Feel the heat? It is "officially" summer! The summer solstice occurred on June 21. This is when the Earth's tilt toward the sun is at its maximum, giving us warm weather through fall. And when the weather's great, there are so many things to do and explore! Look at the books and ideas below, and remember, we have a TON of fun things going on at the Library with our Summer Reading Program, All Together Now. Click on the link below in the JOIN section or visit a branch near you to find out what's going on!
READ: Bummer in the Summer! By Dan Gutman
Use your library card or apply for an ecard here to access our digital library!
School's almost out for the summer, and A.J. is dreaming about all the fun things he's going to do on vacation. But A.J.'s dream quickly turns into a nightmare when three familiar spirits appear to show him summers past, present, and yet to come. Will they be able to convince him to leave his bad ways behind? Or will this summer end up being a total bummer? Best selling author Dan Gutman brings his kid-friendly sense of humor to this special series of after-school chapter books featuring hilarious stories plus thirty-two pages of games, puzzles, and more. This is one weird summer vacation special you won't want to miss!
Questions to think about while you read:
- A.J. is visited by "ghosts" from his school in a dream that remind him that he hasn't had the best behavior during the school year...are there things you've done you wished you hadn't? Why?
- One of the ghosts that visits in his dream is the ghost of summer reading, who gives A.J. a bunch of books and A.J. is not pleased. How would you feel if you had a bunch of books to read over the summer and why?
- After his dream experience, do you think A.J. will change his bad boy ways? Why or why not? Would you, if you were in his place? Why or why not?
PLAY: Bean Bag Toss
This is a fun game for kids of all ages (adults, too!) AND you can use it to keep math skills sharp over the summer!
Supplies:
- 5 large bowls
- 5 labels with point values (refer to the picture above or create your own values!)
- 6 beanbags (can make them with sandwich zip top bags and fill with rice or dried beans) OR small balls
To play:
- Line up the bowls in a row in order of point values, lowest first.
- Choose a distance from the bowls that is appropriate for the players (closer for smaller children, farther away for older children/adults).
- Each player tosses all of their beanbags/balls in one turn, trying to put them in the bowls.
- After all beanbags/balls have been thrown, player adds up their points, based on the value of the bowl where their beanbags landed. To add difficulty, have them subtract, multiply, or divide values.
EXPLORE: Make Your Own Sponge Ball Toss
This is an easy craft to make and a great game to cool off in the hot summer!
Supplies:
PER SPONGE BALL:
- Two 6-inch long, new colored sponges OR Three 4-inch long, new colored sponges
- Scissors
- Rubber band (thick works best) OR hair elastic
Instructions:
- Cut sponges into half-inch strips, lengthwise.
- Lay 6 strips together in a row, alternating colors.
- Stack 6 strips in a row on top of those strips, alternating colors.
- Use a rubber band or hair elastic to hold the pieces together in the center; wrap tightly.
- Manually fan out the sponge pieces until they form a spiky ball (see reference photo).
Make at least four sponge balls, and now you're ready to play! Get two containers, fill with water, and toss the sponge balls back and forth (if you want to get really wet!) or set up a challenge to toss them into the containers. You can use them to play several kinds of games that use a ball.
From: Passion For Savings
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.
