A Starry Summer, Episode 28 - of the Storytime Seedlings Podcast
Starry, Starry Books!
Twinkle Little Fingerplays of Stars
*Twinkling* Stars
At night I see the twinkling stars (wiggle fingers) And the great big shining moon (arms overhead in circle) My mama tucks me into bed (fists under chin) And sings this goodnight tune… (Sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star) :
Twinkle, twinkle little star (wiggle fingers like twinkling a star)
How I wonder what you are
Up above the world so high (wiggle fingers and raise hands up)
Like a diamond in the sky (make a diamond shape with your two hands together at index and thumbs)
Twinkle, twinkle little star
(wiggle fingers like twinkling a star)
How I wonder what you are.
Catch a Falling Star by Paul Vance and Lee Pockriss
Catch a falling star (reach up high with your fingers twinkling like stars)
And put it in your pocket; (bring it down to your pocket – hands on thighs)
Never let it fade away (shake finger “no”)
Catch a falling star (reach up high with your twinkling star)
And put it in your pocket; (bring it down to your pocket – hands on thighs)
Save it for a rainy day. (hold star to chest with both hands)
Action: Now spin in a circle with stars-fingers twinkling up high, then touch them to the ground, and then into your pocket.
Pre-Literacy Tip :
Wish Upon a Star Together
for a Twinkling Summer Evening
Under the dark there are stars, Under the stars there is a tree, Under the tree there is a blanket And under the blanket is me! Source: Jbrary.com
What better way to enjoy our lovely summer evenings than in finding the stars sprinkled across the darkening night. Better yet, take time to wonder and help your child find the first star that comes out, most likely when the sun is near set and the sky deep blue. Find the star together then recite the magic words for wishing upon a star:
Star light, star bright,
the first star I see tonight,
I wish I may, I wish I might,
have the wish I wish tonight!
Then take the time to talk about wishes and dreams and stars.
Young children are fascinated by nursery rhymes, especially when they can put the world right before their eyes in the rhyme - and sharing it with mom or dad. This is a simple and sweet ritual that you can make with your child and delight in the moments shared, the building blocks of loving relationship. Also, seeing the stars, looking for the first to appear, will help them in building an eye for detail that will translate right into reading - where all the meaning is in the details. Build this as a time together for each other and along the way your little one will be smoothed into the world of reading.
Hello! I'm Lauren Teixeira, Children's Librarian and Podcaster.
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Sources:
Original blog source: Santa Clara County Library District Blog, July 28, 2020
Stars in a Jar Photo by Rakicevic Nenad