Final Week Feature

Well, as the song goes..."what a long, strange trip it's been." Right?! I had no idea when I last posted in early March that we wouldn't be returning to school at all for the remainder of the year. But now that our school year is coming to an "official" end, it's time to start thinking about summertime blog posts. We've had 1-Thing Wednesdays, the ABCs of DCGMS Library, Harry Potter Hump Days, and Tuesday Title Talks to continue our summer reading enthusiasm. This summer each month will include two posts: Final Week Feature and First Week Flashback.

So to kick off our first Final Week Feature, we're taking a look at the Summer Reading Program from our local public libraries. Yes! The summer reading program will continue online this summer! Here's a sneak peek video:

https://safeYouTube.net/w/1XPH

The video includes information and directions relating to how to create or access your account on Beanstack to chart your June and July reading. You can also learn about prizes offered half-way through the summer and final prizes. The video even includes how you can access things to read during this time when the library may not be as accessible to you. Want to learn more? You can access the library's summer reading page HERE. 

Throughout June and July, the summer reading program includes completely online weekly events. You can read more about it HERE:

A few of the virtual activities are aimed specifically at teen students:

With our Literacy Studies book trailer work and breakout activities, you might want to check out their offerings! 

Summer Reading at the Grimes Public Library

This week Ms. Olson from the Grimes Public Library visited the library to share details about the teen summer reading program. 

She and the other youth services librarians are ready for you to join them this summer!

The summer programming will feature several new activities, including:

• Teen Tattoos (with Sharpies!)
• GIF It Up!
• Pixel Art
• a video game tournament
• Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics

You can access all of the teen reading program activities on the Grimes Public Library website HERE. Check out the screenshots of the June and July calendars below:

June calendar of activities

July calendar of activities

When you access the calendar online, be sure to let your mouse hover over the event so you can see event details.

So on June 1 when we dismiss for the summer (yay!), be sure to stop by the Grimes Public Library to sign up for the summer reading program. So many great activities and prizes await!

New Book/Movie/Dinner Club at the Grimes Public Library

Are you looking for a fun way to spend an evening with friends? The Grimes Public Library is offering a new opportunity for teens and pre-teens--the RVR Club.

At the Read/View/Refuel Club, you can talk about the book, watch the movie, and enjoy some food all at the same time! The first meeting is planned for Tues. Oct. 22, when The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe will be the featured book and movie. Fliers are located in the library and outside the library doors, and you can visit the Grimes Public Library website for more information, too.

Summer Reading Lists

You've maybe heard of it--the "summer slide" students may experience in their time away from school.

The good news is that kids who read during the summer months have improved reading test scores and often perform better in school. So, what are you going to read this summer?

This Middle School Summer Reading List breaks down books in Grades 5 - 9 and provides a quick summary of some popular titles like these:

School Library Journal offers this list for those of you who prefer to read something funny, like these:

Finally, Barnes & Noble offers a great summer reading program with book lists geared at preK - 6th graders. Join their program and take advantage of prizes, too! Take a look at a few of their recommended titles:

Still looking for more to read? Check out the Grimes Public Library and Dallas Center Roy R. Estle Public Library for suggestions related to their summer reading programs (and their summer activities for kids!), or you can CLICK HERE for additional online lists. Happy reading! I'm eager to talk with you in August about what you read!