Blog: Author: Rebecca Smith

Got Crafty Kids?

Posted on by Rebecca Smith

When you visit the library, don’t forget to check at the Information Desk to see if there are any “take-and-make” craft kits being offered. There’s usually some craft available that kids can take home and which will only require a few basic items like scissors and a glue stick in order to create the finished product. Questions? Call the Children’s Room direct at 781-388-0803.

New Scavenger Hunt for Kids!

Posted on by Rebecca Smith

The 12 paper turkeys that were hidden in plain sight around the Children’s Room have now been replaced by 12 paper gnomes. Kids can stop by the Children’s Room desk anytime to request a game sheet and participate in the scavenger hunt. Locate each gnome, write the name next to the corresponding number on the sheet, and when all 12 gnomes have been found, bring the sheet to the Children’s Room desk to claim a little prize. Patience and good observational skills will be rewarded!

New StoryWalk® – The Joyful Book by Todd Parr

Posted on by Rebecca Smith
Our new StoryWalk® features the colorful and exuberant picture book, The Joyful Book by Todd Parr.
You are invited to walk around the library building and enjoy this fun picture book on the dates below (weather permitting, of course–precipitation and winds of 13+ mph can be a challenge).
Tuesday, December 14:  10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 15:  1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 16: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday, December 20:  11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 21: 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 22:  1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
And additional dates, as the weather allows.
StoryWalk® is an innovative and delightful way for children—and adults!—to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Laminated pages from a children’s book are installed along an outdoor path. As you stroll along the walkway, you’re directed to the next page in the story.
StoryWalk® was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and was developed with the help of Rachel Senechal, Kellogg-Hubbard Library.
Our recent StoryWalk® programs are supported in part by a grant from the Malden Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Mexican Mirror Craft for Kids – for National Hispanic Heritage Month

Posted on by Rebecca Smith
Panda has designed a creative activity in honor of National Hispanic Heritage month. This special craft lets kids make a Mexican Mirror. Take-and-make kits are available now–upon request–at our Info Desk while supplies last.
This Mexican Mirror is a form of folk art known as Hojalata which is a type of ornate tin art that is celebrated for its color and craftsmanship. These tin folk art mirrors are made by crafts people in Mexico and use colorful segments and embossed tin pieces to create beautiful and functional works of art. Designs often vary by region. And this style of artwork dates back as far as the 1500s.
This craft is to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. From the 15th of September to the 15th of October we use this time to recognize the creative, intellectual, and historical contributions by Hispanic Americans. And to learn about and embrace the Hispanic Americans in our community.

New StoryWalk® – Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev

Posted on by Rebecca Smith
Our new StoryWalk® features the sweet and thoughtful picture book, Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev and illustrated by Taeeun Yoo.  “With a gentle message of inclusion and helping others, this title reaches beyond a mere friendship story.” –School Library Journal
You are invited to walk around the library building and enjoy this beloved picture book on the following dates (weather permitting, of course–precipitation and winds of 13+ mph can be a challenge):
StoryWalk® is an innovative and delightful way for children—and adults!—to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Laminated pages from a children’s book are installed along an outdoor path. As you stroll along the walkway, you’re directed to the next page in the story.
StoryWalk® was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and was developed with the help of Rachel Senechal, Kellogg-Hubbard Library.
Our recent StoryWalk® programs are supported in part by a grant from the Malden Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Online Learning for Kids!

Posted on by Rebecca Smith

There are wonderful interactive websites so that your children can practice skills and keep learning while they are home from school. We will keep adding to this page as we discover more opportunities.

 

Here is a variety of sites offering math activities for different grade levels:

60+ Awesome Websites for Teaching and Learning Math

Here are sites relating to reading:

11 Free Reading Websites

Free Reading Program

 

Check out these games to help make reading fun:

Education.com

 

Science websites for interactive learning:

From Edheads to Wonderville

Adventures in Chemistry  Resources, activities, videos, games for elementary and high school students (free through March 31)

 

Are you missing storytime? Here are some videos featuring special readers of entertaining books:

Storyline Online

 

Don’t forget to keep the A in STEAM! Here are some ways to spark creativity:

Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems