avatarBrenda Mahler

Summary

The web content provides a comprehensive list of resources and activities for reading and engaging children in educational and creative endeavors during school closures.

Abstract

The article addresses the challenge of keeping children active and engaged in reading when libraries and schools are closed. It offers a variety of solutions, including setting up a community book barn for sharing books, utilizing online library lending services, accessing school virtual libraries through platforms like Sora, exploring the vast collection of the Library of Congress, and taking advantage of the Open Library's extensive book selection. For Idaho residents, the article highlights the Lili online library resources, and for a broader audience, it suggests using Amazon's Kindle Free Books and Kindle Unlimited services. Additionally, the article proposes creative activities such as book collages and blackout poetry to further involve children in literary-related crafts.

Opinions

  • The author expresses enthusiasm about the Open Library, describing it as "INCREDIBLE" and revealing personal excitement about accessing new releases and other great books.
  • The author endorses Amazon's Kindle Unlimited, noting its value in providing "endless options at [their] fingertips" from home, despite the small monthly subscription.
  • The author promotes the use of e-readers, sharing their own positive transition to using Kindles and highlighting the availability of children's Kindles with durable cases and simplified interfaces.
  • The author emphasizes the importance of community involvement and sharing by suggesting the creation of a Community Book Barn, which also serves as a model for community service and the importance of reading for children.
  • The author advocates for the educational benefits of activities like collage and blackout poetry, suggesting they can be used to teach vocabulary and explore literary themes in a hands-on and engaging manner.

Libraries are closed. We are out of books. What are the options?

Activities to Keep Kids Active When Schools Close

Photo by Klim Sergeev on Unsplash

Today’s focus is on reading. Avid readers probably already have a system in place to read on-line. However, many rely on the public library, bookstore, school. The list below provides book resources to old and young.

NOTE: If you already have book resources, scroll to the bottom to view activities.

Create a Community Book Barn

Place a container outside your home with books you have read and are willing to share with others. It is best if it is secure from wind and weather. Post the following note on, above or nearby to explain the process. Include kids in this activity to model community service, sharing, and the importance of reading.

Library On-line Lending

Must libraries allow patrons to borrow books on-line. With a library card you can log-in and check out a book and then read it on your phone, tablet, Kindle, computer . . .

School Lending Library

I am most familiar with WestAda school district but imagine most schools have a similar system. Students can visit their school’s website, enter the virtual library and use their school email to check out a book.

Our district uses Sora as the book server. If you are not sure if it is available in your area, Google “Sora”. There will be a button “Find my school” that will allow you to investigate the possibility

Library of Congress

At read.gov/books hundreds of books for kids, teens and adults. Many also are read aloud.

Open Library

This is INCREDIBLE!

Until I started investigation, I did not realize this was available. I discovered after signing up for an account, some great books can be read immediately. There were even a couple of new releases that I have been wanting to read. I know what I will be doing later today.

This site continues to add books to the shelves through sponsors who purchase a text and make it available to others. A must see.

Lili (Idaho Residents)

Ever wonder where all that money goes from taxes? This is an excellent resource for reading, research and how-to manuals. Below is a list of some excellent resources.

  • World Book Kids — Includes games, short articles at lower reading levels, science projects, maps, pictures, videos, and educational activities.
  • World Book Student — Similar to above but for older students
  • Novelist — Just what it says a source for novels
  • EBSCO — Research sites. This is invaluable if you are seeking information on a particular topic. AND, they are all peer reviewed which mean there is no fear of fake news. This can even be used by college students for some serious research.
  • Chilton Library — If you need to repair a vehicle, just type in the make, model and year to access step-by-step repair procedures, diagrams for troubleshooting, maintenance data, photos, and illustration. It has many features for car enthusiasts.
  • There is more so check it out so explore the options.

This site, lili.org, is sponsored by Idaho Commission for libraries and funded by the State of Idaho. However, if Idaho sponsors an online library, I imagine other state have one available also. It’s your turn to investigate.

Amazon

No, I am not employed by Amazon, but I have experienced what they have to offer firsthand. Through their “Kindle Free Books” a person can access many enjoyable texts.

However, not everything my husband and I wanted to read was free so after a year of purchasing books for our e-reader, we joined “Kindle Unlimited” and now have endless options at our fingertips — from home. There is a small, monthly subscription.

Furthermore, readers may consider purchasing an e-reader. We have Kindles. After years of resisting because I wanted the feel of a book in my hand, the transition is now complete. They even sell children’s Kindles that are in plastic cases and simplified for use.

Activities

Most kids need to do more than read during the day, so I conclude today’s share with a couple of activities. Staying with the theme of books, these require a text.

Collage

Grab a couple of magazines (coloring books work great for children). Depending on the age rip or cut out pictures, assemble them on a page and seal with glue to create a new piece of art.

For young children it may simply be a craft activity. If uncolored pictures are used, it could become a personalized coloring mat created by them.

Older youth could become artistic with limitless possibilities by using photos, magazines, or even household items. Start simple and see what emerges. Look what others have done.

Educational: Define the vocabulary word, theme: The central message or insight into life revealed through the literary work. Have “students” create a collage that illustrates a theme. Examples are provided.

Blackout Poetry

A blackout poem is when a poet takes a marker (usually black marker) to already established text–like in a newspaper–and starts redacting words until a poem is formed. The key thing with a blackout poem is that the text AND redacted text form a sort of visual poem.

This video demonstrates how to produce this poetic art form and the pictures share images of what others have done.

Who knew books, magazines, and newspapers could be so much fun!

In closing, this article is the fourth in a series. I plan to post everyday new activities and resources. All articles are also available on my blog. Please feel free to copy, post, forward and share with others who have children at home.

Parenting
Parenting Advice
Reading
Education
Children
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