Where is Thumbkin?: 500 Activities to Use with Songs You Already Know
The authors use familiar nursery songs as the basis for creating programs for young children. Arranged chronologically from September to August, the book includes six or eight themes per month intended for three- to six-year-olds and two more programs (with some repetition of ideas) for toddlers. Each two-page thematic section highlights a simple finger-play or song, followed by related ideas to talk about; a series of suggested activities to enhance fine and gross motor development; ideas for art, cooking, and math and science projects; a briefly annotated bibliography of five books; and a discography. No music appears in the book, but most of the songs have familiar tunes. Although designed for teachers of children up to age six, this idea book might prove useful to librarians who design story programs around themes.Carolyn Phelan