Library teaches brilliant babies
Rachel Cairns (right) bounced her 13-month-old son Ben Cairns on her knee during a playful song at a Poland story time.
Curiousity got the better of the babies during the story time, and most traveled closer to librarian Anette Ahrens (left) as she read a book called "Who's Under the Hat?"
Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Betty Hrina held her grandaughter Madison Madvick as she learned sounds with songs and rhymes during a Dec. 29 Poland library story time.
By SARAH FOOR
Even as children’s librarian Linda Kucalaba was telling stories and playing games during Poland’s Baby Brilliant story time on Jan. 5, she had to admit a truth to her guests.
“The little ones may like my story time,” Kucalaba shared, “but it’s nothing compared to their favorite voice — yours — reading to them. The babies who enjoy being read to are the ones who are most excited to learn to read.”
Kucalaba shared a wealth of early literacy tips and tricks during her event, noting the importance of rhymes and songs in helping the babies start to break down and understand words. Kucalaba focused on putting together things and their names by offering songs about body parts and action songs that asked the babies to clap, hug, and blow kisses. Books read during the story time included Sarah Weeks’ “Overboard!” which explored the tendency for toddlers to pick up objects and throw them. The book heralded chuckles of understanding from the parents and grandparents attending.
After the story time, Kucalaba brought out age appropriate toys.
“It’s a chance for the children to play with other babies, and for the parents to talk and meet each other,” she explained.
Betty Hrina attended with her granddaughter Madison Madvick.
“The story times are always fun here at Poland,” Hrina explained, as Madison yawned in her arms. “And thankfully, all the excitement really wears her out for her afternoon nap right after this.”