Angry Story Time: February 27-28, 2017

Books:
How Do Dinosaurs Say I'm Mad? by Jane Yolen *
Llama Llama Mad at Mama by Anna Dewdney
Mouse Was Mad by Linda Urban *
Sometimes I'm Bombaloo by Rachel Vail
When Mommy Was Mad by Lynne Jonell *

Craft: Anger Figure (from Inside Out)
Children colored an Anger cardstock cutout that was then glued into a cylinder so it could stand.  Orange and yellow strips of tissue paper were glued to the head for his fiery hair.

Literacy Extensions:
- Discuss with your child different methods for dealing with anger (i.e. counting to ten, deep breaths, time out, etc.)
- Talk about things that might make us mad.  Then come up with ways we might work so they no longer make us mad.


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Scared Story Time: February 21, 2017

Books:
Bear Feels Scared by Karma Wilson
I'm a Shark by Bob Shea *
Snip Snap! What's That? by Mara Bergman *
When Someone Is Afraid by Valeri Gorbachev *

Craft: Spider on a Leash
Children colored a spider cutout and folded the head up before gluing on strips of accordian-folded paper for legs.  Two holes were then punched into the spider's body near the head and a piece of yarn tied on to make a leash to walk the spider.

Literacy Extensions:
- Talk about fears with your child.  Discuss what they are scared of and how to make that thing less scary.
- Make a feelings collage.  Have your child cut out pictures of people in old magazines and glue onto a sheet of paper identifying the emotion of each person as they work.


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Love Story Time: February 13-14, 2017

Books:
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney *
How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You? by Jane Yolen *
I Loathe You by David Slonim *
Love You More Than Anything by Anna Harber Freeman
Plant a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal *

Craft: Valentine's Wreath
Children glued pink, purple, and red hearts of different sizes to the outer edge of a paper plate.  They could then write a Valentines message on the middle of the plate. (i.e. - Happy Valentine's Day, Love, "Child's Name", etc.)

Literacy Extensions:
- After reading Guess How Much I Love You, extend the story with your child by asking them to come up with expressions for how much they love you.
- Make valentines with your child to give to friends, family, and loved ones.

Happy & Sad Story Time: February 6-7, 2017

Books:
Happiness is a Watermelon on Your Head by Stella Dreis
The Happy Day by Ruth Krauss *
If You're Happy and You Know It! by Anna McQuinn *
My Friend Is Sad by Mo Willems *
Snow Happy! by Patricia Hubbell

Craft: Smiley Face Necklace
The children were given a cardstock smiley face cutout to color.  It was then strung onto curling ribbon along with pony beads to make into a necklace.


Literacy Extensions:
- After reading My Friend Is Sad, have your child come up with ways they would cheer up a sad friend.
- Extend the song If You're Happy and You Know It by coming up with more actions for more verses.  Or change up the song by making verses for different emotions (ex - If you sad and you know cry a tear).


Notes:
I love using curling ribbon for necklaces.  The ribbon is thick enough that the beads will not fall off of the ribbon so you don't have to worry about tying a knot at the end.  It also doesn't unravel like yarn does.  The curling ribbon is also stiff which makes it easier for kids to string on the items.  Making necklaces like this is a great way to practice hand-eye coordination with children.

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