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Time to share a few more ways to spread kindness & joy, or just put out a positive vibe. Last year’s summer reading kickoff featured a “Kindness Rocks” activity. This quote is from last year’s project: “What is a kindness rock? Kindness rocks are rocks painted with a positive message or image and are then put in a public space either locally or taken on vacation with you. They are placed in plain sight so that they can be spotted easily. The goal is to put a smile on someone else’s face and watch kindness spread. Once you find an “nlplrocks” rock, we encourage you to reshare and put it in another space. Keep the kindness going!” In case you need a few instructions, try the Guide to Painting Rocks at meandmyinklings.com:

Some neighborhoods are sharing books with little libraries or safely trading books with classmates and neighbors. Others have turned the little libraries into a little free pantry, or put out snacks for delivery people, postal workers, and neighbors. These ideas are featured at parentmap.com along with various resources for helpful articles and activities. Even though it is written for the Seattle area, there are good ideas here.

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Neighborhood dancing or sing-alongs are also good ways to spread cheer.

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Another cool idea I found was to coordinate a teddy bear hunt in the neighborhood. First, read We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen. Then spread the word and have your friends and neighbors place a teddy bear somewhere in a window, on a porch, or in their yard and get ready to start hunting! This could easily be adapted to be a rainbow or heart or color search…the sky is the limit with setting up this creative adventure! Read all about it at time.com.

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Enjoy the Youtube video of the author, Michael Rosen, reading to you:

Or, you’ll be able to check it out from the library soon:

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Please visit the New Lenox Library Homepage to read all the details about curbside check-out starting in the near future…hooray!!!

Stay safe, and as always…..

Here we are into another month of sheltering in place. As you stroll through your neighborhood, look around to see if April showers really did bring May flowers. The warmer days will allow us to spend more time outdoors whether it’s gardening, playing, or visiting via social distancing. There have been many stories in the news and in conversations with friends & family about the different ways people…and kids…are reaching out to share a little joy and kindness with each other. This post will highlight a few things you could do with your family and neighbors.

Chalk art, messages, and games- whether on fences, driveways or sidewalks- are all ways to leave positive messages to anyone passing by. Why not use this opportunity to encourage others to join in random fun? There are even fun ways to learn!

Some people have created sensory or exercise activities with sidewalk chalk. There are a ton of ideas in the links below:

No chalk? No problem! You can make your own sidewalk chalk with a few ingredients you probably have at home. Here are 2 recipes to try:

For a different twist, try setting up a “silly walk” zone…then sit back and laugh as people participate from inspiremore.com:

You have no doubt seen many websites and links to help with keeping children engaged and learning while at home, but here is one more for you.

This parenting site has quite a few links to for virtual visits and activities to investigate:

I have a few more ideas to share, so check back for Kids Kindness, Part 2. Remember to visit us online for our own activities and updates while you stay safe! Hope to see you soon…..