I am finally able to post a new preschool storytime plan! I did this one a few weeks ago, and it was the first time that I did the ninja theme for storytime. When I announced that the theme was ninjas, the crowd went “oooohhhh.”
Opening Song: Open, Shut Them
Book #1: The Three Ninja Pigs by Corey Rosen Schwartz
This is the book that made me decide to do a ninja themed storytime. It’s a clever retelling of the Three Little Pigs, told in rhyme with bright, full page illustrations. One of the things that I especially love about this book is the use of Japanese words throughout. Great way to expand vocabulary and learn some new words!
Activity #1: Five Little Ninjas
Five little ninjas creeping through the door,
One said HIYAH, and then there were four.
Four little ninjas, climbing up a tree,
One said HIYAH, and then there were three.
Three little ninjas with nothing to do,
One said HIYAH, and then there were two.
Two little ninjas, having so much fun.
One said HIYAH, and then there was one.
One little ninja, on the run.
He said HIYAH, and then there were none.
Credit: Myself
Book #2: Nighttime Ninja by Barbara DaCosta
In this simple story, a little ninja creeps into the kitchen on his mission to procure some ice cream. However, the little ninja is thwarted by his mother and begins a new mission: to go back to bed.
Activity #2: If You’re a Ninja and You Know It
If you’re a ninja and you know it,
Be really quiet. (Shhh!)
If you’re a ninja and you know it,
Be really quiet. (Shhh!)
If you’re a ninja and you know it,
then your face will surely show it.
If you’re a ninja and you know it,
Be really quiet. (Shhh!)
If you’re a ninja and you know it…walk on tip toe (Tip Toe)
If you’re a ninja and you know it…say HIYAH (HIYAH!)
Credit: Myself
Rhyme Cube: Twinkle, Twinkle and I’m a Little Tea Pot
Book #3: The Boy Who Cried Ninja by Alex Latimer
This book is another retelling of an old classic. In this story, no one believes Tim when he says that a ninja ate the last slice of cake. Or when he claims that a giant squid ate his entire book bag (including his homework). In order to get his parents to believe him, he invites all the culprits (ninja, squid, pirate, etc.) over for a party. When his parents see that he wasn’t lying in the first place, he gets 100 ice cream cones.
Closing Song: Children, Children, Turn Around
How It Went:
This was one of those themes that the grown-ups enjoyed just as much as the children. The kids really loved saying HIYAH (and we even had our storytime puppet, Quacky, say HIYAH at the end). The books worked really, really well, and it was overall a pretty awesome theme.
LOVE “If You’re a Ninja and You Know It” am giggling like a maniac in my office.
It’s like you “knew” that I was doing a ninja story time next week. Now I can “borrow” your rhymes!
Love it! I ran across “Wink: The Ninja Who Wanted To Be Noticed” at my branch and decided I just HAD to do a Ninja theme! This will be a great help!
great ninja songs! I am starting to plan a ninja storytime and these will definitely be included! thanks for sharing!
I am borrowing your five little ninjas flannel boards. Thank you for sharing. Joan.
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