Tag: books

Three Early Learning Mistakes to Avoid in 2026

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Welcome to my community media space for music and learning!

Happy New Year!

Enjoy Ingrid Christina’s original song for ringing in the new year.

2025 was a big year for Sing, Rhyme and Play.

One (1) big international move.

Six hundred (600) streams.

One thousand (1k) live show attendees.

One thousand eight hundred (1.8k) website views.

One hundred seven thousand (107k) video views.

What’s missing from this list? Books!

That’s right. Stay tuned for news of books coming out in 2026.

Thank you for being here with us!

Ingrid Christina and family wish you a happy new year! Enjoy this ukulele performance of the classic NYE song, “Auld Lang Syne,” for times past.

Three early learning mistakes to avoid in 2026!

What are your New Year’s Resolutions? Mine are to stop making three common early learning mistakes. Will you join me?

1. Stop thinking you can’t sing.

If you’re self-taught, like me, you’ll never forget those voices that said you couldn’t sing. Maybe those were others’ voices; maybe they were your own. Regardless, you can tell those voices to shut it. It doesn’t matter if you can sing! You don’t have to sound good to get people to feel comfortable and want to learn from you. You only have to sound happy. So enjoy singing, and you’ll sound better than you think.

2. Stop skipping your daily twenty minutes of reading.

Reading aloud to children for just twenty minutes a day exposes them to 1.8 million words per year and sets the stage for all future learning. Yes, it’s that easy and that impactful. Reading together is also just a really good habit and feel-good ritual. We all need to slow down and turn off our screens. We all need to connect with each other in person. So set that twenty minutes aside for reading together and protect it like it’s therapy.

3. Stop thinking your kids are too young. Or too old.

There’s no such thing as a kid that’s too old or too young to read to. In utero is a good time to start. And when they’re older and no longer want to be read to (this will be later than you think) let them see you reading for your own pleasure. Show them that they’re important enough to make the time for. Show them that reading is something you do for yourself too. Bonus points: Apply the same advice to singing.

What do you think? Are these three resolutions doable? If we commit to avoiding these early learning mistakes in 2026, the year will be fun for everyone!

Your Take – What are your New Year’s Resolutions?

Quote of the Week

When we fall down we get back up!

Rose Lani

Featured Creator

Like and comment on this video to propel Rose Lani to full-length albumhood!

Rose Lani, you did it! Please join me in offering huge congratulations to Rose Lani for surpassing 90% of her crowdfunding goal. Rose ran an excellent campaign to fund her upcoming children’s album. She’s almost there with a solid plan for earning the last 10%. I am so proud and inspired. Make sure you subscribe to her newsletter here to get updates as the album gets underway. Go, Rose Lani, go!

Final Thoughts

We’re so glad you came! Until next time …

◊ Like, comment, and share this post.

◊ Stream us on Apple Music, Spotify, Soundcloud, etc.

◊ Visit Storytime Solidarity.

◊ Be the world we want for our kids!

Ingrid Christina with a yellow bucket hat, a blue shirt, and their ukulele. Text reads, "Sing, Rhyme, and Play" and "The Sing Rhyme and Play Song."

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Contact

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Support Your Local Bookstore and Rose Lani!

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Welcome to my community media space for music and learning!

Hot Take

Don’t forget your local bookstore this holiday shopping season!

Sing, Rhyme, and Play loves libraries, of course! But there are times when it’s best to *buy* instead of borrow books. Holiday shopping is one of them!

Books make great gifts. For birthdays *and* holidays. And your local bookstore is where to get them.

I’m proud to call Wildwood Bookstore & Market my new local literature boutique.

Later, I’ll tell you something else exciting I’m doing with them this December.

But first, who’s your favorite local bookstore? Give them a plug in the comments, below!

Enjoy Ingrid Christina’s musical PSA for holiday shopping at small bookstores.

A note from Kate Reynolds, the Lavender Librarian.

The holidays are a great time to support your local bookstore. I recommend local bookshops even for people who don’t have kids in their lives. High quality children’s books—like the ones on many banned book lists—make great donations to toy drives and family shelters. If you don’t know which books to get for a child, you can always give them gift certificates. Some kids really want to choose their own books. The specifics are less important than showing children books are valuable. And local retailers are the best place to find them! The knowledge of the staff, and that special bookstore magic, you just can’t get in a big place. Some things we lose if we don’t use—and bookstores are one of them. I’ll take any excuse to support a local bookstore!

Your Take – What kinds of books make great gifts?

Quote of the Week

Some things we lose if we don’t use, and bookstores are one of them.

Lavender Librarian Kate Reynolds

Featured Creator

Once again, we’re lifting up Rose Lani! She’s 1/3 of the way to launching her first children’s album (that the world needs!) and we can make it happen. Watch her video and help out here. I did, and I won a prize—tell you what it is if you help out too!

Important Dates

Attend a Sing, Rhyme, and Play Program with Ms. Christina

◊ Winter Whimsy at Wildwood Bookstore with special guest, Ingrid Christina. (That’s me!)

Didn’t I tell you local bookstores were awesome? Come by Wildwood Bookstore & Market in Milton, Ontario on Saturday, 13. December, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. for holiday cheer. And from 2-3 p.m. to hear songs and stories from me!

If you’re not in the neighbourhood, go check out what’s happening this month at your own local bookstore! Also …

◊ Happy New Year to You and Yours!

Ingrid Christina wishes you and your loved ones the happiest of new years!

Here’s to another wonderful year of singing, rhyming, and playing together. Welcome, 2026!

Final Thoughts

We’re so glad you came! Until next time …

◊ Like, comment, and share this post.

◊ Stream us on Apple Music, Spotify, Soundcloud, etc.

◊ Visit Storytime Solidarity.

◊ Be the world we want for our kids!

Ingrid Christina with a yellow bucket hat, a blue shirt, and their ukulele. Text reads, "Sing, Rhyme, and Play" and "The Sing Rhyme and Play Song."

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Contact

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Music and the Mind and Launching Rose Lani!

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Welcome to my community media space for music and learning!

Hot Takes

  • "The first language that we hear is music." ~Indre Viskontas, neuroscientist/soprano
  • "Singing together increases dopamine and oxytocin and reduces cortisol." ~Renée Fleming, world-renowned soprano
  • "The more we sing together, the happier we'll be." ~Raffi, children's musician
  • "In an epidemic of loneliness and isolation, we have a moral imperative to foster positive social connection." ~Renée Fleming, world-renowned soprano
  • "Music is the melody of empathy." ~Evan Solomon, Member of Parliament Canada

Burning Questions

  • Who doesn’t love a good tune?
  • What are the benefits of singing together?
  • When to start making music with children?
  • Where, in our bodies, does music affect us?
  • Why does music connect us?
  • How can music heal us?

On 31. October, I attended the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Smart Start Symposium: Music and the Mind. And I got to hear a world-renowned soprano, a neuroscientist, an Olympic athlete, a Member of Parliament, and Raffi answer all of the above questions.

Music is the medicine!

In sum, the evidence is mounting that music improves health, happiness, and well-being. Did you know that doctors in Montreal can now prescribe symphony visits? That’s right: music is the medicine! And being a Smart Start symposium, the event focused on the benefits of music to the very young.

Thank you to the RCM for hosting this meaningful event, and to soprano Kate Reynolds for telling me about it. As a children’s musician and early childhood educator, I was reminded anew of why I love what I do.

Your Take – What’s your favorite Rose Lani song?

Featured Creator

Speaking of music as medicine, children’s musician Rose Lani is about to give us a big healthy dose of it!

Watch this video to launch Rose Lani’s new album!

Join me in supporting Rose Lani in getting her first children’s album out. I have streamed her three existing songs after many of my library programs. And I am here to tell you that we need more of her songs! Please watch Rose Lani tell her story in the video, then help launch the album here. Here’s to $5k in 30 days!

Important Dates

◊ November 11 – Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day in Canada is for reflecting on the costs of conflict and the value of peace. It was moving to see people wearing poppies in support of service members. The poppy is referenced in the poem, “In Flanders Fields,” by John McCrae. Here is my solemn musical tribute to this important day.

◊ December 1 – Meteorological Winter Begins

In the Northern Hemisphere, meteorological winter (December, January, and February) is just around the corner. We’ve already turned our clocks back, so it’s getting darker earlier. And in Canada, we’ve already had our first snow! Here are some songs to warm you through the cold and dark months ahead.

An inclusive holiday song for everyone.
A fun winter action rhyme to do with your kids.

Final Thoughts

We’re so glad you came! Until next time …

◊ Like, comment, and share this post.

◊ Stream us on Apple Music, Spotify, Soundcloud, etc.

◊ Visit Storytime Solidarity.

◊ Be the world we want for our kids!

Ingrid Christina with a yellow bucket hat, a blue shirt, and their ukulele. Text reads, "Sing, Rhyme, and Play" and "The Sing Rhyme and Play Song."

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Contact

info@singrhymeandplay.com

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Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival and a New Book by 123 Andrés

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Welcome to my “community media” space for music and learning!

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

Did you gaze at the big, bright, full moon? Did you eat mooncakes? Are you excited for the fall harvest and all the delicious foods to come? Then you — like me and millions of people worldwide — enjoyed the Mid-Autumn Festival!

Mid-Autumn Festival originated in ancient China. I, Ingrid Christina, spent many years living, studying, and working in China and love sharing everything I learned. Here are two simple songs you can use to introduce Mandarin Chinese to your kids.

Hello Song in Mandarin Chinese.
Goodbye Song in Mandarin Chinese

Your Take – What’s your favorite fall holiday?

Quote of the Week

May your hearts and stomachs be as full as the Mid-Autumn Moon!

Ingrid Christina

Featured Creator

This week, we’re featuring 123 Andrés and their brand new book, UN ELEFANTE!

UN ELEFANTE book by 123 Andrés

Three things I love about this book:

(1) It’s bilingual — with text in English and Spanish.

(2) It promotes counting as more and more elephants join the web.

(3) It goes with a song!

That’s right, this playful children’s book is based on a traditional Spanish-language nursery rhyme. This means you can share the book *and* the song with your kids!

Congratulations, Andrés and Christina, on your new release. And thank you for all the years of wonderful, bilingual music and books for our kids!

Upcoming Events

-Attend a Sing, Rhyme, and Play Program with Ingrid Christina-

◊ Open Mic session at Country Heritage Park

My first live performance in Canada was a lot of fun. The scenery at Country Heritage Park was beautiful and the Arts Milton crowd was great. Please enjoy these two videos of my set. Were these the two songs you voted for?

“Spooky Sounds of Fall” live at Country Heritage Park
“Stew Song” live at Country Heritage Park

◊ Stay tuned for more news and events coming soon!

Final Thoughts

We’re so glad you came! Until next time …

◊ Comment below and share this blog.

◊ Listen to SR&P on Apple Music, Spotify, Soundcloud, or any streaming platform.

◊ Visit Storytime Solidarity.

◊ Tell us what topics you’d like to see.

◊ Be the world we want for our kids!

Ingrid Christina with a yellow bucket hat, a blue shirt, and their ukulele. Text reads, "Sing, Rhyme, and Play" and "The Sing Rhyme and Play Song."
Ingrid Christina in a yellow bucket hat and blue sweater with their ukulele.

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Contact

info@singrhymeandplay.com

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Engaging Kids with the Self-Care Stretch and Applauding Ms. Rachel

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Welcome to my “community media” space for music and learning!

News

The “Self-Care Stretch” was seen in a cool new place—do you know where this is?

Click to see Ingrid Christina sharing their original “Self-Care Stretch” in a cool new place!

Every one of my programs begins with the “Self-Care Stretch.”

One, two, three, stretch with me.

[Reach arms up to ceiling or sky.]

Four, five, six, bend like this.

[Reach down to toes.]

Seven, eight, nine, it’s jumping time.

[Jump or bounce up and down.]

Ten, eleven, twelve, let’s hug ourselves!

[Wraps arms around self and squeeze.]

Why do I do this action rhyme every time? Here are seven good reasons!

  1. Vocabulary. The language in this rhyme is backed by movement that demonstrates meaning.
  2. Phonological awareness. The rhythm and pace of the rhyme slow down the words and draw attention to the sounds within them.
  3. Number sense. We’re counting up in groups of three.
  4. Up to 12. Many children’s rhymes stop counting at 5 or 10, but this rhyme goes all the way up to 12.
  5. Whole body movement. Moving the body activates the mind, and this rhyme engages the whole body.
  6. Self-care. Movement and stretching promote wellness. This rhyme makes it easy and fun.
  7. Self-confidence. It all ends with a big self-hug, sending an important message of self-appreciation and love.

Are there other benefits you can think of to doing the “Self-Care Stretch” in story time? Tell us in the comments!

Give Your Input – Where should the “Self-Care Stretch” go next?

Quote of the Week

My deep love and care for children doesn’t end at my children, at children I know, at children in this country. It is for all children in this world.

Rachel Accurso

Featured Creator

My featured creator this week needs no introduction—it’s Ms. Rachel!

Click to see Ms. Rachel’s interview with Geoff Bennett on PBS News.

Rachel Accurso, aka Ms. Rachel, has been using her platform to speak up for the children of Gaza. In this interview with Geoff Bennett on PBS News, Ms. Rachel says many things that resonate with me.

Such as …

“We can’t let children starve. That is not who we are.”

And …

“Everyone should be saying something.”

Yes. So let me say something too.

As an early childhood professional, I work hard to welcome every child and caregiver to my programs. Every child means every child. No exceptions. There aren’t some children who deserve story time and some who don’t. And there isn’t a single child in this world that deserves to be harmed. There is no good reason—no justification—for harming children.

We, the grownups, have the power to guarantee human rights to every child. As the taxpayers and the voters, we can hold our leaders accountable. We can demand better policies.

So I hope you will take inspiration from Ms. Rachel, as I have, to find what it is that you want to say—and the courage to say it.

Thank you, and “Brava!” Ms. Rachel.

Stay Tuned for Important Dates

In August 2025, Sing, Rhyme, and Play moved abroad. Stay tuned for news about future events and performances in our new home.

In the meantime, please enjoy our streaming music and videos—and these photos of an axolotl yawning.

An axolotl yawning at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada.

Final Thoughts

We’re so glad you came! Until next time …

◊ Comment below and share this blog.

◊ Listen to SR&P on Apple Music, Spotify, or any streaming platform.

◊ Visit Storytime Solidarity.

◊ Tell us what topics you’d like to see.

◊ Be the world we want for our kids!

Ingrid Christina with a yellow bucket hat, a blue shirt, and their ukulele. Text reads, "Sing, Rhyme, and Play" and "The Sing Rhyme and Play Song."
Ingrid Christina in a yellow bucket hat and blue sweater with their ukulele.

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Contact: info@singrhymeandplay.com

Moving North and Saluting Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield

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Welcome to my “community media” space for music and learning!

News

Sing, Rhyme, and Play just moved. And that got me thinking about this song!

Ingrid Christina shares her original “Big Blue Beautiful World” Song.

In 2022, I wrote this song to celebrate the global population reaching 8 billion people. At the time, I was teaching a virtual geography class and we explored every country in the atlas. We opened and closed each meeting with this song, and I hope you’ll enjoy it with your kids too!

Click here to enjoy a version of the “Big Blue Beautiful World” Song on the banjolele!

Give Your Input – How do you like to travel?

Quote of the Week

Decide in your heart of hearts what really excites and challenges you, and start moving your life in that direction.

Chris Hadfield

Featured Creator

This week, we are featuring Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield!

Sing, Rhyme, and Play celebrates astronaut Chris Hadfield!

In our new home, Canadian retired astronaut Chris Hadfield is a big deal—because it’s his hometown too! The local public school in our neighborhood is named after him. And his books—including AN ASTRONAUT’S GUIDE TO LIFE ON EARTH—can be found in all the libraries and book stores. We’ve learned a lot from him already, and we hope you do too!

Commander Hadfield is also a musician. When he commanded the International Space Station, he brought his guitar with him. Make sure you check out this video of him playing music in zero gravity!

Thank you, Commander Hadfield, for your inspiration and insights. Here’s to new horizons!

Stay Tuned for Important Dates

In August 2025, Sing, Rhyme, and Play moved abroad. Stay tuned for news about future events and performances in our new home.

In the meantime, please enjoy our streaming music and videos!

Final Thoughts

We’re so glad you came! Until next time …

◊ Comment below and share this blog.

◊ Listen to SR&P on Apple Music, Spotify, or any streaming platform.

◊ Visit Storytime Solidarity.

◊ Tell us what topics you’d like to see.

◊ Be the world we want for our kids!

Ingrid Christina with a yellow bucket hat, a blue shirt, and their ukulele. Text reads, "Sing, Rhyme, and Play" and "The Sing Rhyme and Play Song."
Ingrid Christina in a yellow bucket hat and blue sweater with their ukulele.

Want these posts as emails? Subscribe here!

Contact: info@singrhymeandplay.com

Digging Dinosaurs and Author-Illustrator Catherine Macorol!

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Welcome to my “community media” space for music and learning!

Hot Take

Dinosaurs will never let you down. People of all ages are fascinated by them. Dinosaurs fly, swim, and stomp. They encourage digging in dirt to find their bones. And they have cool names that draw attention to pronunciation and spelling, like Velociraptor, Spinosaurus, and Tyrannosaurus Rex. Add pajamas to the mix and you’ve got a winning program—any time of day, any time of year!

Ingrid Christina and Special Assistant V demo the “Dinosaur Stomp” song at Dinosaur PJ Party. Click the photo to hear the song!

In a dinosaur program, you get to stomp and chomp with your claws and jaws. You get to flap and soar and splash and more! Limitless books are there to explore. So what are you waiting for? Kids gotta ROAR!

The Tiny T-Rex Action Rhyme for your story time.
Enjoy on Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube.

Give Your Input – Which animal is best?

Quote of the Week

I don’t want it to rain cats and dogs, I want hippos and elephants for once!

Catherine Macorol

Featured Creator

This week, we’re featuring children’s book writer and illustrator, Catherine Macorol!

Catherine’s debut picture book, A IS FOR AXOLOTL: AN UNUSUAL ANIMAL ABC, just won a 2025 Charlotte Award. The Charlotte Awards from the New York State Reading Association go to works of outstanding literature that create lifelong readers. A IS FOR AXOLOTL is an illuminating peek at unique animals all around the world.

Catherine Macorol is not only an award-winning author and illustrator, she’s also my colleague and friend. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing firsthand how she inspires children with her kindness and creativity. Congratulations, Catherine, on your well-deserved award!

Children’s Song and Story Time at the Georgetown Waterfront Park finishes July 24.

Important Dates

-Attend a Sing, Rhyme, and Play Program with Ms. Christina-

◊ Ukulele Baby Lap Time at the Mary Riley Styles Public Library

Fridays at 10:30 a.m., Ages 0-2

  • July 25
  • August 1

◊ Children’s Song and Story Time at the Georgetown Waterfront Park

Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., All Ages

  • July 24

◊ Big Move

Stay tuned for news and events as Sing, Rhyme, and Play moves north in August.

Final Thoughts

We’re so glad you came! Until next time …

◊ Comment below and share this blog.

◊ Listen to SR&P on Apple Music, Spotify, or any streaming platform.

◊ Visit Storytime Solidarity.

◊ Tell us what topics you’d like to see.

◊ Be the world we want for our kids!

Ingrid Christina with a yellow bucket hat, a blue shirt, and their ukulele. Text reads, "Sing, Rhyme, and Play" and "The Sing Rhyme and Play Song."
Ingrid Christina in a yellow bucket hat and blue sweater with their ukulele.

Want these posts as emails? Subscribe here!

Contact: info@singrhymeandplay.com

June: Three Reasons to Jump for Joy | Join us in Solidarity!

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Welcome to my “community media” space for music and learning!

Photo of the Week

Ingrid Christina standing in front of a brick wall mural of butterfly wings and banner that says, "BE-YOU-TIFUL!"
Click photo for music!

Hot Take

June is jubilant! Here are three reasons I’m jumping for joy this month.

Reason 1 — Metamorphosis

Youtube Short Thumbnail for Ms. Christina's action rhyme, "Where Did My Caterpillar Go"
Ingrid Christina shares her original finger play, “Where Did My Caterpillar Go?” about metamorphosis.

Yes, I’m literally talking about all the new butterflies floating around out there. At my local preschool, I got to watch some caterpillars make their transition to butterflies and it was truly inspiring. Here’s a fun finger play you can do with your kids about metamorphosis.

Reason 2 – Transitions

In June, we look forward to brighter days ahead.

In the northern hemisphere, the summer solstice is right around the corner. And there are graduations! Did you just start summer break? Maybe you got an award at the end of the school year, like I did!

A certificate with a unicorn on it that says "Unicorn Award for being one-of-a-kind with your own unique style — Presented to Ms. Ingrid on June 6th 2025 by Ms. Allison"
The “Unicorn Award” I received for substitute teaching at my local preschool.

This month, we also recognize Juneteenth—or, Jubilee Day—when news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached the whole United States. In June, we look forward to brighter days ahead.

Reason 3 – Pride

When I see the pride flag, I breathe a little sigh of relief and think my kid is safe here.

Jennifer Savage, Council Member, Missoula, Montana
Ingrid Christina stands under a rainbow balloon arch
Ingrid Christina standing under a rainbow balloon arch at the DC Library Georgetown Children’s Rainbow Festival.

The rainbow colors coming out in June really lift my spirits. Did you know that Missoula, Montana just made the Pride flag its official city flag?

Why? Because Pride is as much about relief as revelry. Sadly, I recently learned from the LGBTQ+ youth support organization, SMYAL, that bullying is on the rise.

Our LGBTQ+ kids have greater risk of stress, anxiety, and depression than their peers. As they grow, LGBTQ+ youth may face stigma, discrimination, family rejection, and other unequal challenges.

On the plus side, Pride promotes resilience. Every Pride flag contributes to coping. So this June—and throughout the year—let’s do our part to make all our kids feel seen, safe, and celebrated!

Give Your Input – What’s your favorite thing about June?

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Featured Creators

This week we’re featuring Storytime Solidarity and *all* the authors and illustrators in their Pride Everyday book list. Compiled and written by Auntie Anne, this post is a labor of love and belonging.

Click for an exhaustive Storytime Solidarity book list by LGBTQ+ authors and illustrators.

Do also check out Auntie Anne’s emergency Rainbow Storytime.

We don’t always get to plan our programs. Sometimes we have to urgently pull them together. Here, Anne bravely makes these readings available after a hate group disrupted a local event. Thank you, Anne, for tirelessly giving kids access to the books they need to feel secure in the world. I am honored to call you my colleague in Solidarity!

Quote of the Week

It is time to amplify, uplift, and celebrate LGBTQIA+ and allied creators.
Let us sing.

Auntie Anne

Important Dates

-Attend a Sing, Rhyme, and Play Program with Ms. Christina-

◊ Ukulele Baby Lap Time at the Mary Riley Styles Public Library

Fridays at 10:30 a.m., Ages 0-2

  • June 13, 20, and 27
  • July 11, 18, and 25
  • August 1

◊ Children’s Song and Story Time at the Georgetown Waterfront Park

Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., All Ages

  • June 26
  • July 10, and 24

◊ Dinosaur Pajama Party at the Mary Riley Styles Public Library

Saturday—July 19—at 11 a.m., All Ages

Final Thoughts

We’re so glad you came! Until next time …

◊ Comment below and share this blog.

◊ Listen to SR&P on Apple Music, Spotify, or wherever you stream music.

◊ Visit Storytime Solidarity.

◊ Tell us what topics you’d like to see.

◊ Be the world we want for our kids!

Ingrid Christina with a yellow bucket hat, a blue shirt, and their ukulele. Text reads, "Sing, Rhyme, and Play" and "The Sing Rhyme and Play Song."
Ingrid Christina in a yellow bucket hat and a blue sweater holding their ukulele.

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Contact: info@singrhymeandplay.com

Normalize Crying and Music Along with Rose Lani!

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Welcome to my “community media” space for music and learning!

Media of the Week

Ingrid Christina shares their original “Boo Boo Song” to normalize crying.
Coming soon to your favorite streaming service!

Hot Tip

Don’t say, “Don’t Cry.” Instead say, “Ow!”

Did you know that crying is actually good for us? Crying is healing—it’s the body’s natural mechanism for releasing pain. Both physical and emotional.

And yet, for some reason, even I can find myself telling hurt kids not to cry. Why? Crying is natural, healthy, and soothing.

As a test, try singing along to Janis Joplin’s “Cry Baby” and not feeling instantly better.

Crying is healing—it’s the body’s natural mechanism for releasing pain.

I believe we do our kids a disservice when we deny their discomfort. Saying, “Don’t cry,” or shushing them dismisses their distress and teaches them to doubt their feelings. It also sends a message about who’s there for them.

So the next time a kid bumps their head at the library, try a validating, “Ouch!” Or if they cry at preschool drop-off, remind them that goodbyes are hard for everyone.

Kids appreciate it when I tell them I miss my mom too. In my experience, letting them vent their pain and extending some solidarity gets them back in action faster.

And I guarantee, if you play them the “Boo Boo Song,” they will relate.

Give Your Input – What’s the best way to treat a boo boo?

Featured Creator

This week, I’m featuring children’s musician, songwriter, teacher, and storytimer, Rose Lani Oyamot! Ms. Rose has taught me so much about the ukulele. She showed me how to keep the Hawaiian language alive by pronouncing it: “Oo-koo-le-le.”

Ms. Rose and her band, the Rosie Posies, have three streaming songs available with more coming soon. I play them every week after my library program and you should too!

And if you want to learn ukulele, check out the virtual course we taught together: Ukulele for Librarians and Teachers. Thank you for all the music joy, Ms. Rose!

Quote of the Week

You can learn to play ukulele and make music magic!

Rose Lani Oyamot

Important Dates

-Attend a Sing, Rhyme, and Play Program with Ms. Christina-

◊ Ukulele Baby Lap Time at the Mary Riley Styles Public Library

Fridays at 10:30 a.m., Ages 0-2

  • June 13, 20, and 27
  • July 11, 18, and 25
  • August 1

◊ Children’s Song and Story Time at the Georgetown Waterfront Park

Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., All Ages

  • June 26
  • July 10, and 24

◊ Dinosaur Pajama Party at the Mary Riley Styles Public Library

Saturday—July 19—at 11 a.m., All Ages

Final Thoughts

We’re so glad you came! Until next time …

Ingrid Christina with a yellow bucket hat, a blue shirt, and their ukulele. Text reads, "Sing, Rhyme, and Play" and "The Sing Rhyme and Play Song."

◊ Comment below and share this blog.

◊ Listen to SR&P on Apple Music, Spotify, or wherever you stream your music.

◊ Get more at Storytime Solidarity.

◊ Tell us what topics you’d like to see.

◊ Be the world we want for our kids!

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Sharing a Literacy Secret and Being the Action with Jim Gill!

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Welcome to my “community media” space for music and learning.

Photo of the Week

Board books laid out on brightly colored cushions in the programming room before Ingrid Christina's Ukulele Baby Lap Time program
Books laid out on colorful cushions at Ms. Christina’s Ukulele Baby Lap Time program.

Hot Tip

Let them hold books! Did you know that simply holding a book is an early literacy skill?

Babies enjoy books by grasping, opening, and closing them, and turning those thick cardboard stock pages.

Playing with books is not just fun and games, it’s a key skill!

When babies and toddlers handle books, they build manual dexterity, fine motor skills, and that all-important positive association. That’s right—playing with books is not just fun and games, it’s a key early literacy skill!

Because of their durability, board books are a good choice for young bookworms. Board books are especially good if your little one likes to bite into a good book—gross but also developmentally appropriate. Note: You can save the library’s collection by gifting board books to your favorite babies!

Watch Ms. Christina demo the “Parts of a Book Rhyme” on YouTube.

Listen to the “Parts of a Book Rhyme” on Spotify.

Listen to the “Parts of a Book Rhyme” on Apple Music.

Bonus: Build your child’s vocabulary. Say this rhyme before reading or handling a book together, as I do in my literacy programs.

PARTS OF A BOOK RHYME

Here’s a lovely book of mine,

Here’s the cover, here’s the spine.

Here’s some info that is vital—

Author, illustrator, title.

Open it just like a door,

Turn the pages to explore.

When you’re finished, say, “The End!”

And then you close it up again.

Just watch! Even before your tyke can talk, they will pretend to read by babbling along to the pictures. In doing so, they are cultivating memory and creativity. When you read the book to them, you can help them connect print and speech. Move your pointer finger along the words as you go.

That’s the secret all kids know. That books bring tangible benefits too. That the feeling of a good book in the hands is the first step to becoming a lifelong reader. So get their fingers on those pages ASAP and watch the learning unfold.

Funny story. Before my own child understood what reading was, she brought me books and said, “Mommy, talk to the words!” 🙂

Do you have an adorable anecdote about babies and books? Tell us in the comments below!

Give Your Input – What’s the best place for children to enjoy books?

Important Dates

Attend a Sing, Rhyme, and Play Program with Ms. Christina

◊ Ukulele Baby Lap Time at the Mary Riley Styles Public Library

Fridays at 10:30 a.m., Ages 0-2

  • May 16 and 23
  • June 13, 20, and 27
  • July 11, 18, and 25

◊ Children’s Song and Story Time at the Georgetown Waterfront Park

Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., All Ages

  • June 26
  • July 10, and 24

◊ Dinosaur Pajama Party at the Mary Riley Styles Public Library

Saturday—July 19—at 11 a.m., All Ages

Featured Creator

This week, I’m featuring Jim Gill, a musician, author, and child development specialist I admire. Jim recently announced a new video series called, “YOU are the action!“

These new videos actually get children to *look away* from the screens and *toward* their trusted grownups. The fun comes from *listening* to the song and dancing along together.

Strengthening the child-caregiver bond is a goal of mine too, so I applaud Jim’s new video approach. Let’s get Jim on our playlists getting children to listen, move, and PLAY.

Quote of the Week

YOU are the action!

Jim Gill

Final Thoughts

We’re so glad you came! Until next time …

Ingrid Christina with a yellow bucket hat, a blue shirt, and their ukulele. Text reads, "Sing, Rhyme, and Play" and "The Sing Rhyme and Play Song."

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