Reading doesn’t have to be a passive activity. Sure it can be restful and a time to escape but it can also be a time to dance, move, shake and sing! So this summer read these books, shake your tail and sing along to have fun with your little ones.
The Croaky Pokey!
by Ethan Long
Get this new variation of everyone’s old favorite stuck in your head this summer! Illustrations of silly frogs will help your child learn right from left as well as get you up and moving. Moving is really what it’s all about!
Dance with Me
by Charles R. Smith, Jr., illustrated by Nora Z. Jones
Do what this book says for bundles of fun. Looking for more to do? Make your own shakers and shake along with the beat of the book. Find some simple instructions for homemade water bottle shakers here: http://bit.ly/1hRZkDF
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
by Bill Martin, Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle
Did you know that you can sing this classic to Twinkle Twinkle? Who knew? Try it! It will quickly become a family favorite. Pretend to be animals, dress up in the different colors or try drawing the animals on the sidewalk outside. After you are done drawing, read the book outside with your pictures!
Miss Mary Mack: A Hand-Clapping Rhyme
by Mary Ann Hoberman, illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott
Think you can’t sing? Well, can you clap? This childhood recess favorite can be your new backyard clapping game! The instructions for clapping are in the front but if you need some extra help visualizing the clapping watch this video: http://youtu.be/q-Xcw3T-vQs
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
Perfect for an all-family read and an all-family adventure! Maybe after reading this, your family can go on a bear hunt too (tip: try hiding a stuffed animal somewhere outside and go find it).
Down by the Bay
by Raffi, illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott
Remember singing this one at camp? Even if you don’t, you can sing it now with your family. It is a very silly song with lots of repetition and rhyme. I’m sure your children can come up with other made up verses if they tried. Raffi sings the song http://youtu.be/-CSxGHve60E, so learn it and love it!
Looking for more children’s songs and rhymes? Check out these links. They’re great for car rides too!
http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/games/songs/index.htm
http://vimeo.com/vapldyouthservices
Find your local public library here: http://bit.ly/NEILlibs
Once you have your library card, it is good at any library in Illinois! Ask a librarian for books that will get you up moving and singing!
You can get more Early Literacy picks from Heather’s Blog: Little Literacy Librarian. Connect with the Vernon Area Public Library District:
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On Pinterest? Check out the VAPLD new board As Seen on Little Lake County!
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