tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6610640849287317652018-03-05T19:35:15.280-08:00with kiddos @ the librarya place to share programs and tips for <br> early learners (birth - 5) &amp; school aged kids (6 - 11)Kendranoreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-661064084928731765.post-26316527570679520082014-09-14T10:39:00.000-07:002014-09-14T10:39:12.258-07:00Explore! STEAM for preschoolers: Sensory<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">September 11 at 11:00 and September 12 @ 10:00 with 30 and 45 participants respectively</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The program was very successful. It was the first meeting for me since this is the start of the new school year and many of the regular attendees have now&nbsp;started kindergarten.&nbsp; A very interactive and interested group of children, and adults did a great job leading children through discovery.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I read the book <i>Cats Are Cats</i> by Valeri Gorbachev---it was a very loose tie in to the shredded paper activity as the children were looking for cats in the box.&nbsp; Great for asking interactive questions while reading it.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Materials Used:</span></b></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flour, water, trays, dish, ½ cup measure, Tablespoon &amp; spoons…The children measured ½ cup of flour into the dish that was on their tray.&nbsp; This gave them the chance to feel &amp; smell their own dish of flour. Water was added a tablespoon at a time.&nbsp; This gave the child/adult pair the opportunity to talk about how the consistency changed with each addition and to feel the changes as they mixed the two items together.&nbsp; Spoons were provided for children who have sensory issues.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Tactile items-sandpaper, contact paper, variety of fabric textures-this station gave them the opportunity to predict how the item might&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>What worked and what didn't:</b></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The flour/water station was by far the biggest hit.&nbsp; The majority of children did not want to leave the station and after thoroughly drenching the dish with water they dumped it all out and started all over again.&nbsp; The digging through the boxes of shredded paper to find the plastic cats was the second most popular.&nbsp; They enjoyed the process of touching the shredded paper and digging through it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The least successful was the “feely” box (not pictured)-it lacked appeal and excitement for them.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Set up:</b></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJkTnd_SjyE/VBXPBwici5I/AAAAAAAAAU4/zqP1K6QVUzo/s1600/IMG_1151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJkTnd_SjyE/VBXPBwici5I/AAAAAAAAAU4/zqP1K6QVUzo/s1600/IMG_1151.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flour/water station</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iGghrOQqZrs/VBXPBwQawVI/AAAAAAAAAUw/DHxQvrqi4b4/s1600/IMG_1152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iGghrOQqZrs/VBXPBwQawVI/AAAAAAAAAUw/DHxQvrqi4b4/s1600/IMG_1152.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flour/water station</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uU0TV2rw7fM/VBXPB3frFxI/AAAAAAAAAUs/QAZDRLUu_so/s1600/IMG_1153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uU0TV2rw7fM/VBXPB3frFxI/AAAAAAAAAUs/QAZDRLUu_so/s1600/IMG_1153.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Texture station</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qba8JddQAm8/VBXPCRPNM6I/AAAAAAAAAVQ/f8ArRNteWxA/s1600/IMG_1154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qba8JddQAm8/VBXPCRPNM6I/AAAAAAAAAVQ/f8ArRNteWxA/s1600/IMG_1154.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Balloon and item prediction</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MhmGrpjCrns/VBXPCslImqI/AAAAAAAAAVA/MRZhhMlC6E0/s1600/IMG_1155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MhmGrpjCrns/VBXPCslImqI/AAAAAAAAAVA/MRZhhMlC6E0/s1600/IMG_1155.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shredded newspaper and buried plastic cats</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flour and water station:</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7gLDWFavrC4/VBXPDKu0jxI/AAAAAAAAAVI/eP3yFhfFiqQ/s1600/IMG_1157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7gLDWFavrC4/VBXPDKu0jxI/AAAAAAAAAVI/eP3yFhfFiqQ/s1600/IMG_1157.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vQ57jQxNDOs/VBXPEsNciiI/AAAAAAAAAVg/nYrEo7bN5eU/s1600/IMG_1161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vQ57jQxNDOs/VBXPEsNciiI/AAAAAAAAAVg/nYrEo7bN5eU/s1600/IMG_1161.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--LCzIZSNwGs/VBXPGEuIl5I/AAAAAAAAAV4/rSbmB-t7xmc/s1600/IMG_1167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--LCzIZSNwGs/VBXPGEuIl5I/AAAAAAAAAV4/rSbmB-t7xmc/s1600/IMG_1167.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NXc8gkVznos/VBXPF41G9OI/AAAAAAAAAWY/bfO4wSTiO7o/s1600/IMG_1165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NXc8gkVznos/VBXPF41G9OI/AAAAAAAAAWY/bfO4wSTiO7o/s1600/IMG_1165.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YPOhsZkwCKo/VBXPGX1bmKI/AAAAAAAAAWA/jOnl64fIkXg/s1600/IMG_1168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YPOhsZkwCKo/VBXPGX1bmKI/AAAAAAAAAWA/jOnl64fIkXg/s1600/IMG_1168.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0mDPQpt1WJI/VBXPFNvtxQI/AAAAAAAAAVo/_e8G-55WgMM/s1600/IMG_1162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0mDPQpt1WJI/VBXPFNvtxQI/AAAAAAAAAVo/_e8G-55WgMM/s1600/IMG_1162.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When this child started he did not want to put his hands in the mix. Through careful guidance, Mom encouraged him to try and by the end &nbsp;he was totally immersed in mixing and exploring.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Texture station:</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S7sfZxRF0C0/VBXPHBI8mqI/AAAAAAAAAWE/yav3_wjKlsI/s1600/IMG_1170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S7sfZxRF0C0/VBXPHBI8mqI/AAAAAAAAAWE/yav3_wjKlsI/s1600/IMG_1170.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a5eM0zj65rc/VBXPHnlw_5I/AAAAAAAAAWU/TCPKZoRu1Ww/s1600/IMG_1171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a5eM0zj65rc/VBXPHnlw_5I/AAAAAAAAAWU/TCPKZoRu1Ww/s1600/IMG_1171.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This dad had the most awesome interactions with his son. The questions he asked were right on the mark!</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VNQ6s9v3cPs/VBXPDgPTo2I/AAAAAAAAAVk/msaSxQNXREo/s1600/IMG_1158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VNQ6s9v3cPs/VBXPDgPTo2I/AAAAAAAAAVk/msaSxQNXREo/s1600/IMG_1158.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shredded Paper:</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iXRVh6rgtOc/VBXPFhz7bHI/AAAAAAAAAVw/CpfOBG8pTxU/s1600/IMG_1164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iXRVh6rgtOc/VBXPFhz7bHI/AAAAAAAAAVw/CpfOBG8pTxU/s1600/IMG_1164.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F2mw9VVuT9c/VBXPENXthtI/AAAAAAAAAVc/TQ-rceMyZ1c/s1600/IMG_1160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F2mw9VVuT9c/VBXPENXthtI/AAAAAAAAAVc/TQ-rceMyZ1c/s1600/IMG_1160.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>Kendranoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-661064084928731765.post-11765216506401685212014-09-11T19:29:00.000-07:002014-09-11T19:29:18.543-07:00Summer Reading 2014 DisplaysSummer Reading is over! Here's a look at a couple of ways we promoted Fizz, Boom, Read! to the kids in our library.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bo3wrdYOsdM/VBJZuuNqxFI/AAAAAAAAAUU/im4DP24Kgfg/s1600/Bunny%2BRex%2BMad%2BScientist%2B(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bo3wrdYOsdM/VBJZuuNqxFI/AAAAAAAAAUU/im4DP24Kgfg/s1600/Bunny%2BRex%2BMad%2BScientist%2B(1).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bunny Rex is a mad scientist! We put out the recipe we use to make playdough for storytime to make it easy for patrons to do science at home.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Xu37eSyXGo/VBJZxVE0LQI/AAAAAAAAAUc/26Ccxpc08uU/s1600/Wimpy%2BKid%2BFizz%2BBoom%2BRead%2B(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Xu37eSyXGo/VBJZxVE0LQI/AAAAAAAAAUc/26Ccxpc08uU/s1600/Wimpy%2BKid%2BFizz%2BBoom%2BRead%2B(1).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This Greg cut-out has helped us sell several displays. This time he is next to a Science Fiction display. He's super excited about it, can't you tell?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Kendranoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-661064084928731765.post-86916030960439220692014-08-10T17:53:00.002-07:002014-08-13T08:22:28.779-07:00Explore! STEAM for 3-5 year olds: Math and Yoga<b>When:</b> Thursdays @ 11 and Fridays @ 10 (program repeats)<br /><b>Attendance:</b> this week 40 and 21, but there are usually more in each session-it was nice weather!<br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This week children explored math through counting, comparing amounts (see guided sheets below), in addition to math, physical well-being was explored through yoga. The p</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">rogram started with a brief gross motor activity and deep breathing. I read the book <i>My Little Sister Ate One Hare</i> by Bill Grossman. I used the book for the counting aspect as well as humor. &nbsp;Then the group stood up and we did some deep breathing which led into explanation of exploring yoga as well as the counting activity.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o6rpZjIWoo4/U-gQQRC0nhI/AAAAAAAAASU/9IuzaRIGKF0/s1600/IMG_1034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o6rpZjIWoo4/U-gQQRC0nhI/AAAAAAAAASU/9IuzaRIGKF0/s1600/IMG_1034.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The yoga worked much better the first day as I had a volunteer who knew how to do yoga and was able to spend the time interacting with the kids. This enabled me to spend time interacting with the children and adults on other activities. The second day, my volunteer was different and she did not know anything about yoga (note to self-make sure the volunteers know how to do an activity that I might need help with). &nbsp;I used y</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">oga cards-the children were able to pick a card and the leader would have the group do the exercise. <b>&nbsp;</b></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Ny8HwVFYk8/U-gQSVdiR1I/AAAAAAAAAS4/yFqtjQxUht8/s1600/IMG_1065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Ny8HwVFYk8/U-gQSVdiR1I/AAAAAAAAAS4/yFqtjQxUht8/s1600/IMG_1065.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WwJKzPFJSI4/U-gQRpH7kBI/AAAAAAAAASo/Ck1B4Ycmsa8/s1600/IMG_1052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WwJKzPFJSI4/U-gQRpH7kBI/AAAAAAAAASo/Ck1B4Ycmsa8/s1600/IMG_1052.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The math exercises were a hit.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span></div><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Math stations (5):&nbsp;</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">1.&nbsp; Making chain loops using 3 different colors of paper: the children practiced creating a pattern and counting the number of loops in the chain they made.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTtu2VoQ-p8/U-gQN3Vol4I/AAAAAAAAARs/oCoBxhy3IJk/s1600/IMG_0997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTtu2VoQ-p8/U-gQN3Vol4I/AAAAAAAAARs/oCoBxhy3IJk/s1600/IMG_0997.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uB_XS0gfV4M/U-gQN1plFGI/AAAAAAAAARo/O23liqoZIE4/s1600/IMG_0994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uB_XS0gfV4M/U-gQN1plFGI/AAAAAAAAARo/O23liqoZIE4/s1600/IMG_0994.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">2.&nbsp; Cups: one contained buttons the other small bears.&nbsp; Children counted the amount in each cup and then compared to see which had more.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-svEZgl_yvOs/U-gQR-rZHAI/AAAAAAAAAS8/0PklSs0GH74/s1600/IMG_1042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-svEZgl_yvOs/U-gQR-rZHAI/AAAAAAAAAS8/0PklSs0GH74/s1600/IMG_1042.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pqggly3DA88/U-gQPjJ4xOI/AAAAAAAAASA/q_VYzpR1p28/s1600/IMG_1025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pqggly3DA88/U-gQPjJ4xOI/AAAAAAAAASA/q_VYzpR1p28/s1600/IMG_1025.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KZslI_6jY6E/U-gQPF3Z-qI/AAAAAAAAAR8/kc1oli7DHc0/s1600/IMG_1013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KZslI_6jY6E/U-gQPF3Z-qI/AAAAAAAAAR8/kc1oli7DHc0/s1600/IMG_1013.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">3. Cups: same as #2 only using two different types of beads.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OBHLyF75ewc/U-gQO70T8vI/AAAAAAAAARw/TDSvJeP8J4M/s1600/IMG_1010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OBHLyF75ewc/U-gQO70T8vI/AAAAAAAAARw/TDSvJeP8J4M/s1600/IMG_1010.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">4. Cups: same as #2 using two different sizes of pompoms.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-56Z49APA26M/U-gQN1E6BxI/AAAAAAAAARk/t3IC7oRk3ug/s1600/IMG_1003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-56Z49APA26M/U-gQN1E6BxI/AAAAAAAAARk/t3IC7oRk3ug/s1600/IMG_1003.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7Fggi856K0/U-gQRmA69pI/AAAAAAAAASs/Om6qRIWQlME/s1600/IMG_1061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7Fggi856K0/U-gQRmA69pI/AAAAAAAAASs/Om6qRIWQlME/s1600/IMG_1061.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">5. Coin flip: children flipped a play coin 10 times and wrote down the number of heads/tails then compared</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o0zSwW3atZI/U-gQwphl6VI/AAAAAAAAATM/2GsW6LButGo/s1600/IMG_0993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o0zSwW3atZI/U-gQwphl6VI/AAAAAAAAATM/2GsW6LButGo/s1600/IMG_0993.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Guided Sheets</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nMgxvrsvzes/U-gTXhSfsLI/AAAAAAAAATo/YCusu8EJcks/s1600/How+Many+Sheet.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nMgxvrsvzes/U-gTXhSfsLI/AAAAAAAAATo/YCusu8EJcks/s1600/How+Many+Sheet.png" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>&nbsp;<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CsuH52QiAZg/U-gTXmVNMHI/AAAAAAAAATk/pKJY17EO4nY/s1600/Probability.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CsuH52QiAZg/U-gTXmVNMHI/AAAAAAAAATk/pKJY17EO4nY/s1600/Probability.png" height="320" width="248" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span>Kendranoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-661064084928731765.post-91716716244678478352014-07-28T08:30:00.000-07:002014-07-28T08:30:02.051-07:00Spark Your Imagination: I Ain't Gonna Paint No More<i>Spark Your Imagination</i> is a weekly program, held Mondays at 1pm, for all ages where we go beyond the pages of a book to explore and create. This program is new this summer and still growing.<br />This week there were 29 in attendance.<br /><br />Rachel is the presenter for this program and felt it was the most successful <i>Spark</i> yet. Definitely one that could be repeated in the future.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BSFH5cY4cg0/U9G3IRvRhDI/AAAAAAAAAPg/rlrmVsOJ0Sw/s1600/Arm+Painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BSFH5cY4cg0/U9G3IRvRhDI/AAAAAAAAAPg/rlrmVsOJ0Sw/s1600/Arm+Painting.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bEry_RAQ48A/U9G3L8DO1rI/AAAAAAAAAQg/iVrx4D-WS-8/s1600/Rolling+up+sleeves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bEry_RAQ48A/U9G3L8DO1rI/AAAAAAAAAQg/iVrx4D-WS-8/s1600/Rolling+up+sleeves.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B4Kyfmc50Lw/U9G3LVwkzUI/AAAAAAAAAQc/MF0zumDJGeg/s1600/Nose+painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B4Kyfmc50Lw/U9G3LVwkzUI/AAAAAAAAAQc/MF0zumDJGeg/s1600/Nose+painting.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Lq8ZvgZkic/U9G3JJEeXoI/AAAAAAAAAP4/z2_VsNG8j6g/s1600/Green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Lq8ZvgZkic/U9G3JJEeXoI/AAAAAAAAAP4/z2_VsNG8j6g/s1600/Green.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>Materials used:</b><br />-face paints<br />-watercolor pencils<br />-finger paint<br />-wipes<br />-brushes<br />-cups or tubs with water to clean the brushes and dip watercolor pencils in<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vsWrkehhkoo/U9G3KMU0DfI/AAAAAAAAAQo/WcGU2WD3JU0/s1600/Mom+and+Daughter+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vsWrkehhkoo/U9G3KMU0DfI/AAAAAAAAAQo/WcGU2WD3JU0/s1600/Mom+and+Daughter+2.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>What worked and what didn't</b><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">What worked was that I had painted myself with each medium to show them the sort of effects they could get, and our volunteer did the same.</span><br /><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.6667px;"></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">What I would have done differently is put signs out. Even though I repeated over and over that these were safe for skin, and easy to clean up, I still had hesitant parents who almost didn't let their kids participate. The only reason I didn't put out signs was because I didn't want that to become the object they painted. The only other hiccup we experienced is that if the watercolor pencils get too soggy they are difficult to sharpen, but I just suggested they try the other paints.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m75BPl9fBas/U9G3KGvj7vI/AAAAAAAAAQI/klEno0tvUf8/s1600/Learning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m75BPl9fBas/U9G3KGvj7vI/AAAAAAAAAQI/klEno0tvUf8/s1600/Learning.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.6667px;"></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">T<span style="font-family: inherit;">his was the perfect book/activity combo. I printed out a take home sheet to make bathtub paint, so they would continue the activity at home.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g4p55Vv_7yY/U9G3Js4kUEI/AAAAAAAAAQk/otfQrTVm_eU/s1600/I+aint+gonna+paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g4p55Vv_7yY/U9G3Js4kUEI/AAAAAAAAAQk/otfQrTVm_eU/s1600/I+aint+gonna+paint.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I really appreciated that most of the parents just let their kids at it, and didn't care that they painted all over their face, and the others who were hesitant lightened up once they saw the other kids get all messy.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdW45Oxl5E4/U9G3Kqb7zII/AAAAAAAAAQQ/XsjvW4G6HEU/s1600/Mom+and+Daughter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdW45Oxl5E4/U9G3Kqb7zII/AAAAAAAAAQQ/XsjvW4G6HEU/s1600/Mom+and+Daughter.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M7_Ph5yykvk/U9G3ITkwA8I/AAAAAAAAAP8/vUAHZRCYGVc/s1600/Face+Paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M7_Ph5yykvk/U9G3ITkwA8I/AAAAAAAAAP8/vUAHZRCYGVc/s1600/Face+Paint.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>Kendranoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-661064084928731765.post-48769321490673602412014-07-15T15:19:00.003-07:002014-07-27T10:20:59.969-07:00Dance Party in the LibraryDance Party is for all ages and we schedule it every Monday during the summer from 10:30 to 11:30. The program is drop in, however, so folks can come any time during that hour. Attendance runs between 65-110 people. This is the third year we've done Dance Party and I don't anticipate it will be our last.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOWOCwJih6g/U8WTlnRJbgI/AAAAAAAAANk/LiyScpll8GI/s1600/dance+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOWOCwJih6g/U8WTlnRJbgI/AAAAAAAAANk/LiyScpll8GI/s1600/dance+party.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />This program is so simple, it's ridiculous.<br /><br /><b>What you need:</b><br />-A room<br />-Music! We have a sound system and an iPod on which I have made a playlist, but CD's and a boombox would work, too. Most the music comes from Freegal.<br />-Things to dance with. You don't need a lot, but some people feel better with a scarf or shaker in their hands. I pull out different things each time: scarves, bells, dancing ribbons, egg shakers, etc.<br />-People. Don't worry, they will come.<br />-Comfortable shoes and cool clothes, because you will be dancing your tail off!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--wtpgYUDwfM/U8WVkIYKcVI/AAAAAAAAANw/KCkIPlCBvU0/s1600/IMG_0921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--wtpgYUDwfM/U8WVkIYKcVI/AAAAAAAAANw/KCkIPlCBvU0/s1600/IMG_0921.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are only 2 rules: everyone, especially parents, must dance while in the Dance Party room and everyone must be safe and kind to each other. If grown ups don't dance I go dance next to/with them until they do. Which is pretty much the best way to enforce rules.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our Dance Parties are not structured because I like seeing kids dance any way they want, instead of how we tell them to. There are a few songs on the playlist, like the Cha Cha Slide which some kids love because they can follow the directions and feel like they have accomplished something amazing. Basically, there's something for everyone! And when Splish, Splash comes on, it's bubble time (totally optional, but it's pretty fun)! Bubble time is blurry time (pictured below)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Btudrl9DX_8/U8WoH0GbRFI/AAAAAAAAAOA/nsqsAVlpC0Y/s1600/IMG_0924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Btudrl9DX_8/U8WoH0GbRFI/AAAAAAAAAOA/nsqsAVlpC0Y/s1600/IMG_0924.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you are interested in our playlist, let us know in the comments and we'll get it to you.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br />Kendranoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-661064084928731765.post-21583426357940892792014-02-10T18:45:00.002-08:002014-02-12T14:24:20.583-08:00Lab Rats: Book Dominoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30zvVMj0EgQ/Uvv0egHX0nI/AAAAAAAAHBY/yEiCpVfspKs/s1600/IMG_3767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30zvVMj0EgQ/Uvv0egHX0nI/AAAAAAAAHBY/yEiCpVfspKs/s1600/IMG_3767.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />In February I took over our monthly school age science program from our usual science pro, who will be out on leave any time now. She took pity on me and passed me an idea she'd been sitting on that is low on prep and supplies and high on fun: book domino chains!<br /><h4><span style="font-size: large;">How To </span></h4>I stored weeds and triplicates for about a month, particularly hardback J Fiction, and ended up with about 10 boxes of books. Honestly, I could have saved more. They were all processed before the program so afterward I simply boxed them back up and sent them off in delivery.<br /><br />If you're not lucky enough to work at a big branch in a larger system you could collect sooner, host the program during a heavy weeding period, or have volunteers help you pull a ton of stuff from the shelves and put them back nicely afterwards.<br /><br />Lately, the format of Lab Rats is to present attendees a challenge, in this case to make a book domino chain including a 180 degree turn. I provided a whole list of questions for those that wanted to stretch the challenge. I also wrote up a quick and dirty explanation of energy which a few parents stopped and read aloud before leaving the program. <br /><br />Finally, I showed Seattle Public Library's record-setting book domino chain <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSix3GEiMTo" target="_blank">video</a>on our iPad to inspire everyone. I also provided yard sticks in case anyone wanted to measure their work. Otherwise, there were no supplies required.&nbsp; <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mh5cas6r6gw/UvlsamNnihI/AAAAAAAAHAg/jZg1NmWrk1Y/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mh5cas6r6gw/UvlsamNnihI/AAAAAAAAHAg/jZg1NmWrk1Y/s1600/Slide1.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's how I presented the challenge. Please, feel free to use the text but not our mascot, Nicodemus.</td></tr></tbody></table>After the first group of kids completed the challenge they began making longer and longer chains, eventually deciding to use every book available to create a chain around the room. Here is the result:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/RIZ9YEC8R2Q?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>All in all, 30 people attended and most stayed between 30 and 45 minutes. Not too shabby.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />l.thackernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-661064084928731765.post-47329877040327660032014-01-30T09:00:00.000-08:002014-01-30T09:00:04.194-08:00Recall Info for Patrons: a quick parent resource<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0XCFr6Tu1v0/UuGr_BYnSTI/AAAAAAAAG_k/IGQAR3Ntn6E/s1600/US+CPSC+binder+cover+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0XCFr6Tu1v0/UuGr_BYnSTI/AAAAAAAAG_k/IGQAR3Ntn6E/s1600/US+CPSC+binder+cover+pic.jpg" height="640" width="492" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the cover of the binder using the CPSC logo</td></tr></tbody></table>Inspired by a former co-worker who did the same, I receive recall information in my personal feed reader and print updates at work as often as they're published. They're organized in a binder by month and kept as a reference item in what we call our Resource Collection - a small parenting collection housed in our Early Learning Center (or "play area" as most people call it). We keep 6 months worth. It's a quick, awareness-raising resource for families for the cost of a binder and paper! l.thackernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-661064084928731765.post-25681106277184782512014-01-28T06:00:00.000-08:002014-01-28T06:00:03.019-08:00Painting with SpaghettiWhat's that you say? Painting with noodles? It might seem a little weird but the preschool kids really enjoyed it as an after storytime activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>All it took was some cooked spaghetti, water and finger paint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We thinned out the paint with some water and mixed in the cooked spaghetti.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since we don’t have a stove at the library we boiled water in an electric kettle and poured it over the spaghetti, letting it sit until it had softened. Then the kids used the spaghetti to paint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Grjk3baVgU/UuBI1m19zlI/AAAAAAAAG_E/YfacHxRSl_E/s1600/Spegetti+Painting+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Grjk3baVgU/UuBI1m19zlI/AAAAAAAAG_E/YfacHxRSl_E/s1600/Spegetti+Painting+1.JPG" height="240" width="320" />&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We used red, yellow and blue so the kids could experiment with doing color mixing as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Next time we do this we might try using shaped pasta, so that we can experiment with the different patterns. </div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npHlQ4Ae-T4/UuBI4n75AnI/AAAAAAAAG_U/AQbn_PoltVc/s1600/Spegetti+Painting+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npHlQ4Ae-T4/UuBI4n75AnI/AAAAAAAAG_U/AQbn_PoltVc/s1600/Spegetti+Painting+3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>l.thackernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-661064084928731765.post-75235188876783795022014-01-26T09:00:00.000-08:002014-01-26T09:00:01.787-08:00A Twist on Finger Painting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3Kx0eaSOXQ/UtxzAoXgrjI/AAAAAAAAG94/40rXW3wuWpQ/s1600/window+fingerpaint.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3Kx0eaSOXQ/UtxzAoXgrjI/AAAAAAAAG94/40rXW3wuWpQ/s1600/window+fingerpaint.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>A few weeks ago our storytimes tried a fun alternative to traditional finger painting: finger painting on windows! Doing something that feels naughty is always fun, parents love a mess they don't have to clean up, and you can tie in color mixing conversations for some STEM cred.<br />How To:<br />Most of our sessions painted on contact paper applied to the windows beforehand, but some painted right on the windows. When wet, the paint wiped up easily from surfaces but we have yet to wash the windows (I'll post an update when we do letting you all know how clean up goes). <br />We used Colorations brand finger paint and did test the process out beforehand. We used craft sticks to dish paint into leftover microwave meal containers. Do be sure to put away your supplies or prepare to have families self-serving more paint and using the craft sticks instead of fingers. Some of us laid down paper on the floor in front of the painting to catch messes and some also offered aprons for the kids to wear. <br />Reflections:<br />As some of the more heavily painted spots dried, the paint flaked, but this is a case of process over product anyway. It doesn't look as nice from the outside as some of our window activities, but again, process. I think the preschool and family storytime staff weren't a huge fan because of the mess, but the baby and toddler storytime staff had a grand old time. A difference in expectations, perhaps?&nbsp; The kids loved it almost universally. I had the mom of a toddler tell me her daughter usually hates messy play but couldn't get enough of this activity. Success!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s1wvX5lVIQQ/UtxzBNI-p6I/AAAAAAAAG98/xldr2iRH4hA/s1600/window+fingerpaint4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s1wvX5lVIQQ/UtxzBNI-p6I/AAAAAAAAG98/xldr2iRH4hA/s1600/window+fingerpaint4.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />l.thackernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-661064084928731765.post-35840623830268713282014-01-23T17:00:00.000-08:002014-01-23T17:00:04.287-08:00Flannel Friday: On Mother's Lap<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P78imsxfKCc/UuAfmc7uweI/AAAAAAAAG-0/S-sP0TE89TY/s1600/IMG_3707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P78imsxfKCc/UuAfmc7uweI/AAAAAAAAG-0/S-sP0TE89TY/s1600/IMG_3707.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Mother's Lap by Ann Herbert Scott and illustrated by Glo Coalson</td></tr></tbody></table>I think I heard about this older title from Heather McNeil at an OLA/WLA storytime workshop (It was a fabulous workshop, by the way). I put it on hold and when it came in I loved that it was a bit of a quiet story with a nice refrain. A little boy adds more and more things to his mother's lap, but isn't sure there is room for everything he wants AND the baby - something a lot of families in my toddler storytime can relate to. It would make a great Mother's Day read, but it's also what my co-worker calls a "happens to be" story; the characters are Inuit but it isn't the focus of the story. A nice way to add some diversity to any given storytime.<br />I made flannel pieces of each of the things the little boy, Michael, adds to Mother's lap. I photocopied and enlarged images I thought would translate well to flannel, then used packing tape to tape them to their various colors. I cut out each piece using the lines of the illustration as a guide. The tape makes for clean lines but it doesn't seperate well from cheap flannel. Be warned. I added a bit of pink marker to the baby and doll, a couple french knots for eyes to the dog, used sharpie to give the blanket the look of fur, and viola!<br />I didn't include the rocking chair, Mother, or Michael, but obviously you could. Each time Michael added a new thing to Mother's lap I put it on the flannel board. When the book was over we revisited each item and noticed that there really is a lot of room on mother's lap. My group of twos was totally rapt and they were particularly rambunctious the day I tried it. l.thackernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-661064084928731765.post-81366022351231728282014-01-23T09:00:00.000-08:002014-01-23T09:00:05.850-08:00Our Informal Mascot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AGjFnp6pZ78/UtxvEkP9_ZI/AAAAAAAAG9k/2iObP3mN1MY/s1600/bunny+rex+knitting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AGjFnp6pZ78/UtxvEkP9_ZI/AAAAAAAAG9k/2iObP3mN1MY/s1600/bunny+rex+knitting.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>Our Display Maven found this great wooden T Rex puzzle in our programs closet and has been using him in monthly displays for quite awhile now. He somehow came by the name Bunny Rex.<br />Bunny Rex was Casper the Friendly Ghost last Halloween. He chewed through a present in December. Last summer he wore a garden apron and had tiny tools to Dig Into Reading. This month he's getting a bit frustrated learning to crochet for National Hobby Month.<br />It's a lot of fun for families (and let's face it, staff) to see what Bunny will be doing next. Do you have a mascot? l.thackernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-661064084928731765.post-37071570907105504522014-01-21T09:00:00.000-08:002014-01-21T13:01:14.035-08:00Baby-friendly Display Ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bbviKejukLY/UtxqZbOQ3kI/AAAAAAAAG9Q/MV35nAavUG4/s1600/mirrors+in+ELC2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bbviKejukLY/UtxqZbOQ3kI/AAAAAAAAG9Q/MV35nAavUG4/s1600/mirrors+in+ELC2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>We're lucky enough to have a large, dedicated Early Learning Center in our branch, which contains a colorful wall complete with display and shelving space. There are a few permanent displays and others that rotate. Our Display Maven's latest genius was to add some of our dollies and stuffies to the space with mirrors. A perfect addition to the space with baby and toddler appeal, and a good idea to utilize near check out or any other place families may have to wait.&nbsp;If you don't have locking cubbies or hand mirrors, get your hands on reflective contact paper (such as <a href="http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/product/productDet.jsp?productItemID=1%2C689%2C949%2C371%2C919%2C167&amp;ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181113&amp;bmUID=1390177394178" target="_blank">this</a> or <a href="http://www.ssww.com/item/mirror-board-PE1666/cmc=SRCH/v=bWlycm9y/p=1/" target="_blank">this,</a> which are just ideas and by no means endorsed by FVRL, my employer) and affix it to poster board or right to the wall, desk, etc.<br />We also have letter and number magnets near our check outs to keep kids occupied. The side panels of our desks and the check out counters are magnetic. If you'd like to try something similar but don't have a magnetic surface, re-purpose a cookie sheet or an oil drip pan. <span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span><br />What family-friendly ideas have you used to occupy little ones at desks? Cough them up.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />l.thackernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-661064084928731765.post-86278583654052043852014-01-19T16:11:00.003-08:002014-01-19T16:11:45.931-08:00Library Cards: Now for babies!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EhlrNOQgQ48/UtxlqAKiF6I/AAAAAAAAG9A/aky8ybsXAUQ/s1600/libcard2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EhlrNOQgQ48/UtxlqAKiF6I/AAAAAAAAG9A/aky8ybsXAUQ/s1600/libcard2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>Okay, that's not really a change for us but it was a catchy title. Last September, for National Library Card Sign-up Month, a staff member created a display letting folks know that any age (and species) can get a card, as well as some of the lesser known benefits of getting a card. Sure, these families are already in the library but many of them don't realize even the youngest family member can get a card in our system. DISCLAIMER: The family pet can not actually get a card. Sorry. Our Display Maven made use of ALA's promotional material found <a href="http://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/card" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />It was adorable so we've left a smaller version up! We have several locking acrylic boxes that are perfect for this type of display. What have you done to promote card registration?<br /> l.thackernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-661064084928731765.post-36240178528462246882014-01-16T12:51:00.001-08:002014-01-16T12:51:28.431-08:00Krafternoon: Shadow Puppets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m0ZrL40jtgo/Utg9IF9PAYI/AAAAAAAAG74/i5SNbBbh0UY/s1600/spuppets+child.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m0ZrL40jtgo/Utg9IF9PAYI/AAAAAAAAG74/i5SNbBbh0UY/s1600/spuppets+child.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>At Krafternoon this month we took advantage of the gloomy skies to make shadow puppets. Not a ground breaking idea, I'll grant you, but it was fun to be in a darkened room. Something about it feels special.<br />We have a large screen (available to borrow locally) that I propped up with chairs and lit using a couple spot lights. It took some fiddling to find the best position for the lights, but that was a good opportunity for STEM-like experimentation. In hindsight it might have been more fun to find a way to raise the screen, but our event was informal and this worked for us.<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lVUadpdDyp8/Utg9KSv7gbI/AAAAAAAAG8A/B81bp5enXfU/s1600/spuppets+screen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lVUadpdDyp8/Utg9KSv7gbI/AAAAAAAAG8A/B81bp5enXfU/s1600/spuppets+screen.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I also included some images of hand positions to try</td></tr></tbody></table>I provided several templates of varying degrees of complexity but tried to encourage creativity. One participant made a cat, a mouse, a mouse hole and some cheese to tell a story fraught with peril and suspense! The crowd we got was definitely on the young end though and most preferred to use the templates.<br />I found templates from the indomitable <a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/web/pdfs/pdf3/tvs6636_shadowpuppets.pdf" target="_blank">Martha Stewart</a>, copied a few simple shapes from Jill Bryant's <a href="http://fvrl.ent.sirsi.net/client/default/search/detailnonmodal/ent:$002f$002fSD_ILS$002f232$002fSD_ILS:232161/ada?qu=making+shadow+puppets" target="_blank"><i>Making Shadow Puppets</i></a>, and used some complex wild animal <a href="http://www.workman.com/features/papermade/dl/82_print.pdf" target="_blank">templates</a> from<i> Paper Made</i>! by Kayte Terry. One of Martha's shapes is a mermaid and I should have foreseen that it would be the most popular by far. TIP: Make multiple mermaids. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rm5wEZJFGwY/Utg9OJqwm1I/AAAAAAAAG8M/lQzrKS5As6I/s1600/spuppets+supplies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rm5wEZJFGwY/Utg9OJqwm1I/AAAAAAAAG8M/lQzrKS5As6I/s1600/spuppets+supplies.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>For a cheap, simple program I recommend this event. We already had all the supplies in our closet: black paper, brads, skewers (we used coffee stirrers), tape or glue, scissors, and something to draw with. Shadow play ties nicely to the current trend for STEM programming, appeals to preschool and school aged children, and bolsters literacy through encouraging storytelling.<br />As a supplement for taking home I provided a handout on how to make your own theater out of a box or cereal box, adapting <a href="http://www.ladybugmagkids.com/files/ladybug/games/lb0109-shadow.pdf" target="_blank">this</a> set of instructions from Ladybug magazine. A fun way to pass a grey afternoon.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lsPzgVlcPtw/Utg3suYTS6I/AAAAAAAAG7o/g2MX-rMMRO4/s1600/shadow+puppet+theater+instructions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lsPzgVlcPtw/Utg3suYTS6I/AAAAAAAAG7o/g2MX-rMMRO4/s1600/shadow+puppet+theater+instructions.jpg" height="640" width="492" /></a></div><br />l.thackernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-661064084928731765.post-79526871087822339612013-12-31T12:59:00.000-08:002014-01-02T15:16:57.201-08:00Read to the Dogs certificateAfter hearing that another local branch (Three Creeks) offered participants a certificate for reading to the dogs, we whipped up a few of our own! A simple piece of paper makes a great impact on burgeoning readers, especially if you have gold seal stickers to add.<br />We made a unique version for each of our 3 dogs using promotional shots from the owners or pictures we took during the event. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xVdo2XWUKHM/UsMt9K7Bx-I/AAAAAAAAG7Y/n5LrwTQWvaY/s1600/sample+rttd+certificate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xVdo2XWUKHM/UsMt9K7Bx-I/AAAAAAAAG7Y/n5LrwTQWvaY/s1600/sample+rttd+certificate.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A dog's photo usually fills the frame over the paw print.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />As always, leave a comment if you'd like a copy of the template for your very own, and here's <a href="http://fvrlcs.blogspot.com/2013/05/read-to-dogs.html" target="_blank">a link </a>to how we run our version of this popular program. l.thackernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-661064084928731765.post-15910186328352143672013-11-20T10:24:00.005-08:002013-11-20T10:24:27.563-08:00October Krafternoon: Monsters<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OdGC3XBfjKs/UowRv8CWMRI/AAAAAAAAG30/JQi5vrTgCrQ/s1600/IMG_3546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OdGC3XBfjKs/UowRv8CWMRI/AAAAAAAAG30/JQi5vrTgCrQ/s1600/IMG_3546.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>For Krafternoon in October we created <span style="font-size: x-large;">monsters from recyclables</span>. Kids chose either a baby food jar or a tissue box to start, as per the instructions on a slide. Though it is becoming harder to get your hands on glass baby food jars, we were gifted just about enough. I didn't collect enough tissue boxes though. Go figure. Using <a href="http://gigglesgalore.net/tattle-monster/" target="_blank">this&nbsp;</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fgigglesgalore.net%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fblogger%2F-6QV_tY160_g%2FTlHIA-9mjpI%2FAAAAAAAADMQ%2FhBMhrnA8O0o%2Fs1600%2FMonster%2BFriends.jpg&amp;container=blogger&amp;gadget=a&amp;rewriteMime=image%2F*" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gigglesgalore.net/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-6QV_tY160_g/TlHIA-9mjpI/AAAAAAAADMQ/hBMhrnA8O0o/s1600/Monster+Friends.jpg" height="200" width="126" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HKtNivJgjRU/UowRu1WD2rI/AAAAAAAAG34/l7K3OD408aw/s1600/IMG_3543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HKtNivJgjRU/UowRu1WD2rI/AAAAAAAAG34/l7K3OD408aw/s1600/IMG_3543.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a>as inspiration I set out the boxes, glue, craft foam, googly eyes, sharpies (rather than paint. Ug), scissors, and an egg carton.<br />The more popular choice was to decorate a baby food jar and fill it with slime. The slime was flubber using essentially <a href="http://www.omsi.edu/for-kids/flubber" target="_blank">this</a> recipe. The key to making it look cool is clear glue though it did change the consistency somewhat. The flubber didn't hold together as well as when using white glue, but that may have been a brand issue (We had Colorations brand so that's what I used). Anywho, beyond using clear glue, add glitter and use neon food coloring. Ohh. Aah. (<a href="http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/2012/09/please-welcome-desiree-from-36th-avenue.html" target="_blank">Here</a> is the inspiration site, where she uses Crayola glitter glue. Cheater.) I set out a mishmash of other material including more googly eyes and sharpies, feathers, cupcake liners, tissue paper, paper scraps, and so on. Tons of fun and I had to make several more quick batches of slime to satisfy my customers. It was a nice chance to try all the colors in my new neon set and they were all awesome. l.thackernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-661064084928731765.post-91320985903404164222013-11-19T17:32:00.003-08:002013-12-31T12:16:32.616-08:00stupidly simple toddler playAfter toddler storytimes at our branch we provide some kind of art, play or sensory experience. It doesn't typically include an end result one would want to take home but parents seem more than happy not the schlep or toss another thing. We recently put out a ton of shredded paper (originally created for <a href="http://www.fvrlcs.blogspot.com/2013/06/lab-rats-summer-reading-edition.html" target="_blank">this</a> program and since used <b>5</b> separate times for a variety of events. Well worth the effort) on a tarp and let the kids have at it. While the janitorial staff was less than thrilled, the kids and their grown ups were ecstatic. <a href="http://klmpeace.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Kendra</a> opted not to use the tarp, but instead pulled out the large parachute for an added element of fun.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f73fLOZNQts/Um8DIiXYJSI/AAAAAAAAFsM/LmLsK-aVG_8/s1600/IMG_3553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f73fLOZNQts/Um8DIiXYJSI/AAAAAAAAFsM/LmLsK-aVG_8/s320/IMG_3553.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>Another simple, well received activity was "painting" in salt. We have a set of plastic trays which I covered in a thin layer of salt. We have tons because we make playdough once a month for each storytime we present. I set out thin paintbrushes and asked kids to double up on trays, which wasn't a problem. Minimal spilling and only one kid tasted it (He was not impressed). In retrospect, I should have used a stiffer, fatter set of brushes we have. I suggested to parents that this is a great tool for building letter awareness or practicing shapes. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>l.thackernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-661064084928731765.post-24225088682525430082013-10-28T17:34:00.002-07:002013-10-28T17:34:21.558-07:00Diary of a Wimpy KidThough these seem to be magic words in the world of library programming, we had a lightly attended book release program for <i>Hard Luck</i> last week. It was a beautiful early-release day and the start of a long weekend, so I suppose we were contending with a lot. However, here's a rundown of what we did. Those who came had fun.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w0JLORMCs7U/Um78Ckgm-yI/AAAAAAAAFq8/pKuhgYd5hLA/s1600/IMG_3557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w0JLORMCs7U/Um78Ckgm-yI/AAAAAAAAFq8/pKuhgYd5hLA/s200/IMG_3557.JPG" width="150" /></a>I saw this idea on Pinterest and re-created it. Rather than the "cheese touch" this is the <span style="font-size: x-large;">cheese toss</span> with a stand up Rowley and square pieces of mat board. It would have been easier to play with bean bags, but I opted not to sew. Rowley was drawn on a large, lined sheet of paper and taped to a leftover piece of foam core. A box cutter worked nicely to cut out his mouth. I notched a box top and set him up, though in retrospect some kind of triangular tri-pod stand would have worked better. Live and learn.<br /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QApgS-B3OjQ/Um78DeBi7DI/AAAAAAAAFrE/E_x5yAKIarY/s1600/IMG_3558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QApgS-B3OjQ/Um78DeBi7DI/AAAAAAAAFrE/E_x5yAKIarY/s320/IMG_3558.JPG" width="320" /></a>We recently got an iPad for our department and I put it to use playing a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzyMHe6t7dY" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">youtube video of Jeff Kinney</span></a> showing viewers how to draw Greg. Almost everyone went directly for this station and gave it a try, using the technology completely appropriately. I was worried kids might be tempted to mess around with it, but they 100% did not.<br /><br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Cv2ypCxCLs/Um78ED7Lg_I/AAAAAAAAFrY/5aTn8oMxeYU/s1600/IMG_3560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Cv2ypCxCLs/Um78ED7Lg_I/AAAAAAAAFrY/5aTn8oMxeYU/s200/IMG_3560.JPG" width="200" /></a>We have an ancient industrial stapler that I set out with paper to <span style="font-size: x-large;">create diaries </span>and as per <a href="http://brycedontplay.blogspot.com/2013/10/diary-of-wimpy-kid-book-8-party.html" target="_blank">Bryce Don't Play</a>'s example, I encouraged kids to think of an alternate adjective appropriate for themselves.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X2MZoSi9mWw/Um78E4u1wpI/AAAAAAAAFro/bx0OiQDGcKk/s1600/IMG_3562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X2MZoSi9mWw/Um78E4u1wpI/AAAAAAAAFro/bx0OiQDGcKk/s320/IMG_3562.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We got a cardboard stand up Greg from the publisher and a ton of Wimpy Kid books from our district collection development department. I made a <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">display</span> </span>of them with information about the new book, including the release date and encouragement to place holds TODAY. I scrounged up a Magic 8 Ball, which appears on the cover of <i>Hard Luck</i>, and enjoyed watching kids speak into it as they asked if they would eat candy or donuts tomorrow, or if they'd get a $100,000 when they're a grown up. Also on display was a brief bio of Jeff Kinney including a couple funny pictures and a screen shot of the web comic Wimpy Kid started out as.&nbsp; <br />I set out index cards and re-purposed a coffee can as a <span style="font-size: x-large;">time capsule</span>, encouraging kids to write down what they'd include with contact information. I used entries as raffle tickets to give away copies of the book and window clings. The books were donated by a staff member (Thanks, <a href="http://klmpeace.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Kendra</a>!) and were older books in the series, but prizes are prizes!<br />Finally, I set up a <span style="font-size: x-large;">toilet paper wrapping</span> station and an old wall clock. Kids were encouraged to wrap each other up and record their time. Fastest wrappers win a prize! They really had fun with this one.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ppv6jpsTa-Y/Um78CaREYDI/AAAAAAAAFq4/yhN9cpBLx8Y/s1600/IMG_3555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ppv6jpsTa-Y/Um78CaREYDI/AAAAAAAAFq4/yhN9cpBLx8Y/s320/IMG_3555.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>For sticklers like myself, who like to know where ideas originate, the toilet paper wrap is taken from <i>The Last Straw</i> when Greg skips swim practice and gets cold hiding in the locker room. He uses toilet paper to try and get warm. Greg and Rowley also work on a time capsule in <i>The Last Straw</i> and the idea for the station came from the latest event kit from the publisher. <br />Lots of folks also incorporate trivia games in their Wimpy Kid programs, but we have a drop-in format so that didn't work as well for us. For local readers, I borrowed ideas from the Three Creeks branch. They had a very well attended program some time ago.l.thackernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-661064084928731765.post-41663593101321102672013-09-26T11:33:00.001-07:002013-09-26T11:33:25.930-07:00An American Girl AfternoonAfter a <a href="http://fvrlcs.blogspot.com/2013/05/star-wars-library.html" target="_blank">Star Wars</a> program and some <a href="http://klmpeace.wordpress.com/2013/02/10/angry-birds-program/" target="_blank">Angry Birds</a> fun, we thought maybe we should have a girlier program, whatever that means. We set about planning a non-tea American Girl program. I say "non-tea" because that seems to be the library AG program of choice, but with a drop-in format and a "no food" rule, a tea simply wouldn't fly.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fSJ7e6MUlgA/UkR7EbHi3GI/AAAAAAAAFow/dSlNKCMt2CI/s1600/IMG_3390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fSJ7e6MUlgA/UkR7EbHi3GI/AAAAAAAAFow/dSlNKCMt2CI/s400/IMG_3390.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We invited school age patrons to bring their dolls with them and several did. For those not lucky enough to afford such a doll, we offered a copyright free<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://thismamamakesstuff.com/2010/09/tutorial-fabric-scrap-paper-dolls/" target="_blank">paper doll</a></span> printed on card stock to decorate with colored pencils and fabric scraps. Even those who brought a doll had fun making a paper version, and I was glad I included some boy dolls as we had maybe half a dozen young men join us.<br />We displayed nonfiction titles that patrons might not be as familiar with and for once, books were actually checked out as a direct result of a program! We borrowed a couple dolls from staff to display. One was even a retired girl, so it was fun for everyone to see. Running on our projector was a slide show adapted from the American Girl website, with an illustration and fun facts about each of the characters. It was fun to hear attendees get excited when their doll came up.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kYlGeiuYg8E/UkR3cbXlv1I/AAAAAAAAFn4/wiPr4A3UUt4/s1600/IMG_3393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kYlGeiuYg8E/UkR3cbXlv1I/AAAAAAAAFn4/wiPr4A3UUt4/s320/IMG_3393.JPG" width="320" /></a>The most popular activity was a <span style="font-size: large;">matching bracelet set</span> for guests and their dolls. American Girl dolls have a 3 1/2 inch wrist, FYI. We set out elastic, pony beads, and letters beads. We asked folks to use initials rather than full names to conserve limited supplies and with just one package we were fine.<br /> We put out hand mirrors and hair elastics along with a couple simple <span style="font-size: large;">hairstyle tutorials</span> from the American Girl magazine. Some girls did their friend's hair, some did their doll's hair, and others had mom help do their own hair.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ie5-ro4DJss/UkR3dFGjTKI/AAAAAAAAFoA/yB2XhQJlr-M/s1600/IMG_3394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ie5-ro4DJss/UkR3dFGjTKI/AAAAAAAAFoA/yB2XhQJlr-M/s200/IMG_3394.JPG" width="200" /></a>On the same table was a set of AG personality quizzes, also from the magazine. Not very popular. We pulled in our hopscotch rug and posted the traditional rules as a historical tie-in, but again, not very popular.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NIAp7gHZ6q4/UkR3cBmKjdI/AAAAAAAAFn0/qXucGdlK9oM/s1600/IMG_3391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NIAp7gHZ6q4/UkR3cBmKjdI/AAAAAAAAFn0/qXucGdlK9oM/s200/IMG_3391.JPG" width="150" /></a>The final element was a <span style="font-size: large;">photo prop</span>, a box painted like a real American Girl doll box. Kids could step inside while their parents snapped a photo of their precious little one as a real live American Girl doll on their ubiquitous camera phones. <br />I was worried there wasn't enough to do, but we had about 70 people and they stayed between 20 and 60 minutes. Success! l.thackernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-661064084928731765.post-23949305224468936382013-09-03T15:40:00.001-07:002013-09-03T15:40:35.215-07:00Treasure HuntLast week we held a pirate-themed program on the heels of big summer reading performance. We're so smart. &lt;That was sarcasm&gt; BUT it made for a lively event. About 80 people came which is quite good for us, especially considering most of them had already been in the library for at least an hour.<br /><br />Upon entering our program room, kids chose a pirate name by selecting one piratey word from each of three columns and putting on a name tag.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INtbmToBYqw/UiZTyVOLYII/AAAAAAAAFm8/MDzl1mgKhA8/s1600/treasurehunthat1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INtbmToBYqw/UiZTyVOLYII/AAAAAAAAFm8/MDzl1mgKhA8/s1600/treasurehunthat1.JPG" width="320" /></a>They picked up a&nbsp; treasure map and a good ol' golf pencil, and headed to the disguise table to create a pirate hat.&nbsp; A lucky few got eye patches I'd unearthed from years ago. It's always a risk to put out a little of something, but I wanted them gone and for the most part it wasn't an issue.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xVF9dlwyQ0/UiZTx6bf9DI/AAAAAAAAFnI/TkWpLn9uUec/s1600/treasurehuntchest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xVF9dlwyQ0/UiZTx6bf9DI/AAAAAAAAFnI/TkWpLn9uUec/s200/treasurehuntchest.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />After selecting their name and disguise, the little buccaneers decorated a paper sack treasure chest for their booty.Then the hunt began. The kids were trying to guess a phrase. Can <i><b>you</b></i> guess what it was? Dig into reading! Some kids got the word "Dig" and guessed the rest and that was a-okay with me. <br />First, they hit up the "sand boxes" to dig for a set of letters. The boxes were filled with shredded paper and the letters were die cut from matboard. The word was "Dig."<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6M6uuDzK3A/UiZTypqI5oI/AAAAAAAAFnA/gqPetm8N_iA/s1600/treasurehuntplank.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6M6uuDzK3A/UiZTypqI5oI/AAAAAAAAFnA/gqPetm8N_iA/s1600/treasurehuntplank.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />They then had to face the plank - a board propped up on 3 bricks. They were asked a riddle or joke and when they couldn't answer, they jumped off and were told the first letter of the last word, "R."<br />Finally, they left the room with maps in hand, trying to find the source of each image on the map. All the images were taken on the children's level. At the site of each photo was a sparkly letter and in some cases a seashell to make REALLY sure they understood the letter was what they were after. Staff working the desks had been filled in and there was an answer key in case the forgot where something was.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k9O1ZlsC3lw/UiZVZxMvC3I/AAAAAAAAFnk/j3XnO9-uudc/s1600/mapforblog.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k9O1ZlsC3lw/UiZVZxMvC3I/AAAAAAAAFnk/j3XnO9-uudc/s1600/mapforblog.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>Puzzle solved, the kiddos came back to the program room to choose treasure from our chest. No one who attempted the hunt was denied some loot.<br />Treasure included chocolate coins, plastic gold coins, ring pops, plastic gold necklaces, some paper posters and pirate flags, and fancy paper pirate hats. Barring the candy, it was all stuff we had. The ring pops went first, then the hats and posters, then the chocolate coins. <br />We knew we'd have all ages rather than the school age crowd we typically plan for, so making the hunt photo-based was a good move. This program slot is self-guided and drop in, so preschoolers still needed an adult to guide them but it worked well. We were lucky enough to borrow a couple district staff members to man the sand box and plank, which helped a lot.It would've been a fun opportunity for enthusiastic volunteers, too.<br />This is a format I will use again. It's relatively simple, the kids enjoy it and you get to highlight areas of your space or collection while getting kids moving around. Perfecto!<br /><br /><br /><br />l.thackernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-661064084928731765.post-15807423717476987752013-09-03T10:34:00.001-07:002013-09-03T10:34:20.256-07:00Pinterest tips & tricksDid you know Pinterest is not just for nail art inspiration and single ladies planning dream weddings? No! A lot of people use it the plan programs and displays. You can find many cool ideas especially for library staff. You can also collect useful tips. Here's a roundup of some of my favs:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y-wUGdGp2pY/UiYaugPR-GI/AAAAAAAAFmM/iB3j-O61g1o/s1600/watercolormarkers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y-wUGdGp2pY/UiYaugPR-GI/AAAAAAAAFmM/iB3j-O61g1o/s320/watercolormarkers.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li>On a budget and want to get your hands o<span style="font-size: small;">n liquid watercolors? Take old washable markers, rubber band them together, and stick them tip-side-down in water over night. In the morning, you'll have washable liquid watercolor. The instructions I found said to use at least 6 markers, but I tried it with as little as 3 and still got good results. I was even able to soak my batch of markers twice to get two containers of each color. Nice!</span></li></ul><span style="font-size: small;"></span><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">Want to bead with little ones? <a href="http://www.mynameissnickerdoodle.com/2010/02/colors.html" target="_blank">Dye pasta</a> instead of buying beads. All you need is toddler or preschool friendly pasta, some of the liquid watercolor you just made (though you can use food coloring, too), and rubbing alcohol. This also works with rice for fun toddler sensory play.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size: small;"></span><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">Have a bag of chalk that looks a little muddy. Throw some rice in the bag to "clean" the chalk and you can tell what color you're dealing with again.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size: small;"></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sovLArcR8K8/UiYcALEHD9I/AAAAAAAAFmY/N7ih-shqA6Q/s1600/signholders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sovLArcR8K8/UiYcALEHD9I/AAAAAAAAFmY/N7ih-shqA6Q/s200/signholders.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">glitter optional</td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">In need of a sign holder, but all your nice acrylic ones have wandered to other departments? Use a laminated or card stock sign and a large binder clip. Viola!</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">GLUE &lt;<i>gets its own section</i>&gt; </span></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">Here's an oldie but a goodie. Do you find yourself dreading the use of white glue but really want to do an activity that requires it? Buy or collect cheap plastic tupperware, cut sponges to fit the containers, and add glue. Kids touch their item to the glue sponge rather than using a bottle. After use and before storing, dampen the top sponge a bit. After you've use your sponge awhile, flip it. Pinterest says it'll keep a long time. </span></li></ul><span style="font-size: small;"></span><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">Now that you've got some empty glue bottles, re-purpose them. We all know how much kids like to squeeze and squeeze and squeeze....Rinse the empties and add paint. OR add paint to half-full bottles for a thicker concoction. Play with it! Paint by squeezing really builds strength in your hands. </span></li></ul><span style="font-size: small;"></span><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">Have clogged tips got you down? Remove glue bottle lids, rinse and clear them, drag them through a container of veggie oil, give them another quick rinse, and put them back. Clogs no more.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><span style="font-size: small;">There are so many more wonderful ideas. Here's a <a href="http://pinterest.com/pandabee/library-programming/" target="_blank">link</a> to one of my library related boards. If you visit, don't judge my nail art. </span>l.thackernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-661064084928731765.post-41941055242053522592013-08-09T06:00:00.000-07:002013-12-31T12:16:32.605-08:00Flannel Friday: Which fish?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Here's a simple flannel to play during preschool storytimes or with early elementary school groups. Start with the entire school of fish displayed on a flannel board. Spend a moment talking about them. Then turn your flannel board around, secretly remove one fish, turn it back to the audience, and sing your rhyme:<br /><div style="text-align: center;">So many fishies here today!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Which fish did I take away?&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">OR to make it simpler, "Which color fish did I take away?"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qbb035-JRxM/UgBeDJUKQRI/AAAAAAAAFjw/_fFJXQPkM6g/s1600/fishschool.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qbb035-JRxM/UgBeDJUKQRI/AAAAAAAAFjw/_fFJXQPkM6g/s400/fishschool.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">If your crowd is very good at this game, trying taking away more than one fish. Repeat until no longer fun.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">To make this flannel, I chose 7 fish from a huge set we already had and raided our supply closet to personalize each one using puff paint, googly eyes and sequins. Little prep, lots of fun.</div>l.thackernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-661064084928731765.post-51849437892068718032013-08-07T09:55:00.000-07:002013-08-07T09:55:28.493-07:00Found Underground<div style="text-align: left;">As part of our rotating Wednesday line up we held an archeology themed event in July. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FgWQJIpg-1k/UgJ0YOejRJI/AAAAAAAAFk8/LN1dqAPGhkw/s1600/arch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FgWQJIpg-1k/UgJ0YOejRJI/AAAAAAAAFk8/LN1dqAPGhkw/s400/arch.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">create an ancient coin</span><br />We had leftover white Crayola model magic clay, so I rolled some out and cut coins with and without holes to allow for threading. By allowing them to dry for a couple days ahead of time, the kids could paint or draw their own ancient coin.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8XtHZbz_xPM/UgJ0YFibkjI/AAAAAAAAFlA/J_AzL5HMWU0/s1600/archcoin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8XtHZbz_xPM/UgJ0YFibkjI/AAAAAAAAFlA/J_AzL5HMWU0/s320/archcoin.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">terra cotta warriors</span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-saJSxfChWEc/UgJ0aJ4Xf-I/AAAAAAAAFl4/FIaOwR0UJYA/s1600/archwarrior3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-saJSxfChWEc/UgJ0aJ4Xf-I/AAAAAAAAFl4/FIaOwR0UJYA/s320/archwarrior3.JPG" width="320" /></a>Using natural colored model magic clay, which I cut into pieces in advance, kids created replicas of Chinese Terra Cotta warriors. There were books and a slide show for inspiration. <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RmBwasFUuYM/UgJ0ZvRwZrI/AAAAAAAAFlk/CSdKoPl32L4/s1600/archwarrior2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RmBwasFUuYM/UgJ0ZvRwZrI/AAAAAAAAFlk/CSdKoPl32L4/s320/archwarrior2.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SFOoPz51byo/UgJ0ZRikBWI/AAAAAAAAFlc/viXSwZw1qOo/s1600/archsugar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SFOoPz51byo/UgJ0ZRikBWI/AAAAAAAAFlc/viXSwZw1qOo/s320/archsugar.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">sugar cube pyramid</span><br />This station challenged kiddos to build a pyramid 3 inches tall. Adults are always drawn to this activity, as well.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">&nbsp;dino dig</span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qxkRoyHAVaU/UgJ0Y5DIv2I/AAAAAAAAFlQ/xa_j-ivdQd8/s1600/archdig2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qxkRoyHAVaU/UgJ0Y5DIv2I/AAAAAAAAFlQ/xa_j-ivdQd8/s320/archdig2.JPG" width="240" /></a>&nbsp;&nbsp; Our lovely graphics department blew up and laminated the dino skeleton from the CSLP Manual. I cut it into pieces and buried the bones in shredded paper leftover from a co-worker's program, <a href="http://fvrlcs.blogspot.com/2013/06/lab-rats-summer-reading-edition.html" target="_blank">Join the Dig</a>. To be sure it wasn't too difficult I provided an outline of the finished dinosaur and a hint (There are 10 puzzle pieces). It was popular and I plan to make use of this format again.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">wrap like a mummy</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6E-1dhjOgVw/UgJ0Ze2zOQI/AAAAAAAAFlg/C9Pi2zz_4cA/s1600/archmummy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6E-1dhjOgVw/UgJ0Ze2zOQI/AAAAAAAAFlg/C9Pi2zz_4cA/s320/archmummy.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>For one final simple addition, I set out toilet paper and asked the kids to guess how long a piece it would take to wrap their arms, fully expecting that they would want to wrap their entire bodies. A fun use for a cheap accessible material.l.thackernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-661064084928731765.post-80078837246048945342013-08-06T11:36:00.001-07:002013-08-06T11:36:29.791-07:00Summer KrafternoonsSome of our popular craft programs in recent months have been<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">sand &amp; shell art</span> <span style="font-size: small;">-</span> <span style="font-size: small;">A co-worker donated a large sack of sand dollars and we water colored on them. We also found a stash of glass test tubes in our closet with no discernible purpose. So, we purchased stoppers and colored sand and let the kids create layered sand art in them. The test tubes were <u>VERY</u> popular with kids wanting to do several of them.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cxBL0F1eMS8/UgBh8_bcaXI/AAAAAAAAFkM/18_LsTzupPs/s1600/plant+pal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cxBL0F1eMS8/UgBh8_bcaXI/AAAAAAAAFkM/18_LsTzupPs/s200/plant+pal.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">plant pals &amp; food stamping</span><span style="font-size: small;"> - Using pantyhose, cups and grass seed as a base, we created creatures. Using rubber bands, kids also created facial features like the nose on our sample. Given some water and a day or two, the creatures grow grass hair that can be trimmed.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">For the younger set we inevitably get at this school-age program in summer, we put out large stamp pads, paper and cut-up fruit and veggies for stamping. We used the traditional apples and potatoes, as well as celery hearts, pepper slices, and mushrooms. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">cave painting &amp; rock art</span> <span style="font-size: small;">- For a paleolithic art experience, we had kids lie on their backs to create art inspired by cave paintings from around the world. A slide show ran throughout the program to provide inspiration and we displayed books as well.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dyDbwszLRko/UgBiBhRp2mI/AAAAAAAAFkU/6gKGkrw5FZQ/s1600/rockart3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dyDbwszLRko/UgBiBhRp2mI/AAAAAAAAFkU/6gKGkrw5FZQ/s320/rockart3.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I found a TON of brown paper sacks in our closet so I cut the bottoms off, opened them up, and used masking tape to tape them under tables. Butcher or kraft paper would work as well. Rather than the usual markers or colored pencils, we ordered a classroom pack of oil pastels and I put out black, white, gray, brown, and red, to keep the look authentic.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">For another unusual art experience, I put out some smooth stones and colored pencils. I did rough up the polished stones with sandpaper for a better result. We used the cheap pencil sets we had on hand, though fancy prisma colors create a beautiful product. We also didn't seal them and as a result too much handling did smudge and fade the designs.&nbsp; </span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9vWHVNdyvJU/UgBiBssbExI/AAAAAAAAFkg/l8zqCmseO4E/s1600/rockart2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9vWHVNdyvJU/UgBiBssbExI/AAAAAAAAFkg/l8zqCmseO4E/s320/rockart2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy crafting!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><br />l.thackernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-661064084928731765.post-27619598154807705442013-08-05T19:05:00.001-07:002013-09-03T09:28:24.714-07:00Help Yourself ~ Summer EditionHelp Yourself is a passive program station with activities relating to a different theme each month. For more details, see <a href="http://fvrlcs.blogspot.com/2013/05/help-yourself.html" target="_blank">this post</a>.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HoMzJIUhR3Y/UgAM2xa39YI/AAAAAAAAFjU/Di8hsqefmmI/s1600/IMG_3200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HoMzJIUhR3Y/UgAM2xa39YI/AAAAAAAAFjU/Di8hsqefmmI/s400/IMG_3200.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The smaller gnomes you see are staff members. I used them for gnome bowling in another program.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;">June</span>'s Help Yourself was made up of activities related to our Summer Reading theme, Dig Into Reading. Most of the activities were from the Collaborative Summer Library Program Manual. I used the gnome from CSLP manual, colored and laminated him, posted a clue about where you might find him on the children's floor, and left tickets for participants to tell me where they saw him. He moved 3 times throughout the month and folks had a blast looking for him. I drew one name from correct answers to receive a small prize. <br />I also filled a gallon jar with odds, ends and soil, and asked kids to write down a list of everything they saw. We offered a small prize to one participant.<br />I displayed some of the trickster riddles from the manual and gave the kids the opportunity to share a joke they played on someone or had played on them. Lastly, I copied blank oblong bookmarks from the manual so kids could create a personalized bookmark cartouche.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MzdHrLKs6SU/UgAM2EyPHPI/AAAAAAAAFjM/YXGNLWtZHGk/s1600/IMG_3199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MzdHrLKs6SU/UgAM2EyPHPI/AAAAAAAAFjM/YXGNLWtZHGk/s400/IMG_3199.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>In <span style="font-size: x-large;">July</span>, the activities related the National Ice Cream Month. We voted for our favorite flavor (mint chocolate chip), used our imagination to come up with unique and bizarre flavors, looked for the ice cream cone I set down somewhere on our floor (made of paper), and guessed the number of milk-shake slurping straws in the jar. I also put together an interactive display sharing some pretty wacky ice cream related world records from the Guinness World Records <a href="http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/Search.aspx?q=ice+cream" target="_blank">website</a>.<br /><br />Coming up in <span style="font-size: x-large;">August</span>, the theme is water. I plan to have the kids help me find my lost beach ball (again paper, so it doesn't become a toy). I also provided paper fish for kids to report their favorite body of water, whether it be the ocean or the bath tub, and I plan to compile the results in a chart. Participants can choose their pirate name, guess the number of pieces of saltwater taffy in a jar, and see if they can guess the water-related item in a blind box.<br /><br /><b>**UPDATE**</b> 135 people guessed the amount of taffy in the jar and not one of them was right. BUT that's the most attention a single activity has attracted. Perhaps it was summer mayhem, perhaps it was the candy, but either way it was success! <br /><br />Far and away, the top three most popular activities are:<br /><ul><li>any kind of voting</li><li>guessing the quantity of something in a jar</li><li>finding the missing item </li></ul>I plan to use those elements over and over and over and over... l.thackernoreply@blogger.com0
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