Props in Storytimes!

One of my favorite ways to spice up storytime is to use props! While puppets and flannelboards are my go-to items, I thought that today I would share some non-cloth based props to make your storytimes shine.

Boxes
Meet my newest storytime prop, a song cube! I first got the idea for a song cube from Melissa at Mel’s Desk, and put it on my list of storytime to-dos. I used it in a “Music” themed storytime and let the cube decide what songs we’d be singing as a storytime group. A song cube is storytime GOLD. The kids jump up and down when I pull it out, wait so patiently for the cube to stop rolling, and every song that is chosen gets cheers.

Want some more box themed ideas? Try bringing in a big refrigerator box and hosting a storytime about boxes. Or you can make a memory box like Abby at Abby the Librarian.

Popsicle Sticks
Once again, this prop stick idea came from Melissa at Mel’s Desk. (Can you tell who might be one of my storytime idols?) These adorable props are made out of popsicle sticks and paper, and I use them when I sing “Baa Baa Black Sheep.” I loved using prop sticks since they are so quick and easy to make, but they also really add dimension to storytime.

Need any more ideas for your popsicle sticks? Check out Anne from So Tomorrow‘s adorable pumpkins. Or Alison’s “Five Little Apples” at Miss Alison Is Blogging.

Those are just a few of the props that I’ve completed. But I’ve got plenty more ideas from some wonderful colleagues and friends. Make sure to check them out!

• Anna from Future Librarian Superhero made a finger puppet stage from an old shoe box lid.
• K from Storytime ABCs gives us a spinning wheel barn prop for tons of animal noise fun down on the farm.
• Kendra from Read Sing Play shows us how to dance it out with some colorful magnetic dance props.
• Melissa from Mel’s Desk writes a great post about *nine* different props that she’s blogged about. Make sure to bookmark this one!
• Sharon from Rain Makes Applesauce has a sweet sheep folder prop up on her blog.

If you still need more, make sure to check out the Prop board that the Flannel Friday crew has put together on Pinterest — there are sure to be ideas for everyone’s budget, time, and creativity levels there!

Am I missing an essential prop for my storytimes? Let me know in the comments!

– Katie Salo
Youth Services Manager
Melrose Park Library
http://storytimekatie.com