Junior Scholars October 2022: Fall

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." -- Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Ahhh, October, when fall is in full swing and we experience the beginning of cooler weather and all the fun things that come with that, like hayrides, bonfires, and football games, to name a few. Then there are the foods, like apples, pumpkins, and warming soups and stews. There are also holidays, such as Diwali (the Hindu Festival of Lights) and Halloween. As you enjoy all that the month has to offer, be sure and add a school-age library program to your plans—click on the link below, and you're sure to find a program you'll "fall" for!

#READ: Fall Leaves by Loretta Holland

Autumn is in the air: days grow shorter and nights are long. Birds leave, flowers, too. Apples and temperatures fall--then snow!

Part poem, part silent stage, this luminous picture book puts autumn on display and captures the spirit of change that stays with us long after fall leaves. Unlock the secrets of this busy and beautiful time of year as the natural world makes way for winter.

Questions to think about while you read:

• Even in Florida, our environment changes with the seasons. What changes do you observe between September and December?
• Do you enjoy the changes or do you wish it would stay the same? Why?
• What are your favorite fall activities?

#PLAY: Capture the Pumpkin

What you need: 2 pumpkins and a group of friends and/or family (minimum of 6 people)

Game setup:

• Form two teams.
• Determine the boundaries and territories of each group.
• Each team also chooses the location for their Time Out and their pumpkin.
• The pumpkin must be visible and it cannot be moved.
• There is a safety zone--"The Pumpkin Patch"--around the pumpkin (a 10-15 ft. circle).
• The team that owns the Pumpkin Patch may not enter it unless the other team enters it first.

How to play:

1. Each team sends some of their members to the opposing team's territory to capture their pumpkin. 
2. If a team member is tagged by the opposing team, they have to go to the opposing team's Time Out.
3. A team member can get out of Time Out if one of their team members tags them (only one person can be freed from Time Out at a time).
4. After a team captures the pumpkin, they must try to take it back to their territory without getting caught.
5. If the person carrying the pumpkin gets caught, they must go to Time Out and the pumpkin is returned to the Pumpkin Patch.

#EXPLORE: Make a Fall Leaf Lantern

Supplies:

• Assorted fall leaves
• Mason jar
• Scissors
• Wax paper
• Clothes iron (use with adult help)
• Dish towel
• Scotch tape
• Battery-powered tea light or LED light

Instructions:

1. Collect leaves on a walk; they must be dry for this project. If they are damp, pat dry with paper towels or simply allow to air-dry overnight.
2. Wrap a piece of wax paper around the Mason jar; cut to fit. Cut a second piece of wax paper the same size.
3. Lay one of the wax paper sheets wax-side up and arrange leaves on it. Once you are happy with the leaf arrangement, lay the other piece of wax paper wax-side down overtop.
4. With adult help, use the iron on a low setting to seal the leaves in the wax paper. If the iron is too warm, place a dish towel over the wax paper before ironing. Allow wax paper to cool.
5. Take the sheet of sealed leaves and wrap around the Mason jar; use Scotch tape to secure it.
6. Place a battery-powered tea light or LED light inside the jar and enjoy the soft glow of light through the leaves!

Inspired by Thriftyfun.com

#JOIN: Attend a program virtually or in person!  

View all school age programs and events offered this month.

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.

#KEEP READING: Check these out for more about fall-themed fun!