As we discussed on Monday, libraries are rich resource for moms of youngsters, so we wanted to give you some links to online library resources as well as a peak at some of the wonderfully enriching FREE programs coming up.
Given that this Monday is Martin Luther King, Jr. day, you must know that the Downtown Nashville Public Library houses a striking history of and tribute to the civil rights movement as it played out mere blocks away. The Civil Rights Center tells the story of the local movement through photographs from local papers, a timeline of events, and quotes that capture its spirit.
This is only one of the many treasures at the downtown branch. If you are not already acquainted, this next link will introduce you to the magic of Tom Tichenor
and his marionettes. This local artisan and puppeteer
extraordinaire bequeathed his collection to the Nashville Public
Library, where they are displayed used in delightful productions for
young children. In January and February, the branch will be featuring the
puppets of Wood and Strings,
a contemporary puppet group hand-crafting these works of art in
Centerville, TN. They are performing Anansazi and the Spider, an
African folk-tale. For showtimes click here.
Shows last 30 minutes, and are very popular, so be sure to arrive a bit
early to ensure a good seat (most seating is on the floor, with benches
along the sides of the theater).
Like most local libraries, they also host storytimes for children and, by way, the do have books, too. Lots of them. And while you are in the children's section, look for the mousehole in baseboard. When I was a young girl trips downtown to see the shows at the library (in its former location) always included a trip to "check on the mice," who I imagined to be lurking just inside.
Don't be intimidated by the trip downtown--ample parking is available
in the garage, you don't have to live in Davidson County to visit (just to check out books), and this space and all of its wonders just might make your child fall in love with libraries (it did my daughter, for sure). Of course that could be because we always get a cookie at the Panera Bread next door (with access from the main lobby)...
Can't get there? Please go here: the Kid Zone link on the Downtown Nashville library's site is definitely worth bookmarking. In addition to details on all the upcoming events, there are book lists galore--Caledecott Medal winners, Newbery Medal winners, lists by topic (such s "princess books" and "dinosaur books)", and book lists by age and grade level. They also have some online resources worth checking out. And while you're online, go to the site of the library nearest you. You might be surprised how much they have to offer.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
This week: Libraries
"Put away your credit card and get out your library card."
-Golinkoff & Hirsch-Pasek in Einstein Never Used Flashcards
This week we're talking books here on the blog. Reading to and with your child is the best thing you can do to prepare them for school (hmm, that sounds like familiar advice...), and libraries are your community partner. Did you make new year's resolutions such as
Building a home library is important. Kids need to have books that belong to them to read and re-read over and over again. But the reality is that exposure to a wide range of fiction and non-fiction is highly enriching, and purchasing every book that your child might possibly want to read would cost a small fortune. Starting a weekly library routine is an excellent way to rotate the books in your house.
In many libraries the children's department will have lists of suggested books for different age and grade levels. Consider taking these lists on as a challenge to complete. We have posted a list of some of our personal favorites over on the right.
When choosing books to bring home, a nice formula is as follows
Need some motivation? One summer we kept count of all the books we read together, with the promise that we would do something once we hit 100. We only made it to 50 (hello, reality check), but celebrated anyway with on ice cream outing, with a commitment to keep reading and celebrating along the way. Many libraries offer summer reading programs with rewards to keep kids interested.
This isn't just kid stuff, by the way. Studies show that children in homes where parents read regularly and there is a lot of printed material around do better in school. See this article to learn more.
So while you are there be sure to pick up something for yourself, too.
-Golinkoff & Hirsch-Pasek in Einstein Never Used Flashcards
This week we're talking books here on the blog. Reading to and with your child is the best thing you can do to prepare them for school (hmm, that sounds like familiar advice...), and libraries are your community partner. Did you make new year's resolutions such as
- more quality family time, at home or out in the community
- read to your kids more (or read more yourself)
- get in tune with your child's academic development
- spend less money on things for the kids
- spend less money on going out for enterainment
- spend less money renting movies
- expose your child to more of the arts?
Building a home library is important. Kids need to have books that belong to them to read and re-read over and over again. But the reality is that exposure to a wide range of fiction and non-fiction is highly enriching, and purchasing every book that your child might possibly want to read would cost a small fortune. Starting a weekly library routine is an excellent way to rotate the books in your house.
In many libraries the children's department will have lists of suggested books for different age and grade levels. Consider taking these lists on as a challenge to complete. We have posted a list of some of our personal favorites over on the right.
When choosing books to bring home, a nice formula is as follows
- one your child can "read" to you (this can even include wordless books for a toddler to describe to you),
- one that rhymes (Dr. Seuss is always a winner, but there are many other choices, too),
- one that is true (a book about animals, nature, history, science, geography,--anything nonfiction),
- a great storybook (or two) with good illustrations to read to or with your child,
- and something you have checked out before.
Need some motivation? One summer we kept count of all the books we read together, with the promise that we would do something once we hit 100. We only made it to 50 (hello, reality check), but celebrated anyway with on ice cream outing, with a commitment to keep reading and celebrating along the way. Many libraries offer summer reading programs with rewards to keep kids interested.
This isn't just kid stuff, by the way. Studies show that children in homes where parents read regularly and there is a lot of printed material around do better in school. See this article to learn more.
So while you are there be sure to pick up something for yourself, too.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Getting out into nature
Enjoyed the home zoo activities from yesterday? Everyone knows that the Nashville Zoo http://www.nashvillezoo.org/ is a fun outing for all ages. And our community also has some great opportunities to experience nature and wildlife that lives closer to home. Here are some experiences off the beaten path.
- Owl's Hill Nature Center owlshill.org hosts school groups regularly, but also offers a variety of programs for the public. Their Knee-High Naturalist programs are for children age 3-5 years, and this month feature Lunch with a Raccoon.
- The Warner Parks Nature Center in Nashville nashville.gov/parks/wpnc has a wide range of free outdoor activities including easy hikes, animal programs, and star gazing.
- Too cold for you to explore outside? Stroll through nature indoors at the Opryland Hotel http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-opryland/nashville-tn-entertainment-attractions/index.html#Delta.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Activity: This house is a zoo!
Need a little indoor fun on these cold winter days? My house is a zoo, and I bet yours is, too. Know how many animals are in your menagerie? Challenge the kids to count all the animals in the house. This includes not only the obvious pets and stuffed creatures, but critters on pajamas, in artwork, on product labels and, if you dare, in books.
You can do a ton with this concept, but here are a few ideas to get you started:
You can do a ton with this concept, but here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Set a timer for 5 minutes and have them count how many they find. You can use this to practice making tally marks, writing numerals, and graphing how many animals each family member can find.
- Set a goal of finding animal types. Give a young child mammals, and an older child the more challenging amphibian category.
- Make it a "hunt" and have them "bag" their finds. As you go through the haul, divide them into groups (farm animals, zoo animals, jungle animals, and ocean animals, as well as categories such as fish, birds, reptiles, etc.).
- Build language by asking them to come up with three descriptor words for each animal.
- Build writing skills by writing out lists of the animals that are found (invented spelling, or even just geting down the first letter, are great for young ones).
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Make a resolution to give more of your time...
"Make a memory with your children,
Spend time to show you care;
Toys and trinkets can't replace those
Precious moments that you share.
Money doesn't buy real pleasure,
It doesn't matter where you live;
Children need your own attention,
Something only YOU can give."
-Elaine Hardt
Spend time to show you care;
Toys and trinkets can't replace those
Precious moments that you share.
Money doesn't buy real pleasure,
It doesn't matter where you live;
Children need your own attention,
Something only YOU can give."
-Elaine Hardt
Monday, January 2, 2012
What are your Mommy Resolutions for 2012?
Happy 2012 Hands on Mommy friends! We hope you all have had a wonderful holiday with your family and friends, soaking in every bit of quality time with your loved ones and squeezing in a little rest and relaxation for you too.
So to ask the traditional question of the New Year, what are your Mommy resolutions? Do you want to cook more for your family? Do you want to take more pictures? Organize your home or get in a better routine?
As we celebrate a new beginning, let's try to set some goals, to better ourselves and our family. At the dinner table tonight, sit down with your kids, talk about all the things that they accomplished last year, pointing out what they couldn't do the year before and what they can do now. For example, riding a bike, writing their name or learning how to skip. Then, talk about what kind of things you would like to do or learn in the New Year. The important thing is to not be too preachy or tell your children what they should do. Encourage them to set goals. Then, be a good role model in keeping your resolution. If you are going to talk the talk, you need to walk the walk.
We have included a link of some of The Today Show working mom's and their resolutions for the New Year. Hopefully, they will inspire you and help you create your own.
http://moms.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/30/9809412-today-moms-most-notable-moms-of-2011
So to ask the traditional question of the New Year, what are your Mommy resolutions? Do you want to cook more for your family? Do you want to take more pictures? Organize your home or get in a better routine?
As we celebrate a new beginning, let's try to set some goals, to better ourselves and our family. At the dinner table tonight, sit down with your kids, talk about all the things that they accomplished last year, pointing out what they couldn't do the year before and what they can do now. For example, riding a bike, writing their name or learning how to skip. Then, talk about what kind of things you would like to do or learn in the New Year. The important thing is to not be too preachy or tell your children what they should do. Encourage them to set goals. Then, be a good role model in keeping your resolution. If you are going to talk the talk, you need to walk the walk.
We have included a link of some of The Today Show working mom's and their resolutions for the New Year. Hopefully, they will inspire you and help you create your own.
http://moms.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/30/9809412-today-moms-most-notable-moms-of-2011
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Happy New Year!
Glory to God in highest heaven,
Who unto man His Son hath given;
While angels sing with tender mirth,
A glad new year to all the earth.
-Martin Luther
We wish you and your family a very Happy New Year!
-Amy and Heather
Who unto man His Son hath given;
While angels sing with tender mirth,
A glad new year to all the earth.
-Martin Luther
We wish you and your family a very Happy New Year!
-Amy and Heather
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