Story, Song and Rhyme at local Library

Every Wednesday our local library holds a free half an hour class for toddlers up to 3 years old. We have missed every infant session but as L gets older and the days are nicer (ish) I decided that it's time to have a look what's the fuss is all about.

Prior to the session we went for an investigation first so that on the day of the class I don't have to rush around trying to find where to go and generally knowing where to go, what to do makes me more comfortable and calmer.

The very first session we visited last week, I was surprised how many kids there were. L was very excited and was chatting to every single kids she saw. During the session I have noticed that L got closer to the older girl who had Barbie and Ken, but she didn't fight for toys, quite opposite it was a very friendly sharing, she would take the toys and then give them back, if she saw a random toy lying on the floor she would pick it up and give to a child.

This week everything was slightly different, there were less kids, library staff were a little bit passive and didn't entertain kids like the other 2 staff members did last week and L was different-tired or not interested. 
Entertainment wise library staff read a story or two in a pop up book, sing nursery rhymes with kids throughout the session, offer a selection of musical instruments for kids to play with whilst singing "Duke of York" and of course the best part bubbles at the end of each class. It seems like not a lot, but it keeps little one busy for 30 minutes and it free! 

Hoping next session would be more exciting!

Children's favourite songs DVDs and CD set review

L loves music, different cartoons and TV shows so when I was recently offered the chance to try out the CRS Records CD and DVD sets I jumped at the chance.

CRS Records have been children’s audio and video specialists since 1986. They offer the very best selection of kid's CDs and DVDs online.

CRS Records offer fantastic children’s song gift sets of 6 or 3 CDs, personalised children’s books and CDs and all their bestselling kids DVDs and CDs. There are also CDs from Justin Fletcher, Charlie and Lola and all your favourite CBeebies characters.

Children's favourite songs (6 CD set) £11.99

Children’s favourite songs cd incorporates all of the classic children's tunes into six superb cds, for your enjoyment. I really enjoyed the range of songs in the set. They helped assist me during the dreaded play times with my little girl and when I needed a second to myself. 

There is a large selection of songs which your child might recognise/enjoy (depending on the age) and also a couple which you as a parent will recognise and subconsciously enjoy. 

I like the idea of having few cds in one box firstly it will keep your little one entertained for a while and secondly it minimises the risk of having loose cds.

My only criticism is perhaps there could have been some animated videos to go with the super tunes.
So far our favourite tune is 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and toes'.. but I do have a soft spot for Amarillo ;)

Never smile at a crocodile DVD (£5.10)

All 3 DVDs we have watched introduced us to the cast members-Tony and the kids who act, sing and dance their way through the songs in different scenes related to each song!

They  were very entertaining and looked like they were having so much fun, during the Never Smile at a crocodile dvd. I guess when my little one is older, it would be more amusing to watch her try and jump around the room whilst watching this dvd.
'The wheels on the bus' is our favourite tune, L has heard this a couple of times during some classes we have been attending (perhaps she recognises it?).

I would recommend this for the family to enjoy bouncing around the room (try not to knock anything over).

Twinkle Twinkle little star DVD (£5.10)

Another super title in the CRS franchise and it does not disappoint.

My little L is quite young, so focusing her attention on certain things can prove a little difficult sometimes. However she seems to be taking to the series of dvds. 

L could certainly recognise "Twinkle Twinkle" as I was singing it at the same time and 'Round and Round the garden', mainly because we tickled when prompted by the song.

An excellent addition and as usual, recommended for all the family!

The Wheels on the Bus (£5.10)

Very similar to the Twinkle Twinkle Little Star dvd, we watched them back to back. L enjoyed elements of the dvds and enjoyed 'If your happy and you know it clap your hands' (I did gently clap her hands at certain parts of the songs).

We also recognised 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes' so that became an instant favourite as well.

Overall I like an idea of having different scenes with each song- from the zoo to the pirate ship.
Tony and the crew were very entertaining which added to the enjoyment of the dvd.

Very much recommended for the family and an active/energetic child.

Slight negative for the set of 3 dvds is that you can only pick to watch all songs or individually, but not from a certain episode. It is a matter of watching them all or manually choosing each song (mind you that was based on viewing the dvds on a laptop).

If would like to purchase one of the mentioned CDs or DVDs or fancy having a look at the online shop click here.

Disclaimer: I was sent the above items for the purpose of this review. All thought and opinions are my own.