APRIL Book Babies + Toddler Time: BUGS!

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler Time: BUGS!

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler Time: BUGS!

Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! Oh, how we love bugs in all their varieties and the nursery rhymes that accompany them! The Itsy Bitsy Spider, The Ants Go Marching, Little Arabella Miller, and The Bees in the Beehive are favorites of ours. Can you remember some “bug” songs from your childhood? Share them with your child, and begin a multi-generational bugfest! Or try some of these at Childhood101.com.

Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 0 – 10 months

Toddler Time: Monday & Tuesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 11 – 23 months

 

Welcome Songs

Here We Are Together

Here we are together, together, together! Oh, here we are together in our library. There’s (sing names)… Here we are together in our library!

Hello Everybody

Hello everybody let’s clap our hands*, clap our hands, clap our hands. Hello everybody let’s clap our hands today! *pat our head, stretch up high, wiggle our fingers, tickle our knees, kick our feet, bounce up high!

S, T, R, W, P

(Sing while pointing to each finger on your child’s hand.) Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play each day!

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

TODDLER TIP

Rhymes and songs that involve sequencing and memory can help children prepare for school. In the “Bug in the Box,” listen for a certain phrase, and then react to it with a large physical movement. In addition to having fun, your child is actually developing their gross motor skills. -Lambert

TODDLER ACTIVITY

Ask your child to join you in pretending to climb into a box and shut the lid. It’s very dark inside! Turn the handle and begin reciting the rhyme, Bug in the Box. On the last line, pop out of the box.

BABY TIP

Even though babies will not actually understand number words and concepts, rhymes with numbers prepare them for the idea of numbers and for counting by rote or imitation. Later, they will connect the concept to the words. -Lambert

BABY ACTIVITY

Recite “Here is the Beehive” with your baby while adding all the hand motions. This is a great getting ready or diaper-changing song.

Books Presented

Snappy Little Bugs by Claire Nielsen

Join the great big bug hunt! Playful rhymes introduce little ones to a rib-tickling collection of hopping, jumping, sliding, fluttering pop-up surprises. These cute, but crawly, creatures almost leap into life as they make their moves across the pages. Youngsters will meet web-spinning spiders, wriggling worms, dragonflies, ladybugs, and more! And don’t miss the surprise from the grasshoppers!

Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! by Bob Barner

A nonsense rhyme introduces children to familiar bugs. Includes a fun facts section.

The Itsy Bitsy Spider by Iza Trapani

 
In this expanded version of a popular song, the itsy-bitsy spider’s climbing is interrupted by a fan, a mouse, a cat, and some dew before she makes her way to the top of a tree to spin her web.

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.

Over in the Garden by Jennifer Ward

 
Over in the garden, mother insects and their children enjoy various activities from morning sun to evening moon.

Hello, Bugs! by Smriti Prasadam

Babies and toddlers will love to meet the adorable bugs in this engaging book! Little hands can turn the sturdy board pages to meet a host of cute characters, including a ladybug, a caterpillar, a bee, a grasshopper, a dragonfly, a snail, and more. Simple text introduces readers to a handful of first words, while the bold artwork features each bug in its natural environment.

Wiggle Jiggle by Megan Vermaak, Mathapelo Mabaso, Chenel Ferreira

 
Wiggle-Jiggle is a cute and cuddly caterpillar story with very cute rhythm, rhyme, and repetition.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

 
Follows the progress of a very hungry caterpillar as he eats his way through a varied and very large quantity of food, until, full at last, he forms a coccoon around himself and goes to sleep.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Giddy-up, Giddy-up

Giddy-up, giddy-up ride to town (bounce babies on knees)
Giddy-up, giddy-up up and down (lift baby up and down)
Giddy-up fast (bounce quickly)
Giddy-up slow (bounce slowly)
Giddy-up, giddy-up, giddy-up, whoa! (dip baby backwards gently)
-storytimekatie.com

Bouncy Bouncy Baby

Bouncy, bouncy baby. Bouncy, bouncy baby
Up and down, up and down.
Bouncy, bouncy baby.
Hippity hop little one. Hippity hop little one
Back and forth, back and forth.
Hippity hop, little one.
Bippity bop, baby. Bippity bop, baby
Jiggity, joggity, jiggity, joggity
Bouncy, bouncy…BOOM!
-jbrary.com

Bug in the Box

Bug in the box sits so still.
Will he come out?
Yes, he will!

Insects on Me

(Tune: Farmer in the Dell)
A fly is on my face
A fly is on my face
Heigh-ho just watch me go
A fly is on my face.

Other verses:
A gnat is on my nose…
A hornet is on my head…
A bee is on my back…

Rainbows in my Bubbles

(Tune: She’ll be Coming Round the Mountain)
I’ve got rainbows in my bubbles, yes, I do
I’ve got rainbows in my bubbles, yes I do
When I look up towards the sun,
They’ve got rainbows every one
I’ve got rainbows in my bubbles, yes, I do

Here is the Beehive

Here is the beehive.
But where are all the bees?
Hiding away where nobody sees.
Here they come flying out of their hive.
One, two, three, four, five!

Here is the beehive.
But where are all the bees?
Hiding away where nobody sees.
Here they come flying out of their hive.
One, two, three, four, five!

Buzz up high. Buzz down low.
Buzzing fast. Buzzing slow.
Buzz to the left. Buzz to the right.
Buzz all day but sleep at night

Here is the beehive.
But where are all the bees?
Hiding away where nobody sees.
Here they come flying out of their hive.
One, two, three, four, five!

Baby Sign Language

More Book Babies

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: “C” is for Counting

One, two, three, count with me. It’s as easy as can be! Teaching numbers at an early age can be great fun! Here are some fun ways to introduce numbers to your infant or toddler: 👶 0-1 Year (Introduction to Numbers) Talk & Count: Count fingers, toes, and everyday...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: S is for Soup

Making and eating soup can be a sensory explosion for you and your child, especially when you make it together. Look for ingredients with a variety of colors, textures, and scents, then talk about where they came from, or count the pieces you’ve cut. Here are some...

Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Old School PoetryThis February, let love take center stage! Stop by our special collections area to type out a heartfelt poem on our vintage typewriter—whether it’s for a dear friend or your favorite pizza. Drop your masterpiece into the submission box nearby if you'd...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Duck, Duck, Goose

“Play is serious business when it comes to a child's health and development. From peek-a-boo to pat-a-cake and hide-and-seek to hopscotch, the many forms of play enrich a child's brain, body and life in important ways.” HealthyChildren.org. When reading books with...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Horses & Ponies

This is how the ladies ride… clippity-clop, clippity-clop. This is how the gentlemen ride… giddy-up, giddy-up. This is how the cowboys ride… Yee haw! Ride ‘em cowboy!! There are many rhymes and songs about horses which encourage parent and child communication,...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Feelings

Ah, emotions… however big or small, can be difficult to manage for everyone, especially children. There are, however, tips and tricks you can use to help your child learn how to recognize and regulate their feelings, and you can start early, even with an infant. The...

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in the Dark

At the end of the day, it’s a great time to establish a routine to help your child prepare for bed. Some of the activities in your routine could include reading a book, taking a bath, singing a song, picking up toys, or perhaps doing a knee bounce. When you follow the...

JUNE Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in Imagination

Did you know that imaginative or pretend play contains the building blocks of developing critical thinking skills, following directions, expressive language, and even managing emotions? So, grab those sheets, boxes, mud, dishes, and anything you can think of to help...

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler Time: Walking Together

As you look forward to the first steps of your infant, don’t forget the benefit of walking outside with your child. Not only is it a great self-care activity for you as a caregiver, but it opens up the world to your child as they develop and find themselves in a...

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: Eric Carle

If you haven’t discovered the bold, colorful world of Eric Carle, you are in for a enchanting experience. “Eric Carle (1929-2021) was the creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. But that’s not the only reason why he received nearly 10,000 fan letters every year. Carle...

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: MY BODY!

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: MY BODY!

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: MY BODY!

March is all about MY BODY!

Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 0 – 10 months

Toddler Time: Monday & Tuesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 11 – 23 months

 

Welcome Songs

Here We Are Together

Here we are together, together, together! Oh, here we are together in our library. There’s (sing names)… Here we are together in our library!

Hello Everybody

Hello everybody let’s clap our hands*, clap our hands, clap our hands. Hello everybody let’s clap our hands today! *pat our head, stretch up high, wiggle our fingers, tickle our knees, kick our feet, bounce up high!

S, T, R, W, P

(Sing while pointing to each finger on your child’s hand.) Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play each day!

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

TIP

Singing helps your child hear the smaller sounds in words, and it helps to build their vocabulary. It slows down the sounds that words make. Being able to hear and recognize the beginning, middle and ending sounds that make up words helps children sound out words when they begin to read. – https://torontopubliclibrary.typepad.com/kids-books/2021/05/5-things-to-know-about-singing-and-early-literacy.html

ACTIVITY

Sing, instead of read, a favorite rhyming book.

Books Presented

Toes, Ears, & Nose! : a lift-the-flap-book by Marion Dane Bauer

Baby is bundled in a mountain of clothes! As little ones lift the large, sturdy flaps to find out what’s underneath each piece of clothing, they’ll love playing and learning with this fun peekaboo book again and again!

From Head to Toe by Eric Carle

Encourages the reader to exercise by following the movements of various animals; presented in a question and answer format.

Bear Has a Belly by Jane Whittingham

Do you have a nose like Fox, cheeks like Squirrel, and a tongue like Frog does? In rhythmic text perfect for an energetic read-aloud, Bear Has a Belly points out Moose’s legs, Otter’s back, and Duck’s feet, inviting little ones to chime in with every body part they share in common. Bright photographs of the animal friends are paired with images of real children of diverse backgrounds and abilities who are joyfully engaging with that body part.

Horns to Toes and In Between by Sandra Boynton

Three creatures point out their body parts.

Whose Knees are These? by Jabari Asim

Takes a loving look at knees from the vantage point of a mother’s lap.

Eyes, Nose, Fingers, and Toes: A First Book All About You by Judy Hindley

A group of toddlers demonstrate all the fun things that they can do with their eyes, ears, mouths, hands, legs, feet–and everything in between.

Where is Baby's Yummy Tummy? by Karen Katz

A rhyming text and flaps illustrate parts of the baby’s body.

My Body by Jill Ackerman

Textures, flaps, and reflective mirror help babies discover different parts of their bodies.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Gregory Griggs, Gregory Griggs

Gregory Griggs, Greggory Griggs
Had 27 different wigs
He wore them up (lift baby up)
He wore them down (bring baby back down)
To please the people of the town.
He wore them east (tip baby to one side)
He wore them west (tip baby to the other side)
But which one did he love the best?
This one! (hug baby)

Where Is Big Toe?

(Tune: Where is Thumbkin?)
Where is big toe? Where is big toe?
Here I am; here I am!
Touch baby’s toe
Wiggle, wiggle, big toe
Wiggle, wiggle big toe
Wiggle baby’s toe
My big toe, my big toe.

Where is elbow…bendy, bendy elbow
Where is tummy…squishy, squashy tummy
Where are two eyes…winky blinky two eyes
Where are two hands…happy clappy two hands

Oh The City is Great and The City is Grand

Oh the city is great and the city is grand
There’s a whole lot of people
on a little piece of land
And we live way up on the 57th floor
and this is what we do when we go out the door.
We take the elevator up and the elevator down,
take the elevator up, take the elevator down
Take the elevator up and the elevator down
and we turn around.

Lots of Exercise

(Tune: Farmer in the Dell)
We’re jumping up and down,
We’re jumping up and down
We’re getting lots of exercise
We’re jumping up and down

(We twist from side to side)
(We bend and touch our toes)
(We stretch up to the sky)

 

The Diaper on the Bottom

(Tune: The Wheels on the Bus)
The diaper on the bottom
Comes off, off, off
Off, off, off, Off, off, off
The diaper on the bottom
Comes off, off, off
Nice and clean!

Baby Sign Language

More Book Babies

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: “C” is for Counting

One, two, three, count with me. It’s as easy as can be! Teaching numbers at an early age can be great fun! Here are some fun ways to introduce numbers to your infant or toddler: 👶 0-1 Year (Introduction to Numbers) Talk & Count: Count fingers, toes, and everyday...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: S is for Soup

Making and eating soup can be a sensory explosion for you and your child, especially when you make it together. Look for ingredients with a variety of colors, textures, and scents, then talk about where they came from, or count the pieces you’ve cut. Here are some...

Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Old School PoetryThis February, let love take center stage! Stop by our special collections area to type out a heartfelt poem on our vintage typewriter—whether it’s for a dear friend or your favorite pizza. Drop your masterpiece into the submission box nearby if you'd...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Duck, Duck, Goose

“Play is serious business when it comes to a child's health and development. From peek-a-boo to pat-a-cake and hide-and-seek to hopscotch, the many forms of play enrich a child's brain, body and life in important ways.” HealthyChildren.org. When reading books with...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Horses & Ponies

This is how the ladies ride… clippity-clop, clippity-clop. This is how the gentlemen ride… giddy-up, giddy-up. This is how the cowboys ride… Yee haw! Ride ‘em cowboy!! There are many rhymes and songs about horses which encourage parent and child communication,...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Feelings

Ah, emotions… however big or small, can be difficult to manage for everyone, especially children. There are, however, tips and tricks you can use to help your child learn how to recognize and regulate their feelings, and you can start early, even with an infant. The...

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in the Dark

At the end of the day, it’s a great time to establish a routine to help your child prepare for bed. Some of the activities in your routine could include reading a book, taking a bath, singing a song, picking up toys, or perhaps doing a knee bounce. When you follow the...

JUNE Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in Imagination

Did you know that imaginative or pretend play contains the building blocks of developing critical thinking skills, following directions, expressive language, and even managing emotions? So, grab those sheets, boxes, mud, dishes, and anything you can think of to help...

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler Time: Walking Together

As you look forward to the first steps of your infant, don’t forget the benefit of walking outside with your child. Not only is it a great self-care activity for you as a caregiver, but it opens up the world to your child as they develop and find themselves in a...

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: Eric Carle

If you haven’t discovered the bold, colorful world of Eric Carle, you are in for a enchanting experience. “Eric Carle (1929-2021) was the creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. But that’s not the only reason why he received nearly 10,000 fan letters every year. Carle...

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: Trains!

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: Trains!

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: Trains!

March is all about TRAINS!

Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 0 – 10 months

Toddler Time: Monday & Tuesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 11 – 23 months

Welcome Songs

Here We Are Together

Here we are together, together, together! Oh, here we are together in our library. There’s (sing names)… Here we are together in our library!

Hello Everybody

Hello everybody let’s clap our hands*, clap our hands, clap our hands. Hello everybody let’s clap our hands today! *pat our head, stretch up high, wiggle our fingers, tickle our knees, kick our feet, bounce up high!

S, T, R, W, P

(Sing while pointing to each finger on your child’s hand.) Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play each day!

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

TIP

When you give your child positive reinforcement by clapping or telling them that they did a great job, you are encouraging them to act both independently and cooperatively. To encourage this at home, use activities that your child can do easily, and don’t forget to give a lot of positive encouragement.

ACTIVITY

Have fun with, “Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!” For babies, bounce your child on your lap and lift her up very quickly on “lift-off!” For toddlers, model for your child how to step into a rocket ship, then squat down and jump up for the lift-off.

Sensory Activity

Sensory Transport Tub- Long, under-the-bed storage bins are great for sensory play and cost very little. If you have some “transportation” toys such as trains, cars, people, etc. and different types of cereal, you’re all set! Try this activity found at My Bored Toddler.

Books Presented

The Little Engine That Could by Wendy Piper

Although she is not very big, the Little Blue Engine agrees to try to pull a stranded train full of toys over the mountain.

Freight Train by Donald Crews

Brief text and illustrations trace the journey of a colorful train as it goes through tunnels, by cities, and over trestles.

I Love Trains! by Philemon Sturges

I love trains. First come engines, big and strong. Pulling lots of cars along.

I Can Make a Train Noise by Michael Emberly and Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick

A girl transforms a coffee shop into a train by making train noises with words.

The Animal Train by Liliana Secchi

This humorously illustrated accordion book unfolds to reveal a trainload of varied animals and birds, both familiar and exotic. Featuring creatures from the jungle, the forest, the savannah, and the ocean, this delightful and engrossing format is an entertaining introduction to the wonders of wild animals and their habitats.

More More More Said the Baby by Vera B Williams

Three babies are caught up in the air and given loving attention by a father, grandmother, and mother.

Peek-a-Choo-Choo! by Marie Torres Cimarusti

Here for the first time is a book about vehicles for toddlers in the same format as the highly successful Peek-a-Moo! and Peek-a-Boooo! Preschoolers will love lifting the oversize flaps to play peek-a-boo with cars, planes, submarines, and, of course, trains. Guess who? Peek-a-toot-toot! honks the tugboat. Guess who? Peek-a-vroom-vroom! revs the race car. With its playful text and bright and friendly illustrations, Peek-a-Choo-Choo! is the perfect introduction to “things that go” for the youngest traveler.

Sounds on the Go by Gail Donovan

Discover the sounds that are made by all of the most fascinating vehicles in our world with this interactive learning book! This early learning book is a fun and effective way to teach your young ones about the world of vehicles. This hands-on book includes: Lift-a-flap design that exposes additional vehicles facts and information Relevant information about the uses and functionality of each vehicle Sound bar that allows readers to hear the sound that each vehicle makes Combination of colorful illustrations and color photos And much, much more! With this book in their hands, your young vehicle enthusiast is sure to have a screeching good time!

Good Night, Good Night by Sandra Boynton

A group of animals, afloat on an ark, go through their nightly bedtime rituals of exercising, toothbrushing, and so on, until two rabbits sing them a lullaby and the sea rocks them to sleep.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

This is a Choo-Choo Train

This is a choo choo train
Puffing down the track
Now it’s going forward,
Now it’s going back,
Now the bell is ringing
Now the whistle blows
What a lot of noise it makes
Everything it goes.

The Wheels on the Train Go Clackety-Clack

The wheels on the train go clackety clack
Clackety clack, clackety clack
The wheels on the train, go clackety clack
All along the track.

More verses:
 The whistle… goes whoo, whoo, whoo
The conductor… says, “All Aboard”
The people … go bumpety, bump

Engine, Engine No. 9

Engine, engine number 9
Coming down Chicago Line
If the train goes off its track
Do you want your money back?
Yes? (sway to the side)
No? (sway to the other side)
Maybe so? (sway back and forth)

A little bit faster…

Chugga Chugga Choo Choo Goes the Freight Train

Chugga- chugga choo choo goes the freight train,
Chugga- chugga choo choo goes the freight train,
Chugga- chugga choo choo goes the freight train,
Uuuuuuup the hill!

Repeat with other ending: Doooown the track!

Changing Diaper

Tune of Frere Jacques
Changing diaper, changing diaper
Lots of fun, lots of fun
You’re no longer stinky, you’re no longer stinky
Nice clean bum, nice clean bum

Baby Sign Language

More Book Babies

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: “C” is for Counting

One, two, three, count with me. It’s as easy as can be! Teaching numbers at an early age can be great fun! Here are some fun ways to introduce numbers to your infant or toddler: 👶 0-1 Year (Introduction to Numbers) Talk & Count: Count fingers, toes, and everyday...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: S is for Soup

Making and eating soup can be a sensory explosion for you and your child, especially when you make it together. Look for ingredients with a variety of colors, textures, and scents, then talk about where they came from, or count the pieces you’ve cut. Here are some...

Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Old School PoetryThis February, let love take center stage! Stop by our special collections area to type out a heartfelt poem on our vintage typewriter—whether it’s for a dear friend or your favorite pizza. Drop your masterpiece into the submission box nearby if you'd...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Duck, Duck, Goose

“Play is serious business when it comes to a child's health and development. From peek-a-boo to pat-a-cake and hide-and-seek to hopscotch, the many forms of play enrich a child's brain, body and life in important ways.” HealthyChildren.org. When reading books with...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Horses & Ponies

This is how the ladies ride… clippity-clop, clippity-clop. This is how the gentlemen ride… giddy-up, giddy-up. This is how the cowboys ride… Yee haw! Ride ‘em cowboy!! There are many rhymes and songs about horses which encourage parent and child communication,...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Feelings

Ah, emotions… however big or small, can be difficult to manage for everyone, especially children. There are, however, tips and tricks you can use to help your child learn how to recognize and regulate their feelings, and you can start early, even with an infant. The...

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in the Dark

At the end of the day, it’s a great time to establish a routine to help your child prepare for bed. Some of the activities in your routine could include reading a book, taking a bath, singing a song, picking up toys, or perhaps doing a knee bounce. When you follow the...

JUNE Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in Imagination

Did you know that imaginative or pretend play contains the building blocks of developing critical thinking skills, following directions, expressive language, and even managing emotions? So, grab those sheets, boxes, mud, dishes, and anything you can think of to help...

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler Time: Walking Together

As you look forward to the first steps of your infant, don’t forget the benefit of walking outside with your child. Not only is it a great self-care activity for you as a caregiver, but it opens up the world to your child as they develop and find themselves in a...

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: Eric Carle

If you haven’t discovered the bold, colorful world of Eric Carle, you are in for a enchanting experience. “Eric Carle (1929-2021) was the creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. But that’s not the only reason why he received nearly 10,000 fan letters every year. Carle...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time!

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time!

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time!

Turkeys, I spy, and learning how to sign, “thank you,” are the things our babies and toddlers are learning this month. Try the activity with your toddler from BusyToddler.com for a fun alternative to screen time. And have a wonderful, safe Thanksgiving!

Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 0 – 10 months

Toddler Time: Monday & Tuesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 11 – 23 months

Welcome Songs

Here We Are Together

Here we are together, together, together! Oh, here we are together in our library. There’s (sing names)… Here we are together in our library!

Hello Everybody

Hello everybody let’s clap our hands*, clap our hands, clap our hands. Hello everybody let’s clap our hands today! *pat our head, stretch up high, wiggle our fingers, tickle our knees, kick our feet, bounce up high!

S, T, R, W, P

(Sing while pointing to each finger on your child’s hand.) Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play each day!

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip
Phonological awareness is a set of critical pre-reading skills: the ability to hear, identify, and play with the sounds in spoken language — including rhymes, syllables, and phonemes. Children with strong phonological awareness skills are ready to become readers.

- Reading Rockets: https://www.readingrockets.org/reading-101-guide-parents/prek/phonological-and-phonemic-awareness-activities-your-pre-k-child

Activity

Play “I Spy” first sounds game — Practice forming sounds with this simple “I spy” game at home. Find a book with animals, vehicles, or objects that make noises. Then, with Baby, say, “I spy something that goes… moo!” Help your child point to the cow on the page and say, “What is that? It’s a cow and it goes… moo!” Repeat with other objects in the book.

Sensory Activity

Golf Tee Push: Fine Motor Skills Activity — Here is an easy-to-assemble activity that not only helps your child develop fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination, and spatial awareness, but also gives you a bit of free time. All the only thing you need are golf tees and a box! Thanks to the creators of BusyToddler.com, you can find this and other sensory building activities HERE

Books Presented

Cows Go Boo by Steve Webb

On Farmer George’s farm, the pigs go ‘oink’, the sheep go ‘baa’, and cows go… well, you’ll just have to look inside. Gold-topped comedy from some very naughty heifers.

Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson

Bear thanks his friends for bringing food dishes to his dinner party and finds a way of sharing something of his own.

I Spy on the Farm by Edward Gibbs

An interactive introduction to farm animals invites youngsters to make animal noises and practice color and letter recognition while peeping through a spy hole on every page and observing clues to guess which animal will be revealed next in the story.

Find Spot by Stacey Previn

Encourages young readers to find the hidden spots in a book filled with peek-through die-cut holes.

Ten Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston

The antics of ten fat turkeys on a fence illustrate counting from ten to one.

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie by Alison Jackson

Based on the classic song about the old woman who swallowed a fly, this retelling with a twist features an old lady attending a Thanksgiving dinner who swallows a pie, then a whole squash, all of the salad, and then an entire turkey. In the end, the old lady makes a surprising and humorous contribution to the holiday festivities.

Over in the Meadow: a Traditional Counting Rhyme by Louise Voce

From one little turtle to ten little foxes playing in the meadow, the beloved nursery song introduces young children to numbers and counting.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Two Little Turkeys

Two little turkeys sitting on a hill
One named Jack, the other named Jill
Run away Jack, run away Jill
Come back Jack, come back Jill
(cloud/quiet & loud, pole/fast & slow, sky/low & high)

If You’re Thankful and You Know It

If you’re thankful and you know it, clap your hands
If you’re thankful and you know it, clap your hands
If you’re thankful and you know it and you really want to show it
If you’re thankful and you know it, clap your hands
(stomp your feet, shout “hooray”, do all three)

The Farmer’s Field

Tune of “All Around the Mulberry Bush”

All around the farmer’s fields,
We picked some blueberries
We brought them home and washed them off,
Pop! Go the berries! (jump up on “pop”)

… yellow bananas
… red ripe apples
… green beans
… orange pumpkins

Baby Sign Language

Baby Needs a Diaper Change

Tune of “London Bridge is Falling Down”

Baby needs a diaper change
Diaper change,
Diaper change
Baby needs a diaper change
Please and thank you!

Here are the Sign language signs:
Baby: (rock arms in cradle back and forth)
Diaper: (pinch fingers like clothes pins next to face)
Change: (wring hands in a fist )
Please: (rub chest)
Thank you: (hand to chin and out)

Additional Books

I Spy with My Little Eye by Edward Gibbs

Asks young readers to identify the animal based on their color, including blue for a blue whale, white for a polar bear, and green for a frog, in a book with die-cut spy holes.

Thanksgiving Parade by Melanie Matthews

March along with the Thanksgiving parade.

Over in the Meadow by Ezra Jack Keats

Asks young readers to identify the animal based on their color, including blue for a blue whale, white for a polar bear, and green for a frog, in a book with die-cut spy holes.

More Book Babies

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: “C” is for Counting

One, two, three, count with me. It’s as easy as can be! Teaching numbers at an early age can be great fun! Here are some fun ways to introduce numbers to your infant or toddler: 👶 0-1 Year (Introduction to Numbers) Talk & Count: Count fingers, toes, and everyday...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: S is for Soup

Making and eating soup can be a sensory explosion for you and your child, especially when you make it together. Look for ingredients with a variety of colors, textures, and scents, then talk about where they came from, or count the pieces you’ve cut. Here are some...

Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Old School PoetryThis February, let love take center stage! Stop by our special collections area to type out a heartfelt poem on our vintage typewriter—whether it’s for a dear friend or your favorite pizza. Drop your masterpiece into the submission box nearby if you'd...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Duck, Duck, Goose

“Play is serious business when it comes to a child's health and development. From peek-a-boo to pat-a-cake and hide-and-seek to hopscotch, the many forms of play enrich a child's brain, body and life in important ways.” HealthyChildren.org. When reading books with...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Horses & Ponies

This is how the ladies ride… clippity-clop, clippity-clop. This is how the gentlemen ride… giddy-up, giddy-up. This is how the cowboys ride… Yee haw! Ride ‘em cowboy!! There are many rhymes and songs about horses which encourage parent and child communication,...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Feelings

Ah, emotions… however big or small, can be difficult to manage for everyone, especially children. There are, however, tips and tricks you can use to help your child learn how to recognize and regulate their feelings, and you can start early, even with an infant. The...

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in the Dark

At the end of the day, it’s a great time to establish a routine to help your child prepare for bed. Some of the activities in your routine could include reading a book, taking a bath, singing a song, picking up toys, or perhaps doing a knee bounce. When you follow the...

JUNE Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in Imagination

Did you know that imaginative or pretend play contains the building blocks of developing critical thinking skills, following directions, expressive language, and even managing emotions? So, grab those sheets, boxes, mud, dishes, and anything you can think of to help...

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler Time: Walking Together

As you look forward to the first steps of your infant, don’t forget the benefit of walking outside with your child. Not only is it a great self-care activity for you as a caregiver, but it opens up the world to your child as they develop and find themselves in a...

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: Eric Carle

If you haven’t discovered the bold, colorful world of Eric Carle, you are in for a enchanting experience. “Eric Carle (1929-2021) was the creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. But that’s not the only reason why he received nearly 10,000 fan letters every year. Carle...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddler Time

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddler Time

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddler Time

In October, we walked with animals, flew in a spaceship, and cooked French fries and pumpkins in a pan with hot oil! Try out some more activities this month with your baby or toddler from the suggestions below.

Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 0 – 10 months

Toddler Time: Monday & Tuesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 11 – 23 months

Welcome Songs

Here We Are Together

Here we are together, together, together! Oh, here we are together in our library. There’s (sing names)… Here we are together in our library!

Hello Everybody

Hello everybody let’s clap our hands*, clap our hands, clap our hands. Hello everybody let’s clap our hands today! *pat our head, stretch up high, wiggle our fingers, tickle our knees, kick our feet, bounce up high!

S, T, R, W, P

(Sing while pointing to each finger on your child’s hand.) Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play each day!

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip
When you give your child positive reinforcement by clapping or telling them that they did a great job, you are encouraging them to act both independently and cooperatively. To encourage this at home, use activities that your child can do easily, and don’t forget to give a lot of positive encouragement.

- Lambert

Activity

Have fun with, “Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!” For babies, bounce your child on your lap and lift her up very quickly on “lift-off!” For toddlers, model for your child how to step into a rocket ship, then squat down and jump up for the lift-off.

Sensory Activity

Ball Tunnel: Try this fun activity from Research Parent. Place an empty wrapping paper or connected paper towel tubes on an incline such as a chair and roll small balls down the tunnel. Talk about “up” and “down” with your child. Not only are they learning cause and effect, the beginnings of potential and kinetic energy, but it’s also so much fun!!

Books Presented

If You're a Robot and You Know It by David A Carter

Happy robots stomp their feet, jump and beep, and shout Hooray, in a take on the classic lyrics to “Happy and you know it.”

Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton

Everybody sing along—because it’s time to do-si-do in the barnyard with a high-spirited animal crew! 

Pop Up Peekaboo! Space

5,4,3,2,1 – blast off! Go on an out-of-this-world adventure with two brave astronauts, Daisy and Danny, in this lift-the-flap baby book. Rocket into space, past the stars and planets, and join them as they land on the moon.

Snappy Little Farmyard by Dugald Steer

A day on the farm has never been quite so much fun — or quite so noisy — thanks to this mooing, baaing, neighing menagerie of pop-up surprises. And what better way to learn than with this happy, snappy pop-up! 

Where is Baby's Pumpkin? by Karen Katz

An adorable baby searches throughout the house for her pumpkin. Is the pumpkin under the leaves, behind the curtain, under the bed? NO! But Baby finds many other surprises as a ghost, a witch’s hat, cute-as-a-button bats, and candy apples are found beneath each flap. Finally after Baby finds her pumpkin, she’s ready to go trick-or-treating and the final flap reveals a Halloween extravaganza!

Spooky Spooky Little Bat

Join the Halloween fun in this spooky rhyming twist on Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. Follow the little bat as it flies above town and makes new friends. This fun board book for tots features beautiful illustrations and a plush bat finger puppet with wings.

Creak! Squeak! Halloween

Peek-a… BOO! We’re going to a spooky castle to celebrate Halloween in this fun storybook! Let’s sneak through the pumpkin patch together without being seen.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Clippity Clop

This is how the ladies ride…
Clippity clop, clippity clop!
This is how the gentlemen ride…
Giddy-up, giddy up!
This is how the cowboys ride…
Yeehaw! Ride-um, cowboy!

As I Was Walking to Town One Day

As I was walking to town one day
I met a (animal name) along the way
And what do you think that (animal name) did say?
(make animal noise)

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom

Zoom, zoom, zoom
We’re going to the moon.
Zoom, zoom, zoom
We’re going to the moon
Just climb aboard my rocket ship.
Zoom, zoom, zoom
We’re going to the moon.
5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 – 0 – Lift OFF !!!

Baby Put Your Pants On

Tune of “Mama’s Little Baby Loves Shortnin’ Bread”

Baby put your pants on, pants on, pants on,
Baby put your pants on, 1, 2, 3. (repeat)

Leg to the left, leg to the right, wiggle and jiggle and pull ‘em up tight.

Baby put your pants on, pants on, pants on,
Baby put your pants on, 1, 2, 3.

Repeat with other articles of clothing (socks or tights, shoes, etc.)

Baby Sign Language

More Book Babies

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: “C” is for Counting

One, two, three, count with me. It’s as easy as can be! Teaching numbers at an early age can be great fun! Here are some fun ways to introduce numbers to your infant or toddler: 👶 0-1 Year (Introduction to Numbers) Talk & Count: Count fingers, toes, and everyday...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: S is for Soup

Making and eating soup can be a sensory explosion for you and your child, especially when you make it together. Look for ingredients with a variety of colors, textures, and scents, then talk about where they came from, or count the pieces you’ve cut. Here are some...

Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Old School PoetryThis February, let love take center stage! Stop by our special collections area to type out a heartfelt poem on our vintage typewriter—whether it’s for a dear friend or your favorite pizza. Drop your masterpiece into the submission box nearby if you'd...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Duck, Duck, Goose

“Play is serious business when it comes to a child's health and development. From peek-a-boo to pat-a-cake and hide-and-seek to hopscotch, the many forms of play enrich a child's brain, body and life in important ways.” HealthyChildren.org. When reading books with...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Horses & Ponies

This is how the ladies ride… clippity-clop, clippity-clop. This is how the gentlemen ride… giddy-up, giddy-up. This is how the cowboys ride… Yee haw! Ride ‘em cowboy!! There are many rhymes and songs about horses which encourage parent and child communication,...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Feelings

Ah, emotions… however big or small, can be difficult to manage for everyone, especially children. There are, however, tips and tricks you can use to help your child learn how to recognize and regulate their feelings, and you can start early, even with an infant. The...

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in the Dark

At the end of the day, it’s a great time to establish a routine to help your child prepare for bed. Some of the activities in your routine could include reading a book, taking a bath, singing a song, picking up toys, or perhaps doing a knee bounce. When you follow the...

JUNE Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in Imagination

Did you know that imaginative or pretend play contains the building blocks of developing critical thinking skills, following directions, expressive language, and even managing emotions? So, grab those sheets, boxes, mud, dishes, and anything you can think of to help...

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler Time: Walking Together

As you look forward to the first steps of your infant, don’t forget the benefit of walking outside with your child. Not only is it a great self-care activity for you as a caregiver, but it opens up the world to your child as they develop and find themselves in a...

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: Eric Carle

If you haven’t discovered the bold, colorful world of Eric Carle, you are in for a enchanting experience. “Eric Carle (1929-2021) was the creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. But that’s not the only reason why he received nearly 10,000 fan letters every year. Carle...

Book Babies + Toddler Time: Hats!

Book Babies + Toddler Time: Hats!

Book Babies + Toddler Time: Hats!

Hats, hats, and more hats! Did you know that learning to put on and take off a hat is one of the developmental milestones for a baby? In addition, getting dressed and undressed can be a learning experience , too. Try some of these songs, rhymes, and activities to turn an everyday activity into fun activity with your child.

Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 0 – 10 months

Toddler Time: Monday & Tuesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 11 – 23 months

Welcome Songs

Here We Are Together

Here we are together, together, together! Oh, here we are together in our library. There’s (sing names)… Here we are together in our library!

Hello Everybody

Hello everybody let’s clap our hands*, clap our hands, clap our hands. Hello everybody let’s clap our hands today! *pat our head, stretch up high, wiggle our fingers, tickle our knees, kick our feet, bounce up high!

S, T, R, W, P

(Sing while pointing to each finger on your child’s hand.) Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play each day!

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip
When you read a book with your child, running your finger under the printed words helps her to know that it is the text you are reading, not the pictures. Did you know that without our guidance, 4- year- old children will give 95 percent of their visual attention to the pictures?

- Lambert

Activity

Read “Hats are not for Cats” by Jacqueline Rayner or another book with your child, and run your finger under the title as you read the words. If the book has a repeated phrase, run your finger under those words as well. Encourage your child to say the repeated phrase while pointing at each word as he says it. Then encourage him to point at the words.

Books Presented

I Went Walking by Sue Williams

These catchy stanzas frolic through the Australian author Sue Williams’s simple, funny read-aloud picture book that tracks a crazy-haired boy’s stroll through the countryside. The boy sees a black cat, then a brown horse, then a red cow, and so on, and before he knows it, he’s being trailed by the entire menagerie!

Who's Wearing a Hat? an Usborne baby book

Who’s wearing a hat? Is it the orange cat? Lots to look at and talk about in this colorful new title from Usborne. Babies will marvel at the colorful pictures and the fun rhyming questions and will share a delightful moment or two with their parents with this enjoyable new series. Do cows sing? Do cows coo? All I know is cows go–moo! Lift the flaps to find lots more barnyard animal sounds!

Pop-Up Peekaboo: Meow! by DK Publishing

A fun pop-up book!

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Giddyap, Giddyap

Giddyap, giddyap, ride to town
Giddyap, giddyap, up and down.
Giddyap fast
Giddyap slow
Giddyap, giddyap, giddyap, WHOA! 

Clipity-Clop

Horsey, Horsey don’t you stop, just let your feet go clippety-clop.
(clap/bounce in rhythm)
Your tail goes swish,
(slide palms together)
And the wheels go round,
(roll hands)
Giddy-up we’re homeward bound!
(clap/bounce in rhythm)

Silly Hat Song

Tune to This Old Man

On my head, I wear my hat.
It is such a silly hat
That my head will wiggle waggle to and fro
Where else can my silly hat go?
[Repeat using foot, elbow and knee]

These Are Grandma’s Glasses

These are Grandma’s glasses
This is Grandma’s hat
This is the way she folds her hands
And lays them in her lap
Here are Grandpa’s glasses
And here is Grandpa’s hat
And here’s the way he folds his arms
And takes a little nap

Baby Put Your Pants On

Tune of Shor’nin Bread

Baby put your pants on, pants on, pants on
(move baby’s legs)
Baby put your pants on, one, two, three
(gently poke baby’s belly)
Baby put your pants on, pants on, pants on
Baby put your pants on, one, two, three

Leg to the left, leg to the right
(move legs)
Wiggle and jiggle and pull them up tight
Leg to the left, leg to the right
Wiggle and jiggle and pull them up tight

Baby put your pants on, pants on, pants on
Baby put your pants on, one, two, three

As I Was Walking to Town One Day

As I went walking to town one day
I met an elephant on the way
And what do you think that elephant did say?
(trumpet like an elephant!)
But I kept walking!
Choose other animals to keep the song going!

Crafts and Activities

Make an adorable SPIDER HAT with your little one!

More Book Babies

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: “C” is for Counting

One, two, three, count with me. It’s as easy as can be! Teaching numbers at an early age can be great fun! Here are some fun ways to introduce numbers to your infant or toddler: 👶 0-1 Year (Introduction to Numbers) Talk & Count: Count fingers, toes, and everyday...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: S is for Soup

Making and eating soup can be a sensory explosion for you and your child, especially when you make it together. Look for ingredients with a variety of colors, textures, and scents, then talk about where they came from, or count the pieces you’ve cut. Here are some...

Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Old School PoetryThis February, let love take center stage! Stop by our special collections area to type out a heartfelt poem on our vintage typewriter—whether it’s for a dear friend or your favorite pizza. Drop your masterpiece into the submission box nearby if you'd...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Duck, Duck, Goose

“Play is serious business when it comes to a child's health and development. From peek-a-boo to pat-a-cake and hide-and-seek to hopscotch, the many forms of play enrich a child's brain, body and life in important ways.” HealthyChildren.org. When reading books with...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Horses & Ponies

This is how the ladies ride… clippity-clop, clippity-clop. This is how the gentlemen ride… giddy-up, giddy-up. This is how the cowboys ride… Yee haw! Ride ‘em cowboy!! There are many rhymes and songs about horses which encourage parent and child communication,...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Feelings

Ah, emotions… however big or small, can be difficult to manage for everyone, especially children. There are, however, tips and tricks you can use to help your child learn how to recognize and regulate their feelings, and you can start early, even with an infant. The...

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in the Dark

At the end of the day, it’s a great time to establish a routine to help your child prepare for bed. Some of the activities in your routine could include reading a book, taking a bath, singing a song, picking up toys, or perhaps doing a knee bounce. When you follow the...

JUNE Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in Imagination

Did you know that imaginative or pretend play contains the building blocks of developing critical thinking skills, following directions, expressive language, and even managing emotions? So, grab those sheets, boxes, mud, dishes, and anything you can think of to help...

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler Time: Walking Together

As you look forward to the first steps of your infant, don’t forget the benefit of walking outside with your child. Not only is it a great self-care activity for you as a caregiver, but it opens up the world to your child as they develop and find themselves in a...

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: Eric Carle

If you haven’t discovered the bold, colorful world of Eric Carle, you are in for a enchanting experience. “Eric Carle (1929-2021) was the creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. But that’s not the only reason why he received nearly 10,000 fan letters every year. Carle...

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