Storytime: Grandparents

This storytime was for a preschool-aged group at my library.

Today's storytime was brought to you by the letter "G." So on the board when the kids walked in was:

Read Aloud Books

How to Babysit a GrandpaWritten by Jean Reagan, illustrated by Lee Wildish

When you babysit Grandpa, you have to know what to feed him, how to entertain him, and all sorts of important information. This book got some chuckles and is pretty cute overall. Though, at the end, when the boy asks when he gets to babysit again, one kid in the audience said "Never!" Oh well.

Llama Llama Gram and GrandpaWritten and illustrated by Anna Dewdney

Llama Llama's newest adventure: staying over at Gram and Grandpa's. But what will happen if Llama Llama forgets his favorite toy? This was definitely a cute story that got a lot of "awwws" from the parents. It was great for emotion recognition and such with the kids, too.

My Grandma's a NinjaWritten by Todd Tarpley, illustrated by Danny Chatzikonstantinou

Grandma is a ninja. Which means cool things like zip-lining to school and karate moves at recess! Okay, so this was a pretty silly book, but I love doing one the kids can laugh at. It did get a little bit long, and is targeted towards older kids, so I don't know that I'd do in the future, but it did get some good laughs.

Songs & Rhymes

Hello Song

RHYME: THREE LITTLE GRANDKIDS

3 little grandkids jumping on the bed,

One fell off and bumped his head.

Grandma called the doctor

and the doctor said:

"No more grandkids

jumping on the bed!"

2 little grandkids...

1 little grandkid...

SONG: IF YOU LOVE YOUR GRAM

(Tune: If you're happy and you know it)

If you love your Gram and know it blow a kiss

If you love your Gram and know it blow a kiss

If you love your Gram and know it

And you really want to show it

If you love your Gram and know it blow a kiss

(have the kids name others that they love!)

SONG: DOWN ON GRANDPA’S FARM

(I used this version)

We’re on our way, we’re on our way

On our way to Grandpa’s farm

We’re on our way, we’re on our way

On our way to Grandpa’s farm

Down on Grandpa’s farm,

there is a big, brown Cow

Down on Grandpa’s farm,

there is a big, brown cow

The cow, she makes a sound like this: MOO!

The cow, she makes a sound like this: MOO!

…there is a little, red hen

…there is a little, white sheep

…there is a big, black dog

…there is a big, brown horse

SONG: DO IT FOR GRANDMA

(Tune: Did You Ever See a Lassie)

Let's clap our hands for Grandma,

for Grandma, for Grandma,

Let's clap our hands for grandma,

Let's clap them this way.

Clap this way and that way,

Clap this way and that way,

Let's clap our hands for Grandma

Let's clap them this way.

(I let the kids choose more actions, too)

Goodbye Song

Games & Activities

Puppets: Down on Grandpa's Farm

These animals didn't match the colors said in the song (see above), but the kids still enjoyed them!

Craft: Framed pictures for grandparents

So this was purely a creativity-based project--the kids could go wild with whatever they wanted to color or glue. I just simply introduced gluing craft sticks around the boarder to make a nice frame! And suggested they give it to someone they love.

Other Book Ideas

How to Babysit a GrandmaWritten by Jean Reagan, illustrated by Lee Wildish

The Grandma BookWritten and illustrated by Todd Parr

Nana in the CityWritten and illustrated by Lauren Castillo

Little Critter: Grandma, Grandpa, and MeWritten and illustrated by Mercer Mayer