The challenge for Chicago students visiting a library over winter break is for them to learn to “Do It Yourself.” Young readers who complete all of the activities before Jan. 7 will earn a prize. Check out some books and activities for inspiration and then do it yourself!
What are you interested in? What would you like to make? It’s up to you. The choices are endless, but the library offers some suggestions to get you started:
- Make a pop-up card.
- Try a science project with things you have at home.
- Make a winter decoration.
- Design something you could wear.
To complete the challenge, students must:
- Read books, magazines, or websites for at least 20 minutes a day for at least five days.
- Make a DIY project and share what you discover and create.
You can dive into a project with any of these suggested books on DIY projects, including how to be a young chef, how to draw, and how to create a costume. Or maybe you want to develop a science project or learn about computer coding.
You might want to start with this book, Kids Who Are Changing the World! Anyone can make a difference. These stories about real kids will inspire you to look around your community and find ways to help that work for you.
Whatever your DIY project, keep track of your progress on the Winter Learning Challenge log (a Spanish version also is available). Return your completed log to any Chicago Public Library location by Jan. 13 to receive a prize.
More information about the Winter Learning Challenge is available at this link.
Teen challenge
If you’re a teenage artist, you can participate in your own winter challenge. The Chicago Public Library is sponsoring its 5th Annual Teen Winter Challenge by asking teen artists to submit one to three original pieces of art, with an artist’s statement, by Jan. 31.
Teen artists have a chance to win a gift card, be exhibited at the Teen Winter Gala, and have a digital copy permanently entered into the Chicago Public Library collection.
The challenge is open to all high school students ages 13-19 who live in Chicago. Young artists are asked to submit up to three digital versions of their work and write an artist’s statement of around 250 words. The statement should indicate the materials and mediums used to create the piece(s), as well as the meaning, intention, or inspiration behind each piece. The statement also should provide context for the artist, indicating any prior experience, artistic interests, and goals for the future.
More information about the Teen Winter Challenge, including the submission form, is available at this link.
