New Year-Week Four

It's fun to see how each child comes to story time. Some are carried in by a parent/grandparent, some walk in on their own, some are coaxed into the room and some walk in and decide that they were having more fun at the train table! But...once they get in the room and the music comes on-they are entirely engaged in having a good time. Which is good news for me! It's much easier to have a child willing to stick it out than to fight with one that would be happier doing something else. I think it's important for parents/caregivers to know that! I won't be upset if someone has to leave-we all have days like that (sometimes weeks :) ) But it's better in the long run to go at YOUR child's pace-they will be required to sit still in school before you know it and won't have the option of changing their mind. And it's much easier to rationalize with a child that can vocally communicate and hold a conversation about their feelings and thoughts. So go ahead-go with the flow and don't stress about it-I'll see you next week!

New Year-Week Three

We sure do have fun each week! I love the fact that the adults who come with the children in the program are happy and exicited to participate each week. It's important for many reasons, one of which is the fact that it shows the little ones that being here at the library is fun and helps them see that it's okay to participate. There are some children that like to observe the activities and then go crazy doing them at home. That's okay too!
So here's a question for you... What was your favorite nursery rhyme when you were a kid? I vividly remember singing "Sing a Song of Sixpence" at the top of my lungs while swinging in my backyard. In case you forgot what it is or have never heard it here are the words:

Sing a song of sixpence a pocket full of rye,
Four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie.
When the pie was opened the birds began to sing,
Oh wasn't that a dainty dish to set before the king?
The king was in his counting house counting out his money,
The queen was in the parlour eating bread and honey
The maid was in the garden hanging out the clothes,
When down came a blackbird and pecked off her nose!

Did I mention my mother would be out hanging clothes on the line at the same time? Yikes-sounds like something that will have to be explored in a therapy session in the future! :) Just kidding-it's come full circle anyway-now I'm the one hanging clothes out on the line!

New Year-Week Two

Back for more fun this week! Keeping things simple is working so far! We read the book 'I Went Walking' and I added soft animal shapes to the board. ALL of the kids had to come see these cute creatures and touch them for themselves. I don't blame them! I love doing something that gets everyone involved!

Happy New Year-Week One

Happy New Year to everyone! Class has started this week and I am always amazed at how big everyone has gotten since they were here last. Some are singing, some are doing the movements and some are just sitting back and enjoying the fun! I'm trying something new this session and focusing on the 'less is more' philosophy in my planning process. I usually try to squeeze in too much and end up disappointed that "I didn't get to do...". I figure if I just plan a little less, then I can always squeeze in an extra song or fingerplay if there is extra time.
I also loved hearing about the families that shared our songs at their holiday gatherings and got the whole crowd "Beep, beep, beeping" or jumping like frogs!