Teachers’ Aids!!

In my articles, I focus primarily on books and materials considered to be ideal for children and their parents. But with the 2006-2007 school year in full swing, I thought it would be an opportune time to highlight the many wonderful resources Columbus Public Library has to offer the educators in our community.

Stories ‘N Stuff Kits are theme-based bags that cover a wide range of topics from bugs to school. Each kit is filled with everything a teacher needs to create a fun and interesting lesson. Included are big books, picture books, and a list of suggested activities. These kits are especially suitable for new teachers or those who wish to improve their curriculums. With 23 themes from which to choose, Story ‘N Stuff Kits are sure to stimulate classroom learning.

A big book is just what its name implies. These monstrous texts are ideal for reading in classroom settings because the oversized pages are easily seen by eager eyes. Titles in this collection include classics like “Chicken Soup with Rice” by Maurice Sendak, “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Brown, “The Snow Day” by Ezra Keats, and “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter. New texts are also available such as “Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type” by Doreen Cronin, “Mrs. McNosh Hangs up Her Wash” by Sara Weeks, and “If You Give a Pig a Pancake” by Laura Numeroff. Over 130 titles are housed in this collection, so chances are good a desired book will be available on any given theme.

Columbus Public Library also offers Story Stretchers. These useful texts supply instructors with fun activities they can do with their students, using both picture and chapter books. Some of the titles featured are “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” by Laura Numeroff, “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” by Judith Viorst, “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak, “Frog and Toad Together” by Arnold Lobel, and “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White. The activities are explained in depth. Teachers need only follow the directions provided and their lessons are sure to be successful.

If you’re a teacher and are looking for ways to improve the quality of education in your classroom, remember that the Columbus Public Library has a number of excellent resources guaranteed to help you create enriching lessons. If you have questions regarding the items mentioned in this article or would like to know about other resources, feel free to contact me at 564-7116 opt. 4.

Parents don’t forget to mark your calendars for Wednesday, September 13. That is the day a new session of Story Time will begin. Story Time is offered every Wednesday at 1:30 and Thursday at 10:30. This program, geared for children 3-6 years, is pack with great stories, awesome crafts, fun songs and fingerplays, and is guaranteed to develop the life-long reader in every child.