(Thanks to
Mel's Desk for sharing the original idea!) The cube introduced a nice bit of randomness (and gambling) to my Toddler storytimes. Unfortunately, it was made of styrofoam and got a little too crunchy when it hit the floor. Also, I used velcro to attach my felt pieces, hoping I could easily switch them out. They tended to get floppy and fall off.
This newest version has upholstery foam on the inside, wrapped with a layer of felt. The images are stuck directly to it with fabric glue. I have high hopes about its structural integrity and rollability.
My plan is to have kids volunteer to roll it. I'm a little worried about hurt feelings: children being upset if they don't get picked or someone not wanting to let go of the cube. Hopefully the good will outweigh the bad. If you have experience with this kind of crowd participation, I'd love your input in the comments section!
Below are the songs I chose, with helpful links to the awesome Jbrary ladies singing them. I've been wanting to do their "Pop! Goes the Berry" for a while. We will only sing the first verse/chorus to keep the program hopping.
The wheels on the bus go round and round,
The wheels on the bus go round and round,
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap)
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap)
If you're happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands. (clap clap)
Twinkle, twinkle little star,
How I wonder what you are.
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle little star,
How I wonder what you are.
And dried up all the rain
Now the itsy bitsy spider
One little red fish swimming in the water,
Swimming in the water, swimming in the water.
One little red fish swimming in the water,
Bubble, bubble, bubble, pop.
All around the strawberry fields,
We picked some juicy berries
We brought them home and washed them off,
Pop! Go the berries! (jump up on "pop")
