Oh Baby! Unconventional Programming for our Youngest Patrons

Is play important? Yes. Especially for children! So how can we focus on play within our library walls?

Community involvement, language acquisition development, literacy skills and sensory skills are some of the few important developmental benefits for babies and toddlers when they are engaged in interactive play along with their caregiver. When they are involved in a stimulating activity, growth occurs. In fact, 60% of a child's brain size increases during the first year of life. That's a lot of growth! 

So now, what?

Let's talk about Programming in Action

Source

A barrier that comes into mind when planning a program for children is Messiness. It is without a doubt, one of the many barriers that prevents libraries from planning a super goopy paint-filled program because of the after math clean up. (I'm guilty of this)

For my Mess-Free Friends

1) Storytime Activities
-Fingerplays, rhymes, props, games

2) Toys!

 Have the kids in your program play with multiple different kinds of toys, include a variety of tactile toys and texture, colors, and size!

3) Windows. 

Use windows and tape up an enclosed ziplock bag filled with paint for "mess-free fingerpainting"

4. Use tables to make different play stations

Utilizing the table as part of the play station, to help young ones recognize shapes

5. Use what you have

Recycle materials, scrap paper, and put together a fun activity all while being resourceful!

6. Play Date Sensory Experiences

Yes, that is a bubble wrap wall!! How fun is this?

Cut up construction pieces and ribbon taped under the table for "bath time" or "car wash" fun! And a large kitty pool filled with balls and large foam pieces for added texture and sensory fun.

Parachute Play


I've personally used parachutes in my storytime and it's definitely a fun expereince for both the families and for me!

For my brave messy programmers!

o   Shredded paper on a tarp or parachute

o   Science – Bubbles (Water, soap, and toy fly swatter)

o   Body theme- This is all about our stomach, Food smushed up in zip lock bags.

Space goop- glue, corn starch, water

Dinosaur Egg Science Activity

Dinosaur Icy Egg Science Activity

I couldn't find a picture for the dinosaur egg activity that was explained in the conference, but a good alternative to that would be Ice eggs! Fill the pipette with hot water and watch the dinosaur eggs melt away to reveal the dinosaur baby inside!

The dinosaur eggs in the conference:

Dinosaur egg activity: Baking soda and water to make egg shape and put a dinosaur inside for the big reveal at the end! solution: vinegar, drop the egg and reveal dinosaur

Water Play

Keep a low level of water in low tubs or trays and lay a flat piece of tarp or plastic for easy clean up

Paint with balloons or shaving cream

Paint with veggies, marbles & fingers

Eyebrow Activity

Eyebrows can be drawn with washable markers- This is perfect for a "No Shave November" or "Emotions" storytime! Use different colors for more facial drawing fun!

  So how can you measure a successful program?

Look around and see if caregivers are engaged with their little ones!

Both presenters suggest not to use surveys because it takes valuable time away from the parent to play and engage with their little ones. 

So instead...Take lots of pictures, and take any comments being made from the families in the program!

Stay silly, wild, brave, and confident library friends! 

If you have fun, so will the kids and families.

Source

Resources used:
Pictures were from the presentation and from their personal blogs.

Klmpeace.wordpress.com

Readingwithred.blogspot.com

Additional Resource websites Suggested:

Flannelfridaysstorytime.blogspot.com

Ilabs.washington.edu

Storytimeunderground.org

 Zerotothree.org