It’s that time of year when parents, grandparents, and others start to think about what holiday gifts to give the children in their lives. We have found several sources to help you choose appropriate books and toys for young children. Best Beginnings’ Early Literacy Director Stephanie Schott especially recommends these books from Commonsense Media’s list Read More
Giving Thanks
The winter holiday season is upon us! The Thanksgiving holiday next week reminds many families and individuals to slow down their busy schedules and take some time to reflect on what they are thankful for. What a good exercise this can be for all of us, from the youngest to oldest, as we think about Read More
Books You’ll Love About Music
Squeak! Rumble! Whomp! Whomp! Whomp! A Sonic Adventure by Wynton Marsalis (Toddler, Preschool) This interactive book is a fun romp through onomatopoeia and New Orleans jazz. It shows how music can come from instruments and from everyday objects like a screen door or water faucet. ▸ Get it at the Library Monster Boogie by Read More
It’s Economics: Early Care and Learning Matters
It will be no surprise to parents of young children that a recent survey conducted across Alaska found that 57% of parents find it difficult to find child care for their children. And 60% said it was because child care just isn’t available, 38% said it is because of cost, and 30% said it is Read More
Activities with Music
Ever wonder how librarians learn so many rhymes and songs? Their secret weapon is the Jbrary YouTube channel, created by two Canadian youth services librarians. Try out their Fingerplays and Tickles or Body Parts Songs, Fingerplays, and Tickles playlists that are great for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. They have so many songs – one of Read More
Ways to Make Music
It is easy to make music a part of your daily life. Even if you don’t like the sound of your singing voice, remember that your child will love it. Sing whenever you have a chance. Make specific songs correspond to routines during the day (bath time, diaper changing, bedtime) – this will help make Read More
Let’s Make Music
Have you ever thought about how perfect the song Head Shoulders Knees and Toes is? It’s been a childhood favorite for a long time! Perhaps you heard this version of it on Mr. Rogers. In any language, this super short song packs so much learning in less than a minute: vocabulary, physical movement, and pointing Read More
The State of Best Beginnings
During the past few months Alaskans were loud and clear in their messages to legislators and the governor about ensuring state support for early learning – for Head Start, PreK, Parents as Teachers, and Best Beginnings. And, in the end, those messages were heard, and the governor signed an operating budget that included that support: Read More
Books You’ll Love About Family
Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B Schiffer (Preschool) At her school, Stella’s teacher announces that they will have a Mother’s Day celebration, but Stella doesn’t have a mother to bring. She has two daddies and many other relatives who care for her instead. How will Stella solve the “problem” of whom to invite to the Read More
Activities for Families
Play House: Dramatic play is an essential part of early childhood. Watching children play at being a family reveals what they see, hear, and feel in their day to day life. Playing house is one of the most popular themes for young children. Possible props can be dolls, keys, stuffed animals as pets, and other Read More