The kits are designed to provide educational materials that support learning and create a bridge between school and home according to the library. They can be picked up at any Dayton Metro Library branch.
Each month, a new Take and Make Kit will be available with a different theme and all new activities. The theme for May will be water and June will be owls.
“Our Take and Make Kits meet community need in an innovative way,” Julie Buchanan, programming manager, said in a release. “Kids can work independently or with their families to explore STEM themes, learn something new and see how science integrates into everyday activities.”
Each Take and Make box offers games, puzzles, instructions for a craft project or experiment, and all the needed supplies, or a list of supplies available at home.
There are different themed activities for different age groups: families with young children who will need assistance, kids in grades 1-6 who need minimal assistance and teens who can work independently.
Also tucked into each box are details about participating in free, virtual programs hosted by partner organizations such as Five Rivers MetroParks, The University of Dayton’s River Institute and the Glen Helen Raptor Center.
In April, live, online programs from Five Rivers MetroParks include a Virtual Campfire and Amazing Amphibians. In May, UD’s River Institute offers a virtual tour of their RiverMobile and a storytime featuring their own original picture book.
“The Library is dedicated to working with our partners to celebrate water, animals and nature,” said Buchanan. “Their programs take each theme beyond games, puzzles and crafts, giving kids an opportunity to learn about real-world science and nature topics from experts.”
Details about other upcoming themes and programs can be found at DaytonMetroLibrary.org/takeandmake.
DML’s Take and Make Kits are sponsored by Ohio’s 529 College Advantage and The DML Foundation.
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