Parents

Poems and Fingerplays

All Around the Barnyard

All around the barnyard
The animals are fast asleep.
Sleeping cows and horses,
Sleeping pigs and sheep. (Rest cheek on folded hands)
Here comes the cocky rooster
To sound his daily alarm.
"Cock-a-doodle-doo!
Wake up sleepy farm!" (Flap arms at sides and crow.)

Baby Frogs

(Tune: Mary Had a Little Lamb)
Tadpoles are little baby frogs, baby frogs, baby frogs.
Tadpoles are little baby frogs
They can swim like fish.
Tadpoles grow four legs, four legs, four legs.
Tadpoles grow four legs.
They can hop, hop, hop.

Baby Robins

Five baby robins watch Daddy Robin soar; (hold up 5 fingers)
One baby leaves the nest, and now there are four. (thumb)
Four baby robins, high up in a tree;
One flies to catch a worm, and now there are three. (index)
Three baby robins had nothing to do;

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Parents

Storytime Success

Infants

Developmental characteristics

Recognizes and looks for familiar voices and sounds
Explores objects by touching, shaking, banging or mouthing
Babbles expresively as if talking
Imitates sounds, facial expressions and actions made by others

Advice

It is never too early to begin reading to a child. Hearing the rhythm of stories, even as a newborn, is both soothing and important for developing literacy
If it is too difficult to hold both baby and book, then just tell stories that you know. Use hand motions, facial expressions and baby's toys to "illustrate" your story
Speak clearly and expressively. Even if they don't understand all the words of a story, you are conveying meaning through emotion
Repeat sections when the child shows interest
Ask questions about the story. (ex: What color is that house?

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Parents

Childrens Program Registration FAQs

Where do I go to register for programs?

You can browse through our program guide, or search the library catalog.

I don't have a library card. Can I still register for programs?

You must have an updated orange CPL library card to register for any Storytime. An updated CPL card or an updated TLN reciprocal borrowers' card is required for most other programs. If you would like to apply for or purchase a Canton Public Library card, please come to the library or go to our online application. If you need to update your card, please visit the library's circulation desk.

I have a library card, but I am unable to register for a program

There could be several things blocking you from registering:

You may be the wrong age for the program.

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Parents

Parents

General Information

AlphaMom — Videos and columns discussing many aspects of parenting
PBS Parents — Features, advice and educational activities for parents and caregivers of young children