Children’s Programs Hedberg Public Library January - May 2011 Get on the Road to Early Literacy with Storytime @ Hedberg Public Library Early literacy is what kids understand about reading and writing before they are actually able to read and write. We can help parents and caregivers give their children the best start possible right here in the Children’s Room. In their first few years, children learn at a faster pace than at any other time in their lives. With that in mind, we have designed our storytimes to help give them the tools they will need to be successful in school. Because our storytimes are designed for specific age groups and contain content unique to their developmental needs, we ask that children remain in their age-appropriate storytime until they are old enough to advance to the next level. The Journey Begins Baby Lapsit for babies 0-12 months old Baby Walkers for babies 13-24 months old Speaking, singing, and reading to babies sparks their creativity and brain development. Begin your baby’s road to reading with 15-20 minutes of rhymes, songs and simple books in these spirited programs for our youngest patrons. A playtime follows each program. Crossing the Bridge Tales for 2s and 3s for children 2-3 years old Two- and three-year-olds are extremely active, imitate adult behavior and are developing verbal skills that express emotion. This 25-minute program builds vocabulary and helps foster motor skills development through fingerplays and other movement activities. Moving Down the Road Tales for 4s and More for ages 4-6 years This storytime includes 40 minutes of more complex stories, songs and activities that introduce the wider world and encourage the attentiveness necessary for school success. To help allow your preschoolers to practice their kindergarten skills without distraction, younger siblings are not invited to this storytime. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to take younger siblings into the Children’s Room to enjoy other, more age-appropriate activities. Preschool Storytimes – January 3 - May 13 Baby Walkers (13-24 months) Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. Baby Lapsit (0-12 months) Wednesdays at 10:45 a.m. Tales for 2s and 3s ( 2-3 years ) Thursdays & Fridays at 10 & 10:45 a.m. Tales for 4s and More (4-6 years) Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Hedberg Public Library • 316 South Main Street • Janesville, WI 53545 • 608-758-6585 • www.HedbergPublicLibrary.org Learning Through Play for children ages 1-4 years Drop in and join your child as he/she explores, discovers and learns through play. Play is an avenue through with children can express their emotions, build relationships with others and master difficult experiences. Play stations and activities are easy to duplicate at home. An adult caregiver must accompany children. No registration necessary. Saturdays 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sundays 1 - 4 p.m. January 8 & 9, February 12 & 13, March 12 & 13 If you have questions about your child’s needs, please feel free to speak to one of the children’s librarians. Learning Sign Language with your infant or toddler for parents and caregivers Discover the value of using sign language to increase language comprehension and promote brain development. Participants will learn signs as well as strategies for teaching them to young children. Parents and caregivers will also get a chance to practice what they’ve learned with their lile one. Registration required. Visit the Children’s Desk or call 758-6585 to register. Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. February 22 and March 1