Sea Otters and other Sea Creatures!

I know this is kinda random for February but Miss Margaret and I have been thinking about this for months!  Finally, here is my rhyme/activity for Sea Creatures!!  A few months ago we saw this adorable book about a sea otter and one thing led to another and the idea morphed into a 5 sea creature item.  Then we got John Lithgow's new book about a manatee and knew it was a sign!! LOL! Anyway, I got the set made by using bits of different Google images and some fabric paint and thread (whiskers) and a cute little shell sequin.  I love them!! We'll probably use them this fall but I had to work when inspiration hit!  Did you know that you can tell a seal and sea lion apart by the little ear flaps visible on the sea lion and not on the seal? There's a new fun fact!

Here's a fun video from Veggie Tales and the song, 'Barbara Manatee' !  

Sea creatures are a lot of Fun with Friends at Storytime!! Here are more great ideas on the Flannel Friday Roundup! Check out the wonderful resources on the Flannel Friday Pinterest Boards. Here's the link for the official Flannel Friday blog for more info!

Sammy the Seal, Inspired post.

This week I have a post that was inspired by Dorothy @ The Wielded Pen - Children's Corner. I saw this and pinned it 2 years ago. At the time I saw it she had used it as an interactive activity with a song to the tune of Frere Jacques suggested by Mary Zenker (in the comments). So cute!!  I've been thinking about it off and on for these 2 years and last week I was suddenly inspired with a rhyme to go with Sammy. I chose to make 10 colored balls and program them with the number symbols 1-10. My rhyme uses two clues for the children, colors and numbers.  My coworker, Miss Margaret suggested a theme of animals that balance balls (she has a wonderful set of elephants that balance on different colored balls) or plays with balls. I'm also thinking of the book, The Seals on the Bus. So, I don't have to wait to do a circus theme to use my version of Sammy the Seal! Here's the rhyme: Sammy the Seal Counts to 10.

Sammy the Seal and his amazing counting color balls is a lot of Fun with Friends at Storytime!

Here's the rest of this week's roundup @singing in the stacks!  If you have any questions about Flannel Friday you can find answers at the official Flannel Friday blog.