Welcome to our Babytimes! These programs offer different literacy and learning opportunities for your under 2 year old!
Sensory Playground
Infant – Prewalkers
Mondays at 11am
February 5 – June 18, 2018
What is Sensory Playground?
This program is for infants-prewalkers and their caregivers. It is a great interactive program with lots of sensory toys, musical instruments, bubbles, and all sorts of things that stimulate all five senses! This a great time to create some social time for your child and for you! No registration required!
Mother Goose on the Loose
0 – 23 month olds!
SPRING SESSION
Thursdays at 9:45am
April 5 – May 31, 2018
PLEASE NOTE: NO BABYTIME ON MAY 24th DUE TO STAFF TRAINING!
SUMMER SESSION
Fridays at 9:45am
June 29 – August 17, 2018
No registration is required, but space can be limited.
We welcome older siblings as long as space is permitting (which usually it is). We often suggest you bring a doll or stuffie so that the sibling can follow along with the rhymes.
What is Mother Goose on the Loose?
“Mother Goose on the Loose is an early literacy program that uses rhymes and songs to help prereading chidren get ready for reading. It incorporates music, movement, ritual, repetition, positive reinforcement, developmental tips, nursery rhymes, illustrations, puppets, musical instruments, colored scarves, and book reading into a fun-filled thirty minute session for children with their parent or caregiver.” See www.mgol.org for more information.
Do I need to register?
No. Registration is not necessary. However, because of limited space, attendance is on a first come basis. Only the first 18 babies (and their accompanying adult[s]) will be able to attend each program. Please come early to ensure a spot!
Can I bring my child to all sessions?
Certainly! Infants and babies love repetition and so you will hear many of the same songs and rhymes, but for each session we read different books and change a couple of rhymes or songs. This program is designed for you to attend as much as you and your baby are able (around naptimes, of course!)
My child won’t sit still for half an hour, can I come?
No baby can sit still for that long! At this age kids do wander, crawl, or otherwise occupy themselves and we expect this. Your child, however, can still hear your voice and so if you keep singing and rhyming your child will certainly be benefiting from the program! (We also move around as well!) We only ask if your child gets very upset, that you step out of the room to calm him/her, if needed.
This program was made possible by a grant from MBLC and the Institute for Museum of Library Services.
SIGNING WITH YOUR BABY
Why should I sign with me child?
Below are some facts and articles about the advantages of signing with a young baby. Children will communicate sooner and will have less tantrums. And it’s a way for both of you to learn a new language!
Short fact handout from American Library Assoc.:
http://www.slideshare.net/ALATechSource/handout-for-parents
Signing and resources:
http://www.kathymacmillan.com/signingwithbabies.html
What is American Sign Language:
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/asl.asp
Online Video Sign Language Dictionaries:
http://www.aslpro.com/cgi-bin/aslpro/aslpro.cgi
https://www.handspeak.com/word/