Superhero Training Camp

Superheroes took over our library today!
We trained over 150 little superheroes.
They started out at HEADQUARTERS where they received their mission then worked through 12 different stations and met back at headquarters to receive their CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION and prizes. 

The most popular station was our papier mache boulder!

Summer Reading

SIZZLE THROUGH THE SUMMER WITH A BOOK!

It's hot, it's sizzling and it's time to keep reading.  Here are a few ways to continue exploring the magic of reading through the summer months with your little ones:

- Attend Library Programs:  And while at the library, have your child choose a book that he or she enjoys.  If they choose the book, they’re more likely to read it

- Read Together.  Take turns reading or talking about the pictures.  This stimulates learning and the love of reading in a deeper way and creates a bonding experience.

- Read about Your Summer. If you’re planning a vacation, choose books that highlight the themes of your vacation, such as; summer, beach, pet, going to camp, etc.

- Write. The ability to put down thoughts is just as essential as reading.  Start a journal and write about your reading materials or have your child draw from the story.

- Join SRP. Join the library’s Summer Reading Program  and get incentives for something you already do!

- Be an Example.  SRP is not just for children. Adults can get incentives, but most importantly, adults model behavior.  So if you read, your child will too.

The Library Went to the Dogs!

Last week our library was overrun by kittens.

This week, as part of our Springtime Story Time, the puppies came to our library!

All the children and adults enjoyed our books about dogs.

and we sang a song that went like this:

Puppy dog, puppy dog, turn around.

Puppy dog, puppy dog, touch the ground.

Puppy dog, puppy dog, sit and beg,

Puppy dog, puppy dog, lift your leg.

Puppy dog, puppy dog, try to talk,

Puppy dog, puppy dog, let's go for a walk... 

                                            - by Kathy Ross.

The kids were asked what other animals should come visit our library.  The most popular answer was.... SHARK!

A shark stopover would be difficult to arrange, but we never know who might will visit our Library next.

Library Overrun by KITTENS!

 

As part of our Springtime Story Times we had baby kittens visit our library!

All the children and adults enjoyed our books about kittens.

and we had an AWWW moment after AWWW moment once the kittens were brought out for the children to play with.

Even the reference librarians could not help themselves and had to participate:

Special thanks to Ms. Mary  for bravely bringing the kittens to the library.

Next week:

Puppies!

- See more at: http://www.hcpl.net/content/library-overrun-kittens#sthash.A0nHN3uY.dpuf

Library Overrun by First Graders!

Last Friday before the library opened, we had the pleasure of hosting ALL of the First graders along with their teachers and some parents from a nearby elementary school.  The library was a lively place to be!  All the children learned about the events that we host here and about our Summer Reading Program. They especially loved the idea of getting FREE books as part of our SRP recognition awards.
The word quickly spread that we are the place where books live and we are the place where LEGO, Minecraft, games and art programs take place.
The kids were treated to a number of lively stories and games during their visit and left with small gifts to remember OUR Library for this summer and beyond. 

We were very happy to have welcomed this group and are eager to host other schools.

Toca Boca App Review

Lately I've been playing around with Toca Boca.

Toca Boca is a collection of apps that are not games, but digital toys that rely on creative play with no points earned and no moving up a score chart.  There is no speech, no text, yet it’s easily understandable and totally intuitive.  The apps feature bright colors, well designed visuals while it does not contain any adware or analytics.
The Guardian says: “Toca Boca divides children's activities into five categories: active play (sport), make-believe, manipulative play (building stuff), creative play (drawing) and learning play (books and games).”
Toca Boca now has several apps, which are aimed primarily at children ages 4 and up. Most cost $3, but some are free and are available on Android devices and for Kindle Fire.
Some of these apps are:
Toca House, in which players perform chores like sweeping, gardening while playing. Learning chores CAN be FUN!

Toca Hair Salon 2, in which children wash, cut and style the hair of salon patrons or their own digital hair.  Just think of the many times a child gave themselves a real haircut!  This will take the mystery out.

Toca Lab is another app, in which children are introduced to the elements of the periodic table.  In this game they are able to perform the scientific things we actually do in real labs to elements, such as freeze, boil, shake, etc.  These elements, however, have little personalities, make sounds and behave in most adorable and sometimes destructive ways.  Again, science; cause and effect.

Toca Band is a new app that is less appealing.  It is repetitive and the music staggers too quickly.  The melody is too brief, yet fun to arrange. But all the apps can't be perfect.

In their review, New York Times focused on the noncompetitive environment of the game that keeps no score.
All in all, Toca Boca has many varieties of play learning and is easier to play than Minecraft and no monsters jump out.

Let me know what you think!

More Bulletin Boards

As I go through my computer files I keep finding more images of the bulletin boards I've done.  Here are some from last year:

 Another shot of the "Read Across America" bulletin board for March.

 This was up in the summer and has an aquatic theme, or ocean bulletin board:

 Of course, we had to put Olaf somewhere since he's been buzzing around all year:

 I made an international children's board in the library's children's section and had the clouds spell "Hello" in different languages:

 The Solar System Bulletin Board was put up for last summer's reading program and whoever finished reading an assigned number of books, got to put up a star with their name on the sky:

 And the most recent bulletin board is, of course, MINECRAFT bulletin board.