Classroom Helpers

In my articles, I focus primarily on books and materials considered to be ideal for children and their parents. But with the 2007-2008 school year in full swing, I thought it would be an opportune time to highlight the many wonderful resources the 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 Autumn to the Zoo! Each tote is filled with everything a teacher needs to create a fun and interesting lesson. Included is a Big Book, numerous picture books, and a list of suggested activities. These kits are especially suitable for the first-year teacher and those wishing to improve their current curriculums. With 23 lively themes to choose from, Story ‘N Stuff Kits are sure to stimulate classroom learning.

A Big Book is just what its name implies. These monstrous texts are perfect for 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, “Color of his own” by Leo Lionni, and “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle. New texts are also available such as “Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type” by Doreen Cronin, “No, David!” by Shannon David, and “What Mommies/Daddies Do Best” by Laura Numeroff. Over 155 titles are housed in this collection, so chances are good that the desired book will be available when needed.

The Columbus Public Library also offers “Story Stretchers.” These useful texts supply instructors with fun literary activities they can do with their students. A few of the many titles featured in this series 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. All teachers need to do is 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 create enriching lessons. If you have questions regarding the items mentioned or would like to know about other quality educational materials, stop by the Columbus Public Library or give me a call.

Parents and grandparents don’t forget to mark your calendars for Thursday, September 13. That is the day a new session of Story Time will begin. Story Time is every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. This program, geared for children ages 2 1/2-6 years, is packed with great stories, awesome finger plays, fun songs and whimsical poems. It’s guaranteed to develop the life-long reader in every child.

In conjunction with Story Time is a brand new program called StoryArt (one word). This event follows a similar format as a regular story time, but finishes with an exciting hands-on creative arts project lead by myself and the staff of the Columbus Art Gallery. Children will leave every session of StoryArt with their very own little masterpieces that can be displayed at home. For more information about Story Time or StoryArt, contact me at 564-7116.