Tag: writing

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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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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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.

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Contact: info@singrhymeandplay.com

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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.

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Contact: info@singrhymeandplay.com

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Stay Cool With Live Music and Author Kristi Mahoney

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

Hot Take

Stay cool this summer with live music! Live shows in your town—in air conditioned libraries or breezy riverside parks—are a great way to beat the heat. Farmers’ markets, summer festivals, and community centers are also great places to connect with your neighbors and local musicians.

Ingrid Christina plays Ukulele Baby Lap Time at the Mary Riley Styles Public Library.
Ingrid Christina at the Georgetown Waterfront Park in Washington, DC.
Ingrid Christina plays live at the Georgetown Waterfront Park in Washington, DC.
Ingrid Christina playing live, Summer 2025.

Summer Reading

In between fun summer events, don’t forget to do your summer reading. Most libraries give out prizes to kids and grownups, so don’t let anyone in your family miss out!

Ingrid Christina’s original “Read To Me” song on YouTube.

Give Your Input – Where do you like to hear live music?

Quote of the Week

Life is better with a bit of laughter.

Kristi Mahoney

Featured Creator

This week, we’re featuring children’s book author Kristi Mahoney!

Children’s book author Kristi Mahoney

Kristi’s debut picture book, ALPACAS MAKE TERRIBLE LIBRARIANS, is a finalist for the SCBWI Crystal Kite Awards. These are peer-voted awards for the best children’s books published in 2024.

ALPACAS MAKE TERRIBLE LIBRARIANS book cover

SCBWI members, click here to vote for your favorite books in each division—especially Kristi’s New England Division.

Whether or not you’re an SCBWI member, I hope you’ll enjoy the song I wrote for this book. Hopefully, this title will soon be stuck in your head forever! 😉

Ingrid Christina shares the ALPACAS MAKE TERRIBLE LIBRARIANS song!

Whether or not you like the song, please join me in congratulating Kristi for being a Crystal Kite finalist. Kristi is not only a celebrated author, she’s also my critique partner and friend. And I’m here to say that her book, ALPACAS MAKE TERRIBLE LIBRARIANS, is as lovely and funny as she is.

Important Dates

Children’s Song and Story Time at the Georgetown Waterfront Park continues July 10.

-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 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

  • 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 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

Revisit other posts!

Celebrating Community: Fireworks and Crosswalks

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

Six colorful firework blooms light up the night sky.
Six colorful firework blooms light up the night sky.

Hot Take

Did you know that fireworks were invented in China around 200 BC? The loud sounds and bright lights were used to scare off enemies, evil spirits, and bad energy. Today, they are a worldwide symbol of celebration. This month, fireworks will feature prominently in the festivities of Canada Day on July 1, U.S. Independence Day on July 4, and France’s Bastille Day on July 14. Here’s a fun firework finger play you can do with your kids.

Ingrid Christina’s original “Fireworks Fingerplay” for your programming.

In order not to also scare off loved ones, modern fireworks are best enjoyed with earplugs. Pets will also need extra reassurance.

Fireworks or not, here’s wishing you and your family safe celebrations this July. And here’s a fun song you and your little ones can sing while grilling!

Enjoy Ingrid Christina’s original “Family Cookout Song” for your programming.

Quote of the Week

What was important wasn’t the fireworks, it was that we were together this evening, together in this place, looking up into the sky at the same time.

Banana Yoshimoto

Give Your Input – How do you find fireworks?

Featured Creators

This week we’re featuring the community members of Falls Church City, VA, who came out at 7 a.m. on Sunday to paint crosswalks around City Hall.

Caring citizens and children of Falls Church, VA, paint City Hall crosswalks.

The Painting Pride activity refreshed two existing crosswalks and added a third. Mayor Letty Hardi painted along while a doting public safety officer directed traffic. And everyone got up to their elbows in paint!

Thank you, City of Falls Church, Falls Church Forward, and FCC Schools Pride Alliance, for making this event happen.

Paint cans and brushes at City Hall Painting Pride event.
Rainbow crosswalk in progress at City Hall Painting Pride event.
Unity crosswalk in progress at City Hall Painting Pride event.
Finished crosswalk at City Hall Painting Pride event.
Little hands washing off paint from City Hall Painting Pride event.

Important Dates

Children’s Song and Story Time at the Georgetown Waterfront Park starts tomorrow (June 26)!

-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 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

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!

Want these posts as emails? Subscribe here!

Contact: info@singrhymeandplay.com

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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