18 November 2011
Posted in KidsTown

Whether we are singing “Old MacDonald”, or even “happy birthday”, we all partake in singing early on in our lives. Singing with your children can not only be a fun experience for the family, but also an educational opportunity for your child. Shown in a recent study by the University of California, it was found that out of the young 2nd graders who were given singing lessons, 27% scored higher on the various tests than those who did not receive lessons. As their brains develop, the use of singing allows more parts of the brain to function while continuing to grow.

Where there is singing, most likely instruments will follow. Your toddler will be having so much fun singing and banging on the drums that they won’t even notice they are multitasking. This is a great way to strengthen physical abilities. The singing and clapping will get them to dance, therefore building endurance.

One last important benefit to touch on is expression of emotions. When they are happy they will sing their hearts out, and pass the joy to the onlookers. Even when they have rainy days, it can be beneficial to pep them up with an encouraging and uplifting melody. And to think, some of these songs will stay with them forever. I learned a song about Alfred the Alligator seven years ago, I still sing about him today.

Image Courtesy of Valdosta State University

21 July 2011
Posted in KidsTown

By Marcus Pfister

A beautiful, conceited fish lives in the deep part of the ocean. His scales sparkle and shine as he swims through the ocean - alone. The other fish attempt to befriend him, but he ignores them until one day when a small blue fish approaches him. The small blue fish tells the Rainbow Fish how beautiful his scales are, and asks for one of them. Horrified, the Rainbow Fish refuses and swims on, puzzling aloud over his loneliness.

A crab directs him to an octopus, whose advice is simple: give away his scales to the other fish and he will be happy. After some thought, and a second request from the small blue fish, the Rainbow Fish takes the octopus's advice and finds friendship and happiness. This is a great book for children to learn about the importance of sharing.

11 July 2011
Posted in KidsTown

One evening Harold decided to go for a walk in the moonlight. But there wasn't any moon, and Harold needed a moon for a walk in the moonlight. Fortunately, he had brought his purple crayon. So he drew a moon. He also needed something to walk on. So he drew a path...

And thus begins one of the most imaginative and enchanting adventures in all of children's books. Written by Crockett Johnson, the creative concept behind this beloved story has intrigued children and kept them absorbed for generations. As page by page unfolds, the dramatic and clever adventures of Harold and his purple crayon will keep your child entertained and amused.

Come and explore your creative adventures in KidsTown and maybe cuddle up for a good story!

20 June 2011
Posted in KidsTown

This was a really fun book to read. I couldn't believe that some of the greatest inventions were made by mistake. One mistake that worked was the chocolate chip cookie and who can imagine life without the chocolate chip cookie?  The best part about this book is you can pick it up and put it down easily while you are doing your other summer activities. Written by Charlotte Jones, this is a great book that teaches kids all kinds of things can turn into something amazing, even if they weren’t on purpose. Don't be surprised if you find your mom can't put it down either! A must read for all ages. Come hang out under the tree and read this book with us!