From Page to Play: Storytime Activities for Toddlers
One of the things I’ve learned from my editor and wife Jennifer (who was a preschool teacher for nearly 20 years) is that storytime is just the beginning. Toddlers thrive when they can touch, move, and explore the world of the books they love. That’s why we love turning storytime into playtime—with simple, engaging activities that bring a story to life long after the final page.
Here are a few hands-on ideas to transform your next reading session into a mini adventure:
🐑 1. Woolly Sheep Craft (Inspired by Fiona the Lost Sheep)
What you’ll need:
Cotton balls or white pom-poms
Construction paper
Glue stick
Googly eyes
How to do it:
Print or draw a simple sheep outline. Let your toddler glue on “wool” with cotton balls and add googly eyes. While crafting, retell Fiona’s journey together. Ask: Where would you look if you were searching for Fiona?
🐾 2. Sheep Hunt Obstacle Course
Hide a small stuffed animal or paper sheep cut-out somewhere in your living room or backyard. Create a gentle obstacle course—crawl under chairs, hop across pillows, or follow taped arrows—to “rescue” the lost sheep.
Why it works:
This promotes gross motor skills and builds connections with the story’s themes of perseverance and care.
📖 3. Sound Effects Storytime
As you read, let your child become the sound designer! Baa like a sheep, stomp like rescuers climbing hills, or whisper like wind through the glen. Give them pots, spoons, or paper to rustle.
🎨 4. Fiona’s Feelings Face Chart
Use paper plates to draw different sheep faces: happy, scared, tired, excited. Hold them up while reading the story. Ask your toddler: How do you think Fiona feels right now?
Pro tip: This sparks early emotional intelligence in a developmentally appropriate way.
✨ Why This Matters
When toddlers move, build, and express emotions tied to storytime, it deepens comprehension and joy. Playful learning builds literacy muscles that last—while making sweet memories with the ones you love.
So next time you read Fiona the Lost Sheep, don’t just close the book—open up a world of adventure!