Opening Songs

I like to open storytime with a few songs and fingerplays. We usually sing four songs before we get started. It helps the kids get their wiggles out and leaves extra time for anyone arriving late. I use the same songs each week so the kids learn through repetition. I will switch out songs after a few months. Below is a list of my favorite songs.

If You're Ready for a Story
Courtesy of Jbrary

We stomp our feet instead of nodding our heads. I use this song in preschool storytime.

We Clap and Sing Hello
Courtesy of Jbrary

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom
Courtesy of Jbrary

This is a favorite with the kids! They love throwing their arms in the air and jumping.

Bread and Butter
Courtesy of Jbrary

The kids love this song. There are always lots of giggles.

Open, Shut Them
Courtesy of Sunflower Storytime.

There are many versions of this classic storytime song.

It is Storytime
 
This is sung to the tune of "Frère Jacques". I use this song with my toddler group before I start the stories. We sing the last line a little quieter. It really helps them settle.

It is storytime,
It is storytime.
Circle around,
Then sitdown.
When our ears are ready,
When our hands are steady,
We will start the best part.

I Wake Up My Hands
Courtesy of Jbrary

In our version the kids tap their head instead of nodding.