The theme for early childhood programs this week is Being Green! Although we won’t be gathering to share the stories and songs, we do have some great online resources to share, as well as songs you can use to build your own special story sharing time together.
Our newest online resource, Hoopla, has some great options, including the following "Green" books, available just in time for St. Patrick's Day celebrations!
You can check out How to Catch a Leprechaun through Hoopla, including the audio book, and a read-along movie.
If you're looking for information on St. Patrick's Day, Hoopla also has this book which gives information about the origins and ways it's celebrated.
Stuck at home and need an activity? How about a book about St. Patrick's Day Treats?
The above titles and many more can be found by logging on to Hoopla with your library card, and all can be enjoyed for free.
We also have books you can check out through the Blue Ridge Download Consortium, including Green Eggs and Ham for the younger children, and Leprechaun in Late Winter for the early readers. You can find several ebooks and audiobooks for both children and teens which can be read on an e-Reader or Kindle.
These resources and more can be found on our website's Online Database page.
While you're exploring online resources, check out DayByDayVA, brought to you through the Library of Virginia.
When in doubt, you can also find many of your favorite read-along storybooks on Youtube. Check out Pete the Cat: The Great Leprechaun Chase.
No storytime is complete without a few songs and finger plays, so here are some some great "GREEN" songs to enjoy through your week at home.
Five Green Shamrocks
Five green shamrocks growing outdoors
Mother picked one, and that left four.
Four green shamrocks, green as they can be.
Father picked one and that left three.
Three green shamrocks playing peek-a-boo
Sister picked one and that left two.
Two green shamrocks nodding in the sun,
Brother picked one, and that left one.
One green shamrock for St. Patrick’s Day fun.
I picked it, and that left none.
Turning Green by Jean Warren
The blues were unhappy,
The yellows were, too.
They wanted to be the same
What could they do?
They each took a partner
And twirled ‘round and ‘round.
Soon they turned green
And fell on the ground!
Fingerplay: “Five Green Peas”
Five green peas in a peapod, pressed
(make fist)
One grew, two grew, and so did all the rest (raise fingers one at a time)
They grew and grew and they did not stop (stretch fingers wide)
Till one day that peapod just had to go…POP! (clap)
There’s a Color That We Know
by Elizabeth Scofield
(Tune: “Old MacDonald Had a Farm”)
There’s a color we all know,
G-R-E-E-N.
It’s the color that means “Go!”
G-R-E-E-N.
Oh, grass is green and lettuce is green,
Leaves and spinach and peas are green,
There’s a color we all know,
G-R-E-E-N
This Little Leprechaun
(Hold up five fingers.)
This little leprechaun slid down the rainbow.
(Point to thumb.)
This little leprechaun stayed home.
(Point to index finger.)
This little leprechaun picked a shamrock
(Point to middle finger.)
This little leprechaun found some gold
(Point to ring finger.)
And this little leprechaun cried, “See if you can catch me,” (Point to little finger.)
As he ran all the way home.
(Wiggle little finger.)