Library programs make a difference. Our programs have been developed by teachers and subject specialists to match the Ontario Curriculum and support your child's learning.
Safe Child Policy: Markham Public Library encourages children of all ages to visit the library and hopes they will find it a warm and inviting place to be. Programs and services are offered to make sure children enjoy their visits and develop a love of books, reading and learning. The Library is a public space and the safety of unattended children at the library can be of serious concern. Staff cannot assume responsibility of your child's care when the child is in the library. For the safety and protection of young library users MPL has in place policies and procedures for unattended children in the library. Please ask at your local branch for more information.
Fall program registration begins August 17 @6:30 a.m. Register online through EZ Reg
Summer programs
Fall programs
Summer 2010
| Art 'n' Fun |
Ages 8 - 12 yrs |
Learn to use simple lines and hand movement
to create cartoons and drawings of animals
and people. Work with colour, patterns and
shapes and create your own storybook. Please
bring 2B pencils, white eraser, drawing pad
and 24 colour pencils. Fee: $46 (4 days) and $57.50 (5 days)
|
| Comic Strips with Captain Advertising |
Ages 6 - 12 yrs |
Go beyond learning to draw cartoon characters
and bring them to life! Design your own comic
strip with the help of a professional cartoonist.
Bring HB pencil, eraser and sketchpad. Fee: $46 (4 days) and $57.50 (5 days)
|
| Essay Writing for Children |
Ages 9 -12 yrs |
Students progress through
the process of report writing, including
organization, research, note taking, and
pargraph writing to develop a well structured
essay. Ideally suited for students in grades
4 to 6. Fee: $46
|
| Grammar |
8 - 11 yrs |
Through language-oriented activities students will learn how the English language works, while learning parts of speech, punctuation and sentence structure. Students will improve their knowledge of language conventions to correct errors, refine expression and present their work effectively. Ideally suited for students in grades 4 to 6. Fee: $46
|
| Leadership and Self confidence Development |
Ages 8 - 11 yrs |
Develop self-confidence and leadership skills! This program fosters self-esteem and enhances talents, skills and motivation through a variety of exercises and activities. Fee: $46
|
| Public Speaking for Children |
Ages 9 - 12 yrs |
Public speaking is one of people’s
greatest fears yet the ability to communicate
well is an important life skill. Through nonthreatening
oral language and drama activities
participants will develop self-confidence in
their speaking skills and learn strategies for
dealing with nervousness in order to become
effective communicators. Fee: $46
|
Fall 2010
| Chess |
Ages 6 - 12 yrs |
Chess is an excellent avenue for learning both logical and intuitive thinking skills as well as increasing a child's attention span. The game develops good sportsmanship traits for handling wins and defeats and it's fun. Paticipants will learn starting positions, moves, captures, check, checkmate, stalemate and pawn promotion. Fee: $55
|
| Creative Drama |
Ages 8 - 11 yrs |
Improve your ability to connect, communicate and think critically about stories
presented in a dramatic medium. Drama develops speaking and listening skills,
imagination and storytelling all of which contribute to reading and writing skills.
You will learn about the creative process, drama convention and dramatic forms
and styles in a highly engaging format. Boost your confidence to speak up in
class, communicate to peers and show your talents! View program objectives. Fee: $47.00
|
| Creative Writing |
Grades 4 - 6 |
Teaching children the tools to craft their own story not only allows them to
become masters of their stories but also leads to children who communicate
better. Writing strengthens reading skills, vocabulary and sentence construction,
and also teaches skills like decision-making and problem solving. In addition
writing allows children to explore their own feelings about situations and allows
them to stretch their imaginations beyond their wildest dreams. View program objectives. Fee: $47
|
| Essay Writing for Children |
Grades 4 to 6 |
Students will recognize that author’s write for a variety of purposes: to entertain,
to persuade or to inform and will identify the forms of writing which are
appropriate to their purpose. Students will focus on drafting a report, on a
common theme, to learn the skills required to write an essay or report. Topics
include research, evaluating online information, notetaking, organizing material,
writing paragraphs, and editing their work. View program objectives. Fee: $47
|
| French Fun for Children |
7 to 9 years |
Introduces French in a fun and relaxed way through songs, games, stories and more! Studenets will practice and improve their French conversational skills through grammar, reading and games.
Fee: $47
|
| Get Ready for Math |
Grades 1 to 2 |
Through interactive games, activities and the use of learning
manipulatives, Get Ready for Math makes learning math so much fun! Participants will be taught to use key mathematical processes throughout their introduction to concepts in math. With a
strong focus on cooperative learning, participants will learn to problem solve effectively
and contribute positively in group learning environments.View program objectives. Fee: $47
|
| Get Ready for Science |
Grades 1 to 2 |
Get Ready for Science focuses on
learning through investigation and inquiry based approaches to learning. The
program is perfect for your naturally inquisitive children. Participants will find the
answers to and ask more questions to discover the world. Our program promotes skills in investigation, inquiry,
and communication. Our aim is to spark excitement and enjoyment through
scientific discovery so that children will love science and learning. View program objectives. Fee: $47
|
| Grammar |
Grades 4 to 6 |
Through language-oriented activities, students will learn how the English
language works, while learning parts of speech, punctuation and sentence
structure. Students will improve their knowledge of language conventions to
correct errors, refine expression and present their work effectively. Students will
acquire the writing and grammar skills necessary to improve communication
skills, speech, conversation and story writing. View program objectives. Fee: $47
|
| Junior Public Speaking |
Grades 2 to 3 |
Develop confidence in expressing and presenting information, ideas and feelings.
Individual and group activities will build speaking and listening skills to develop
your child’s ability to connect with others, to build vocabulary and to build
understanding of the structure of the English language. Students will also learn
to organize and deliver information for a variety of purposes. Drama activities
based on familiar stories connect reading, listening and speaking to develop
confidence and fluency in all areas of language arts. View program objectives. Fee: $47
|
| Leadership & Self Confidence Development |
Grades 2 to 3 or Grades 4 to 6
|
This program focuses on the Character Matters values to teach leadership skills
and increase self-confidence to enable participants to become caring and
contributing citizens. Through a variety of activities including, games, drama,
public speaking and discussion, students will learn about participation and team
work. While exploring the characteristics of leaders participants will examine
their own self-image and identity. Students will also explore our basic social and
emotional needs such as acceptance, friendship and approval. Participation
provides students with opportunities to develop responsibility, respect and other
characteristics essential for leadership growth. View program objectives. Fee: $47
|
| Public Speaking for Children |
Grades 4 - 6 |
Sweaty palms, heart racing, nausea… these are just a few of the symptoms we
experience when we have to make a speech. Public speaking is one of people’s
greatest fears yet the ability to communicate well is an important life skill.
Confident speakers are also more confident in social situations, in interacting
with peers, in giving class presentations and later in job interviews and work
situations. Through non-threatening oral language and drama activities
participants will develop self-confidence in their speaking skills. Participants will
learn strategies for dealing with nervousness in order to become effective
communicators. Participants will also develop active listening skills as an
important partner of meaningful communication. View program objectives. Fee: $47
|
| Reading for Meaning |
Grades 2 to 3 or Grades 4 to 6 |
Using a variety of literature selections, both fiction and non-fiction, students will
develop strategies for reading comprehension, complete graphic organizers and
develop skills in interpreting and responding critically to text. Through guided
activities participants will explore and understand story elements such as
characterization, setting and plot development. Participants will recognize there
are different types of reading materials and different purposes for reading. They
will learn to select strategies appropriate for different reading activities (reading
for information, reading for entertainment) and engage with and enjoy written
language in all its varieties. View program objectives. Fee: $47
|
| Study Skills |
Grades 4 to 6 |
Find the best way to maximize your learning experience both in the classroom
and at home! Learn how to manage your time, create the study environment
that’s right for you and get organized to make the most of studying to achieve
your academic goals! Prepare for tests without last minute panic and take tests
with confidence. View program objectives. Fee: $47
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