I've had one since I started (it was already underway) and I keep it going all year long Wednesdays at 3:30 for ages 5 and up. At the beginning of each season, I give the kids a letter to take home outlining what we will be doing, what sort of behavior I expect and what kinds of stuff their parents can save for us during the year (tp tubes, juice cans, etc.). It's a friendly letter inviting the parents to come in and help with the crafts if they like. We make nametags that stay with me and the kids wear every week so I can learn their names. I start with a story and then we do crafts suitable for kids 5+ (paper bag puppets, homemade playdough, making musical instuments, etc.). Occasionally we watch films or have a visitor. The whole thing lasts just about an hour from story to cleaned up and closed doors. During the summer, I schedule my special events (system wide happenings for the reading program) at that time so it takes the place quite nicely. This year I'm planning 2 special things: A Harry Potter party and a Winnie the Pooh party. Should be fun. It does take a lot of planning and preparation. I try to plan the entire season in what little time we have between. By far, it is the most time consuming but I also feel it keeps the schoolage kids coming back. I like that. ann Ann Minner Youth Librarian * Pleasant Hill Branch Austin Public Library [EMAIL PROTECTED] --------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, send to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Include in body: unsubscribe ctls-l For information on CTLS-L please visit: http://www.ctls.net/document/ctls-l.htm
