Autumn Has Arrived
By Jennifer in the Youth Services Office
Autumn has officially arrived! The crisp fall air brings new sights, sounds and learning opportunities. If your child has shown interest or uttered their version of “I can do it myself,” Autumn is a great time to focus on dressing for the cooler weather. Tugging on a hat, zipping up a jacket or pulling on a pair of socks can keep your little one warm while working the same muscles they use to turn pages in a book or hold a pencil. From the earliest days of pushing one arm into a shirt sleeve to independently tying shoelaces, independent dressing can improve coordination, memory, sequencing, spatial awareness and confidence. Once your child masters a skill, you can introduce new directional vocabulary, such as over, under or on top.
Here are a few suggestions to get your child interested in dressing skills. Be sure to ask your librarian for more! Also, there is still time to check out a Socktober Storytime and donate gently-used socks to Ambassadors for Children. You can find upcoming events on our Kids Programs page.
Sweater Weather by Matt Phelan. The air is crisp, and the leaves are bright--it's the perfect autumn day to enjoy the outdoors. Papa Bear instructs his cubs to put on their sweaters and patiently waits downstairs. He learns that getting ready is no simple task when he checks on them. But even if this lovable bear family misses out on their planned outing, the evening sky still holds a beautiful surprise.
Hat On, Hat Off by Theo Heras; illustrations by Renné Benoit. It's time for this little one to go out. But which hat will he choose? Red hat, blue hat, striped hat, penguin hat, teddy bear hat? Once that decision is made, that hat just doesn't stay on, while shoes are tied and a jacket is buttoned. One more visit to the potty. And once this child is in the stroller, at last, will that hat be on his head?
Do I Have to Wear a Coat? A Journey Through the Seasons by Rachel Isadora. All four seasons are full of beautiful things that make them fun and special, and the children in this delightful book share some of the highlights (and some pretty nifty clothes)! Spring brings berries, baby animals, cool showers - and raincoats. Summer brings warm breezes, the best beach weather - and no more coats! In the fall, we play in the leaves and pumpkin patches - and wrap up in cozy sweaters. And winter brings ice skating and all kinds of snowy outdoor fun - but we need to bundle up in our heaviest coats!
Bella's Fall Coat by Lynn Plourde; illustrated by Susan Gal. Bella loves the sights and sounds of fall--the crinkle-crackle of fallen leaves, the crunch of crisp, red apples and the honking and flapping of migrating geese. She wants the season to last forever. She also wants her fall coat--the one her Grams made especially for her - to last forever. But the coat is worn-out and too small... With a snip and a whir, Grams makes sure Bella will be warm when the first snowflakes fall. And Bella finds a perfect use for her old favorite coat - on the first snowman of the season. Adorned with beautiful fall oranges, reds, and yellows, and sprinkled with fun sound words, this read-aloud will help families celebrate both fall and winter.
Questions or need more ideas? Email racingtoread@thelibrary.org
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