Free summer learning - Keeping the kids sharp (and entertained) through library programs

Every few months I teach a creative writing workshop for teenagers through the Metropolitan Library System. Whether it's a one-day workshop or a six-week long course, I always find that the kids and I spend a great deal of time laughing and talking about one of our favorite subjects--you know, books. Oh yeah, and we do some writing too.

I feel blessed to be part of a library system that works so hard to provide quality programming for all ages, with a special emphasis on children's learning and development. I am also a member of several official and unofficial "Moms" groups, and many of us with preschoolers enjoy the opportunity, especially during the week, to get the kids out of the house, away from Dora the Explorer, and in a stimulating environment. It doesn't hurt that other parents are there. Mommies and daddies need playdates too!

I talked to Amy Thomas, Children's Librarian at Edmond Library, about what the library  seeks to do with these programs. Here's what she said:

"We look for programs that will educate and encourage curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.  We hope to introduce children to new information, a new experience, a new style of music, or new art form that they may not have encountered before."

Thomas also mentioned that the possibilities for programs "are as limitless as the creativity in our community.  There are so many talented people out there who, thankfully, are willing to share their gifts and knowledge with our children." 

For example, here are just a few of  the fun things coming up at the Edmond Library in July and August:

Preschool Story Time (Mondays)

Mother Goose on the Loose (Tuesdays & Wednesdays)

Summer Movie: Magic Schoolbus: Bugs, Bugs, Bugs! (July 30)

The Magic Archeologist (July 16)

Pajamatime (Thursdays)

Yu-Gi-Oh! Tournament (second Saturday of each month)


And that's just the beginning (check out more here). Other nearby libraries, such as Belle Isle and Northwest, have a great activity lineup as well.

"I can tell the library staff really tries to find programs that will entertain the kids and get them coming to the library over the summer," said Terra Snavely, Edmond mom of three. She adds that she especially likes the summer arts programs that many of the branches offer.

Of course, the library has its reasons for these programs. "We want the library to become a place that is familiar and comfortable for children and their families, someplace they will return to over and over again throughout their lives," said Thomas about whether they hoped the programs would stimulate a child's interest in the library.

Well, its hard to argue with that. Seems like something most parents might be on board with.

So here's to learning...and reading...and taking advantage of a place that has even more to offer than books.

 

How to survive a cold (over and over and over again)

My husband and I call our two young children the Ebola monkeys. I know this seems harsh, but let me assure you it is a term of affection. Mostly. The thing is, ever since we had kids, we've had an up-close-and-personal relationship with those twins, Nyquil and Dayquil, and I can't remember any week during the past four winters where I wasn't wiping snot from someone's nose.

In fact, just last week, I finally caved and took myself to Mercy’s Quail Brook Clinic (which also happens to be home to my longsuffering primary care physicians). The visit was triggered by a nasty earache. The doctor prescribed a round of antibiotics and steroids, as well as plenty of fluids and rest. I nodded my head on “fluids.” I barely stifled a laugh on “rest.”

(We’re parents. Resting occurs in those small moments when I’ve parked at the grocery store and the kids are still intent on the hundredth round of Dumbo playing on the minivan’s DVD player. I think I’ve managed to lay my head on the steering wheel for up to two minutes before the yelling for a cookie begins.)

Anyway, I’ve compiled a short list for surviving whatever round of the cold you’re on. The information comes from my former life as a CDC employee, childcare workers, and good old fashioned common sense. Because at this point, preventing colds is a little pipedream only a person living on his or her own (without Ebola monkeys) would try to sell me. 

• Rest. Okay, so this is difficult to accomplish, but when suffering from a cold, you can give yourself a fighting chance by going to bed on time (or, if your kids are sick, finding ways to make them sit and relax as opposed to running around outside in the wind). And stay away from activities as much as possible. This not only keeps your immune system from combating further attacks, but it keeps you from spreading your fun little germs to others.
• Medicine. Antibiotics are awesome, but not always. Colds are often caused by viruses, so antibiotics aren’t going to do squat for those illnesses. However, if your cold leads to something else, such as a persnickety earache, you need to talk to a doctor about treating the infection. Here’s a list of urgent care centers to help you get seen in a pinch. Of course, if you’re dealing with a virus, over-the-counter cold medicines may not cure you immediately, but they sure make those symptoms a lot easier to handle.
• Wash, wash, and wash some more. Finally, fighting colds still comes down to avoiding germs through good hygiene. This feels like pushing a rock up a hill when you have little ones who have a special knack for giving you a hug and then sneezing directly on your face, or sticking their fingers up their noses and then touching every surface in your house. But Clorox and Lysol are happy to help us out with antibacterial wipes, and the praises of handwashing can’t be sung enough.

So keep your chin up. Spring is almost here. :)