Boost Your Baby's Learning Skills with Reading and Play

Now that school is back in session here are some resources you can explore for the younger siblings at home.

This is a perfect time to bring your little one into the Library’s Children’s Room. There is so much for children to enjoy in the Iowa City Public Library's Children’s Room!  Check out our educational toys, puppets, puzzles, and music, readalong books, storytime kits, board books and extensive collection of picture books.

Looking for parenting resources? Interested in your child’s development? Thinking about teaching your baby sign language? Do you want to find new activities for your baby or toddler? Look in our Parent/Teacher Collection  found in the Children's Room for resource to help you.

Reading to baby is a great way to boost development and early reading skills. A baby's brain development and growth occurs in the first three years of life and is greater than any other time in human development. Parents can foster language skills by reading, talking, singing, and playing with their baby.  Rhymes soothe and entertain babies and they give parents something to do with their infant. If you haven't brushed up on your nursery rhyme skills, check out this simple and fun book. Humpty Who? A Crash Course in 80 Nursery Rhymes for Clueless Moms and Dads by Jennifer Griffen. This title includes a sing-along CD with 35 songs.

These days there is much being written about the benefits of baby sign language. Try learning some simple signs with your child. Signing empowers babies to communicate their fears, hurts, and feeling and have conversations before they can speak. Studies show babies have fewer frustrations and fewer tantrums. Two wonderful little books teaching baby sign language and singing along with signs can be found in our Parent/Teacher collection:

Baby Sign Language Basics: Early Communication for Hearing Babies and Toddlers by Monta Z Briant.

Songs for Little Hands by Monta Z. Briant and Susan Z.

Babybug Magazine for Babies 6mo-3yrs
Babybug is a board-book style magazine with short stories, poetry and activities written by children's writers and artists.

New baby and toddler books:

Snug by Carol Thompson. Tough card format, perfect for babies and toddlers.

Time for a Hug by Phillis Gershator.

When is it time for a hug? Anytime! This feel-good picture book assures kids there's plenty of love to go around-the-clock.

When My Baby Dreams by Adele Enersen

A new mother watches her baby sleep, imagining the adventures she is having in her dreams.

Everything I Need to Know Before I’m Five by Valorie Fisher.

This book covers the alphabet, counting, opposites, shapes, colors, and seasons and uses bright photos of retro toys to illustrate these topics.

In the Children’s Room, we welcome everyone the challenge of helping you find whatever you are looking for to assist in parenting your baby. We hope to see you soon at the Iowa City Public Library Children’s Room!

Get more Early Literacy resources for your young child by visiting http://www.icpl.org/kids/early-literacy.php.