200+ Original and Adapted Story Program Activities

An experienced children's librarian presents storytime activities aimed at preschoolers and early elementary school students: finger plays, movement and sound effects, imagination exercises, felt stories, spoonerisms, raps, and even drama presentations. The book is arranged in broad categories such as "My World" and "The Animal World," but the index is also a useful finders' guide. Reid believes that "picture books are the core of every story program" and pairs activities with titles that are still in print. He puts his own spin on traditional songs and rhymes, turning "If You're Happy and You Know It" into "If You Want a Funny Story," with appropriate expressions and movements. Most of the songs will be recognizable, but musical notation would have been helpful for those unfamiliar with the original tunes. While Reid doesn't indicate age levels for the programs, most librarians will be able to figure that out on their own, and activities for older children are easily adapted for younger audiences. Librarians and reading teachers will welcome the section "Books, Reading, and Libraries," with its celebration of literacy.