Animal Adventures

Librarian-students all had a chance to create/report out a program they developed as a final project. Each considered the goals of the program, format (active, passive), how much time/money it might take and described how it was or would be done. Monica from IL shared this idea.

An active program would be Animal Adventures. This program would be on-site and would run for half hour. This four week program, would meet once a week and would explore the world of animals through books and a related activity or craft. Children ages 3-6 could attend this program alone as long as the caregiver stays in the department. This program can be offered mid day (11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.) as it could entice preschoolers which have just been dismissed from preschool, or at 6:30 p.m. as it is after dinner and can be a pre bedtime activity.

Assuming that that there are supplies on hand like paper, scissors, glue sticks, markers, ribbon, feathers, paint and brushes, etc., there would be no extra expenditures on the budget other than that of estimated program preparation time, presentation time, and perhaps material replenishment as needed. This program has a strong literacy component as well as a connection to our book collection as the first part of the program would commence with a nonfiction animal book (whichever animal one may choose). Such titles like Owls by Gail Gibbons or Peacocks  by Kathleen Pohl are guaranteed to have great facts and pictures which will entertain younger children. The presenter can advertise these books by setting up a supplementary table of the designated animal being discussed that day and also showing children where they can find these books in our nonfiction collection.  Program preparation time would be 2 hours in order to gather the designated book to be presented, research for an age appropriate craft, gather necessaries supplies and props, and perhaps extra pictures or videos in order to enhance the program.  

Animal Adventures would explore the world of animals through books and a related activity or craft. The program plan would entail selecting a different animal in the animal kingdom per week. Planning time would include finding an age appropriate nonfiction book which had easy to understand text and engaging pictures in order to captivate the attention of the young patrons. During the program, sharing this book with the children should take no more than 10 minutes in order for them not to get restless. Great questions and remarks to make during the program can include questions about its habitat, food it consumes, body structure, and so on. It is important to engage the children during the book in order to further the child’s interest in animals and science.

Following the book, the presenter may want to show more pictures of the animal or a video in order for the patrons to see the animal in action. A prop, such as a puppet, may further make children understand the animal.

Once the literacy component of the program is over, the children are to assemble a related activity or craft. This hands-on component can be a craft which resembles the animal which was discussed that day. Again, crafting supplies should be basic in order to introduce children to crafting, following directions, and to stay within a designated budget. It should also be simple so children do not get discouraged by their inability and also for staff to have an easier time giving directions about assembly of the activity or craft. Below is an example of an animal which could be introduced in Animal Adventures. Books and related crafts are also suggested below. 

·         Animal: Octopus

·         Book: Octopuses (Under the Sea) by Carol K. Lindeen

·         Extras: link- http://www.worldbookonline.com/pl/forkids/article?id=ar831653&st=octopus

·         Craft: Octopus Counting Craft

The craft can review physical features of the animal. It can also be cost effective while implementing STEAM and Common Core concepts.