75 Days of Summer- Story Hour at Lima Library

A Storybook Ending to a Perfect Day

 Looking for something fun to do with your kiddos during these summer months that still stimulates the brain and works on much-needed reading skills? The library is where it's at my friends. The Lima library has a extensive list of fun activities for children of all ages. Check out its complete calendar. Today both kiddos learned about the life cycle of plants with activities based on the book, “Zinnia’s Flower Garden.” And today's story-hour happened in one of our favorite places- The Children's Garden! 

After hearing the librarian read the story, they next played a pretty cool game to emphasis what they learned. With a yellow foam ball and a squirt bottle in hand, the leader and children gathered in a circle and started in a ball down at the ground. One person went around the circle with the "sun" ball and tapped the kids in the head while the other gave a squirt of water above to help them "grow." After four times around the children declared what marvelous plant they had become. Olivia declared she was a pepper plant and Isaac a tomato. Guess what two veggies we grow in our garden! lol. 

Next every child got to plant their own Zinnia seeds in a pot with soil and water. Helpers of the garden club were present to help, but really let the kids dig in. Most impressive to me was the cleaning station they had prepared so when they were finished. Hopefully our flowers grow! 

76 Days of Summer- Lima's Children Garden

Growing with Excitement

Lima is lucky. We have an amazing spot to picnic, wonder, take pictures or have story hour! According to the website, located at the Allen County Museum complex, this garden has grown to include over 30 mini-theme gardens and child-inspired works of art, with historical elements which relate to Allen County's rich history.  It is an interactive green oasis for "children" of all ages. 

The kiddos little imaginations run wild throughout the garden that is made just for kids. Isaac calls it the Gumball Garden... As seen in the picture they've painted bowling balls and lined the side of the garden path with the balls. The stones are multicolored to give the illusion of the gumballs.  After you enter under the arch, they lead around the gardening shed within the grounds. 

While Isaac is running, Olivia has discovered the Dr. Suess borrow a book mailbox.  Located next the cutest tree forest, kids are encouraged to take a book and sit down and read. One of the ladies who works in the garden said children can take a book home, but are to bring it back. I don't allow my kids to take the books, but instead to sit and read it while we are there. 

I tried to read it to her first and then she would know all the words, but she told me know to worry about it and the boy statue wouldn't know. LOL.  So here is the video of her reading the book to her friend. Go check out the Children's Garden if you are ever around Lima.  It's worth it!