Wokingham Borough Council is encouraging children to get excited about science by offering Reading Sparks activity boxes containing fun experiments.
From Monday 25 July, residents will be able to borrow one of the boxes from Lower Earley Library. Each box contains a book and an experiment for families to try. There are four different themes to choose from, including space, machines, invisible nature, and animals. Once you have completed the experiment, just return the box to the library with the completed evaluations to receive a CREST Award.
The Reading Sparks project has been devised by The Reading Agency, with the aim of building confidence and engagement with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through reading.
Cllr Sarah Kerr, the new executive member for climate emergency and resident services, said: “These activity boxes are a fun way for children and families to improve their understanding of STEM topics. There are also lots of fun and exciting events running to help promote STEM subjects this summer.” Join the Nutty Scientist for his workshop and enjoy making magnetic putty while learning all about magnets and their metal properties. This event is being held at Lower Earley Library on Tuesday 9 August from 10.30 am to 11.30 am and is suitable for children aged four to nine.
You can also attend this workshop at Woodley Library on the same day from 1 pm to 2 pm. If you are unable to attend either of these sessions, another one is being held at Wokingham Library on Tuesday 16 August from 10.30 am to 11.30 am. It costs £3 and places must be booked in advance.
On Tuesday 30 August, visit Lower Earley Library for a zany and action-packed hour of music, science and space poems from James Carter. He will be giving a lively reading of his new book Once Upon A Big Idea and there will be a chance to take away your own robot poem. The session runs from 11 am to 12 noon and is suitable for children aged four to ten. You can also attend this event at Woodley Library on the same day from 1.30 pm to 2.30 pm. It costs £3 to take part and places must be booked in advance. Drop into Lower Earley Library every Thursday from 4 to 25 August to talk about your progress with the Summer Reading Challenge.
This year’s challenge launched on Friday 8 July and encourages children aged four to 11 to read six books during the summer holidays to earn rewards. There will be books, crafting, and other fun activities by volunteers. A complete list of events taking place at libraries across the borough is available online. The Reading Agency is a charity that promotes the benefits of reading among children and adults by working in partnership with libraries.
The aim of Reading Sparks is to build confidence and engagement with STEM among children, young people, and families, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and to demonstrate the role that creative reading and activities can play in sparking engagement with STEM.
Wokingham Borough Libraries is running the Reading Sparks project as a trial at Lower Earley Library. It may decide to offer the activity boxes at other locations in the future depending on the initial uptake.
