TOO OLD FOR BABIES BUT NOT READY FOR TWOS

If you have been bringing your little one to the library for a Babies with Books story time you may be wondering when your child will be ready for the length and complexity of those stories that are shared during a Time for Twos story time.

A special story time Transition to Twos for children between 18 and 30 months has be

en designed with those children in mind!

Ms. Lanie sings hello.

Reminiscent of the Babies with Books story time, the librarian will address your child by name when rolling a ball and singing hello with a familiar puppet friend. Children are given plenty of opportunity to stand up and move their bodies. They also experiment with many fun items such as a parachute, shakers, and scarves.

The Transition to Twos story time introduces your child to concepts that will assist them in other library story times. For instance, learning to wait for the librarian to hand out scarves introduces the concept of self-restraint while participating in a group. Children will be given a chance to learn how to follow directions and take turns when being instructed to place items on the flannel board. When your toddler is given a chance to participate in the telling of a story by putting flannel pieces on the board it is a very exciting way to build his or her confidence. You can hold your child's hand and guide him or her in successfully completing the task.

During this 30 minute story time two or three stories are shared using flannel pieces, props, or picture books. These stories have been specially chosen and their length and plot line are appropriate for children between the ages of 18-30 months. You can help your child remain focused by encouraging him or her to return to your lap for the quiet moments that involve active listening during storytelling.

It's a frog!

You will see the librarian use a variety of props to capture your child's imagination; puppets, flannel pieces, and picture books. Did you know that when the librarian assumes voices while using puppets and recites silly rhymes she is actually helping to build your child's literacy skills?

Many of the toddlers who attend a Transition to Twos story time are new to running and fast walking. Don't be afraid to bring your active toddler to the story times at the library! The librarians are not at all offended if your little one strays from the group temporarily and then wants to return. Also, if your little one becomes distressed for some reason and needs to take a moment to refocus away from the group - that is just fine! Some children need to attend a story time regularly for several months before they begin to feel comfortable, understand the expectations, and are able to become active participants.

Transition to Twos is currently being offered at the Walkersville Library on Mondays at 11:15 and at the Urbana Library on Thursdays at 11:15.

Important Changes for 2012

This year, schools and homeschool co-ops will send representatives to our final. FCPL will NOT offer qualifying bees. So, if you would like to Bee a participant, there are two important steps for you:

• Make sure that your school or homeschool co-op registers with FCPL by December 9. All registered groups will select one representative and one alternate who will compete should that group's representative not be able to attend.
• Let someone at your school or homeschool co-op know that you are interested in representing your group. Then, give it your best shot and maybe you'll be chosen as your group's representative! If not, come and cheer on our spellers as they compete in our fifth annual bee.

For groups that have not yet registered, there is still time! The following schools have registered for the 2012 bee:

Private Schools: St. John Regional Catholic School, Visitation Academy

Elementary Schools: Brunswick, Middletown, New Market, Twin Ridge, Urbana

Middle Schools: Brunswick, Oakdale, Thurmont, Urbana, Walkersville

Homeschool co-op bees must have a minimum of fifteen qualified contestants (see 2012 bee rules for specific grade and age requirements). Co-ops may combine to offer bees. Also, homeschool students do not have to be a member of a co-op to be chosen as that group's representative.

Please contact Caroline O'Connell at coconnell@frederickcountymd.gov or 301-600-7255 if you have questions or would like more information.