Shape hunt!

Another great idea from Toddler Toddler! Visit the website for the printable page of shapes to use for this activity.

"It time for another hunt! We seem to have lost some shapes in the house and we know that toddlers are great at finding things! Print out the sheet of shapes and outlines. Cut the sheet in half (along the line). Then cut out the SOLID shapes only and hide/place them around the room with a little tape on the back. Now give your toddler the half-sheet with outlines and help her find the shapes and stick them on to the outlines!"

A Holiday Toddler Craft Idea

The holiday season is upon us and what better way to give gifts than with a little personalization from your toddler! This can be done very simply or with a little extra effort they can really look great! You'll need cardstock or construction paper, crayons OR washable paint, and house sponges cut in various shapes (if you're going to use the paint).  Place a few small circles of paint on a paper plate and let your toddler dip the sponge shapes into the paint and decorate the paper however they please. Once they're finished and you let them dry, you can write whatever you'd like on them. So much fun and so creative. Grandparents especially will love these. :)

Family Open Swim at the Matteson Community Center

Do you have the winter blues already? Are your littles ones getting antsy to let out some energy? Why don't you take them over to the Matteson Community Center for one of their family open swims? Visit http://www.mattesoncommunitycenter.com/ or call (708)748-1080 for times and more information. Please note that there is a fee required.

The same book again?

Your toddler may want to read the same story over and over and over and..well you get the point. :) Guess what? It is perfectly normal. Repetition is okay; in fact it is great for little ones!

One More Time


You may go through a period when your child favors one book and wants it read night after night. It is not unusual for children to favor a particular story, and this can be boring for parents. Keep in mind, however, that a favorite story may speak to your child's interests or emotional needs. Be patient. Continue to expose your children to a wealth of books and eventually they will be ready for more stories.

Visit this webpage for a great article on Helping your child learn to read.

Help teach your toddler numbers!

Visit the website below to print out large number sheets. After cuttng each number out, you can play telephone with your toddler to expose them to the numbers. With your older toddler, you can teach them their telephone number using these number sheets as well.

http://www.toddlertoddler.com/todays_phone_numbers.htm

Teaching manners to your toddler

Is there a way to teach manners to your toddler? Learn more here:

http://www.babycenter.com/0_teaching-table-manners-to-your-toddler_1429019.bc

Having trouble locating books that are appropriate for your toddler?

There are many authors that write wonderful books for toddlers. We have many books beyond these authors that would be great for your little ones. Stop by the Youth Services desk and we would be more than happy to help you locate some books.

Here are just some of the authors whose books we have on our shelves at Matteson Public Library:

Jane Cabrera

David A. Carter

Maria Carluccio

Nancy Tafuri

Bill Martin Jr.

Jan Carr

Eric Carle

Karen Katz

Sandra Boynton

Todd Parr

Denise Fleming

Philemon Sturges

Byron Barton

Simms Taback

Lauren Thompson

Leslie Patricelli

The weather is getting cold again!

That means your little one is going to be getting very antsy because they can't go outside and move their bodies! Don't worry! There are many inside movement activities that you can do to get your toddler to move and use some of their energy.

Step "Toddlerobics":

Time for some exercise! Take out some of those storage bins you have full of stuff and turn them upside down. Leave about a foot between them and have your toddler step up then down and then up again, while holding your hand if necessary. He'll have a great time going up and down, and up and down. If your containers are transparent then he can look at what's inside each bin while getting some exercise.

Toddler Jump Rope:

It's time to have some fun and jump rope...well maybe just the belt from your bathrobe. This is an activity that you can do indoors or outdoors. If you don't have a bathrobe belt, you can use some yarn and cut a piece 2 feet long. Then tape the ends to the floor/rug/driveway/sidewalk (make sure the yarn is pulled tight so that it is flat on the ground and your child can't trip on it.) First, ask your toddler if he/she can step over the piece of "rope". Then see if he/she can JUMP over the piece of "rope". You can show him how at first and then see if he can follow your lead. He might jump on the yarn and that's okay! Take turns jumping over the string and you can even bring out some stuffed animals to help demonstrate how to jump over string. For the more advanced jumpers, you can put down a few pieces of string about a foot apart so that your toddler can jump a few times in a row!

Mommy Bridge:

Here's a fun activity for you and your toddler! You'll giggle lots and have some good fun. Find a place in your house where you can get on all fours on a rug or mat. Then tell your toddler that you are "Mommy Bridge" and ask her if she can crawl under you from one side to the other side. As she is crawling under you, sing the "London Bridge is falling down" song using Mommy instead of London. Then just as your toddler is all the way through, fall down a little on her and tickle her toes or give her a big hug! She'll probably squeal and giggle up a storm! Let her get up and do it again! Remember that your enthusiasm and excitement will build her enthusiasm and interest in the activity!

For more fun ideas visit: http://www.toddlertoddler.com/

Are you wanting to potty train your toddler but don't know where to start?

We can help! Matteson Public Library has many materials to help assist you and get you started in potty training your toddler. Stop by the Youth Services desk at any time and we'd be happy to help you locate what you are looking for!

These are just a few of our materials:

The Potty Movie for Girls DVD 649.62 POT

The Potty Movie for Boys DVD 649.62 POT

Go Potty Go DVD PARENTING 649.62 GO

The Potty Book for Boys PARENTING SHELF 649.62 CAP

The Potty Book for Girls PARENTING SHELF 649.62 CAP

The Potty Training Answer Book PARENTING SHELF 649.62 DEE

The Everything Potty Training Book PARENTING SHELF 649.62 SON

Dinosaur vs. the Potty EASY SHEA

The Prince and the Potty EASY LEWISON

The Princess and the Potty EASY LEW

Ruby's Potty EASY ROGERS

I Want my Potty EASY ROSS

Is your toddler a picky eater?

Click the link for a great article on tips to get your toddler to eat!

http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/feeding-infants-toddlers/feeding-picky-eater-17-tips

Potty Training your Toddler

It's no surprise that toddlers potty train when THEY'RE ready. However, that doesn't mean that you can't encourage them and get them excited about using the potty! Click the link below for some great tips!

Potty Tips

Mark it on your calendar: Halloween Dance Party!

Don't forget to join us on Saturday, October 29 at 11am for our toddler Halloween dance party! We'll have music, maracas, hand bells, and bubbles! Costumes are optional.

Please note: The maximum age for this program is 30 months.

Toddlers and Getting Hurt

Does your toddler cry every time he/she falls? Do they often look up to you after they have hurt themselves with wide eyes wondering why you aren't running to their rescue? Click the link below for this great article on helping your toddler conquer their fears!

Top Toddler Fears

Fun Food Activities!

Besides the pudding paint activity that we completed during Lapsit this week, you can also use whipped cream/cool whip on a cookie sheet. This is a good way to teach your toddler the basic fine motor skills needed to begin writing letters. Plus it’s safer than using shaving cream because you know how little ones love to put things in their mouth! Fun and yummy!

Every minute (or time) counts!

Seize opportunities to teach your little one to count. While handing them dry cereal, count how many you are giving them out loud. Also count aloud when playing with blocks or reading a stack of books.

Craft Time!

Apple Prints!

This is a great fall activity. Take an apple and cut it in half. Dip it in paint and use it as a stamper! So much fun for the little ones!

Baby’s First Books

It's never too early to expose your child to literacy!

Check out this article on the importance and tips for exposing infants to books:

http://www.parents.com/baby/development/intellectual/babies-first-books/

Share the stories we've shared together during Lapsit again at home!

These are just a few of the many stories we've shared together! Did your toddler have a favorite? Did YOU have a favorite? Come check it out here at Matteson Public Library!

Yummy, YUCKY by Leslie Patricelli

The Sounds Around Town by Mario Carluccio

Miss Mouse’s Day by Jan Ormerod

Spot Says Goodnight by Eric Hill

Goodnight, My Duckling by Nancy Tafuri

Separation Anxiety? It's normal!

Why is my little one so clingy? When should he/she “grow out of it"? When will they share? When will they express interest in playing with other children? Your little one will go through many social phases as they grow.

Find out many of these answers here: http://www.babycenter.com/0_toddler-milestone-socialization_11742.bc

I can do it all by myself! (And they should!)

I know it can be hard to allow your little one to take all the time they need to get themselves dressed but check out this article on why it is so important to allow them to do this simple independent daily activity here:

http://life.familyeducation.com/independence/toddler/53236.html

I hear sounds!

Check out this website for great ideas on incorporating various sounds into your toddler’s playtime:

http://www.toddler-activities-at-home.com/preschool-science-activities_sound.html

Increasing Your Toddler's Vocabulary

Check out this website for some great tips on increasing your toddler’s vocabulary:

http://www.ehow.com/how_5064870_painlessly-increase-toddlers-vocabulary.html

Children's Museum

The Kidswork Children’s Museum located just a short drive away in Frankfort is a great way to beat the heat or stay out of the rain this summer!

Visit www.kidsworkchildrensmuseum.org for directions!

Early Literacy Ideas for your Baby/Toddler

Tips to help your child become excited about and interested in books (also called Print Motivation):

-Keep books in child’s bed, so child wakes up to them!

-Treat books as toys-keep them in the toy box.

-Let children choose the books at the library, bookstore, etc-in story time, too!

-Let children see you read-model reading behavior!

-Read with enthusiasm!

-Pay attention to children’s cues and moods-shorten a story, insert movement activities, or just move on! Keep it positive.

-Read/choose books that YOU like, too. Children will pick up on your feeings!

Information Courtesy of: Every Child Ready to Read® @ your library® is a program of the Public Library Association and the Association for Library Service to Children, divisions of the American Library Association. Every Child Ready to Read® @ your library® is a registered trademark and is used with permission.

Gross Motor Practice

Climbing Practice

Place couch cushions and pillows of all sizes in a large pile on the floor. Watch your toddler as they try to climb to the top of the pile. If the pile slides down just put it back together! You could even set up an “obstacle” course of sorts with the cushions and play follow the leader and have your little one mimic your movement through it! How fun!

Idea courtesy of: http://fun.familyeducation.com/toddler/music/36977.html

Walking/Running Practice

Using masking/painter’s/duct tape, make large lines (diagonal, straight, or both) or even make shapes (square, triangle, etc.) and show your little one what you’d like them to do. Repeat it a few times

Idea adapted from: http://www.susankramer.com/Toddlers.html#V.

Great CDs for Toddlers

These are just SOME of the many great CDs we have here at Matteson Public Library for little ones!

100 Toddler Favorite Hits! JUV CD 100

Happy Toddler Loves to Dance JUV CD HAP

Happy Toddler Loves to Sing JUV CD HAP

Songs for Learning JUV CD SON

Bust a Nursery Rhyme: A Hip Hop Collection of Your Favorite Nursery Rhymes JUV CD BUS

Mother Goose Rocks (Volumes 1-4) JUV CD MOT

Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions (Volumes include Beatles, Green Day, Rolling Stones, and Bob Marley) JUV CD ROC

We Did It! Dora’s Greatest Hits JUV CD WE

Imagination Movers Juice Box Heroes JUV CD IMA

Rock & Bop with the Doodlebops JUV CD DOO

Yo Gabba Gabba! Music is Awesome! JUV CD YO

Dora the Explorer: Dance Fiesta! JUV CD DOR

Share the books we've shared in Lapsit again at home!

The Family Book by Todd Parr

Grandma Rabbitty’s Visit by Barry Smith

Daddy Hugs by Karen Katz

The Very Best Daddy of All by Marion Dane Bauer

Caterpillar Spring, Butterfly Summer by Susan Hood

Mouse’s First Summer by Lauren Thompson

Dancing in my Bones by Sylvia Andrews

Rain Dance by Kathi Appelt

Fun Summer Time Activities For Toddlers

Toddlers love filling things up and pouring things out! These are just a couple of great ideas for some outdoor water fun that your little one can participate in. I suggest letting them play outside on the grass to save your kitchen floor from getting all wet!

“Waterfall”: Fill a bucket with some water and give your little one some measuring cups! Simple, FREE, and fun!

“Sprinklers”: Find a couple of old plastic bottles or margarine tubs and poke some holes in the bottom of them. Show your little one how to fill the cups with water and then watch it sprinkle down.

Idea Courtesy of: www.preschoolexpress.com

The Importance of Reading to Children

Follow this link for a great article on the importance of reading to children.  It is never too early to start reading aloud together!

http://www.brainy-child.com/article/child-for-reading.shtml

You can go to the zoo for FREE!

The Lincoln Park Zoo is FREE 365 days a year! Visit www.lpzoo.com to plan your visit today!

Please take note!

Lapsit will no longer be meeting on Saturdays.  However, we WILL continue meeting on Tuesday mornings at our usual times, 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.! Hope to see you there!

Toddler Playtime Activity

Visit: http://www.preschoolexpress.com/toddler_station04/toddler_station_april04.shtml

It has great ideas for using baskets in your toddler's play! Fun and FREE entertainment!

Rhymers are Readers: The Importance of Nursery Rhymes

Since we are reading nursery rhymes these next couple of weeks at Lapsit I thought this document was very appropriate.

Below is a link to a PDF document explaining the importance of nursery rhymes:

http://www.kbyutv.org/kidsandfamily/readytolearn/file.axd?file=2011%2F2%2F2+Rhymers+are+Readers-Why+Important.pdf

Travel the parks!

One of my favorite things to do in the summer with the children that I babysit for is to take them to different parks each week. Each park has something different to offer and you’re not hearing “We’re going to this park again?” from the back seat of your car! Win-Win!

Visit www.villageofmatteson.org/sections/parkdirections/index.php for a map and directions to each of the parks in Matteson!

What is your favorite park? Please comment below and share!

Great Mother's Day books for little ones!

Mother’s Day is coming this Sunday May 8^th! Come check out one of these Mother’s Day books to read together!

Mother’s Day by Anne Rockwell

Mother, Mother I Want Another! By Maria Pulushkin Robbins

My Mother is Mine by Marion Dane Bauer

My Mom by Anthony Browne

Mommies Say Shhh! by Patricia Polacco

The Mommy Book by Todd Parr

Mama Mama by Jean Marzollo

Share the books we’ve shared together again!

Reading a story again is a great way for your little to begin developing literacy skills. Why don’t you check out one of the books we have read together this past month and share it together again at home?

Splish, Splash, Spring by Jan Carr

Mouse’s First Spring by Lauren Thompson

Goodnight, My Duckling by Nancy Tafuri

Mama’s Little Bears by Nancy Tafuri

If You’re Happy and You Know It by David A. Carter

Who Took the Cookie from the Cookie Jar? by David A. Carter

Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow

The Wheels on the Bus by Paul O. Zelinsky

Need more toddler play time ideas? Check out this one!

Check out: http://www.preschoolexpress.com/toddler_station05/toddler_station_jan05.shtml

These are some great ways for toddlers to play with pots & pans! How fun!

It's okay to let toddlers pick their own books!

Why do we have the little ones pick their own books during Lapsit?

Keeping reading and sharing books FUN is important.  If the experience is not a positive one, children will relate reading to something negative, which will make them less likely to choose to read.

Information Courtesy of: Every Child Ready to Read® @ your library® is a program of the Public Library Association and the Association for Library Service to Children, divisions of the American Library Association. Every Child Ready to Read® @ your library® is a registered trademark and is used with permission.

Yum! Yogurt Cereal Bars Recipe!

I can't wait to make these at home myself! :) Try making them and let me know how it goes! 

YOGURT CEREAL BARS

What you’ll need:
-2 cups corn flakes

- ¾ c. + 2 tbsp.flour

-1/4 c. firmly packed brown sugar
-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

- ½ c. butter or margarine
-1 cup flavoured yogurt (banana/strawberry, etc.)

-1 egg slightly beaten

Preheat oven to 350F

Combine cereal, 3/4 cup of the flour, sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Cut in butter or margarine until coarse crumbs form.
Press 1/2 the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 8inch square pan.
Mix yogurt, egg and 2 tablespoons flour in another small bowl.
Spread over cereal mixture in pan and then sprinkle the remaining cereal mixture on top.
Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown; cut into bars when cooled.

Recipe Courtesy of Stonyfield Farms Yogurt. Visit www.wholesometoddlerfood.com for more great snack ideas for your toddler!

Come check one out!

This month we read books about animals and books about transportation.  Check the books out that we've read together to share at home!

City Animals by Simms Taback

Safari Animals by Simms Taback

Big Fat Hen by Keith Baker

Clip-Clop by Nicola Smee

From Head to Toe by Eric Carle

Here are my Hands by Bill Martin Jr.

I Love Trains! by Philemon Sturges

I Love Trucks! by Philemon Sturges

My Car by Byron Barton

Trucks, Trucks, Trucks by Peter Sis

"What can I do to help my toddler learn about letters?"

Learning to tell one letter from another involves being able to see the differences in letter shapes.  Helping babies and toddlers learn about different shapes and understand how things are alike and different will help prepare them to learn the alphabet.

-Hang mobiles with different shapes in your baby’s crib.

-Read books that feature geometric shapes like White on White and Black and Black by Tana Hoban. Babies also like to look at human faces.

-Use books like the baby face series by Margaret Miller to help your child compare and contrast shapes.

-Point out the shapes of toys, such as. “This ball is round.” (Help your baby or toddler feel the rounded shape.)

-Use simple puzzles to help children see different shapes.

-Read alphabet books and sing alphabet songs to introduce children to letters.

Information Courtesy of: Every Child Ready to Read® @ your library® is a program of the Public Library Association and the Association for Library Service to Children, divisions of the American Library Association. Every Child Ready to Read® @ your library® is a registered trademark and is used with permission.

A Fun Finger Play!

Try this fun finger play at home with your little one! Not only is it lots of fun but it helps them learn their body parts too!

Five Fingers

Five fingers on this hand, (hold up one hand)

Five fingers on that, (hold up other hand)

A dear little nose, (point to nose)

A mouth like a rose, (point to mouth)

Two cheeks so tiny and fat, (tap both cheeks)

Two eyes, two ears, (point to each)

And ten little toes (point to toes),

That’s the way the baby grows!

Don't forget about Lapsit on Saturdays now, too!

Every Saturday at 10:00 a.m. join us for this “first playgroup” experience featuring stories, songs, baby games and of course, bubbles! We would love to see you there!

A song to sing to help your little one learn colors!

“What are you Wearing?”

(Sung to the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”)

(Name) has a (color) shirt on.

(Color) shirt on, (color) shirt on.

(Name) has a (color) shirt on.

I see (him/her) today.

Share the books we’ve shared in Lapsit again at home!

Many of the books we've shared together throughout February are available for you to check out today! Stop on by the the Youth Services desk and we'd be happy to help you locate these books-and more!

Meeow and the little chairs by Sebastian Braun

Meeow and the big box by Sebastian Braun

Ten Tiny Babies by Karen Katz

Counting Kisses by Karen Katz

Brownie & Pearl Get Dolled Up by Cynthia Rylant

Brownie & Pearl See the Sights by Cynthia Rylant

Molly at the Dentist by Angie Sage

Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat, Are You Waking Up? by Bill Martin, Jr.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr.

What books are appropriate for this age?

Babies and Toddlers like:

-Thick, sturdy cover and pages (Check out Matteson Library’s Board Book Section!)

-Small size, for little hands

-Bright colorful pictures

-Simple geometric shapes

-Clear pictures

-Pictures of human faces

-Few words

-Nursery Rhymes

For toddlers specifically the story can be more involved and pictures can have more detail. Try to pick out books that they can relate to (animals, getting dressed) and that are predictable. Stories that have rhyme and rhythm or repeated phrases and happenings are a good choice.

Also, babies respond best to books that have a sharp contrast between the picture and the background, not too fuzzy. Not all board books are appropriate for babies but board books with easy to see pictures are an excellent choice!

As always, do not hesitate to ask us to help you find some great books! Come stop by the Youth Services desk at Matteson Public Library today! 

Information Courtesy of: Every Child Ready to Read® @ your library® is a program of the Public Library Association and the Association for Library Service to Children, divisions of the American Library Association. Every Child Ready to Read® @ your library® is a registered trademark and is used with permission.

Laundry Basket Shopping!

Here’s another GREAT idea to have some fun with your little one! You’re recycling AND keeping your little one busy even though they have been cooped up all winter! Win-win!

Laundry Basket Shopping
Save some boxes and containers from your pantry after they are empty. Take the empty boxes of crackers, cereal, raisins, etc., and put them all over the room. Put them on the couches, tables and on the lower shelves of bookcases. Then let your toddler push an empty laundry basket around the room and do some shopping! For the younger toddlers, the laundry basket will help him/her balance. For an older toddler, talk about the different kinds of food and the pictures on the boxes. Then as he/she wants to check out, count the number of boxes together!

Idea Courtesy of: www.toddlertoddler.com

Sign up for the Mother Goose & Friends Program at the Oakwood Community Center!

It’s not too late to sign up for the second session of Mother Goose & Friends at the Oakwood Community Center! Register by February 24^th for the session that begins March 2!

Mother Goose & Friends

Come experience the world of storytelling, simple crafts, finger plays, and songs with Mother Goose & Friends. All activities will be tied into a weekly theme for the little ones and parent. A fee of $21.50/$26.50 (non-resident) includes instruction and supplies.

AGE: 2-4 year olds / with parent

TIME: 12:15 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

DAY: Wednesday

Sess. II: March 2 to 30

REG. DEADLINE: February 24

WEEKS: 5 week session

FEE: $21.50 / NR $26.50 per session

Phone: (708) 748-1080

Check out Bill Martin Jr. reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear!

Below is a link to a video of the author Bill Martin Jr. reading his own children's story, Brown Bear, What Do You See?  Put your little one on your lap and click below to share the story together!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdHCYgO9zh8&feature=PlayList&p=A9D4143E3D71544F&playnext_from=PL&index=0&playnext=1

"Snow" many snow stories!

During the last week of December and the first couple of weeks in January we shared many winter stories together. Below is a list that I put together for you! Why don't you come and check out one to share at home together again? :)

Mouse’s First Snow by Lauren Thompson

Under My Hood I Have a Hat by Karla Kusin

Red Sled by Patricia Thomas

Frozen Noses by Jan Carr

Little White Duck Lyrics by Walt Whippo

Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush by Jane Cabrera

Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What do you hear? by Bill Martin Jr.

Build a Snowman, 1,2,3! by Megan E. Bryant

Millions of Snowflakes by Mary McKenna Siddals

P.S. Don't forget about Mother Goose and Friends making a visit to the library this coming Saturday, January 22 at 10:30a.m! Mother Goose herself will be here with stories, songs, and rhymes in this interactive program featuring creative dramatics and puppetry. *Registration is required.*

Playing with snow inside? You bet!

Here are some fun winter activities you can do at home:

Snow Play

Fill your kitchen sink with snow.  Put mittens on your toddler and give them spoons, cups and bowls.  Your little one can play in the snow and you don’t have to worry about taking them out in the cold!

Torn Paper Snowscene

You'll need either black or blue construction paper and white tissue paper. Tear the tissue paper into different sized pieces. With white glue, arrange the pieces of tissue paper and glue onto the black or blue paper to create snowy landscapes. Add other colors of construction paper shapes to make houses, trees etc.

Do you have any fun winter activity ideas that you do at home with your little one?

Steps for Sharing Books

1. Pick the best time—when both of you are

in the mood.

2. Share the book—point to pictures and talk

in an excited voice.

3. Watch baby—let baby play with the book

and take a break if baby’s not having fun.

4. Cuddle—touch and love baby while sharing

books.

5. Share books every day—it’s important even

if only for a few minutes.

Information Courtesy of: Every Child Ready to Read® @ your library® is a program of the Public Library Association and the Association for Library Service to Children, divisions of the American Library Association. Every Child Ready to Read® @ your library® is a registered trademark and is used with permission.

Good News!

We are VERY happy to announce that Lapsit will now take place on Saturdays as well! Join us beginning Saturday February 5, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. We look forward to seeing you!