Summer Time Selections - Congratulations to All New Parents!

 

Summer Time Reading Promotion!

It's never too early to enjoy books with you babies!

Congratulations to All Parents with New Babies!

 

 

I am so happy to know that several of my Face Book Friends have recently given birth to new babies to cuddle, love, nurture, and share family traditions. Some are experienced teachers and others come from families where books were a part of their lives.  But even if you were not exposed to literature as a child, you have a perfect opportunity to introduce this wonderful tradition to your babies! Books encourage a love for words.  Literature facilitates how we learn new concepts, increases vocabulary, and  exposes us to differing viewpoints.  As a child, reading allowed me to fantasize about travel, relationships, and my future adventures.  I learned about different cultures and value systems outside of my circle of knowledge.  Books helped me grow and explore.

 

I have fond memories of story times. My parents took turns reading an assortment of Golden Books, Classical Treasures, and an assortment of short stories and poems from the Children's World Book Encyclopedias.  Summer Times were glorious opportunities to check out a tower of books from the library.  I looked forward to my dad's weekly library visits with me and my five siblings.  I devoured all genres and pushed myself to see how many pages I could turn over each day before I had no choice but to close my eyes from exhaustion.  Summer Times were my personal challenge and I could easily deplete my selections for the week in record time.  I took my books in the car, to the park, and while I sat outside basking in the warmth of the Virginia Beach sun.

 

Books hold a special place in my heart, so naturally I decided to develop this blog site in an effort to share this love.  I signed on to be a Partner for "Read Aloud 15 Minutes" because I believe this campaign has value.  I remember taking my daughter to work with me when she was four months old and I had some office work to accomplish.  I placed a blanket on the floor near my desk and put her on her tummy with books fanned out around her.  She loved looking at the books as she practiced lifting her head.  Her smiles and coos indicated that she was captivated by the illustrations.  That was her introduction to books in addition to her nightly story time.  My Administrative Assistant walked in and remarked, "Gee, you're starting early with her." 

 

Here are a few hard back books to get you started with your baby's "tummy time" on a blanket.  When baby gets fussy, try turning the pages or rearranging the books.  You can add a few soft toys for reaching too.  When you notice baby getting tired or looking away, then it's time to pack up until next time.  Summer Time is a great time to add books to your baby bag, backpack, or picnic basket.  Books are pretty portable.  Take a couple to baby's doctor's appointments, church, grocery store, or car ride.  Don't be surprise if baby falls asleep with her/his favorite book while seated in baby bouncy chair or car seat.  It can be relaxing!

 

Happy Baby! Happy Summer! Happy Reading!

 

Recommendations

 



 

http://www.thebookpeople.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/qs_product_tbp?storeId=10001&productId=190380

 

 

 

 

http://www.thebookpeople.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/qs_product_tbp?storeId=10001&productId=194772

 

 

 

http://www.tower.com/buenas-noches-bebe-good-night-baby-stephen-shott-hardcover/wapi/100669308

 

 

 

http://www.tracytrends.com/books/spanish-child-book.html

 

 

 

 

http://www.abebooks.com/Ten-Tiny-Babies-Hardcover-Karen-Katz/6106777051/bd

 

 

http://www.tower.com/good-morning-baby-padded-board-books-jo-foord-hardcover/wapi/109274644

 

 

 

http://www.betterworldbooks.com/babies-babies-id-9781595723680.aspx

 

 

 

http://www.betterworldbooks.com/global-babies-bebes-del-munco-id-9781580892506.aspx

 

Ok, Ok.  I could go on and on with my favorites.  I'd love to hear your selections so I can feature them here!  Please add your reviews in the comments section of this blog.  Congratulations on the newest addition to your family!  I am so thrilled for you!  Happy Thursday!

 

 

Children's Book Week

2014 Children's Book Week Celebrations

What are your Childhood Favorites?

 

 

Here's a link to a blog site that provides more information about bookmarks and posters that commemorate this week.

 

http://randomlyreading.blogspot.com/2014/05/2014-childrens-book-week-celebrations.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+RandomlyReading+%28Randomly+Reading%29

 

The following information was obtained from the above link:

 

"Children's Book Week has been celebrating books for young readers for 95 years now.  A new poster is created every year by a children's book illustrator and this year's poster is by Robin Preiss Glasser, who was also a CWB 2013 Children's Choice Illustrator of the Year winner. " 

 

"And what's a book without a celebratory bookmark?  This year's bookmark was created by nonfiction picture book author/illustrator Steve Jenkins.  You can print as many as you like when you go HERE"

 

 

Baby's Books and Bubbles, Oh My!

Book Recommendations

 

 

 

 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/naptime-with-theo-and-beau-jessica-shyba/1119059697?ean=9781250059062

 

 

http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/little-star-personalized-book/?pkey=bunder-one-year-books&

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lullaby-moon-rosie-reeve/1018324464?ean=9780545211468

 

 

Happy Reading with Your Little Bugletz!

 

I would love to hear what literary treasures you have found! 

Comments and Guest Recommendations are Welcomed!

Babies Understand Humor! (Diapering and Potty Training info.)

I once attended a Child Development Professional Conference that featured the author of an Infant/Toddler Sign Language Resource Book. I absolutely loved the presentation that included ways to incorporate sign language into music classes for Infants and Toddlers.  The author was interactive and offered compelling reasons to use signing...a concept I fully embrace.

 

We discussed the value of using American Sign Language (ASL) to ensure consistency for implementation.  We also learned that sometimes children make up their own signs, and that this is ok.  It's important for parents and teacher to keep each other informed when they identify a new use for a sign.  I commented that babies often wrinkle up their noses during diaper changes. I noticed that if you wave your hand in front of your own nose for a "stinky" diaper, babies will laugh and wave their hand in front of their noses too. 

 

Well...the teacher did NOT advocate for this type of sign.  Apparently we have become so concerned about a child's self esteem that we are no longer allowed to comment on the state of a child's diaper.  We don't want them to feel "ashamed" that they have produced a "BM."  Wow!  I was speechless. Not sure what that author's children are like or what makes them laugh, but even babies see the humor in a super stinky diaper.

 

I have three children of my own and was the oldest of seven children in my family. I have over 20 years of experience working with children ages birth - school age. Although I have yet to conduct formal research on the topic of "Infant Humor" I can provide anecdotal reference to this fact: When I have used the sign "waving hand in front of nose" to ask if a baby has a "stinky" diaper (A "BM" for those so inclined to be more "PC") that baby has known immediate what was going on. I would often get a response that included baby signing back to me, lifting arms to reach for me to pick him/her up, and baby pointing to their diaper cubby.  Communication was complete and baby smiled during the entire process.

 

Babies have a sense of humor. They appreciate honesty. They have noses. They KNOW that darn diaper is stinky. Let's just call it like it is...stinky! As they get older, we will teach them how to make sure they clean up so they do not have post poop butt odor.  Seriously...acknowledging the situation will enhance their self-esteem and prevent embarrassing issues later in life.

 

So I will continue to use humor, honesty, and the sign for "poop" with a wave of the hand in front of my nose.  Rest assured, that baby will giggle back and repeat the sign...which is a lot easier for a baby to use than the ASL version....that's more for an older infant/toddler.  And if you are totally honest with yourself you will admit that bodily functions can be pretty darn funny.  I say, give babies more credit for being able to understand the nuances of language. They pick up on your tone of voice, presentation, and the feeling of love they receive every time they see that you understand their attempts at communication.

 

As children get older and begin to learn to use the toilet, then you can determine what tone and style is appropriate. Sometimes toddlers become serious when it comes to the business of potty time. Maintaining a laid-back approach may serve you well during this stage of development.  Do not discount the value of keeping a sense of humor while preserving the feelings of your toddler. For example:  If there is a potty accident, reassure child "It's ok.  That even happens to grown-ups sometimes." That might illicit a giggle and help child move on from there.

 

Book Recommendations

 

 

http://0.tqn.com/d/preschoolers/1/0/0/K/-/-/fire.jpg

 

 

 

http://0.tqn.com/d/preschoolers/1/0/1/K/-/-/pottybook.jpg

 

 

 

 

http://www.pottytrainingconcepts.com/9780764127670.html

 

 

 

 

http://growingbookbybook.com/2013/06/03/10-potty-training-books/