Special Christmas Reading Program for Kids

Reading Music, Reading Words is a hands-on story time for children ages 3 to 5 involving books, stories, activities, and an opportunity for children to experience percussion instruments. Reading Music, Reading Words began at Muncie Public Library in 2003 with the initiative of musical professionals and educators from Ball State University. The program has continued with youth services staff at both Carnegie and Maring-Hunt over the years.

Language and concepts paired with rhythm is not only fun, but helps children develop reading readiness.* Studies demonstrate that music affects many aspects of a child’s learning. Children who frequently listen to and interact with music have better math skills, better language skills and better problem-solving skills than most. Plus, children love music!  Come join the fun and help your child learn how to make books and stories come alive with music! If you have never experienced how music can help children read, visit us during this special Christmas program, December 12, 2007 at Carnegie, 10:15 am in the meeting room. Call  765.741.5158 for more information, or register here.

* “Children who lack reading readiness at school entry have a harder time learning to read in the primary grades. This has been found in prediction studies since 1950.” [From Preventing Reading Difficulties in Young Children by the National Research Council]

Children’s Christmas Craft booklist

Angelina Ballerina’s Christmas Crafts by Katharine Holabird. Countdown to Christmas with Angelina and brighten up the holidays with 26 easy and fun crafts.

Christmas by Denny A. Robson. Examines traditional Christmas activities, discussing tree ornaments, holiday cards, gift wrap, bows, Advent calendars, and Nativity scenes.

Christmas Crafts by American Girl. Presents a variety of Christmas decorations, recipes, wrapping ideas, and gift suggestions.

Christmas Crafts by Fay Robinson. Provides information about the origin and customs of Christmas, ideas for celebrating this holiday, and directions for making such crafts as a stained-glass window, jiggling elves, and fuzzy candy canes.

Christmas Crafts by Judy Ann Sadler. Presents directions for creating a variety of Christmas decorations from around the world, including Irish candles, French “stained glass,” Japanese origami ornaments, Roman wreaths and Danish woven baskets.

Christmas Crafts: Merry Things to Make by Colleen Van Blaricom. Fun holiday projects which can be made with simple items, such as egg cartons and pipe cleaners!

Christmas Crafts: Things to Make the 24 Days Before Christmas by Carolyn Meyer. Contains instructions for making special decorations, foods and gifts for each day of Advent.

Christmas Fun by Deri Robins & Maggie Downer. Great things to make and do.

Things to Make and Do for Christmas by Ellen Weiss. Christmas projects include directions for making cards, games,  decorations and things to eat.

We Celebrate Christmas by Bobbie Kalman. Describes the origins of Christmas celebrations and traditions and how they differ throughout the world. Includes games, crafts, songs, customs and interesting facts from various countries.