It's Toddler Time!

Many years ago, the Newport Public Library began providing programming for toddlers and their care-givers. Each Tuesday and Thursday morning the library echoes with little voices, as children aged birth to 3 years (with older siblings and friends) gather to listen to stories and songs. Sometimes those little voices are unintelligible. Or wailing.

So, what does a toddler learn at Toddler Time? How much does a baby absorb in a whirlwind of sounds, colors, and movement?

When children first come to Toddler Time, most only sit in wide-eyed wonder. Some don’t make it through the 15-20 minute session – there are many more exciting things to explore. (I take second fiddle to the trains a lot.) They usually don’t participate in the activity songs at the beginning and end (“Open and Shut Them” and “Blow Kisses to Friends”). They are tentative about participating and interacting with each other. The flannel board is a lesson in listening; a few have the courage to come up and add to the growing collection of pieces on the board.

Sometimes it only takes a few sessions, sometimes it takes months or even years. In the end, children become more comfortable with their surroundings, with the program, and with their own abilities. It’s exciting to see young minds grow and engage the world.

If you have a toddler, please join us! And thank you to all the families who have participated in Toddler Times over the years…we enjoy watching all “our” children grow, and invite you to let us know how your “once a toddler” is doing.

--Jan