What is a Bookbug Session?
Transcription
What is a Bookbug Session?
Bookbug Session Leader Handbook This handbook has been designed as a practical companion to your Bookbug Sessions. Welcome to the Bookbug Session Leader Handbook. Thank you for participating in Bookbug Session Leader training. Since 2008, Scottish Book Trust has delivered Bookbug Session Leader training to local authority and organisation staff across Scotland. The provision of high quality training has enabled local authorities to ensure that their Bookbug Sessions are led by knowledgeable, confident and highly skilled Bookbug Session Leaders. Bookbug Sessions provide an invaluable way of delivering high quality music, stories and rhymes to children and their parents, providing many developmental benefits. By participating in the training, you are demonstrating your forward-thinking approach towards the impact music, rhymes and books can have on children’s development and on parenting skills. This handbook has been designed as a practical companion to your Bookbug Sessions and is packed full of useful information. Within it you will find support and advice on the content of your Bookbug Sessions including recommended books, songs and rhymes. We hope you enjoy the training and wish you every success with your own Bookbug Sessions! Happy Reading! Rosalyn McGlynn, Early Years Outreach Programme Co-ordinator Foreword by Julia Donaldson When I was a little girl, I used to “Listen With Mother” every day to a radio programme with that name. As well as a story, there were always two nursery rhymes, my favourite being Ding Dong Bell. The rhymes were sung over and over again, and yet never often enough for me. Apparently one of my first sentences was “More Ding Dong!” Another early memory is of being joggled about on an Auntie’s knee and joining in her chant about how the farmers/children/ ladies/gentlemen rode, building up from a sedate walk to a wild gallop. Then, when I was five, my father gave me The Book of a Thousand Poems, which inspired me to write my own verses and with the ambition to be a “poet” when I was grown up. With my love, common I’m sure to all young children, of song, rhyme, movement and attention from adults, I would have adored Bookbug Sessions had they existed then, Bookbug Session Leader Handbook page 2 and I am delighted that they are now taking place in so many libraries and other community centres. Apart from the pleasure for the children, it seems to me an excellent idea that parents and carers can get together, increase their repertoire of traditional and new rhymes and songs, and grow in confidence as companionable entertainers for their children. I’m especially glad about the use of libraries for many Bookbug Sessions. I often do “author visits” to libraries, and I firmly believe that we should keep libraries open and actively encourage their use by organisations such as Scottish Book Trust. These toddlers are the readers (and maybe writers) of the future. I am hopeful and confident that Bookbug Sessions will grow and spread. In other words, “More Ding Dong!” We’re very honoured that Julia Donaldson is Bookbug’s patron. Julia is the creator of the best-selling rhyming picture book The Gruffalo, which was made into an Oscar-nominated animated film in 2011. Julia lives in Glasgow and to date has written 160 books. Contents About Bookbug page 4 What is a Bookbug Session? page 5 Choosing a Book for your Bookbug Session page 6 The Book Box Song by Julia Donaldson page 8 Favourite Bookbug Session Books page 9 Choosing Songs and Rhymes for your Bookbug Session page 10 Using Lycra in your Bookbug Session page 12 Using Puppets in your Bookbug Session page 14 Inclusive Bookbug Sessions page 15 Information and Resources page 16 Top Tips for a Successful Bookbug Session page 17 Planning your Bookbug Session page 18 Bookbug Session Templates page 19 Bookbug Partners page 22 The training has been fantastic to be involved with and has made me feel I’m doing something really worthwhile and fun at work. Lynn, Bookbug Session Leader Bookbug Session Leader Handbook page 3 About Bookbug Bookbug encourages parents and children to share books together from birth. Here are the different parts of our programme: Bookbug Packs Bookbug gifts books to every baby, toddler, 3 and 5 year old in Scotland in 5 packs: Baby Pack: gifted by health visitors in the baby’s first year Toddler Pack: gifted by health visitors when the child is between 1-2 Pirate Pack: gifted at nursery when the child is 3 years old Bookbug Primary 1 Family Pack: gifted at school when the child is in P1 Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: a book sent monthly to every Looked After child in Scotland from birth to 5 years. Bookbug Session Leader Handbook page 4 Bookbug Sessions Free, fun-filled sessions of stories, songs and rhymes for parents and children from birth to 4 years, available at local libraries and other community venues. For a list of all the Bookbug Sessions across Scotland, visit www.scottishbooktrust.com/ localbookbugsessions Bookbug’s Library Challenge Children collect a stamp every time they visit the library and are presented with a beautifully illustrated certificate when the collectors’ card is full. There are a range of certificates to collect. Bookbug Alerts Parents can sign up on the Scottish Book Trust website to receive an email with suggested books and tips on their child’s birthday and a reminder for when their next Bookbug Pack is ready to collect: www.scottishbooktrust.com/bookbugalert What is a Bookbug Session? Bookbug Sessions combine stories, songs and rhymes in a fun and interactive way for children and families. They are delivered at libraries and other community venues across Scotland. The sessions aim to encourage parents to share stories, songs and rhymes with their babies from birth onwards. A Bookbug Session is typically about 30 minutes long. You should always start with a hello song and end with a goodbye song. The Bookbug Session should include songs and rhymes and a story. A template to help you plan your session can be found later in this handbook. It is good practice to welcome families by reminding them that the sessions are interactive and that everyone is encouraged to join in. It’s also an opportunity to mention the Bookbug Packs to parents and signpost them to where they can get them if they haven’t received them. Elements of a Bookbug Session Welcome and Introduction Hello, I’m and I will be leading the Bookbug Session today. This session is part of the Bookbug Programme and we hope that you have received your Bookbug Packs. If you haven’t, come and speak to me or any of the library staff after the session. If you haven’t been to a Bookbug Session before, we will sing some songs, say some rhymes and enjoy a story together. I’ll be demonstrating with my Bookbug doll. Don’t worry if you don’t know the songs or rhymes; we will do everything a few times so you can join in when you’re ready. We’ll begin with a Hello Song. More Songs and Rhymes Try repeating some of the songs and rhymes that you used earlier in the session. This is a great way to help parents and children remember new songs and rhymes. Calming Song This is a great time for parents and children to have a cuddle, which increases bonding. It’s also a great way to calm children down after an energetic Bookbug Session. Goodbye Song A goodbye song is a nice way to say cheerio and let families know the session has ended. Many leaders prefer to alter their hello song at this stage so the session starts and ends with the same song. Hello Song Using Your Bookbug Doll A hello song welcomes families and signals that the session is about to start. Tap or clap a beat and ask families to join in with you. Your Bookbug empathy doll is an important part of your Bookbug Session. Bookbug should always be there to welcome families and encourage participation. It’s also very important to use Bookbug to demonstrate the actions to songs and rhymes. Bookbug is an excellent resource to model the actions and the behaviours for parents. Songs and Rhymes Choose your favourite songs and rhymes. Repeat each song or rhyme several times to familiarise families with it and give them a chance to join in. Look for interactive songs and rhymes that include elements of bouncing, tickling, anticipation and bonding. When repeating songs or rhymes, incorporate elements such as faster/slower, louder/quieter. Book A book should always be the focus of a Bookbug Session. Try linking the book to the songs and rhymes. Your Bookbug doll can: > Demonstrate the actions for parents and children > Decide whether the group sings the song faster or slower, louder or quieter (note, it’s always best for the leader to be the one who tells the group what Bookbug said. Have Bookbug whisper in your ear) > Introduce books, songs and rhymes Bookbug Session Leader Handbook page 5 Choosing a book to read aloud at your Bookbug Session A book should always be included as part of your Bookbug Session. When reading aloud at your Bookbug Session, you are showing parents just how easy, and how fun it is to share a story with children. It’s also a great chance for children to experience different reading aloud styles. You can choose from many great books. The most important thing is to find a book you love! Why read a book at your Bookbug Session? > > > > > > You’re modelling for parents how fun it is to share a book Children benefit from hearing different styles of reading aloud You’re helping to develop a love of books and reading It’s fun! Books expose children to new words which are not always used in everyday speech Reading aloud helps us learn how to express ourselves Here are some important points to consider when choosing a book to read at your Bookbug Session. Does this book appeal to a wide age range? This is sometimes challenging because you never know who is going to be at your Bookbug Session. Choose a book that appeals to a variety of ages and that can be adapted slightly. It might be best to have several books prepared in advance. Are the illustrations bold enough to be seen clearly by the group? Look for books with bright, bold and easy to see illustrations. When using the book with a large group, it can be challenging to make sure that everyone can see easily. Is there an element of participation for children and parents? Look for a book that involves actions and lets children join in. Playing a fun game involving movement will help to make the book more exciting and relevant to children. This deepens their understanding and engagement. Is the length of the book appropriate? Try choosing a book that is relatively short. Sometimes it’s difficult to sustain the attention of the group while you’re reading the book. A short book with an element of participation will appeal to the babies, toddlers and three year olds in your group. Reading aloud creatively Your voice is the most important tool you have when reading aloud. Here are some tips for reading aloud creatively: > Vary your tone. This will add colour to the story and make it more engaging. A change in tone also helps children grasp the meaning and the feeling of a story. > Don’t be afraid to add in silly voices. Ask the children to help you out. > Take your time. Say the words slowly and give children lots of time to process the book as you go. > Try choosing a book that is also a song. Books that you can sing (If You’re Happy and you Know it; Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes; Old MacDonald) offer an additional element of participation. Singing a book or parts of a book is a great way for children and families to participate in the story. Bookbug Session Leader Handbook page 6 How to introduce a book effectively There are many ways you can bring out your book during your Bookbug Session. Introducing the book creatively can help build the excitement and engage parents and children. Here are some things to try: Make it a surprise Hide your book in a box or a bag. You can tap it, shake it, or show children the shape underneath some Lycra. Bringing the book out as a surprise will boost the excitement. Pre-story rhymes and songs There are lots of great rhymes and songs that can be used to introduce a story time. Try: I wiggle my fingers, I wiggle my toes, I wiggle my shoulders, I wiggle my nose. When no more wiggles are left in me, I sit as still as still can be. You could also use Julia Donaldson’s special song, which you’ll find on page 8 of this handbook. Tip Read the book a few times yourself so you’re familiar with it before the Bookbug Session. Be enthusiastic Tell parents and children what you like about the book and why you chose that book to read aloud. Encourage families to borrow the book from the library so they can read it again at home. Don’t forget to: Tell children the author and illustrator of the book This reinforces the message of print and that the text and illustrations are meaningful and created by someone. Read a book you love – and tell people why you love it! Don’t worry about matching the book exactly to the age group. It’s best to go with a fun, shorter story that will sustain attention and that you can read with enthusiasm. Bookbug Session Leader Handbook page 7 The Book Box Song This song is a great way to encourage parents and children to borrow books from the library after the Bookbug Session. Listen to the Book Box Song on the Scottish Book Trust website: www.scottishbooktrust.com/ songsandrhymes The Book Box Song by Julia Donaldson Have a box of books at the ready! Verse 1 Let’s have a look inside the book box, The book box, The book box. Let’s find a book inside the book box. What will the first book be? (spoken) Sammy* are you ready? One two three. Sammy take a book out. What can you see? (sung) Sammy’s found a book about a baby**, A baby, A baby. If you like the book about the baby You can borrow the book for free! Bookbug Session Leader Handbook page 8 Verse 2 and subsequent verses Have another look inside the book box The book box, The book box. Find another book inside the book box. What will the next book be? (spoken) Poppy*, are you ready? One two three. Poppy take a book out. What can you see? (sung) Poppy’s found a book about a monkey**, A monkey, A monkey. If you like the book about the monkey You can borrow the book for free! * Substitute name of child actually present ** Substitute whatever is depicted on the book jacket, e.g. an elephant, a teddy bear. Text © Julia Donaldson 2012 Favourite Bookbug Session Books 1 Dear Zoo (Rod Campbell) 2 Doing the Animal Bop (Jan Ormerod/Lindsey Gardiner) 3 Tickle Tickle (Helen Oxenbury) 4 Monkey and Me (Emily Gravett) 5 Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes (Mem Fox/Helen Oxenbury) 6 Tickly Under There (Debi Gliori) 7 Moo Baa La La La (Sandra Boynton) 8 Shark in the Park (Nick Sharratt) 9 Where’s Spot? (Eric Hill) 10 Who’s in the Loo? (Jeanne Willis/Adrian Reynolds) Looking for more book suggestions? There are lots of suggestions in each of the Bookbug Packs. You can also visit www.scottishbooktrust.com for more book lists. Reading tips for different ages Don’t worry too much about trying to match the book to the ages of the children at your Bookbug Session. The most important thing is to find a book you love, and a book that you feel can hold the attention of the large group. Some books are great to share in a small setting or with one or two children at a time, while other books lend themselves nicely to being shared with a group. It’s important to find a book you enjoy that will work for your Bookbug Session. Toddlers like: > Active and engaging books > Lots of repetition > Simple stories > Themes – farm, zoo, house, cars Three to five-year-olds like: > Stories, poems, non-fiction > Adventurous stories Babies like: > Longer stories > Bright, bold illustrations > Books with detailed illustrations > Simple rhyming or repetitive text > Baby faces Bookbug Session Leader Handbook page 9 Choosing Songs and Rhymes for your Bookbug Session Rhymes Types of songs and rhymes: Rhymes are an important part of a Bookbug Session. Rhymes help us develop a sense of beat and rhythm and children who can keep a steady beat are naturally better readers. Rhymes help children to develop an awareness of sounds and how sounds pattern together. Clear articulation and a naturally slower speaking rate when saying rhymes also gives children a chance to catch the words. Starting your Bookbug Session with a few rhymes gives everyone a chance to build their confidence and warm up their voice. The ability to detect rhyme and say if two words rhyme is a strong predictor of reading skills. This ability is called phonemic awareness. Children develop this by learning nursery rhymes. Using a range of songs and rhymes will boost participation, engagement and positive behaviour. Why use rhymes? > > > > > Rhymes develop our listening skills Rhymes are fun Children naturally prefer rhyming sounds Rhymes are easier to remember Rhymes develop clear speech and articulation Songs Children love singing along and participating in Bookbug Sessions. Joining in with songs and rhymes encourages us to move along with the music. Music helps us develop an awareness of sounds – a vital skill to help children’s literacy development. Children love to sing along. Choose songs that are comfortable and easy for you to sing. Sing with a smile and children and parents will follow in the joy of singing. Why use songs? > > > > > > They’re fun Children love to sing They develop an awareness of sounds Music and singing can be used to calm and soothe Music is emotional and can help children and parents bond Children and babies hear at a slightly higher pitch Bookbug Session Leader Handbook page 10 Active: these can be very energetic actions or mild movement on the spot Try: Horsey Horsey Ask children to stand up and pretend to be a horse. Horsey Horsey Don’t you stop Just let your feet go clippety clop Your tail goes swish and your wheels go round Giddy up we’re homeward bound Calming: great to quieten down the group Try: Twinkle Twinkle Twinkle twinkle little star How I wonder what you are Up above the world so high Like a diamond in the sky Twinkle twinkle little star How I wonder what you are Bonding: encourage parents and children to have a cuddle or spend time face to face Try: Ally Bally Ally bally, ally bally bee Sitting on yer mammy’s knee Greeting for a wee bawbee Tae buy mair Coulter’s candy Including Songs and Rhymes in your Bookbug Session Take your time Children need extra time to form the words of a song or rhyme. Sing or say the words slowly to give them a chance to participate. Sing or speak clearly Young babies will watch the way the words are spoken. They’ll even try to imitate the facial movements. Children need time to hear the words and catch up. Demonstrate Use your Bookbug Doll to demonstrate the actions. If the song or rhyme is new to parents, they might not know all the actions. Be sure to demonstrate different ways to participate in the activity to allow parents and children of all ages to be involved. Repeat Children love repetition and repeating the same song or rhyme several times gives children more of a chance to participate. This helps adults learn them as well. Repetition helps to boost everyone’s confidence. Make repetition exciting Play with the tempo and the dynamics. Try saying the rhyme or singing the song, faster and slower or louder and quieter. This helps children to develop these concepts. Switch it up If a rhyme is traced on hands (e.g. Round and Round the Garden), ask the families to try tracing it on a different hand. You could even mix it up and ask families to try tracing it on the child’s back, feet or anywhere! Try different songs and rhymes in a slightly different way to make them even more exciting. Build the anticipation When repeating the rhyme, build the anticipation before the punch line. When saying rhymes like Cross Cross, use your voice to build the anticipation before the big tickle at the end. It makes the rhyme even more fun and boosts the engagement and listening skills, of both adults and children. Favourite rhymes: Cross Cross Great for: building anticipation Round and round the garden (Trace circles on hand) Like a teddy bear Cross Cross One step, two step (Creep up the child’s arm) Line Line Tickle you under there! (Tickle the child!) Spiders crawling up your spine (trace a cross and a line on your child’s back) (Repeat the rhyme using the other hand or tummy) Cool breeze (blow gently on your child’s face) Tight squeeze (give your child a little squeeze) And now... you get... The tickles! (tickle them all over!) Round and Round the Garden Tickling rhyme Great for: developing body awareness Forwards and Backwards Great for: faster and slower Forwards and Backwards and Forwards and backwards Up and down Up and down Side to side Side to side Round and round Round and round Ready to start again..... Mum and Dad and Uncle John Great for: adapting to different ages – ‘falling off’ helps to develop motion and balance. Small babies can bounce on a parent’s lap. Toddlers can stand up and bounce along. Mum and Dad and Uncle John Went to town trotting along Mum fell off (lean to one side) Dad fell off (lean to the other side) But Uncle John went on and on and on and on and on! (bounce faster and faster) You can find more songs and rhymes on the Scottish Book Trust website. Visit www.scottishbooktrust.com/ bookbug/sharing-books-andrhymes/songs-and-rhymes Bookbug Session Leader Handbook page 11 Using Lycra in your Bookbug Session Lycra is a great resource. You can use Lycra to encourage movement in your Bookbug Session and to get the group working together. If you don’t have a sheet of Lycra, you can always use a big piece of fabric or a scarf. Lycra is sure to be a big success in your session because it offers something for everyone. Why use Lycra? > Children and parents love it > It encourages teamwork, and is great for including the whole group > It encourages movement which activates different parts of the brain and helps us learn > You can use virtually any song or rhyme with Lycra > Lycra is great for introducing concepts like faster and slower, lower and higher. Because children get a chance to move, it helps reinforce their learning. Introducing Lycra > Get someone to help bring the Lycra out. Pull it out slowly and build the suspense > Have different things wrapped up in Lycra. Try this with stars: as you’re singing, unwrap the stars and hand them to the children. This activity can be done in reverse to collect the Lycra. Tips > Change the pace of the songs and rhymes. Remember to keep opposite pairs together (louder/softer, faster/slower) > Always have a wind down > You can lay your Lycra on the ground and pretend it is sea or sky... Children can also sit on the Lycra for the story > Trace circles or shapes on Lycra. How to use Lycra with a group of mixed ages Ask parents and children to sit on the floor in a circle. Stretch the Lycra so everyone joins in. Parents with young babies may find it easier to sit on the floor with the baby in their lap. Lycra for babies: > Give babies a chance to touch and feel the Lycra. They’ll enjoy hitting it and feeling the bouncy and stretchy texture > Lay the babies on the floor letting them look at the Lycra. Have the shimmery side facing the babies. Gently waft the Lycra while singing a calming song such as Twinkle Twinkle > Have parents sit on the floor with the baby in their laps. Ask them to trace a shape on the Lycra so babies can track the movement. Try: Round and Round the Garden Say the rhyme and have the parents trace the shape from the underside of the Lycra. This is great for engaging babies and having them track the shape. Round and round the garden Like a teddy bear One step, two step Tickle you under there Lycra for toddlers: > Sit on the floor so toddlers have a chance to hold and play with the Lycra > Let them bounce a small teddy on the Lycra while you sing a song or rhyme > Hold the Lycra and walk in a circle – it’s much easier for children to move in a circle if they’re holding onto something. Bookbug Session Leader Handbook page 12 Try: Jelly on a Plate Toddlers will love moving with this active rhyme. Jelly on a plate Jelly on a plate Wibble wobble, wibble wobble, Jelly on a plate Other verses: Biscuits in a tin, shake them up (x2) Sausage in a pan, fry it up (x2) Pancakes in a pan, turn them over (x2) Lycra for older children: > Let children go under the Lycra. For a peek-a-boo song or rhyme, you could put more than one child under at a time > Play ‘I have got the ball’. Roll the ball along the Lycra to see if your group can work together to get the ball to the child > Sing a lullaby at the end and rock a teddy to sleep. This will calm the children back down. Try: Row Row Row your Boat Have the whole group pull their elbows back when you start singing. If the whole group pulls back together, it really does feel like rowing. You can also let a few children hide under the Lycra and pretend to be the crocodile. At the end of the song, lift up the Lycra and let the crocodiles run around. You may have to repeat several times so all the children get a chance at being a crocodile! Row row row your boat Gently down the stream If you see a crocodile Don’t forget to scream Other great Lycra songs and rhymes: Shake and Shake This rhyme is great to start with because it is so high energy. The first urge when the Lycra comes out is to give it a good shake, so this allows children the chance to be very active. Build the anticipation by repeating the rhyme. Take your time or vary the length of time between each repetition. Shake and shake and shake and shake and shake and shake and STOP! Forwards and Backwards This is a great active song to play with the speed and go faster and slower. Forwards and backwards and forwards and backwards And side to side and side to side And up and down and up and down And round and round and round and round Ready to start again! Five Fat Peas This rhyme is great for collecting the Lycra. When the pod ‘pops’ all the children let go. (make sure you hold on though!) Five fat peas in a pea pod pressed One grew, two grew, so did all the rest. They grew and grew And did not stop, Until one day The pod went POP! Lycra with lullabies Lycra is a high energy activity. Before putting the Lycra away, it might be a good idea to calm the children down. You can still do this with the Lycra. Under the Lycra Allow children to lie underneath the Lycra. Turn the Lycra upside down so they’re looking at the shimmery side. Sing a quiet song and waft the Lycra gently. Rock Bookbug to sleep To collect Lycra: Sing a lullaby while rocking Bookbug to sleep on the Lycra. The parents and the children should be rolling in the Lycra, as the leader holds on to Bookbug. Bookbug loves being rocked to sleep and swaddled in Lycra. > Rhymes: Five Fat Peas, Five Fat Sausages, Pop Goes the Weasel Hum quietly > Hum a song and wrap up a teddy. Sing a song or rhyme a few times. With each repetition, sing a little bit quieter. Ask families to hum the tune as you put Bookbug to sleep. > Tell them the last time before you sing a song: “This will be the last time... then we will...” > Ask the children to give themselves a clap: “You did such a great job singing. Give yourselves a big clap”. > Wave goodbye to the Lycra: 1, 2, 3 wave bye! Where to get Lycra Lycra can be sourced at fabric shops or online. You will find Lycra in the dance fabric section. A piece of Lycra measuring approximately 2 metres by 2 metres will be sufficient for a group of 15 – 20. You can order a piece of Lycra from the following websites: www.online-fabrics.co.uk www.ukfabricsonline.com www.fabricland.co.uk Bookbug Session Leader Handbook page 13 Using Puppets in your Bookbug Session Puppets will enhance your session by offering an extra visual component. Look for finger puppets, hand puppets, glove puppets and pop-up puppets. Soft toys or finger puppets are a great way for children who don’t speak to participate and choose which rhyme or song they’d like to hear. Using hand puppets effectively takes time and practice. It’s a good idea to practise in front of the mirror before using hand puppets in your session. Why use puppets? > They enhance the visual experience of a Bookbug Session. > Puppets can engage shy children. > Children who don’t speak can make a request for their favourite song or rhyme by choosing a puppet. > Puppets can help to control behaviour. If parents are chatting, take your puppet for a walk and pause next to the chatty parents. You are the most valuable resource. Don’t feel you have to use a puppets for every song. Simple is just as effective. How to use puppets: > Hand puppets should always arrive alive and leave alive. This keeps the magic for children and makes the puppet real. > Puppets don’t need to have a voice. If you use a voice, make sure you keep it consistent. > Finger puppets are great for hiding in pockets and bringing out when you need them for a song or rhyme. Try: > Finger puppets > Hand puppets > Making your own – put cut-outs on ice lolly sticks. Where to get Puppets Keep an eye out for puppets at gift and toy shops as well as garden centres. It’s always nice to try out a puppet before you buy it and see how it feels to you. You can also find puppets online. The following websites stock a large selection including nursery rhyme themed finger puppets. www.puppetsbypost.com www.manhattantoy.com www.folkmanis.com Bookbug Session Leader Handbook page 14 Inclusive Bookbug Sessions Bookbug Sessions should be inclusive for all families, including children and parents with additional support needs. It is a good idea to ask new parents if they have any access needs that you should be aware of at the start of the session. There are simple things you can do to ensure that everyone can join in at your Bookbug Session. Bookbug Sessions are naturally inclusive by choosing a variety of songs, rhymes and books and demonstrating different ways to participate. Use a mix of active, calming and bonding songs and rhymes supported by props and resources. Actions It’s important to demonstrate songs and rhymes with a few different options for actions so parents can adapt the activity to suit their needs. For instance, they may need to help their child with movements. On the other hand, some parents may have additional support needs and they may need to adapt the activities to suit themselves. Remember, everyone has different ways of learning, so try to make your sessions as varied as possible. Remember to explain to parents what you’re doing while you’re showing them. Use props and resources > Look for resources that are brightly coloured and easy to see – especially from a distance. > If a parent or child has a visual impairment, invite them to sit closer to you so they can catch more of the sound and movement. > Incorporate objects with different textures and shapes and size. Allow parents and children to explore the different objects. Try objects that are both eye-catching and tactile. Inclusive Book Resources Deaf Books www.deafbooks.co.uk This website features downloadable British Sign Language resources. Signed Stories www.signedstories.com Signed Stories has a selection of baby and toddler books. You can watch a BSL interpreter read the book. Children in the picture www.childreninthepicture.org.uk www.scope.org.uk/campaigns/scope-campaigns/ children-picture/books-list This website aims to promote the inclusion of disabled children in early years picture books. ClearVision Project www.clearvisionproject.org ClearVision is a UK postal lending library of mainstream children’s books with added Braille. Their books all have Braille (or Moon), print and pictures, making them suitable for visually-impaired and sighted children and adults to share. Booktrust Resources for Books and Disability > Incorporate homemade music shakers. Have a variety on hand to pass out to children. www.booktrust.org.uk/books-andreading/children/bookmark > Use Lycra. Adapt the activity to match the group. Some groups will prefer a very calm and slow movement, while others will appreciate a high energy activity. Booktrust is an independent reading and writing charity that makes a nationwide impact on individuals, families and communities, and culture in the UK. Books Dual language books > If possible, have a few spare copies of your book to pass out to families. > Look for touchy feely books or large print editions. > Incorporate different learning styles by using actions, varied voices and books with rhyme and repetition. www.mantralingua.com Mantra Lingua has a large selection of well-known children’s books in many different languages. The books are bilingual with English. There are over 50 languages to choose from! > Look for books that represent social and cultural diversity. Bookbug Session Leader Handbook page 15 Information and Resources Bookbug, Scottish Book Trust www.scottishbooktrust.com/bookbug Visit the Scottish Book Trust website for information about Bookbug. Follow Tracy’s Early Years Lowe-down blog for fascinating articles relating to children’s development. Bookbug Session Leaders (Hidden webpage) www.scottishbooktrust.com/babies-early-years/professionals/bookbug-session-leaders Online guide to assist with planning and leading Bookbug Sessions. Please note this is a hidden address and you will not find this page unless you type in the address as shown. We recommend you bookmark this page. Early Childhood News www.earlychildhoodnews.com This website features many informative articles about the development of children and young people. Recommended article: Music and Movement – Instrumental in Language Development Zero to Three www.zerotothree.org This excellent resource comes from an American organisation and features information about brain development in young children. Recommended feature: The Baby Brain Map Play Talk Read www.playtalkread.org This Scottish Government initiative features songs and rhymes and practical tips. A great resource to recommend. Recommended Research Books Reading Magic: Why reading aloud to our children will change their lives forever by Mem Fox This book is easy to read and really enjoyable. It’s written conversationally and features lots of tips about encouraging children to read – and why we need to do this. Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain by Maryanne Wolf This book explains how reading and writing systems developed over time. Part one offers a historical account while parts two and three explain how we learn to read and what happens when the brain can’t learn to read. How Babies Think by Alison Gopnik, Andrew Meltzoff and Patricia Kuhl This book will take the reader into the mind of a young baby. It gives a very detailed and complete analysis of what infants are learning – and how. Why Love Matters: How affection shapes a baby’s brain by Sue Gerhardt This book explores the connection between affection and positive brain development. It gives a good analysis of how early interaction between babies and parents will have lasting impact and/or serious consequences. The Genius in All of Us by David Shenk Although not specifically related to the early years, David Shenk discusses early development, and how we’re all born with everything we need to be successful in life. Bookbug Session Leader Handbook page 16 Top Tips for a Successful Bookbug Session 1 Lead with a smile! Be yourself and remember you don’t have to be perfect. Don’t be scared of making a mistake. Laugh at it – humour is important too! 2 Don’t be afraid to try new songs, rhymes and books Let families know you want to try something new and that you’ll do it a few times to give everyone a chance to join in. It’s also a good idea to introduce new material in the middle of the session, before and after activities the group knows well. 3 Relax! Kids will be kids! Some will walk away, fidget or squirm. It may not seem like they’re listening, but they are. 4 Get moving! Getting parents and children up and moving together can help break down barriers. It will loosen people up and make the session much more enjoyable for everyone. 5 Be prepared – but be prepared to be flexible! Always plan extra activities for the session! Depending on the mood of your group some activities may be more successful than others. If one thing isn’t working well, you can move on and try something else. 6 Do it again! Don’t rush through songs and rhymes. Repetition works wonders for boosting the confidence of children and adults. Keep demonstrating and they’ll pick up the songs, rhymes and actions. Use opposites like faster/slower and louder/quieter. 7 Be patient Parents can be shy at first but will soon join in when they’re comfortable. Babies might be a bit restless, but usually after a few sessions they settle down. 8 Keep it simple Use songs, rhymes and books you enjoy. Don’t overcomplicate your session with too many props and resources – simple is just as effective! 9 Show and tell Demonstrate the actions with your Bookbug empathy doll. Explain to parents what you are doing. 10 Listen and watch Watch the reactions of parents, babies and children. You’ll soon know what their favourites are. Bookbug Session Leader Handbook page 17 Planning your Bookbug Session Planning tips: 1 Start with a song or rhyme that is well-known. If families are able to join in from the very beginning, it helps to put everyone at ease. 2 Repeat unfamiliar songs and rhymes until the group are comfortable with them. 3 After each session, take a few minutes to reflect on how it went. 4 Don’t pack your session full of lots of songs and rhymes. Leave space for lots of repetition and opportunity to extend the activity. Also leave time and space for requests. 5 Use a mix of familiar and new songs and rhymes. 6 Use a mix of bouncing, bonding, tickling and action songs and rhymes. 7 Be flexible – have some alternative options just in case. Always prepare two books to cater for different moods. 8 Be prepared! – make sure you have all the resources and books you need in advance. Prepare them so you know where they are and you can get to them easily during your session. 9 Make sure you are comfortable and familiar with all the materials, activities and books. 10 Have books on hand to encourage families to borrow books after the session. Bookbug Session Leader Handbook page 18 Bookbug Session Leader Handbook page 19 Goodbye Song Calming Song Songs and Rhymes Book Song with movement Songs and Rhymes Hello Song Notes Welcome families and explain about Bookbug Packs and how they are delivered in your local authority. Hold up a Bookbug Bag to show them. Explain what happens in a Bookbug Session. Remind parents that this is time for them to join in as best they can with their child. Resource required Introduction Type Name Template Use the following template to help you plan your Bookbug Session Planning a Bookbug Session Sample Session Template Template Week 1 of 4 Type Hello Song Hello Everyone Names Welcome everyone – give an explanation of the session Songs and Rhymes Mum and Dad and Uncle John; Incy Wincy; Cross Cross Bouncing; Actions; Bonding Mum and dad; Slower and faster Lots of tickling Song with movement Shake and Shake; Forwards and Backwards Movement Lycra Slower and Faster Book Tickly Under There (Mr Bear) Book Bear Book Read twice; Encourage interaction. Songs and Rhymes Round and Round the Garden; Row Row Row Your Boat Tickling Calming Song Twinkle Twinkle Bonding Goodbye Song Glad that you Could Come Template Week 2 of 4 Type Hello Song Hello Everyone Names Songs and Rhymes Horsey Horsey; Incy Wincy; Humpty (rhyme) Bouncing; Actions; Puppets Use puppets; Introduce Humpty Dumpty telling families it is a rhyme. Song with movement Ring a Ring of Roses Movement Lycra Get everyone up and moving; Try a few times then introduce with Lycra. Book Dear Zoo Songs and Rhymes Little Green Frog Actions Calming Song Ally Bally Bonding Goodbye Song Glad that you Could Come Bookbug Session Leader Handbook page 20 Resource Notes Encourage actions on left hand, right hand and belly Star puppets Encourage parents and children to cuddle Thank families for coming; Encourage book borrowing. Resource Notes Welcome everyone – give an explanation of the session Book Cuddle Thank families for coming; Encourage book borrowing. Sample Session Template Template Week 3 of 4 Type Hello Song Hello Everyone Names Songs and Rhymes Five Little Fishes; Five Fat Peas; Wind the Bobbin up Actions; Counting Fish puppet Toddlers do actions, parents wiggle fingers of babies Song with movement I Have got the Ball; Forwards and Backwards; Five Fat Peas Movement Ball; Lycra Move ball on Lycra; Five Fat Peas again – to collect Lycra Book Moo Baa La La La Songs and Rhymes Humpty Dumpty; Cross Cross Actions; Anticipation Puppet Encourage anticipation building during Cross Cross Calming Song Sea Shells Bonding Goodbye Song Glad that you Could Come Template Week 4 of 4 Hello Song Hello Everyone Songs and Rhymes Horsey Horsey; Mum and Dad and Uncle John Bouncing Song with movement I Like to Ride my Bicycle; Jelly on a Plate; Grand ol’ Duke of York Movement Lycra Book Cock-a-Moo-Moo Songs and Rhymes Old MacDonald; This Little Piggy Actions/Noises Puppets/soft toys Calming Song Twinkle Twinkle Bonding Goodbye Song Glad that you Could Come Type Resource Notes Welcome everyone – give an explanation of the session Encourage cuddling, sing quieter and quieter then hum Resource Notes Welcome everyone – give an explanation of the session Faster and slower Lots of actions! Ask for suggestions for other verses of Jelly on a Plate Bookbug Session Leader Handbook page 21 Bookbug Partners play@home The Breastfeeding Network The play@home programme promotes physical activity for children from birth to 5 years. If you have yet to receive your play@home baby book, please ask your health visitor for more details, or email HealthScotland-PlayAtHome@nhs.net The Breastfeeding Network (BfN) aims to be an independent source of support and information for breastfeeding women and others. For more information about baby and infant nutrition or for support with breastfeeding call 0300 100 0210 or visit their website at www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk play@home is part of a selection of NHS Health Scotland’s resources for parents of very young children including Ready Steady Baby! and Ready Steady Toddler! www.readysteadybaby.org.uk www.readysteadytoddler.org.uk Bòrd na Gàidhlig Bòrd na Gàidhlig works to promote Gaelic and strives in partnership with the Scottish Government, the people of Scotland and the Gaelic organisations, to improve the status of the language. Bookbug gratefully acknowledges funding from Bòrd na Gàidhlig towards the Gaelic Bookbug packs. www.gaidhlig.org.uk Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People promotes and safeguards children and young people’s rights in Scotland. Scotland’s Commissioner is Tam Baillie. Last year Tam had a ‘creative conversation’ called a RIGHT wee blether, which allowed 2 to 5-year-olds across Scotland to talk about their lives and what’s important to them. Find out about the results of the consultation, and more about the Commissioner’s work, at www.sccyp.org.uk Bookbug Session Leader Handbook page 22 Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Scottish Book Trust is working with the Scottish Government to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to every Looked After child from birth to 5 years in Scotland. Each of Scotland’s Looked After children will build up their own personal library of up to 60 books, improving their literacy and encouraging their parents and carers to read with them. www.uk.imaginationlibrary.com Play Talk Read Have fun from day one with Play Talk Read! The team at Play Talk Read have loads of ideas, tips and games to help you make the most of the time you spend with your wee one, whether you’re out and about or in the comfort of your own home. www.playtalkread.org Creative Scotland Creative Scotland is the national development agency for the arts, screen and creative industries. Bookbug gratefully acknowledges National Lottery funding from Creative Scotland towards the My Bookbug Session CD, contained in the Bookbug Baby pack and for Bookbug Session Training. www.creativescotland.com When we pass the library, we have to go inside. My wee one insists we have to go and look at the books. Parent Bookbug Sessions have given me more reason to laugh and smile than anything else in my working week. Session Leader Bookbug Sessions create opportunities for young children to enjoy a vast range of book sharing and music making activities in an exciting and innovative way. Session Leader I’ve found that, initially anyway, simple works best... once I got comfy with the story I could develop it at my own pace, adding exciting props each week Session Leader Bookbug Session Leader Handbook page 23 Published by Scottish Book Trust Sandeman House Trunk’s Close 55 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1SR T: 0131 524 0160 bookbug@scottishbooktrust.com Scottish Charity No.SC027669 Company No.184248