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Baby Brilliant teaches literacy one at a time
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One of Joey Loree's favorite parts of the story time was the song "The Noble Duke of York" which has parents holding their babies up and down. Bellanca(right) showed the actions with a plush dog, while Joey's dad did the real thing.
By SARAH FOOR
On Jan. 6, 14-month old Joey Loree was the only guest at the Boardman library’s Baby Brilliant story time. That didn’t dampen the spirits of childrens’ librarian Sheryl Bellanca, however. In fact, it made Bellanca more intent on making the story time special.
Joey Loree and his dad, Joseph, were first time guests to the story time, so Bellanca took a few moments to explain what the program was about.
“Our Baby Brilliant programs are informal and relaxed story times. We want the babies to know and learn about books and just to have fun here.”
The older Loree explained that his son is a bit shy, but Bellanca wasn’t fazed. During the readings of books about bath time and peek-a-boo, and during sing along with a plush dog puppet, Bellanca had young Joey laughing, smiling, and clapping along.
Although he mostly stayed close to his dad, Joey branched out a bit when Bellanca brought out toys.
After the story time, Joseph Loree had positive words for the Boardman program.
“I think Joey feels right at home here. His mom is an educator and does these kinds of activities with him all the time. But, Mrs. Bellanca, thank you, you made my kid smile, and that doesn’t happen with just anybody.”