Author Archives: Melissa

Baby Storytime: ABCs

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Melissa

I also talk about age-appropriate ways to build Letter Knowledge in my Shapes and Colors Storytimes. OPENING SONG: Hello Song* OPENING FINGERPLAY: Open Them Shut Them* BOOK: Chicka Chicka ABC by MARTIN, Jr This is the board book version, that … Continue reading →

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Posted in My Baby Storytime | 4 Comments

What I’m Reading: Fine Motor Skills

Posted on December 6, 2012 by Melissa

Each month this year I’ve been writing some early literacy support materials for our storytime staff, to provide background information about how the five practices of reading, writing, singing, talking, and playing support the development of early literacy skills. By … Continue reading →

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Posted in Web Resources | 2 Comments

Early Literacy Storytime: Going on a Bear Hunt

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Melissa

Reading is more than just sounding out words–it’s also understanding what those words mean. Comprehension skills are important not just in and of themselves, but because if a child doesn’t understand what they are reading, they will get frustrated and … Continue reading →

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Posted in Early Literacy Storytime | 4 Comments

Flannel Friday: Thanks a Lot

Posted on November 30, 2012 by Melissa

This one was a lot of fun! Raffi has a song called “Thanks a Lot.” It’s a contemplative, quiet song, and while I was asking Twitter for help thinking of “thank you” rather than “turkey” ideas for Thanksgiving week storytime, … Continue reading →

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Posted in Flannelboards | 15 Comments

On Finding Your Tribe (and the TSA Agent)

Posted on November 28, 2012 by Melissa

This past September, I had the opportunity to attend the 2012 ALSC Institute in Indianapolis. It was an amazing experience and I learned something new from every program I attended. But I also had some great “aha” moments outside of … Continue reading →

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Posted in Training and Mentoring | 2 Comments

Baby Storytime: Thanks and Giving

Posted on November 26, 2012 by Melissa

We did this storytime last Monday to start off Thanksgiving week. Thank you, babies! I am so grateful I get to spend time with you and watch you grow from wee little peanuts to walking, talking superstars. You keep me … Continue reading →

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Posted in My Baby Storytime | 5 Comments

A Few Books on Gratitude

Posted on November 22, 2012 by Melissa

Happy Thanksgiving! I am so grateful for all of you. I appreciate the time you spend here at Mel’s Desk & the thoughtful comments you share. Thank you! Usually for Thanksgiving week storytimes I pull out my Food theme, but … Continue reading →

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Posted in Book Lists | 4 Comments

Early Literacy Storytime: Pop Stick Puppets

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Melissa

A key step on the road to reading is recognizing that spoken words are made up of separate sounds (phonemes) and that those sounds are represented by letters on the page. Incorporating printed words into play time allows opportunities for … Continue reading →

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Posted in Early Literacy Storytime | 2 Comments

Early Literacy Storytime: Sort It Out

Posted on November 6, 2012 by Melissa

Earlier I mentioned a literacy tip you could add to a Shapes Storytime to highlight the relationship between learning shapes and learning letters. Here’s another storytime activity that showcases shape differentiation! Talking about attributes of objects and toys while playing … Continue reading →

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Baby Storytime: Fall (Again)

Posted on October 29, 2012 by Melissa

Here’s another take on a Fall storytime! I posted a Fall Colors storytime a few years ago. OPENING SONG: Hello Song* OPENING FINGERPLAY: Open Them Shut Them* BOOK: That Pup! by GEORGE Simple story, large, bright pictures, and an adorable … Continue reading →

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Posted in My Baby Storytime | 2 Comments