Summer Fingerplays

Here are some fun finger plays to do with your child. These are great for long car rides, picnics, and promoting early literacy even in the busy summer months.

The Rain Cloud
One sunny, summer morning
(Make big circle overhead for sun)
A fluffy cloud sailed by.
(Make waving motions with hands)
When all at once he saw a field
(Shade eyes, look down)
That really did look dry.
(Nod)
“All out!” he cried, “There’s work to do.”
(Cup hand to mouth)
And stopped right in the sky.
(Stand still)
A million raindrop passengers
(Make rain motion with fingers)
Jumped out and called, “Good-bye!” (Cup hand to mouth, call upward)

Green Leaf
Here’s a green leaf (show hand)
And here’s a green leaf. (show other hand)
That you see, makes two.

Here’s a bud. (cup hands together)
That makes a flower;
Watch it bloom for you! (open cupped hands gradually)

Swimming 
I can dive
(move hands flattened together)
I can swim
(Swimming motion)
I can float
(Hands out at sides with head thrown back)
I can fetch and dog paddle
(paddle like a dog)
is the stroke that I do best.

Little Bluebird
(Begin with one hand palm up for the tree branch and other fist on top for the nest & bluebird.)
Little bluebird rests in a tree.
(Thumb stick out of fist as a bluebird.)
Little bluebird looks at me.
(Nod thumb.)
Little bluebird chirps, “Hello.”
(Tap thumb and index finger together to chirp.- the ASL sign for “bird”)
Spread your wings and away you go!
(Cross hands, hook thumbs and wave fingers to “fly away.”)

Summer Programs!

Even though it has just started to feel like spring in Illinois, summer is starting at the Gail Borden Public Library. Be on the lookout!  Summer program info. is coming your way.  A list of summer programs for children and families can be found in the May/June edition of the newsletter.

Installation of the SuperCroc exhibit has begun.  Head down to the library to check out this gigantic crocodile that ate dinosaurs!

CHOMP! Cookies with Crocs is a program for families with 3-6 year olds.  Celebrate crocodiles with stories, songs, a craft and more!  The first CHOMP! Cookies with Crocs will be held June 8th from 10:30-11:30.  Registration begins May 28th.

Summer Reading sign-ups begins next week on May 15th.  Don't worry the little ones won't be left out.  Read on the Wild Side includes programs for all ages, from birth to adults.

If you want more info on SuperCroc and all the fun things planned for the summer check out this link to our Summer Reading And SuperCroc Website.

Baby Fest: Everything for babies and expectant parents!

This Saturday, April 13th, from 10:00am to noon Gail Borden is hosting a Baby Fest!  This one-stop event, in the Gail Borden Community Rooms, features the latest baby information in the area, health and wellness resources, community services and early literacy practices.  There are also some fun make & take activities to help you prepare for your little one.  See you Saturday!

Countdown to Kindergarten

Can you believe it?  It is already time for Kindergarten Orientations to begin.

Gail Borden has program called Countdown to Kindergarten. If you have a little one starting Kindergarten in the fall, come and visit our table when you register your child for school. Or, you can stop by the desk in the Early Learning Center and pick up an activity booklet called "Countdown to Kindergarten."  This booklet is filled with activities that are fun and help get your child ready to read.

When your child brings the completed activity booklet to the library during Summer Reading sign-ups, they will get a cute little button that says, "I'm Wild About Kindergarten!"  Gail Borden is a great resource as you help your child begin their formal education journey!

Spring Program Sign-ups!

We can't wait to usher in Spring at Gail Borden Library. Yesterday was the first day to sign-up for Spring Programs.

You can sign-up in one of three ways. You can register on-line, by calling the Early Learning Center or by stopping by the desk in the Early Learning Center next your are at the library.

Baby Rhyme Time, Wonderful Ones and Terrific Two's are all accepting registrations now!

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss: Dr. Seuss Extravaganza!

March 2nd marks what would have been Dr. Seuss's 109th Birthday. Join us for the Dr. Seuss Extravaganza! this Saturday, March 2nd, at Gail Borden.  At 2pm cast members from the Children's Theatre of Elgin will be performing scenes from their upcoming musical, Seussical Jr.!  After the performance there will be crafts, games and photo-ops with cast members!  Bring your cameras!  This would be a fun introduction to the world of Dr. Seuss for any pre-schooler.

Now is a great time to check out some Dr. Seuss books. They are great read-alouds.  The rhymes are so much fun and kids just love them.  Hop on Pop and The Footbook are two of my favorites.  His books are also really positive and share such a great "can do attitude" that most pre-schoolers, not to mention adults, really need!  "

There is also a fun craft in the Early Learning Center.  It's a Collage of the Cat in the Hat's hat.   Don't miss out on all the fun.  See you Saturday!


You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...” 
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Preschool Quiet Time: Cd and Book Kits

A goal in my home is to have each child spend a little bit of quiet time by themselves in their room each day.  It doesn't happen every day, but when it does, an added bonus is a little bit of quiet time just for me!  I think it's good for the kids to have some down time and feel comfortable spending time by themselves.
Usually around three and a half to four years of age I introduce a CD and book kit from the library.  We sit down together and listen to the Cd and book a couple of times.  After that they are ready to do it on their own.  I love that while everyone is enjoying a little downtime the kids are hearing good stories and getting ready to read.

A few of my favorite kits:  Click on the link to check availability or reserve your kit!

Corduroy Book and CD Kit
A toy bear in a department store wants a number of things, but when a little girl finally buys him, he finds what he has always wanted most of all.

Caps for Sale Book and CD Kit
A band of mischievous monkeys steals every one of a peddler's caps while he takes a nap under a tree.