When my oldest son was three he told me that the library was one of his favorite places. Well that just warmed my nerdy, intellectual heart. Even now, my two active boys never turn down a trip to the library. In the summer it provides free air conditioning, in the winter there is story time, and always there are books, books and more books. It is my hope that everyone can learn to love the library as much as we do.
Bethany of No Twiddle Twaddle and I have a casual 4 part library program with a bonus scavenger hunt that will help you and your family not only love the library but discover its hidden gems. We call it The Great Summer Library Challenge.
If you aren’t sure how you feel about dragging your kids to the library, completing the program will help you learn to love it. If you already love the library, it will help make your visits even more fun.
The best part (in my humble opinion!) is that the challenges for each library visit can be modified for different ages and knowledge levels. Bethany and I included both basic and advanced activities for each challenge.
I’ve outlined the program below with all the necessary links. The most important thing to remember is that you are in charge. It’s not a test! You can do as many or as few of the challenges as you like.
Introduction and Preview Challenge:
Read about how the Great Summer Library Challenge works and get a mini challenge to get you started.
What Do We Do All Day? and No Twiddle Twaddle
Fiction Challenges:
These challenges help you explore all the fiction section has to offer, how to use it and help you find a few new gems to check out and read!
No Twiddle Twaddle (#1-3) and What Do We Do All Day? (#4-6)
Example challenge: Talk to your children’s librarian and ask what new fiction picture books or children’s novels have recently arrived at the library that the librarian would recommend. Reserve or check out some of those books.
Non-Fiction Challenges:
Learn how the non-fiction section works and discover books on your favorite topics!
No Twiddle Twaddle (#1-3) and What Do We Do All Day (#4-6)
Example challenge: Chose your favorite fairy or folk tale and locate three versions of the tale from three different cultures.
Resource Challenges:
Learn about what services your local library offers that can’t be found in the stacks.
No Twiddle Twaddle (#1-2) and What Do We Do All Day (#3-4)
Example challenge: Ask your librarian why the internet can never replace the library. Then, open the topic up for discussion at your next family meal.
Bonus Challenge: Library Scavenger Hunt
Includes a free printable to take to the library and put all you’ve learning into action!
Want more ideas for Summer Reading and Learning? Try these:
- Ultimate resource for summer reading
- Summer word jar
- Phonics learning for lazy moms
- Book lists galore. Something for everyone.
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