Last summer, our family volunteered at a low income “library” and we did a bilingual story time with the kids. I had been dreaming of this idea for months but I didn’t even know where to begin. One day, I finally made myself go over on that side of town and ask the librarian what I needed to do. I pitched her my idea, she said it hadn’t been done before but she would be more than happy to let me do it. She made it very clear to me that she would not be able to provide me with any funds, staff or material. I told her I would come with everything! She was in! I walked out that door so thankful to God that he granted me another little desire of my heart. It was such a fun time serving our community with my kids and watching them shine and help the kids color and put their craft together (though some days they just sat there).
It was simple but fun. I had a good friend who has the loveliest voice help me with songs. So we always started by getting our wiggles out and then I would jump right into our bilingual story time. I usually had the kids say a phrase or two along with me to make it a little interactive for them. During this particular story I was able to use these super fun props that I made in less than an hour before I headed out the door.
Though I like to sew I usually try to figure out how to do something without bringing out the large sewing machine. So I managed to make this a n0-sew hand puppets project.
Book Inspired Activities: The Hungry Caterpillar
I decorated with these balloons! I simple taped them to the window behind me and added yellow construction paper for the eyes. Simple!
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During my story time I used these no-sew adorable props. I made the caterpillar, cocoon and butterfly from felt and glue.
And my son helped me tell the story with this easy to make caterpillar that went through all the food. The caterpillar is made from pipe cleaners and felt and I printed out the fruit for my little friend to eat through it.
And this was our craft: A simple caterpillar necklace using dyed noodles, yarn, foam/construction paper.
Hopefully soon, I’ll have tutorials on how to make each of these fun little props and crafts.
The kids showing off their craft!
I would do it again next year, for sure! Though my kids had their days where they weren’t motivated to be involved, overall it was a very positive experience. On those days that they weren’t involved, they were still there and they were watching the beauty of serving others and little hands and minds creating with excitement.
