I really enjoy having a three-day weekend, I feel like I can get things accomplished at home, run errands, and still have time to relax and hang out with friends. Fireworks, a great cook-out, some pool time and a trip to Home Depot made for a great weekend (and I got back to the gym this morning)! This is a busy week for our library will a ton of programs being offered all week long, but my Monday starts with parachute story time. This week we’re focusing on reading, our third out of the five early literacy skills as defined by ECRR 2. I love all of these books this week for different reasons, but I think they are all really great books to read in story time. Lola Loves Stories is a great book about a love of reading in a little girl, who also happens to be African American and has a hands-on family with both her mom and dad reading stories to her all during the week. Maybe a Bear Ate It brings out my dramatic side as the young character has lost his beloved book and now can’t fall asleep – lots of yelling ensues. And Open This Little Book is such a uniquely made book, that I’m hoping the kids will be enthralled with something so different. Now, if I can just get my parents excited to be a part of story time and become an active participant, I’ll be good to go! Opening Traditional: Put Your Hands Up In the Air & Open Shut Them Parachute: “Rockin’ the Chute” (Shakin’ the Chute: Fitness with a Parachute – Michael Plunkett) & My Wiggles Puppet: Meet Willy (monkey) and give high fives! Early Literacy Tip/Story Stretcher: Reading together is the single most important way to help children get ready to read. It increases vocabulary and general knowledge and teaches children how books work. ASL Sign: Read (use “2” hand to “read” a page (flat non-dominant hand)) Book 1: Lola Loves Stories by, Anna McQuinn Transition Traditional (fine motor): 5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed Parachute (popcorn): “Sandy River Belle” (Putumayo Kids Presents: European Playground) Book 2: Maybe a Bear Ate It by, Robie H. Harris Transition (changes weekly) Traditional (gross motor): “Clap Your Hands” (No! – They May Be Giants) Parachute: “Mah Na Mah Na & A Side of Aunt B’s Grits” (Indian Elephant Tea – The Big Kidz Band) Book 3: Open This Little Book by, Jesse Klausmeier Closing Traditional: Shake Your Sillies Out Puppet Show Parachute: “Mbube” (Putumayo Kids Presents: African Playground)