The Ames Free Library will be closed on Monday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day.
Although we all have new routines now, things are still so different from “normal” that it’s good to slow down and have some quiet time once in a while. Coloring might be just the ticket! You don’t need any special materials; any kind of paper will do, and you can use crayons, markers, or colored pencils.
Letter writing has become a bit of a revived craft over these past months as people are looking for creative ways to connect with loved ones near and far. It’s also a great practice for kids learning how to organize a letter, work on their handwriting, or just learn a life skill (stamp goes on the top right!). Consider writing to your favorite author or illustrator. Many are inundated by too many letters to respond, but others do try to send some sort of reply. Maybe you’ll get a surprise in the mail too!
Hopefully you’ve all been following along with our virtual storytimes lately! Although we aren’t reading books right now, you & your little one can enjoy the fun routines, songs, & rhymes of your favorite storytime group, and then check out ebook copies of titles we’ve recommended. One thing we’ve emphasized a lot in storytime lately are wordless books.
My hairdryer broke recently. It’s not a big deal; I almost never use it. But now what do I do with it? Well… a few times a year, we run a “take apart table” at the library – a chance for kids to look under the hood, so to speak, of common electronics and devices. We’ve dismantled a computer, a stereo, keyboards, a cell phone, a laminator… and parents have almost as much fun as their kids!
Mother’s Day is right around the corner (psst! It’s this Sunday, May 10!). If there is ever a time for a homemade card for someone who helps keep your household together, it is now! Or maybe you’re looking for a fun way to brighten someone’s day, or something different to mail to a loved one you haven’t been able to see for a while.
Make a joyous noise! You’ll be doing your baby’s brain good. Of course, singing is also fun! Songs make language accessible and memorable for young children. (See our last SINGING post about using new words in old tunes, particularly when trying to get children to do a task.)
If you’ve somehow missed it, here’s your reminder to check out our virtual storytimes! It’s been hard not being able to see our favorite smiling faces every week, but we’re trying to keep your kiddos engaged with some online entertainment instead. If you’re a storytime regular, you’ll find a lot of familiar content along with familiar faces. If you haven’t been to storytime before, welcome! Now’s the time to check it out! There is a version of each regularly scheduled storytime updated every week.
Spring has been teasing us for quite some time now, but one of these days it will stick! It’s on us to create entertainment for our kids these days, so how about taking your family outside for some good old-fashioned backyard fun? These games may not look like traditional “literacy,” but chances are there are at least directions to follow, some fun conversation, and score-keeping going on (all of which… shhh... support literacy skills!).
Have a conversation with your child today. Boy, that sounds easy… maybe? Talking at or to someone isn’t the same as talking with someone. Obviously young children aren’t the best conversationalists, but in order for them to learn how a conversation works (back and forth interaction), and to hear more words in and about their environment, you need to talk with them.
Snuggling together for a family movie is a great way to spend some of these rainy days! We like to occasionally host Family Movies at the library, but you can do it at home too. You probably already have a streaming service – or at least a few favorite DVDs – to choose from, but did you know you can find movies on Hoopla too? Check out our downloads page to get the Hoopla app and start browsing!
Here are some fun ideas for enjoying movie night with your family.
