Because we couldn’t do a real-life escape room this year, we have created a virtual escape room. It can be enjoyed by one person alone or a family working together. Kids 10 and up (or maybe a little younger given how clever you readers are) can enjoy!
Big thanks to Casey’s for the donation of 50 frozen treat coupons! The first 50 kids to pick up their packets this week (starting Monday at noon) will get a free treat!
Our theme this week is everyday heroes. It’s a good time to think about who you admire and how you can be a hero yourself.
Pre-readers:
Week five with Marguerite and Penny
Five Green and Speckled Frogs song
Readers:
Week five with Marguerite and Penny
Who Was book printable lesson plans and activity sheets
Teens and Tweens:
Week five with Marguerite and Penny
Want to add to your city? Download more templates. Build Your Own City challenges
It’s week four! This week our theme is royals and knights. There are lots and lots of great books on that topic, so now’s a good time to check them out.
Pre-readers:
Week four with Marguerite and Penny
Here are some sing-along versions of this week’s songs:
Are You Sleeping, Brother John?
Readers:
Week four with Marguerite and Penny
Teens:
Week four with Marguerite and Penny
More marshmallow and toothpick building challenges
Welcome to week three! Can you believe we’re almost half-way done? This week we’re doing some projects related to mythology and tall tales. Do you have a favorite?
We do still have some week two packets. Look in the box behind week three.
Pre-reader:
Week three with Marguerite and Penny
Want to give your Little Red Riding Hood some friends?
Little Red Riding Hood, wolf & woodcutter crafts
Reader:
Week three with Marguerite and Penny
Anansi the Spider book read aloud
Anansi the Spider old time animated video
There are lots of examples of gnome and fairy gardens online. Here are a few tutorials that might be helpful if you decide to make one.
How to make a fairy/gnome garden
Teen:
Week three with Marguerite and Penny
These aren’t exactly the same as our solar distiller project, but very close:
Solar distiller from large and small bottles
Solar distiller from a bottle and a can
Solar distiller from several bottles
Our all virtual summer reading program continues. This week our projects are about storytelling and make-believe.
We still have a limited number of week one packets so if you couldn’t make it in last week, come on in. We have ordered more supplies, so if you need a supply packet of crayons, scissors and glue stick, they will be available soon. Remember, you will use these supplies all summer long and then they are yours to keep.
Pre-reader:
Week two with Marguerite and Penny
Baa Baa Black Sheep on YouTube
Two Little Blackbirds on YouTube
Reader:
Week two with Marguerite and Penny
Not exactly the same as our project, but similar enough to be useful if you’re looking for inspiration: Making a maze with straws on YouTube
Teen:
Story Layers project from the Hirshhorn Museum
Welcome to Summer Reading Program 2020!Remember that we are not doing in-person programs this year. Refer to previous entry for more details. Instead, each week there will be a new packets of worksheets, coloring pages, crafts and activities for pre-readers, readers, and teens.
Feel free to drop by the library whenever is convenient for you and pick up your packet from the entryway. A few notes:
Pre-reader:
Week one with Marguerite and Penny
Reader:
Week one with Marguerite and Penny
Fire-Breathing Paper Roll Dragon Video
Note that this demo uses a hot glue gun. If you choose to do so, please use a hot glue gun only with adult supervision.
Teen:
Week one with Marguerite and Penny
Rabbit too easy? Try this:
Hello readers! This year’s summer reading program is going to be different than the past, but we will be doing fun things, don’t worry! We won’t have any big gatherings. However, we will be producing online content and distributing packets with worksheets, crafts, coloring and other fun stuff every week!
FAQ:
How do we sign up?
You can call the library at 507-744-3977 starting on June 8th. Or, if you prefer, sign up online here. Please do register so we know how many kids are participating.
Will there be reading logs?
Yes. We will include a reading log in your first weekly packet. Or download a copy here.
You can use this to keep track of your achievements. However, the library will not be keeping track of your progress, so there’s no need to return the logs at any point.
Will we still be able to earn prizes?
Yes and no. We won’t be giving out prizes based on how many tasks you complete. The good news is, we will be distributing prizes in some of your weekly activity packets. Everyone’s a winner!
Will you be having big events like the pizza party?
No. We will not be doing any large gatherings this summer.
What about crafts and other activities?
Instead of gathering together to create crafts and work on other projects we will package up weekly kits with crafts, worksheets and other fun stuff arranged by age group. You can pick up your kit at the library at a time that is convenient for you. Please take only one packet per kid per week. We encourage you to share your finished projects on our Facebook page.
What about craft supplies?
We will offer separate packets of crayons, glue sticks, and scissors that you can pick up anytime. Crafts will include most of the items you will need. A few projects may require some materials that hopefully you have at home (like flour or toilet paper rolls).
Which packet should I take?
There are three categories of packet and reading log: pre-readers, readers and teens. We recommend pre-readers for 0-4, readers for 5-10 and teens for 11+. This should help to assure that the materials are the appropriate level of interest and difficulty.
Will the library be open?
Yes, the library will be open for limited hours for browsing and pickup of materials and use of computers. Social distancing will be in effect.
UPDATE: It looks like there were a few glitches in the initial release. I apologize if you were marked wrong for a question you got right. It should be fixed now.
Hello friends,
It’s our birthday week here at the library. We’re 10!
We would like to be celebrating in person, but it’s more important to keep our neighbors safe. Still, we can have some fun together. How about a TV trivia quiz? We have questions by decade, so there should be something for everyone. Be sure to visit us on Facebook to brag about your score!
As you may know, our library has a book group for grownups. We usually meet on the third Wednesday of each month. Since that’s not possible right now, let’s meet online! You don’t have to already be a member to join in.
Since we can’t order copies of the book while libraries are closed, we will read something available online for free. Let’s lighten our mood with the classic comedy The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. You can download a copy for free from Project Gutenberg. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/844
Get a start reading and we’ll post discussion questions soon. Take care, friends.
I’m sure many of you are sharing your space with antsy kids. Here are some suggestions of activities that are fun and sneak in some learning.
Lots of great children’s authors are hosting online storytimes. This article has a list with links. Search for #OperationStoryTime on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to find more.
Storyline Online features celebrities reading picture books. Many are perfect for kindergarten through third grade.
We can’t get out to the Minnesota Zoo, but they do have some excellent learning resources to use online and download.
How about concerts from children’s musicians? This website has an updated list of dates and times. Many are free, but some request donations and others may require a small fee.
Math can be fun! Cool Math 4 Kids has games to make practicing grade school math entertaining.
You may remember Highlights magazine from your childhood, since they’ve been around since 1946. Their website has games, learning, real world activity suggestions and more for ages 6-12.