How to Bridge the Covid Learning Gap for Kids in Your Library

Sep 27, 2021

So Covid. It is one of THE most talked about topics today. In fact. If you google the top topics googled, Covid ranks not just one, but two times on the list at numbers 2 and 3 depending on your search. But a topic I'd like to discuss this week is more along the lines of education and children. Having two young people myself in the school system, I can speak a great deal to the areas of weakness they and other children have suffered during the past year and a half. So after doing a little online research on how Libraries are keeping kids engaged during Covid, I thought I might show you some of the results I found. Maybe you've tried these, and maybe you'll discover something new. Or maybe these will help to generate some ideas you may not have thought of yet. Either way, I hope you find some encouraging possibilities for your younger patrons as you scroll along.

LIBRARY SUPERHEROES - YEAH, THAT'S YOU!

As a Library designer, I am a fanatical advocate for the public Library, school Library, academic Library and all the others in between. But being a Mama myself, I know the real value you Library Superheroes provide by giving children a place to not only read and discover so many different reading options available to them, but also by providing well-thought-out programs and hands-on experiences for them in a safe and fun learning environment. And as you know all too well, Covid has created monumental obstacles to overcome when providing good content for children's programs. So coming up with new and helpful ideas can be a source of great stress. From what I'm hearing though, most of you are tapping into some wonderful inner creativity and have managed to sustain your programs for the duration. But just in case you're feeling a bit of a block or just want to see what else is out there, here's what I've learned.

THE UNCOMFORTABLE TOPIC OF LEARNING LOSS

I know my own 2nd grader has struggled tremendously in trying to understand the basics after having 6 months of her "least favorite teacher ever" (that's me by the way and those are her words and I totally agree with her) struggle to educate her effectively. So I've been looking for ways to bridge that learning gap. And it looks like Libraries might be a great place to start. I found a really helpful article with suggestions HERE on Demco's site titled 4 STEAM Solutions to Help You Combat Learning Loss. They suggest things like:

- Maker carts and student activity kits

- Maker collections with challenge guides that tout whole-school STEM learning

- Wonderosity Kits for ages 3 through 7 that help them to engage in creativity exercises

I'm pretty sure all of these can be purchased through DEMCO but they seem like excellent resources for helping to get kids back on track.

ONLINE PROGRAMS

For those of you not yet back in the Library with physical access to patrons, here are some more ideas I found that cover a few online-accessible options. Again, you may already implement these, but some of my favorites were the reading challenges and crafts. Another one that I found that seemed to be intriguing to me was one Library that offers games for their younger patrons that allow them to earn digital badges. It seems to offer an incentive for staying involved and continuing forward with whatever program it's linked to. I also love outdoor project challenges; perhaps something they can learn to grow at home and then share with the Library digitally. It certainly encourages kids to get outdoors.

One specific Library site I found in my search was for the Park City Library in Utah and they have a fantastic site for online programs! There site offers the following:

- ABC Mouse

- Literacy resources for parents

- Tutoring sites

- Online museums

- Other links to free virtual activities just to name a few.

There is so much available for parents and children. These would be great resources whether your Library is open or not.

I know that if anyone knows how to research, it's you. But I thought I might cut out a little bit of the leg work and post a few more links I found that might be of use here:

KQED

Web Junction

I want to hear what programs you're trying. Which ones are working and which ones are not. Join me on the DIY Library Design Facebook group HERE and tell me what's working. I would LOVE to hear from you!

FINAL THOUGHTS

It's been a tough season for most everyone from what I've seen. And it's difficult to think that kids are struggling on such an intense level. I know that Libraries have long been a place of refuge and curiosities about learning. YOU have made them that way for generations. I will always remember my childhood Libraries with the best of memories. I still can't read a book to my children without remember with a smile how magical my school Librarian seemed when she read to us at story time. The sound of her turning the pages and handling the books with such care. I can still hear the plastic book cover in her gentle hands. Keep making that impact. Keep being that positive influence on the lives of children who need you. Keep bridging that gap. They won't forget.

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