Have you heard of First Chance For Children? Their mission is to provide early childhood programs and family resources to foster healthy outcomes for children and families in mid-Missouri. Their vision is that all children will arrive at school ready to learn and succeed in school and in life. This organization has SO much goodness going on, so I would like to take a moment to highlight the Stay at Home, Play at Home Activity Kits they have created to help families in Boone County. These bundles provide fun and learning for kids and parents, helping them cope with some of the staying at home struggles that have developed due to COVID-19.
August’s theme is “Reflections of Us.” Continue reading “Stay at Home, Play at Home Activity Kits”
August 20 is World Mosquito Day. Why in the world would we celebrate mosquitoes? I wondered the same thing, until I did some research and discovered that the celebration is less about the bug and more about a British medical doctor who made an important discovery. This discovery not only changed the way people thought about mosquitoes but also lead to significant advancements in disease prevention.
Ronald Ross was born in India in 1857. Considered a true polymath, even as a young boy, Ross developed a variety of interests. He wrote poems and plays, published novels, composed songs and was a natural at mathematics. However, at 17, encouraged by his father, Ross focused on a career in medicine. After studying at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical College in London, he passed his examinations for the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 1879. For the next 25 years, Ross worked in the Indian Medical Service, where he became interested in malaria. In 1897, Ross discovered that the disease was transmitted between humans by a particular type of female mosquito. Incidentally, there are over 3000 different species of mosquitoes in the world. So, uncovering this information was challenging. Continue reading “Mysterious Mosquitoes”
From a library not so far, far, away, I bring you the Star Wars Virtual Activity Bundle! Star Wars is a fandom that is as vast as the galaxy itself. I love just about everything Star Wars has to offer—from amazingly independent Princess Leia, fierce but cuddly Chewbacca, to the adorable Porgs. But don’t get me started on my obsession with “The Child” (aka Baby Yoda)! Below you will find Star Wars books, songs and crafts for kids 6-10, but really anyone can have fun with this list! Continue reading “Virtual Activity Bundle: Star Wars”
I’m back with another round of books I think you might enjoy! Let’s dive in.
Picture Books
“The Best Worst Poet Ever” written and illustrated by Lauren Stohler
Any of my friends could tell you about my love for pugs. I love their silly sounds and smooshy faces, so I always get very excited when I see a book starring a pug! In this book, the pug shares the spotlight with a fluffy orange cat, as they face off in a heated poetry battle. The cat admires Shakespeare and hurls barbed sonnets at the pug, while the irreverent pug returns with verses like this: “Can I write a poem with my butt? / I don’t know! / Oh can I write a poem with my butt? / Here I go!” The best part about this book is that it’s just begging to be read aloud by two people. This would make a hilarious story time with two grown-ups reading to a child, or engage your confident young reader to take one of the parts! Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: August Favorites 2020”
Summer is usually a time for family road trips, backyard barbecues and block parties. And what better sonic backdrop for all of these activities than your favorite music playing from the speakers? But even if the pandemic is keeping you at home and away from large groups, you can still enjoy music together as a family.
One of my favorite musical memories from childhood was flipping through my parents’ record collection, learning about what they listened to growing up and making mix tapes of some of my favorite songs that I found. So, in honor of National Vinyl Record day, on August 12th, and National Record Store Day, which has been moved this year to August 29th, I want to highlight some music that parents can share with their school-age kids that might be a gateway into a larger universe of sounds:
For kids who love catchy pop melodies: Continue reading “Sharing Music With Your Kids”
Fairy tales are stories of wonder and enchantment. Animals talk, princes and princesses fight (or befriend!) dragons and clever creatures outwit villains. In this Virtual Activity Bundle, I’ll share classic tales, some newer tales and some tales with a twist! Continue reading “Virtual Activity Bundle: Fairy Tales”
Even though Summer Reading is coming to an end, we are still celebrating! The theme this year is Imagine Your Story. Have you ever imagined making your own stuffed animal? Below is our “Sew a Dragon” pattern created by the library’s very own Elf! When you complete the project, you will have a fiery friend who can slide on your wrist and share your adventures. Continue reading “Sew a Dragon!”
This summer is shaping up to be a hot one, that’s for sure! To beat the heat, here two outdoor water activities geared towards toddlers and preschoolers that are sure to delight both kiddos and parents.
Food Coloring Fun
What you need:
- Water
- Cups
- Cupcake pan
- Droppers
- Food coloring
What you do:
Toddlers will be amazed with this simple water play activity. All you do is add water to each cup in the cupcake pan and put in a few drops of food coloring. Have fun mixing and swirling colors together!
Continue reading “No Pool? No Problem!”
Does your young reader like graphic novels or comic books? How about science? What if we combine both?
I recently discovered something through an educator who visited the library. A teacher from one of the homeschooling groups in Columbia asked me for help finding a book by Joseph Midthun. When I grabbed it for her, she told me how her readers at home loved that Midthun’s books combine science into an accessible, easy to read graphic novel format.
We have over 30 titles in our collection from Joseph Midthun that are all illustrated by Samuel Hiti. I looked through a few of them and found that they were super helpful in learning about different science topics. I am someone who does not appreciate learning abstract things, so seeing a visual aid for each concept is super helpful to me.
Below are a few of my favorites. Enjoy! Continue reading “Authors We Love: Joseph Midthun”
Today, as you begin your incredible journey, you must make a hard choice. Perhaps the most important decision you will ever make. Which will you start with? Charmander, Squirtle or Bulbasaur?
Like all Pokémon trainers before you, you must weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each choice. Your first Pokémon will be the hardest as you learn just how to start and tie, poke and prod, care for and complete it. It will undoubtedly be messy, but it will always hold a special place in your heart.
Choosing your first project is one of the most rewarding and exciting parts of the wonderful world of cross stitch!
Wait…cross stitch???
Continue reading “Craft a Pokémon”
