Children of all ages can earn prizes by completing books and participating in Family Drop-In activities
Adriana Reyneri
(847) 835-6829, direct
Event Date: Saturday, May 31, 2014 to Sunday, August 17, 2014
Release Date: Friday, April 18, 2014
GLENCOE, Ill. (April 18, 2014) – The Chicago Botanic Garden is launching a summer reading and nature program to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) proficiency and help children of all ages maintain literacy and critical thinking skills over the long school break. Families can sign up for the Summer Nature Explorer: Reading and Activity Program at the Lenhardt Library beginning Saturday, May 31. The program is free and continues through Sunday, August 17.
“Reading 20 minutes a day – 300 minutes over the whole break – prevents the learning loss that can take place over the summer months,” said Leora Siegel, library director. “Our new program is designed to instill a joy of reading, but also offers alternative enrichment activities for reluctant readers. The guided exploration aims to help children develop critical STEM skills.”
Program participants earn a stamp toward prizes every time they read a book or participate in one of the Garden’s Family Drop-In Activities. The activities take place from noon to 4 p.m. weekdays, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, from May 31 through August 31 in the Grunsfeld Children’s Growing Garden and the Kleinman Family Cove. Family Drop-In Activities will also take placefrom 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the following Sundays at the Malott Japanese Garden: June 1 and 15, July 6 and 20, August 3 and September 7 and 21.
Children can collect small prizes at the library when they earn five, 10 and 15 stamps. Those who earn 20 stamps receive a certificate of completion and a bigger prize.
Participating families will discover a new children’s reading corner in the library stocked with a selection of books on gardens, plants, and nature topics for young readers. Member families may check out books and all are welcome to read in the Library. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, with extended hours until 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, and from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The library is closed on major holidays.
|
