Unearth a Story: The Perfect 2026 Summer Reading Song for Libraries!
Are you looking for an engaging way to get kids excited about summer reading? “Unearth a Story” by Conductor Jack from the Zinghoppers is an original sing-along song designed specifically for the 2026 Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) theme that combines music, movement, and prehistoric fun to support early literacy development.
Don’t miss out! Be sure to subscribe to The Zinghoppers YouTube channel and Conductor Jack’s YouTube channel!
Why “Unearth a Story” Works for Early Learners
This catchy educational song does more than entertain—it actively supports multiple areas of child development while reinforcing the connection between reading and discovery.
Don’t miss out! Be sure to subscribe to The Zinghoppers YouTube channel and Conductor Jack’s YouTube channel!
Language and Literacy Benefits
Singing along with on-screen lyrics helps children develop crucial pre-reading skills. As kids follow the words while singing, they begin to connect spoken language with written text, building phonemic awareness and vocabulary. The repetitive structure of the song reinforces language patterns, making it easier for young learners to remember new words and concepts.
The prehistoric theme—featuring dinosaurs, wooly mammoths, and megalodon sharks—introduces children to fascinating vocabulary in a memorable context. When kids associate these exciting creatures with reading and library time, they develop positive connections that can last a lifetime.
Physical Development Through Movement
Each verse includes specific dance moves that promote gross motor skill development:
- Stomping like a T-Rex builds leg strength and coordination
- Swinging a wooly trunk develops arm control and bilateral coordination
- Chomping shark teeth engages facial muscles and body rhythm
The bridge section combines all three movements in sequence, challenging children to remember and execute multiple actions—an excellent exercise for working memory and body awareness.
Social-Emotional Learning
Created by classroom teacher Kitty Norton and her husband Jack Norton (who performs as Conductor Jack), “Unearth a Story” reflects their whole-child approach to education. Group singing naturally builds community, encourages participation, and helps children practice taking turns and following directions together.
Creative Ways to Use This Song at Home
Parents and caregivers can maximize the educational impact of “Unearth a Story” with these simple activities:
Create a Paleontology Play Corner: After watching the video, set up a “dig site” with a bin of sand or rice where children can uncover toy dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures. This hands-on extension reinforces the song’s theme while building fine motor skills.
Make Movement Cards: Draw simple pictures of each dance move on index cards. Let your child draw a card and perform that movement, connecting visual symbols with physical actions.
Build a Reading Routine: Play the song before or after story time to create a fun transition ritual. The consistent association between the song and reading time helps establish positive reading habits.
Extend the Learning: Visit your local library to check out books about dinosaurs, wooly mammoths, and prehistoric sea creatures. Children will be thrilled to discover more about the animals from their favorite song.
Classroom and Library Program Ideas
Educators and librarians will find “Unearth a Story” perfect for summer reading programs, story times, and classroom brain breaks:
CSLP Summer Reading Kickoff: Use this song to launch your 2026 summer reading program with energy and excitement. The theme aligns perfectly with exploration and discovery.
Literacy Station Activity: Set up a listening center where children can watch the video independently or in small groups, following along with the lyrics and movements.
Cross-Curricular Connections: Pair the song with science lessons about fossils, paleontology, or prehistoric life. Create art projects where children design their own prehistoric creatures with unique movements.
Group Performance: Teach the song and choreography over several sessions, then invite families to a performance event. This builds confidence, public speaking skills, and community engagement.
Movement Breaks: Use the song as a quick brain break during longer activities. The three-minute format is perfect for re-energizing young learners without losing instructional time.
Why Conductor Jack Stands Out
Conductor Jack’s songs bring a unique combination of educational expertise and entertainment value. Developed by a classroom teacher, their content reflects research-based best practices in early childhood education. The gentle, kind approach helps children feel safe and valued while learning essential social, emotional, academic, physical, and cognitive skills.
With colorful puppet characters, live-action performances, and animation, Conductor Jack and the Zinghoppers create an immersive learning environment that respects young children’s developmental needs while keeping them thoroughly engaged.
Perfect Timing for Summer 2026
As libraries and schools prepare for the 2026 Collaborative Summer Library Program, “Unearth a Story” offers a ready-made solution that supports literacy goals while keeping kids active and excited about reading. The prehistoric exploration theme naturally ties into summer’s sense of adventure and discovery.
Summer learning loss is a real concern for educators and parents, but when children associate reading with fun activities like this song, they’re far more likely to stay engaged with books throughout the break.
Watch and Share
Ready to bring prehistoric fun to your library, classroom, or home? Watch “Unearth a Story” on YouTube and discover why kids and educators are already stomping, swinging, and chomping their way through summer reading 2026.
Whether you’re a librarian planning summer programs, a teacher preparing end-of-year activities, or a parent looking for quality educational content, this sing-along song delivers the perfect combination of learning and fun. Let’s unearth some stories together and see what we find!
For information about booking Conductor Jack for library programs click here or to explore more educational songs and activities, visit thezinghoppers.com
