“Pirate Tales” Storytime Kit
Cover Sheet – For the Presenter
The following storyhour program was designed for the 2010 “Make a Splash”
Summer Library Program. This program is intended primarily for older
preschoolers and early grades (4-6-year olds). We’ve included a few
suggestions just for slightly older children – adapt for the group you have
attending.
This storytime program emphasizes vocabulary-building. Be prepared to
explain any uncommon words in the books you choose. You don’t have to read
the asides to the parents and caregivers word-for-word, but try to include
the information in your own words. The information that is just for the
presenter is in italics – so don’t read that text.
The general outline of our storytime is:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
Opening Rhyme
Welcome/Introductory Comments
Book
Story Rhyme/Skill-Building Activity
Book (or two if time permits)
Song
Closing Rhyme
There are unique opening and closing rhymes for this storytime. Feel free to
substitute ones that you are familiar with. Repeating some of the familiar
songs and rhymes used in previous storytimes is better than introducing all
new ones. (For example, you may wish to select a set of opening, closing and
quieting rhymes to repeat throughout your Summer Library Program.)
We have provided links to some props that we think will be helpful.
You might prepare copies of songs and rhymes in large print to help the
adults join in.
Craft ideas and take-home materials are offered at the end.
“Pirate Tales”
Opening Rhyme with Flannelboard
One fish
Two fish
Red fish
Blue fish
Big fish
Small fish
Fat fish
Tall fish
Brown fish
Green fish
Nice fish
Mean fish
This one has a pirate hook
This one wants to read a book
Say! Let’s all take a look!
Repeat several times using flannelboard pieces as the children settle in. You
might omit some verses or add your own. After saying the same rhyme at
several storytimes, the children will know it by heart. We’ve used a version
of this rhyme based on the beginning of the book by Dr. Seuss in all of the
storytime kits for the 2010 Summer Library Program. In other storytime
programs the last verse will be different.
Alternate Opening Rhyme (Probably best used with slightly older
children – you may need to explain a few expressions as noted.)
Ahoy there mateys.
(“Ahoy” means “hello”)
All hands on deck.
The time for tales is nigh.
(“nigh” means near)
We’re about to weigh anchor for storytime.
(“weigh anchor” = leave port)
And believe me that’s no lie.
So avast ye mateys
(explain that this means to pay attention)
And listen close
To what I have to tell.
It might shiver yer timbers or raise a smile
(explain or show by your expression that this means to be scared)
As we ride the ocean’s swell.
Book
Start right out with your favorite pirate book that is appropriate for the
age group. Some suggestions are: This Little Pirate by Philemon Sturges; Do
Pirates Take Baths? By Kathy Tucker; Edward and the Pirates by David
McPhail, How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long.
To the caregivers:
There are lots of fun ways to teach the letters of the alphabet and the sounds
they make. Don’t drill your child if he doesn’t enjoy it. Try making a game
of it instead. The following rhyme is an example.
Arnold Was a Pirate
You might have heard that pirates love to use the expression “ARRR!” “Arr”
is also what we call this letter (hold up large letter R). Please help me say
this rhyme by joining in with the “ar” sounds whenever you hear them. I will
hold up this pirate picture to help you know when to join in.
Print out a pirate picture and attach to a stick to make it easy to hold up at
the right times. Greatly exaggerate and draw out the “ar” sounds!
Arnold was a pirate
He sailed far and wide
He had a large and dark ship
That skimmed o’er the tide.
With a feather in his hat
And a headscarf on his head
He had the North Star for a guide
And a hammock for a bed.
With a sharp knife in his boot
And a parrot on his arm
He’d sail for the South Seas
Where it’s nice and warm.
Now, Arnold and his crew
Sailed wide and far.
They never had a party
Though he played an old guitar.
Their cargo was all gold coins
And sparkling silver, too.
And when the hold was filled up
Arnold’s voyage was through.
“Swing the yardarm!” He would bark.
“Set the sail!” He’d shout.
“All hands on the quarter deck
And bring the ship about.”
“Come on now, me hearties
Let’s take our booty home.
I’ve seen enough of shark’s fins
And endless ocean foam.
Encourage the children to think of other words with the “arrr” sound, too.
(Car, jar, barn, cigar, park, march, etc.).
Book
Enjoy reading another favorite pirate book (or 2 if time permits!).
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Song-- I’ve Been Sailing on the Ocean
(To the tune of “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad”)
I’ve been sailing on the ocean
All the livelong day
I’ve been sailing on the ocean
Just to pass the time away
Can you hear the pirates calling?
They ‘re chasing us as we roam.
Can you hear the captain shouting?
“Time to head for home.”
Good wind won’t you blow
Good wind won’t you blow
Good wind won’t you blow
Us ho-o-ome?
Repeat
There are pirates on the ocean with big ships
There are pirates on the ocean I know
There are pirates on the ocean with big ships
When the high winds blow.
(They’re singing . . .)
Fie, fi, fiddly i o
Fie, fi, fiddly i o-o-o
Fie, fi, fiddly i o
As long as the high winds blow.
Closing Rhyme
You might want to pull a small towel out of your box or basket of props.
Touch each body part as you say the rhyme.
Dry your ears
Dry your nose
Dry your fingers
Dry your toes
Now our storytime is through
I had fun sharing books with you!
Crafts:
We like the idea of providing a craft at the end of storyhour. Something
simple is fine. This gives parents a chance to visit and it reinforces what the
children learned. This also provides an opportunity for parents to browse
your collection of brochures and so on. If you have older siblings who
regularly “tag along,” be sure to provide extra materials for them as well.
Ideas from the 2010 Cooperative Summer Library Program manual:
Pirate Face craft from p. 150 and 162-163.
Pirate’s Pet Parrot, p. 151 and 164.
Pirate Hat, p. 151 and 165.
Online Craft::
Newspaper Pirate Hats (directions for making) -http://www.busybeekidscrafts.com/Newspaper-Pirate-Hat.html
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