Have fun staying in when school’s out this June holiday with the National Library Board (NLB)'s slew of family-friendly online activities and resources, happening from 29 May to 27 June 2021.
Here's what you and your family can look forward to:
1. Online Storytelling Sessions
Photo Credit: National Library Board
To entice children to read during the school holidays, NLB will be offering online storytelling sessions in English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. The sessions, which last between 5 and 15 minutes, will be hosted by librarians, volunteers, corporate partners and local authors. These pre-recorded sessions will be available on the respective Facebook pages below and NLB's YouTube channel.
Follow NLB on Facebook and stay tuned for more updates on Storytime.
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English Session
Frequency: 2nd and 4th Saturdays monthly, 10am via Facebook
Topics: Stories suitable for children aged 4 to 10
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Chinese Session
Frequency: 1st and 3rd Fridays monthly, 7.30pm via Facebook
Topics: Stories suitable for children aged 4 to 8
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Malay Session
Frequency: 1st and 3rd Saturdays monthly, 11.30am via Facebook
Topics: Stories suitable for children aged 4 to 8
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Tamil Session
Frequency: 1st and 3rd Fridays monthly, 7pm via Facebook
Topics: Stories suitable for children aged 4 to 8
2. June School Holiday Programmes
Photo Credit: Public Libraries Singapore / Facebook
Through short, fun videos, the School Holiday Special with Librarians programme will guide children to make various objects or glean tips inspired by books on different themes and topics such as S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics). For example, Stay Curious with Your Child features bite-sized activities and reading resources that parents can explore with young children, while Teen·Things offers popular activities to challenge teens and inspire creativity. Follow NLB's Facebook page to be notified when the sessions go live.
3. Book Bugs: Explorers of Stories Past
Photo Credit: National Library Board
Book Bugs: Explorers of Stories Past, the third edition of NLB’s popular bug-themed collectible card game, promises another slate of exciting activities this June.
Book Bugs aims to cultivate a love for reading and an appreciation for local and regional folktales through play. Children can look forward to new content based on local and regional stories in English and mother tongue languages.
Besides a series of curated printable activities on the dedicated microsite that families can work on at home, there are also story comics, WhatsApp and Telegram sticker packs, wallpapers and other bonus items that enable children to fully experience the Book Bugs programme. These are uploaded every second Monday of the month.
Find out more here, and stay tuned for more trivia, card releases, do-it-yourself activities and programmes on NLB’s social media channels.
4. Digital Making Programmes
MakeIT at Libraries offers library users a dedicated space with tools, equipment, and hardware kits that enable individuals to Learn, Tinker and Create, in both digital and traditional mediums.
For safety, we have restricted the physical programmes available. Do join our free online live-streamed workshops on the topics of coding, robotics, 3D printing and other forms of digital fabrication and making. No prior expertise or experience is required. Recommended for ages 13 and up.
Browse the available sessions on NLB’s event portal here or follow NLB's Facebook page.
5. D.I.Y. Resources
Take your pick from fun D.I.Y. printables, discussion worksheets, inspiring S.T.E.A.M. activities, literary quizzes and reading resources that engage children, teens, families and educators in reading and learning. Find out more here.
6. Teen eReads
Check out curated ebooks in new and exciting themes that teens can enjoy anytime, anywhere. Available on the NLB mobile app, OverDrive and Libby.
7. Online Talks, Programmes & Activities
Here's a list of programmes that will be conducted on the Zoom platform:
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Toddler Songs and Rhymes
Photo Credit: National Library Board
Date/Time:
4 Jun 2021, 2pm - 2.20pm
11 Jun 2021, 11am - 11.20am
15 Jun 2021, 4pm
25 Jun 2021, 11am
Boost your tot’s development through an enjoyable virtual session with songs and rhymes. This programme targets parents and toddlers 1-3 years old.
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The Link Between Food Allergy and Eczema in Young Children
Photo Credit: National Library Board
Date/Time: 5 Jun 2021, 11am – 12.30pm
This talk on eczema will be hosted by National University of Singapore Professor and Senior Consultant and Head of Paediatric Allergy and Immunology at National University Hospital, Hugo Van Bever. Learn about the connection between food and eczema flare-ups in kids, and what impact they have on each other. We will also be dishing out tips on treatment and prevention.
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Adventure with Smiley
Photo Credit: National Library Board
Date/Time: 9 & 26 Jun 2021, 10.30am – 11.30am
An interactive and engaging financial literacy programme tailored for children aged 4-8. Join us as Smiley, POSB’s very own squirrel mascot, explains concepts such as the value of money, savings and banking to kids and teaches them about financial sustainability through short, interactive activities. With the custom-made learning materials and hands-on activities, kids can put their learning into practice at home.
Suitable for children aged 4 to 8.
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How to Go Safe Online (Secondary School edition)
Photo Credit: National Library Board
Date/Time: 12 Jun 2021, 10am – 10.30am
Learn about the different types of cyber threats lurking in your daily life; the importance of cybersecurity; and basic cyber hygiene tips to protect yourself from cyber criminals.
Digitalisation, especially in the post-COVID-19 environment, has changed the way we live, work and play. Many young Internet users leverage online platforms and digital solutions for learning, playing games or shopping.
It is thus timely to get up to speed with the potential pitfalls in cyberspace, from malicious software to online scams.
Suitable for teens aged 13 to 17.
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Storytime Saturday
Photo Credit: National Library Board
Date/Time: 12 Jun 2021, 11am - 11.30 am
Besides sparking creativity and imagination, stories also enhance children’s vocabulary and attention span. Join us for a session where the folks from the Storytelling Association (Singapore) spin yarns that will keep your children spellbound! Suitable for children aged 4 to 9.
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How Sweet Should You Be?
Photo Credit: National Library Board
Date/Time: 12 Jun 2021, 2pm – 3pm
Almost everything you eat contains sugar, but how much is too much? This interactive talk pitched at youngsters aged 13 and up aims to help them be more sugar-smart.
Topics include:
a) How excessive sugar intake can affect mood and academic performance and lead to chronic diseases
b) Guidelines for sugar intake
c) Sources of sugar
d) Sugar content in popular beverages
e) Ways to reduce sugar intake
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Nurturing with Nature
Photo Credit: National Library Board
Date/Time: 19 Jun 2021, 10am – 11am
Join us for this special talk by backtogroundzero, a local non-profit community group which advocates mindfulness for the planet, others and ourselves. Step into a magical world where mindfulness and environmental sustainability intertwine. Learn about eco-parenting and the importance of mindfulness in early education, get nifty tips on how to Nurture with Nature in sunny Singapore, and be ready to pepper the special Guest Parent with questions!
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How to Go Safe Online (Primary School edition)
Photo Credit: National Library Board
Date/Time: 26 Jun 2021, 10am – 10.30am
Children are venturing online at an earlier age, especially in the post-COVID reality. Inoculate them against cyber threats with this session, which highlights the dangers to look out for and dispenses tips on good cyber hygiene habits.
Suitable for children aged 7 to 12; parents are welcome to attend with their children.
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[WordPlay] Creating Impact: Greta Thunberg Style
Photo Credit: National Library Board
Date/Time: 26 Jun 2021, 2.30pm – 4pm
Most people – yes, even adults – dread it. But public speaking is an essential skill, whether it’s a show-and-tell session in school or a make-or-break presentation at work. Join us as we explore the science behind climate change and use it as a springboard for participants to share their ideas – through mini presentations.
Suitable for children aged 9 to 13.
To register for the online programmes, kindly go to NLB’s GoLibrary website.
