Not So Terrible

Well, not to blow your minds or anything, but it turns out the 2-year-olds really aren't the malicious, meandering, librarian-munchers I always thought they were. They're mostly doll-faces, and it's not difficult to get excited about story-timing for them. Even the grown-ups were more into it than I expected and I think that's partly because I ditched the red chairs (I mean, HID THEM IN THE STORAGE CLOSET) so the kids are still sticking to their caregivers a bit, especially in the beginning.

I've settled on a new opener--bye-bye "Thumpkin"--"Clap Your Hands" from Wiggleworms. Oh, and a new closer: "Kitty Kat, Kitty Kat," which is, of course, just "Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear" with my buddy Schnorgle. I borrowed something from Lori and have started using Schnorgle to give the kids farewell kisses/hugs.

I'm still struggling with book selection for 2s because they're just so in-betweeny, so if you know of any sure-fire hits, I'd love to hear about them.

Babar moving

We are moving the Babar books over to favorite friends.

New session, new book

Well, my fall ST session kicked off this morning with a fun and good-sized (25 kids) group of 2s. I took a (lazy) chance and left all the red chairs in the storage closet, after hearing Rory's rationale for not using them with her 2s, and actually liked it that way - no big problems, and kids (mainly) kept in their own spots on the rug.

Besides doing 2 classic titles (Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Do Pigs Have Stripes?), I tried a new picturebook right off the new title cart. I have never done Wiggle or Bounce in STs, but I thought this lastest one by Cronin had potential. I knew Stretch was too long for 2s, so I just read 3/4 of it. I should have read about 2/3 of it, as it did start to, um, stretch on for too long. However, the kids definitely liked most of it, and it would probably work very well for 3 and 4 year olds....so, I'll use it with my Preschool group on Friday and let you know how it goes.

Who Would Go First?

I suspect this was funnier before September 1, but I think we can still relate.

Shelf Check 353: I Had A Dream.

via under the covers

Hilarious, or just sad?

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/oakbrook/news/1759764,oak-brook-dogdance-091009-s1.article

I propose that Andy hire the dancing dogs-- that, or maybe some singing cats?

And Sometimes We Love You Back

That is a large frog.

http://mowillemsdoodles.blogspot.com/2009/09/big-frog-cant-fit-in-sizzle.html

In non-frog related news, Longfellow school's author night on September 23 will feature John Sciezka and David Shannon reading from their new book Robot Zot and signing! Across the street from my house! Cool.

Gennie

Road Trip!

I'm excited about our upcoming road trip to Waukegan Public Library. For those of you who can't make the trek, here's a virtual tour for you: http://www.waukeganpl.org/kids/elc.html. We might have time to visit one other library on our way, so send in your votes for your favorite destination.

1. Warren-Newport PL in Gurnee (closest)

2. Des Plaines PL

3. Park Ridge PL

4. Skokie PL

5. Evanston PL (might be a little too far east?)

6. Deerfield PL (isn't this where Kate is?)

7. Arlington Heights PL (might be a little too far west?)

I tried to pick ones that were close to either 294 or 94.

Any suggestions on where we should eat around Waukegan?