Got a visit yesterday from a mom and a little girl who had attended my first two- and three-year-old storytime on Monday. At the end of the storytime I handed out a “medal” to each child that said either “I’m a Big Boy!” or “I’m a Big Girl!”, and this mom said to me yesterday, “You have NO idea how much that meant.” And then she went on to explain that her daughter had shown off her medal all day on Monday, to everyone she saw. But more importantly, this little girl also told her mom on Monday that she didn’t want to wear diapers anymore. It was the turning point in this one little girl’s life, and she hasn’t worn diapers since. Wow.
I can’t really take credit for this, though. I turned to a classic tome to get me going on this toddler storytime, Storytimes for Two-Year-Olds by Judy Nichols (the 1987 edition), and I used her “Babies” lesson plan to the letter. I was afraid it would be a bit hokey, but obviously it was perfect. Thanks, Ms. Nichols. You know your stuff.
Good job!!! You should take credit. Everybody steals from somewhere (just ask Doris) and your interpretation and presentation of this idea may have been what spurred this change.
By the way, you are appreciated by some other appreciators who enjoy appreciating you.
Thanks! (Would you be one of those appreciators, by chance? 😉
we appreciate you waaaaaaaaaaay out here too!
Abby,
I’m delighted that you found my book helpful. I love working with toddlers and it sounds like they will become one of your favorite audiences as well.
Thanks for the kind words.
Warmest wishes,
Judy Nichols
Judy,
Thank you a million times over for your books – I now have your newest edition in my office collection, and I really appreciate the changes that you have made. We just did a “Bathtime” storytime today, and it was a great success. And you are so right about finger-taster puppets – the kids are IN LOVE with my finger-taster puppet, a beautiful Folkmanis zebra hand puppet.
And you’re right; the toddler storytime is now my favorite storytime.
🙂 Abby