Story Time at the Library

Today at the library, and age-old question was answered: "Are monsters real?" Miss Laura, the eminent story teller at the library, says "No" and I am inclined to believe her. Laura Flynn is a Siloam Springs resident who taught school for thirty years and for the past eight years has been conducting the library's weekly story time.

Singing "Tooty Ta" by Dr. Jean & Friends

Each Thursday at 11:00 a large group of preschoolers gathers for about an hour to hear stories, sing songs and enjoy various crafts and activities. There is usually a theme each week, with corresponding stories. Today Miss Laura focused on classics, such as Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes and The Three Billy Goats Gruff, which paved the way for the discussion on monsters. Miss Laura is intentional and thoughtful about her story times, incorporating numerous learning opportunities, discussion questions and chances to "get the wiggles out".

The children enjoying "Stop & Go" by Ella Jenkins

Each week begins with Miss Laura bringing out Clifford, a small red dog puppet, who "jumps" along with the children of each age group. The group consists mainly of three and four-year-olds. The content and activities are geared primarily to this age group. Along with hearing the stories and songs, the children are encouraged to sit quietly and listen, valuable skills for children of any age.

One of my favorite parts of story time is when Miss Laura discusses the current month, and she reads from Chicken Soup with Rice: A Book of Months by Maurice Sendak. When I was little, that was a real favorite of mine, and it's fun to see my son enjoy it as well. So, if you are a three to five-year-old and you like to learn, get ready to "criss cross applesauce" and visit the library for story time.

The library also offers a host of other programs: a home school program every Tuesday at 10:00, a teen program every Thursday at 5:00, an after school program Thursdays at 3:30, a bi-lingual program every Monday at 10:00, and a 2nd Saturday Family Movie at 10:00. For more information, call 524-4236.

The kids each recieved a "Read" temporary tattoo. Fun!