Tiny Tots Has Big Benefits
   You might have trouble finding a place to park at the library most weekday mornings . Babies as young as a few weeks old and toddlers of all sizes accompanied by their moms , grandmas , and caregivers are making their way into the Library for story time .
   First - time mom Markie Del Real was searching for something that she and her 4 ½ month - old daughter , Remi could do together when she came upon Tiny Tots on the Library’s website . “It was love at first sight for her” , says Del Real . “She instantly clicked with Ms . Cyndee and was entranced by the music and dancing . ” Del Real attributes much of her daughter’s development to story time with Ms . Cyndee . “I feel that Remi has grown up through story time and has hit so many developmental milestones because of the level of education and importance Ms . Cyndee puts into her 30 - minute presentation . Physically , Remi can clap , stomp , jump , walk at 10 months and so much more due to story time . ”
   Cyndee Ross has been teaching Tiny Tots since she started working at the library in 2014 . From her preschool teaching experience , Ms . Cyndee learned what works to help babies grow in their pre - reading development . Singing develops phonological awareness as words are broken up into smaller sounds and syllables .
   Story time at the library may also be the first opportunity for a child to learn social skills . Through observing the behaviors of other children and adults they will have a steppingstone to school readiness . Del Real is impressed with how many of those readiness skills are taught in Tiny Tots . “Even more impressive is that she’s also learning sign language , how to listen to stories , and ( she ) can engage with other babies around her . Story time uses props such as bells , scarves , and instruments to help hand coordination as well as incorporates fun music with special dances to spark their development . ”
   There are so many benefits to bringing your child to story time . Exposure to thoughtfully chosen children’s literature and new vocabulary is one of them . Ross looks for books with big pictures and few words . “The human brain grows by use , and there is an exciting and enormous amount of mental growth that is possible in these first years if babies are given learning opportunities to use their brains . Their attention span is short . To help nurture this I need books that allow me to use different facial expressions , voices , and sounds , ” says Ross .
   An unexpected benefit of story time is the connections that moms make with each other . “Story time has not only helped my child immensely but me as well . I have been able to make great mom friends from story time which has allowed Remi and me to be more involved with activities in the community , ” says Del Real .
   Ms . Cyndee feels good about providing a place for babies to “flourish and develop their natural abilities . ” Del Real truly believes that “story time has been one of the most influential and wonderful experiences for Remi and me . We have cherished every story , dance , song , and moment . I am thankful that the Collierville Library has such a great program for all ages , and I am even more thankful for Ms . Cyndee’s love and dedication to every child and story time lesson . ”
   Tiny Tots meets Mondays and Thursdays at 10:30 AM from August through May . For all of the Library’s story times and events , check out the events calendar on the Library’s website
   colliervilletn . gov/library
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