Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies Now Live

by Lauren Abbott | May 27, 2021 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Upcoming Events | 0 comments

Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies Now Live

Story Time Now Live

Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies are now LIVE in our Community Room starting June 15th!

Story Time

Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

NEW After Dinner Story Time Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. (This is the same program as the other two, but now offered in the evening!)

Each week’s Story Time Take n’ Go kit will be available during our live Story Times, and any extras will be at the Children’s Reference Desk at the end of the week.

Toddler Time

Ages 11-23 months

(for walking toddlers)

Tuesdays at 9:45 a.m.

Book Babies

Ages 1-10 months

(for babies not yet walking)

Wednesdays at 9:45 a.m.

As always, we will post all our books, crafts, songs, and literacy tips on our blog at madisonlib.org/kids-corner.

We’re so excited to be able to offer these programs live! A big thank you to those who have joined in our online Story Times – we’ll see you at the library!

March Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | February 28, 2025 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Story TimeGet ready for March magic with our early literacy programs! Book Babies – Wednesdays at 9:30 AM for babies not yet walking and their grown-ups. Enjoy songs, stories, baby sign language, movement, and sensory activities. Toddler Time – Mondays & Tuesdays...

Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | January 27, 2025 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

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...

January Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | December 30, 2024 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Story TimeJanuary Story Time is serving up something soup-er! Book Babies (infants/babies not yet walking and their caregivers) meet Wednesdays at 9:30 AM with songs, stories, and sensory fun for our "Soup’s On!" theme. (Library Closed Jan. 1) Toddler Time (walking...

December 2024 Programs for All Ages

by Mary Kirkpatrick | November 27, 2024 | Adult Arena, Blog, Kid's Corner, Teen Zone, Tween Scene | 0 Comments

Winter Safe DrivingFirst time driving on snowy winter roads? Madison Library District is partnering with the Idaho Department of Transportation and the Idaho State Police to keep you safe this winter! Learn strategies to stay on the road, deal with slipping and...

November Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | October 30, 2024 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Story TimeNovember Story Time is here, and our themes are “Duck, Duck, Goose!” for Book Babies and Toddler Time and the letter “G” for Story Time! Join us in the Community Room for songs, stories, and sensory activities perfect for each age group. Book Babies...

October Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | September 30, 2024 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Story TimeGallop into Story Time fun this October! Toddler Time (ages 10-23 months) on Mondays & Tuesdays at 9:30 AM and Book Babies (ages 0-9 months) on Wednesdays at 9:30 AM will both feature “Clippity-clop, on a horse and pony we’ll hop!” Note: there will be no...

September 2024 Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | August 29, 2024 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Story TimeJoin us for Story Time fun at Madison Library District! Book Babies (0-9 months) Wednesdays at 9:30 AM in the Community Room September theme: "Feelings... Big and Small!" Toddler Time (10-23 months) Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30 AM September theme:...

July 2024 Kids & Tween Activities

by Mary Kirkpatrick | June 27, 2024 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Summer Reading 2024Adventure Begins at Your Library with Summer Reading 2024! This annual program is designed for all ages to read every day, participate in special Library programs, and keep smashing our reading goals! The second prizes for every level will be...

June 2024 Kid & Tween Activities

by Mary Kirkpatrick | May 30, 2024 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Summer Reading 2024Adventure Begins at Your Library with Summer Reading 2024! This annual program is designed for all ages to read every day, participate in special Library programs, and stay active all summer long! Sign-ups begin on Monday, June 3rd, either online or...

May Programs for All Ages

by Mary Kirkpatrick | April 24, 2024 | Adult Arena, Blog, Kid's Corner, Teen Zone, Tween Scene | 0 Comments

Miss Wendy's Reading Tips & Tricks For ParentsAre you ready to make reading a fun adventure for your child this summer? Join us for Miss. Wendy's Reading Tips & Tricks for Parents class! Discover simple, game-like reading activities that will help strengthen...

Upcoming Story Time and Book Babies in September

by Lauren Abbott | Aug 20, 2020 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 comments

Upcoming Story Time and Book Babies

In September

We have some exciting changes upcoming for kids’ programming!

Story Time will resume online starting Tuesday September 8th at 10:30 a.m. Book Babies will resume Wednesday September 9th at 9:45 a.m. In place of Toddler Time, we will be posting activity videos (songs, scarf activities, etc) that we can keep online as a permanent resource.

We also have Story Time Craft Kits that will be available starting Tuesday September 1st. You can pick up the entire month’s crafts so you can follow along during Story Time.

We’re really excited about our upcoming programming. See you in September!

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler: Birthdays

by Marybeth Isle | April 2, 2025 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid's Corner, Toddler Time | 0 Comments

It’s my birthday! Did you know that birthdays aren’t just fun and exciting for children—they’re also a great learning opportunity? Looking forward to and celebrating a birthday helps children understand traditions, family gatherings, and the joy of giving and...

Storytime: L is for Lions

by Marybeth Isle | March 26, 2025 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Why don’t lions like fast food? Because they can’t catch it! Lions are fascinating animals that live in family groups called prides, which can have up to 30 lions. They're incredible jumpers, and their roar can be heard up to five miles away! Did you know that baby...

Storytime: L is for Luck

by Marybeth Isle | March 19, 2025 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

L is for luck! Do you have a lucky charm? Or had an unlucky day turn into a lucky one? Or maybe a good friend made you feel lucky? The difference between good luck and bad luck can depend on your mindset. By using creativity and imagination while looking at a problem,...

Storytime: L is for Ladybugs

by Marybeth Isle | March 12, 2025 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Does your child say “wake” instead of “lake” or “wook” instead of “look?” The “L” sound can be tricky for kids to master. While sounds develop at different ages, imitation is key to learning speech. To produce the “L” sound, place the tip of your tongue just behind...

Storytime: L is for Lambs

by Marybeth Isle | March 6, 2025 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Who knew that lambs love to laugh or that there are sheep in space with colorful coats? Plus, did you know that lambs can walk within minutes of being born, have teeth only on their lower jaw, and possess four stomachs? If you and your child want to learn more about...

MARCH Book Babies + Toddlers: Lambs

by Marybeth Isle | March 4, 2025 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid's Corner, Toddler Time | 0 Comments

Many of us grew up with classic nursery rhymes like Mary Had a Little Lamb and Baa, Baa, Black Sheep. As you teach those songs to your child, consider incorporating these additional activities to expand both your and your baby's nursery rhyme repertoire.Book Babies:...

March Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | February 28, 2025 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in February

by Marybeth Isle | February 25, 2025 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Here’s something new to the library, and it’s just for you! Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5 Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play Tip Some children love to sit and listen to books, and some find other...

Storytime: C is for Confidence

by Marybeth Isle | February 19, 2025 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Building confidence in your child at a young age is crucial because it shapes how they see themselves and how they interact with the world. When a child learns confidence, they can see mistakes as learning opportunities rather than a reason to give up. As you read...

Storytime: C is for Counting

by Marybeth Isle | February 12, 2025 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

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 effective ways to introduce numbers to your child: Everyday Activities Count objects around the house (toys, fruits, steps). Count fingers and toes...

Toddler Time and Book Babies – Once Upon a Time There Were Unicorns

by Lauren Abbott | Jul 29, 2020 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid's Corner | 0 comments

Toddler Time and Book Babies – Once Upon a Time There Were Unicorns

Toddler Time and Book Babies – July 27 and 29, 2020

Toddler Time for ages 10 to 23 months – 9:45 am Mondays (July 27)

Book Babies for ages 0 to 9 months – 9:45 am Wednesdays (July 29)

This week in Toddler Time and Book Babies we played with shakers, sang songs, and read books about unicorns and other fun animals. Singing is an important part of language and literacy development because it “stretches” out multiple sounds that make up a word, so don’t be afraid to sing with your child even if you feel like you are not a “singer.” We’ve also included a cute pattern for a unicorn horn that you can color with your toddler!

See the Toddler and Baby Time Videos on Facebook!

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!

Books Presented

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Shaker: Shake Your Shaker

(Tune: London Bridge)

Shake your shaker in the air,
Shake it here, shake it there.
Shake your shaker in the air,
Shake your shaker.

Shake it high and shake it low,
Shake it yes, shake it no.
Shake it high and shake it low,
Shake your shaker.

Shake it up and shake it down,
Rub your shaker on the ground.
Shake it up and shake it down,
Shake your shaker.

Shake it near and shake it far,
Drive your shaker like a car.
Shake it near and shake it far,
Shake your shaker.

Shake it fast and shake it slow,
Shake it stop, shake it go.
Shake it fast and shake it slow,
Shake your shaker.

– Lisaslibraryland.blogspot.com

Shaker: If You’re Happy and You Know it

If you’re happy and you know it give a shake.
If you’re happy and you know it give a shake.
If you’re happy and you know it and you really want to show it.
If you’re happy and you know it give a shake.

If you’re happy and you know it give a clap.
(Clap shaker against palm.)

If you’re happy and you know it give a tap.
(Tap shaker on the floor.)

If you’re happy and you know it do all three.
(Shake, shake, clap, clap, tap, tap)

– Lisaslibraryland.blogspot.com

Shaker: Going to Kentucky

We’re going to Kentucky, we’re going to the fair
We’re going to Kentucky, we’re going to the fair
To see a senorita, with roses in her hair, OH
Shake it baby, shake it! Shake it if you dare!
Shake it like a milkshake, Oh shake it here to there!
SOOO, rumble to the bottom, rumble to the top
Then turn around and turn around Until it’s time to STOP!
(repeat, going faster each time!)

Spoken rhyme for putting away shakers:
Shake your shaker slowly, as slowly as can be
Now shake your shaker quickly, do it just like me.
Shake your shaker high Shake your shaker low
One last shake … and away it goes!

– Macaronisoup.com

Shaker: We Shake Our Shakers Together

(To the tune of For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow)

We shake our shakers together.
We shake our shakers together
We shake our shakers together
Because it’s fun to do!

– Lisaslibraryland.blogspot.com

Bounce: Acka Backa Soda Cracker

Acka backa soda cracker,
(bounce to rhythm)
Acka backa boo,
(lean forward on ‘boo’)
Acka backa soda cracker,
(bounce to rhythm)
I love you!
(kiss baby’s head or hug baby)

Acka backa soda cracker,
(bounce to rhythm)
Acka backa boo,
(lean forward on ‘boo’)
Acka backa soda cracker,
(bounce to rhythm)
Up goes you!
(lift baby/arms up)

– Oremlibrary.org

Bounce: Giddy Up Horsie

Giddy-up, giddy-up, giddy-up horsey.
(bounce baby on knees)
Giddy-up, giddy-up, go, go, go.

Giddy-up, giddy-up, giddy-up horsey.
Giddy-up, giddy-up, Whoa!
(let baby slip through knees)

– Traditional

Fingerplay: Two Little Penguins

Here’s two little penguins
Sliding on the ice
One named Brooke
And the other named Bryce
Slide away Brooke
Slide away Bryce
Come back Brooke
Come back Bryce

– Traditional

Bounce: Popcorn, Popcorn!

Popcorn, popcorn!
(bounce baby on knee)

Sizzle in the pan.
(rock legs side to side)

Shake it, shake it,
(rock legs side to side)

Bam, bam, bam!
(bounce baby on knee)

Popcorn, popcorn!
(bounce baby on knee)

Now it’s getting hot!
(rock legs side to side)

Shake it, shake it,
(rock legs side to side)

Pop, pop, pop!
(lift baby up higher with each pop)

– Blog.intellidance.ca

Diaper Changing: There Was a Little Man

There was a little man who had a little crumb
And over the mountain he did run
With a belly full of fat
And a big tall hat
And a pancake stuck to his bum, bum, bum!

– Jbrary.com

Signing

“Milk”

“Food”

“More”

“All Done”

Early Literacy Tip and Activity:

Tip

Even if you can’t sing on key, be sure to sing to your child! Your child is not looking for a concert quality song; he wants familar sounds from a person who means a great deal to him. Singing together can be great fun; it doesn’t require any special equipment or cost any money.

- Lambert

Activity

Sing an “egg shaker” or “clapping” song with your child such as “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” Have fun making up different verses throuout the day for activities you do with your child such as “…wash your hands, scrub scrub,” or “…eat your lunch, yum, yum!”

Sensory/Craft Activity

Make a Unicorn Horn

Make a unicorn horn with this simple template!

Download the PDF

Find More Posts

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler: Birthdays

by Marybeth Isle | April 2, 2025 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid's Corner, Toddler Time | 0 Comments

MARCH Book Babies + Toddlers: Lambs

by Marybeth Isle | March 4, 2025 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid's Corner, Toddler Time | 0 Comments

March Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | February 28, 2025 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

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

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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

by Marybeth Isle | January 27, 2025 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid's Corner, Toddler Time | 0 Comments

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

by Marybeth Isle | November 12, 2024 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid's Corner, Toddler Time | 0 Comments

“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

by Marybeth Isle | October 2, 2024 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid's Corner, Toddler Time | 0 Comments

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

by Marybeth Isle | September 3, 2024 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid's Corner, Toddler Time | 0 Comments

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

by Marybeth Isle | July 3, 2024 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid's Corner, Toddler Time | 0 Comments

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...

Toddler Time and Book Babies – Wish Upon a Star

by Lauren Abbott | Jul 20, 2020 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid's Corner | 0 comments

Toddler Time and Book Babies – Wish Upon a Star

Toddler Time and Book Babies – July 13 and 15, 2020

Toddler Time for ages 10 to 23 months – 9:45 am Mondays (July 20)

Book Babies for ages 0 to 9 months – 9:45 am Wednesdays (July 22)

Star light, star bright will you give my wish tonight! This week in Toddler Time and Book Babies we counted stars, made wishes on stars, and played with stars … or scarves.

See the Toddler and Baby Time Videos on Facebook!