The Librarian's Internet: Spicing Up Story Hour

Is storytime at your library stuck in the same old rut? Then check out these links for lots of great kid-friendly, story-related activities and a wealth of new tales to tell. From "story sacks" to fingerplays, you'll be amazed at all the things you can do to jazz up story hour.

Tim Sheppard's Storytelling Resources for Storytellers
www.timsheppard.co.uk/story
If you're searching for lots of stories and links to just about every site related to storytelling, this site's for you. Check out the "Story Links" section for an alphabetically arranged list of sites that provide both traditional and original stories. Created by: Tim Sheppard, a storyteller from Bishopston, England. Don't Miss: The "Books for Storytellers" section, an extensive, up-to-date bibliography of storyteller resources.

Pratt's Story and Theme Bag Ideas
www.fastq.com/~jbpratt/education/theme/storythemebag.html
Here's a slew of great ideas for "story sacks"—kits that you put together around a book, including related activities, such as games and puppets. Pratt's ideas are arranged by theme: seasons, colors, senses, farms, fairy tales, and much more. Created by: Barbara Pratt, a homeschool teacher. Don't Miss: The mitten story bag ideas; they're very cute and creative.

Preschool Fingerplays, Action Poems, Nursery Rhymes, Songs
www.preschoolrainbow.org/preschool-rhymes.htm
Check out this extensive collection of action songs and fingerplays arranged by themes—everything from numbers and bugs, to occupations and transportation. Use this site to find a simple activity to match the theme of the book you are reading to kids. Created by: Gale Jacobs, a teacher in Brooklyn, NY.

MoJo's Musical Mouseum— Get Busy! Songs
www.kididdles.com/mouseum/busy.html
Here you'll find a wealth of fingerplays and clapping/spinning/circle songs arranged alphabetically by title. Once you've made a selection, click "Play Song" to hear the tune (this is very cool, especially if you don't know the song). You can even use it to accompany your performance. Created by: Terry Kluytmans, a mother from Victoria, British Columbia. Requirements: Computer speakers.

Tot's TV
www.pbs.org/totstv
This nifty PBS site (available in both English and Spanish versions) contains scripts for 40 two-act puppet plays, based on episodes from the preschool television series. Also included are suggestions for simple after-play activities and related books, and a list of vocabulary words for each play. The acts are intended to be performed sequentially, but if you are pressed for time or working with very young children, consider presenting one act at a time. Created by: Ragdoll Productions, UK and PBS, Alexandria VA. Don't Miss: "Puppets and Patterns" for hands-on activities and templates of each tot—Tiny, Tilly, and Tom.

Aesop's Fables Online Collection
www.aesopfables.com
Aesop's fables, although 2,000 years old, still have the power to charm listeners of all ages. Although the versions of the fables on this site are a bit 19th century in tone, they can easily be rephrased into contemporary English. Created by: John R. Long, Star Systems, Tarzana, CA.