Today, I’m keeping it old-school. Many kids are stuck at home with nothing to do and libraries want to help! One option is sending printed activity packs, and digital literacy resource sheets through the mail. Here are the steps to get going fast:
- Post on your website, or social media, that you have Activity Packs for kids of all ages available through the mail. Or, call around and let people know this is a new offering (for those without computers).
- Ask these questions:
- How old is your child, or children?
- What subjects do they like?
- What do they like to do for fun?
- Do you need help monitoring what kids do online? (parents might be a bit more aware of the time their kids spend online when everyone is stuck in the house).
- Do you have any digital resource questions?
- What is your address? What name should I put on the envelope?
You can use Google Forms to post a link to a quick, free form online:
3. Go to these websites and find the appropriate resources:
- Scholastic: Free Printables for All Ages (categorized by age and subject)
- Penguin: Download a Printable Puffin Activity Pack (categorized by age)
- TotSchooling: 200+ Free Preschool Printables & Worksheets (categorized by age)
- CommonSenseMedia: Resources and guides for parents, lesson plans for all ages. Set up a free account to print and send resources. Great for digital literacy, age-appropriate games, reviews, and more.
- CommonSenseMedia (again): It’s worth listing this separately to showcase their Coronavirus Pandemic “Learning at Home and Homework Help” resource set.
- Digital Literacy Guide: Here’s a guide I put together with some major digital literacy categories. Each section has plenty of resources.
4. Print and mail.
It’s time for libraries to get a little creative in reaching patrons at home during these unusual times. Libraries can make life a little easier using just a printer and a phone.
