Hey Baby!: Story time Tips for Babies

Babies are a tough crowd. Their attention span makes a New York Minute look endless and they love to feel and tear at the pages of books. So what is an infant teacher gonna do? Pack up the stories and run for the hills. No way, Jose! The following tips will have you up for the great baby book challenge called story time in no time flat!

1. Make sure the plot line is simple and baby friendly. You can't go wrong with the following topics: cuddly creatures (dogs, kitties, and bunnies), colors, flowers and things that go: cars, trucks etc.(especially for boys).
2. Text should be minimal. Overly wordy books don't mesh well with a baby's short attention span. Rhyming and silly sayings bring out the giggles. 
3. The books you choose your be "baby-proof". You know those little teethers love to chew on books like beavers. Board books are the best bet. These books have babies in mind. They are made out of coated cardboard that is basically indestructible.
4. Bold and colorful illustrations are a bust. Itty-bitty, black and white or plain drawings will leave babies looking for another activity as fast as possible. 
5. Develop a daily story time schedule. While babies are too young to understand temporal concepts, they crave a set schedule. Plan to perform your story time at a time of day when the babies are fully rested and fed in order to receive their undivided attention. 
6. Create story time rituals. Sing a welcome and closing story time song. My favorite is a shortened version of Laurie Berkner's "These Are My Glasses". If you do not feel comfortable with your own singing voice, you can find this song on her Buzz, Buzz CD. 
7. Add props to the story time experience. A fun activity is dancing with scarves to music, blowing bubbles at the end of the story time, retelling a short song or rhyme such as "Mary Had a Little Lamb" using a felt or flannel board or magnet board. These are very simple to buy or make. See a future post on how to make a flannel board. 
8. Your voice should be lively and bright. Make silly voices for various characters and funny faces. Remember, babies as well as adults tend to not listen to monotone voices. When working with babies you need to swallow your pride and be prepared to become a dancing bear. 
9. Most importantly, have fun and be yourself! The babies will love you!

Best Authors For Babies

Sandra Boyton 

Byron Barton

Karen Katz (Lift-the-Flap books are especially fun!)

These Are My Glasses by Laurie Berkner
These are my glasses,
This is my book.
I put on my glasses,
and open up the book. 
Now I read, read, read
and I look, look, look. 
I put down my glasses, 
and whoop close up the book. 

Laurie Berkner singing "These Are My Glasses"