We asked and you answered! Thank you to everyone who responded to our call for feedback about how you use Natural Inquirer products as part of your classroom or educational outreach.
We heard from a few different libraries about their programming and outreach events. Michelle McFarland, the head of the Children’s Department at Swanton Public Library in Ohio, shared some great ways her library has incorporated Natural Inquirer.
Michelle used the Wilderness 2.0 monograph (about how people share their wilderness experiences) in the library’s Earth Day program this year. She used the monograph to teach about the Wilderness Protection Act and the benefits of wilderness areas more generally.
She also paired the monograph with the career cards to highlight different environmental careers. Michelle said, “I enjoy the fact that we can share such a vast amount of careers with our kids. They just don’t realize how many interesting careers are out there for them and all of the opportunities available.”
Career Cards
Career card packs and fire career card packs are back in stock for a limited time only! All cards are available online to download and print, as well. You can also print out 11″ x 17″ poster versions of any card!
I enjoy the fact that we can share such a vast amount of careers with our kids. They just don’t realize how many interesting careers are out there for them and all of the opportunities available.
After a discussion about keeping their community clean and how they can help with conservation efforts in their local parks, Michelle shared some hands-on activities with the kids, who ranged in age from 1st to 5th grade. They used seeds and paper from their recycling bin to make seed packs for planting at home or in the community. They also upcycled trash — like bubble wrap, bottle caps, and scrap paper — to make artwork. Kids walked away with a handmade portrait, mosaic, or landscape along with Natural Inquirer materials.
Michelle has other great programming ideas, too. Last summer, they had a local beekeeper come to talk to the kids at the library and used “The Bee Frequency” and its pollination activity to help kids grasp the importance of pollinators.
Michelle has ordered several publications to add to their summer reading program’s registration bags. Michelle explains, “As a children’s librarian, my number one goal is to get literacy into the hands of children. Having your free materials that I can give to them is just amazing. So many kids don’t have books in their homes, and it’s so nice for them to be able to keep a book. That always surprises them when we say, ‘It’s yours! Take it home with you.’”
What’s in Michelle’s Summer Reading Bags?
Check out Michelle’s selections for her library’s summer reading program registration goody bags.
So many kids don’t have books in their homes, and it’s so nice for them to be able to keep a book. That always surprises them when we say, “It’s yours! Take it home with you.”
We appreciate all the work of dedicated librarians who continually create engaging programs for their communities. Many thanks to Michelle for reaching out and sharing her experiences! We look forward to hearing more about how Natural Inquirer can help serve your communities.
Smokey Bear Summer Reading Challenge
The Smokey Bear Reading Challenge last summer involved thousands of libraries across the country. Forest Service educators are in the process of updating the materials so that the challenge can be implemented again and again.
In the meantime, challenge yourself, your kids, or your students to a game of Smokey Bear Bingo!
