Libraries Rock!: 2018 Summer Library Program

The theme for the 2018 Summer Library Program is Libraries Rock!  Here at the Bellevue Public Library we look forward to a summer filled with music, dance, exploration, creativity and, of course, reading!!

Our library program features an activity sheet for babies, as well as one for toddlers and preschoolers who are not yet starting Kindergarten. 

This post can be used to quickly access a number of blog posts, all of which relate to an activity included in the programs for babies and toddlers & preschoolers.

Babies from 0-12 months:

For information on the library's Baby & Me Storytime program, including books, songs and rhymes used, as well as photos taken during past storytimes, search "Baby & Me Storytime" under Labels

Click below for my post on:

Songs to sing to Baby

Music CDs for Baby

Using parentese

Choosing board books to read to Baby

Baby rhymes

Using actions when singing songs to Baby

Children 1 year - Pre-K:

For information on the library's Fun For All Storytime program, including books, songs and rhymes used, as well as photos taken during past storytimes, search "Fun For All Storytime" under Labels.

Click below for my post on:

Songs to sing with toddlers and preschoolers

Helping to expand your child's vocabulary

Rhymes and rhyming games to play with toddlers and preschoolers

Music CDs for toddlers and preschoolers

Using wordless books

Creating tents and other hideaways

Books based on songs

Playing with puppets

Libraries Rock!: 2018 SLP: Baby Rhymes

Reciting simple rhymes is a wonderful way to spend time with your infant!  Baby loves being close to you, listening to your voice, watching the expressions on your face, and reacting to your silly voices and laughter!  


Below are two simple rhymes that are used in Baby & Me Storytimes at Bellevue Public Library.

Here is Baby ready for a nap.        
I'll lay you down here in my lap.
I'll cover you up so you won't peep,
And rock you 'til you're fast asleep.

Where, oh where are baby's fingers?

Where, oh where are baby's toes?

Where's the baby's belly button?

'Round and 'round it goes!

Where, oh where are baby's ears?

Where, oh where is baby's nose?

Where's the baby's belly button?

'Round and 'round it goes!

To search for more Baby & Me Storytime rhymes on this site:
Click on "Baby and Me Storytime" under "Labels", along the right side of my blog

One of my favorite sources of Storytime rhymes and songs is Jbrary, a site developed by two Children's Librarians from Vancouver, British Columbia.  Here is the link to their YouTube Playlists.  I hope their videos will inspire and encourage you to try some new rhymes with your little one!!

Libraries Rock!: 2018 SLP: Using Actions When Singing Songs to Baby

Most parents are familiar with the hand actions that can be used while singing songs such as "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" and "I'm a Little Teapot", but may be hard pressed to remember many more!

If you'd like some suggestions of ways to incorporate simple actions, here is a wonderful collection of 41 songs and rhymes from the ladies at Jbrary.

Libraries Rock!: 2018 SLP: Choosing Board Books

Board books!
What a great invention!

While not completely indestructible, board books are designed to stand up to the rough treatment received at the hands of youngsters who are just beginning to learn how to grasp and turn pages.  















Bellevue Public Library offers a large assortment of board books for use by our patrons and visitors:

Here are just a few titles that are sure to delight your little one!


Heads & Tails by Carli Davidson

My First Peek-a-Boo Animals by Eric Carle

Roar: A Big-Mouthed Book of Sounds! by Jonathan Litton

Here is an interesting look at board books, taken from Horn Book Magazine.  It includes ideas on what to look for when choosing board books to read to your little one.

Libraries Rock!: 2018 SLP: Using Parentese

Have you heard of parentese?

Perhaps you don't know the term, but you're probably familiar with what parentese sounds like. 
Here, in this entertaining 60-second spot from ParentingCounts.org, is a great example of parentese.











Parentese is a way of talking that helps Baby focus on our speech.  Parentese often is characterized by speaking in a higher pitch, lengthening words and phrases, and putting added emphasis on certain words.

Here is a short video interview with Dr. Patricia Kuhl, an expert on early language acquisition.


Here is one of the best articles I have read on the practice and use of parentese.  It comes from the Center for Early Literacy Learning.

Libraries Rock!: 2018 SLP: Songs to Sing to Baby

Let's face it.
Not everyone is a natural-born singer.

Not everyone loves to sing.

And for many adults, singing while someone is listening is even more terrifying!










If you count yourself among those for whom singing does not come naturally...
Take Heart!

The good news is that Baby loves to hear your voice, no matter how poorly you think you sing. The time you spend face to face singing to Baby is priceless.  Just as Baby responds to being held while you talk and read, singing allows Baby to study your face while listening to one of the most beautiful sounds there is: your voice!

Many of my favorite songs to sing to babies have been incorporated into Baby & Me Storytimes at Bellevue Public Library.  You can search Baby and Me Storytime under Labels (along the right side of the blog) to learn more about some of the songs we use.

If you need some help with the words or melodies, you can find a plethora of songs on YouTube.  However, you probably already know a nice assortment of tunes, such as...
Row, Row, Row Your Boat
The Itsy, Bitsy Spider
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
The Wheels on the Bus
Old MacDonald
If You're Happy and You Know It
The More We Get Together
London Bridge


Bellevue Public Library carries a large selection of music CDs that might help you in singing to your little one.  Click here to read my post! 

Need more convincing about the importance of singing to your baby?  Here are 10 great reasons, from a short article written by Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer for the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Libraries Rock!: 2018 SLP: Music CDs for Baby

From the time they are first able to hear Mommy's voice and pulse while in the womb, babies are drawn to sound, music, and rhythm.  The steady beat of a heart, the rise and fall of Mommy's voice, the speed at which sounds are detected...these are literally music to Baby's ears!  Is it any wonder most babies react positively to music?

We often think of music for babies taking the form of lullabies: slow, quiet, soothing sounds meant to calm or lull Baby to sleep.  But babies are also known to enjoy some good old rock & roll, as seen in this YouTube video of a dad singing and playing guitar for his baby!

The Bellevue Public Library has many music CDs that are appropriate for babies.
Here are just a few suggestions.  I invite you to discover your own favorites!

Lullaby Classics: A Soothing Collection of Music for Bedtime

More Songs From Pooh Corner

Putumayo Kids Presents Dreamland: World Lullabies & Soothing Songs

Rhymes From 'Round the World

Brilliant Beginnings: Music for Your Baby's Brain

Over Easy: Quiet Songs for Quiet Times

Hello World!

Early Childhood Classics: Old Favorites With a New Twist

One Light, One Sun