 5-8 to spread the joy of reading.
So Tortoise Dug by Emmy Kastner is the perfect elementary classroom read aloud to explore misunderstandings, gratitude, learn how many backyard critters take advantage of tortoise burrows, and to get kids giggling. Tortoise keeps digging burrows while waiting for his best friend and burrowmate, Mouse, to reappear, and soon almost every animal in the forest…
In celebration of Children’s Book Week, here are my favorite library-themed picture books to share during storytime. From toddlers to 4th graders, these are my go-to titles for capturing the attention of new library users and introducing them to the wonders of the library. A quick note: As Donalyn Miller said in The Joy of…
Don’t Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson and illustrated by Dan Santat is the perfect read-aloud for April, a month that celebrates fools on the first day. Don’t be a fool; don’t trust fish. The book is silly and goofy and has awesomely large illustrations for sharing with a group. Read this book during your next school…
Celebrate the most influential women in your life with a memorable tea party for all ages! Whether honoring mom, aunt, grandma, big sister, or friend, this program is for children of all ages and moms of all types. The activities found here have been used with groups of 24 individuals but can easily be adapted…
Whether you’re celebrating Peter Rabbit and Beatrix Potter (her birthday is July 28!) or throwing a springtime garden party, these activities and snacks are perfect for ages 3 to 8. This event outline features a reading of The Tale of Peter Rabbit, two movement songs, crafts, games, and snack stations for families to enjoy at…
It’s always a great time to celebrate this classic character! Use these crafts and activities at your next elementary book club, book party, for Amelia Bedelia’s birthday (January 29, 1963), or any time. In addition to the original stories, the Young Amelia picture books and the Amelia Bedelia & Friends chapter books are perfect for…
A boy wrote the perfect rhyming story, but his sister won’t stop interrupting and ruining his rhymes! The Book That Almost Rhymed by Omar Abed and illustrated by Hatem Aly is the perfect read-aloud for ages 5 through 8. Preschoolers will enjoy this rollicking adventure filled with knights, rockets, and pirate ships, and the rhymes…
“How can a goose be obnoxious? Oh, just you wait and see.” Hank Goes Honk by Maudie Powell-Tuck and illustrated by Duncan Beedie is the perfect read-aloud for celebrating kindness. Read it during your next elementary classroom visit or field trip to the library for endless giggles and fun. Hank’s interruptions and rude behavior will cause…
Looking for a fun school outreach theme that will capture the attention of elementary students and leave them clamoring for the library? Elephant & Piggie can’t be beat! Here is a script with activities, songs, rhymes, and promotional blurbs for the library you can use for classroom visits, school assemblies, or storytimes. Use this plan…
Did you ever consider what type of egg Humpty Dumpty was? After the Fall by Dan Santat is the perfect New Year read-aloud for elementary classrooms or during field trips to the library. Use these discussion questions and extension activities during your next school outreach event, classroom visit, book club, or book party. This heartfelt children’s picture…