With Dr. Betsy Diamant-Cohen, ALA 2015

Time for Storytime! With Dr. Betsy Diamant-Cohen, ALA 2015

Colored scarves can be used to enhance storytime programs for children of all ages. Developmental tips alert parents to the value of the activities.

Wind, Oh Wind Self-consciousness is replaced by fascination when a child’s attention is directed to flowing fabric in a burst of color combined with music, movement and a gentle puff. Wind, oh wind, oh wind, I say. What are you blowing away today? Scarves, oh scarves, oh scarves, I say. I am blowing the scarves away. A

Peek-a-Boo Colored scarves are great play props; children can place them over their heads without fear because they are transparent and children can see right through them. Peek-a-boo games like these allay fears and promote bonding. Peek-a-boo. I see you. I see you hiding there. Peek-a-boo. I see you. I see you hiding there.A

Shoo Fly Scarves can be used to ignite children’s imaginations. In this song, pretend your scarf is a flyswatter and you are trying to shoo a pesky fly out of your room! Shoo fly, don’t bother me. Shoo fly, don’t bother me. Shoo fly, don’t bother me, ‘cause I belong to somebody. I feel, I feel, I feel like the morning star. I feel, I feel, I feel like the morning star. I feel, I feel, I feel like the morning star. I feel, I feel, I feel like the morning star.

This is the Way We Wash Pretend your scarf is a washcloth and sing this fun song. If your baby doesn’t like taking baths, try singing this while using the washcloth; you may find your baby beginning to enjoy bath time! This is the way we wash our belly, wash our belly, wash our belly, This is the way we wash our belly, so early in the morning. Oh Where, Oh Where Has My Little Head Gone? Laughter is healthy! Laughter lowers blood pressure, relieves stress, and releases endorphins. Playing and laughing with your child is healthy for everyone!

A Written by Barbara Cass-Beggs, founder of the Your Baby Needs Music Program, using the Listen, Like, Learn method. Oh where, oh where has my little head gone? Oh where, oh were can it be? Oh where, oh where has my little head gone? Oh where, oh were can it be?

One….two.....three…. Here it is!!!!

Scrunch Them Up Into a Ball Waving, scrunching, and tossing colored scarves exercises fine motor skills. Moving them up and down, using them to draw lines, and swirling them in big and little circles exercises hands and fingers that will later be used for writing. Scrunch your scarves into a ball. Make them very, very small. One the count of three, throw your scarves into the air and watch all the beautiful colors come down. Ready? One….. two…… three…… WHEEEEEE!

Scarves Away Singing a clean- up song makes putting toys away fun for children, and teaches them what we expect when it is time to clear up. Scarves away, scarves away, put your scarves away today. Scarves away, scarves away, put your scarves away today. A

Other songs to use with Scarves: Scarves are extremely versatile. Waving scarves to music builds listening skills and they also make wonderful props to enhance stories.  “Wheels on the Bus” (scarves can be wheels, doors, windshield wipers, windows, money, etc.)  “Listen to the Water” (scarves can be rippling water, swimming fish, jumping frogs, quacking ducks, etc.)  “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” (scarves can be kites in flight)  “March of the Toy Soldiers” from The Nutcracker Suite (free flow dancing)

For more exciting storytime activities, check out the following books:

A Written by Barbara Cass-Beggs, founder of the Your Baby Needs Music Program, using the Listen, Like, Learn method.