Monthly Archives: June 2012
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Find the Constellations [Second Edition] by H. A. Rey
Posted on June 30, 2012 by Children's Department Staff in Books & ReadingFinding the Constellations is a great introduction to star-gazing, by the author of Curious George. With clear and concise explanations of concepts such as light years, star magnitude as well as updated information about the planets, H. A. Rey makes astronomy both fascinating and easy to learn. Rey creates side-by-side sky views–one with lines connecting [...]
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Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires
Posted on June 28, 2012 by Jessica in Books & ReadingIn this quirky graphic novel, Binky decides to venture out into the great unknown. His people leave the family space station (house) every day, and he wants to know what’s out there. After making all necessary preparations, Binky sets out to explore space (the backyard) and battle fierce aliens (bugs).This would be a fun book to read [...]
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A Circle in the Sky magnet story
Posted on June 27, 2012 by Children's Department Staff in Rhymes & SongsHere is a short rhyme that can be used in preschool and kindergarten storytimes. You can put the shapes on the magnet board as you say the rhyme. It was adapted from the book A Circle in the Sky by Zachary Wilson. I see a circle in the sky, big and shining bright. I have [...]
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The Mailbox Magazines and books
Posted on June 23, 2012 by Ami in Activities, Books & Reading, Letters & Writing, Rhymes & SongsDid you know that the Manhattan Public Library has The Mailbox magazines for parents and teachers? We have current and past issues of Preschool, Kindergarten and First Grade. Additionally, we also have “yearbook” editions, which feature an entire year of ideas; these go up to intermediate grade levels. The Mailbox Magazine is just one of [...]
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Planetarium from your home
Posted on June 21, 2012 by Jennifer in ActivitiesStellarium.org allows you to have your own planetarium show. This is a great web site where you can type in coordinates and see everything in the night sky. You can watch the stars, planets and satellites move across the sky as the night and day progress. This would be fun to watch from home or [...]
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Rocket Action Rhyme
Posted on June 20, 2012 by Ami in Rhymes & SongsHere’s an exciting action rhyme you can do with any young child. The starting position is with hands overhead and fingers touching to make the tip of the rocketship, and after the countdown, the blastoff is up to you! “Inside a rocket ship Just enough room Here comes the countdown: 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 And ZOOM!” Source [...]
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Stars Above Us by Geoffrey Norman, illustrated by E. B. Lewis
Posted on June 19, 2012 by Children's Department Staff in Books & ReadingBy Geoffrey Norman, illustrated by E. B. Lewis This is a lovely picture book about the special relationship between fathers and daughters. Amanda is afraid of the dark until her dad takes her outside to look at the stars and fireflies. He points out the Big Dipper and the North Star especially. [...]
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Dancing Comets
Posted on June 16, 2012 by Ami in Activities, Books & ReadingOne fun idea to do with a group of children is “dancing comets,” and the only materials you need are music and crepe paper. After reading Space Leftovers, which introduces kids to comets, asteroids and meteoroids, explain that they will actually be able to pretend to be a comet! While playing upbeat music, kids will love [...]
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Pinterest
Posted on June 12, 2012 by Jennifer in Activities, CraftsManhattan Public Library now has a pinterest page: manhattanpl. We have a section “just for kids” with lots of fun craft and reading ideas.
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Stars
Posted on June 11, 2012 by Ami in Activities, Books & ReadingStars, by Mary Lyn Ray is a delightful picture book, and has appeal for a wide range of readers. It’s not a factual book about stars, but about imaginative ways you can see stars in your daily life. For example, did you ever think that when you blow on a ball of dandelion, “you blow a [...]
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