Activities that Work - Meath County Libraries - Dympna Herward
Bisto Shadowing Scheme
Before the School Library Grant was withdrawn by the Department of Education, Meath County Council School Library Service provided a number of schools with copies of the titles which were short listed for the annual Bisto Children's Book awards.
The children read all the titles and by group consensus choose their winner.
CBI provided packs with author/book information, questions and worksheets which allowed children of all abilities and talents to join in.
On one occasion a class was invited to the Awards Ceremony, where they met their choice of winner and had photographs taken with him. It made for a wonderful experience for the children and made reading a really fun and meaningful activity for them.
Dads and Lads Collection
Meath County Council Library Service has developed a collection called Dads and Lads to encourage reading among boys in the 10-12 age group, although girls may also use the programme. It is a collection of over 100 titles, fiction and non-fiction, with a strong sporting theme. The collection is given to a 5th class for a six week period and it is intended that the pupils and their dads would read the books together.
Each child receives a project card and for each book read they receive a football sticker. Nine books are to be read in all. Art work and book reviews are also encouraged, which can be displayed in their local Library. Where possible an awards ceremony takes place in the Library and a trophy sticker is given on completion of the project which has become very popular with schools.
Pyjama Evening
This is an event with a similar intention to the above, that of getting parents involved in reading with their children. This is aimed at younger kids, who come dressed in their Pyjamas to the Library to have a bed time story read to them by Library Staff.
Parents may then borrow books to use for other nights themselves, and they gain confidence in reading and storytelling from these sessions. Good fun for all involved!
Summer Reading Challenge
This Scheme is bought in from the Reading Agency in the UK and is regarded as of very good quality and value for money. (Like book clubs it is very popular with parents)
The programme has a particular theme each year and a list of recommended titles for two age groups.
Children sign up to read 6 books over the summer holidays. The pack has a log book, poster, stickers, fridge magnet, a certificate and medal.
Each time children return a book to the library they are given a sticker for their poster. On completion of the programme children are invited to the Library for a celebration.
History Live/Science Live
Michael Moylan gives a very entertaining session with either Science or History as the focus; it's an interactive session with wonderful props. See the Irish History Live website for more details.
Book/DVD/Activities workshops
In house activities are also very a cost effective way of using Library stock. The following template was put together by staff which can be used for various themes or characters:
- A DVD is shown, for example Horrid Henry for 30 mins approx.
- A story is read, about 10 minutes.
- Activity sheets and colouring 15-20 mins.
- Have a display of the relevant books
Trath na gCeist
A very popular Irish Language activity run during Seachtain na Gaeilge. Teams form local schools compete against each other in a general knowledge quiz.
Other Activities
On going activities in our libraries include Book Clubs, Storytelling, Art and Crafts, (particularly events at Halloween, Christmas, Valentines Day, Easter, etc.,) Music Events, Play Station Challenge, Author Visits(particularly during Children's Book Festival) and various competitions.