Happy Thanksgiving from Kid President!

So, you guys know about Kid President, right?

What?!? You don't??? Get thee to YouTube immediately and check out his latest, 20 Things We Should Say More Often. Including, but not limited to, "thank you."

Wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who will be celebrating on Thursday. :-)

PreK/K Story Time 11.19.13

When to be honest and when to be tactful. When to stick up for yourself and when to be thankful.

BOOKS:

Being Frank

story by Donna W. Earnhardt

illustrations by Andrea Castellani

Frank by name, Frank by nature. Honesty is certainly the best policy most times, but other times it is tact that is called for. Frank is brutally honest to everyone he encounters throughout the day, including his long-suffering mother ("You wouldn't get so many wrinkles if you didn't glare at me like that. And by the way -- you're speeding.") and the local police ("Yes, officer. She knew how fast she was going. I told her."). But after some tips from his wise and formerly-too-frank grandfather, Frank learns that an honest opinion is best given when specifically asked for, that finding something kind to say actually makes things more fun. Especially if it's a truthful but loving poem to your mom ("Mom, your hair looks nice today. I only see a little gray."). A fun and funny read-aloud.

An Awesome Book of Thanks

story and illustrations by Dallas Clayton

"Awesome" is one of my favorite and most frequently-used words, and I am happy to say that this book lives up to that sentiment. Clayton presents us with all the things for which we might be thankful, both large and small, using poetic rhyming text and vibrant, funky, humorous drawings. The book is inspiring and sweet and thoughtful without ever being cloying or trite. All of his stuff is, well, awesome! You can check him out here and here.

Mary Wrightly, So Politely

story by Shirin Yim Bridges

illustrations by Maria Monescillo

Mary is an extremely polite, deferential, and soft-spoken little girl. She always says "please" and "thank you" and "excuse me." But extremes of both frankness and politeness have their pitfalls. Mary tries to keep out of everyone's way in a crowded department store, and says "Oof, excuse me!" as someone else's handbag bonks her in the head. In the store, she picks out one gift followed by another for her little brother's birthday only to have someone more assertive beat her to each one. Only when she sees the perfect blue elephant about to be taken home by another lady does she finally raise her voice, stand her ground, and get what she wants. Politely, though, of course. This is a lovely book about the importance of speaking up for oneself and it is filled with with colorful but softly-executed illustrations. Highly recommended.

ACTIVITIES: 

We put leaves on our Thanks Tree and wrote and decorated thank you cards to give to the people for whom we are thankful.

This was the last class of the fall 2013 session. If you have children between the ages of 4 and 6, please join us for the winter session, which begins on Tuesday, January 14. There is no charge, and registration is not required, but tickets will be given out starting at 1:30 the day of each class. The program is limited to 18 children, ages 4-6. We also have a short holiday session starting next week, with lots of one-and-done programs. You can see the schedule here.

PreK/K Story Time 11.12.13

Today in story time: WHEN PRODUCE ATTACKS!

BOOKS:

How Martha Saved Her Parents from Green Beans

story by David LaRochelle

illustrations by Mark Fearing 

When Martha claims that green beans are bad, she has no idea just how bad until they start attacking old ladies, teachers, cooks, and everyone else who has ever said, "Eat your green beans." When the beans kidnap her parents, Martha has a decision to make. My only problem with this book is that the author claims that green beans are bad but broccoli is good. I beg to differ. I find broccoli to be VERY suspicious.

The Watermelon Seed

story and illustrations by Greg Pizzoli

Crocodile loves watermelon as much as I do. "I like it for breakfast, I like it for lunch, I like a big salty slab for dinner...and I LOVE it for dessert!" Right on, Crocodile! But there can be too much of a good thing, as Pizzoli wittily and brilliantly describes using the barest text and a simple four-color palette. There hasn't been a croc this charming and lovable since Lyle.

ACTIVITIES: 

We decorated small plant pots with markers and ladybug stickers, then we added potting soil, some herb seeds (dill, oregano, or sage), threw in a little more soil and water, and discussed how to grow the herbs at home and what they can be used for. Fingers crossed for germination!

If you have children between the ages of 4 and 6, please join us next Tuesday. There is no charge, and registration is not required, but tickets will be given out starting at 1:30. The program is limited to 18 children, ages 4-6.

PreK/K Story Time 11.5.13

SNAP!!!

BOOKS:

Kindhearted Crocodile

story by Lucia Panzieri

illustrations by AntonGionata Ferrari

All this croc wants is to be a family pet, but everyone seems to want puppies and goldfish instead.Until they find out that he tidies toys, folds laundry, fights monsters in your bad dreams, and makes breakfast. Hmmmm. I think I need a pet crocodile...

Snip Snap! What's That?

story by Mara Bergman

illustrations by Nick Maland 

When Marissa, Eva, and Jonathan encounter a fierce alligator, they are scared but ultimately they know just what to do. Thanks to Miss Carla for this great read-aloud recommendation! 

Open Very Carefully: A Book with Bite

story by Nick Bromley

illustrations by Nicola O'Byrne

Just when you think it's safe to read The Ugly Duckling, here comes a pesky crocodile to ruin the story. What's a duckling to do? Thumbs up for this interactive book.

ACTIVITIES: 

We folded, cut, and decorated our own paper alligators. Cutting is a big challenge for most 4-6-year-olds, so it's helpful to give them lots of practice. Even after all of this we still had some extra time, so we also played a game of Hot Potato with our stuffed alligator puppet and some silly tunes from our Caspar Babypants CDs.

If you have children between the ages of 4 and 6, please join us next Tuesday. There is no charge, and registration is not required, but tickets will be given out starting at 1:30. The program is limited to 18 children, ages 4-6.

Your cute for the day

Babies riding on roombas.

Why?

Because they can.

http://happyplace.someecards.com/27278/babies-riding-roombas

The Importance of Play

*image source naturallypeaceful.com

Play is essential for early learning; it is the way children learn. We challenge you to take a closer look at the advantages of play and how the Tredyffrin Library can help your child learn about their world and begin to understand books.

Your child can explore objects in play from ages birth-2. Join us for Wee Ones Story Time at the Tredyffrin library and take part in open play after we read stories, sing songs, and practice rhymes. We provide toys for your child to explore as well as interact with other babies. Wee Ones Story Time is for ages birth -15months.

Pretend play is encouraged  for ages 3-5. Family story time is for children ages 5 and under. Children get the opportunity to hear stories and share ideas. Reciting rhymes and singing songs builds early literacy skills by increasing vocabulary and word recognition. We also offer play time with toys after Family Story time for children to play and learn.

Social play builds upon the previous two types of play and includes physical and investigative play. The Tredyffrin Library offers Toddler Story Times where children have an opportunity to create and socialize together. This story time offers a craft where children use materials provided to create their own art.

Some  may say that the children are only playing and there are no real advantages but esxperts would disagree.

What are some advantages of playing with blocks?

• Provides open-ended play
• Allows free expression
• Uses fine and large motor skills
• Develops hand eye coordination
• Provides teamwork opportunities
• Bolsters self confidence
• Develops problem solving skills
• Increases language and vocabulary
• Fosters early literacy skills*

Visit the Tredyffrin Children's Website for more details about our programs.
Remember to play!!

*Nespeca, Sue Mcleaf. "The Importance of Play , Particularly Constructive Play, In A Public Library." ALSC Association of Library Service to Children. American Library Association, 2012. Web. 01 Nov. 2013.