Baby Lap Time, 2/8/12 & 2/9/12

I really like the flow of this particular repertoire. I cut it down to 20 minutes, from closer to 30, and read two books this time, and that seemed to work well. The Wednesday afternoon session only had 4 babies, but the Thursday session had a whopping 18 kids, with at least six of them being walk-ins who did not sign up. (I'm trying to discourage that, but I draw the line at throwing people out when they've already come in and set themselves up. I was not pleased by the one nanny who allowed her four-year-old to sit in there with no adult supervision, but it wasn't worth interrupting the story time to ask her to leave either. Better luck next week.)

Here's this week's list of activities: 

Opening Song: Say Hello

Rhyme: Cheek Chin

Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big

Rhyme with Puppets: Two Little Kittens

Bounce: Mother and Father and Uncle John

Book: Freight Train by Donald Crews (1978)

Rhyme: The Train

Song: Tony Chestnut


Song: Head and Shoulders

Rhymes and Songs with Shaker Eggs: 

• Mix a Pancake (chanted)
• Humpty Dumpty (chanted)
• Shake My Sillies Out (sung)
• London Bridge (sung)

Song with Puppet:  How Much is that Doggie in the Window?
We did just the original first verse. The second time through, we barked each time we asked "How much is that doggie in the window?"

Book: Dogs by Emily Gravett (2009)

Song: If You're Happy and You Know It

• ...clap your hands.
• ...beep your nose.
• ...tickle your tummy.
• ...shout hooray!

Rhyme: Where are Baby's Fingers?

Song: ABC Song

Goodbye Song: Open, Shut Them Goodbye Song

6 Romance Novels for Teens

	Winter Love, Winter Wishes by Jane Claypool Miner Teen girls Willow, Brittany, and Anna fall in love unexpectedly, just in time for the New Year. This was the first actual romance novel I ever read!
	Thames Doesn't Rhyme With James by Paula Danziger Kendra Kaye and Frank Lee try to find time to be alone on their trip to France, despite their parents' European scavenger hunt and Kendra's meddling little brother.
	The Espressologist by Kristina Springer Barista Jane Turner becomes a local celebrity when she begins using coffee orders to match up her customers.
	Icing on the Lake by Catherine Clark Kirsten comes to Minneapolis to help her sister, who recently broke her leg and has a small son. There she meets the Benson brothers, one of whom just might be her perfect guy!
	Thrill Ride by Rachel Hawthorne During her summer working at an amusement park, Megan is caught between her boyfriend at home, and her new interest in coworker Parker.
	Jean and Johnny by Beverly Cleary Jean and Johnny fall in love 1950's style. Jean must ultimately decide if Johnny is really good enough for her.

Gettin Crafty Post #14: Community Helpers Stick Puppets

For an introduction to this series of Gettin' Crafty posts, visit Post #1.

I. Supplies

• Crayons
• Popsicle Sticks
• Glue Sticks
• Community Helpers Templates

II. Prep

There is no real prep for this activity, other than setting out the supplies. I made 20 or so copies of each of the templates, and provided the supplies above. 

III. Instructions

Color and cut out the desired community helpers. Use glue or tape to fasten popsicle sticks to the puppets. They make a great prop for singing Who Are The People in Your Neighborhood?.