We’re heading to the forest to find some woodland animals at the Handley Regional Library System! Come enjoy some great stories and songs at any of our three library branches. While you’re there, sign up for our Winter Reading Challenge!
Search our catalog for the tag: #woodlandanimals for great books to take home, then extend the theme through the week with the following songs and activities.
Forest
Sung To: “Did You Ever See A Lassie”
If you’re ever in the forest,
The forest, the forest,
If you’re ever in the forest,
You might see some deer.
With antlers on one;
Another might run.
If you’re ever in the forest.
You might see some deer.
Little Skunk’s Hole
Sung to: “Dixie”
Oh, I stuck my head in the little skunk’s hole,
And the little skunk said,
“Well, bless my soul!
Take it out! Take it out! Take it out!
Remove it!”
Oh, I didn’t take it out,
And the little skunk said,
“If you don’t take it out, you’ll wish you had. Take it out! Take it out! Take it out!”
Pheew! I remove it!
Raccoon
Sung To: “Kookaburra”
Raccoon sleeps in a hollow tree
While the sun shines on you and me.
Sleep, raccoon.
Sleep, raccoon,
Warm and cozily.
In the darkest part of night
Raccoon has the best eyesight.
Look raccoon,
Look, raccoon,
My, your eyes are bright.
Raccoon hardly makes a sound
When he prowls all around.
Hunt raccoon,
Hunt raccoon,
Find food on the ground.
Sleepy Bear
Sung to: Thumbkin
Where is Bear? Where is Bear?
Here I am. Here I am.
How are you this winter?
Very tired, thank you.
Go to sleep. Go to sleep.
Additional Music and Movement at home:
Going on a Bear Hunt
Find this make-believe activity here!
The Carnival of the Animals Finale (Le carnaval des animaux) by Camille Saint-Saëns
Listen to the finale and scamper like a forest animal.
Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune (Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun) by Claude Debussy
Use scarves or ribbons to move expressively to the music. This is also a great transition piece to quiet time or nap time.