Virtual Program Recap 14

While the library is closed, we’re offering virtual program opportunities to learn at home on our Facebook page!

Over the past week we put together a variety of science and art activities you can do at home with some common supplies. Watch the videos below to see what each activity is, and download our instruction guides with additional resources online here. 

Be sure to check the City of Plano calendar of events to see what’s happening with the Library and other City departments.

Building your Business with ReferenceUSA Workshop

Learn to use Reference USA to start a business, conduct market research, find marketing prospects and more. For more uses of ReferenceUSA, check out our Expand Your Job Search with Reference USA blog post and workshop recording.

Virtual Field Trip: Grand Canyon

Ready to travel? To virtually explore the world? Join us on a virtual field trip to the Grand Canyon! To follow along on this Virtual Field Trip, you will need a computer, Internet and use Google Maps – Street View. See our blog post here with step-by-step instructions, additional activities and reading recommendations.

Mother Goose Mania: Mulberry Bush

Nursery rhymes are an important early literacy tool as they introduce children to the rhymes and rhythms that make up language in ways beyond just sharing stories. Today’s program builds on nursery rhymes you already know and introduces new and expanded ways to explore those rhymes. We’ll be using common household items and simple craft supplies.

In this activity, we are featuring a sensory activity: writing trays. Sensory writing trays are a great way to practice shaping letters before your child is ready to hold a pencil. They are also easy to erase if you make a mistake!

See our Early Literacy in Action page for our downloadable handout with steps, supplies and recommended reading.

Spotlight Art: Courtney Hitt

Our July Spotlight Artist is Courtney Hitt. During this demonstration of her art, she will show you how she uses gouache and acrylic paint, as well as a variety of items to make markings, to make a masterpiece. See our blog for a supply list and recommended reading.

Lynda.com (LinkedIn Learning) 101

Learn how to search, save videos and set up a profile to get the most out of this free library resource. See our blog post with additional information.

Product Photography Workshop

Are you interested in starting an online business selling products or services? Quality photos are a must. Learn how to stage and edit product photos in Photoshop. Sign up for Adobe Creative Cloud for a free 7 day trial to follow along with the class.

STEAM Connections: Crystal Creation

The process of crystals forming is called crystallization. Crystallization occurs in nature when liquid cools and starts to harden, like magma cooling into a mineral quartz crystal, or when water evaporates from a mixture – this is where sea salt comes from. In this activity, we are going to show you how we can use common materials to grow our own crystals! Get step-by-step instructions and reading recommendations with our downloadable handout: https://bit.ly/2U2IZbU