OPENING MINDS TO STEM FOR LITTLE LEARNERS™ PROGRAMS BOND WITH CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY’S RAHM’S READERS 2014 SUMMER LEARNING CHALLENGE

June 25th, 2014

CONTACT: Chicago Public Library Press Office

   (312) 747-4050

   Patrick Molloy: 

   Leland Elder:  

OPENING MINDS TO STEM FOR LITTLE LEARNERSTM PROGRAMS BOND WITH

CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY’S RAHM’S READERS 2014 SUMMER LEARNING CHALLENGE

Opening Minds USATM Initiatives Support STEM Learning at an Early Age

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 25, 2014

In connection with the Chicago Public Library’s Rahm’s Readers 2014 Summer Learning Challenge and in collaboration with Opening Minds USA, the Library presents Opening Minds to STEM for Little Learners™ at neighborhood branch locations throughout July. Opening Minds to STEM for Little Learners is an interactive learning experience designed to prompt children to explore, observe, question, predict as well as demystify common childhood fears. It fosters STEM learning by engaging children in story time activities, letting them create a one-of-a-kind art project that addresses their fear of the dark, and lets children play with lights and switches to experience bright light, darkness and shadow. The Summer Learning Challenge is based around STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) skills, critical to the success of 21st Century learners. This innovative learning experience created by Opening Minds USATM, is designed to clarify common childhood fears and help young children grow up emotionally healthy and ready to learn.

All of the Opening Minds to STEM for Little Learners programs take place at 10:30 a.m., at the following Library locations:

  • July 7 @ South Shore Branch, 2505 E. 73rd
  • July 8 @ Blackstone Branch, 4004 S. Lake Park Ave., (312) 747-0511
  • July 9 @ Logan Square Branch, 3030 W. Fullerton Ave., (312) 744-5295
  • July 10 @ Mabel Manning Branch, 6 S. Hoyne Ave., (312) 746-6800
  • July 14 @ Independence Branch, 3548 W. Irving Park Rd., (312)-744-0900
  • July 17 @ Rogers Park Branch, 6907 N. Clark St., (312) 744-0156
  • July 29 @ Oriole Park Branch, 7454 W. Balmoral Ave., (312) 744-1965
  • July 31 @ Bessie Coleman Branch, 731 E. 63rd St., (312) 744-7760

The Opening Minds USA early childhood education & professional resource and learning network team will be available at each location to answer questions and share the latest information on how to ease the fears children are likely to experience at different stages of development. Opening Minds USA is a trusted professional education resource for parents, caregivers and educators of young children. The group is widely known for designing transformative learning experiences such as the Opening Minds Early Education Conference and the Masters of Technology Integration Classes. For more information go to openingmindsusa.org.

Opening Minds to STEM for Little Learners™ is sponsored by COUNTRY Financial, a community partner of Opening Minds USA™, which supports programs for families throughout Chicago. The Summer Learning Challenge is presented by Chicago Public Library, in partnership with the City of Chicago, Chicago Public Library Foundation, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Park District, Museum of Science and Industry, Brookfield Zoo, Lincoln Park Zoo, The Anti-Cruelty Society and Chicago City of Learning. Together with our partners, kids and families will engage in out of school time activities aimed at encouraging 21st Century skills.

Since 1873, the Chicago Public Library (CPL) has encouraged lifelong learning by welcoming all people and offering equal access to information, entertainment and knowledge through innovative services and programs, as well as cutting-edge technology. Through its 80 locations, the Library provides free access to a rich collection of materials, both physical and digital, and presents the highest quality author discussions, exhibits and programs for children, teens and adults. CPL recently received the Social Innovator Award from Chicago Innovation Awards; won a National Medal for Library Services from the Institute for Museum and Library Services and was ranked number one in the U.S. and third in the world by an international study of major urban libraries conducted by the Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf in Germany. For more information, visit chicagopubliclibrary.org or call the Chicago Public Library at (312) 747-4050.

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