Songs for Digital Storytimes

In a planning a digital storytime for my library, I felt the need for a musical transition that let kids know when it was appropriate to use their tech devices and when it was time to put them away. A sort of opening and closing song specifically about technology. I use the word screen instead of iPad or phone or kindle because there are just too many varieties of touchscreen tech that families use.

Opening: My Special, Shiny Screen
     I love to play a little each day
     With my special shiny screen!
     So many ways to learn and play,
     I'll show you what I mean.
     It's tapping time!

Repeat the song using a tapping motion either against a device or a hand. Repeat with swiping, turning, and pinching to practice the movements you typically use to control touchscreen technology. End with the line, "It's screen time!" 


Closing: Time to Put the Screen Away
(Tune: Polly Put the Kettle On)
     Time to put the screen away,
     Screen away, screen away.
     Time to put the screen away,
     It's time to clap!

Sing the next verse doing the action you previously described. Add as many other actions necessary to help the child/children be ready to put the tablet, phone, etc. away and move on to a new activity. Try jumping, wiggling, stretching, marching, wave goodbye etc. and then end with "It's time to play!"


©Mariah Manley 2015