Here some of the ideas that I am going to be using with the 3-5 yr old group.
ID badges-- (Both the younger and older group are doing this). I have a pre-printed pattern with a place for a picture and a fingerprint. We will be using a digital camera and take small groups of kids (3 -4 per pic) and then crop their heads out for the id pic. The kids can add their fingerprint and signature. We will laminate them, punch a hole in one end and then attatch a string/yarn so they can be worn to each library event throughout the program.
TP Binoculars --Using two toilet paper rolls, glue them together to form the binoculars. I am going to use colored plastic food wrap ( probably two different colors for fun) and rubberband a square of plastic wrap over the one end of each tube. Punch holes on the other end of the tubes along the side so you can attatch a string or yarn so the binoculars can be worn around the child's neck. I will let each child decorate their binoculars however they like.
Fingerprint pictures -- Using washable ink, make several of the child's fingerprints on a blank sheet of paper. Then let your imagination go and turn the fingerprints into animals, people, faces or whatever you can think of. I usually have several examples done so the kids can see some of the possibilities there are.
Nate the Great detective hats-- I found a great pattern on the internet for a Nate the Great detective hat. I am printing them on cardstock. The kids can color them and then they will be cut out and hatbands stapled on so everyone can wear their hat. The pattern and other printable activities are available at
www.randomhouse.com/teachers/pdf/nateactivities.pdf
I Spy books--We are planning to make several I Spy type books with collage pages made by the children. Each child will be make a collage page using old magazine and catolog pictures. We will laminate the pages and using a hole punch and some old three ring binders create books that will kept at the library for the kids to enjoy. We will doing this project with all age groups.
I am also creating a I Spy bulliten board for the library, using pictures and small 3-D objects. We will use the bulliten board to play a I spy guessing game throughout the summer. The children will have an opportunity to win small prizes for finding the hidden objects.
