So, you've planned an awesome storytime. You're ready and rarin' to go! But maybe some special event is going on. Or lots of people are on vacation. Or it's snowing. Or any number of things happen... and there's only one kid for storytime.
It can be frustrating, sure. But the important thing to remember is that this family made the effort to come to your program, and you might have to adapt some things, but the show must go on!
Just as with any program, you need to be prepared to adapt. And remember that even though it might be frustrating to have a low turnout for a program, the kid doesn't know that. The kid's experience is going to be what you make it.
Generally I start storytimes with Shake Your Sillies Out, but for a very small group I like to use My Hands Say Hello because it's a quieter song and I'm more apt to get participation.
It's to the tune of The Farmer in the Dell and it goes like this:
My hands say hello
My hands say hello
Every time I see my friends
My hands say hello
And then repeat using feet and other body parts. I usually do hands, then feet, then I ask for a suggestion of something else that could say hello.
Although it's not be what you planned, a storytime for one may have some advantages. Instead of having to focus an unruly mob of 30 kids, you can concentrate on getting to know one. It's a great opportunity to sit with child and caregiver and, say, demonstrate dialogic reading. You might be able to bring out some extra goodies, like toy drums or shakers that you might not use with a larger group. If you're doing a felt, let the kids help you put pieces up or take pieces off. You can even spread it out on the floor instead of doing it on a board.
Above all, you just need to be flexible. And remember that if you make this a pleasant experience, this family is likely to come back the next time.