Thursday, October 28, 2010

Storytime for Dads & Children

Man With the Yellow Hat Storytime
Join us on Saturday, November 6th, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. for a special, fun early literacy storytime for children 0-3 years-old and their dads (or father figures). Located in the Storytime Room at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. For more information, call 541-766-6794 or email Peik-Kuan Lim, peik-kuan.lim@ci.corvallis.or.us

Image Copyright 2003 American Library Association. Curious George and related characters, created by Margret and H.A. Rey, are copyrighted and trademarked by Houghton Mifflin Company and used under license. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing, Inc. All rights reserved. Produced in cooperation with the Public Library Association and the Association for Library Services to Children.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Today at Storytime: Infants

The books we shared:
Kisses by Barney Saltzberg
Cuddle up with this new book by Barney Saltzberg that celebrates kisses using touch-and-feel, pull tabs, lift-the-flaps, and sound.

You and Me, Baby by Lynn Reiser & Penny Gentieu
A delightful, and diverse group of babies and adoring parents are featured in this photographic celebration of a baby's day.

This Little Piggy by Moira Kemp
This traditional rhyme is perfect for sharing with babies and toddlers. Sing along and wiggle those piggies!

Guess Who? by Guido van Genechten
Engaging questions entertain children with comparing similarities between different animals in this lift-the-flap book for toddlers.

Where is Baby's Pumpkin? by Karen Katz (Amazon.com)
Karen Katz's adorable baby is back wearing a sparkly black cat costume in this lift-the-flap Halloween-themed board book for babies and toddlers.

A few of the rhymes we shared:
Here's a Ball
Here's a ball and here's a ball
And a great big ball I see!
Shall we count them? Are you ready?
One, two, three! (swing baby)

Pony Boy
Pony boy, pony boy
Won't you be my pony boy.
Don't say no, here we go
Right across the plain-oh
Carry me, carry me,
Ride away with you, oh!
Giddy up, Giddy up, Giddy up, whoa!
My pony boy!

Bullfrog
Down by the banks
of the hanky panky
Where the bullfrogs jump
from bank to banky
Goin' EEP, OPP, belly flop!
One missed the lily pad
and went KERPLOP!

A Bee is on My Toe
A bee is on my toe, 
A bee is on my toe,
Heigh-ho, just watch me blow,
A bee is on my toe.
....on my nose...on my tummy, etc.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Pick of the Week: I'm Big!

I'm Big! by Kate & Jim McMullan
Kate and Jim McMullan (I Stink!, I'm Mighty!, and I'm Dirty!) are back with I'm Big! for young dinosaur fans. In this book, a great big Sauropod searches for his herd who left him while he slept. Along the way, he meets both friend and enemy in this bold and dino-rific read.

Dinosaur Rhyme
I'm a mean old dinosaur
Big and tall
Here is my tail, here is my claw.
When I get all hungry,
I just growl
Look out kids, I'm on the prowl!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

New Parenting Books

Superbaby: 12 ways to give your child a head start in the first 3 years by Dr. Jenn Berman
The first three years of life are the most important for nurturing a child's full potential: that's when they start forming attachments, developing a sense of self, and learning to trust. During this time, there are critical windows of opportunity that parents can take advantage of-if they know how. In a dozen succinct yet information-packed chapters, award-winning columnist and professional therapist Dr. Jenn Berman gives parents the knowledge they need. Her enlightening sidebars, bulleted lists, and concrete, easy-to-use strategies will help parents raise happy, healthy babies…who grow to be flourishing toddlers and successful adults. (Summary from Syndetics, Inc.)

The Must-Have Mom Manual: Two mothers, two perspectives, one book that tells you everything you need to know by Sara Ellington and Stephanie Triplett
 Whether it is bottle- or breast-feeding, cribs or co-sleeping, getting back to the office or staying home with the kids, best friends Sara Ellington and Stephanie Triplett, the team behind the popular book and radio show The Mommy Chronicles, rarely choose the same option. Lucky for us, in The Must-Have Mom Manual, they discuss the pros and cons of every aspect of child raising, from pacifiers to potty training, bedtimes to birthday parties, day care to Disney World. Their philosophy is simple: There is no one right way to be a mom. Sara and Stephanie just want to make every mother’s life easier. So, with a healthy dose of humor, they share their parenting triumphs and disasters, marital challenges, public meltdowns, and all the knowledge they’ve gained as authors and radio show hosts, with hundreds of tips for moms everywhere. • 10 things not to feel guilty about–because every mother feels bad about something • Answers for new moms about leaving the house with baby for the first time, postpartum depression, accepting help, car seats, and dining out with baby • Sticky parenting decisions–including the consensus on little white lies, family nudity, “correcting” homework, and leaving your child in the car (just for a second) • Managing your household and how to conquer the clutter with special strategies for organizing every room in your home • Products for moms, the best mom-gear, cleaning products–including technology, gadgets, stores, and places to take the kids • Marriage 911, sleep or sex?, how to keep the home fires burning–plus four people who can sabotage your sex life Covering “all things Mommy,” Sara and Stephanie are real mothers delivering real insights, with real laughs, as they tackle and celebrate the challenges and drama of motherhood in the best, easiest, most mom-friendly guide to life with kids today. (Summary from Syndetics, Inc.)

The Better Way to Care for Your Baby by Robin Elise Weiss
If you ever wished your newborn came with an owner's manual, The Better Way to Care for Your Baby is it. Nationally recognized pregnancy and baby care expert Robin Elise Weiss, L.C.C.E,  provides sage advice for your biggest concerns regarding your baby's growth and development, as well as solutions to everyday issues such as feeding, sleeping, and playtime. Broken down in a helpful month-by-month format each chapter includes: Multiple quick-references-handy checklists of what to know and do and baby data about how your newborn is growing What to Watch For sections-that address any potential complications or concerns including what you can handle yourself and when you should call your doctor Baby Skills-key milestones and cues you should watch for in your baby including reflexes, eye contact, and verbal and physical responses Mama Moments-to help you take care of yourself as you take care of your new baby An indispensable month-by-month guide to your baby's growth, behavior, and development,The Better Way to Care for Your Baby gives you the latest information on hot, and widely debated, topics such as infant feeding, allergies, immunizations, developmental play, and more. (Summary from Syndetics, Inc.)

Nannies & Au Pairs: Hiring in-home child care by Ilona Bray
 Whether you've got a new baby, toddler, or grade-schooler, turning your child over to someone else is a big transition. How will you find a care giver you trust? How much will in-home care cost? Will you feel forced to pay under the table? And what's the difference between a nanny and an au pair, anyway?

Community Parenting Event: A Secret of Childhood: Creating Pathways to Self-Regulation

A Secret of Childhood: Creating Pathways to Self-Regulation
A Lecture by Kathleen Lloyd, Ph.D.

Thursday, October 21
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship Church Social Hall
2945 NW Circle Blvd, Corvallis
(Sponsored by the Philomath Montessori School)

Self-regulation involves the ability to sustain attention, control reactions to stress, and recognize and interpret social cues. Citing contemporary research, Dr. Kathleen Lloyd will address its tremendous impact on children’s social and cognitive development.

Kathleen Lloyd earned a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Science from OSU where she also taught for several years. She is currently on the Early Childhood Education Faculty at Lane Community College. She has spent over 14 years working with 3-6 year olds in a variety of settings including Marin Montessori School in California, the Pacific Crest School in Seattle, Washington and the Garfield Head Start Program in Corvallis, Oregon. An enduring interest in peace education has led her on various adventures including a year studying Gandhi's work in India.

Sliding Scale: $0 - $10
For more information call: (541) 929-2672

Please note that the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library does not necessarily endorse any of the community events shared on this blog.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Corvallis Parks & Recreation Children's Halloween Party 10/29

Photo & craft idea from Crafts by Amanda.
Parks and Recreation is hosting their annual
Children's Halloween Party
Friday, October 29th, from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Corvallis-Benton County Public Library Parking Garage
645 NW Monroe Ave., Corvallis, OR 97330
.

For more information contact:
Corvallis Parks & Recreation
1310 SW Avery Park Drive 
Corvallis, OR 97333
Phone: 541-766-6918
Business Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM

The Downtown Corvallis Association is also hosting their annual Trick or Treat Downtown from 2-6 p.m. on Friday, October 29th, at participating businesses. For more information, visit the Downtown Corvallis Association site.

Picks of the Week

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin (HarperCollins, 2010)
Pete the Cat has some awesome new white shoes. Join him as he strolls down the street singing about his new shoes as they change from white to a variety of other colors and finally, no longer white and needing a cleaning, they become wet shoes.

Three Little Kittens by Jerry Pinkney (Dial Books for Young Readers, 2010)
Here is the classic nursery tale of three little kittens who lost their mittens - and yes, turn out to be good little kittens!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Today at Storytime

We shared some silly animal stories and had a great time at preschool storytime this morning. It was a great, small group today!
Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing by Judi Barrett
 Pictures of animals wearing clothes show why this would be a ridiculous custom for them to adopt.
Jump! by Scott M. Fischer
 From bugs and frogs to alligators and whales, frightened animals always move out of the way of a larger opponent.

Cows in the Kitchen by June Crebbin



 While Tom Farmer is asleep under the haystack, the cows, ducks, pigs, hens, and sheep make quite a mess in the farmhouse.

Piggy Pie Po by Audrey & Don Wood
Presents the rhyming adventures of Piggie Pie Po in three short stories.

I Dream of an Elephant by Ami Rubinger
Elephants of many colorful shades are described in couplets that invite the reader to complete the rhyme using color-themed clues.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Transportation Theme

The following rhymes can be great for circle time, transitions, storytime, dramatic play, or just for fun! Sharing childhood rhymes is a great way to build early literacy skills, like phonological awareness. Phonological awareness is the ability to hear and manipulate the smaller sounds in words. Phonological awareness includes the ability to hear and create rhymes, to say words with sounds or chunks left out and the ability to put two word chunks together to make a word. (Most children who have difficulty in reading have trouble in phonological awareness, so getting a head start with encouraging this literacy skill is beneficial.

Transportation Theme Rhymes:

Engine On The Track
Here is the engine on the track (hold up thumb) 

Here is the coal car, just in back (pointer finger) 
Here is the box car to carry freight (middle finger) 
Here is the mail car. Don't be late. (ring finger) 
Way back here at the end of the train. (pinky finger)
Rides the caboose through the sun and rain.

Bus Driver, Bus Driver

Bus driver, bus driver, may I have a ride? (Hold up fist and wiggle thumb.)
Yes, yes, please step inside. (Hold up other fist and wiggle thumb.)
Put in some money. (Bend down first thumb.)
Step on the gas. (Bend down other thumb.)
Chug-a-way, chug-a-way, (Pretend to steer bus.)
But not too fast.

Get a Ticket

Get a ticket, ticket, ticket for the train
Get a ticket, ticket, ticket for the train
Don't stand out in the wind and the rain,
Get a ticket, ticket, ticket for the train.

Get a ticket, ticket, ticket for the bus
Get a ticket, ticket, ticket for the bus
Climb aboard, you can ride with us!
Get a ticket, ticket, ticket for the bus!

Get a ticket, ticket, ticket for the boat
Get a ticket, ticket, ticket for the boat
The water's too cold to swim or float
Get a ticket, ticket, ticket for the boat


Enjoy this video by Rebecca Frezza and Big Truck: