This kit is perfect for anyone that has not provided a baby storytime before (or not in a while). Babies and parents will have fun exploring books—including one title with 12 copies for storytime families to experience textures together—plus songs and activities just right for babies to have fun developing language skills. The guide includes 2 full sample storytimes to do with the kit, including early literacy tips for parents.

• 1 copy: This Little Piggy, illustrated by Annie Kubler
• 1 copy: Look at the Baby by Kelly Johnson
• 1 copy: The Baby Goes Beep by Rebecca O’Connell, illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max
• 12 copies: Fuzzy Fuzzy Fuzzy: a touch, skritch, & tickle book by Sandra Boynton
• 1 copy: Nursery Rhymes, Songs and Fingerplays booklet
• 1 copy: Early Literacy Storytimes @ your library by Saroj Nadkarni Ghoting and Pamela Martin-Díaz
• 1 CD: Zoom Zoom Cuddle and Croon by Kathy Reid-Naiman
• 12 Super-Safe Mirrors from Lakeshore Learning
• 1 guide to the kit

This kit will help your youngest storytime visitors celebrate all things musical! Music helps young children develop their language skills, and babies—and their parents—will have fun singing, playing with scarves, and creating their own music with instruments designed for tiny hands. The four books in the kit are designed to be sung.

• 1 copy: Clip-Clop by Nicola Smee
• 1 copy: Itsy Bitsy Spider by Richard Egielski
• 1 copy: Barnyard Dance! by Sandra Boynton
• 12 copies: Shake It Up, Baby! by Karen Katz
• 1 copy: Nursery Rhymes, Songs and Fingerplays booklet
• 1 copy: Early Literacy Storytimes @ your library by Saroj Nadkarni Ghoting and Pamela Martin-Díaz
• CD: Catch the Moon by Lisa Loeb and Elizabeth Mitchell
• 12 Activity Scarves from Lakeshore Learning
• 12 Mini-Orchestra instruments from Halilit
• 1 Move & Groove—Your Child’s First Dance Game set from Thinkfun
• 1 guide to the kit

This kit incorporates lots of rhymes and word play for babies and parents to have fun with language, and break down words so that babies can better hear specific sounds that make up words. A game in the kit helps develop babies’ vocabulary and models for parents how to talk with their babies effectively to develop language skills.

• 1 copy: Moo, Baa, La La La! by Sandra Boynton
• 1 copy: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr, illustrated by Eric Carle
• 1 copy: Flip, Flap, Fly! by Phyllis Root, illustrated by David Walker
• 12 copies: Peek-a-Moo! by Marie Torres Cimarusti, illustrated by Stephanie Peterson
• 1 copy: Nursery Rhymes, Songs and Fingerplays booklet
• 1 copy: Early Literacy Storytimes @ your library by Saroj Nadkarni Ghoting and Pamela Martin-Díaz
• CD: Sing Along! by Caspar Babypants
• 1 What’s Inside? Soft Feely Box, from Lakeside Learning
• 1 guide to the kit

Number of copies:  2 of each kit

How to borrow a kit
To borrow a kit, you will need to be enrolled in the CSL Resource Kit Borrowing Program. Your “Kit account” is the same as your CSL Book Club account if you participate in that program. If you already have a CSL Book Club user number and password, skip to step 4 below.

1. Go to https://cslkits.cvlsites.org/enroll/
2. Complete and submit the enrollment form.
3. You will receive an email with a user number and password for your library within a short time.
4. Go to our online resource catalog at https://csl.catalog.aspencat.info/
5. Login into your CSL account using the “Login” button at the top right of the screen.
6. Use the Search bar, or browse for “Resource Kit”, to find the Kit you want to borrow.
7. Place a Hold on the desired kit.
8. The checkout period is 2 months. If the kit is available, it will be sent to you the next business day via the Courier. If it is checked out to another library, your hold will remain in place until the item is available or you cancel the hold.
9. Please remember to submit feedback either on the paper form included on the clipboard in the kit or online at – https://forms.gle/Hmqf7yJ9DLwCHjmk9

The kits are not available for loan to out-of-state libraries, or organizations other than libraries, at this time. Kits cannot be reserved for a specific date in the future. Contact  Kit Support (303-866-6900) with questions.

Returning the kit
As you prepare to return the kit, please verify that it is complete using the Kit Contents checklist on the back cover of the included binder. Be sure to include your completed Feedback Form so that we can improve the experience for everyone.

This kit is great for anyone that hasn’t provided a toddler storytime before (or not in a while). Fun books, a parachute, and colorful textured sensory balls will make toddlers fall in love with storytime and reading, and a guide provides tips for library staff as well as early literacy tips for parents, along with 2 complete sample storytime outlines.

• 1 copy: Where Is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek (large format)
• 1 copy: What Will Hatch? by Jennifer Ward, illustrated by Susie Ghahremani
• 1 copy: The Seals on the Bus by Lenny Hort, illustrated by G. Brian Karas
• 1 copy: Dancing Feet! by Lindsey Craig, illustrated by Marc Brown
• 1 copy: Storytimes for Everyone!: Developing Young Children’s Language and Literacy by Saroj Nadkarni Ghoting and Pamela Martin-Díaz
• 1 CD: The Best of the Laurie Berkner Band
• 1 copy: Nursery Rhymes, Songs and Fingerplays booklet
• 10 sensory balls
• 1 12’ parachute from Lakeshore Learning
• 1 guide to the kit

This kit is designed for toddlers to play with purpose, as that’s the best way they learn! The four books are interactive, allowing toddlers and their parents to engage fully in the reading experience. A set of puppets allows you to get into the fun to act out the books. Kids continue playing with purpose with dress up masks and a game that encourages imaginative play.

• 1 copy: Monkey and Me by Emily Gravett
• 1 copy: Meeow and the Big Box by Sebastien Braun
• 1 copy: This Little Chick by John Lawrence
• 12 copies: Press Here by Hervé Tullet
• 1 copy: Nursery Rhymes, Songs and Fingerplays booklet
• 1 copy: Storytimes for Everyone!: Developing Young Children’s Language and Literacy by Saroj Nadkarni Ghoting and Pamela Martin-Díaz
• 1 CD: Dr. Jean Sings Silly Songs by Dr. Jean Feldman
• 1 chicken puppet with 4 chick finger puppets in a circle from Lilliputiens
• 1 set of 8 Dress-Up Masks (one each: elephant, cow, duck, rabbit, mouse, tiger, chicken, dog) from Lakeshore Learning
• 1 Roll & Play game (1 fabric cube with a set of cardboard cards) from Thinkfun
• 1 guide to the kit

The concept of pre-writing activities for toddlers can be challenging for parents, but with this kit, you can easily model fun, effective pre-writing activities for parents that they can continue at home. Four books that emphasize drawing and finger play, large wooden screw toys, and lacing cards demonstrate how play can help strengthen little hands and increase their dexterity—just the skills toddlers will need when they learn to write in kindergarten.

• 1 copy: Hands Can by Cheryl Willis Hudson, photos by John-Francis Bourke
• 1 copy: Andrew Drew and Drew by Barney Saltzberg
• 1 copy: Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh
• 12 copies: The Game of Finger Worms by Hervé Tullet
• 1 copy: Nursery Rhymes, Songs and Fingerplays booklet
• 1 copy: Storytimes for Everyone!: Developing Young Children’s Language and Literacy by Saroj Nadkarni Ghoting and Pamela Martin-Díaz
• 1 CD: For Those about to Hop by Imagination Movers
• 1 set of 12 Indestructible Lacing Cards from Lakeshore Learning
• 1 mouse puppet from Folkmanis (with a paintbrush!)
• 1 Wooden Lacing Bird from Kaplan Learning
• 2 sets Twists and Turnables from Hape Toys
• 2 sets Nuts & Bolts from Plan Toys
• 1 guide to the kit

Number of Copies: 2 of each kit

How to borrow a kit
To borrow a kit, you will need to be enrolled in the CSL Resource Kit Borrowing Program. Your “Kit account” is the same as your CSL Book Club account if you participate in that program. If you already have a CSL Book Club user number and password, skip to step 4 below.

1. Go to https://cslkits.cvlsites.org/enroll/
2. Complete and submit the enrollment form.
3. You will receive an email with a user number and password for your library within a short time.
4. Go to our online resource catalog at https://csl.catalog.aspencat.info/
5. Login into your CSL account using the “Login” button at the top right of the screen.
6. Use the Search bar, or browse for “Resource Kit”, to find the Kit you want to borrow.
7. Place a Hold on the desired kit.
8. The checkout period is two months. If the kit is available, it will be sent to you the next business day via the Courier. If it is checked out to another library, your hold will remain in place until the item is available or you cancel the hold.
9. Please remember to submit feedback either on the paper form included on the clipboard in the kit or online at – https://forms.gle/Hmqf7yJ9DLwCHjmk9

The kits are not available for loan to out-of-state libraries, or organizations other than libraries, at this time. Kits cannot be reserved for a specific date in the future. Contact  Kit Support (303-866-6900) with questions.

Returning the kit
As you prepare to return the kit, please verify that it is complete using the Kit Contents checklist on the back cover of the included binder. Be sure to include your completed Feedback Form so that we can improve the experience for everyone.

The ability to accurately observe, measure and use the resulting information is a basic competency at the root of many STEM skills. By encouraging young children to experiment with these concepts and incorporate their findings into their play, you are encouraging the development of this skill, as well as their creativity and initiative. When combined with adult guidance, young children can grasp concepts such as bigger/smaller, longer/shorter, heavier/lighter, and use them as part of their daily experiments with the world around them. Measurement is also included in the Colorado Preschool Academic Standards.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education has become increasingly necessary to thrive in today’s world and therefore a national priority. Yet, a mistaken notion that complex thinking skills are beyond the ability of young children means that infants, toddlers & preschoolers aren’t always exposed to STEM concepts or activities during their early education. Children in informal care, such as with family, friends, and neighbors, may not experience the same scope of early educational experiences. Science and math are two areas that adult caregivers may not have as much confidence in. However, as a hub of community-based learning, libraries are in the perfect position to share STEM concepts and activities with FFN and the young children in their care. By supplying libraries with the materials necessary to easily create play-based learning opportunities that focus on age-appropriate STEM concepts, the Colorado State Library hopes to increase opportunities for young children and their caregivers to engage with these topics.

This kit will allow library staff to present play-based, interactive programs on measurement for young children, ages 3 to 7.

Contents:

• 2 sets Keva Planks
• 2 Weight and Mass Kits
• 4 Children’s Tape Measures
• Set of 4 stuffed dog toys
• Set of 6 plastic dinosaurs
• Set of 14 African safari plastic animals
• 1 copy of each of the following books:
  • How Tall Was a T.Rex? By Alison Limentani
  • Measuring Penny by Loreen Leedy
  • Ants Rule: The Long and Short of It by Bob Barner
  • How Heavy? by Mark Weakland
  • Inch by Inch by Leo Lionni
  • Me and the Measure of Things by Joan Sweeney
• 2 Height charts
• 4 18” rulers
• 2 60-inch fabric tape measures

Building is a fascinating and fun activity for children of all ages. When children build
they are learning geometry, practicing spatial skills, and engaging their executive
function. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education has become
increasingly necessary to thrive in today’s world and therefore a national priority. Yet, a
mistaken notion that complex thinking skills are beyond the ability of young children
means that infants, toddlers & preschoolers aren’t always exposed to STEM concepts
or activities during their early education. By providing libraries with the materials
necessary to easily create play-based learning opportunities that focus on age
appropriate STEM concepts, the Colorado State Library hopes to address that gap.

This kit will allow library staff to present play-based, interactive programs on
measurement for young children, ages 3 to 7.

Contents

• 1 set of 6 Squishy Shapes
• 4 Fort Building Kits
• 4 bed sheets
• 20 Flashlights
• 1 copy of each of the following books:
• • Little Red Fort by Brenda Maier
  • It’s Fort Building Time by Megan Wagner Lloyd
  • Builders and Breakers by Steve Light

The Community Helpers Program Kit was created to help public library staff within the state partner with community organizations and plan programming that connects families and caregivers with community resources and allows children to explore different roles in their community through dramatic play. The kit is designed to center the library in the community through impactful and creative programming for young children and their caregivers.

Contents

• Community Helper Puppets
  • Doctor
  • Postal Worker
  • Fire Fighter
  • Police Officer
  • Teacher
  • Astronaut
  • Nurse
  • Chef
• Community Helper Costumes 
  • Fire Fighter + Hat + felt hatchet
  • Police Officer + Hat
  • Doctor’s Lab Coat + stethoscope
  • Vet’s Scrubs + stethoscope
  • Construction Vest + Hat + felt stop sign
  • Baker’s Jacket + pot holder
• Dramatic Play Toys
  • Doctor’s Kit  (plastic stethoscope, thermometer, blood pressure cuff, otoscope, syringe, bandage cuff)
  • Construction Tools (hammer, drill, screw driver, charge tester, wrench, pliers, saw, level, ruler, utility knife, various gears and screws)
  • Emergency Phone
• Books for storytime
  • The Bus for Us by Suzanne Bloom
  • Hello! Hometown Heroes by Toni Armier
  • Thank You, Neighbor! by Ruth Chan
  • Clothesline Clues to Jobs People Do by Deborah Hembrook and Kathryn Heling

How to Borrow a Kit

To borrow a kit, you need to be enrolled in the CSL Kits program. Your kit account is the same as your Book Club Resource account, if you participate in that program. If you already have a CSL Book Club user number and password, skip to step 4 below.

1. Fill out and submit the enrollment form.
2. You will receive an email with a user number and password.
3. Go to the catalog at https://csl.catalog.aspencat.info/
4. Login into your CSL account using the “Login” button at the top right of the screen.
5. Use the Search bar, or browse for “Resource Kit” to find the Kit you want to borrow.
6. Place a Hold on the desired kit.

• The checkout period is for two months.
• If the kit is available, it will be sent to you via the CLiC courier as soon as we are able.
• If it is checked out to another library, your hold will remain in place until the item is available or you cancel the hold.
• Kits are not available for loan to out-of-state libraries.
• Kits cannot be reserved for a specific date in the future.
• Note that kits are transported via the CLiC courier. It is possible to accommodate lending if your institution is not on the courier system but able to pick the kit up from CSL.

Contact Kit Support at KitSupport@coloradovirtuallibrary.org.

Returning the kit
As you prepare to return the kit, please verify that it is complete using the Kit Contents checklist on the back cover of the included binder. Be sure to include your completed Feedback Form so that we can improve the experience for everyone.