Tot Meltdown - Library to the Rescue!

In a recent ALSC blog post, Raina Tuakoi shared an idea that her library has implemented to help toddlers and their caregivers  when an unexpected upset occurs.

Raina writes: "The toddler meltdown! We’ve all seen it in the library whether it is in storytime, in the stacks, or at the checkout stations. How can children’s librarians assist little patrons and their adult caregiver in a time of need like this but in a subtle and gentle way? Calming kits! Children’s librarian, Elizabeth Bartholomew and I explored different options of what could be included in calming kits and drew inspiration from elements that we’ve seen on social media, at other libraries, and of course on Pinterest. We wanted to come up with something simple and helpful that young children and adult caregivers could utilize anywhere, not just at the library."

Click here to see what the kits contain and how they are working out. [Calming Kits for Toddlers and Caregivers. Tuakoi, Raina. ALSC blog. November 26, 2023.]

Passive Programming for Little Ones

Pixabay

ALSC blog is a wonderful resource for all aspects of children's services, especially programming. One post recently caught my attention because it focused on passive programming for toddlers and preschoolers. I had been searching for ideas to freshen up my offerings for that age group. I also had an eye out for ideas that weren't too staff intensive

Guest blogger Natalie Braham of the Denver Public Library detailed her branch's experience with their early literacy passive program in the post "Passive programming and early literacy: designing creative spaces for young learners".  The staff wanted to add play opportunities, especially in the colder months, but did not want to use staff to monitor the room. Caregivers were required to be in the room. They also struggled with finding toys that would work for ages 6 months to 5 years old. I have also experience this program in my search for toys for in-library use.

Their program is up and running and they are looking to expand it.  I'm excited to try something like this at my library. How have you incorporated play into your programming?

Dance! Dance! Dance!

Have you ever finished a program and thought I needed that as much as the kids?   That was my feeling after our dance party yesterday.  Dancing for 30 minutes was a great stress relief!

Now I'm thinking I need to add dance parties to the regular schedule and not as a special storytime break activity.  They are easy to plan.  There's lots of fantastic librarian curated playlists to get you started.  And they help promote your music collection!

Playlist 
"Hello Hello" by Miss Nina 1:26
       
"Dance, dance, dance" by The Beach Boys - (lyrics) 2:11

"I Really Love To Dance" by The Laurie Berkner Band 2:28

"Happy" (from Despicable Me 2) [Ballroom Version] by Pharrell   Williams 3:55   

"Jump, Jump" by Joanie Leeds and The Nightlights 1:44

Get out the shakers

"Let's Shake" by Dan Zanes 2:46

"The Freeze" by Greg and Steve 2:13
           
"The Airplane Song" by The Laurie Berkner Band3:16

Get out the scarves
       
"Shake Your Scarves" by Johnette Downing 1:54

"Goodbye, Goodbye" by Joanie Leeds and The Nightlights 2:00

Happy Diaper Bag

Love this idea from the Keeping Up with the Kids: IFLS Blog!

From Brandon on Flickr (creative commons)

I was up in Rice Lake the other day.  When I went into the bathroom, I was pleased to see a friendly sign saying that there is a Happy Diaper Bag at the children's desk.  For caregivers who find that their child has blown through a diaper and they forgot to reload the bag.  For people who were just going to be in the library for a MINUTE so they left their diaper bag in the car and then...well...then...  For kids who are potty trained except when they get really, really engrossed in stories or play.

Even though my kids are teenagers (and beyond!) and I am not even close to needing the happy diaper bag anymore, this sign made me feel calmer.  It was so friendly, and made me remember how anxious it can make you to be the caregiver of a young child.  Taking away this element of stress is such a terrific idea!  And makes it seem like a normal, not-so-shameful occurrence, if the library is prepared to help everyone with it.

When I talked to Janine at the children's desk about it, she says they pretty much stock the Happy Diaper Bag with donations--parents bring in the left-over diapers at the end of the pack when their kid graduates to the next size, or bring in a few outgrown pairs of pants.  An easy way to make the library more welcoming (and better smelling!).

Supporting Language Development with Young Children

http://mtbt.fpg.unc.edu/

Blending research and practical tips, More Than Baby Talk: 10 Ways to Promote the Language and Communication Skills of Infants and Toddlers is part of a project by the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A downloadable PDF is available at the site. Written for early childhood educators, this publication is appropriate for youth services librarians as well and the tips can be shared with parents and other caregivers of young children.

Read On Wisconsin 2016 - 2017 Titles Annouced!

Read On Wisconsin (ROW) is a state-wide literacy program, administered by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center, that promotes high-quality books for children and teens. Each month features one or more Read On Wisconsin titles for children and teens in five different age-level groups.  And the 2016 - 2017 titles have just been released!  Check out the titles HERE.

 

Toddler Storytime: Songs to Get the Wiggles Out

The geniuses at Jbrary bring us some great insight into Toddler Storytime and "moving, grooving, and putting all that squirmy toddler energy to good use."

Lindsay notes that "a toddler’s physical development is closely tied to their literacy development. It’s unfair of us to expect them to sit still for a 30-minute storytime, and I always let caregivers know it’s okay if their toddler moves around as long as the caregiver keeps them clear of my storytime supplies."  She then goes on to list her favorite songs/rhymes that incorporate movement into Toddler Storytime.  To explore the list and read the rest of her post, click HERE.

Baby Talk Research and Resources

The Coalition of Infant/Toddler Educators (CITE) puts out a newsletter called Baby Talk that anyone can subscribe to, and we youth services librarians as infant and toddler educators and parent/caregiver information sources can certainly benefit from staying abreast of current research and resources in the field of baby and child development.

Check out the March issue here. Or find CITE on Facebook or Twitter.

Read-On WI March Book Selections

Some close to ready-made programming with the Read-On Wisconsin's Baby, Toddler, and Preschool books this month.  Included are activities based on ECRR2 suggested by youth services librarians on the Read-On Literacy Advisory Committee.  Also, this month's selections include a number of books by Wisconsin authors!  Check out the titles HERE.