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Babies!
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Babies!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008 - 2:57pm — KieraParrott
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photo courtesy of Flickr user Inferis
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Parents know the magic that a simple coloring book and a pack of crayons can work on a screaming toddler. But did you know that those random-looking scribbles are an important developmental step along your child's path to reading and writing? As early as 15 months, children enter the first of what's called the 5 Stages of Scribbling.
Here's the basic breakdown (and please note: every child grows and develops at their own pace. Ages ranges are general approximations only.)
STAGE 1: RANDOM SCRIBBLING (15 months to 2 1/2 years)
At this early age, children are delighted to figure out how to hold a crayon (those extra jumbo crayons are super handy). Babies and toddlers will usually hold the crayons in a tight fist and use large motions from their shoulders to produce scribbles. During this stage, they make the exciting discovery that the object in their hand is producing lines on the paper (and hopefully, not the walls).
Babies are most interested in the sensory nature of art at this point; the texture of the crayon, it's unique smell. This is also a great time to introduce young toddlers to clay, play-dough, or finger paint. [check out this recipe for homemade, non-toxic play-dough] The different sensations produced by using each medium stimulates their senses and engages their developing minds.
Helpful Hint: It might help to tape down a large piece of paper for babies and toddlers. This will prevent the paper from moving or tearing as they draw.
STAGE 2: CONTROLLED SCRIBLLING (2 years to 3 years)
During this stage, children will often transition to holding the crayon between their thumb and pointer finger. Their scribbles may show more repeated marks or patterns- such as spirals, open circles, curved lines, and straight lines. As their muscle control develops, toddlers will enjoy experimenting with using a paintbrush, or working with model clay.
Helpful Hint: Use regular household objects to create art- like using Q-Tips, cotton balls, or old wine corks as applicators. Use chalk on a sidewalk, or washable paints in the bathtub.
STAGE 3: LINES AND PATTERNS (2 1/2 years to 3 1/2 years)
At this stage, children begin to understand that writing consists of special lines and curves that repeat in certain patterns. Very often, children will pretend to write. While their scribbling may not have any actual letters, you may see some early components that make up the alphabet- such as "S"-like curves, small circles, and sharp lines.
What is so magical about this stage is that toddlers are beginning to understand that those scribbles can convey meaning! That when Mommy or Daddy is scribbling, it is a list of what food to buy at the grocery store. This understanding is a big step on their way towards writing and reading on their own.
Helpful Hint: Encourage your child's "pretend" writing- and take it seriously! Ask them to "read" what they've written. This will teach them the importance and value of words.
STAGE 4: PICTURES OF OBJECTS OR PEOPLE (3 years to 5 years)
At some point, your child may hand you a page of scribbles and declare, "It's Grandma!" At the beginning of this stage, children will often produce unplanned artwork and decide what it is after they are finished.
Eventually, you may notice your child thinking about what she will draw before committing crayon to paper. This is an important developmental milestone. She is now engaged in symbolic thinking! She understands that her artwork can symbolize objects, people, or events.
Not long after, children will begin to understand the difference between pictures and writing. This is particularly important as they get ready to enter preschool and begin to work on letter awareness.
Helpful Hint: As your child begins to draw pictures, use open, non-judgemental questions to discuss the final product, such as: "Can you tell me about your picture?" Encourage your child to tell you the "story" of the picture(s). This story-telling is also an important skill for literacy!
STAGE 5: LETTER AND WORD PRACTICE (3 to 5 years)
By this stage, children may begin writing "real" letters on their own. Children usually begin with letters that are familiar to them- such as the first letter of their name. Children also begin to understand that letters fit together in special ways to make words. While they may not be able to write words on their own, they do understand that some words are short and some are long. This may be reflected in their "pretend" writing. One day, all this pretend practice will morph into the understanding and production of real letters and words!
Helpful Hint: It's okay that their letters are not technically correct. It's the process, not the product, that matters.
For more information about the 5 Stages of Scribbling, check out zerotothree.org.
And for more art project ideas for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, check out our collection of Little Hands books. 
Monday, October 13, 2008 - 9:53am — KieraParrott
After blogging about Kids Music Grownups Can Enjoy, I started thinking- there's a whole lot of music that adults can easily share with kids. Generally, unless you're listening to 50 Cent or Marilyn Manson, most grownup music is ripe to be shared with young listeners. If not for my mom, I may never have discovered Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, or Billie Holiday. Here are some recording artists and albums that work well for babies, grownups, and everybody in-between: For the Jazz fan:  | You might recognize Blossom's sweet, melodic voice from her work on SchoolHouse Rock (She did both Unpack Your Adjectives and Figure 8.) Little Jazz Bird and Surrey With the Fringe On Top are well suited for little listeners and jazz birds alike. | | Blossom Dearie | | | Blossom Dearie | | Jazz is a great way to introduce kids to the unique sounds of different instruments. For a fun jump around, dance session, also try Squirrel Nut Zippers or Louis Prima. For the Bossanova Baby:  |  | Gilberto's signature style- a whispery voice and unaccompanied guitar make all of his Brazilian offerings perfect for soothing a baby at bedtime. | | Joao Gilberto | Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto | | | Best of Joao Gilberto | Getz/Gilberto | | For the Alterna-Rock and Folksy Parents:  | Johnson's Banana Pancakes is a fun choice for a weekend morning family sing-along. | | Jack Johnson | | | In Between Dreams | |  | You might remember Drake's Pink Moon from that popular Volkswagen commercial. His soft vocals are lullaby-like and very soothing. | | Nick Drake | | | Pink Moon | | The above selections are just a handful of my own favorites. What types of music to you enjoy sharing with your children?
Saturday, October 11, 2008 - 1:03pm — KieraParrott
So, here is my confession: While I do love me some Raffi on occasion, I have a very low tolerance for most music produced for children. Many parents can probably commiserate with the feeling that occurs upon the thirty-fifth listening of "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt" during a long car ride. [shiver] But here's the good news! Over the last few years, many grownup artists have released albums for kids- and many of them are extremely good- so good, in fact, that I find myself listening to them even when there are no kids around! Here are a few of my favorite recording artists and CDs: Mitchell's blends children's favorites and folk classics. The songs are understated and simply beautiful. For something a little more dancetastic, try any of the above selections.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008 - 7:53am — KieraParrott
Did you know that there is a prime age to play peek-a-boo with your baby? At around 6 months old, babies begin to develop a sense of spatial reasoning. Their eyes begin to focus on a given object or face. Their brains, however, haven’t quite perfected an understanding of object permanence. In other words, while Baby can focus on Mommy’s face and smile back, Baby doesn’t understand where Mommy goes when her face is hidden. For the baby, Mommy’s face actually disappears!
This magic “disappearing act” is extremely funny and surprising for babies during this developmental stage. Not only is peek-a-boo a great (and simple) way to entertain your baby, but it serves as a brain-stimulating activity. When Mommy’s face goes away and returns, Baby’s brain is trying to figure out what happened. The neural synapses that occur as a result stimulate, strengthen, and help develop the brain.
Most parents will notice that one day peek-a-boo is not as entertaining a game as it once was. That’s great news! That means your baby’s brain has figured out your trick and mastered the skill of object permanence.
Here are some great books about baby brain development that include easy games you can play with your baby to boost their brain power!  125 Brain Games for Babies by Jackie Silberg
 Games to Play with Babies by Jackie Silberg
 The Baby's Game Book by Isabel Wilner
 Baby Minds: Brain-Building Games Your Baby Will Love by Linda P. Acredolo
On DVD or CD:  Brainy Baby Left Brain (DVD) (See also: Brainy Baby Right Brain (DVD))
 Baby Signing Time (DVD) Baby Signing Time (CD)
Baby Einstein series Ask in the Children's Room for more information about early literacy, baby games, and information about our brain boosting library programs!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008 - 5:07pm — Anna
Storyteller's Choice booklists are named in memory of Phil A. Petitt. Phil Petitt was a great storyteller as well as a man of indomitable spirit whose love of life was felt by all who knew him. This collection of booklists is dedicated to his grandchildren. The Petitt lists as they are fondly referred to in the children's room, are a frequent go-to for solid book suggestions. Created over the years by Darien Library children's staff, they contain books of all types: fiction, adventure, non-fiction, fantasy, classics! Petitt lists are updated on a rotating basis. Do you have a "hidden find" book? Do you have a book that some people know about and say "oh yeah" when mentioned, but it's not as well known as Goodnight Moon? Please share!
Saturday, August 30, 2008 - 9:50pm — GretchenHams
Reading to Your Baby
Your baby loves to hear the sound of your voice. If you look closely, you will see her respond when she hears the voices of her loved ones. Not only is reading to your baby comforting to her, but it is also helping her build her pre-literacy skills. The more words she hears, the bigger her vocabulary will be when she is finally ready to speak! Research shows that babies who are read to regularly understand 300 - 500 words before they can ever say their first.
When looking for books to read:
• Look for books with clear and simple pictures.
• Choose a good time to read, when you and your child are relaxed and happy.
• Point to pictures. Talk about them in an excited voice.
• Notice what your baby looks at, and then talk about it.
• It is natural for babies to play with books, even to chew or tear them.
• Stop for a while if your baby loses interest or gets upset. A few enjoyable minutes at a time is better than a longer unhappy time together.
• While you read, make your child feel loved and special.
• Share books with your baby every day. Even a few minutes are important.
 Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.
Children see a variety of animals, each one a different color, and a teacher looking at them. Gentle rhymes and gorgeous illustrations by the incomparable Eric Carle make this a classic picture book your baby will come to know and love. To liven up your telling, try singing the words to the melody of "Twinkle Twinkle" - by the time your baby is talking, she'll be singing along!
 Counting Kisses by Karen Katz
How many kisses does a tired baby need to change her from crying into sleeping? This is a wonderful book to read to your little one. Use this as a sweet bedtime book to wind down your baby after a long day of playing by snuggling and kissing her goodnight. There is always lots to talk about in Katz's illustrations. Talk about the other figures in the pictures, do you have a kitty? Where is your kitty cat and what does he say? By the time the final kiss is delivered on her "sleepy, dreamy head," the baby is fast asleep. When you're done with this one, grab another book by Karen Katz, we've got lots!
 Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
During a bedtime game, every time Little Nutbrown Hare demonstrates how much he loves his father, Big Nutbrown Hare gently shows him that the love is returned even more. A great book for Dad to share with your little one at bedtime! A true classic with a timeless theme.
 Here Comes Mother Goose by Iona Archibald Opie
Mother Goose rhymes are a great thing to read to your baby! This collection presents more than sixty traditional nursery rhymes, including "Old Mother Hubbard," "I'm a Little Teapot," and "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe," accompanied by illustrations of various animals. Nursery Rhymes are nice and short and this collection has wonderful illustrations to capture your little one's attention.
 White on Black by Tana Hoban
Babies do not see color, but do detect contrast. Choosing books with bold contrast like White on Black is sure to capture their attention. Talk about the images to your baby, what does it feel like, look like, where it can be found. Does it make any noises? The more words you say to your baby, the more sounds of our language he will hear and absorb.
 Whose Chick are You? by Nancy Tafuri
Goose, Duck, Hen, Bird and the little chick, itself, cannot tell to whom a new hatchling belongs, but its mother knows. Tafuri's use of simple, repetitive text makes it a great book to read to your baby! As your baby grows older, this book can also be used to help alleviate fears of abandonment.
 Early Literacy
Early Literacy is what children know about reading and writing before they can actually do it themselves. From the earliest experiences; babies chewing on books to your preschooler "writing" a grocery list for you, all literacy interactions are important. Parents and Caregivers - you are your child's first teacher.
You can help your child learn those important skills now so that they will be successful in school, and later in life. You can also lay the groundwork to show them that learning can be FUN! Don't worry about flash cards and programs. Instead, have some fun with your child and engage in activities that are fun, natural and relaxed like playing games, singing songs and telling stories. Your child will grow up associating pleasure with learning. Researchers agree that children are more likely to become good readers if they start school with three sets of accomplishments: - Oral language skills and phonological awareness: Children are able to comprehend and to express themselves with a wide range of words. They are able to distinguish the sounds as well as the meaning of words.
- Print awareness and letter knowledge: Children have learned that the black and white marks on a page represent spoken words. They are able to name the letters of the alphabet.
- Motivation to learn and appreciation for literary forms: Children have been exposed to a wide variety of literary experiences and have learned to love books and stories.
For more information about the six identified Pre-Literacy Skills children need to develop into strong readers and what you can do to help, download a printable guide for parents from the Public Library Association (PLA) and the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) here.
Raising a reader - Begin when your child is born and spend time reading every day.
- Sing to your baby.
- Repeat nursery rhymes.
- Visit the library. Ask about storytimes. Borrow books to share with your baby at home.
- Choose books with colorful pictures and simple words--or no words at all.
- Read with expression--or just tell the story in your own words.
- Hold the book so your child can see the pictures clearly.
- Let your baby play with the book.
- Encourage your toddler to point out objects, repeat words, and talk about the story.
- Reread your child's favorite books over and over again.
- Use the technique of dialogic reading to help a child stay actively involved with a story and develop reading comprehension. Instead of reading the story straight through, ask the child open-ended questions about the story: "Why do you think Goldilocks ate Baby Bear's porridge?" "What do you think will happen next?"
- Read or tell stories in the language you are most comfortable with. It doesn't have to be English!
- Help your child develop phonological awareness --the understanding that words are made up of smaller sounds--by playing games with the sounds of words and repeating rhymes.
- Tell stories about your family and your culture.
- Encourage older children to read to their younger brothers and sisters.
- Be an example to your children; let them see you read books too.
More tips for book sharing - Set aside a special time each day, such as nap time, bedtime, or after meals.
- Share books when you and your child are both in a relaxed mood.
- Take advantage of "waiting" times to share books--on trips, at the doctor's office, in line at the grocery store.
- Reading even 5 or 10 minutes a day to young children helps them get ready to read on their own.
This information can be found on the Born to Read website of the Association of LIbrary Service to Children (ALSC). Recommended Web Sites: Born to Read for further information on the Born to Read project; as well as the Born to Read brochure Every Child Ready to Read for information on the ALSC/Public Library Association's Every Child Ready to Read @ your library® project. National Center for Family Literacy for suggestions on other family literacy projects Reading is Fundamental for literacy information broken down by your child's age and including a section for the Whole Family. Also links to the new site Leading to Reading with interactive literacy building games, books, articles and advice to help you in your quest to raise a reader. Zero to Three offers parents information on children's brain development, developmental milestones, early literacy, and choosing quality child care.
Thursday, August 28, 2008 - 11:33pm — GretchenHams
These are great snuggly rhymes & songs that end with you giving your baby and sweet smooch, tickle or his favorite - peek-a-boo! Come-a-Look-a-See (work your way across your baby's hand like This Little Piggy wiggling each of them one at a time)
Come-a-Look-a-See,
Here’s my momma
Come-a-Look-a-See,
Here’s my poppa
Come-a-Look-a-See,
Brother tall - Sister, Baby,
I love them all
(wrap your hands around baby’s, kiss thumbs and open up hands wide) This Little Baby
This little baby rocked in the cradle (start with baby’s thumb)
This little baby jumped in bed (move across hand one finger at a time)
This little baby crawled on the carpet
This little baby bumped his/her head
And this little baby played hide and seek
Where’s the little baby? (hide yours or the baby’s eyes)
PEEK! These are Baby’s Fingers
These are baby’s fingers (wiggle fingers)
These are baby’s toes (wiggle toes)
This is baby’s belly button
Round and round it goes! (tickle baby’s tummy)
Pizza Pizza Pumpernickel
Pizza pizza pumpernickel (clap hands or bounce)
My little one shall have a tickle
One for his/her nose (tickle nose)
One for his/her toes (tickle toes)
One for his/her belly where the hot-dog goes! (tickle belly) Away up High
Away up high in the apple tree (lift baby up)
I saw a little baby smiling at me.
I shook that tree as hard as I could (shake baby gently)
Down came the baby (bring baby down into a hug)
Mmm, was she good! (give baby a kiss) Great A, Little a
Great A, little a (clap baby’s hands)
Bouncing B,
The cat’s in the cupboard
But she can’t see me! (hide yours or baby’s eyes)
PEEK-a-Boo! Round and Round the Garden
Round and round the garden went the teddy bear (walk fingers on baby’s palm)
One step, two steps (jump fingers up arm)
Tickly under there (tickle under arm)
Thursday, August 28, 2008 - 11:21pm — GretchenHams
These are great songs to sing while bouncing your child on your lap or cradled on your arms. With repetition, they will begin to anticipate the dip, kiss or tickle at the end! Little Red Wagon
Bouncin’ up and down in my little red wagon
Bouncing up and down in my little red wagon
Bouncing up and down in my little red wagon
Bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce! One wheel's off and the axle's broken (dip to the left)
One wheel's off and the axle's broken (dip to the right)
One wheel's off and the axle's broken
Bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce!
Ride Baby Ride
Ride baby ride,
Ride that horsie, ride!
Ride baby ride,
Ride that horsie, ride!
WHOA! (dip baby back)
Tommy O’Flynn
Tommy O’Flynn and his old grey mare
Went off to see the country fair.
The bridge fell down (support baby’s head, spread your knees and let baby “fall”)
And the bridge fell in. (another exaggerated dip)
And that was the end of Tommy O’Flyn, Tommy O’Flynn, Tommy O’Flynn (bounce your baby faster and faster and faster and end with a big hug and smile!) The Grand Old Duke of York
The grand old Duke of York,
He had ten thousand men,
He marched them up to the top of the hill (lift baby up high)
And marched them down again. (set baby down)
When you’re up, you’re up! (lift baby up high)
When you’re down, you’re down! (set baby down)
And when you’re only half way up, (lift baby half way up)
You’re neither up nor down. (lift baby up high and set baby down)
Thursday, August 28, 2008 - 11:15pm — GretchenHams
For these rhymes, place your baby on your knee or snug in your arms and bounce her gently to the rhythm of the rhymes. Popcorn
(bounce baby on knees)
Popcorn, popcorn,
Sizzling in the pan.
Shake it up, shake it up,
Bam, bam, bam!
Popcorn, popcorn,
Now it’s getting hot,
Shake it up, shake it up,
Pop, pop, pop! (lift baby up with each” pop”) Rooster Crows
1, 2, 3
Baby’s* on my knee
Rooster crows and away we GO!!! (lift baby high in the air)
*use your baby’s name wherever possible in rhymes and stories Rickety-Rickety Rocking Horse
(Lift one knee at a time to give baby a good jostle sideways)
Rickety-rickety rocking horse Photo by Flickr user Sean Dreilinger
Over the fields we go
Rickety-rickety rocking horse
Giddyup, giddyup (bounce with both knees)
WHOA! (hug baby and dip down) Giddyap, Giddyap
Giddyap, giddyap, ride to town, (bounce baby on knees, facing you)
Giddyap, giddyap, up and down.
Giddyap fast, (bounce quickly)
Giddyap slow, (bounce slowly)
Giddyap, giddyap, giddyap, WHOA! (dip baby backwards gently) Mother and Father and Uncle John
Mother and Father and Uncle John
Went to town one by one.
Mother fell off (dip baby to left)
And Father fell off (dip baby to right)
But Uncle John went on and on and on . . . (bounce baby quickly up and down) The Dog Goes to Dover
Leg over leg, (bounce baby on knees)
As the dog goes to Dover.
When he comes to a wall,
Jump! He goes over! (lift baby up)
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Darien Library, 35 Leroy Avenue, Darien, Connecticut, 06820 · 203-655-1234