7 Ways to Get the Most out of Your Local Library

I realize not all public libraries are the same or have the same resources available, but you won't know what they have until you check it out. Here are some things to help you get started, some may apply to you and some may not, but these are some things ours offers.

1. Join the Summer Reading Program! Often there are prizes you can win for reading a certain number of books or number of hours. Any age can join at our library, 0-Adults. Parents can read to little ones who aren't reading yet.

2. Check the library's website or call for schedule of events. We went for storytime yesterday and ended up getting a free lunch for Snugglepuppy that we didn't even know about!

3. Go to storytime or baby laptime. They usually make it interactive and have songs and movement activities as well to keep your little ones from getting bored or antsy.

4. Download their app on your phone or tablet. I LOVE this feature at our library, you can check your account to see what books you have out, renew books, search the catalogue and reserve books. It's so convenient!

5. Sign your child up for a library card and teach them how to use the online catalogue to find books/videos. Begin to teach kids responsibility by letting them have their own card and teaching them how to take care of books. Also, some libraries have a program where you can "borrow" e-books. 

6. Let your kids play in the kids play area. Ours has a play farmer's market, a puppet show, blocks, and much more!

7. Use it as a quiet place to READ! Keep the distractions to a minimum and take time to actually read those books you or your kids love.

I'm sure there are many more things to do there. Comment if you have any to add!

Chronicles of Summertime: Day 3

Day 3:
After filling up on a yummy breakfast of waffles, we decided to visit the library. There are so many things for kids to do at our branch in addition to finding books. Snugglepuppy of course went immediately to the play area. He played with the play food in the "farmers market" section they have set up interacting with some other children who were there. He also played with the blocks and few other toys. He briefly went to the computers, although he didn't stay long as the headphones weren't working and he couldn't figure out what to do.

While there, we also signed up for the Summer Reading program. This year they are having a castle theme for their opening kick-off this Saturday. Here is a list of books I picked out for Snugglepuppy (and Squeaker):

				Daddy hugs 1 2 3
				Follow those feet! (Dora)
				Go-go gorillas
				Grandma's house (Dora)
				Guess who, Minnie!
				LMNO peas
				My garden
				Night light
				Pete the cat and his four groovy buttons
				Shout! Shout it out!
				Splish, splash, splosh!
				The three little pigs Are you my mother?

We came home and I attempted to give Snugglepuppy a nap. And Squeaker was unusually hungry today, so we really didn't get much else accomplished. Snugglepuppy did play with some of the apps on the iPad and watched Team Umizoomi on TV. I attempted to make a cupcake recipe from Pinterest and failed horribly on the icing when I realized I was supposed to use freeze-dried raspberries instead of frozen raspberries. Oh well, there's always next time. 

Have you been to The Underpants Zoo?

Just wanted to share this cute book I found at the library this week. It's by Brian Sendelbach. It is about all the different kinds of underpants the animals at this wacky zoo wear. For example, the hippo wears ones with hearts and the octopus wears 4 pair! 

Along with being hilarious, this book has rhyming and wonderful illustrations. Kids will enjoy guessing what animals are going to be next and what type of underwear they will be wearing. Also, this book provides a great opportunity for discussion about why each animal chose the underwear they chose. For example, the kangaroo wears boxers with basketballs on them because he needs plenty of bounce. 

This is definitely one you need to read with your preschooler(s) soon!

Mrs. Stanford's Good Reads Linky

Hello all! I am sure some of you have noticed my lack of posts the past couple weeks. Well, we have been wrapping up the school year as I am sure most of you have been. I am officially out for Summer vacation! So, I am finally getting around to Mrs. Stanford's linky party that I promised her I would join over a week ago. Here are my good reads for the Summer:

LOVE LOVE LOVE the Sookie Stackhouse novels (the books that the HBO show True Blood are based on) and the newest book just came out! I am so excited though I haven't started on it yet. I am working on finishing up this trilogy first:

I am currently on the second book "Catching Fire" and I can't wait to see the first movie. I know I am behind on that, but I would much rather read the book before seeing the movie.

Well, that's all I have for now. But I am such a slow reader, these should last me most of the summer, LOL! I am open to any suggestions of other books I might like. Just leave a comment!

Wishlist Wednesday: Beautiful Books

This week's guest post is by Rivka at Beautiful Books. She reviews all kinds of children's books for preschool age and provides exciting and fun activities to go along with them. Take a moment to check out her blog and become a follower!

Thanks so much to Cachey Mama for inviting me to share on Wishlist Wednesday! My hope is that this post is as inspiring and fun for you to read as it was for me to write!

Books are always at the top of my wishlist, and every classroom and home should have plenty. (Need some ideas? You might enjoy browsing my top picks.) But almost every mamma and teacher wants more great books.

So what else do I want? A better place to read them! Thankfully this post gave me an opportunity to do something just for fun. Logged into my Pinterest account and started pinning and creating the perfect book nook. I know just where I want to put it - in the living/playroom right next to the two tall book shelves. It is kind of a mess right now.

Here is a picture of what it looks like now:

What’s Wrong With It

1. There is a desk (you can see the corner on the right hand side) that just becomes a dump all for everything that doesn’t have a place.
2. The single chair was great for one child snuggled in my lap, but now is too little for my three little ones and primarily is used for the cushions that can removed and used for tumbling mats.
3. While their is wonderful light coming through the window, on cloudy days, or in the evening, it need more light. I would love some wall sconces to bring in some nice warm light without cluttering the floor.

My Wishlist

1. I would like to paint the bookshelves that are there white, and the walls a calming blue to bring some color into the spot.
2. Add another small corner bookshelf, as the books are overflowing off the shelves right now. Perhaps make this just for board books or books for the youngest so they are in easy reach.
3. Put the craft supplies that are on the upper shelves in decorative boxes and label.
4. Add bean bags and pillows in decorative colors and fun patterns where the desk is now for a comfy place to sit. Perhaps put a little tent in the corner for some privacy when wanted, just really drapey curtains over the window.
5. Add a basket or two for books as well to keep things tidy and add a touch of whimsy.

Browsing online, I came across a free interior decorating software called Homestyler.com, so here is what I was able to come up with as a rough sketch (note the 3rd rendering of the picture put a strange wall that covers half the photo, but you get the idea).

Just shows you the power of visualization! Immediately I went from feeling discouraged about the mess that is there right now to inspired about what the space could will become.

Why This is My Wishlist Wednesday

If you want your children to be lifelong readers, a big part of the job is building good memories around reading and making it fun. While there are lots of ways that we already do this, I know that having a special space for snuggling and reading would make it all that much better!

Wishlist Wednesday: Taming My Flock of Firsties

Hi! It's Beth Ann from Taming My Flock of Firsties.

I feel so fortunate to be asked by Lori to be a guest on her blog. 

{{{BLUSH}}}

When we first took on Guided Reading, so many years ago, our school bought so many books in every level. We have a book room with thousands of books. I wish that we could have all the books leveled the same. Some are Reading Recovery Levels and some are Fountas and Pinnell. When we go to borrow books, we have to look up the corresponding levels for each book. I know it's something little, but it would save me that little bit of time. :)


I would LOVE one of THESE pencil sharpeners.

I have seen them mentioned on many different blogs. My kids are obsessed, as I am sure they all are, with the electric pencil sharpener. It doesn't work correctly. We actually have two in one area. They have to begin with one and finish with the other. Not distracting at all!


Another thing I wish we had in our classroom was a real rug. Ours is actually carpet squares, duct taped together, into a big rectangle. I know it serves it's purpose and we get along just fine, but it would be so nice to sit on a real rug to have our Morning Meeting.


Thank you to Lori for letting me post. 
I had so much fun thinking of things I wanted. 

Storytime Sunday: Finding Books on a Topic (with Linky!)

There are some excellent resources out there for finding children's books by theme, age level, etc. One of which is your local library. I, of course, can't speak for all libraries, but I know at mine, you can sign up for an educator card which allows you to check out more books and cancels up to $25.00 worth of fines per year. Also, for you can request a teacher's collection. If you call at least 2 weeks ahead and give them the details, they will come up with a group of books based on a certain topic.

Here are 2 of my favorite websites for looking up great books for my lesson plans:

1. Teachers @ Random This website by Random House Publishing is great as it allows you to choose the age level and then choose from any holiday or theme listed. It then comes up with a list of books along with a picture of the cover.

2. Database of Award-Winning Children's Literature (DAWCL) This site has even more categories for searching. You can be very specific. It is good for searching for books written in a certain timespan, multicultural books and even books with different languages. And best of all, every book has won some type of award!

I wanted to hear from you on this topic, so I decided to do this as a linky. Where do you go to search for children's books?

<a href="http://preschoolteacher81.blogspot.com/2011/10/storytime-sunday-finding-books-on-topic.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Book Search Linky Party" src="http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r103/loriajones/books.jpg"/></a>

Wishlist Wednesday:Sweetwater Style

This week's post is by Mary from Sweetwater Style. She has got some good taste in decorating. So many crafty, creative and beautiful things on her blog. She is great at finding bargains and using common items for the most innovative ideas. That's just her style! Please take a moment to check out Mary's blog.

Hello all, I am Mary here from  Sweetwater Style.  I am thrilled to be guest posting on Cachey Mama's wonderful blog.  

October is here....time to start thinking about Halloween-

Kids of all ages love this time of year.

The blogosphere is filled with great Halloween Ideas.  

 BUT....

Since I am a School Library Media Specialist in my other life, I decided that for this guest post I would share some of my favorite read-a-louds for Halloween!

After all....I hold the title for Mis-Information! From ghoulies and ghosties

And long-leggedy beasties And things that go bump in the night, Good Lord, deliver us! ~Scottish Saying

From silly to spooky...reading Halloween tales is a great way to get in the spirit of Halloween!

Here are some suggestions for you....they are all available at Amazon but even better...FREE at your library!