A Guide for Librarians
(who are wishing to introduce parents and babies to the fun of sharing
books)
Compiled by Kathy Kirchoefer,
Children's Librarian, August 2001
Babies into Books is a 6 week series of 30-minute
programs designed for babies up to twelve months of age and their
caregivers. Each session includes nursery rhymes, songs, music,
action rhymes, and, of course, books.
The purpose of Babies into Books is to give babies
a warm association with books and the library. Babies into Books
gives parents an opportunity to learn language-rich activities
to do with their babies, exposes them to the resources the library
has to offer, helps them learn how to choose books for their babies,
and also gives them an opportunity to socialize with other caregivers
of babies--something which many Babies into Books parents say
is a very important part of the program.
And Babies into Books is just plain fun!
Hello Song
Song that uses the name of each child, such
as "Charlie Over the Water"
Nursery Rhymes (three, each said twice)
Action Rhymes (4 to 5, each done twice)
Book
Bouncing Rhymes (two, each done twice)
Book
Music (4 to 6 action songs, at least one that
involves getting up and moving around the room)
Read a book together
Musical Activity (using rhythm instruments while
playing a song, for example)
Goodbye Song
"Hello Everybody" (song)
"Charlie Over the Water" (song)
(insert name of each baby in place of "Charlie")
Nursery Rhymes (each done twice):
Humpty Dumpty
Little Jack Horner
Hey Diddle Diddle (sing after saying 2 times)
Book: Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Action Rhymes (each done twice)
All for Baby
Tummy Button
Dance Your Fingers
Pease Porridge Hot
Shoe a Little Horsie
Book: Oh, Dear! by Rod Campbell
Bounces (each done twice):
This is the Way the Ladies Ride
Trit, Trot to Boston
Ride a Little Pony
Music to Move By: (All from Wee Sing for Baby)
"Pease Porridge Hot"
"Head and Shoulders"
"Pop! Goes the Weasel"
"To Market, to Market"
"Walking, Walking"
Book Together: Read to Your Bunny by Rosemary
Wells
Music Together: Rhythm sticks used with the
music "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" on the tape Touch,
Teach, and Hug a Toddler
Goodbye Everybody (include each baby's name
in the song)
Babies into Books is a fast moving program with
a lot of elements to keep track of. It is helpful to plan ahead
by:
1.Having the room ready early. Remove any scraps
of paper or anything else that is on the floor that babies might
swallow. Be sure electrical outlets have safety plugs in them.
2.Being sure there is enough space for everyone
to sit comfortably arranged in a semi-circle.
3.Pre-recording the music you will use. It is
helpful to have all the music on one tape to eliminate having
to change tapes or cd's and lose your audience in the meantime!
4.Reviewing the nursery rhymes and action rhymes
enough times so that you almost have them memorized. Print them
on index cards and have them ready and in the proper order just
in case.
5.Preparing an outline each week. Put the outline
on a large index card and refer to it when necessary during the
program.
6.Making sure that all musical instruments,
scarves, etc. are ready to use. This means cleaning them after
every use. Remember: babies put EVERYTHING into their mouths!
7.Stating at the beginning of the first session
and whenever necessary afterwards, the few rules for a baby storytime:
a.If a baby becomes agitated and will not stop
crying, please leave the room until he or she is calm.
b.Keep babies away from the tape and flannelboard figures and
don't let them position themselves in such a way to block the
view of others.
8.Trying to learn all the babies' names. Using
their names makes them pay a lot more attention!
9.Providing a handout for parents that includes
the words to some of the action rhymes and a list of the books
used. You can do this weekly or put them altogether for the final
session.
10.Expecting to have a wonderful time! Babies
are a terrific audience!
My child is 16 months old. Can she come to Babies
into Books?
Unless the program is opened up to ages 24 months
(some libraries have Babies into Books for ages up to 24 months),
she would be better off not coming. Babies into Books is designed
for babies who are not mobile. A storytime for toddlers would
be a better choice for your child.
Why do you only allow 15 parent-child sets to
register?
Because Babies into Books is more intimate than
other storytime programs, it is optimum to keep the group size
small. This increases the librarian's ability to learn the babies'
names and keeps the babies from being overwhelmed by a large crowd.
It also ensures enough room in the program room to allow for some
movement if desired.
May I bring my baby's older brother or sister
to the program?
Babies into Books involves a lot of parent participation.
This means that you will not be able to give your other child/children
much attention. If they are old enough to be satisfied with simply
observing, they're welcome. Otherwise, you may need to find someone
to care for your older children while you give baby your one-on-one
attention.
Why do I even need to register for this program?
Registering for the program ensures that you
have a commitment to attend. It helps the librarian be able to
prepare enough materials to use and also aids the librarian in
learning the babies' names. Registration also ensures that the
participants are the right age for the program.
The librarian sits on a low stool or kneels on
the floor.
Caregivers and babies sit in a semi-circle in
front of the librarian facing him or her.
If the room is not too large, encourage the caregivers
to sit with their backs against the wall to help them avoid becoming
fatigued.
1.High quality books for babies. These will
have short text, bright, attractive pictures, and be large enough
for everyone to see easily.
2.Your own "baby" to use to demonstrate
the action rhymes. The "My Buddy" dolls are a good choice,
or any doll or stuffed animal that has arms and legs that can
move.
3.Nursery rhyme flannelboard sets. These can
be purchased or made.
4.Flannelboard that can be placed low or on
the floor.
5.Tape player with a cord long enough that you
can keep it close to you and away from the babies.
6.Enough copies of a board book title for every
parent at the storytime for "read together time".
7.Musical instruments that are safe for a baby
to use and that can be cleaned after every use. Be sure there
are no sharp edges that may cut a curious baby's mouth.
8.Lots of enthusiasm!
Appendices
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Prince
George's County Memorial Library System
