Mary K.'s blog

Technology in Storytime and Children's Book Apps

March 29, 2011 - 6:19pm — Mary K.

I've been thinking a lot about technology lately, especially as it may apply to storytime in the future. Will there come a time when we use our ipads to show our listeners the illustrations of a book, "swiping" our fingers across the screen to turn a page? I personally don't think that specific scenario is going to happen soon, but I do think technology could be integrated into storytime in an interesting and fun way. What do you think?

Preschool Visits to the Library are Important!

March 28, 2011 - 2:07pm — Mary K.

Once a month, Sharon Swingle, a preschool teacher in Ashland Virginia, brings her class of preschoolers to their local library. She began the visits several years earlier because she "wants to instill in the children a love for reading and a comfort level with the way the library works." The children hear stories read aloud, but then, best of all, are able to choose their own books to check out and take back to the center.

Shelf Reading? There's an app for that!

March 24, 2011 - 12:17pm — Mary K.

This is kind of off topic, but given the messes children's library collections can get into after several classes of elementary school students have blown through, this application would be super useful.

Happy World Read Aloud Day!

March 9, 2011 - 12:32pm — Mary K.

"Nearly 1 billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their name. What would you miss most if you could not read or write? Imagine your world without words." - LitWorld.org

Lit World is imagining a world in which all children can learn to read and write. In an effort to promote this goal, they have declared today "World Read Aloud Day."

Friday Funday! Meet Emily Gravett, author of Monkey and Me!

March 4, 2011 - 4:50pm — Mary K.

Via Reading Rockets comes a video of author Emily Gravett, talking about her delightful (and popular) picture books, including Monkey and Me, which she calls a "shouting book!"

Friday Funday: Oh, the places you'll READ! Celebrate Seuss!

February 25, 2011 - 4:38pm — Mary K.

"The more things that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." - Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut

Romp and Read with Reach Out and Read!

February 21, 2011 - 4:33pm — Mary K.

Bring your kids and join Reach Out and Read this Saturday, Feb. 26 at Read and Romp! Support this great organization and interact with some of your favorite picture books and characters, like Clifford the Big Red Dog, Fancy Nancy, Richard Scarry's Cars and Trucks and Things That Go, and more.

Friday Funday! Anita Silvey's Children's Book-A-Day Almanac

February 11, 2011 - 5:31pm — Mary K.

Discover a new book every day with Anita Silvey's new venture, the Children's Book-a-Day Almanac. With an extensive book review (including a short passage), and a smattering of other related events and activities, you'll want to check in with the Almanac every day! I'm bookmarking it now...

Friday Funday! Snowy fun: Cut out a virtual snowflake and share some snow stories!

February 4, 2011 - 12:54pm — Mary K.

Snowflake Bentley Tired of the snow and cold yet? How about having some snowy fun without having to put on your boots and mittens? Create a virtual snowflake at Snowdays! You can add your snowflake to the storm with a personal message, or e-mail it to your friends.Fun for kids of all ages, and probably a great way for younger kids to perfect their mousing skills!

Sing Your Storytime! Free Song Downloads from NAEYC and Miss Jackie

February 1, 2011 - 10:25am — Mary K.

We all know that singing is a great way for kids to develop their phonological awareness, or the ability to hear and play with the smaller sounds in words. So singing is a big part of our storytimes! Never be afraid to sing, even if you're not so proud of your tune-keeping ability, as it encourages parents to do the same.