Bug Story Time (OUTDOOR 2021)

My first story time at my new job AND my first ever outdoor story time! I was so excited to read for the kids in person again. It’s (obviously) such a different experience than reading into a camera phone … I had 17 people and they were all super enthusiastic, happy, and participating. I think everyone was ready for some normal.

I’m doing this outdoor story time every Friday at our local park in the gazebo. The gazebo was great protection from the sun (and the last minute drizzle that popped up!).

Welcome Song: Clap and Sing Hello (to the tune of The Farmer in the Dell)
We clap and sing hello,
We clap and sing hello,
With our friends at story time,
We clap and sing hello!

We tap and sing hello (tap knees) //
We stretch and sing hello (stretch arms up) //
We wave and sing hello (wave)
Source: Storytime Katie

Song: The Wheels on the Bus

Book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

A classic and one of my absolute favorites. I had planned to read this for an outreach story time at a local farmer’s market right after Eric Carle died but it rained so I stashed it away for today to pay (belated) homage to one of the greats.

Song: The Itsy, Bitsy Spider

Song: The Bees on the Flowers Go … (to the tune of The Wheels on the Bus)
The bees on the flowers go buzz, buzz, buzz,
Buzz, buzz, buzz, buzz, buzz, buzz,
The bees on the flowers go buzz, buzz, buzz,
All through the summer.

The butterflies in the air go flutter, flutter, flutter //
The crickets in the grass go chirp, chirp, chirp //
The fireflies in the night go blink, blink, blink
Source: Storytime Magic

Wiggle: Bee Dance
I wiggle my belly,
I flap my wings.
I have big eyes,
And a stinger that stings.
I love that pollen,
It’s good stuff,
I fly around ’til I find enough.
Then I fly back home,
To the hive,
And tell the others where it is
With a jiggle, jump, jive!
Source: Storytime Magic

Book: Big Bug Surprise by Julia Gran

Prunella knows a lot about bugs. But no one seems to care … until her classroom is overrun with bumblebees!

Action Song: A Fly is on My Toe (to the tune of The Farmer in the Dell)
A fly is on my toe,
A fly is on my toe,
High-ho-the-derrio,
A fly is on my toe!

Nose // Head // Ear // Elbow // Knee
Source: Storytime Magic

I handed each child a craft pom pom to use as a fly. I think they really enjoyed this song and they all got to take the pom poms home. 🙂

Dance Song: The Goldfish — Laurie Berkner Band

The kids (and caregivers) LOVED this one! I played the song on a surprisingly powerful Bluetooth speaker and I plan on doing it every week with them. I forgot what a joy this song is.

Book: I Love Bugs! by Emma Dodd

Short, sweet book about a kid’s love for all things creepy crawly.

Goodbye Song: It’s Time To Say Goodbye to All Our Friends
It’s time to say goodbye to all our friends, (tap knees)
Goodbye!
It’s time to say goodbye to all our friends,
Goodbye!
It’s time to say goodbye …
Wave your hands and wink your eye!
Oh, it’s time to say goodbye to all our friends,
Goodbye! (wave)
Source: Sunflower Storytime