Burnham Bunch: Groundhog Day canceled!!

UGH! Winter please go away!

Well, we are experiencing another winter storm week. The Library was closed yesterday, today and probably a delay tomorrow. I will use what I planned this year for next year. But, our theme was to be Groundhog Day. Looks as if Mr. Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow today (don't know how he could since we are having ice storms and the sun has not shown for days!!) So, Spring shall soon be here....... but not soon enough!

January Recharge

I have decided I need a bit of a creative recharge. We usually have Burnham Bunch Storytime from September right on through to May, then a few weeks without programming. Then BAM, eight weeks of Summer Reading, then two weeks without programming. Then BAM it is September again!!!! I can barely catch my breath. Phew!

Sooooooo, this January we are doing something new and unheard of in this neck of the woods.....relax, recharge, and get my creative groove back. Instead of storytime, we will be hosting Beat the Winter Blahs at Burnham. All our storytimers and their parents are encouraged to keep to their routine and visit the library during the time they would normally attend Burnham Bunch .... BUT, it will be an unofficial playgroup and adult meet 'n greet. We provide the space and they can get out of the house and meet-up with their friends. And hopefully, we will have some new faces as well.

We will see how it goes? I will let you know. Now, onto planning for February, March, April and May .......

The Read Abouts: December

Christmas

Read: How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

Craft: Book Angels or Book Elves

• Need: Old paperback books, glue, glitter, small round object for head (I used Sculpty clay and made my own), popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, yarn and fabric.

I began by folding the pages as if dog-earing them -- folded into the spine. (I did this in advance because of time limitations). When pages are completely folded, carefully tear the cover off the book. I then hot-glued my Sculpty clay heads onto popsicle sticks. Then I hot-glued the pop-stick between two pages in the middle of the book. I also drew the face on each head and made yarn hair as well as made all the clothes .... Geez, so I basically made all the elements of the this craft!!!! Then I allowed the children to glue it all together -- hehe. Hey, our after school storytime is only a half-hour and the kids are a "bit" wiggly ... so the more done the better (better for all of us, believe me). So, they basically glued a bunch of stuff on. But, look at the finished product. I LOVE THEM!!

This one is mine!!

Pretty angel

Finished product

Burnham Bunch: Santa Claus

Christmas Part II

Read: 10 Trim-the-Tree'ers by Janet Schulman and Where, Oh Where is Santa Claus? by Lisa Wheeler

Storyboard: Read 10 Trim-the-Tree'ers and at the prompts, have children place items onto storyboard felt tree.

Craft: Candy Cane

• Need: Sticky-back paper. Ripped bits of red and white tissue paper. Glitter.
• Prior to storytime, trace candy cane shape onto non-sticky side of sticky-back paper and then into rectangles.
• At each seat, tape sticky-back paper (with backing removed) onto the table -- sticky side up.
• Instruct children to sprinkle a bit of glitter and then stick red and white tissue onto the candy cane, trying to remain in the lines of the shape.
• Have each child raise their hand when completed. Apply a sheet of white copy paper on top of sticky-back paper. Cut into the candy cane shape.

Burnham Bunch: Snowman

Snowman

Read: There Was a Cold Lady That Swallowed Some Snow by Lucille Colandro and The Snowman Storybook with words by Raymond Briggs

Storyboard: As the story progresses prompt children to put story pieces on our Old Lady's apron.

Craft: Snowman

• Need: Craft paper in blue and orange, string, fabric scraps, sticker eyes, white poster paint and regular-size marshmallows.
• Prior to storytime, trace and cut snowmen from blue craft paper and carrot noses from orange paper. Trim string for the snowman's smile and trim fabric for scarf. Write child's name on each snowman.
• Set up each craft seat with snowman, marshmallow and a plate with a small amount of white paint.
• Instruct children to flip over snowman, so their name is on the backside and then paint snowman using the marshmallow as a stamp.
• When finished painting. Have children adhere (using glue or a bit of the paint) the nose, eyes, and scarf.

Well, we did have a bit of snow before today's craft....Well, at least some of us did! I had 2 inches at my house. But when I drove into work, there was not a flake to be seen! But it is COLD! So, I think the children will get the idea?

Hey, Mr. Snowman!

Burnham Bunch: Christmas Macaroni Ornaments

Christmas Part 1

Read: The Mitten by Jan Brett and Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdney

Story extender: As story is read, prompt children to add their animal to the "mitten"

Craft: Macaroni Ornaments

I love this easy craft. Each year, I try to change it up a bit....This year I am using popsicle sticks!! (Oh, I know....I am such a craft genius)

• Need: Assorted macaroni of your choice, white glue, popsicle sticks and silver spray paint.
• At each craft seat, place a paper plate with child's name and three pop-sticks.
• Place assorted macs in the middle of the table for children to share.
• Instruct children to glue together pop-sticks in a snowflake shape.
• Rule for this craft: The MORE glue the better!!!
• When sticks are glued, ask children to choose five macs to decorate their snowflake. Then instruct them to glue macs to pop-sticks.
• When all children have completed their project. Explain that this is just the first step to their completed project and that you are going to help them finish.
• Spray each ornament with silver paint. Hot glue a string to the back.

The moms loved this craft....I can't wait to see the finished painted projected! And the children love that you couldn't use enough glue! They don't hear that very often ....

Step One: Make a snowflake shape

Step Two: Glue it to death with macaroni

The finished product





The Read Abouts: November

Thanksgiving

Read: Thanksgiving Rules by Laurie Friedman and The Night Before Thanksgiving by Natasha Wing

Craft: Turkey Place Markers (from FamilyFun.com)

Need: Way to many things for me to write...So, check out the Family Fun link above....

This is a really cute and easy craft. If you make them at home, you can create one for each family member attending Thanksgiving dinner. We are going to have each child make one....with a Happy Thanksgiving clipped in the clothes pin.