Innovative Solutions for Connecting with Kids During COVID

Photo by Liz Purdy

Two recent posts in the ALSC blog reflect on lessons learned and creative solutions to connection with our kids and families.

The first, a post by Liz Purdy, shared two fun innovations they adapted during the pandemic to sparkle up their programs and make them more meaningful.  Liz writes: "Our library pulled a lot of our fun toys and manipulatives from our children’s section with the advent of the pandemic. Of course, books and our outdoor programs are still a major draw for families to come to our library, but we’ve been trying to come up with other ways to engage families while they visit the library. Our staff has come up with some terrific innovations!" Check out the fun here!

The second post by Briana Brockett-Richmond reflects on how to make virtual programming more meaningful and connected.  She writes, "After a year of virtual programming, I am here to say that you truly can build deep and meaningful connections through virtual programs. I have grown to know many of the kids and their families. I know what they like and what they don’t. I hear silly jokes and know all about their pets. I see their excitement as they share discoveries they have made and work they have done. Even when we cannot be physically present with one another, it is possible to communicate with deep presence."  Stop here to read her tips on making virtual programs more meaningful.

Virtual & Offline Programming YSS blog COVID-19 series:

• Innovative Solutions for Connecting with Kids During COVID 10/25/21
• Virtual Teen Escape Room Book Club  10/22/21
• Making Digital Escape Rooms   11/23/20
• How to be a Better Video Presenter  11/2/20
• Storytime on the Road!   10/15/20
• How to Do Halloween During COVID-19  9/28/20
• Recharging Your “To-Go” Services  9/9/20
• Youth Services Program Palooza webinar 6/8/20
• Digital Escape Rooms – the Holy Grail  5/26/20
• Virtual and Offline Programs for Summer and Beyond  5/6/20 (combines & updates 6 previous resource post)
• “Grab-&-Go” Activity Kit Ideas  5/5/20
• Offline and Feeling Fine: Ideas for Programming Unvirtually  4/29/20
• Beyond E-Storytimes: Virtual Services and Programs for Youth 4/22/20
• Using Premier for Virtual Programming on Facebook 3/24/20