There's a saying: "a stranger's just a friend you haven't met yet." It's important to have friends, but it can be hard to connect with others sometimes. This week, we'll investigate the bonds of friendship and look into how we can be a great friend. And I can guarantee if you attend a program this week, you'll make some new friends!
#READ: Ira Crumb Makes a Pretty Good Friend by Naseem Hrab
Meet Ira Crumb. He's the new kid in town. He knows what that means: when the new school year starts, he'll play alone at recess, eat alone at lunch, and walk home alone at the end of the day. So Ira launches a whole-hearted campaign to befriend neighborhood kids before the first day. But his best-laid plans -- A sandwich stand! A dance-off! -- fall flat, and playing it cool doesn't seem to work either. Just as Ira decides school will be HORRIBLE, a comical misunderstanding connects him with Malcolm, who was the new kid last year and totally gets it -- and who, it turns out, will make a pretty good friend.
#PLAY: Blindfold Find the Way Game
This is a game for 2 or more people, but it must be even numbers, since it's played in pairs. It can be played indoors or outside.
Set up an obstacle course using foam noodles, chairs, balls, toys, etc. One person will be blindfolded, and the other person has to stand on the side and verbally guide the blindfolded person through the obstacle course. You don't want your friend to touch any of the obstacles, so you must give them good directions! Once the blindfolded person makes it through the course, switch players and play again. Move the obstacles around to make it a bit more challenging!
#EXPLORE: Friendship Placemats
This project is best done with a friend or two, even if you can't do it together at the same time. The idea is to make these placemats for each other and trade them so you can each see the good things you wrote about each other!
Supplies:
- Scraps of construction paper
- Markers or pen
- Clear Contact Paper
Instructions:
- Measure and cut two 9" x 14" sheets of contact paper. Peel the backing off of one and place it sticky side up.
- Arrange scraps of construction paper on the contact paper, leaving a half-inch margin all around the sides.
- Think of your friend, and use your marker to write things about your friend, such as "You are brave!", "I like how you are kind to others," or "We have fun together."
- When you are finished, take the second piece of contact paper, peel the backing off, and press it sticky side down on the placemat. Press it well to make a good seal, all around the edges. Now it's ready to give to your friend!
#JOIN: Attend a program virtually or in person!
View all school age programs and events offered this week.
For virtual programs, registration is required to receive the Zoom link; use the link in the program information to register.
For in person programs, registration is required; if space allows, walk-ins will be admitted. Use the link in the program information to register.
