Scarves in Storytime
Scarves can be a fun and versatile prop in storytime and at home. Here are some ways I like to use scarves in storytime:
- Play peekaboo. It is truly amazing how much children, even preschoolers, like to play peekaboo. Have kids “hide ” under their scarves then count down–1,2,3 peekaboo!–to the big reveal. Repeat again and again.
- Dance. This activity can take many forms. Of course, the easiest is to just put on a favorite song and freestyle. There are also songs that exist solely to accompany scarf action. This music may not to be to everyone’s taste, but be sure to take the time and listen to a few, you may find one you can use. I have used The Second Line by Johnette Downing: http://bit.ly/2LCsSn
- Directed movement. Use the scarves like windshield wipers, like a broom, like a pizza or a hot air balloon (this is a favorite as it involves tossing the scarf into the air.)
- With little ones, it can be fun to use the scarves to “hide” body parts (put the scarf on your tummy, put the scarf on your eyes, etc)
- Here’s a song/activity from the book Toddle On Over:
Let’s All Twirl (Sung to “The Mulberry Bush” )
Let’s all twirl with our scarves today, Scarves today, Scarves today, Let’s all twirl with our scarves today, All around the room.
dance, march, run
- Pretend that the scarves are wind, rain, snow, leaves, etc. For example, if your scarves are snow, the kids could hold the scarves up high and drop them to the ground. Then they could toss them into the air, twirl around with them, kick them, jump onto them.
- I like to use scarves with the rhyme Pattie Cake. First, pretend the scarf is the cake dough. Mix (twirl the scarf) the dough round and round. Then say the rhyme. Swish the scarf to the rhythm for the first few lines, then the fun part: Roll it and pat it and mark it with B, and put it in the oven for baby and me (do all with the scarf)
