Recently, I have been sifting through the children’s nonfiction books, searching for damaged and outdated materials. This has led me to discover some great yet overlooked books hidden on bottom shelves. Some of my new favorite books from these low-lying shelves are about songs, and they are located in the E782.4216 section.
The books in this section often have gorgeous illustrations that accompany the lyrics of children’s songs and rhymes. These are great for parents and caregivers who can’t remember all the words to songs they want to share with their children, such as “Hush Little Baby” or “Canadian Lullaby” (a frequent story time favorite).
These books are also beneficial for those who don’t want to or can’t sing. When reading songs aloud, you can transform them into chants, which can be just as beneficial for little listeners. Chants break words into smaller parts, emphasizing individual sounds. Knowledge of these smaller parts and sounds can later help early readers sound out words.
Remember, this section is E782.4216. If you are unfamiliar with the early childhood nonfiction section, ask a library staff member; we will be more than happy to show you where it is.
World Book Online Reference Center is a wonderful resource for all things educational! Within this resource, you will find World Book Kids and World Book Early World of Learning, which are electronic encyclopedias filled to the brim with multimedia, interactivity and educational games for kids. World Book caters to multiple kinds of learning and is great for school project research. It’s also fun to explore the site for whatever catches your interest!
Just today while I was clicking around, I learned about lots of fun things. I discovered that there are extinct giant kangaroos, I watched a video of a powerful hurricane and I also learned how to make a volcano science project! What can you discover?
To start learning, you can follow the link from our website here. To see all of our other resources, head here!
Did you know that we have book lists for children from infancy to sixth grade? Library staff maintains these lists, making sure there’s a good mix of classic and new titles. We also choose books that are age-appropriate and the right reading level for your young readers.
Click on the links below to peruse these hand-picked book lists. You can also stop by your library or bookmobile to pick up a printed version. Happy reading!
It’s back-to-school season, which means it’s important to be ready with some quick and healthy after school snacks for your kids. Here’s some suggestions (from one parent to another).
- Cut apples, bananas, celery and/or carrots into spears or slices, and dip them into creamy peanut butter. Try mixing vanilla yogurt into the peanut butter to transform it into a soft dip!
- Grab some of your favorite bite-sized foods like nuts, dried fruits, cereals, pretzels and crackers, then mix them into a homemade trail mix. Make some ahead of time, and portion them into individual plastic bags for several days of snacks.
- Take a tortilla and layer cold cuts, cheeses, greens and vegetables. Roll it up tight and then cut into small circles to make chilled pinwheel sandwiches.
- Slice bagels sideways into thin circles. Brush the tops with melted butter, and bake for 10 minutes at 325 degrees. Remove from oven, flip it and top with a little more butter. Add toppings like cinnamon, sugar or garlic and cheddar cheese. Place them back in for another 10 minutes. When you’re done, you’ve got a crunchy bagel chip.
- Try freezing bananas or small drops of flavored yogurt on wax paper to for a frozen treat to cure the bus ride blues.
Happy snacking!
Want to create a super-simple craft with your kids that will teach them a thing or two about science? Then try out blacklight art!
What you need:
- Laundry detergent
- Blacklight
- Paint brush
- Cup
- Thick paper
- Acrylic or craft paint (optional)
What you do:
Fill your cup up with laundry detergent. You can add acrylic paint to the detergent if you want some color. Load your paint brush up with the detergent, and paint away on your paper. (Thick paper works best since the detergent can bleed through or warp thin paper.)
When you’re done, turn your blacklight on and any other lights off. You’ll notice that the laundry detergent glows under UV light. This is because phosphors are added to the detergent (so that clothes appear brighter). Continue reading “Blacklight STEAM Craft”
Elwood P. Dowd has Harvey, Calvin has Hobbes and Big Bird has Mr. Snuffleupagus. Imaginary Friends! They come in all shapes, sizes, genders and even species. Although not all children develop these special invisible relationships, imaginary friends are a normal part of the childhood experience. According to a 2004 study, by age seven, 65 percent of children have had an imaginary companion.
Yet, parents and guardians are often concerned when they find out their child talks to and/or interacts with an pretend friend. Questions arise, such as, “What is wrong with my child?” or “Why can’t they make real friends?”
However, these make-believe relationships are often beneficial. According to psychologist Tracy Gleason, professor of psychology at Wellesley College, having imaginary friends help children develop a “Theory of Mind” or ToM. Dictionary.com defines ToM as “the ability to interpret one’s own and others people’s mental and emotional states, understanding that each person has unique motives, perspectives, etc.” Equally important, interacting with an imaginary friend helps a child develop their imagination, practice their social skills and overcome shyness. Continue reading “Imaginary Friends”
It’s back to school time! When I was younger, I always looked forward to new school supplies, picking out an outfit to wear on the first day and seeing which friends were in my classes. But even with all the excitement, I was also nervous about what the school year might bring.
For kindergartners and preschoolers, school can be a big adjustment. Reading books on the subject and talking about fears or concerns beforehand can help make the first day go more smoothly.
Katie Davis’s “Kindergarten Rocks!” shows that there’s nothing to fear when it comes to school. In this book, Dexter is going into kindergarten. While he is not afraid of school, his stuffed dog Rufus is scared that Dexter will miss his family or will get lost. Will Dexter like kindergarten? Will Rufus get over his nerves?
Pete the Cat is one of my favorite characters, and he definitely doesn’t disappoint in “Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes.” This catchy book has simple little song that you can sing along with your kindergartner to help them if they get nervous.
You’ll find these books and more on our book list, “Your First Day of School!”
On Friday, August 4, we were delighted to host a crowd of all ages for our 3rd Annual Cosplay Costume Con. This year, the event was held after normal library hours, and the participants used the lobby as their runway to strut their stuff! Everyone came dressed in their finest gear from Eowyn to Spider-Man, with representatives from nearly every pop culture fandom. Prizes were provided by the library, Distant Planet Comics, Ragtag Cinema, and Central Missouri Renaissance Festival.
Below are some pictures of our awesome participants.
Continue reading “Cosplay Costume Con Recap”
What can you make with construction paper, crayons, Band-Aids, googly eyes and puffy paint? Adorable fireflies! I know it sounds a little odd, but stick with me here folks; these crafts are super-cute and are great for summertime while waiting for the sun to set and the fireflies to emerge.
This project is a little more material-heavy than the other crafts I usually share with you, but the end result is worth it. Plus, children will not only experience working with different medias but will also learn how to recycle common household materials to make original artwork.
Supplies
- Black, blue or purple construction paper
- Yellow and white crayons
- Plain Band-Aids (not clear)
- Colorful Band-Aids
- Tiny googly eyes
- Yellow puffy paint (or yellow paper circles or yellow pom poms)
- Glue
- Chalk (optional)
Instructions
Continue reading “Firefly Craft”
We’re excited to share a new reading list we have put together, titled “Becoming a Big Brother or Sister.” This is a staff-picked list of children’s picture books about new siblings. With over 30 books on the list, you are sure to find some great reading options to share with your soon-to-be big brother or sister.
Stop by your library for a printed copy, use this PDF or view the list within our catalog.
Happy Reading!
