Baby Story Time - Jan. 31, 2013 - What was read

Baby Story Time met again, on Thursday, January 31 at 10:30 AM with Ms. Tegan and a small group. A fun time was had by all as we explored the theme of senses! For a short time after Story Time, Ms. Tegan opened up Play Place and everyone had some time to play and chat.

Baby Story Time at Blue Bell is a story time session geared specifically toward babies (ages 6 months to 23 months). We'll read stories, sing songs, chant rhymes, and play with baby! Baby Story Time is also an event for parents and caregivers to learn about early literacy skills to help prepare baby for reading as well as to help foster a love of reading.

Our next session will be Thursday, February 21 at 10:30 AM. Be sure to sign up to save your seat as spaces are limited (10 babies max).

What We Read (titles link back to our catalog):

• Go Baby Go! - JJ BOARD JAN
  - Baby needs to move! Out to the garden goes baby, cat, and dog to play! There is repetition of words and a slight rhythm to the text.
• I Hear by Helen Oxenbury - (this a request from another library)
  - What does baby hear as he (or she) goes about the day? The pages have one word on it, but I added "I Hear" when I read it to expand the work.
  
• I See by Helen Oxenbury - JJ BOARD OXE
  -What does baby see as he (or she) goes about the day? The pages have one word on it, but I added "I See" when I read it to expand the work.
• How a Baby Grows by Nola Buck - JJ BOARD BUC
  - Babies grow so what do they see, hear and do as they grow?

What We Did

• Spoke a rhyme about eyes, ears, nose, and mouth while point to the body part.
• Sang: "Heads, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" while pointing to the body part.
• Spoke/clapped: "Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker's man."
• Sang my favorite opening and closing songs: "If You'd Like to Hear a Story" and "The More We Get Together.'

Early Literacy Tip

• Background Knowledge: Children are learning from day 1 and all of that learning is setting up a foundation for them as they grow older. This background knowledge is important for child. While it may not seem they understand the concept of senses, they do recognize that the floor feels different (carpet vs. wood) and that something looks different. Talk to them about their world. Talk about what they may be hearing, seeing, or touching (“Oh, that feels soft”). The descriptors you use help to lay the foundation for reading and understanding their world.
  
• Example: Here’s an opportunity to expand on a child’s knowledge. When playing or out and about (maybe at the grocery store) say “I hear…” or “I see…” or “I smell…”

This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen

This Is Not My Hat: by Jon Klassen

Note: I wrote this shortly after the book came out as it was getting a lot of praise at the time (and was a New York Times Best Seller). Here's a bit on what the 2013 Caldecott Book about.

This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
Call Number: JJ KLA
WVPL - BB

If this is not your hat then where did the hat come from?

Little Fish has stolen a hat. It isn't his hat. It belongs to a bigger fish and our little fish is pretty sure that the big fish won't mind. The hat looks better on him anyway.

Follow Little Fish's words, while the images show what Big Fish is up to (and sometimes what the Little Fish is up to). Will the Little Fish get away with stealing the hat?

Maybe...but that's for the reader to find out in this subtle and funny (in a different sort of way) story.
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It's simple a story about a fish stealing another fish's hat, but the words show Little Fish might be wrong about Big Fish (and who that Little Fish trusts). Depending on your little one, preview this book first, as the ending might need a little explanation.

"With a Little Help From My Friends"...and A Good Book!

There's a new display in our chapter book section featuring stories about friends for the month of February. What crazy adventures do friends get into? How about what do characters do when they need a new best friend? Check out these and more! Go ahead. Check out a book just from this display.

Baby Story Time - Jan. 24, 2013 - What was read

Today marked the first day of a new event that you'll be seeing happening at Blue Bell: BABY STORY TIME!

Baby Story Time at Blue Bell is a story time session geared specifically toward babies (ages 6 months to 23 months). We'll read stories, sing songs, chant rhymes, and play with baby! Baby Story Time is also an event for parents and caregivers to learn about early literacy skills to help prepare baby for reading as well as to help foster a love of reading.

Our next session will be January 31, 2013, at 10:30 AM. Be sure to sign up to save your seat as spaces are limited.

What We Read:

• Where is Baby's Yummy Tummy? - JJ BOARD KAT
  - Colorful babies and fun flaps! Perfect for babies who love peek-a-boo. This Karen Katz, Lift-the-Flap Book looks at various body parts that are hidden under common household items.
• Show Me! by Tom Tracy - JJ BOARD TRA
  - More body parts! This one focuses on a few of the same as well as new body parts. No lift the flaps, but the activities suggested by the text you can do with your baby.
• My Teeth - JJ BOARD MY
  -A simple counting book shows children at various stages with their teeth. From 1 to 10, babies can see the teeth in a child's mouth and count the teeth. The last few pages discuss what we do with teeth.
• I Can Help - JJ COS
  - A little duckling is lost, which starts a cycle of other helpful friends who help each other until the end, when it all starts over again.

What We Did

• Sang: "Heads, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" while pointing to the body part.
• Clapped, waved, patted and hugged as part of a "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" adaptation. 
• Sang my favorite opening and closing songs: "If You'd Like to Hear a Story" and "The More We Get Together.'

Early Literacy Tip

• Sing! Singing is a great opportunity for children to hear words broken down into each syllable. How? Generally, the rhythm and notes to a song dictate how the word is sung. Listen to the songs as we sing today and adults, when you are listening to your own music, take a moment to hear how other singers break down the words. Sing to your child and sing along with him or her when she or he starts singing. Babbling through a song is perfectly OK.
• Example: take a familiar song like"Row, Row, Row Your Boat" and change the words up a bit. You can then apply it to any situation or topic you'd like.