As we walk into our local library, we are welcomed by a sea of colourful couches, toys and pillows scattered around the floor. Well I'm guessing this is the right place for Baby Rhyme Time. A free program run by public libraries around the country, Baby Rhyme Time is designed to stimulate babies aged 0-2 and help to develop their early literacy skills with nursery rhymes, actions and songs plus a few books thrown into the mix as well. The library staff are extremely friendly and it is obvious they love the swarm of junior visitors they get this time of the week.
Although we are among the first to arrive, it isn't long until we are surrounded by mums (plus a couple of dads) with their little ones and a few older kids who get straight into the toys and musical instruments provided. Led by one of the librarians, the group sings along to a series of nursery rhymes, some of which you will remember fondly from your childhood and a few new ones just to keep you on your toes. Babies are bounced about and there are many giggles to be heard as incy wincy climbs up the water spout and the wheels on the bus go round and round.
You don't need to worry if your singing voice is out of practice as you can be guaranteed there will be someone else there who is just as off-key as you are and doesn't know any of the words, it's all part of the fun. If you haven't already received one, you can also collect a free yellow library 'show bag' with reading information, a picture book and a special rhyme book with a DVD so you can practice the songs in your lounge room at home.
For mums looking for a reason to get out of the house and interact with other parents, Baby Rhyme Time is a fun weekly activity. With so many bright colours, sounds and other babies to check out, your bub will also have a ball. It's great to watch the older kids get into the rhymes, clap their hands and scream on cue in the crocodile song; plus what a fantastic way to teach them that the library is a fun place to go.
Baby Rhyme Time sessions run for 30 minutes and you will most likely find a library in your area that runs the program on a day you are free. Generally the sessions are run in the mornings on a weekly basis, but the best thing to do is check your local council website and they will have a list of sessions for the libraries in your area.
A selection of some councils offering Rhyme Time is below for further information.
Perth:
City of Stirling
Town of Vincent
City of Joondalup
Sydney:
City of Sydney
Marrickville
Melbourne:
Maribyrnong City Council
City of Mooney Valley
Brisbane:
State Library of Queensland
Adelaide:
City of Playford
City of Tea Tree Gully
City of Port Adelaide
