Subscribe to this pageSigning at Storytime
Today's storytime for little ones (ages 0-24 months) had a little extra surprise. Ruth Briggs joined us, and introduced some basic sign language. She also talked about how signing with young children helps them express themselves before they can talk, and that decreases frustration. We laughed as we incorporated some signs into the stories and songs. What a great combination: we had books, music, sign language, colors and numbers all working together to reinforce language development! There's only one week left of this session, and I'm already looking forward to more storytimes this summer. Read moreDrum Up Some Fun
I was at a storytelling workshop once when the person in front started tossing (well, PASSing) drums out into the audience until everyone in the room had one. Then he got us all beating rhythms, and laughing, and just having fun with the sounds we were creating. Now, this was nearly twenty years ago, and I still remember how much fun it was. So I thought it would be great to have that same person come to the Puyallup Public Library.
Read morePeanut Butter Playdough
As I was making cookies the other day, I thought about how much fun I used to have in the kitchen with my cousin's kids. We would make all sorts of things! They did the measuring (never realizing it was math!) and stirring, and rolling (fine motor skills!) and we just had fun! If you are looking for a great way to have fun in the kitchen, here are two play dough recipes that kids can help make and enjoy. If you get hungry, help yourself—these are edible. And if you play on top of waxed paper, it’s easy to clean up!
Peanut Butter Play Dough: Mix equal parts of peanut butter and nonfat dry milk in a large bowl.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Play Dough: Blend: 2 c. peanut butter, 1 lb. powdered sugar, 1 stick butter, softened. Melt 1 small (6 oz) pkg. chocolate chips in microwave or over double boiler. (Heat just until chips start to soften. They will melt the rest of the way as you stir.) Add to peanut butter mixture, knead to make a smooth dough.
TumbleBook Library
Have you discovered TumbleBook Library on our website? It's a fun way to read books, right on the computer. The stories are animated, and you can choose whether to read the text, or have it read to you. There are lots of books, and some even have "Word Help" to make it easier to sound out words. You will also find book-related puzzles and games to play. Stories are available in 4 languages, too!
You will find TumbleBook Library in two places on our website: When you click on the "Kids" tab, just scroll down the page and you will see where to click. Or click on the Catalog and More tab, and go down to reference databases. It's listed under Interactive Books.
Check Out Our Theme Boxes !
Theme boxes now check out for 4 weeks instead of 2!
“What’s a theme box?” you ask? It’s a box containing books and related items - puppets, toys, CDs, DVDs - all pertaining to a particular theme. For instance, a unit on firefighters might include several books as well as firefighter’s hats, a puzzle, a DVD, a model fire engine and a book of activity ideas.
Read moreFall Thoughts
Fall is definitely in the air. The trees are turning beautiful colors, leaves are falling to the ground.
Read more"Ready for School, Ready for Life"
It's back to school time!!!
KING 5 TV and Thrive by Five Washington did a special on what it means to be "kindergarten-ready", why it's important, and the impact we can have on a child's life.
Read moreSummer Reading!
Summer Reading is going strong! Have you read your ten hours yet? Lots of kids have claimed their free book and other prizes, and the special programs each week have been great! Mikael the Mime had everyone laughing last week with the kitten who kept trying to steal the show. Earlier this summer, Kim Zeiger showed how to create art with dots of color, proving that pointillism isn't so scary. And we laughed ourselves silly with the Chicken Dance.
There are still two programs left-- Radical Reactions with Pacific Science Center on Aug. 7., and the Parrot Lady on Aug. 14. What a great way to make it fun to keep reading during the summer!