Free Library Of Philadelphia: Back To School Resources For Students, Families, And Teachers

Press release from the Free Library of Philadelphia:

August 23, 2021

Many students, parents, caregivers, and teachers are wondering what the upcoming school year is going to look like. The Free Library is here to help you!

Back to School Basics

The first day of classes for Philadelphia School District students is Tuesday, August 31! The district is currently planning for in-person classes this year. Visit the Philadelphia School District website for live updates and details, registration information for Pre-K, and free back-to-school resources.

Move through back-to-school emotions with videos and resources from Free Library Early Learning. Want to share your knowledge? Learn more about becoming a teacher in Philadelphia!

Children who haven’t reached school age just yet can still start literacy learning! Sign up with Ready4K for free literacy tips for ages 0-5, sent right to your phone, or join a storytime with Read, Baby, Read.

LEAP

The Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program (LEAP) is a free, inclusive, and accessible safe space for students in grades K-12 to participate in hands-on, literacy-filled activities and learning games. This fall, LEAP will be returning for in-person programming at a neighborhood library near you.

If you or someone you know is interested in assisting young patrons as they adjust returning to school, apply to work as an Afterschool Leader today! Many libraries will also hire Teen Leadership Assistants (TLAs) to help with activities and offer near-peer mentoring. If you are a high school student who would like to work as a TLA, speak to a librarian at your neighborhood library.

This year, LEAP has lots of fun activities in the works, from the crowd favorite slime to storybook-themed breakout rooms, there is sure to be something for everyone! In the meantime, be sure to follow LEAP on Facebook and Instagram for resources, information, and activities you can do from home.

Virtual Classroom Visits

Did you know that librarians can visit your classroom virtually? Librarians can share a storytime or introduce school-aged students to the library’s digital resources. Educators interested in receiving a virtual visit should contact their neighborhood library.

Fall Reading Challenge

Join the Free Library’s online Fall Reading Challenge beginning on September 1! Track your reading progress and complete challenges to earn badges and points. Sign in to the Virtual Reading Challenges Homepage to participate in any of our fall reading and monthly activity adventures. Look out for a special family edition of Back-to-School Mindfulness, along with Virtual Field Trips, Alien Adventures, Writers’ Studio, as well as new, on-going literacy learning programs, DIY Literacy, and 1000 Books by Kindergarten.

Resources at Home

Wishing you a safe and supported school year from Youth Services and the Free Library!

This press release was produced by the Free Library of Philadelphia. The views expressed here are the author’s own.