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Higgins"/><category term="STEAM"/><category term="STEM"/><category term="Sally Lloyd-Jones"/><category term="Sally Odgers"/><category term="Sara O&#39;Leary"/><category term="Sarah Holden"/><category term="Say Hello"/><category term="Sign Language ABC"/><category term="Small Elephant&#39;s Bathtime"/><category term="Smriti Prasadam-Halls"/><category term="Some Monsters Are Different"/><category term="Splendid Spotted Snake"/><category term="Sports Illustrated Kids Rookie Books"/><category term="Spots in a Box"/><category term="Steve Jenkins"/><category term="Stick"/><category term="Still a Gorilla"/><category term="Summer Reading Club 2014"/><category term="Summer Reading Club 2017"/><category term="Susan Katz"/><category term="Suzanne Lang"/><category term="Tad Carpenter"/><category term="Tad Hills"/><category term="Take Care of Me from A to Z"/><category term="Tana Hoban"/><category term="Tatyana Feeney"/><category term="Telephone"/><category term="Ten Things I Love About You"/><category term="That Cat Can&#39;t Stay"/><category term="That Is NOT a Good Idea!"/><category term="The ABCs of Literacy: Preparing Our Children for Lifelong Learning"/><category term="The Baby Hustle"/><category term="The Book with No Pictures"/><category term="The Boy and the Airplane"/><category term="The Clever Stick"/><category term="The Cow That Laid an Egg"/><category term="The Darkest Dark"/><category term="The Day the Crayons Came Home"/><category term="The Day the Crayons Quit"/><category term="The Doorbell Rang"/><category term="The Forest Feast for Kids"/><category term="The Goodnight Book"/><category term="The Lion and the Bird"/><category term="The Reading Promise"/><category term="The Simples Love a Picnic"/><category term="The Spooky Box"/><category term="The Summer Nick Taught His Cats to Read"/><category term="The THANKFUL Book"/><category term="The Thank You Book"/><category term="The Three Little Pigs"/><category term="The tooth fairy meets el raton perez"/><category term="There&#39;s a Bear on My Chair"/><category term="Thirty Million Words: Building a Child&#39;s Brain"/><category term="This is Our House"/><category term="Tim McCanna"/><category term="Time Magazine"/><category term="Today I Feel...An Alphabet of Feelings"/><category term="Todd Parr"/><category term="Tom Brenner"/><category term="Too Many Carrots"/><category term="Tracey Corderoy"/><category term="Tuck Me In"/><category term="Two Little Monkeys"/><category term="W.H.Beck"/><category term="WCPL"/><category term="WCPL Kids"/><category term="Wally Does Not Want a Haircut"/><category term="Wanted: The Perfect Pet"/><category term="Watersong"/><category term="We Are Brothers We Are Friends"/><category term="Weird &amp; Wild Animal Facts"/><category term="What Can a Crane Pick Up"/><category term="Where Is the Rocket?"/><category term="Wherever You Go"/><category term="Who Broke the Vase?"/><category term="Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge"/><category term="Willoughby Wallaby"/><category term="Woodbourne Library Arts Endowment"/><category term="Yellow Is My Color Star"/><category term="You May Just Be a Dinosaur"/><category term="You&#39;re a Crab! 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term="summer reading club 2010"/><category term="summer reading club 2012"/><category term="summertime"/><category term="taking turns"/><category term="talents"/><category term="teacher collection"/><category term="ten little beasties"/><category term="ten little fingers and ten little toes"/><category term="thank you bear"/><category term="the bear who shared"/><category term="the quiet book"/><category term="the read aloud handbook"/><category term="the true story of the three little pigs"/><category term="the very hungry caterpillar"/><category term="tiger can&#39;t sleep"/><category term="todder shape up"/><category term="toddler storytimes"/><category term="tom the tamer"/><category term="tongue twisters"/><category term="tools"/><category term="transportation vehicles"/><category term="trucks"/><category term="truthfulness"/><category term="underpants zoo"/><category term="vegetarian"/><category term="waiting for the biblioburro"/><category term="websites"/><category term="weekly 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src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd0CVaLP_yz9Pd0jExwhZFLWnxQg2w-p9SRlPDc5VuKaHEBwo6mgjSupazlD2MQRIX88Z69nC2GylqgQw1M_xpPm51BkUDOXiF9MPXl948wMhxdII5cHkCqvt3_lgwg/s220/wcplweblogo.JPG'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>380</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>25</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076218119592744573.post-8368998154752897389</id><published>2017-06-28T09:30:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2017-06-28T09:30:14.127-04:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="early literacy"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="farewell"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="final post"/><title type='text'>So Long, Farewell</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
2. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEEhYcx9bYU-LG7SZZGKq8-QLrRZk3fcPC1zjRDEZliFi7j0cE4H_NcIaLksli18s_9acAogujKri-n9r49EU5tB_5BlA1rca4svH1H0Vp5Eio6hjw7GYTTjv-ARPCO1SYCThfwQrSLY/s1600/farewell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="430" height="74" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEEhYcx9bYU-LG7SZZGKq8-QLrRZk3fcPC1zjRDEZliFi7j0cE4H_NcIaLksli18s_9acAogujKri-n9r49EU5tB_5BlA1rca4svH1H0Vp5Eio6hjw7GYTTjv-ARPCO1SYCThfwQrSLY/s200/farewell.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
3. In February of 2010, our freshly appointed Early Literacy Specialist, Jenna, had a wonderful idea. She started a new library blog and described it in this way: "This blog is designed to highlight all of the fun and engaging things you can be doing with your children before they go to school. I'll highlight favorite read-alouds, developmental tips, updates about our library storytimes, and suggestions to help you as parents and caregivers be your child's first and best teacher."<div>
4. <br /></div>
5. <div>
6. "Just in case you’re wondering what the term 'Early Literacy' actually means, it is simply everything children know about reading and writing before they can actually read and write. Early literacy is a baby who chews on a book, a toddler who wants his favorite book read over and over, and a preschooler who 'reads' the story to you from memory."</div>
7. <div>
8. <br /></div>
9. <div>
10. Over the years since then, most of us in the Youth Services department have contributed blog posts at different times to <i>Open Shut Them</i>. In the process, we’ve offered some of the early literacy tips that help guide our storytime planning, and featured new research related to kids and reading readiness. We’ve tried to assist all of you in navigating the sea of new books that are published each year, selecting a few of our absolute favorites to share with you. In addition, we’ve tried to approach reading and literacy in a sensible, but humorous fashion, knowing that some days that can be helpful.</div>
11. <div>
12. <br /></div>
13. <div>
14. Now it’s time to move on to new endeavors here at the library.  This post will be the final one in the <i>Open Shut Them</i> series, but our <a href="https://kids.wclibrary.info/">Children’s website</a> will continue to offer plentiful reading suggestions, as well as opportunities to learn about new ways to foster a love of reading in your children.</div>
15. <div>
16. <br /></div>
17. <div>
18. For additional <a href="https://kids.wclibrary.info/read/booklists/">reading suggestions</a> for kids, please visit our <a href="https://kids.wclibrary.info/">kids' website</a>. There are lots of ways to read, learn, and play there, as well as stay informed about all of the special programs we have planned for you and your family. You can also <a href="https://wclibrary.info/goodreads/optin/">subscribe</a> to receive your choice of reading suggestions by email. And keep your eye on our library's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wclibrary.info">Facebook page</a>, where we will always have up-to-date information on what’s happening at the library.</div>
19. <div>
20. <br /></div>
21. <div>
22. An additional option is to check out the <a href="https://wclibrary.info/research/parents.asp">Parent and Caregiver Resources</a> section of our web page, which features Library Services, Research Databases, and Web Links for child- and parent-centered web sites.</div>
23. <div>
24. <br /></div>
25. <div>
26. Most importantly, please continue to visit us in the library!  We are always happy to see you and to share some of our favorite new books with you.  It has always been, and continues to be, our pleasure to join you and your children on their journey to literacy!</div>
27. <div>
28. <br /></div>
29. <div>
30. Guest post by Bridget W.</div>
31. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/feeds/8368998154752897389/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/06/so-long-farewell.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/8368998154752897389'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/8368998154752897389'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/06/so-long-farewell.html' title='So Long, Farewell'/><author><name>wcpl</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258587043740046859</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='10' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd0CVaLP_yz9Pd0jExwhZFLWnxQg2w-p9SRlPDc5VuKaHEBwo6mgjSupazlD2MQRIX88Z69nC2GylqgQw1M_xpPm51BkUDOXiF9MPXl948wMhxdII5cHkCqvt3_lgwg/s220/wcplweblogo.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEEhYcx9bYU-LG7SZZGKq8-QLrRZk3fcPC1zjRDEZliFi7j0cE4H_NcIaLksli18s_9acAogujKri-n9r49EU5tB_5BlA1rca4svH1H0Vp5Eio6hjw7GYTTjv-ARPCO1SYCThfwQrSLY/s72-c/farewell.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076218119592744573.post-8924999939645076966</id><published>2017-06-21T09:30:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2017-06-21T09:30:06.243-04:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="And Then Comes Summer"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Jaime Kim"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="summertime"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Tom Brenner"/><title type='text'>And Then Comes Summer</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
32. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlJGb27erBXq7R-wCQhPMWQNS4byRkYG6CMShGcxY7wbhTfQWB0Gk5SzAkLjLysXjOWXNuHtzRf-jNZ0Fylsz2sfY_NmkY_ZJnCylm4igtsTWDSnavdQSPpqyS9Kt_Y_Zk7gGOTQdUwg/s1600/summer.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="208" data-original-width="242" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlJGb27erBXq7R-wCQhPMWQNS4byRkYG6CMShGcxY7wbhTfQWB0Gk5SzAkLjLysXjOWXNuHtzRf-jNZ0Fylsz2sfY_NmkY_ZJnCylm4igtsTWDSnavdQSPpqyS9Kt_Y_Zk7gGOTQdUwg/s200/summer.png" width="200" /></a></div>
33. Now that summer is officially upon us, it’s time to start thinking about all the ways to entertain our children and ourselves. In a contemporary environment, the "lazy days of summer" are often anything but lazy. Many parents will anticipate the time about to be spent rushing from swimming lessons to baseball games, and squeezing meals in between; children might imagine playing video games or watching TV for hours while planning for the next sleepover or scouting event.<div>
34. <br /></div>
35. <div>
36. <i><a href="https://encore.wclibrary.info/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1688884?lang=eng">And Then Comes Summer</a></i> by Tom Brenner reminds us of the joys of our youth: flip flops, double-decker cones from the ice cream truck, crickets’ songs, and playing outside until dark. Hopscotch, lemonade stands, and fireworks all join together to paint a picture of a calmer, more relaxing and enjoyable summertime. "When it’s so hot you’re practically panting, and not even the sprinklers provide relief…then it’s time to head to the lake." Campfire stories and tents provide the setting for a cozy family getaway that everyone can enjoy and remember fondly.</div>
37. <div>
38. <br /></div>
39. <div>
40. The text is simple, but evocative of a less complicated time. Jaime Kim’s illustrations are colorful and energetic, representing the exuberance of childhood and a simpler way of life. Life seems extraordinarily busy for most people these days, and we all deserve a rest; a chance to just stop, breathe, and marvel at the beauty and joy around us. Watch the flowers bloom. Ride your bike or play just a bit longer. Everyone watches out for everyone else. Bedtime can be delayed. This is the way life was meant to be.</div>
41. <div>
42. <br /></div>
43. <div>
44. "When your fingers are sticky with marshmallow and chocolate, and fires burn down to glimmering coals, then snuggle into your sleeping bag and plan tomorrow’s adventures."</div>
45. <div>
46. <br /></div>
47. <div>
48. Now doesn’t that just sound delightful?</div>
49. <div>
50. <br /></div>
51. <div>
52. Guest post by Bridget W. </div>
53. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/feeds/8924999939645076966/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/06/and-then-comes-summer.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/8924999939645076966'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/8924999939645076966'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/06/and-then-comes-summer.html' title='And Then Comes Summer'/><author><name>wcpl</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258587043740046859</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='10' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd0CVaLP_yz9Pd0jExwhZFLWnxQg2w-p9SRlPDc5VuKaHEBwo6mgjSupazlD2MQRIX88Z69nC2GylqgQw1M_xpPm51BkUDOXiF9MPXl948wMhxdII5cHkCqvt3_lgwg/s220/wcplweblogo.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlJGb27erBXq7R-wCQhPMWQNS4byRkYG6CMShGcxY7wbhTfQWB0Gk5SzAkLjLysXjOWXNuHtzRf-jNZ0Fylsz2sfY_NmkY_ZJnCylm4igtsTWDSnavdQSPpqyS9Kt_Y_Zk7gGOTQdUwg/s72-c/summer.png" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076218119592744573.post-4183674370679819843</id><published>2017-06-14T09:30:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2017-06-14T09:30:12.578-04:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="early literacy skills"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="narrative skills"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="puppets"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="reading comprehension"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="retelling stories"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="storytelling"/><title type='text'>Building Narrative Skills</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
54. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGeO3oR9B5LlnYBj121wL1vFgsxdFr2aDSargMnq_u4zwwSE9SI4SJs5lVOqZ9F1JnAdqUIbMmrd7XbR3MRyM0ybTqexosUee9DhNxUs43IOVYvJbYzQ8uytJtyS2srJtW6g0kZyxy_4/s1600/puppet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGeO3oR9B5LlnYBj121wL1vFgsxdFr2aDSargMnq_u4zwwSE9SI4SJs5lVOqZ9F1JnAdqUIbMmrd7XbR3MRyM0ybTqexosUee9DhNxUs43IOVYvJbYzQ8uytJtyS2srJtW6g0kZyxy_4/s200/puppet.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
55. Narrative skills are an essential component of the early literacy skills children need to have in order to be able to read and write. Narrative skills are all about storytelling – being able to describe things, tell events in order and retell stories. The ability to do these things helps children understand what they hear when you read to them and will help with reading comprehension later on.<div>
56. <br /></div>
57. <div>
58. Here are some ways you can help your child develop narrative skills:</div>
59. <div>
60. <br /></div>
61. <div>
62. ·         Ask questions that encourage conversations rather than yes/no or right/wrong answers. Instead of, "Do you have your shoes on?" ask "Where are your shoes?"</div>
63. <div>
64. <br /></div>
65. <div>
66. ·         Talk about your day and its series of events. Narrate your actions in simple terms. You could say "First we’ll eat breakfast, then we’ll brush our teeth, and then we’ll get dressed and go to the park."</div>
67. <div>
68. <br /></div>
69. <div>
70. ·         Retell familiar stories without the book.</div>
71. <div>
72. <br /></div>
73. <div>
74. ·         When reading a story, guess what comes next – or come up with a different ending.</div>
75. <div>
76. <br /></div>
77. <div>
78. ·         Read stories without words. This is great for developing narrative skills!</div>
79. <div>
80. <br /></div>
81. <div>
82. ·         Read a story and let your child retell it, act it out, or draw it and explain the drawing.</div>
83. <div>
84. <br /></div>
85. <div>
86. ·         Have your child talk about what he knows and retell real-life events ("What did you do this morning?").</div>
87. <div>
88. <br /></div>
89. <div>
90. · Use props to retell a story – you can use puppets, toys, and even cardboard boxes!</div>
91. <div>
92. <br /></div>
93. <div>
94. · Ask your child to tell you a story.</div>
95. <div>
96. <br /></div>
97. <div>
98. · Have your child tell you about pictures she draws.</div>
99. <div>
100. <br /></div>
101. <div>
102. · As your child gets older, label not just things but also actions, feelings, and ideas. Talk about your own feelings. Use words to say what your child might be feeling. </div>
103. <div>
104. <br /></div>
105. <div>
106. Guest post by Allison C. </div>
107. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/feeds/4183674370679819843/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/06/building-narrative-skills.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/4183674370679819843'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/4183674370679819843'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/06/building-narrative-skills.html' title='Building Narrative Skills'/><author><name>wcpl</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258587043740046859</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='10' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd0CVaLP_yz9Pd0jExwhZFLWnxQg2w-p9SRlPDc5VuKaHEBwo6mgjSupazlD2MQRIX88Z69nC2GylqgQw1M_xpPm51BkUDOXiF9MPXl948wMhxdII5cHkCqvt3_lgwg/s220/wcplweblogo.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGeO3oR9B5LlnYBj121wL1vFgsxdFr2aDSargMnq_u4zwwSE9SI4SJs5lVOqZ9F1JnAdqUIbMmrd7XbR3MRyM0ybTqexosUee9DhNxUs43IOVYvJbYzQ8uytJtyS2srJtW6g0kZyxy_4/s72-c/puppet.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076218119592744573.post-4758200731359547538</id><published>2017-06-07T09:30:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2017-06-07T09:30:22.701-04:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="A Perfect Day"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="beginning reader"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="funny"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Lane Smith"/><title type='text'>A Perfect Day</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
108. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mt4G_IlzQ3rqLLG1WFcWFIsZf_oZdPlZdo2-QWj1Ad8QeApRmXsk9nYkfJh78U5iZ2MBBbTsWa-tUemm2DJ50_gfeBUTiFIfs-O7-G3pbk5OjgkbZUTq17bDol-tZb3A3Oh50bT_lo8/s1600/perfect.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="249" data-original-width="203" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mt4G_IlzQ3rqLLG1WFcWFIsZf_oZdPlZdo2-QWj1Ad8QeApRmXsk9nYkfJh78U5iZ2MBBbTsWa-tUemm2DJ50_gfeBUTiFIfs-O7-G3pbk5OjgkbZUTq17bDol-tZb3A3Oh50bT_lo8/s200/perfect.png" width="163" /></a></div>
109. This is a simple, repetitive tale of several animals enjoying a perfect day. Cat’s perfect day includes lying in the flower bed in the sun; Dog enjoys sitting in a wading pool full of water; and Chickadee and Squirrel are eating birdseed and a corncob provided by their young friend Bert.  All of a sudden, a bear comes on the scene and ruins everyone’s perfect day. He eats the corncob and birdseed, drinks the water in the wading pool, and flattens the flowerbed. As Bert and the four animals watch the sleeping bear from inside the house, the story ends with: "It was a perfect day for Bear." The illustrations use muted colors, show movement and texture through brush strokes, and are gentle, charming, and hilarious as the bear smiles with the corncob stuck in his mouth and ruins the flower bed while making snow angels.  The repetition in the story makes this a good book for beginning readers.<div>
110. <br /></div>
111. <div>
112. <i><a href="https://encore.wclibrary.info/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1675172?lang=eng">A Perfect Day</a></i> by Lane Smith is a humorous story that is sure to be a hit with kids and parents alike!</div>
113. <div>
114. <br /></div>
115. <div>
116. Guest post by Allison C. </div>
117. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/feeds/4758200731359547538/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/06/a-perfect-day.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/4758200731359547538'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/4758200731359547538'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/06/a-perfect-day.html' title='A Perfect Day'/><author><name>wcpl</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258587043740046859</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='10' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd0CVaLP_yz9Pd0jExwhZFLWnxQg2w-p9SRlPDc5VuKaHEBwo6mgjSupazlD2MQRIX88Z69nC2GylqgQw1M_xpPm51BkUDOXiF9MPXl948wMhxdII5cHkCqvt3_lgwg/s220/wcplweblogo.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mt4G_IlzQ3rqLLG1WFcWFIsZf_oZdPlZdo2-QWj1Ad8QeApRmXsk9nYkfJh78U5iZ2MBBbTsWa-tUemm2DJ50_gfeBUTiFIfs-O7-G3pbk5OjgkbZUTq17bDol-tZb3A3Oh50bT_lo8/s72-c/perfect.png" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076218119592744573.post-635133768596989774</id><published>2017-05-31T09:30:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2017-05-31T09:30:11.033-04:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="funny"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Jeffrey Turner"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="responsibility"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="truthfulness"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Who Broke the Vase?"/><title type='text'>Who Broke the Vase?</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
118. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdpjo2-xe1JnHiAGl_5By2X1IwCjrgTIZ72XyFHqkO14SjV1evxQQ9upFyquKmTsZjPdpSIlcfeUNtoCmgAi8ekP79EtsIRiirGfhyphenhyphenYvzrwmnfwBysnDyoFE86cJkWJ-lv0umzPZMrTc/s1600/vase.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="224" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdpjo2-xe1JnHiAGl_5By2X1IwCjrgTIZ72XyFHqkO14SjV1evxQQ9upFyquKmTsZjPdpSIlcfeUNtoCmgAi8ekP79EtsIRiirGfhyphenhyphenYvzrwmnfwBysnDyoFE86cJkWJ-lv0umzPZMrTc/s200/vase.png" width="200" /></a></div>
119. When children grow old enough to realize that there might be repercussions from things they’ve done, like, for instance, breaking something, it’s not surprising that they try to find a way out of the trouble that might lie ahead. It can even be humorous to watch their contortions as they attempt to avoid facing the reality of the situation.<div>
120. <br /></div>
121. <div>
122. <i><a href="http://encore.wclibrary.info/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1686758?lang=eng">Who Broke the Vase?</a></i> by Jeffrey Turner opens with that simple question. Images of bouncing balls on the end pages give a clue as to how the vase was broken. A young dog plays the title role and immediately conjures up a tale about an elephant who swung his trunk, causing the accident. When he realizes that sounds a bit outlandish, he quickly changes his story to say that a mouse who was inside the vase actually did it. The account changes again and again to blame a wayward crow, a knitting sheep, a hippo, and a nonexistent baby (who didn’t really mean to do it).</div>
123. <div>
124. <br /></div>
125. <div>
126. The author’s bold, eye-catching black silhouetted illustrations offer the perfect blend of humor and engagement, especially when the dog, knowing he has no other recourse, finally admits to breaking the vase. Mama dog accepts his confession and then they go out to play. Moments later, another ball comes flying through the window, headed straight for another container full of flowers. This time it’s Mama who threw it, and she comes up with her own story about a huge leapfrog-playing grasshopper having caused the damage.</div>
127. <div>
128. <br /></div>
129. <div>
130. Not only is this book humorous, it can also open the door to conversations about truthfulness and taking responsibility for one’s actions. There is no punishment or time-out when the dog confesses to his role in the incident. He even acknowledges the rather preposterous nature of the excuses he offers, and the issue is resolved. As children enter new territory in the world around them, they need loving, non-judgmental guidance, especially in these kinds of situations. <i><a href="http://encore.wclibrary.info/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1686758?lang=eng">Who Broke the Vase?</a></i> delivers a simple but effective message, stated at the beginning of the book: "Being truthful is better than being perfect." The laughs along the way are an extra bonus!</div>
131. <div>
132. <br /></div>
133. <div>
134. Guest post by Bridget W. </div>
135. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/feeds/635133768596989774/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/05/who-broke-vase.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/635133768596989774'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/635133768596989774'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/05/who-broke-vase.html' title='Who Broke the Vase?'/><author><name>wcpl</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258587043740046859</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='10' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd0CVaLP_yz9Pd0jExwhZFLWnxQg2w-p9SRlPDc5VuKaHEBwo6mgjSupazlD2MQRIX88Z69nC2GylqgQw1M_xpPm51BkUDOXiF9MPXl948wMhxdII5cHkCqvt3_lgwg/s220/wcplweblogo.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdpjo2-xe1JnHiAGl_5By2X1IwCjrgTIZ72XyFHqkO14SjV1evxQQ9upFyquKmTsZjPdpSIlcfeUNtoCmgAi8ekP79EtsIRiirGfhyphenhyphenYvzrwmnfwBysnDyoFE86cJkWJ-lv0umzPZMrTc/s72-c/vase.png" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076218119592744573.post-3256368718904042777</id><published>2017-05-24T09:30:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2017-05-24T09:30:17.723-04:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="go undercover"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="storytime"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="summer"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="summer reading"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Summer Reading Club 2017"/><title type='text'>Go Undercover!</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
136. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZroCkHAIqIVAUEo7uAuZMM8zQRP5cjKuqssP31jPJigEwe37IhwfpHjo7SLumjIkDsXz2_ndo3SGp7XJJz5lbCVtcJWRdZnb55LBhQaG6T8enpThpr-txMy4XMbEfgFr85E1KfEjLyU/s1600/CSRC+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZroCkHAIqIVAUEo7uAuZMM8zQRP5cjKuqssP31jPJigEwe37IhwfpHjo7SLumjIkDsXz2_ndo3SGp7XJJz5lbCVtcJWRdZnb55LBhQaG6T8enpThpr-txMy4XMbEfgFr85E1KfEjLyU/s200/CSRC+Logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
137. It’s that time again! We’re almost ready to kick off our annual <a href="https://wclibrary.info/src/">Summer Reading Club</a>. If you’re not familiar with our club, it’s easy and fun! Registration begins Tuesday, May 30th, and can be done in person at either library or <a href="https://wclibrary.info/src/">online</a>. Children entering Preschool – Grade 5 can join our children’s club, where they get game cards to track their reading, either by hours or by numbers of books read - it’s their choice. Along the way, there are opportunities to win great prizes!<div>
138. <br /></div>
139. <div>
140. For babies and toddlers, we have game cards that are filled with fun early literacy activities for you and your little ones to do together, and each child who completes either the baby/toddler or children’s club will win a book to take home!</div>
141. <div>
142. <br /></div>
143. <div>
144. During SRC, we’ll also have a long list of great programs for the whole family to enjoy. Check out our program schedule <a href="http://wclibrary.evanced.info/signup/calendar">here</a>. In addition, each week we’ll have a different theme for our craft centers located in the children’s room at the Centerville Library. You and your kids can stop by anytime we’re open to make cool crafts and complete our coloring sheets.</div>
145. <div>
146. <br /></div>
147. <div>
148. Finally, I know that many of you are eager for storytimes to start up again. Fortunately, we don’t have to wait too much longer, since they will begin the week of June 5th. Check out the new summer storytime schedule <a href="https://wclibrary.info/storytime/">here</a>. Registration is not necessary for any summer storytimes, so feel free to join us whenever you can!</div>
149. <div>
150. <br /></div>
151. <div>
152. We’re looking forward to seeing lots of excited readers this summer who are ready and willing to “go undercover” with a good book!</div>
153. <div>
154. <br /></div>
155. <div>
156. Guest post by Bridget W. </div>
157. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/feeds/3256368718904042777/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/05/go-undercover.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/3256368718904042777'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/3256368718904042777'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/05/go-undercover.html' title='Go Undercover!'/><author><name>wcpl</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258587043740046859</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='10' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd0CVaLP_yz9Pd0jExwhZFLWnxQg2w-p9SRlPDc5VuKaHEBwo6mgjSupazlD2MQRIX88Z69nC2GylqgQw1M_xpPm51BkUDOXiF9MPXl948wMhxdII5cHkCqvt3_lgwg/s220/wcplweblogo.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZroCkHAIqIVAUEo7uAuZMM8zQRP5cjKuqssP31jPJigEwe37IhwfpHjo7SLumjIkDsXz2_ndo3SGp7XJJz5lbCVtcJWRdZnb55LBhQaG6T8enpThpr-txMy4XMbEfgFr85E1KfEjLyU/s72-c/CSRC+Logo.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076218119592744573.post-3649541014214355343</id><published>2017-05-17T09:30:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2017-05-17T09:31:06.666-04:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="early literacy skills"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="print awareness"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="reading"/><title type='text'>Print Awareness</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
158. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-WSZwkv8qR0hNFHK4aIzUrb_QDHKJY3XohT-bzCe8BLJGT-vLFjT998eGNFmzxvuSa9BNxxJh647eI6DL6T3wrJdCZnIL1K6PTwsHCREGeN4FNf0-DPMXxxJPvgj7ADbt_4ASQ3qZ64/s1600/baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-WSZwkv8qR0hNFHK4aIzUrb_QDHKJY3XohT-bzCe8BLJGT-vLFjT998eGNFmzxvuSa9BNxxJh647eI6DL6T3wrJdCZnIL1K6PTwsHCREGeN4FNf0-DPMXxxJPvgj7ADbt_4ASQ3qZ64/s200/baby.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
159. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Print awareness is one of the six early literacy skills necessary for a child to have in order to be ready to learn to read. Print awareness is noticing print everywhere, understanding how to hold a book properly, and understanding that the words and letters on the page have meaning.</span><div>
160. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
161. <div>
162. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Children have to understand how a book works before they can be ready to read.  They should know that books have front and back covers, are held a certain way, and that you read from the top of the page down and left to right (in English). They need to know that the words have meaning and that the words and pictures work together to tell the story.</span></div>
163. <div>
164. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
165. <div>
166. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are some ways you can help your child develop print awareness:</span></div>
167. <div>
168. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
169. <div>
170. <span style="font-family: inherit;">·         Start babies out with soft padded books or board books with rounded corners that they can grasp and chew. It’s important for babies to explore books with all of their senses.</span></div>
171. <div>
172. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
173. <div>
174. <span style="font-family: inherit;">·         Point to the words in the book as you read.</span></div>
175. <div>
176. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
177. <div>
178. <span style="font-family: inherit;">·         Let your child turn the pages as you read.</span></div>
179. <div>
180. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
181. <div>
182. <span style="font-family: inherit;">·         Turn the book upside down and see if your child notices. If not, tell him it was not the right way for reading and turn it right-side up.</span></div>
183. <div>
184. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
185. <div>
186. <span style="font-family: inherit;">·         Point out signs as you are out and about and read them to your child.</span></div>
187. <div>
188. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
189. <div>
190. <span style="font-family: inherit;">·         Point out print wherever you find it – cereal boxes, restaurant menus, recipes, shopping lists, etc.</span></div>
191. <div>
192. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
193. <div>
194. <span style="font-family: inherit;">·         Play “I Spy” with words you see while driving (for example “I spy an M” as you near a McDonald’s).</span></div>
195. <div>
196. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
197. <div>
198. <span style="font-family: inherit;">·         Read to your child every day.</span></div>
199. <div>
200. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
201. <div>
202. <span style="font-family: inherit;">These are just a few ideas to help your child develop print awareness. The more your child is exposed to print, the more she will see how print is all around us and used in our lives every day.</span></div>
203. <div>
204. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
205. <div>
206. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Guest post by Allison C.</span></div>
207. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/feeds/3649541014214355343/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/05/print-awareness.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/3649541014214355343'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/3649541014214355343'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/05/print-awareness.html' title='Print Awareness'/><author><name>wcpl</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258587043740046859</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='10' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd0CVaLP_yz9Pd0jExwhZFLWnxQg2w-p9SRlPDc5VuKaHEBwo6mgjSupazlD2MQRIX88Z69nC2GylqgQw1M_xpPm51BkUDOXiF9MPXl948wMhxdII5cHkCqvt3_lgwg/s220/wcplweblogo.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-WSZwkv8qR0hNFHK4aIzUrb_QDHKJY3XohT-bzCe8BLJGT-vLFjT998eGNFmzxvuSa9BNxxJh647eI6DL6T3wrJdCZnIL1K6PTwsHCREGeN4FNf0-DPMXxxJPvgj7ADbt_4ASQ3qZ64/s72-c/baby.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076218119592744573.post-6769428663651620050</id><published>2017-05-10T09:30:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2017-05-10T09:30:05.495-04:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Frann Preston-Gannon"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="My World: A Book of First Words"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="toddlers"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="vocabulary"/><title type='text'>My World: A Book of First Words</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
208. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuR503Iy1T0QJF1M7K9OJt0StGfn9dxYrZY3MzbkuDrc50nf91V9-VXb2G35Us7SjfSgP0zH9nA843IPBvSSHCmKn6y6xJx_hVl6RPpkw0hWEXjqD3MvMrlcTHq95fQL57ILEL7-gYUlc/s1600/my+world.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuR503Iy1T0QJF1M7K9OJt0StGfn9dxYrZY3MzbkuDrc50nf91V9-VXb2G35Us7SjfSgP0zH9nA843IPBvSSHCmKn6y6xJx_hVl6RPpkw0hWEXjqD3MvMrlcTHq95fQL57ILEL7-gYUlc/s200/my+world.jpg" width="169" /></a></div>
209. <i><a href="http://encore.wclibrary.info/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1681560?lang=eng">My World: A Book of First Words</a></i> is a fun and engaging visual dictionary for toddlers, depicting things in their world or of particular interest to them. Objects are labeled and categorized by themes (Bugs, On the Farm, Things to Wear, Pets, Playground, Prehistoric Creatures, Things That Go, etc). Each theme gets a two-page spread jam-packed with items related to the theme. The illustrations are cute and whimsical (every object has eyes), and use bold colors on a white background, which really makes them pop.  <i><a href="http://encore.wclibrary.info/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1681560?lang=eng">My World: A Book of First Words</a>,</i> by Frann Preston-Gannon, is sure to be a toddler favorite, one that will be requested over and over again!<div>
210. <br /></div>
211. <div>
212. Guest post by Allison C. </div>
213. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/feeds/6769428663651620050/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/05/my-world-book-of-first-words.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/6769428663651620050'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/6769428663651620050'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/05/my-world-book-of-first-words.html' title='My World: A Book of First Words'/><author><name>wcpl</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258587043740046859</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='10' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd0CVaLP_yz9Pd0jExwhZFLWnxQg2w-p9SRlPDc5VuKaHEBwo6mgjSupazlD2MQRIX88Z69nC2GylqgQw1M_xpPm51BkUDOXiF9MPXl948wMhxdII5cHkCqvt3_lgwg/s220/wcplweblogo.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuR503Iy1T0QJF1M7K9OJt0StGfn9dxYrZY3MzbkuDrc50nf91V9-VXb2G35Us7SjfSgP0zH9nA843IPBvSSHCmKn6y6xJx_hVl6RPpkw0hWEXjqD3MvMrlcTHq95fQL57ILEL7-gYUlc/s72-c/my+world.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076218119592744573.post-3123295543095847400</id><published>2017-05-03T09:30:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2017-05-03T09:30:23.783-04:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="children"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="language"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="language development"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="pronunciation"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="vocabulary"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="words"/><title type='text'>Invented Words (And Why We Love Them)</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
214. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37ZZU6ML-uGN3617phX9OeC-hn8BeJm6SCkeqgJXapTHIDygm9LoBxze0VmV0CR9QgpWQu9jczJbQt36BfKV00PAOyhHh3tUIjpn3uCwZeLb0gx0azuhsI-EJ38hJHzo0QX9nWIyKZm8/s1600/talk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37ZZU6ML-uGN3617phX9OeC-hn8BeJm6SCkeqgJXapTHIDygm9LoBxze0VmV0CR9QgpWQu9jczJbQt36BfKV00PAOyhHh3tUIjpn3uCwZeLb0gx0azuhsI-EJ38hJHzo0QX9nWIyKZm8/s200/talk.jpg" width="184" /></a></div>
215. Most children will mispronounce certain words as they’re becoming more comfortable and proficient with spoken language. Sometimes their "mistakes" sound very close to the original or correct word, with just a slight variation. At other times they’re not even in the ballpark. Babies and young children take great pleasure in experimenting with sound and cadence in language, often without even realizing what they are doing. Predictably, they believe they’ve done something very clever when they make unusual sounds (and indeed they have) because the new words can be close to the original but they’ve added some additional content to make them more personal and unique. These moments should be celebrated rather than corrected, because our young linguists are truly inventing as they go, trying words on for size as they master the art of verbal communication.<div>
216. <br /></div>
217. <div>
218. Anyone who has ever read Lewis Carroll, Edward Lear, Roald Dahl, or J.K. Rowling knows there are lots of words that have been invented by authors to represent the inner workings of the stories in their minds. Most of these words connote something out of the ordinary, many don’t look or sound familiar, and they all boast unique meanings that have become part of our shared language experience. Think "Muggles," "jabberwocky," or "gobstoppers." While scholars continue to debate the volume of Shakespeare’s contributions to the English language, we do know that he effectively used many previously unfamiliar word combinations to share the comedy and tragedy of his creations, and the history of the time, with his audiences. All of this serves to show that invented language is fun and educational for the reader or listener, and can also fulfill a very specific purpose for the inventor.</div>
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221. <div>
222. Keeping a record of unique words in your child’s vocabulary can be a fun way to track language development. These inventions might also serve as a secret coded language among family members. When our children were young, we started a dictionary of the words and phrases they used experimentally at first, but which later became fully integrated as a part of the family's history. Our two-year-old grandson has started inventing some of his own special words, like "mookits" for music, and we can’t wait to see what he comes up with next. Encouraging word play in all of its forms, such as rhyming, replacing one letter at a time to come up with a new word, and silly sounds, will benefit both the children and the adults in the house, while almost always adding some lighthearted humor to the day! </div>
223. <div>
224. <br /></div>
225. <div>
226. Guest post by Bridget W. </div>
227. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/feeds/3123295543095847400/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/05/invented-words-and-why-we-love-them.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/3123295543095847400'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/3123295543095847400'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/05/invented-words-and-why-we-love-them.html' title='Invented Words (And Why We Love Them)'/><author><name>wcpl</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258587043740046859</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='10' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd0CVaLP_yz9Pd0jExwhZFLWnxQg2w-p9SRlPDc5VuKaHEBwo6mgjSupazlD2MQRIX88Z69nC2GylqgQw1M_xpPm51BkUDOXiF9MPXl948wMhxdII5cHkCqvt3_lgwg/s220/wcplweblogo.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37ZZU6ML-uGN3617phX9OeC-hn8BeJm6SCkeqgJXapTHIDygm9LoBxze0VmV0CR9QgpWQu9jczJbQt36BfKV00PAOyhHh3tUIjpn3uCwZeLb0gx0azuhsI-EJ38hJHzo0QX9nWIyKZm8/s72-c/talk.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076218119592744573.post-1227741415400626607</id><published>2017-04-26T09:30:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2017-04-26T09:30:14.585-04:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Alexandra Penfold"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="new baby"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="siblings"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="We Are Brothers We Are Friends"/><title type='text'>We Are Brothers, We Are Friends</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
228. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCp7FzH_WGAE9c_Wojx_yX41NhW4bCWVeIdwLj7WF-hPcAi3eumkwh8Ynnbt8jDWoqBFRyH4XHbBXRDqvTSnbyjiieLXEOPXzaDNrF3bmmABTYYMwbAd3hpCRfy4PZYpqZ6N0E8T4jbkc/s1600/brothers.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCp7FzH_WGAE9c_Wojx_yX41NhW4bCWVeIdwLj7WF-hPcAi3eumkwh8Ynnbt8jDWoqBFRyH4XHbBXRDqvTSnbyjiieLXEOPXzaDNrF3bmmABTYYMwbAd3hpCRfy4PZYpqZ6N0E8T4jbkc/s200/brothers.png" width="200" /></a></div>
229. Becoming a big brother or big sister can be a monumental rite of passage in a child’s life.  Many children’s books on the topic of gaining a new sibling tend to follow a somewhat predictable order:<div>
230. <br /></div>
231. <div>
232. ·         The older child is the light of his or her parents’ lives, until the new baby arrives.</div>
233. <div>
234. ·         The older child becomes jealous, and, while trying hard to be excited about the new addition to the family, has a difficult time understanding what appears to be a betrayal.</div>
235. <div>
236. ·         The older child makes plans for removing the competition.</div>
237. <div>
238. ·         Eventually a situation arises in which the older child recognizes that there is a role in the new baby’s life that can only be filled by him or her, and an amicable relationship is born.</div>
239. <div>
240. <br /></div>
241. <div>
242. It’s very easy to empathize with a toddler or preschooler who suddenly finds herself competing for the family’s attention with a newborn in the house. I don’t think there’s necessarily a magical solution for the jealousy that often very naturally arises under the circumstances, but I find it encouraging that this author has chosen to represent the situation in another fashion.</div>
243. <div>
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245. <div>
246. <i><a href="http://encore.wclibrary.info/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1675266?lang=eng">We Are Brothers, We Are Friends</a></i> by Alexandra Penfold is a refreshingly different sort of book, in that the older boy portrayed is very excited from start to finish about the arrival of his baby brother. He speaks calmly and lovingly to his new sibling, outlining his hopes and dreams for all of the things he can show the baby and the life experiences they will share together, like playing hide-and-seek and learning how to be a dinosaur. "We will have adventures, just the two of us," he says, and later adds, "When you cry, I will hear you first. Don’t worry, baby. I will help!" The well-matched, energetic illustrations by Eda Kaban are evocative of 1960s animation or advertising art, with a colorful palette and simple retro-style toys and furnishings in evidence.</div>
247. <div>
248. <br /></div>
249. <div>
250. It may seem unrealistic that all children would behave in such a way, but we can always hold out hope that the transitions required in our households when we add a sibling might go as smoothly as this.  <i><a href="http://encore.wclibrary.info/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1675266?lang=eng">We Are Brothers, We Are Friends</a></i> is a sweet book, a nice addition to the list that covers new babies, and a lovely example of an older brother who is willing to "share my best toys, and my mama and my dada, too."</div>
251. <div>
252. <br /></div>
253. <div>
254. Guest post by Bridget W. </div>
255. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/feeds/1227741415400626607/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/04/we-are-brothers-we-are-friends.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/1227741415400626607'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/1227741415400626607'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/04/we-are-brothers-we-are-friends.html' title='We Are Brothers, We Are Friends'/><author><name>wcpl</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258587043740046859</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='10' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd0CVaLP_yz9Pd0jExwhZFLWnxQg2w-p9SRlPDc5VuKaHEBwo6mgjSupazlD2MQRIX88Z69nC2GylqgQw1M_xpPm51BkUDOXiF9MPXl948wMhxdII5cHkCqvt3_lgwg/s220/wcplweblogo.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCp7FzH_WGAE9c_Wojx_yX41NhW4bCWVeIdwLj7WF-hPcAi3eumkwh8Ynnbt8jDWoqBFRyH4XHbBXRDqvTSnbyjiieLXEOPXzaDNrF3bmmABTYYMwbAd3hpCRfy4PZYpqZ6N0E8T4jbkc/s72-c/brothers.png" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076218119592744573.post-5402177403258357008</id><published>2017-04-19T09:30:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2017-04-19T09:30:00.193-04:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="5 Tips To Build Language &amp; Early Literacy Skills With Preschoolers During Book Reading"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="early literacy skills"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="reading"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Sarah Holden"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="vocabulary"/><title type='text'>Building Early Literacy Skills with Preschoolers</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
256. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASlMGwHUROBooGMjD6Qfp_rDAugzRD9Walia6YHc0gdIHkbiyfyxWvnuqreArAvOh-IcVv-tWLJW9axQcJqpaAYX18x2K0ar_rqcrx2KomJDFlFUH1e2mqoR9Eae8ErJrE1fFNkUbWh0/s1600/Reading-Together.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASlMGwHUROBooGMjD6Qfp_rDAugzRD9Walia6YHc0gdIHkbiyfyxWvnuqreArAvOh-IcVv-tWLJW9axQcJqpaAYX18x2K0ar_rqcrx2KomJDFlFUH1e2mqoR9Eae8ErJrE1fFNkUbWh0/s200/Reading-Together.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
257. Recently I came across a great early literacy article online entitled "<a href="https://buildingblockslanguage.com/2014/03/14/5-tips-to-build-early-literacy-skills-in-preschoolers/#more-3804">5 Tips To Build Language & Early Literacy Skills With Preschoolers During Book Reading</a>." Written by Sarah Holden, a speech-language pathologist who has worked with children in both private practice and in schools, the article recognizes the “hurry up” nature of modern life and the push for teaching children to talk and read faster and earlier. The author advocates for slowing down and spending time on developmentally appropriate early literacy and language skills that are foundational to reading. <br /><br /><div>
258. The article gives the following five simple tips to remember when reading to children:</div>
259. <div>
260. <br /></div>
261. <div>
262. ·<b>         Slow down</b> – Read just one or two books at a nice pace instead of rushing through four or five. Children need time to process the words being read. Take time to look at the pictures, ask questions, talk about the story.</div>
263. <div>
264. <br /></div>
265. <div>
266. ·         <b>Be dramatic</b> – Use your voice to highlight new vocabulary.  Point to the pictures as you read a new word. If the word isn’t depicted by the illustration, make the word come alive with actions and gestures.</div>
267. <div>
268. <br /></div>
269. <div>
270. ·         <b>Re-read</b> – Children need to hear new words more than a couple of times to increase their vocabulary, and children with the richest vocabularies become the best readers.  It may drive you crazy to read the same story over and over, but it is good for your child!</div>
271. <div>
272. <br /></div>
273. <div>
274. ·         <b>Describe often/ask questions occasionally </b>– Ask questions that encourage your child to predict, describe, and make inferences about the characters' thoughts and feelings instead of yes or no questions.  For example, you can ask "What do you think will happen next?" before turning the page.  Spend more time talking about and commenting on the story than asking questions. You can predict what happens next, relate something in the story to your own life, relate a character from the story you’re reading to one from a book you read previously, etc.</div>
275. <div>
276. <br /></div>
277. <div>
278. ·<b>         Draw attention to the words </b>– Call your child’s attention to the words in the story. Read the title of the book and point to it. Point out words in bold or color or large type in the text. This will help your child understand that the words on the page have meaning (print awareness) and that oral and written language are connected.</div>
279. <div>
280. <br /></div>
281. <div>
282. These are just the highlights from the article. For more information, the full article can be found <a href="https://buildingblockslanguage.com/2014/03/14/5-tips-to-build-early-literacy-skills-in-preschoolers/#more-3804">here.</a></div>
283. <div>
284. <br /></div>
285. <div>
286. Guest post by Allison C.</div>
287. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/feeds/5402177403258357008/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/04/building-early-literacy-skills-with.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/5402177403258357008'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/5402177403258357008'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/04/building-early-literacy-skills-with.html' title='Building Early Literacy Skills with Preschoolers'/><author><name>wcpl</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258587043740046859</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='10' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd0CVaLP_yz9Pd0jExwhZFLWnxQg2w-p9SRlPDc5VuKaHEBwo6mgjSupazlD2MQRIX88Z69nC2GylqgQw1M_xpPm51BkUDOXiF9MPXl948wMhxdII5cHkCqvt3_lgwg/s220/wcplweblogo.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASlMGwHUROBooGMjD6Qfp_rDAugzRD9Walia6YHc0gdIHkbiyfyxWvnuqreArAvOh-IcVv-tWLJW9axQcJqpaAYX18x2K0ar_rqcrx2KomJDFlFUH1e2mqoR9Eae8ErJrE1fFNkUbWh0/s72-c/Reading-Together.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076218119592744573.post-9172954004629059943</id><published>2017-04-12T09:30:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2017-04-12T09:30:18.830-04:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="emotions"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="feelings"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Madalena Moniz"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Today I Feel...An Alphabet of Feelings"/><title type='text'>Today I Feel...An Alphabet of Feelings</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
288. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0uwwjIeLdeS6fnZf_Nd2EpfG6q8g8RCf5Oq-Cql394WkBLKLtEfPGHxB7xzHZWJUFnMh-gd2dpOJtgG3_u3WavnBc_8sWbOrh4n-HLUatCi0PidYHhdZScESXFfm-9GzE2gqtKFFvzY/s1600/feelings.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0uwwjIeLdeS6fnZf_Nd2EpfG6q8g8RCf5Oq-Cql394WkBLKLtEfPGHxB7xzHZWJUFnMh-gd2dpOJtgG3_u3WavnBc_8sWbOrh4n-HLUatCi0PidYHhdZScESXFfm-9GzE2gqtKFFvzY/s200/feelings.png" width="131" /></a></div>
289. <i><a href="http://encore.wclibrary.info/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1682292?lang=eng">Today I Feel… An Alphabet of Feelings</a></i> is a picture book that shows a child experiencing a wide range of emotions. Each two-page spread depicts one emotion, with the letter of the alphabet and corresponding emotion on the left, and the child experiencing the emotion on the right. Each letter of the alphabet is designed using something that corresponds to the illustration of the emotion. For example, the letter E (for excited) is made of two knit scarves. The corresponding illustration shows the child in winter outerwear, including a scarf, looking up at snow falling. The watercolor and India ink illustrations are simple and clean, really imaginative, and clearly depict each emotion. The book ends with a question for the reader – “How do you feel today?” <i><a href="http://encore.wclibrary.info/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1682292?lang=eng">Today I Feel…  An Alphabet of Feelings</a>,</i> by Madalena Moniz, is a great book to read to begin a discussion of emotions with children.<br />
290. <div>
291. <br /></div>
292. <div>
293. Guest post by Allison C. </div>
294. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/feeds/9172954004629059943/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/04/today-i-feelan-alphabet-of-feelings.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/9172954004629059943'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/9172954004629059943'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/04/today-i-feelan-alphabet-of-feelings.html' title='Today I Feel...An Alphabet of Feelings'/><author><name>wcpl</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258587043740046859</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='10' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd0CVaLP_yz9Pd0jExwhZFLWnxQg2w-p9SRlPDc5VuKaHEBwo6mgjSupazlD2MQRIX88Z69nC2GylqgQw1M_xpPm51BkUDOXiF9MPXl948wMhxdII5cHkCqvt3_lgwg/s220/wcplweblogo.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0uwwjIeLdeS6fnZf_Nd2EpfG6q8g8RCf5Oq-Cql394WkBLKLtEfPGHxB7xzHZWJUFnMh-gd2dpOJtgG3_u3WavnBc_8sWbOrh4n-HLUatCi0PidYHhdZScESXFfm-9GzE2gqtKFFvzY/s72-c/feelings.png" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076218119592744573.post-3487622210889177643</id><published>2017-04-05T09:30:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2017-04-05T09:30:08.891-04:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="babies"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="brain development"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="newborn"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="reading"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="repetition"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="singing"/><title type='text'>Our Littlest Learners</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
295. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIuQAWWsVriiWGzKQ3hhQJ1yvMh4adtaxUN_nqS5T4lC5gSoFmJl2T_UVDZY40IoCG6jxeZ7nGZmVNMC_U_u0dsHuh-xS3skfk2q4LH0-61MpyPeq04cqZNFFMArCrRuwU2vC2jnWJYQ/s1600/baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIuQAWWsVriiWGzKQ3hhQJ1yvMh4adtaxUN_nqS5T4lC5gSoFmJl2T_UVDZY40IoCG6jxeZ7nGZmVNMC_U_u0dsHuh-xS3skfk2q4LH0-61MpyPeq04cqZNFFMArCrRuwU2vC2jnWJYQ/s200/baby.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
296. According to neuroscientists, the human brain contains about 86 billion neurons. Most of these are produced during pregnancy, when the brain creates close to 250,000 brain cells every minute! Many others develop during the first year of life, when so much critical growth takes place. It goes without saying that a newborn baby arrives with a pretty impressive toolbox to begin his or her job of learning!<div>
297. <br /></div>
298. <div>
299. We are wired to care for and nurture our babies, but sometimes it requires more awareness and training to become sensitive to our children’s cues about stimulation and learning.  They tend to explore, naturally and voraciously, almost from the time they’re born, seeking out the proper stimulation that will provide them with what they want and need to know. They may be restricted at first to visual exploration, but quickly move on to more tactile and auditory experiences to feed that natural desire to learn all they can about their environment.</div>
300. <div>
301. <br /></div>
302. <div>
303. When considering how to approach this amazing journey with your baby, just remember that simple things are best. There’s no real need for fancy toys or programs. You are your baby’s favorite plaything!  Your voice is the one they long to hear because it reminds them of the familiar sounds they heard in the womb. Reading exposes them to more unusual words than they will encounter through conversation (one-sided as it may be for a while). Singing soothes them and helps to create a safe space in which to soak up the world. Repetition of words, phrases, melodies, and actions is critical to learning; it is essential for imprinting information and strengthening neural connections. Almost anything you do with your baby is fuel for growth. They know they’ve got a job to do, and you are their first, and best, teacher.</div>
304. <div>
305. <br /></div>
306. <div>
307. Guest post by Bridget W. </div>
308. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/feeds/3487622210889177643/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/04/our-littlest-learners.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/3487622210889177643'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/3487622210889177643'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/04/our-littlest-learners.html' title='Our Littlest Learners'/><author><name>wcpl</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258587043740046859</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='10' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd0CVaLP_yz9Pd0jExwhZFLWnxQg2w-p9SRlPDc5VuKaHEBwo6mgjSupazlD2MQRIX88Z69nC2GylqgQw1M_xpPm51BkUDOXiF9MPXl948wMhxdII5cHkCqvt3_lgwg/s220/wcplweblogo.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIuQAWWsVriiWGzKQ3hhQJ1yvMh4adtaxUN_nqS5T4lC5gSoFmJl2T_UVDZY40IoCG6jxeZ7nGZmVNMC_U_u0dsHuh-xS3skfk2q4LH0-61MpyPeq04cqZNFFMArCrRuwU2vC2jnWJYQ/s72-c/baby.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076218119592744573.post-3468330694449445970</id><published>2017-03-29T09:30:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2017-03-29T09:30:08.940-04:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Chimpanzees for Tea"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Jo Empson"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="memory"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="repetition"/><title type='text'>Chimpanzees for Tea</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
309. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjuVOmPk3fkv_UaGFOFTS6jcNbtob2IIiR8nfLH5XmZNYBqLbnZMOuBFX0kWaSPPqjXRckBIaaIvP3Ykbntd3p9-yRm662-w4MqzRefvAWxpU1VBziSBpALCHqI4NcjGi6MpQUS0OHzM/s1600/chimps.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjuVOmPk3fkv_UaGFOFTS6jcNbtob2IIiR8nfLH5XmZNYBqLbnZMOuBFX0kWaSPPqjXRckBIaaIvP3Ykbntd3p9-yRm662-w4MqzRefvAWxpU1VBziSBpALCHqI4NcjGi6MpQUS0OHzM/s200/chimps.png" width="182" /></a></div>
310. Tea, Anyone?<div>
311. <br /></div>
312. <div>
313. One day Vincent’s mother asks him to go to the store to pick up a short list of grocery items for her ~ “a bunch of carrots, a box of rice, some China tea, a big firm pear, and a tin of peas.” Her last request is that he “hurry home for tea.” Vincent willingly obliges, and is off on an adventure. On the way, a gust of wind blows the list out of his hand and he suddenly needs to rely on his memory to get the things his mother has asked for. He’s doing okay until he gets distracted by a “hello” from a neighbor, after which the tin of peas becomes a trapeze in his recollection. Vincent continues to get sidetracked, and repeats the list several times until the pear is a furry bear, the tea is chimpanzees, the box of rice is a box of mice, and that bunch of carrots is, well, you guessed it ~ a lively bunch of parrots!</div>
314. <div>
315. <br /></div>
316. <div>
317. With each reading of this wonderful book, written and illustrated by Jo Empson, my storytime crowds have been absolutely captivated by the whimsical and energetic images, and they love trying to help Vincent recall the correct list so he can get home to his mum for tea. Audience participation is the name of the game, and children can barely resist the opportunity to set Vincent straight by remembering and then calling out the correct items from his list, all the while wishing they could go on a shopping trip like his. Eventually he does arrive back at home, with all of his new friends in tow. His mother is surprised and overwhelmed, to say the least, but has second thoughts when the animals politely serve tea to her.</div>
318. <div>
319. <br /></div>
320. <div>
321. The playful cover of this book alone is enough to pique anyone’s interest, and the story delivers solidly. The rhythmic repetition of parts of the text serve to bolster the story line and engage listeners from the first page to the last. Give yourself a treat, and pick up <i><a href="http://encore.wclibrary.info/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1633579?lang=eng">Chimpanzees for Tea</a></i>. It’s fun, and funny, and definitely worth your time!</div>
322. <div>
323. <br /></div>
324. <div>
325. Guest post by Bridget W.</div>
326. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/feeds/3468330694449445970/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/03/chimpanzees-for-tea.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/3468330694449445970'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/3468330694449445970'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/03/chimpanzees-for-tea.html' title='Chimpanzees for Tea'/><author><name>wcpl</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258587043740046859</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='10' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd0CVaLP_yz9Pd0jExwhZFLWnxQg2w-p9SRlPDc5VuKaHEBwo6mgjSupazlD2MQRIX88Z69nC2GylqgQw1M_xpPm51BkUDOXiF9MPXl948wMhxdII5cHkCqvt3_lgwg/s220/wcplweblogo.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjuVOmPk3fkv_UaGFOFTS6jcNbtob2IIiR8nfLH5XmZNYBqLbnZMOuBFX0kWaSPPqjXRckBIaaIvP3Ykbntd3p9-yRm662-w4MqzRefvAWxpU1VBziSBpALCHqI4NcjGi6MpQUS0OHzM/s72-c/chimps.png" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076218119592744573.post-8617793567780019355</id><published>2017-03-22T09:30:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2017-03-22T09:30:17.351-04:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="fine motor skills"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="five practices"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="writing"/><title type='text'>Young Children and Writing: Where to Start</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
327. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih78Xsgs-ZYF_QLDjbqp7IrfZcOZNiQsWqppUWpwH_sgJlBufRU-eQ2N-J7G3xRFk9n8SOaTKcBuEtGsw20Cvv1CTS3oaWMy2c2gXeed6xEcUbdrEbHYDJ4dkX-xE9uxNffCu5KR9GiUo/s1600/writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih78Xsgs-ZYF_QLDjbqp7IrfZcOZNiQsWqppUWpwH_sgJlBufRU-eQ2N-J7G3xRFk9n8SOaTKcBuEtGsw20Cvv1CTS3oaWMy2c2gXeed6xEcUbdrEbHYDJ4dkX-xE9uxNffCu5KR9GiUo/s200/writing.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
328. Writing is one of the five early literacy practices that caregivers can use to help children with early literacy development. Writing and reading go hand in hand because writing helps children learn that letters and words stand for sounds and that print has meaning.  Babies and young children who are not ready to hold a pencil and write still need to develop muscle strength in their hands. Grasping rattles and other toys will help them practice and develop fine motor skills and the hand-eye coordination needed later for writing. Children who are able to hold a thick crayon or marker can scribble or draw. Even though the scribbles or drawings aren’t words, this still helps develop the fine motor control needed to hold a pencil and write.<div>
329. <br /></div>
330. <div>
331. Here are some fun activities to get your child ready to write and to practice writing:</div>
332. <div>
333. <ul>
334. <li>Using scissors (It's okay if your child can't cut on a line at first) </li>
335. <li>Coloring, scribbling, painting, and drawing </li>
336. <li>Writing with an adult. For example, help your child create a play grocery list when you write yours. </li>
337. <li>Playing with play dough or clay </li>
338. <li>Tracing letters in sand, rice, shaving cream, etc. </li>
339. <li>Stringing beads or pasta </li>
340. <li>Singing and doing fingerplays like “Itsy Bitsy Spider” or “Where Is Thumbkin?” </li>
341. <li>Stamping paper with rubber stamps </li>
342. <li>Opening and closing twist-top jars or bottles </li>
343. <li>Building with interlocking blocks such as Legos </li>
344. <li>Picking up small objects like Cheerios (Note: Always be careful of choking hazards.) </li>
345. <li>Manipulating paper — folding, tearing, wadding it into balls </li>
346. <li>Doing puzzles </li>
347. <li>Using spray bottles or squirt toys in the bathtub </li>
348. <li>Finger painting in the bathtub </li>
349. <li>Writing/drawing on vertical surfaces (easels, paper on walls, etc.) helps children position their hands better </li>
350. </ul>
351. </div>
352. <div>
353. Guest post by Allison C. </div>
354. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/feeds/8617793567780019355/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/03/young-children-and-writing-where-to.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/8617793567780019355'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/8617793567780019355'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/03/young-children-and-writing-where-to.html' title='Young Children and Writing: Where to Start'/><author><name>wcpl</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258587043740046859</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='10' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd0CVaLP_yz9Pd0jExwhZFLWnxQg2w-p9SRlPDc5VuKaHEBwo6mgjSupazlD2MQRIX88Z69nC2GylqgQw1M_xpPm51BkUDOXiF9MPXl948wMhxdII5cHkCqvt3_lgwg/s220/wcplweblogo.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih78Xsgs-ZYF_QLDjbqp7IrfZcOZNiQsWqppUWpwH_sgJlBufRU-eQ2N-J7G3xRFk9n8SOaTKcBuEtGsw20Cvv1CTS3oaWMy2c2gXeed6xEcUbdrEbHYDJ4dkX-xE9uxNffCu5KR9GiUo/s72-c/writing.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076218119592744573.post-4981128606249501179</id><published>2017-03-15T09:30:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2017-03-15T09:30:38.521-04:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="rain"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="rhythmic text"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Tim McCanna"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Watersong"/><title type='text'>Watersong</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
355. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1LMeXcqZzJxmS4Br6U2T8HcmIpEfmcZLsIHbj6999TYHrlgmfBPDfK098pfHW7_w57Tszqyyu7yuSiOGnjS38vEJVG4DZhg2Pi7eznBL2kHBB4BxohKYTDqBdWW8ImaE9l0WVfkKnfM/s1600/watersong.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1LMeXcqZzJxmS4Br6U2T8HcmIpEfmcZLsIHbj6999TYHrlgmfBPDfK098pfHW7_w57Tszqyyu7yuSiOGnjS38vEJVG4DZhg2Pi7eznBL2kHBB4BxohKYTDqBdWW8ImaE9l0WVfkKnfM/s200/watersong.png" width="200" /></a></div>
356. A lone fox stands at the edge of a marsh full of wetland animals as raindrops begin to fall. The sky darkens, the rain falls harder, and the wind begins to blow as a storm approaches. As the storm increases in intensity, the fox seeks shelter and finds it in a fallen hollow log. The storm ends, and the fox emerges from his shelter to see blue skies, blooming flowers, and budding trees. A rainbow appears as he is reunited with his family.<div>
357. <br /></div>
358. <div>
359. This simple story of a rainstorm and its aftermath is told through onomatopoeic rhyming text in a rhythm that is perfect for reading aloud. The raindrops “drip, drop, plip, plop, pitter, patter, pat” and the ducks “splish, splosh, swish, slosh” in the marsh. The watercolor illustrations perfectly depict the marsh and its inhabitants, the energy of the storm, and the peaceful aftermath. There is an afterword with simple explanations of an ecosystem, watershed, and the water cycle. <i><a href="http://encore.wclibrary.info/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1675264?lang=eng">Watersong</a></i>, by Tim McCanna, is an engaging look at nature that is a feast for the eye and ear and sure to be a favorite of kids and their grownups alike!</div>
360. <div>
361. <br /></div>
362. <div>
363. Guest post by Allison C. </div>
364. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/feeds/4981128606249501179/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/03/watersong.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/4981128606249501179'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/4981128606249501179'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/03/watersong.html' title='Watersong'/><author><name>wcpl</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258587043740046859</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='10' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd0CVaLP_yz9Pd0jExwhZFLWnxQg2w-p9SRlPDc5VuKaHEBwo6mgjSupazlD2MQRIX88Z69nC2GylqgQw1M_xpPm51BkUDOXiF9MPXl948wMhxdII5cHkCqvt3_lgwg/s220/wcplweblogo.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1LMeXcqZzJxmS4Br6U2T8HcmIpEfmcZLsIHbj6999TYHrlgmfBPDfK098pfHW7_w57Tszqyyu7yuSiOGnjS38vEJVG4DZhg2Pi7eznBL2kHBB4BxohKYTDqBdWW8ImaE9l0WVfkKnfM/s72-c/watersong.png" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076218119592744573.post-6942827138325579480</id><published>2017-03-08T09:30:00.000-05:00</published><updated>2017-03-08T09:30:24.540-05:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="audiobooks"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="CD books"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Hoopla"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="listening"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="playaways"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="TumbleBook Library"/><title type='text'>Listen Up!</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
365. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLgAwMx97CNlqn4KEFf8NAYbB-VX9PgDIgxLSam6m8T6NKOdM1UTv7LoAZ5ewUW7F5jENJ83TAvofPCqLS2oiFFXSnlW58pFtRqcLzmRNQj_fFPY42t5FogVULGqOMu8oN2UbpShyDt8/s1600/headphones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLgAwMx97CNlqn4KEFf8NAYbB-VX9PgDIgxLSam6m8T6NKOdM1UTv7LoAZ5ewUW7F5jENJ83TAvofPCqLS2oiFFXSnlW58pFtRqcLzmRNQj_fFPY42t5FogVULGqOMu8oN2UbpShyDt8/s200/headphones.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
366. <span style="font-family: inherit;">There's nothing like a good book. Nothing like feeling it in your hands, turning the pages, delighting in the written words inside. Children share that same attraction, and some days would love it if you would just sit with them and read all day long!  When that happens, and you’re short on time, never fear ~ audiobooks to the rescue!</span><div>
367. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
368. <div>
369. <span style="font-family: inherit;">In the past, there were audio cassettes, and then CDs.  These days the library offers several other audio formats to match your busy lifestyle.  While audio cassettes have gone the way of the dinosaurs, <a href="http://ecatalog.wclibrary.info/search~S4/X?SEARCH=(cd%20sound%20recording)&searchscope=4&SORT=D&m=d">CD books</a> are still alive and well on the shelves, and today there are several digital audio formats from which to choose, so there's bound to be one that suits your lifestyle and time constraints. eAudiobooks are plentiful, and listed in our catalog along with their print counterparts. <a href="http://ecatalog.wclibrary.info/search~S4/?searchtype=X&searcharg=playaway&searchscope=4&sortdropdown=-&SORT=DZ&extended=0&SUBMIT=Search&searchlimits=&searchorigarg=XCD+sound+recording%26SORT%3DDZ">Playaways</a> are pre-loaded MP3 audio books, featured in both the adult and children's collections. Our <a href="https://kids.wclibrary.info/read/">Tumblebook Library</a> for young readers also gives you loads of choices of fiction and nonfiction titles that are suitable for children of all ages.</span></div>
370. <div>
371. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
372. <div>
373. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://wclibrary.info/ecollection/">Hoopla</a>, a benefit accessible through the library’s web site, features eBooks, music, movies, comics, and more. Items are always available and ready to be downloaded quickly and easily onto your computer, tablet, or phone, or streamed through your device so you can take them with you when you’re on the move. During the month of March, the regular limit of ten free downloadable items from Hoopla has been doubled to twenty!  The kids' version of Hoopla offers children's stories, movies and more for young listeners' pleasure.</span></div>
374. <div>
375. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
376. <div>
377. <span style="font-family: inherit;">So give a book a listen. Don’t be surprised if you and your children discover some narrators you really like, and find yourself seeking out anything they’ve done. You're not cheating by listening instead of reading; you're just being smart, taking advantage of all of the wonderful resources available to you!  </span></div>
378. <div>
379. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
380. <div>
381. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Guest post by Bridget W. </span></div>
382. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/feeds/6942827138325579480/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/03/listen-up.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/6942827138325579480'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/6942827138325579480'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/03/listen-up.html' title='Listen Up!'/><author><name>wcpl</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258587043740046859</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='10' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd0CVaLP_yz9Pd0jExwhZFLWnxQg2w-p9SRlPDc5VuKaHEBwo6mgjSupazlD2MQRIX88Z69nC2GylqgQw1M_xpPm51BkUDOXiF9MPXl948wMhxdII5cHkCqvt3_lgwg/s220/wcplweblogo.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLgAwMx97CNlqn4KEFf8NAYbB-VX9PgDIgxLSam6m8T6NKOdM1UTv7LoAZ5ewUW7F5jENJ83TAvofPCqLS2oiFFXSnlW58pFtRqcLzmRNQj_fFPY42t5FogVULGqOMu8oN2UbpShyDt8/s72-c/headphones.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076218119592744573.post-8892375493560810073</id><published>2017-03-01T09:30:00.000-05:00</published><updated>2017-03-01T09:30:15.202-05:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Ellie Sandall"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Everybunny Dance!"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="interactive books"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="rhythmic text"/><title type='text'>Everybunny Dance!</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
383. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjee2FlzlUI10f5yKT2dFnC2O9eBsbh_lKekWn7b4JGj5YdvrL4vUR56XQNNyxqsSLuJDGnldYw6BqENOY3P5G6-rhKRwYUZW3gAZgrE0TwMgVHlXz5nWtxuipUx19ruw9l7Oj-qSYZl1Y/s1600/everybunny-dance-9781481498227_hr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjee2FlzlUI10f5yKT2dFnC2O9eBsbh_lKekWn7b4JGj5YdvrL4vUR56XQNNyxqsSLuJDGnldYw6BqENOY3P5G6-rhKRwYUZW3gAZgrE0TwMgVHlXz5nWtxuipUx19ruw9l7Oj-qSYZl1Y/s200/everybunny-dance-9781481498227_hr.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
384. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Everybody loves bunnies, especially as the weather starts to look and feel like spring.  Ellie Sandall’s <i><a href="http://encore.wclibrary.info/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1676321?lang=eng">Everybunny Dance!</a></i> has the power to delight readers of all ages with its festive mood and fun, rhythmic text.  Children will want to dance along with the colorful herd of bunnies, especially one in a tutu and another in a bow tie, to the tune of "clap your paws, and twist and twirl, and shake your tail, and wiggle and whirl." Next the bunnies play instruments along to the beat, sing together, and then run when they notice a fox, seemingly on the prowl. They hide, watch, and wait nervously, but are pleasantly surprised when the fox joins in the fun, even playing a clarinet!  Realizing that fox is just looking for some friendship and an audience, the bunnies celebrate his performance.</span><div>
385. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
386. <div>
387. <span style="font-family: inherit;">The simplicity of the rhymes and the bright illustrations make this a wonderful choice for toddlers and preschoolers.  There’s plenty of physical activity to involve them in, which can be helpful at this time of year, when cabin fever has started to set in. Your children may choose to form a parade or a dance line at home or school, and want to "run and jump and dance and play, all together, every day." As an added bonus, it could also be used as a math exercise, as there are multiple spotted bunnies on each page, just waiting to be counted.  <i><a href="http://encore.wclibrary.info/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1676321?lang=eng">Everybunny Dance!</a></i> is cute and fun, and has a heartwarming outcome ~ everything you could want in a children’s book!</span></div>
388. <div>
389. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
390. <div>
391. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Guest post by Bridget W. </span></div>
392. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/feeds/8892375493560810073/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/03/everybunny-dance.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/8892375493560810073'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/8892375493560810073'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/03/everybunny-dance.html' title='Everybunny Dance!'/><author><name>wcpl</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258587043740046859</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='10' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd0CVaLP_yz9Pd0jExwhZFLWnxQg2w-p9SRlPDc5VuKaHEBwo6mgjSupazlD2MQRIX88Z69nC2GylqgQw1M_xpPm51BkUDOXiF9MPXl948wMhxdII5cHkCqvt3_lgwg/s220/wcplweblogo.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjee2FlzlUI10f5yKT2dFnC2O9eBsbh_lKekWn7b4JGj5YdvrL4vUR56XQNNyxqsSLuJDGnldYw6BqENOY3P5G6-rhKRwYUZW3gAZgrE0TwMgVHlXz5nWtxuipUx19ruw9l7Oj-qSYZl1Y/s72-c/everybunny-dance-9781481498227_hr.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076218119592744573.post-2241808700446137832</id><published>2017-02-22T09:30:00.000-05:00</published><updated>2017-02-22T09:30:43.953-05:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="alphabet"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="every child ready to read"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="letter knowledge"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="letters"/><title type='text'>Fun with Letters!</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
393. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhWOfISd66p0Ir_xU-dSuvnjG6hNkNHfHo0JDo5yDxkYcsAvzzaRGQFVs6Oxah56J4dsq58aajiJTYEi8ipBqnmxFSTgqIjqYAFL56Vf1D7s8WzMyAIKEdhgrVnayYgM0DIf99K4pAaA/s1600/abc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhWOfISd66p0Ir_xU-dSuvnjG6hNkNHfHo0JDo5yDxkYcsAvzzaRGQFVs6Oxah56J4dsq58aajiJTYEi8ipBqnmxFSTgqIjqYAFL56Vf1D7s8WzMyAIKEdhgrVnayYgM0DIf99K4pAaA/s200/abc.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
394. Letter knowledge (the ability to recognize upper and lower case letters, know letter names, and the sounds they make) is one of the six early literacy skills children need to have in order to learn to read. It is also the most important early literacy skill used to predict a child’s success in learning to read.<div>
395. <br /></div>
396. <div>
397. Come see how learning letters can be fun! The library will be hosting <a href="https://wclibrary.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=9044&backTo=Calendar&startDate=2017/03/01">Fun with Letters</a>, a workshop for parents and children ages 2 - 5 to enjoy together on Wednesday, March 1 at 10:00 a.m. This workshop will show parents how to use the five early literacy skills - reading, writing, talking, singing, and playing - to help children learn letters and letter sounds. <a href="https://wclibrary.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=9044&backTo=Calendar&startDate=2017/03/01">Register online</a> at wclibrary.info, in person at the Centerville Children’s Desk, or by phone at 433-8091, opt. 3.</div>
398. <div>
399. <br /></div>
400. <div>
401. If you can’t attend the workshop, here are a few fun ways to help your child develop letter knowledge:<br /><br />·         Start with the letters in your child’s name. These are the most important to them. Write your child’s name where he can see it (magnetic letters on the fridge, etc). Point out the first letter of your child’s name anywhere you see it.<br />·         Write your child’s name on heavy cardboard so he can trace it with a finger or a crayon. <br />·         Sing the ABC song.<br />·         Play with letters - magnetic letters on the fridge, blocks with letters on them, and foam letters in the bathtub.<br />·         Read alphabet books.<br />·         Hide magnetic or foam letters around the room. When your child finds a letter, ask her to name it or say the letter sound.<br />·         Let your child scribble or practice writing a few letters.<br />·         Play with shapes and point out shapes around you.</div>
402. <div>
403. <br /></div>
404. <div>
405. Guest post by Allison C. </div>
406. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/feeds/2241808700446137832/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/02/fun-with-letters.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/2241808700446137832'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/2241808700446137832'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/02/fun-with-letters.html' title='Fun with Letters!'/><author><name>wcpl</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258587043740046859</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='10' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd0CVaLP_yz9Pd0jExwhZFLWnxQg2w-p9SRlPDc5VuKaHEBwo6mgjSupazlD2MQRIX88Z69nC2GylqgQw1M_xpPm51BkUDOXiF9MPXl948wMhxdII5cHkCqvt3_lgwg/s220/wcplweblogo.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhWOfISd66p0Ir_xU-dSuvnjG6hNkNHfHo0JDo5yDxkYcsAvzzaRGQFVs6Oxah56J4dsq58aajiJTYEi8ipBqnmxFSTgqIjqYAFL56Vf1D7s8WzMyAIKEdhgrVnayYgM0DIf99K4pAaA/s72-c/abc.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076218119592744573.post-539809507959742539</id><published>2017-02-15T09:30:00.000-05:00</published><updated>2017-02-15T09:30:30.364-05:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="courage"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="kindness"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="matthew cordell"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="wolf in the snow"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="wordless books"/><title type='text'>Wolf in the Snow</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
407. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAk0yaowMxTiX6KmlnPFonN2FJm8Ksb_41nQqPwGAw3NS1XgYHkspMOnfd9BhL9lNt6rH6c-msRq-C8nh9ejsJxCXJYkg9EwFMkcabAJ23PBmZ6BMzspcHB_FgQ09qwcOmUHb22k1FN8/s1600/wolf+in+the+snow.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAk0yaowMxTiX6KmlnPFonN2FJm8Ksb_41nQqPwGAw3NS1XgYHkspMOnfd9BhL9lNt6rH6c-msRq-C8nh9ejsJxCXJYkg9EwFMkcabAJ23PBmZ6BMzspcHB_FgQ09qwcOmUHb22k1FN8/s200/wolf+in+the+snow.png" width="200" /></a></div>
408. This nearly wordless picture book, set on the prairie, tells the story of a little girl who gets lost in a snowstorm on her way home from school and a wolf pup who becomes separated from his pack during the same snowstorm. Before the title page, there are vignettes of the child with her family and in her red parka setting off for school. The story opens with the little girl leaving school to walk home as the snow starts to fall. As the snow picks up, the wolf pup gets separated from his pack and the little girl gets lost. The two meet in what has now become a blizzard, and the child picks up the frightened wolf pup and trudges on. She hears the wolf pack howling in the distance and moves toward their howling, carrying the pup over hills, across a stream and through the woods, reuniting the pup with his pack. She tries to make it back home but falls, exhausted and unconscious in the snow. The wolves have followed her, and lick her face to wake her. When that doesn’t work, they start howling. Their howls alert her parents and guide them to her. The last scene shows the parents and child at home, cozy in front of the fire with hot cocoa.<div>
409. <br /></div>
410. <div>
411. The pen and ink drawings and watercolor illustrations in this book have just the right amount of detail and do a wonderful job depicting the emotions of the story. The desperation of being lost in a blizzard, the girl’s exhaustion, the wolves’ concern for the girl and the cozy safety of home at the journey’s end are all clearly conveyed without a word. <i><a href="https://encore.wclibrary.info/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1669562?lang=eng">Wolf in the Snow</a></i>, by Matthew Cordell, is a heartwarming story of kindness and courage that is perfect for one-on-one sharing. </div>
412. <div>
413. <br /></div>
414. <div>
415. Guest post by Allison C. </div>
416. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/feeds/539809507959742539/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/02/wolf-in-snow.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/539809507959742539'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/539809507959742539'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/02/wolf-in-snow.html' title='Wolf in the Snow'/><author><name>wcpl</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258587043740046859</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='10' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd0CVaLP_yz9Pd0jExwhZFLWnxQg2w-p9SRlPDc5VuKaHEBwo6mgjSupazlD2MQRIX88Z69nC2GylqgQw1M_xpPm51BkUDOXiF9MPXl948wMhxdII5cHkCqvt3_lgwg/s220/wcplweblogo.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAk0yaowMxTiX6KmlnPFonN2FJm8Ksb_41nQqPwGAw3NS1XgYHkspMOnfd9BhL9lNt6rH6c-msRq-C8nh9ejsJxCXJYkg9EwFMkcabAJ23PBmZ6BMzspcHB_FgQ09qwcOmUHb22k1FN8/s72-c/wolf+in+the+snow.png" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076218119592744573.post-9184203402541105244</id><published>2017-02-08T09:30:00.000-05:00</published><updated>2017-02-08T09:30:01.247-05:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="brain development"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="early literacy practices"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="fine motor skills"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="writing"/><title type='text'>Write On!</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
417. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKqs3sq7AkxXutT1CDCWdrNGdPsuHhfETJl6rt7o4ITStOvDTDnnlL_-mqG6YlhWNzrE0bxzOsEFe47eomDxg4D8vBVXekfWZNfkjQzYxjWCmodC3Pb0N0ivVgI89bbMIUzTbE3B2d_Q/s1600/writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKqs3sq7AkxXutT1CDCWdrNGdPsuHhfETJl6rt7o4ITStOvDTDnnlL_-mqG6YlhWNzrE0bxzOsEFe47eomDxg4D8vBVXekfWZNfkjQzYxjWCmodC3Pb0N0ivVgI89bbMIUzTbE3B2d_Q/s200/writing.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
418. Reading, writing, talking, singing and playing are the five primary early literacy practices that the library promotes in our storytimes, programs, and conversations with parents and caregivers.  Many parents wonder at first about the “writing” component of this list.  Most children won’t write intelligibly until they are older, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t encourage the elemental foundation of writing from a very early age.<div>
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421. Children naturally want to imitate the things they see us doing, so making to-do lists, generating grocery lists, and composing lists of books to look for at the library are all common tasks that may spark an interest in writing for them.  Thank-you notes from children, even when they’re not entirely legible, are always a joy to receive.  Resorting to good, old-fashioned pencils and paper instead of a keyboard will show them that the act of writing still serves a purpose.  While it’s true that keyboards will probably be their primary tool in the future, there are definite benefits to learning to write and form the letters they’re learning to recognize in print.  The physical act of holding a pencil or crayon has the extra perk of stimulating certain pathways in the brain that add to their readiness to read in the future.  Taking it a step further, cursive writing has been found to help the brain learn how to better integrate visual and tactile information, and develops even greater fine motor dexterity.</div>
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425. Making sure there are always writing utensils nearby is the first step in creating a “writing-friendly” home.  Chalk boards, white boards, or large pads of newsprint, and plenty of crayons, pencils, and markers give them the opportunity to practice writing on a blank surface.  I know it may sound scary to leave those things within reach, but at least having them readily available on request will make it easier for them to indulge a desire to “make their mark” on a blank sheet.  There is even paint you can buy that simulates a chalk board, making an entire wall eligible and ready for decoration and letter-writing practice.  Sidewalk chalk is a great choice for outdoor practice, and special notepads or cards for letters to grandparents, teachers, or cousins can make the exercise even more meaningful.  So encourage the writers in your house, as young as they may be.  You may find some fan mail waiting for you in the future!</div>
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428. <div>
429. Guest post by Bridget W. </div>
430. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/feeds/9184203402541105244/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/02/write-on.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/9184203402541105244'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/9184203402541105244'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/02/write-on.html' title='Write On!'/><author><name>wcpl</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258587043740046859</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='10' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd0CVaLP_yz9Pd0jExwhZFLWnxQg2w-p9SRlPDc5VuKaHEBwo6mgjSupazlD2MQRIX88Z69nC2GylqgQw1M_xpPm51BkUDOXiF9MPXl948wMhxdII5cHkCqvt3_lgwg/s220/wcplweblogo.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKqs3sq7AkxXutT1CDCWdrNGdPsuHhfETJl6rt7o4ITStOvDTDnnlL_-mqG6YlhWNzrE0bxzOsEFe47eomDxg4D8vBVXekfWZNfkjQzYxjWCmodC3Pb0N0ivVgI89bbMIUzTbE3B2d_Q/s72-c/writing.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076218119592744573.post-2924154558932150922</id><published>2017-02-01T09:30:00.000-05:00</published><updated>2017-02-01T09:30:00.167-05:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="A Family is a Family is a Family"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="acceptance"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="diversity"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="families"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Sara O&#39;Leary"/><title type='text'>A Family is a Family is a Family</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
431. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbve6ODFAYHneMKQZpH25spdJUEdyq0XonnzHQF2qznJ36JvsOoTD6KZbUjMjFuGRwJ_b1eQjzXEiOogHA4-JoExwvJjCm0RM-A8iKNhQrhzaq99MmLF1xV4fkyBmZoan6bQocqNjOkXY/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbve6ODFAYHneMKQZpH25spdJUEdyq0XonnzHQF2qznJ36JvsOoTD6KZbUjMjFuGRwJ_b1eQjzXEiOogHA4-JoExwvJjCm0RM-A8iKNhQrhzaq99MmLF1xV4fkyBmZoan6bQocqNjOkXY/s200/family.jpg" width="170" /></a></div>
432. In a world as diverse as ours, it’s always exciting to see a new picture book that represents children and adults from a variety of backgrounds. Families have taken on new shapes in recent years, a situation which offers us lots of opportunities to understand and appreciate the wealth of culture and experience around us. In Sara O’Leary’s <a href="http://encore.wclibrary.info/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1660418?lang=eng"><i>A Family is a Family is a Family</i></a>, a school teacher asks her students to describe what makes each child’s family unique. One little girl is afraid to talk about hers because she’s sure she’s the only “odd” one in the room. As the other children ahead of her relate what they perceive to be their own families' special qualities, her trepidation gradually dissipates.<br />
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436. Simple but effective illustrations by Qin Leng show one child saying: “There are lots of kids in my family. Mom and Dad just keep coming home with more.”  Another believes the new baby at his house was ordered online.  One girl lives with her grandmother.  Yet another tells the class that both of her moms love to sing, loudly, in spite of their terrible voices.  An artist who’s also a sports fan splits her time between her mother’s and her father’s homes ~ “fair’s fair”.  A boy in the class has two dads, one tall and the other short, but they both give great hugs. Blended families, a mom in a wheelchair, and a child with “more grandparents than anyone else I know” give our nervous child the strength to speak up about her own foster mom, who, when at the park one day and asked which are her real children, responds that she doesn’t have any imaginary ones.</div>
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440. Young children are amazingly open-minded and resilient, yet, as they grow, they become more susceptible to doubts and fears that can make them self-conscious about who they are and the environments in which they function. Acknowledging those things that make us different can also help us become more aware of our similarities, and we find ourselves stronger in the process.  <i><a href="http://encore.wclibrary.info/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1660418?lang=eng">A Family is a Family is a Family</a></i> is a nice addition to the growing list of children’s books that foster a spirit of inclusiveness and acceptance.<br />
441. <br />
442. Guest post by Bridget W. </div>
443. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/feeds/2924154558932150922/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/02/a-family-is-family-is-family.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/2924154558932150922'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/2924154558932150922'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/02/a-family-is-family-is-family.html' title='A Family is a Family is a Family'/><author><name>wcpl</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258587043740046859</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='10' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd0CVaLP_yz9Pd0jExwhZFLWnxQg2w-p9SRlPDc5VuKaHEBwo6mgjSupazlD2MQRIX88Z69nC2GylqgQw1M_xpPm51BkUDOXiF9MPXl948wMhxdII5cHkCqvt3_lgwg/s220/wcplweblogo.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbve6ODFAYHneMKQZpH25spdJUEdyq0XonnzHQF2qznJ36JvsOoTD6KZbUjMjFuGRwJ_b1eQjzXEiOogHA4-JoExwvJjCm0RM-A8iKNhQrhzaq99MmLF1xV4fkyBmZoan6bQocqNjOkXY/s72-c/family.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076218119592744573.post-3303166470225650845</id><published>2017-01-25T09:30:00.000-05:00</published><updated>2017-01-25T09:30:09.720-05:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="attention span"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="print motivation"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="reading"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="routine"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="toddlers"/><title type='text'>Tips for Reading to Toddlers</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
444. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDt3W_yxhH13qWnE_T4esYigbNcvHw5ee9IJLL3pZ9G0yQcNfxrwifj9es6JfTO9Hp4eMoOVV_h2qkNAO8YtcraDjKh79b-J2n6OJWN97UzIkAPzBt7W-vJHt5ATD6ht7h1HUnAqq6Qts/s1600/toddler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDt3W_yxhH13qWnE_T4esYigbNcvHw5ee9IJLL3pZ9G0yQcNfxrwifj9es6JfTO9Hp4eMoOVV_h2qkNAO8YtcraDjKh79b-J2n6OJWN97UzIkAPzBt7W-vJHt5ATD6ht7h1HUnAqq6Qts/s200/toddler.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
445. Recently a library patron asked me for book suggestions for her very active toddler.  She wanted to read with her child to introduce her to books and encourage her love of reading but was having trouble getting through any picture book with her.  Reading with toddlers can be challenging.  If you have an active toddler, here are some tips for creating a positive reading experience:<div>
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447. <div>
448. ·         <b>Have realistic expectations.</b>  Toddlers have very short attention spans and are easily distracted. You may be able to read to them for only a few minutes, and that’s okay.  Just put the book down and try it again later, or try another one later.</div>
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452. ·         <b>Choose your reading time carefully. </b>  Toddlers are busy little people, playing, exploring their world and constantly on the move.  Snack time, after bath time, before bed, after a walk or a long playing session are all good times to try a story.</div>
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456. ·         <b>Choose books that you and your toddler will enjoy.</b> Choose books based on their interests, or let them choose books for themselves at the library or bookstore.  Make sure the books are ones you don’t mind reading multiple times, as toddlers may want to read the same favorite book (or even the same few pages) over and over again.</div>
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459. <div>
460. ·         <b>Bring the stories to life. </b> Use exaggerated, funny voices, gestures and sounds while reading.  Act the story out or use puppets to tell the story or even sing it!</div>
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463. <div>
464. ·         <b>Encourage participation.</b>  Your child can help you act out the story, join in on repeated words or phrases, or find objects in the illustrations as you read together.</div>
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467. <div>
468. ·         <b>Choose books that let your toddler explore/invite action.</b>  Pop-up books, books with flaps, touch-and-feel books, and board books all allow toddlers to explore through action - lifting flaps, feeling different textures, or turning pages.</div>
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472. ·         <b>Read often. </b> Let reading become part of your regular routine, even if it’s only for a few minutes a day, so that reading becomes an expected part of the day and a fun family tradition.</div>
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475. <div>
476. Guest post by Allison C.</div>
477. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/feeds/3303166470225650845/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/01/tips-for-reading-to-toddlers.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/3303166470225650845'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/3303166470225650845'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/01/tips-for-reading-to-toddlers.html' title='Tips for Reading to Toddlers'/><author><name>wcpl</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258587043740046859</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='10' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd0CVaLP_yz9Pd0jExwhZFLWnxQg2w-p9SRlPDc5VuKaHEBwo6mgjSupazlD2MQRIX88Z69nC2GylqgQw1M_xpPm51BkUDOXiF9MPXl948wMhxdII5cHkCqvt3_lgwg/s220/wcplweblogo.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDt3W_yxhH13qWnE_T4esYigbNcvHw5ee9IJLL3pZ9G0yQcNfxrwifj9es6JfTO9Hp4eMoOVV_h2qkNAO8YtcraDjKh79b-J2n6OJWN97UzIkAPzBt7W-vJHt5ATD6ht7h1HUnAqq6Qts/s72-c/toddler.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076218119592744573.post-9092393795708086411</id><published>2017-01-18T09:30:00.000-05:00</published><updated>2017-01-17T14:55:05.520-05:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="A Greyhound a Groundhog"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Emily Jenkins"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="friends"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="rhymes"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="tongue twisters"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="wordplay"/><title type='text'>A Greyhound, a Groundhog</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
478. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3co87pDVzkKmqnyeCw5wk0YX7KRTQfAVnVCfoX0PaYAeMhQ_rHhuxumPD-fz47ershOfCOTOLIFDfdwqX_BohPOvaQjY5vMGOL86lv8OrkhXYMuu-9o4imZF6lAD9DInYe4g7B832rLQ/s1600/Grey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3co87pDVzkKmqnyeCw5wk0YX7KRTQfAVnVCfoX0PaYAeMhQ_rHhuxumPD-fz47ershOfCOTOLIFDfdwqX_BohPOvaQjY5vMGOL86lv8OrkhXYMuu-9o4imZF6lAD9DInYe4g7B832rLQ/s200/Grey.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
479. This is the story of a greyhound and a groundhog who meet and begin to play, chasing each other around and around until they are stopped short when the greyhound spies a butterfly.  Multiple butterflies fly up and away from the two friends who then continue to chase each other through a bog, a log, and around and around until the last page shows them happily exhausted, lying on the ground.<br />
480. <div>
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482. <div>
483. The wordplay in this story is delightful! The story is told in words using just a few vowel and consonant sounds throughout the book in rhymes and tongue twisters that beg to be read aloud: “A groundhog, a greyhound, a round little greyhound. A greyhound, a groundhog, a brown little groundhog.”</div>
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487. The simple, muted watercolor illustrations depict the story perfectly, capturing the joyful energy of the two friends at play and the wonder of the butterflies in flight.  <i><a href="https://encore.wclibrary.info/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1669318?lang=eng">A Greyhound, a Groundhog</a></i> by Emily Jenkins is a wonderful picture book for reading aloud and is sure to be a favorite for all ages!</div>
488. <div>
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490. <div>
491. Guest post by Allison C. </div>
492. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/feeds/9092393795708086411/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/01/a-greyhound-groundhog.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/9092393795708086411'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/9092393795708086411'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/01/a-greyhound-groundhog.html' title='A Greyhound, a Groundhog'/><author><name>wcpl</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258587043740046859</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='10' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd0CVaLP_yz9Pd0jExwhZFLWnxQg2w-p9SRlPDc5VuKaHEBwo6mgjSupazlD2MQRIX88Z69nC2GylqgQw1M_xpPm51BkUDOXiF9MPXl948wMhxdII5cHkCqvt3_lgwg/s220/wcplweblogo.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3co87pDVzkKmqnyeCw5wk0YX7KRTQfAVnVCfoX0PaYAeMhQ_rHhuxumPD-fz47ershOfCOTOLIFDfdwqX_BohPOvaQjY5vMGOL86lv8OrkhXYMuu-9o4imZF6lAD9DInYe4g7B832rLQ/s72-c/Grey.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076218119592744573.post-5206799026570966350</id><published>2017-01-11T09:30:00.000-05:00</published><updated>2017-01-11T09:30:14.733-05:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="emotional intelligence"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="imagination"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="pretend play"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="social skills"/><title type='text'>Let&#39;s Pretend!</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
493. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4at7s3UYVO2E99Lkxy3IDzSpZDKI8CyR0FrMBdnmZ_fduxH04CRAkm-2DOAQupO6wq8C1mgpwSVxycB2OpC3V6uxlzg51W8ELMkg18r12Lg4nmO5MuaxCi3Xrl5nvwXa6q-1RttpXGmE/s1600/mother-son-toys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4at7s3UYVO2E99Lkxy3IDzSpZDKI8CyR0FrMBdnmZ_fduxH04CRAkm-2DOAQupO6wq8C1mgpwSVxycB2OpC3V6uxlzg51W8ELMkg18r12Lg4nmO5MuaxCi3Xrl5nvwXa6q-1RttpXGmE/s200/mother-son-toys.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
494. Every child utters these words at some point in his or her life, some more frequently than others, and some every day!  Adults often wince when they hear the phrase, because pretending becomes harder as we grow older.  We tend to lose the ability to let our imaginations soar, and we definitely feel more inhibited about pretending to be something we’re not.<div>
495. <br /></div>
496. <div>
497. Children, on the other hand, feel no such restraint, and it’s a good thing.  In truth, when children pretend, they are not only fulfilling dreams, but also learning how to communicate, solve problems, and become more flexible human beings in pursuit of their goals.  They can discover new talents, both their own and those of their playmates, and learn to express themselves in ways they may not have experienced yet.  Imaginative play can give them the opportunity to imagine an uncomfortable or scary situation in a safe environment.</div>
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500. <div>
501. “Emotional intelligence” is an attribute that serves all of us well.  Pretending has the potential to help expand a child’s ability to read personal cues and understand how to find a mutually beneficial path to long-term goals.  Social skills are developed as imaginary roles are taken on or assigned.  Sometimes they have to wait to be the princess or the monster in the story.  They share knowledge of how they think the situation should play out, and learn to negotiate when necessary.  All of these are beneficial  skills for adults as well as children, so the next time your child wants to play pretend, do your best to indulge them!</div>
502. <div>
503. <br /></div>
504. <div>
505. Guest post by Bridget W. </div>
506. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/feeds/5206799026570966350/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/01/lets-pretend.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/5206799026570966350'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1076218119592744573/posts/default/5206799026570966350'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://open-shut-them.blogspot.com/2017/01/lets-pretend.html' title='Let&#39;s Pretend!'/><author><name>wcpl</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258587043740046859</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='10' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd0CVaLP_yz9Pd0jExwhZFLWnxQg2w-p9SRlPDc5VuKaHEBwo6mgjSupazlD2MQRIX88Z69nC2GylqgQw1M_xpPm51BkUDOXiF9MPXl948wMhxdII5cHkCqvt3_lgwg/s220/wcplweblogo.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4at7s3UYVO2E99Lkxy3IDzSpZDKI8CyR0FrMBdnmZ_fduxH04CRAkm-2DOAQupO6wq8C1mgpwSVxycB2OpC3V6uxlzg51W8ELMkg18r12Lg4nmO5MuaxCi3Xrl5nvwXa6q-1RttpXGmE/s72-c/mother-son-toys.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>

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