Combining both storytelling and science, families will be able to create their own ice cream. This is an opportunity for families to increase their STEM literacy knowledge and experiment using the scientific method. Similar to other storytimes, this program will begin with a welcome song, story reading, and movement activity. Paired with the storytelling aspect a small presentation using powerpoint slides will give families historical and cultural background on ice cream as well as the science behind it. After the presentation, families will find a table in the community room and have the opportunity to taste test different ice cream flavors from around the world. They will be encouraged to guess the flavors as well the country from which it originates from. The last activity will involve a walk through on how to make their own ice cream. During this process the facilitator will ask questions to families on what they believe may happen, test their theory, and come to a conclusion on what actually happened. They will be able to eat the ice cream they made and be given options to add topings to their creation. To close families will have the opportunity to check out books related to ice cream, as well as recipe cards to make their own. 

Activity Breakdown: 

• Introduction and Guidelines

• Welcome Song:

• Storybook Reading:

• Movement Activity:

• Taste Testing

• Ice Cream Experiment

Staffing: 

1 Children's Librarian

2 Library Assistants for assistance in clean up and supporting families

Budget: 

$200 total for ice cream ingredients, flavored ice cream, and containers for experiment. 

Storytime at the park is a special weekly summer program that takes place during the summer session. It is an opportunity for the library to go beyond its walls and reach an audience that may not have the means to go to the library. The program will take place in the shaded area of the park. As an opportunity for outreach, the goal is to bring the storytime program to an audience that may not typically go to the library and promote the early literacy resources to those that may not be aware. Research has shown that outreach is important for the success of programs especially when delivered in community locations (Laughlin, 2003). The program will consist of typical storytime reading, songs, and fingerplays. The children's librarian will be available to answer questions and speak on the importance of these practices on how they lead to school success. 

Activity Breakdown:

• Greetings

• Welcome song

• Fingerplay

• Song

• Storytime

• Fingerplay 

• Song

• Bubble time

Staffing: 

Led by library assistant with the assistance of children's librarian for support. 

Budget: 

$20 budget  for June & July to purchase resupply of bubbles. 

  Join us for a special weekly summer program that takes place during the summer storytime session. Babies and young children learn through play. It is their source of information about the world. As part of the library’s mission to foster life-long learning, the play and learn program offers opportunities for young children to play while building skills for learning and literacy in all stages of life.Through the use of toys and manipulatives,  children will practice problem-solving, sorting, sharing, early literacy skills, design and testing, and collaboration. This passive program encourages caregivers and families to play and explore together, while they imagine, discover, create, and bring learning to life. This is also an opportunity for families and caregivers to ask questions to the librarian of on resources and programs available that support learning. During this time of play, slides on the benefits of play and calming music will be on a continuous loop during the hour.

Activity Breakdown:

• Welcome song

• Playtime 

• Clean Up song

• Goodbye song

Staffing: 

One children's librarian (parents will provide additional support)

Budget: 

$200 for June and July to replace manipulatives