Difference between revisions of "Calendar of Teen Programming Ideas"

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*The last week of September / early October is '''Banned Books Week'''.  A great time to feature some banned books in the library.  Make a list of recent and previously banned books for recommended reading!  For more info visit ALA's [http://www.ala.org/bbooks/ Banned Books website.]  Also visit ALA's [http://wikis.ala.org/yalsa/index.php/Censorship_%26_Challenges Censorship & Challenges site] to add your story.
 
*The last week of September / early October is '''Banned Books Week'''.  A great time to feature some banned books in the library.  Make a list of recent and previously banned books for recommended reading!  For more info visit ALA's [http://www.ala.org/bbooks/ Banned Books website.]  Also visit ALA's [http://wikis.ala.org/yalsa/index.php/Censorship_%26_Challenges Censorship & Challenges site] to add your story.
 
*September 25 is [http://naturalmath.com/2014/08/math-storytelling-day-resources/ Math Storytelling Day]
 
*September 25 is [http://naturalmath.com/2014/08/math-storytelling-day-resources/ Math Storytelling Day]
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*September 25 is [https://nationalvoterregistrationday.org/partner-sign-up/ National Voter Registration Day] (22 million teens will turn 18 by the 2020 presidential election)
  
 
==October==
 
==October==
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==Year Round==
 
==Year Round==
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*'''Activism Club''' The March for Our Lives movement has resources and information on their [https://marchforourlives.com/local-action/ web site] about starting a local activism club.
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*'''Film and book critics at your local library.'''  Because most libraries have an audio and video section, how about offering teens an opportunity to write reviews on their favorite movie, book, or audiobook?  They can recommend material they've viewed, they can offer a critique, and most importantly, this gives them some ownership in the library and helps them build writing skills.  This can even turn into a weekly or monthly library publication.   
 
*'''Film and book critics at your local library.'''  Because most libraries have an audio and video section, how about offering teens an opportunity to write reviews on their favorite movie, book, or audiobook?  They can recommend material they've viewed, they can offer a critique, and most importantly, this gives them some ownership in the library and helps them build writing skills.  This can even turn into a weekly or monthly library publication.   
  
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*Start a '''Mozilla Club''' to help teens learn web literacy skills via hands-on maker activities. Everything you need to start the club is in this free [https://teach.mozilla.org/clubs/toolkit/ toolkit]
 
*Start a '''Mozilla Club''' to help teens learn web literacy skills via hands-on maker activities. Everything you need to start the club is in this free [https://teach.mozilla.org/clubs/toolkit/ toolkit]
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*[http://www.ala.org/yalsa/value-continuous-teen-services-yalsa-position-paper The Value of Continuous Teen Services: A YALSA Position Paper]
  
 
==Tips for Programming on the Cheap==
 
==Tips for Programming on the Cheap==
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==Additional Resources==
 
==Additional Resources==
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*[https://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/sites/default/files/tag-playbook-2018.pdf Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow 2018 Playbook] free resource from the US Dept. of Health and Human Services
  
 
*[http://www.ala.org/yalsa/adopting-summer-learning-approach-increased-impact-yalsa-position-paper Adopting a Summer Learning Approach for Increased Impact: a YALSA Position Paper]
 
*[http://www.ala.org/yalsa/adopting-summer-learning-approach-increased-impact-yalsa-position-paper Adopting a Summer Learning Approach for Increased Impact: a YALSA Position Paper]
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*[http://www.blueprintsprograms.com/programs Blueprints Programs] --examples of programs & resources that support positive youth development from the Annie E. Casey Foundation
 
*[http://www.blueprintsprograms.com/programs Blueprints Programs] --examples of programs & resources that support positive youth development from the Annie E. Casey Foundation
  
*{https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/calendar-at-a-glance/ National Day Calendar] (find out what month long, week long, and one day celebrations are happening throughout the year)
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*[https://www.merrilledge.com/article/college-planning-calendar-to-do-list-for-parents-students College Planning Calendar: A To-do List for Parents and Students]
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*[https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/calendar-at-a-glance/ National Day Calendar] (find out what month long, week long, and one day celebrations are happening throughout the year)
  
 
*[http://www.alastore.ala.org/detail.aspx?ID=2757 Cool Teen Programs Under $100] (2009), edited by Jenine Lillian for YALSA.  
 
*[http://www.alastore.ala.org/detail.aspx?ID=2757 Cool Teen Programs Under $100] (2009), edited by Jenine Lillian for YALSA.  
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*[http://www.alastore.ala.org/detail.aspx?ID=2428 Excellence in Library Services to Young Adults, 5th ed.]  
 
*[http://www.alastore.ala.org/detail.aspx?ID=2428 Excellence in Library Services to Young Adults, 5th ed.]  
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*[https://hqpbl.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/FrameworkforHQPBL.pdf Framework for High Quality Project Based Learning]
  
 
*[http://www.gslisqc.net/booktrailer How to Make a Book Trailer] (free, quick step-by-step guide)
 
*[http://www.gslisqc.net/booktrailer How to Make a Book Trailer] (free, quick step-by-step guide)
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*[http://www.ala.org/yalsa/sites/ala.org.yalsa/files/content/TeenProgramingGuidelines_2015_FINAL.pdf Teen Programming Guidelines] from YALSA (.pdf)
 
*[http://www.ala.org/yalsa/sites/ala.org.yalsa/files/content/TeenProgramingGuidelines_2015_FINAL.pdf Teen Programming Guidelines] from YALSA (.pdf)
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*[http://media.walkerart.org/pdf/wac_teen_kit_booklet.pdf Teen Programs How-To Kit] (from the museum community, but easily adapts for libraries)
  
 
*[http://pdf.voya.com/VO/YA2/VOYA200610GetProgram.pdf VOYA's Most Valuable Program for Teens]. One overall winning MVP program receives $200 and a plaque to display in the library. Runner-up programs are considered in these categories: Active, Creative, Discussion, Pop Culture, and Volunteer/Activism programs. Each category's MVP receives $50. The MVP and all runner-up programs are published in VOYA's October issue each year. If your program is selected for either the [http://voyamagazine.com/tags/get-with-the-program/ "Get With the Program"] column or the MVPs, you will be contacted to supply more details and graphics for publication. Deadlines for submissions: June 15 every year for MVP consideration.
 
*[http://pdf.voya.com/VO/YA2/VOYA200610GetProgram.pdf VOYA's Most Valuable Program for Teens]. One overall winning MVP program receives $200 and a plaque to display in the library. Runner-up programs are considered in these categories: Active, Creative, Discussion, Pop Culture, and Volunteer/Activism programs. Each category's MVP receives $50. The MVP and all runner-up programs are published in VOYA's October issue each year. If your program is selected for either the [http://voyamagazine.com/tags/get-with-the-program/ "Get With the Program"] column or the MVPs, you will be contacted to supply more details and graphics for publication. Deadlines for submissions: June 15 every year for MVP consideration.

Latest revision as of 12:24, 26 April 2018

Teen programs should primarily be determined by teen needs and interests; however, tying these into key events, celebrations, etc. can be a way to ensure your programs are timely and up to date. Please feel free to add your own ideas to this page!

January

  • Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Most libraries already have programs surrounding this day. Please share yours!
  • National Day of Service (same day as MLK Day)
  • ALA's Youth Media Awards are announced at the Midwinter Meeting.
  • YALSA's annual selected lists are announced.
  • Congressional Art Competition: each year Congress holds an art competition for high school students. Artwork is due in late March or early April--the deadline varies by your Congressional District. Jan. is the time to contact your Representative in the House's local office and confirm that your Rep is participating in the Competition. It's also the time to get teens working on their art!

One idea is a showing of episode 9 of The Boondocks, Return of the King. In this particular episode Martin Luther King, Jr. never died from the attempt on his life but fell into a coma. Years later he is revived and witnesses firsthand African American culture of the 21st century. He's not pleased, and is fired up enough to start up a new cultural revolution. Viewing is guaranteed to spark conversation and light debate in your audience. The only possible obstacle is obtaining the public viewing license for the episode, which is owned by Sony Pictures Television and Adult Swim. It works well across age levels and with families. Prepare a disclaimer in the beginning explaining the nature of the series and be prepared with discussion questions.

February

  • February is Black History Month, which was founded by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Many libraries have plenty of activities during this month, so please share your ideas here with others!
    • You can pick a topic of the African-American experience in America and celebrate that with books, crafts, and games all month long! Suggested topics can include some popular moments in history such as the Civil Rights Movement (the boycotts, leaders, sit-ins, laws, and continuing cases from the era). Highlighting that young people played a key role in the movement across the nation. Or, you can have programs around the Harlem Renaissance (recreating the Literature, Art, Music, poetry, include Chicago’s own Renaissance). Or even feature some lesser known historically significant occurrence such as the many Maroon villages (runaway slave settlements) in the Caribbean, Florida, South Carolina, and others throughout the Americas beginning as early as the 1500s as slaves ran away to escape bondage. Challenge the teens to find as much research as they can on these havens (the religion, music, lifestyles, organizational structure, etc.)
  • February is Library Lovers Month. Ask your teens to fill out index cards explaining why they love their library, then post them in a display. Save their answers, and submit them to your director and use them for advocacy efforts.
  • February 2 is Groundhog Day. Hold a contest with your teens to see if they can predict as well as Punxsautawny Phil.
  • February 3 is the Chinese New Year. Have programs centered around Chinese culture and heritage. Promote books, movies, and activities inspired by Chinese heritage. Host a program on Chinese paper arts or a discussion on China's unique political history. Have arts and crafts books, zodiac books, Asian cookbooks, and books on Eastern religions, folklore, and traditions.
  • February 14 is Valentine’s Day. Have a list of recommended books featuring poetry and love. And for fun, how about a list of books featuring romantic high jinks?
  • February 21 is President’s Day. Plan programs looking at American history or use this to encourage teens to write to the current president about an issue they think is important.
  • February's Digital Learning Day will be announced on their website.
Teen Tech Week website

March

  • March is National Craft Month
  • March 2 is National Reading Day
  • The second week of March is Teen Tech Week. Visit the Teen Tech Week website to register and to find ideas on celebrating in your community.
  • March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day

April

  • April is School Library Media Month
  • April is National Poetry Month. It's a great time for a poetry slam or workshop.
  • April 1 is Humor Day or April Fools’ Day
  • The second week of April is National Library Week. YALSA's Teens' Top Ten nominations are announced the Thursday of National Library Week
  • April 21 is Patriot’s Day
  • April 22 is Earth Day What's more popular than being green? So, how about a Green Week or Day? Teens come to their local libraries where activities and research are all "green"-friendly. They can clean up around their homes, libraries or schools, or do recycling projects. Host a teen 4-H seminar. What is 4-H? - Some towns may have free recycling items like blue bags, or recycling bins, or even offer tree disposals that can remove and turn dead or cumbersome trees into something useful. Teens can research ways of participating in global green efforts.
  • Global Youth Service Day

May

  • The first week of May is Children's Book Week
  • Cinco De Mayo
  • National Teacher’s Day
  • Free Comic Book Day is usually in the first week of May. Participating comic book stores throughout the country give away free comic books. In the libraries, how about trying a comic strip contest? You can post each entry in your library weekly, or make one large display. For ideas or inspiration take a look at this hilarious library based comic entitled Unshelved
  • May 10 is National Clean up Your Room Day
  • May 12 is Limerick Day. Quick definition of Limerick How many limericks can your teens come up with in a half hour? Have groups of teens test their rhyming skills, and some teen as judges awarding points for humor, corny-ness and subject matter! Give prizes.
  • Mother’s Day is usually the second Sunday in May
  • Memorial Day is usually celebrated the last Monday of May

June

  • Summer learning programs begin. Join YALSA's Summer Learning site for ideas and resources
  • June is Audiobooks Month
  • June is Gay and Lesbian Pride Month
  • June is Immigrant Heritage Month. Find & share resources for serving teens who are new Americans on this YALSA wiki page
  • June is National Candy Month
  • June 1 is National Penpal Day
  • June 5 is World Environment Day
  • June 6 is National Higher Education Day
  • June 12 is Children's Day
  • Father’s Day is on the third Sunday in June.
  • Juneteenth, or June 19th, is the African-American Independence Day celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in America. Texas was the first state to declare this date a holiday, and celebrations are held in places like the Smithsonian and the Henry Ford Museum. For more information visit the Juneteenth website
  • June 20 is World Refugee Day --for resources to help you serve teens who are new Americans, visit this wiki page
  • The third week of June is National Week of Making
  • June 30 is Social Media Day

July

  • July 4 is Independence Day
  • July 10 is Genaro's Day
  • July 27 is Parent’s Day
  • Summer Learning Day
  • Congressional App Challenge: each year Congress holds a competition for high school students, challenging them to build an app. Apps are due November--the deadline varies by your Congressional District. July is the time to contact your Representative in the House's local office and confirm that your Rep is participating in the Challenge. It's also the time to get teens working on their apps! Visit the Teen Tech Week site for coding resources.

August

September

October

November

Mom and Dad, dinner's on me tonight! Feature programs around nutrition, exercising, and health. Have teens make their own cookbooks, check out cookbooks, or go on-line and find a recipe they can make for their families at home! Make it an all day, week or month activity. Teens can learn about proper foods, and healthy dieting strategies, while doing something fun like having a recipe contest. Or they can learn how to make homemade ice cream using natural ingredients. They can also read about the gross things put into common foods and goodies. Inviting a nutritionist, having pamphlets, or noting responsible websites for teens interested in healthier lifestyles and eating habits can be an option. Or you can have the local gyms offer classes at the library (if there is room), or give discounts, or even just do a demonstration on safe workout practices.

  • Drunk & Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month
  • National Inspirational Role Models Month
  • Military Family Appreciation Month
  • National American Indian Heritage Month. How much do most teens know about the current state of Native Americans? What issues are affecting them and how can teens become involved in remedies?
  • National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). An entire novel may be a bit of a challenge with the demands pulling at today's teens, so how about a novella with a theme? Here are a few to try: Spanish soap opera-style writing, heavy on the drama; man versus the elements in a battle for control and domination; or a book of verse for the many wannabe rappers and rock stars.
  • Elections: elections are often held this month. Help your teen patrons prepare themselves to become active, voting citizens. Invite local candidates to speak at a Candidates' Forum at your library. Have teens prepare questions in advance to ask the candidates. Invite a representative from each local chapters of various political parties to speak to teens about their issues, concerns and platform. Hold a voter registration drive in your library and recruit teen volunteers to help run it. Create displays featuring books and resources that focus on the political process. Check out these resources:
  • November 1 is National Family Literacy Day
  • November 1 is Author's Day
  • November 1 is Stress Awareness Day. Here is a list of fun reads to relax with.
  • November 8 is STEM Day
  • Youth Appreciation Week is the 11-17.
  • November 11 is Veteran’s Day.
  • November 28 is Google Code-In, an event for teens
  • The week before Thanksgiving is National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week. Get your teens involved by donating their time to a soup kitchen, shelter or food depository, hold a clothes drive, or raise money via a Book-a-thon. Just as people sponsor walkers or runners per mile ran, teens can get people to sponsor them per book read all year long. The money can be donated to a local agency that helps fight hunger and homelessness.
  • Thanksgiving is the last Thursday of November.

December

Year Round

  • Activism Club The March for Our Lives movement has resources and information on their web site about starting a local activism club.
  • Film and book critics at your local library. Because most libraries have an audio and video section, how about offering teens an opportunity to write reviews on their favorite movie, book, or audiobook? They can recommend material they've viewed, they can offer a critique, and most importantly, this gives them some ownership in the library and helps them build writing skills. This can even turn into a weekly or monthly library publication.
  • Technology Workshops led by teens and aimed at their peers or tweens are a great way to involve teens in the library and help them build important soft skills like time management, self-confidence and more. Topics such as web design, blogging, coding, and social media use, etc. are all possibilities. Using safe and smart practices for social networking and downloading music, TV, and movies can also be stressed at this time. Invite parents & guardians to learn more about how their teens can safely use the web tools available at their library, or work with teens on a program in which they pair with senior citizens to learn how to better use technology.
  • Trivia is a fun way to help teens unwind and build social skills, so whatever day, week, month or event you decide to recognize, you can pose a question regarding that event and give out prizes to those with correct answers. Or ask teens to write a few words regarding the event. For instance, Did you know that the a rudimentary zipper premiered at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair by a Chicago inventor named Whitcomb Judson? With exotic animals, grand architecture, strange food, machines, and people, it was easily overlooked. However, Gideon Sundback, an employee of Whitcomb, improved on his design and was awarded a patent for the zipper on April 29, 1913. This is the reason why April 29 is now national Zipper Day! What would we have done without the zipper?!
  • With the election being such a hot topic every few years, your community's teens may express an interest in learning more about the process. A Civic Week or Day could help teens learn about the political process. Teens could have staged debates on candidates, be encouraged to volunteer at their local politicians' offices, invite candidates to the library for a Q&A and more. Creative teens could make a countdown to a new president display at the library or on the library web site.
  • Need ideas to attract teen readers? How about placing a suggestion box in the teen section? Who better than teens to offer suggestions on having a better library experience?
  • Placing a monthly or daily calendar with Fun Facts in view, with recommended reading materials, websites, apps, videos, etc. can be both engaging and informative!
  • Start a Mozilla Club to help teens learn web literacy skills via hands-on maker activities. Everything you need to start the club is in this free toolkit

Tips for Programming on the Cheap

  • Food
    • Ask the Home Economics Dept. at the high school to make and donate goodies.
    • Ask co-workers to make and donate goodies.
    • Ask parents and grandparents to make and donate goodies.
  • Prizes
    • Seek donations from local stores and businesses. Be sure to write a formal thank you letter indicating the type and amount of the donation they can use for tax purposes.
    • Consider non-monetary prizes, such as a coupon for waiving overdue fines.
  • Speakers
    • Tap parents and grandparents in your community.
    • Contact your local college or university.
    • Visit the local bookstore to see if they know of any authors in the immediate area.
    • Contact your local Chamber of Commerce.
    • Use Skype, e-chats, etc. for a virtual author or speaker visit.
    • Encourage your teens to speak or present a program.
  • Supplies
    • Ask local businesses what they might be able to donate. For example, a craft or yarn store might be able to supply coupons, instruction books, yarn, etc. Be sure to write a formal thank you letter indicating the type and amount of the donation they can use for tax purposes.
    • Limit programs to those that don't require expensive supplies. Think about DIY and recycling/reusing type of programs, for example.
    • Visit yard and garage sales to stock up on cheap supplies.
    • School libraries can participate in Adopt a Classroom to receive supplies donated by an interested individual.
  • Other
    • Partner with a local youth organization, school, etc. to defray the overall cost and share resources.

Prize Ideas

  • Back packs, balloons, banners, bean bag pals, bike license plates, book lights, bookmarks, books, bubbles & bubble pens, bumper stickers, buttons, caps & visors, clip pouches, color change pens, cool cases, crafts, games and hobbies, cube note pads, decals, door knob hangers, erasers, flying disks, food and drink coupons, friendship bracelets, gas cards, gel pens, gift certificates, key chains, kick sacks, lanyards, light sticks, light-up yo-yos, locker mirrors, magazine subscriptions, magnets, maze pens, mouse pads, movie passes, music CDs, patches, pencil pouches, pencils & pens, penlights, pennants, phone cards, photo frames, recreational passes, rope bracelets and rings, shoe laces, silly straws, snack bag clips, stadium cups, t-shirts, tote bags, wrist packs, iTunes gift cards, etc.

Additional Resources

  • Blueprints Programs --examples of programs & resources that support positive youth development from the Annie E. Casey Foundation
  • National Day Calendar (find out what month long, week long, and one day celebrations are happening throughout the year)
  • Digital Disruption -- free program materials to teach critical thinking and media literacy
  • Engaging Older Youth: Program and City-level Strategies to Support Sustained Participation in Out-of-School Time (study & findings by the Harvard Family Research Project, 2010)
  • Make, Do, Share Guide -- this free guide has two components: the Playbook provides STEM programming ideas and resources
  • VOYA's Most Valuable Program for Teens. One overall winning MVP program receives $200 and a plaque to display in the library. Runner-up programs are considered in these categories: Active, Creative, Discussion, Pop Culture, and Volunteer/Activism programs. Each category's MVP receives $50. The MVP and all runner-up programs are published in VOYA's October issue each year. If your program is selected for either the "Get With the Program" column or the MVPs, you will be contacted to supply more details and graphics for publication. Deadlines for submissions: June 15 every year for MVP consideration.
  • YA-YAAC is an email listserv maintained by YALSA whose primary focus is to provide a forum to exchange ideas on library programming for teens. Besides programming, topics such as managing a Teen Advisory Group, implementing policies & procedures for teen services, conducting outreach efforts and more are also discussed here. This list is open to anyone who would like to join. For more details, or to subscribe, please visit YALSA's web site. Participants agree to comply with YALSA's Electronic Discussion List Policies & Procedures.
  • YOUmedia has some information about programming basics on their web site.
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