Well, this week, I got my first few emails from performers and having to go ahead and book them since they are already getting filled up!!!! What? Yikes!
So, I revisited the theme and starting to think about what I could do to enhance this theme. Here's what I've come up with so far:
-I went ahead and ordered the generic book bags from our state wide system, since we get them for free. I can't justify ordering bags that cost if we get those for nothing. And they really aren't that bad.
-I have NEVER been happy with the reading logs that we can order from the catalog, so today, I sat down and made my own. I'll attach a photo at the bottom. If you'd like the word document, just shoot me an email: storytimelindsey@gmail.com and I'll send it over. No need to credit me or anything, it's just something I put together. I decided on 15 chapter books for my age range OR 100 pages. They can color in a circle for each/either one. I'm hoping this simplifies the whole process for everyone. Last year, we didn't have a good completion percentage, so I'm really working on getting that up this year.
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES:
IN THE PAST: Last year, I did a Superhero Training Camp, once a week for 8 weeks. I could only take on 30 kids because we have no room and it's just me who does all the programming. The kids and parents LOVED it, but I still wanted to figure out a way to get more people involved.
THIS YEAR: This year, I have 7 weekly activities planned that will be open to everyone who registers for the summer reading program, they are:
1. ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, STORYWALK! We are working with our Parks & Rec department to get a StoryWalk in one of our parks. We will hopefully have it finished by the time Summer Reading rolls around. I thought this would be a great way to introduce it and have a little celebration.
2. ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, PAINT! One of the most popular events we've had at the library is an Art Day. We're doing it again for this year and making it even bigger than last!
3. ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, BUILD! Lego Club has been ridiculous popular here, so for this week, I'm just going to throw out the Lego's and have them build like crazy! Might even put on The Lego Movie, too.
4. ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, PLAY! We have a really awesome rec department that lets us use all of their facilities. We have a track area that is just screaming for us to have family Olympics there! Pool noodle javelin, sprints, soccer, THE WORKS!
5. ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GIVE! This week, my plan is to have pre-filled bags of candy with our logo on it to give out to patrons, for them to give to their neighbors. A little way for us to give back and also some advertising!
6. ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, SWIM! Again, our rec department is amazing and we'll rent out the pool for a few hours to have a swim party for our summer readers!
7. ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, PARTY! This will be out last week of events, and my plan is to have a party outside. Sno-Cones, hot dogs, games, and FUN to celebrate our hard work!
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
-We usually always have crafts bags each week that parents can pick up and they can do at home with their kids. We will probably do it again this year, unless I come up with something else.
-Yoga days with our amazing yoga center (for kids & adults!)
-Baby and toddler sensory play days (hoping to aim for one or two of those a month!)
-I have mentioned to our Parents of the Library group (who put on fundraisers for us) that it would be super fun to do a Kid-K. Like a combination of a color run and a 5K. I think they'll be doing that this summer and it will be awesome!!!!
-We will probably have a pajama party somewhere in there too. Last year, I did a Big Hero 6 Pajama Party and it was HUGE. They loved it.
PRIZES:
-I absolutely hate the little plastic toys that we used to hand out and have done away with them. When a child finishes summer reading this year, they will get a reading buddy (little stuffed owl) that has a bandana with our logo on it, a book from Scholastic, and the coupons that we get from local businesses.
Still in the planning stages, but I'm really happy with how it's coming together so far. Summer Reading comes around SO FAST, and I want this year to be extra fun!
Picture of the reading logs so far: (Note: they need to be cut out around the blue lines, so just imagine this one is)
