Summer Programming

The theme for the Summer 2007 program was Escondido Explorers. Due to the generous and continued support of the Friends of the Library, thirty-one children from families across Escondido had the opportunity to explore the tree house at The Escondido Children's Museum: talk to real farmers at La Milpa Organica Farm: talk into a microphone on stage at Patio Playhouse: and meet with a park ranger at Dixon Lake. As the children explored, so did the parents. The parents leaned new ways to explore vintage areas of their city as well as new games that capitalize on their children's curious nature.

The children learned many new vocabulary words during their explorations such as: concession stand, lobby, artifact, organic, poisonous, aqueduct, and seasonal. They also learned safety rules for being out in public during their Thursday field trips. When not in field trips and between summer sessions, the children even completed homework . Additionally, children had the unique experience of tree climbing, swash buckling, carrot-picking and nature-walking, all in their new royal blue t-shirts baring the FFL logo, "Literacy spans a Lifetime." When asked, "What does the word literacy mean?" One explorer replied, "I think it means I read books, I'll find out in college and then tell you."
 

Literature Alive

Utilizing staff expertise in drama, storytelling, literature, and creative writing.  Literature Alive in various formats is a core portion of our K-8 programming. 

Boy Who Cried "Woof"
As part of Escondido Public Library Literacy Services, students ages 6-10 participated in our Literature Alive program in summer 2003.  Our focus is intergenerational and while their parents took computer classes, students participated in writing and illustrating a book.  The story was so well received, that the Friends of the Escondido Public Library gave literacy a generous grant to bind the books for library checkout!

Literature Alive: Grant Middle School
Using the "Literature Alive"  model set up at the 4 elementary schools, Escondido Public Library Literacy Services will pilot a program in the summer of 2004 at Grant Middle School.  This program is collaboration between language arts teachers and literacy professionals, formally trained in literacy, drama and language arts.