We've had a most adventuresome summer together at the library! I'm sure you have many stories to share with your school friends. Before starting back-to-school mode, we'll be wrapping up the Library's summer reading program; be sure to get your prizes and check here to see when your favorite branch is having a closing party.
After having fun all summer, sometimes the thought of going back to school can make us anxious. We want you to start the school year on a positive note, so below are some books and activities to help you manage those back-to-school jitters. You can always join a library program--we'll still be having adventures all school year long!
READ: Back to School, Backpack! By Rich Simon
In this hilarious yet reassuring back-to-school picture book, a backpack deals with first-day-of-school nerves and feeling out of place. Filled with crowded hallways, lonely cafeteria tables, toilet stalls, and the signature existential angst of Simon Rich, this fun read-aloud will have kids braving classrooms with a smile (and maybe taking better care of their trusty backpacks...).
Use your library card or apply for an ecard here to access our digital library!
Questions to think about while you read:
- What concerns do you and Backpack share about going back to school? Why?
- What are some strategies you plan to use to help you feel less anxious?
- How do you think YOUR backpack feels about starting a new school year?
PLAY: Mindfulness games & toys
You probably have access to some of these games & toys; they can be used to sharpen concentration and focus (and maybe forget about school worries, too!). Some are fun with a group, some are fun on your own:
- Jenga (block stacking game)
- Kites
- Cards
- Dominoes
- Kaleidoscopes
- Spinning tops
- Handheld ball maze games
Here's a simple focus game to play with your family and friends. All you need is a penny for each player and a basket or bowl.
- Give everyone a penny and allow them one minute to study it, focusing on the details.
- Put all the pennies in the basket or bowl.
- Have each player pick their penny out of the basket or bowl.
- Once a player chooses their penny from the basket or bowl, have them explain how they knew it was their penny.
This game can be played with other objects too; the important part is that the players are able to focus in on something and pay attention to detail.
From: PositivePsychology.com
EXPLORE: Make your own Zen garden
It is very calming and relaxing to put together and maintain a Zen garden. All you need are simple supplies and your imagination!
Supplies:
- Clean shallow container, such as a plastic plate, take-out dish, small cookie sheet, etc.
- Sand, either natural* or colored
- Small shells, rocks, crystals, moss, small toys, etc. to embellish the garden
- Plastic or wooden fork
- Optional: appetizer skewers & washi tape
*Note: if you use natural sand from the beach, rinse it in a fine mesh strainer and let it dry completely before using.
Instructions:
- Pour sand into the shallow container, but don't fill it too high, as you will be adding things to it and should be able to rake the sand without spilling it.
- Now for the fun part: arrange your favorite items in the sand the way you like. Take the time to enjoy this process.
- There's another fun part: experiment raking the sand with the fork to create designs in the sand. If you like, you can wrap part of an appetizer skewer in washi tape and use that as a stylus to draw designs in the sand.
- This is YOUR Zen Garden; you can rearrange the items and sand patterns whenever you like, taking as long as you like. Enjoy the creative process and let your mind wander for a while!
Adapted from: ProjectsWithKids.com
JOIN: Attend a program!
View all school age programs and events offered this month.
Registration is required for all programs; if space allows, walk-ins will be admitted. Use the link in the program information to register.
