What's in my Pocket? - A Storytime Outline

Just as with the What's in a Box storytime theme, I had always wanted to do a storytime about pockets. I must say it was harder to plan this one than the box theme, but it all turned out quite well! The rhymes and flannel boards was the glue for everything, plus they were super fun!

T = Toddler Storytime
P = Preschool Storytime 

BOOKS

What Did You Put in Your Pocket? written by Beatrice Schenk de Regmiers and illus. by Michael Grejniec (T, P)
This was actually for our flannel board fun!

Pouch! written and illus. by David Ezra Stein (T, P)

Carrot in My Pocket written by Kitson Flynn and Denise Ortakales (P)

There's a Wocket in My Pocket! written and illus. by Dr. Seuss (P)
OK, so this isn't really about pockets, but you can't go wrong with Dr. Seuss... though I did need just a little more practice on some of those tongue twisters!

BOOKS & RHYMES

Opening Rhyme: Open, Shut Them (T, P)
(follow actions)
Open, shut them
Open, shut them
Give a little clap
Open, shut them
Open, shut them
Lay them in your lap
Creep them, creep them up to your chin
Open your mouth wide, but don't put your fingers in!
Open, shut them
Open, shut them
Give a big clap
Open, shut them
Lay them in your lap.

A Great Big Happy Smile (aka Something in my Pocket) (T, P)
I've got something in my pocket (hand one hand sideways and put the fingers of the hand inside it like a pocket)
That belongs across my face
I keep it very close (put your hand pocket close to your heart)
In the most convenient place
I'm sure you wouldn't guess it
If you tried a long, long while
So I'll take it out and put it on... (take your hand out of the other)
It's a great big (storytime) smile! (pretend to put on a smile)
Source: Perry Public Library (this will open a s a Web view of a PDF)

What's in my Pocket? (T, P)
I have a little pocket where something can hide.
It opens doors and starts the car.
Do you know what's inside? (key)

I have a little pocket where something can hide.
It's used to draw in a coloring book.
Do yo know what's inside? (crayon)

I have a little pocket where something can hide.
It shows you when it's time for bed.
Do you know what's inside? (clock)

I have a little pocket where something can hide.
It lights up a dark room.
Do you know what's inside? (flashlight)
Source: This was a flannel from my library, but you can find this also at So Tomorrow.


In My Pockets (T, P) - I didn't get a chance to do this one but perhaps next time and even as a flannel board!
The things in my pockets are lots of fun (hold up five fingers)
I will show you one by one

In my first pocket is a frog (point to thumb)
I found him sitting on a log.

In my second pocket is a car (point to index finger)
It can race off very far.

In my third pocket is a ball (point to middle finger) 
I can bounce it on a wall.

In my fourth pocket is a bunny (point to ring finger)
She twitches her nose and looks so funny.

In my fifth pocket is a dog (touch pink to frog)
He's a friend of my little frog.
Source: Harris County Public Library

Closing Rhyme: Touch Your Nose (T, P)
Touch Your Nose
(follow actions)

Touch your nose

Touch your chin

That's the way this game begins

Touch your eyes

Touch your knees

Now pretend you're going to sneeze!

Aaachooooo!

Touch your hair

Touch one ear

Touch your two red lips right here

Touch your elbow where it ends

And that's the way this touch game ends.

FLANNEL BOARD

What Did You Put in Your Pocket? (T, P)
Based off of Beatrice Schenk de Regmiers' book, I created a giant pocket and a large number of everything that ends up in the pocket. I read the book and every time something new was added, the children with the corressponding shape got to go up to the board and put into the pocket. It was loads of fun!


What's in My Pocket? (T, P)
I need to make my own copy of this flannel board guessing game. The children on both programs loved it!

CRAFT

Pocket Necklace (T, P)
This was a really simple craft. I cut out pocket shapes from construction paper. The children, with the help from me and their guardian, they got to staple their pocket shut and add string to it so that it turned into a necklace. I gave them a fat pencil and a bookmark for them to put in their pockets. 

PICTURE

Look what the toddlers and preschoolers put in the pocket!

What Did You Put In Your Pocket? book inspired flannel board,
created by Dorothy WP-CC, 2011