For an updated version of this post check out Fall Storytime Ideas.
We can hardly believe it’s here already, but with leaves which look as if they’ve been set on fire and cool, crisp mornings Fall has most decidedly arrived. We’ve had a couple folks on Twitter ask for some new ideas for fall themed storytimes and we are more than happy to oblige! Here is a collection of our favourite songs and rhymes, books and more.
Let’s start with songs and rhymes. While you can check our our Fall or Autumn Playlist any old time, we wanted to take this opportunity to show off our new favourites!
5 Little Pumpkins
This is a classic counting rhyme which can be done using the book, flannel board or even five little finger pumpkins!
Pumpkin Chant
This was first brought to our attention by the incredible Rebecca in her post about Pumpkins and Compost. Then imagine our delight when retired Children’s Librarian Jane Willis Johnston who wrote it gave us permission to record. And with that, we happily share what should be the pumpkin pie of your storytime!
Rain on the Grass
Please allow us to step away from pumpkins for one quick minute. We learned this one from Anne at So Tomorrow and think it’s the perfect way to sing about rain, sun, leaves and snow or whatever the fall is throwing at you.
Pumpkin, Pumpkin on the Ground
While not new, Lindsey and I were reminded of this little gem because of how often we get asked for songs and rhymes with sign language. Use the sign language or encourage the children to use their whole bodies with this action rhyme.
When it comes to book we’re not even going to attempt a list because Rebecca, Queen of Fall, has put together an absolutely phenomenal and comprehensive list. It’s even divided into sections like leaves, harvest, apples, pumpkins, animals in autumn and OH MY GOSH STOP READING AND GO THERE RIGHT NOW! (And when you’re there scroll down to learn how to make pumpkin stew in storytime!)
Finally, if you’re looking for craft or extension activities check out our Fall Storytime Pinterest board for these plus lots of books, songs and rhymes. Now it’s your turn: what are your favourite songs, rhymes and stories to share in the Fall? Leave us a note down below!
I recently did a song in a Fall storytime:
Falling, falling falling leaves
Mother Nature did you sneeze? (ACHOO!)
Red and yellow and orange and brown
Big and little ones on the ground
Falling, falling, falling leaves
Mother Nature did you sneeze? (ACHOO!)
The kids really like the ACHOO part and the different colors are good for when you (as I was) are tying in colors with fall. 🙂
Hi Becky, thanks so much for sharing this hilarious and lovely fall song. What tune do you sing it to?
Sounds to me like it would be sung to “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”.
That would definitely work- thanks Linda for the suggestion!
Love your website! I did the “Pumpkin Chant” in my storytime today and it was great! Some other favorites of yours I’ve used are the “Bread and Butter” chant with rhythm sticks, the egg shaker song that ends with “dance them on your knees, then tuck them into bed” and the “One Little Red Fish”song. They are wonderful. I’ve also used the egg shaker song in our children’s program at my church. Thanks so much!!! 🙂
Hi Amber, thanks so much for stopping by and sharing some of your favourite songs and rhymes! We love to hear what and how people are using songs in their lives. All the best!
One of my favorite autumn songs is Autumn Leaves are Falling Down (tune: London Bridge is Falling Down). Before we start singing it, we talk about the parts of a tree: roots, trunk, branches, leaves and I let them pick out two foam fall leaves, one for each hand (branch). We plant our feet (roots) by stomping firmly one at a time, stand up straight (trunk), and stretch our our hands (branches). Before we sing the song, I tell them they can drop their leaves at any time during the song–they don’t have to do it when I do. And I tell them to leave them on the ground for the second verse.
Song: Autumn leaves are falling down, falling down, falling down,
Autumn leaves are falling down, red & yellow & brown (our set has more than these colors so I’ll ad lib them).
Now it’s time to rake them up, rake them up, rake them up
Now it’s time to rake them up, red & yellow & brown.
To make it more fun, I have extra foam leaves held back and throw them into the air for them to pick up as well.
Thank you for all your great programs and sharing them with us.