Storytime Recap: Black History

Saturday's family storytime was in honor of Black History Month. We started off by singing a favorite welcome song, "If You're Happy and You Know It." After clapping, stomping and saying hello, I talked to everyone about how February is a month full of celebrations. We have Valentine's Day, President's Day, plus Black History Month. This is a time to honor the many historic accomplishments and current contributions of black Americans.

The first book we read was We March by Shane W. Evans. This simple story follows a family as they join in the crowds marching to Washington, D.C. to demonstrate for civil rights.

Next we all stood up and moved together as we did the action rhyme "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes." One time slow and one time fast is always a fun way to repeat these.

Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes And eyes and ears and mouth and nose Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes

Then I introduced our next book by talking about how many contributions black Americans have made to music styles over the years. This Jazz Man by Karen Ehrhardt takes the tune of "This Old Man" and adapts it to a swinging jazz band counting from one to ten. This is a joy to read with the rhythmic beat and scat-style interjections.

Next I asked everyone to join me in singing and moving to "Mr. Sun"

Oh Mr. Sun. Sun. Mr. golden sun. Please shine down on me. Oh Mr. Sun. Sun. Mr. golden sun. Hiding behind a tree. These little children are asking you. To please come out so we can play with you. Oh Mr. Sun. Sun. Mr. golden sun. Please shine down on me

Then I reminded everyone that black or white or somewhere in between, we all start out as babies, so our last story was Please, Baby, Please by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee. This is a sweet and funny story about a parent asking their mischievous baby to behave.

Then we finished up with our call and response goodbye rhyme.

Our movie today was the animated version of This is the Rope by Jacqueline Woodson, which follows a rope's uses as it travels with a family from South Carolina to Brooklyn.