Looking for Libraries

One of my favorite things to do with my kids is to go to the library.  First off, they get great exposure to vocabulary, books and music.  Secondly, they are in an environment where they are instructed by someone other than me.  Third, they get to interact with other children their age and I get to interact with other mama's.  And lastly most importantly... it's FREE.

I have been taking Marco to the library since he was 2 months old, and Jonas was going as soon as he came home from the hospital.  The library system in Greenville is fantastic.  It's small enough that it stays organized and they are able to hire people who are knowledgable in their field and who really have a passion for it.  The classes are tailored for the children of that specific age group and it's always a fun time.

So far, that has not been the case here.

I have visited 2 separate libraries with 2 different classes and 2 different teachers.  But they weren't very good.  In each class, there were only about 5 parents with their children in attendance... compare this to Greenville's 20... at least!  The teachers don't seem to understand the attention span of a toddler and insist on reading book after long book without mixing a song or hand game in between.  A 2 year old can not sit through 3 books in a row!

Today's class went something like this.  The teacher had us all sitting on the floor and instead of opening up with a song or game, she immediately started instructing us (the parents) on the importance of exposing our children to large vocabulary... she spoke on this for about 5 minutes.  By minute 2, Marco had lost interest and was up running around.  Not a minute later, another boy decided to join him.  Before the teacher had completed her THESIS lecture on vocabulary, all the children were going bonkers.  And the class hadn't even begun!  Then she proceded to read THREE books IN A ROW and commentate as she went along... as if the books weren't long enough already.  While she was reading, Marco and 2 other children were running back and forth, and removing all of the books from her display.  Did she really think they were going to sit quietly for that long and actually pay attention?  They're TWO, not 4.   I mean, really... know your audience!  Then she did one fun song with movement... THANK GOD... and it brought all the children together.  And lastly she had a coloring time, which as also good.

The whole time, the teacher just seemed annoyed.  And with reason.  But it's her fault for not planning an AGE APPROPRIATE class.  So, the Miami libraries seem to be in the business of hiring children workers who don't really enjoy children... mmm, that doesn't work out too well.

So, I'm 0 for 2 right now... but I'm not giving up!  I absolutely love the library and there's gotta be at least ONE class at ONE library with ONE good teacher, right?  It's a big city and I'm determined to find it!

But on a side note, this was something I learned today that knocked my socks off.  The library has free museum passes that you can check out with your library card.  Basically, you check out the pass and it's good for 1 visit within 7 days for up to 4 people.  Children's Museum here we come!!