This week I’m heading back to DC with Cameron (for more pool time at the Wilson Aquatic Center!) so I decided to do a little research on the local Library (the Chevy Chase branch located at 5625 Connecticut Avenue) to see what sorts of baby friendly reading programs they have in case we’ve got some spare time. Here’s what I found listed on the Friends of the Chevy Chase Library web site. Looks like they’ve got some good offerings!
Chevy Chase Library (via flickr)
Baby Time!
Thursdays at 9:30 am
Books, Lullabies, and Bonding
A program intended for babies and their caregivers
Story Time!
Thursdays at 10 am
Stories, Songs, and So Much More
A program intended for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers
Family Time!
Wednesdays at 7 pm
Stories, Arts & Crafts, and FUN
A program intended for children and their family members
I don’t think we will make Baby Time on this visit, but we will try to in the future! I think this just goes to show that you should check with your local library to see what kinds of things they have to offer you and your little one.
On Tuesday Cameron and I headed out to Clinton Hill Library (380 Washington Ave) for Reading with Babies, and a break from the rain. When I got to the library I saw a sign posted that there wouldn’t be any story time until March 2nd, and that they were showing a Sesame Street movie instead. I was a little disappointed, but I wanted to check out the Children’s section of the library anyways because I had heard it was a nice place for kids to play – story time, or no. Indeed, I was not let down.
Cameron plays with the bead maze
There was plenty of space for Cameron to roam around, and a few other babies there. So many books were at his level, and I didn’t feel bad about him taking them off the shelves himself and taking a peek at them (I just followed him around and put them back). There were also a few toys for the kids.
So many books to choose from
Overall, it was a nice place to take Cameron when the weather is bad, so we will certainly be back!
I was over at another mom’s house recently and she was telling me about a great website that her daughter loves, which is also educational. It’s called Starfall.com – I checked it out with Cameron, and he really enjoys it. The site has different levels of reading and phonics help for different aged children – we stuck with the A B C’s for now!
Pick a letter, any letter!
All the letters of the alphabet are laid out, clicking on each one brings up a small interactive display about each letter – what it sounds like, what it looks like (upper and lower case,) some words starting with and containing each letter, with some pictures or animation, and in some cases a small game. There is also a section on sign language.
A is for....
B is for... GRR!
C is for... Cameron's favorite. He loves Cats!
The displays are easy to navigate, and although Cameron isn’t using the mouse yet, I think given his expertise with the iPhone, it won’t be long before he won’t need my help at all. So check out Starfall.com with your little learner!
The recent news about Baby Einstien, and all the people who have pointed out said news to me has prompted me to start a new series here on Mommy FTW – Don’t be ashamed mommy! (Many more of these to come, I am sure – next up – using formula)
You might have heard that Baby Einstien is issuing credits for their DVD’s and other materials because they marketed their items as “educational.” A lot of my friends know that when Cameron was little (and today still, although less so) I used Baby Einstien DVDs to help out with his tummy time (it was the only way he would tollerate the amount of time that my pediatrician as well as others who shall remain nameless told me I MUST DO!) as well as to give me some time to get some things done around the house like do the dishes, laundry, etc. Now it is part of his nap and bed time routine, more as background music (baby Bach, and baby Beethoven) since he is more interested in other things than the screen.
Do I intend to raise Cameron on TV? No. Is it OK to use TV in limited doses when you need a little help? Yes. Am I ruining Cameron for life? Well, the SAT scores aren’t going to be in for awhile, but I am guessing No. I am sure some people would disagree with me – but I’m here to say it’s OK if you can’t be super mom. In fact, I am betting that if you are concerned enough to even be thinking about it and reading this post you are a pretty good mom who loves your kid. So, don’t be ashamed mommy! 
Bath letters with more than one use – check out Sassy Bath Time fun Appliques at Amazon.com – fun in the bath, and excellent chew toys for teething babies. A few moms had brought these to play group in Fort Greene park and Cameron really loved chewing on them…. so I bought them for chewing, and of course, bath time. Cameron (and mom) has a lot of fun with them! They stick easily to the wall when wet – and I am sure they will be a favorite for a long time.
Last night at mom’s night out, a mommy said she loved my post about bath books, but was looking for some in Spanish. I said I would do my best to find her some:
Conejo no se queire banar
Que Flota
Safari en el rio
I didn’t have much luck at amazon.com – but I found these at barnes and noble. Only the first one is available new, the other two you can buy used through the barnes and noble site. Sadly, it was pretty challenging to find these books!
BONUS: get 10% off at barnes and noble by using the code H8J3U7N – expires 10/19
PS: I know I am missing some ~ and ` in there, but I don’t know how to add them over letters. Woe is me!
The Reading for Babies program at Clinton Hill Library has been on break for the last two weeks, and boy did Cameron and I miss it! But, it starts up again tomorrow, Tuesday August 18th at 10:45 and 11:30 am. See you there!
I read to Cameron at least twice a day – thanks to Grandma and Grampa he has lots of books to choose from! We also go to the Clinton Hill Library every week for their reading with babies program. For those of you who would like to get more books into your little one’s lives, check out these two coupons:
Click here for the printable coupon
A Borders Printable Coupon for 40% off one item (in store) Expires 8/9/09
A Barnes and Noble Coupon Code for 10% off one item – use code R7X9J4X Expires 8/17/09
