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Bookbug Session Plans: Spring!
At this time of year, we look forward to longer, warmer days and celebrating nature in all its forms! Use this plan with groups either outside or inside, encouraging families to share in the wonders of spring. On the first Monday of the month one of our trainers shares a song or rhyme using Makaton signs on our Instagram(this will open in a new window) account. Check out April's Makaton Monday song, which is Sleeping Bunnies!
Introduction song
Benefits
Familiar start – lets everyone know a Bookbug session has started.
Tips
Smile and if you know your group, why not use the names of the wee ones? Clap or tap along to the beat and use signs if you know them. You can also use Makaton to support The Hello Song.
Familiar rhyme
Benefits
A great tactile rhyme that offers lots of opportunities for face-to-face play. It’s also good for exploring sounds and rhyming language.
Tips
Use the opportunity this rhyme offers to point to, and name, different parts of the body. Model covering your eyes with your hand(s) before making eye contact with Bookbug on '. . . peekaboo!'
Songs with actions
Benefits
Encourages movement and gives an opportunity to play around with pace.
Tips
Remind grown-ups that they are welcome to take part in any way they can – sitting or standing.
Benefits
This popular song has lots of opportunities for joining in and can be shared with simple Makaton signs to make it inclusive, too.
Tips
Babies will enjoy being cradled in your arms or on your lap, with lots of eye contact and facial expression. They'll notice the change in volume and tone when the bunnies wake up. Encourage families with older children to take part in the actions, extending the song with extra verses. What else might the bunnies do when they wake? Run? Might the older children have other action words?
Transition song
I wonder what's in my bag today?
Benefits
Builds anticipation and keeps the children's attention.
Tips
Sign the key words if you know them. Sing to the tune of 'Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush': 'I wonder what's in my bag today, bag today, bag today. I wonder what's in my bag today, come and take a look. . . at Bookbug's favourite book!'
Book
Pooka by Alison Murray
Benefits
This beautiful picture book by Scottish author and illustrator Alison Murray introduces Nina – a small girl who is empowered to positively change her city by a visit from a magical nature sprite. The book offers lovely opportunities to encourage families to look for small signs of spring wherever they go.
Tips
Why not share this book during an outdoor Bookbug Session? Or encourage older children to share the kinds of creatures or plants they've noticed where they live. We publish book lists to support Session Leaders too – check out our list of books that explore the outdoors.
Sparkly blanket play
I wonder what's in my bag today?
Benefits
Creates anticipation and keeps the children's attention as you prepare to share songs and rhymes using the sparkly blanket.
Tips
Produce the bag containing the sparkly blanket and encourage wee ones to have a feel. 'What is in the bag? Is it soft? Does it make a sound? Is it heavy?' Sing the song again, signing the key words if you know them. 'I wonder what's in my bag today, bag today, bag today. I wonder what's in my bag today, come and take a look. . .' Say 'one, two three!' and tip the blanket out into the middle of the group, encouraging everyone to join in.
Benefits
Recycle your material! Return to this song from earlier in the session, but this time with the sparkly blanket!
Tips
Encourage everyone to take hold of the blanket. Start slowly, moving the blanket in all directions, getting faster each time.
Benefits
Use this rhyme to signal that play time with the sparkly blanket is coming to an end.
Tips
Roll the sparkly blanket up to look like a pea pod and make it 'grow' by moving outwards and unrolling it as the peas inside get bigger. Let everyone know that when the pod goes 'pop', they should let go and clap their hands. The Session Leader should be the only one left holding it, ready to pop it back in the bag!
Calming songs
Benefits
This Gaelic lullaby about a wee dog is calming and relaxing.
Tips
Even if families don't know the words, encourage them to join in in any way they can by modelling a lovely cuddle with Bookbug, gently swaying from side to side.
Last song
Benefits
Tells everyone the session is coming to an end.
Tips
Smile, wave and use the children's names again.
Please read our guide on permission to read books aloud online(this will open in a new window).