Parents Blog

Getting the most out of the library for your young library user.

Posted by Mrs. T. on 08/24/12

What a huge topic this is for a little blog! We see so many families come through our doors. Around this time everyone is helping their kids prepare for school. New clothes, new bedtime, new rules about homework, etc. It's all a part of the preparation - for back to school. I wanted to see what we had on our shelves that would help with advice and thoughts about this momentous time of year. I created a short list of titles but we have many, many more. From academics, to bullying to different learning styles. We have it all. Sometimes just browsing a book will help you sort through your own thoughts about a topic. So take a look at the list, If you have questions please come in and ask us. We can direct you to the answers. Have a great school year!.

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Story Time!

Posted by Ms. A on 08/21/12

The best thing you can do to help your child get ready to read is to read aloud to your child every day. Shared reading is a great way for children to build early literacy skills. Join us for storytime at the library the week of August 27 and check out this week's read-aloud recommendations:

Baby Time (Infants to 18 months): Clip-Clop

Toddler Time (19-35 months): Mama Cat has Three Kittens

Kids Time (ages 3-6): Bark George

Family Time (All kids through 6 years): Dimity Duck

Storytime is every other week. For a complete schedule, visit our Kids' Program calendar.

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Special Child at the Library eNewsletter

Posted by Ms. A on 08/21/12

Special Child @ the Library is a semi-annual eNewsletter written by Kids’ World librarians. Each issue will highlight resources, services, and programs that might be of particular interest to families of children with special needs. To sign up, visit http://ahml.info/webform/enewsletter-signup.

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Kindergarten Rocks!

Posted by Ms. A on 08/08/12

Fall is right around the corner and many families are sending a kindergartner off to school for the first time. Celebrate this important milestone with a trip to the library where your budding student can get his or her first library card! Join us for the Kindergarten Party on Saturday, October 6 anytime between 1:00 and 3:00. Do a scavenger hunt, have a snack, make a craft and enjoy a story. Kindergartners will receive a free library card pouch. Bring the whole family for fun and festivities!

Tags: Early Childhood

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Stories, Craft, Activities, and Sensory Play!

Posted by Ms. A on 07/06/12

If your child does best in a small group setting, consider attending our Sensory Storytimes. In our Sensory Storytimes, there are fewer children, hands-on activities, and a lower noise level. You don’t need an AHML card to register!

On July 14, we’ll read I Spy Under the Sea, blow bubbles, play a parachute game, search for ocean animals in rice, make a craft, and test our balance with bean bags! Please join us in our “under the sea” adventures!

On August 12, we'll read I Love Bugs, play with bug puppets, and use rubbing plates to create our own bugs! Come get creepy and crawly with us!

Sensory Storytime
Saturday July 14, 1:30-2:15
Sunday August 12, 1:30-2:15
Lindsey Room
Ages 3-7 with caregiver
This storytime is designed to engage children through movement, music, stories, and play. Ideal for children with autism or sensory processing issues or children who have difficulty sitting still. Please feel free to call 847-506-2620 if you’d like to tell us about your child or request special accommodations. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Tags: Special Needs

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Choo Choo - We've Got Trains!

Posted by Mrs. T. on 06/27/12

Library staff are having fun watching our smallest customers' eyes light up when they see the trains in Kids' World. Bring your children in to sign up for the summer reading program and enjoy their reactions. Be sure to enter the photo contest by taking your child's picture with the Choo Choo Choose Reading train. Ask for details at the summer reading desk. Take home some train books to bring the theme home with you. Hope to see you soon!

Tags: trains

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Summer Writing Fun

Posted by Kidbrarian on 06/20/12

Does your child enjoy writing? One of our summer activities is something we call "Finish the Story." Kids of all ages can go to our summer reading web page and click on the graphic on the right entitled "Finish the Story." There, they will find the first few lines of an adventure. It is their job to figure out what comes next! Entries will appear on the summer web page in the next day or two. Kids can submit as many different endings as they like. Get the whole family involved with a group story!

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Listen Up!

Posted by Ms. A on 06/13/12

Did you know that audiobooks “count” as reading in our Summer Reading Program? That’s because librarians know something you might not; Listening isn’t cheating! There are great benefits to hearing stories read aloud. Audiobooks can help your child become a better reader.

• Hearing a book read aloud helps the story come alive. The narrators are very skilled with voices, sound effects, and dramatic emphasis. For example, actress Anne Hathaway narrates The Princess Diaries. An audiobook might be the perfect way to hook your reluctant reader into books.

• Your child might be able to listen to a story that is more complex than he can read on his own. This will help him develop listening and comprehension skills, as well as introduce him to new vocabulary words and help stretch his imagination.

• How many times does your child hear the word, “façade” in everyday conversation? If he sees it in a book, will he be able to pronounce it correctly? Listening to audiobooks helps with pronunciation. It also helps improve understanding. What does it mean when a character responds “ruefully?” An audiobook can express the meaning of this word.

• Audiobooks provide a model of fluent reading and engaging storytelling. Listening to a great story read aloud gives children an example of how to become a better reader and can motivate them to read more.

To choose a great audiobook for your child or for your family to listen to together, ask a librarian for suggestions or visit the American Library’s Association’s award page for audiobooks. Enjoy!

Tags: Awards, Reluctant Readers

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It's Almost Here - Summer Reading at AHML!

Posted by Mrs. T. on 05/30/12

This is an exciting time in Kids' World! Staff are getting ready for summer reading. Please watch the website for the summer reading lists. We will also have these available in hard copy beginning June 4th. This year we will offer summer lists of recommended books for children, 19 months through 8th grade. Please make Kids' World part of your summer plans. We look forward to seeing you soon! For more information please click here.

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