Yesterday morning I had a great time doing our branch’s monthly Saturday storytime. I decided to take the kids on a little trip Down Under through stories and music. Of course, being a children’s program about Australia, it was only appropriate to use a little music from The Wiggles.
I started the program as I usually do, with a little “Shake Your Sillies Out.” This song is good for two reasons: it truly does help the active kids shake their sillies out and get ready to hear some stories, but it also helps shy kids loosen up a bit and feel more comfortable in storytime. Later in the program I brought the Wiggles back for “Here Comes a Bear” because it mentions a few Australian animals.
While we’re on the subject of the music in the program, I also mixed in the traditional Australian tunes “Waltzing Matilda” and “Kookaburra,” although I did use the Dora the Explorer medley version so it would be kid-friendly.
Then to provide some nostalgia for the parents in the room, I just had to bring out “Down Under” by Men at Work. Remember that one?
It was fun to watch a couple of the parents singing along and enjoying themselves, too.
Now, on to the most important part of the program – the books, of course! Each of the books I chose focused on a different Australian animal.
Koala:
Koala Lou by Mem Fox
Kangaroo:
Polly Hopper’s Pouch by Louise Bonnett-Rampersaud
Wombat:
Sometimes I Like to Curl up in a Ball by Vicki Churchill
Platypus:
Platypus and the Lucky Day by Chris Riddell
All great stories (with great illustrations!) that just happen to feature Australian animals.
We finished up the hour with a paper plate koala craft and authentic Australian Arnott’s biscuits. Yum!
I had a lot of fun, and more importantly, the kids had fun and even learned a little bit, too. Do you have any favorite Australian picture books?
Recent Comments