Tag: kids

Dance Around the World

Posted on by Laura Daugherty

Last week on Saturday, October 12, our Dance Around the World (DATW) program kicked off with the Jazz session. In this 8-month program, participants 6-8 years old enjoy an hour of movement, learning, and creativity based on the featured dance.

At RPL, we offer Tiny Tykes for ages 1-3 and Storytime for ages 3-5 every week. After hearing a few patrons ask for a program for children who are too old for these programs, Dance Around the World was created. Since this program is focused on the kids who are leaving Storytime, it acts as a transition from Storytime to an introductory book club. After every session, participants can choose one or two themed books and take them home. Over the next month, they can explore their book(s) and record any interesting facts or stories on their handouts. They can then share their findings with the group during the first 5-10 minutes of the next DATW session. This way, the kids can practice the listening and communication skills involved in discussion.

Attendees learn a few jazz steps.

Here’s a look at our typical schedule for DATW sessions:

  • Introductions (if there are new attendees)
  • Review and discussion of last month’s dance and books
  • Attendance activity
  • A look at history, geography, fun facts, and videos related to the dance
  • Warmup/Stretching
  • Learning dance steps
  • Dance time
  • Craft/Activity
  • Wrap-up and checking out books
Playing drums to jazz music to learn about beat and improvisation!

Each child receives a folder to hold their name tag, handouts, schedule, and any other materials. Since the program is once a month, the collected materials and review time help the attendees remember what was already covered and compare each dance to the next.

In November, we will focus on Flamenco dancing. Check our events page, calendar, and social media to keep up with the dance of the month. Attendees do not have to attend every program to participate. As long as there is space open, your child can jump in at any time.

The most important thing to remember about this program is that there is no pressure to memorize facts or dance steps. Attendees are not expected to like every dance or find every book that they check out to be interesting. The goal of DATW is to be exposed to different cultures, countries, music, and art. When we worry less about memorization and focus on having fun, learning becomes a favorite activity.

No skill is required to participate – just a willingness to try and have fun!

This program will continue until May. Call the library (724-379-5511), stop in, or register online to reserve your child’s spot.

 

If you would like to see this level of programming continue, please make a donation to Rostraver Public Library. You can donate directly by clicking this link.

Thank you for your support.

 

Keep up with our services and events by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Library Tour: Challenge Room/Makerspace

Posted on by Laura Daugherty

At Rostraver Library, we strive to fill our space with opportunities to advance learning, community, and discovery. Sometimes, a standard walk through the library doesn’t offer patrons the full picture of our resources and creative nooks. This post is the first of a series that will shine a spotlight on different sections of the library. First up – the Challenge Room/Makerspace!

This area is located in what patrons commonly know as the Book Sale Room. You can find it by making the first right as you walk into the building. The room is past the bathrooms at the end of the hallway, and it is free to use during library hours. Although this room is packed with different uses and purposes, there is still ample space for exploring the book sale or working on a project.

Walk down the hallway to find the Book Sale/Makerspace/Challenge Room

When you walk in, you may see the shelves crowded with bins and boxes. These are organized and labeled so you can have easy access for your creative project. Some of the supplies include crayons, markers, paint tools, tape, scissors, paper towels, stamps, and more. On the far right shelf, we have various puzzles, mazes, building sets, and activity packs available for in-library use. All of these materials on the wooden shelves are part of the Makerspace and can be used in projects.

Our Makerspace materials

The metal shelves on the right half of the room contain the Challenge Trays and other technology for learning opportunities. Currently, we have four Challenge Trays along with other assorted robotics and materials. The concept behind the Challenge Trays is to develop STEM learning and provide opportunities for children and their families to learn together.

The Simple Machines Challenge Tray

An example of our Challenge Trays is the Simple Machines tray. This green wooden bin contains a reference sheet with learning prompts, resources, and explanation on simple machines. From there, participants can explore the box of activity cards that lay out the different types of simple machines and challenge the learner to build them using the simple machines kit. In addition to these central pieces, there are various machine parts (slinky, clasps, etc.) to foster more building possibilities.

One of the activity cards in the Simple Machines Challenge Tray
There are instructions/reference sheets in each Challenge Tray

Thanks to generous donations, we are able to provide Simple Machines, Builder, Lego, and Paper Craft Challenge Trays. We also offer patrons access to Dash and Dot robots and a Snap Circuit kit. Dash and Dot is geared towards ages 6+ and Snap Circuits are for ages 8+, but ages can vary depending on the participant. This technology must be used within the library and the patrons are responsible for them while in use.

We also have a large mobile white board that offers patrons the opportunity to share what they learned or tested during their time with the Challenge Trays and other activities. This place for feedback is important for developing a sense of community and ongoing discovery, so please offer your comments and results after you’re finished!

As you look around the Challenge Room/Makerspace/Book Sale Room, you can spot more and more ways to stretch your imagination and build learning experiences. This room invites exploration, so carve out some time and delve into this creative space!

Call 724-379-5511 with questions, and check out our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates.

LEGO Club!

Posted on by Laura Daugherty

In January, the library added a new club celebrating the creative power of Legos. Thanks to a generous donation of Legos, this club was an exciting possibility for Rostraver Library. In January, a room packed full of children and parents made this club a reality.

The amount of Legos to work with is thrilling!

Each week, Kelly plans a “Challenge” to inspire the Lego creators. The monthly challenge could be many things like “A Living Creature” or “Something That Flies.” In the hour and a half meeting, the builders get to work translating their visions into physical masterpieces. Some of them stray from the challenge and others find ways to stretch the possibilities of the category. No matter what, we always end up with vastly different creations built with care and excitement.

This builder creates a giraffe for the monthly challenge “A Living Creature.”

After the Lego Club meeting ends, the creations are arranged in a display at the library. This display is always a favorite among browsing patrons as the colorful structures easily capture the eye. Lego Club members love to find their work among the display throughout the month, sharing it with their family or whoever is visiting the library with them at the time.

A young builder watches his creation as it goes on display.

The Lego Club always meets on the 2nd Monday of every month at 5:00 PM. No registration is required. If the meeting is cancelled for any reason, it will be made clear on our website, Facebook page, and other social media accounts.

Books about Legos and Lego construction are also available to check out at every meeting.

The atmosphere of Lego club is relaxed and encouraging for the builders. Participants may stay the entire time or come and go as time allows. The Lego Club welcomes ALL new members, no matter the age or skill. Join in the fun of turning pieces into stories, scenes, and characters.

Thank you for your interest in our programs and continued support!