Special Initiatives
Waukegan Public Library Bookmobile
United Way of Lake County funding allowed the Waukegan Public Library to present a special program in three Waukegan neighborhoods during June and July 2008. Each of the neighborhoods had six consecutive weeks of bookmobile visits and storytime.
Visitors to the bookmobile could sign up or renew a library card, check out/return library materials and participate in the summer reading club. Storytimes were prepared for children three to five years old, although all children were welcome and included in the activities. Bilingual library staff read stories in English and Spanish, sang songs, presented finger puppet plays and felt board activities, a craft and writing time, and more. Six themes were developed to present learning concepts for kindergarten preparation: colors, rhyming, counting, letters and sounds, shapes, and reading is fun.
The bookmobile stops were a success. 415 parents and children visited the sessions and checked out 612 books and other materials. This is a 61.9% increase from 2007. More than 568 children/caregivers attended storytime.
For more information on the Waukegan Library Bookmobile, call: 847-623-2041.
Round Lake Area Park District Traveling Summer Camp
During the summer of 2008, the Traveling Camp Program provided parents/caregivers the tools, knowledge and skills needed to actively engaged children in school readiness skills. Through mentoring, the program encouraged and motivated parents and caregivers to become their child's first teacher. More than 1003 parents, caregivers increased their skills and confidence when engaging in learning activities with young children.
The program brought the classroom to families in the Round Lake community. Monday through Thursday, the Round Lake Area Park District setup camp at two parks per day. Through word of mouth, brochures, advertisements and flyers, which were passed out in local neighborhoods and businesses and a consistent group of aprents and children visited the program at each park. The teachers prepared a lesson plan each week focusing on the Illinois Learning Standards and included activities to increase alphabet, numbers, shapes, literacy and writing skills. Parents were mentored on how to work with their child to increase their child's school readiness kills and activities included small and large motor activities, crafts, and a health snack. The Lake Forest Hospital Care Coach provided free immunizations and health information. At the end of each session parents and thier children receive take home bags to continue the activities at home with their children. 100% of parents reported increased knowledge, confidence and an improved understanding of skills that children need to start school ready to succeed.
For more information on the Round Lake Area Park District Traveling Summer Camp, email: rlapdtravelingsummercamp@yahoo.com
