Although homeschooling offers families unique flexibility and customization, finding engaging activities and resources sometimes can feel like a solo adventure. Luckily, the Aurora Public Library District (APLD) is here to help! The Library recently has expanded our homeschool programming to include more enriching programs that not only supplement learning but foster community and connection.
Since October 2022, the Santori Library has been host to Homeschool Huddle, a fun enrichment hour that includes hands-on learning activities, crafts, and games for grade levels 1–5. Topics covered include women’s history, coding, baking, the autumn equinox, and creating with clay. “Aurora homeschool families are loving our Homeschool Huddle programs,” said Library assistant, Stef Caterer. “The kids are benefitting from learning in a group environment, and the families are finding a community within the library.”
The next program will be Friday, Feb. 23 where participants will have the chance to travel to India without leaving the Library! Children will experience Indian culture and traditions by learning a bharatnatyam dance and creating a vegetarian Indian dish. It’s sure to be an enjoyable morning for all! With the continued success of Homeschool Huddle, we decided to take our programming a step further by introducing a child’s book club specifically for families who homeschool.
The Award-Winning Homeschool Book Club offers participants the opportunity to discover the classics, discuss topics with their reading peers, and engage in fun comprehension activities. Caterer’s goal is to encourage young readers to analyze classic literature in order to learn from it and be changed by it. “We finished Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in January and had the best time!” added Caterer. “We created characters derived from funny names, talked about bad habits and the importance of inventing (and how that applies to our lives), and played Wonka Bingo. Many of them had just seen the Wonka movie in theaters or the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory performance at the Paramount, so they were excited to explore Roald Dahl’s themes together.” Thursday, Feb. 29 the group will meet to discuss ‘Bud, Not Buddy’ by Christopher Paul Curtis in honor of Black History Month. “I try to balance discussion with enrichment activities and sprinkle a little fun in there. Also, we always have snacks!” said Caterer. Copies are available in the Kiwanis Children’s Center for anyone interested in attending the program.
Remember, Library programs are just one piece of the homeschooling puzzle. Library staff members are always available to help you find books for your curriculum, whether APLD owns them or not. Participants can easily borrow items from our LINKin or Find More Illinois catalogs with a simple search on our website (www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/Borrowing). If those searches turn up empty, request an Interlibrary Loan, and APLD staff members will hunt down your request from a participating library across the country (you may request up to five interlibrary loan items per library card at a time).
Our librarians are knowledgeable about educational, age-appropriate resources and can offer valuable advice on finding learning materials for your family. They can help you create customized reading lists, suggest reliable sources, and even guide you through online databases, such as Scholastic Teachables and Brainfuse HelpNow. By leveraging the wealth of resources offered by libraries, you can make your homeschooling journey even more rewarding for your child.
The Aurora Public Library District is available 24/7 to supplement your homeschool curriculum, provide enrichment activities, and help your child connect with others. For more information, please visit our website www.aurorapubliclibrary.org or contact the library at 630-264-4117.