Reminder: This Week in New Castle County: The Power of Nature, Your Library at Home and more!

The Power of Nature: Hello Nature!

Many of us have experienced a sense of calm and peace when we step outside to breathe in fresh air, enjoy the warmth of the sun on our skin, and feel the growing grass beneath our bare feet. The power of nature seems more powerful during this unprecedented time of social distancing and uncertainty. Many people are finding peace in the power of nature by exploring their yards and neighborhoods. To help you discover the power of nature in your own backyard we will be presenting activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family. These activities encourage you to slow down and take a close look at the world just around you Please note: While exploring your neighborhood it is vital to observe recommended social distancing guidelines.

Day 1: Create a Nature Journal (Make it) Before venturing out create a small pocket-sized journal document your backyard adventure by drawing sketches and/or writing observations you make when outside. Materials needed for this project: Blank computer paper, notebook paper, or construction paper (whatever you have on hand) Stapler Cardboard Scissors Pencils, crayons, colored paper, or magazine scraps Hole punch or awl Yarn or string Sandwich-sized plastic zipper seal bag Instructions: Staple together some pieces of blank computer paper or any other paper you have around the house Cut a cover out of corrugated cardboard (from a box) the same size as the paper booklet you have created On the cover, draw a nature picture or create a collage from nature pictures cut out from old magazines. Punch some holes through the cover and the booklet and tie together with some yarn or string Tape or staple a plastic zipper bag to the front cover so you have a place to keep a pencil and a few crayons.

Day 2: Create a Collection Journal (Make it) Create a handy collection tool to take into your yard or on neighborhood nature walks for things you pick up along way such as feathers, pretty rocks or stones and place them in the bags. When you get home see if you can identify these things using the internet.  Materials needed for this project: Several sandwich sized plastic zipper bags Stapler Construction paper Scissors Hole punch Yarn or chenille stems (pipe cleaners) Instructions: Staple together several plastic zipper bags at the bottom of the bags to make a booklet. Cut pieces of construction paper or card stock to fit in each bag. Punch a hole in the corner through all of the stapled bags and put a pipe cleaner or string through the holes and make a circular ring to use as a handle for the journal.

Day 3: Inch by Inch (Activity) Get to know your yard up close. Tools needed for this project: Magnifying glass -OR- Download Magnifying Glass with Light App (fee app available for google/iOS) Nature journal Pencil Collection journal Instructions: Pick a spot of interest on your yard. Sit or squat and observe an inch of that spot using the magnifying glass to zoom in and see what small details you observe and note them in your nature journal. Zoom out taking in a larger area and make additional observations.

Day 4: I Spy Sensory Riddle Walk (Activity) Take your nature and collection journals on a neighborhood walk using all of your senses. Write a riddle about what you see!  Tools needed for this project: Nature Journal Pencil Collection Journal Instructions: While walking through your neighborhood focus in and observe using different senses. Signal the sense you are using by saying “I see”, I hear”, “I smell,” “I feel.” Create a riddle giving clues for what you are observing to strengthen observation skills. Share your riddle with you walking partner and/or write it down in your journal.

Stuck at Home? Make Some Art! Win a Prize!

NCC heARTed is a community art contest and pop up art show bringing together New Castle County residents and visitors including New Castle County employees, students, teachers and families to share what we love most about our community through art! It's easy to enter, just create your art, snap a picture of it, and submit it using the link below. Click here for full details, waivers, and rules. Winners in each group will receive a prize and are asked to display their work in its original form.

Full Details

Submit Your Art

Your Library At Home

Library buildings are closed, but staff are still working hard to deliver services to you online! You can do everything from getting a library card to borrow ebooks, magazines, streaming music, movies, and audio books for all ages. The library now also offers virtual events such as story times, online language instruction, and more!

You will need a library card to access these materials. Don't already have your library card? GET ONE ONLINE Find more ONLINE RESOURCES, including Learning Express with practice pages and tests for grades 4-adult learning.

Get A Library Card

See All Library Online Resources

Virtual Library Programs and Events

Libraries across the state are offering online programs including story times, book groups and more.

Check Out the Virtual Library Events Calendar