COVID-19 has changed the way we live. While the situation is scary and uncertain, this time is giving us all a chance to concentrate on our being with and communicating with loved ones. We have an opportunity to maximize family time. While there’s tons of advice on how to talk with children about coronavirus and Read More
Parent Center
Ways to Keep Calm
One of the best pieces of advice for maintaining calm is to keep to a routine at home to give the whole family a sense of normalcy. Be grateful Talk with your child about things that make you happy (how about sunshine and breakup?!) and appreciate the wonderful things in life together. Get outside There’s Read More
Digital Resources to Help You Keep Calm
Did you know that reading for just 30 minutes a day decreases stress? Storytime is a great calming activity for you and your family! So grab a book, or check out these digital resources for virtual storytime opportunities. Here are some of our favorite apps that help us keep calm. For Kids: GoNoodle FREE for Read More
Activities to Keep Calm
Staying active with your child is one of the best ways to forget your anxiety and be in the moment. These activities are easy to do, don’t require a trip to the store, and they promote physical well-being, health, and movement skills. Exercycle (birth to 6 months) Moving your infant’s arms and legs helps them Read More
A Different Way to Develop a Love of Words
This is the part of our newsletter where normally we would send recommendations for books you can read with your child that explore our monthly topic. However, with libraries closed across the state, we would be remiss to not acknowledge that access to the books we recommend might be harder to come by this month. Read More
Activities to Develop a Love of Words
Talk to Me, Baby (birth-6 months) Repeating what babies say lets them know you are listening and that communication is a two-way process. Mama, Dada (6-12 months) At this age, babies begin to associate language with people and things. My Own Word Book (12-18 months) Children this age enjoy pointing at things and naming them. Read More
Ways to Develop a Love of Words
Promoting a love of and curiosity about words doesn’t have to include flashcards or dictionaries. With young children, there are so many natural opportunities to learn and share new words. Praise children when they ask about an unfamiliar word “That’s great that you asked about a word you don’t know.” Praise children when they let Read More
Love of Words
Words are the building blocks of language. Hearing your child’s first word is magical. It begins a new phase for you and your child: gigantic leaps in communication and vocabulary. You’ll quickly realize that your child’s vocabulary is linked with your own. During a normal day, most adults use about 5,000 words, even though most Read More
Books You’ll Love to Develop Words
My Word: A Book of First Words by Frank Preston-Gannon (Infant, Toddler) With charming illustrations, this visual dictionary-style book introduces babies and toddlers to all kinds of words for things that go, food, animals, and more! Each page is grouped by theme and every item has a label. ▸ Get it at the Library Goodbye Friend! Hello Friend! Read More
Books You’ll Love About Winter STEM
Walk and See Opposites by Rosalind Beardshaw (Infant, Toddler) Little ones can enjoy this adorably illustrated opposites book that showcases many fun things to do in wintertime as we follow two children on their walk in the country. ▸ Get it at the Library Best in Snow by April Pulley Sayre (Toddler, Preschool) This non-fiction Read More
