The Chicago Public Library is inviting students to be creative over winter break.
This year’s Winter Learning Challenge is called “Design Your World.” Students are invited to use their talents to read and express themselves in a variety of ways.
“You can use art and design to express yourself, solve a problem, and inspire other people,” says a CPL web page describing the program. “What will you create? Your own fashion line? A picture book? How about a community mural?”
To participate, students are asked to read at least 20 minutes a day for at least five days over winter break. Students then can complete an activity and share what they’ve created. Students can keep track of their reading and their activities on a Winter Learning Challenge Log, available online and at Chicago Public Libraries throughout the city.
Here are just a few suggestions on some creative things to design:
- Design a mascot for the library.
- Draw a new cover for your favorite book.
- Take a few old boxes and a little paint to create recycled art on a cold and snowy day.
- Cut up some old magazines to inspire your budding artists to draw and collage.
- Create a new look by watercoloring an old T-shirt using only ice and liquid dye.
- Design your own “finger legs” puppet, then act out a story with your character(s).
- Try making edible paint so even the youngest artists can create a masterpiece.
- Participate in one of our Design Your World events.
There is also a list of recommended reads for the learning challenge.
The Winter Learning Challenge runs through January 7. Students can turn in their logs at any library location by January 14 to receive a prize.
The Winter Learning Challenge is made possible through the Chicago Public Library Foundation.
