The easiest way for your child to learn about directionality of print is by reading together with you. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your reading time: Sit close with your child as you read together. When you snuggle close with a book, it is easier for your child to Read More
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Paths to Print
Do you remember pretending to write when you were a young child? You probably scribbled from left to right and top to bottom without even realizing it! That’s because you were learning to recognize the direction of print in your written language. Children in other countries, like China or Jordan, would pretend to write in Read More
Generosity
For many people, December is a month filled with gift giving. But what about that other G word? We’re thinking about generosity this month (though gratitude isn’t a bad one either). It is never too soon to introduce your child to the idea of generosity. And this time of year presents – pun intended – so 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
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
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
Ways to Celebrate Family
Six Ways to Celebrate Family Look through family photos together. As you talk about them, make sure to point and name everyone. Help your child draw a picture of your family. Alternatively, you could work on any kind of craft project and give it to a family member. Write a letter/postcard to someone in your Read More