LEAP on the Hub!
Explore monthly highlights and get quick links to resources to help you plan after-school activities that are perfect for your group.
February STEM
Combine STEM, Maker Space, and arts programming by making a pitch-changing harmonica! Encourage kids to play their instrument with others, and to come up with different ways to make music together.
Click on the image to learn how to make a pitch-changing harmonica. Click on the links below to get the quick guide and explore the full programming Expansion Pack.
Perfect Pitch Harmonica Expansion Pack
Harmonica - page 1 - Activity Expansion Pack.pdfHarmonica - page 2 - Activity Expansion Pack.pdfHarmonica - page 3 - Activity Expansion Pack.pdfHarmonica - page 4 - Activity Expansion Pack.pdfFebruary Book Club
This month, we're singing songs of celebration to honor Black History Month, spreading good luck for Lunar New Year, and leaping with joy on LEAP Day!
Click HERE for a quick guide to the February Book Club and Activities.
Jazz for Lunch - One Page Read Aloud Guide.pdfTrombone Shorty - One Page Read Aloud Guide.pdfRock, Rosetta, Rock! - One Page Read Aloud Guide.pdfJump at the Sun - One Page Read Aloud Guide.pdfJazz for Lunch
recommended for K - 5th grade readers
The sounds of the kitchen and the music mix together as a young boy and his Auntie make lunch while they listen to their favorite jazz musicians. Who will join them for their giant feast of hot food and fresh beats?
GOOD FOR - Black History Month, Leap Day
Trombone Shorty
recommended for K - 5th grade readers
Music is the most important thing in the world to young Troy. One day, he finds a broken trombone. Even though it is twice his size, Troy practices it day and night. His brother gives him the nickname “Trombone Shorty” and, eventually, he starts a band that tours the world!
GOOD FOR - Black History Month
Rock, Rosetta, Rock! Roll, Rosetta, Roll!
recommended for K - 5th grade readers
Young Rosetta was a little girl with a big guitar who played mighty music, music, music! She played and played and played - and sang - performing gospel, jazz, swing, and blues. Her guitar playing style became known as rock and roll!
GOOD FOR - Black History Month
Jump at the Sun
recommended for 1st - 8th grade readers
Young Zora loves listening to people swap stories and spins a pretty good yarn of her own. After her mother dies, she decides to take her advice and “jump at the sun.” Zora goes to college, writes stories, and even travels the world to hear more!
GOOD FOR - Black History Month, Leap Day
Leapin' LEAP Day Frogs
materials - index card or origami paper
good for - "Jump at the Sun" and LEAP Day
February Activities
The activities below can be used throughout the month to support the February Book Club selections and will inspire youth to sing celebration songs and explore the science of sound.
Check out Black History Month programming and resources throughout the Free Library system. Events are updated daily. You can also support youth with learning about Philadelphia's Black history through our online reading challenge.
Explore Lunar New Year resources and activities with the National Museum of Asian Art. The New York Public Library also has a wealth of information about Lunar New Year, including additional book recommendations.
Instrument Challenge
materials - an assortment of craft and maker materials including cardboard boxes, cardboard rolls, plastic containers, rubber bands, string, paper clips, wax paper, tissue paper, craft sticks
Can you design an instrument that makes more than one type of sound?
An instrument that can change pitch?
An Instrument that can increase and decrease volume?
Watch the video instructions and explore more with the Expansion Pack.
good for - "Jazz for Lunch," "Trombone Shorty," and the Science of Sound
Wake Up, Dragon!
materials - paper plates; glue; stapler; dried beans or paper clips; markers or crayons; construction paper or ribbon
Decorate the backs of two paper plates with dragons or messages of good luck for the coming year.
Turn one plate over and put dried beans, paper clips, or other small noise-making items on the plate.
Attach extra paper or ribbon to the other plate.
Glue or staple the plates together.
Shake your noise maker and have a parade to wake up the dragon who will protect us and keep our good luck all year.
good for - Lunar New Year
Soundscape
materials - phone or computer with internet and sound; comfy space to relax
Use a phone or computer to find free, interesting sound effects, like ocean waves, city streets, and crickets chirping.
Close your eyes to take it all in.
Write down or take turns sharing just one word describing the sounds.
Tell, draw, or write a story inspired by the sounds you heard.
Watch the video instructions.
good for - "Jazz for Lunch," "Trombone Shorty," and the Science of Sound
Sizzling Story Starters
materials - paper; pencil; crayons or markers
Words like splash, purr, crackle, or bang sound like what they do when you say them.
Write and act out five more words like this.
Use your imagination to think about what could happen to make those sounds.
Then draw and tell your story like a comic book or graphic novel.
See more in the Reading Champs Guide.
good for - "Jazz for Lunch," "Rock, Rosetta, Rock! Roll, Rosetta, Roll!" and "Jump at the Sun"
Additional Resources
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