Discover & Explore for Grade Schoolers

Find resources and at-home activities on a specific topic, curated by Oak Park librarians.

See the latest activities for grade schoolers

Two kids sitting next to each other, one on a tablet and the other using a laptop

Curious kids welcome: Explore the world with PebbleGo & PebbleGo Next (grades K-5)

Have curious kids in grades K-5 who want to explore the world? Log in to Pebble Go and Pebble Go Next with your Oak Park library card and find answers ...
A portrait of Arturo Alfonso Schomburg sitting in a chair with books on a shelf in the background

Meet Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, the man who built a library: Resources for grade schoolers

In honor of Black History Month, let's learn more about Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, a Puerto Rican historian, writer, curator, and activist! Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico in 1874, Schomburg was ...
Transgender spelled out on rainbow-colored letter cubes.

Starting a conversation about gender identity: Books for grade schoolers & early learners

Our understanding of gender and the language we use to describe it is constantly evolving. Often, we learn a limiting definition of gender that tries to put everyone into just ...
Text reading Hoopla BingePass in front of graphics representing various BingePasses listed below.

BingePass gives you 7 days of unlimited streaming

With hoopla's BingePass and your Oak Park library card, you can get unlimited streaming for seven days with a single borrow! Let's get started... How do I use hoopla's BingePass? ...
Pride flag overlayed with a rainbow of colors.

LGBTQ+ people & history: Books, trivia games & resources for grade schoolers

Did you know? Illinois is one of only eight states with an inclusive curriculum bill that ensures students in public schools learn about LGBTQ+ and their contributions as part of ...
Student studying while holding a notebook and pencil and interacting with a laptop.

Helping kids with homework & studying: Brainfuse HelpNow

Need a tutor to help reinforce concepts learned in class or prepare for a test? Are you a parent looking for academic support for your child? Or are you a ...
Students sitting on steps in a school hallway, using a laptop, and writing in notebooks.

Helping kids tackle school projects: American Indian History

As school projects are assigned throughout the year, know that your library is here to help! In addition to books, your Oak Park library card gives you access to a ...
Kid raising hands in triumph while working on a laptop

Helping kids tackle school projects: AtoZ Maps & AtoZ World Culture

As mentioned in my first post in this series, Google is a great resource of information and can be a useful first source when researching for school projects. But did ...
Babies and adults at library storytime.

What kind of library kid are you?

There are so many ways to use your library, and we've rounded up a few special ones for kids and families here. Not all of them require a library card, ...
A grouping of icons: a calculator, gear, paintbrush and paint palette, beaker, computer, and tablet

STEAM Discovery Kits: At-home learning & exploration for grade schoolers

By Children's Librarian Eileen Saam At the Oak Park Public Library, we are always looking for ways to foster learning experiences for children who we serve. We have developed a ...

Tabletop roleplaying games: Activities for grade schoolers

Have you ever wished you could explore the worlds of your favorite characters? Do you dream of running off on a grand adventure with your friends by your side? If ...
Two happy children sitting in the back of a car and playing a ukulele

Summer fun on the go! Activities for grade schoolers

Planning a road trip or visiting a nearby park? There are so many fun things to do during the summer, and at the library, we have some great resources to ...
Book icon on a rainbow background

Preparing for Pride Month: Books & trivia games for kids

By Hal, Rainbow Services Librarian As the summer approaches, so does Pride Month. In the United States and many other countries around the world, we celebrate Pride during June in ...
Pronoun Kid cards face down on a table

Explore self-expression through play: Pronoun Discovery Kits for grade schoolers

Interested in facilitating conversations about self-expression and gender identity? Check out these two Discovery Kits about pronouns designed to help kids explore self-expression through play. Playing With Pronouns kit The ...
Two grade school students using a laptop to study outside

Helping kids tackle school projects: National Geographic Kids

If you have a school project and need to find a variety of sources for your research, your library is here to the rescue! On the Homework Help for Kids ...
Tegan and Sara Junior High Book cover with a rainbow-colored overlay

Identity & coming out: Books & an on-demand virtual book club for grade schoolers

Sharing your identity with friends, family, and community should be empowering and affirming, but for LGBTQIA+ young people, coming out is often scary rather than a moment of celebration. According ...
Kid using tablet with two adults in the background

Fun & educational websites for kids (librarian approved!)

By Eileen Saam, Children’s Librarian Looking for fun and educational websites for kids without advertisements? You've come to the right place! From math games, puzzles, and science videos to language ...
Miss Eileen planting in the Accessible Community Garden

Community Sensory Garden

By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris Did you know that 70% of disabled adults do not engage in community activities? The first time I heard this statistic it gave me pause ...
Line drawings of a calendar, a book, and a bingo card on a rainbow background

Celebrate summer reading & Pride Month: Events & books for kids

By Hal, Rainbow Services Librarian This year, our theme for kids summer reading is Adventure Begins at Your Library. Reading books, trying out something new in a Discovery Kit, or ...
Two students working together on a tablet at STEAM Fest 2023

STEAM Fest is Thursday, April 18

By Eileen Saam, Children’s Librarian Experience the wide world of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) at the Main Library this spring, as we once again partner with Oak ...
Kid looking at anatomy on tablet

Let’s talk about bodies & puberty: Books, Discovery Kits & web resources for grade schoolers & caregivers

Developing accurate and affirming language to name the parts of our bodies and understanding how bodies change as we age is an important skill for young people to learn. Not ...
Caregiver and kid sharing laptop

Online safety (Part 2): Fun & interactive lessons for kids & caregivers

By Children’s Librarian Eileen Saam Whether playing video games, chatting with friends, watching videos, or browsing a favorite website, it’s important to keep online safety in mind. Although most of ...
Parent and child using laptop together

Online safety (Part 1): 5 tips to share with kids

By Children’s Librarian Eileen Saam The internet can be a powerful educational tool and a fun place for kids to explore, but here at the library, we understand that online ...
Picture of the Main Library with a pink and purple overlay

Visiting the Main Library Children’s Services: A virtual tutorial for kids & families

By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris Sometimes kids and adults get nervous about visiting a new place for the first time. We get it! It can be useful to know what to ...
Three kids studying on a laptop

Helping kids tackle school projects: African-American History

As school projects are assigned throughout the year, know that your library is here to help! In addition to books, your Oak Park library card gives you access to a ...
Trans flag with trans symbol

Trans Youth Town Hall: A virtual tutorial for grade & middle schoolers

By Hal, Rainbow Services Librarian Pride is more than a month of rainbows and parades. Our celebration of Pride month comes from a history of protest for liberation for LGBTQ+ ...
Autism with cut paper rainbow on a cloud

Resources for autistic people & their caregivers

By Children’s Librarian Shelley Harris So you, your child, or your student has been diagnosed with autism? Congratulations! As overwhelming as it can be to hear a diagnosis, you are ...
Earth Day April 22 with illustration of Planet Earth with trees around the outside

Celebrate Earth Day: Activities for grade schoolers

Every year on Earth Day, April 22, we celebrate our precious planet. Check out ways you can celebrate and protect our planet at the same time below! Check out these ...
Butterfly painting on window

Butterflies! At-home activities & more for grade schoolers (part 2)

Here in Oak Park, the Village of Oak Park has proclaimed 2021 as the Year of the Butterfly, and we are learning so much about monarch butterflies and their need ...
Butterfly origami

All about origami: How-to videos, books & more for grade schoolers

Library assistant Margaret can always be found doing origami and helping kids learn! Origami helps kids practice visual and spatial skills, concentration, and math, and is a great fidget activity ...
Monarch butterfly on milkweed

Butterflies! At-home activities for grade schoolers (part 1)

The Village of Oak Park has proclaimed 2021 as the Year of the Butterfly, and we're doing our part to ensure everyone knows all they can to protect the monarch ...
Book covers

Transgender Day of Visibility: Books for early learners & grade schoolers

By Hal, Rainbow Services Librarian March 31 is Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV). Founded in 2009 by Rachel Crandall, Transgender Day of Visibility celebrates the resilience and accomplishments of transgender ...
Wooden chess board with two players

Explore chess

Chess challenges young minds to think critically. It teaches sacrifice and strategy, and exercises the ability to think ahead. And it's fun! Whether kids are new to chess or have ...
Mr. Luis and Honor

Discover & explore for grade schoolers: Math

Math. Did you just shudder? Or grin? Most people have a strong reaction to math, one way or the other. When I was growing up, one of my absolute must ...
Kids at 2018 Code Fest

Raising kids? Top 5 reasons you need your library

Know someone without a card? Help us spread the word! Learn more about getting and using your card » #1: You get to say yes more! No late fines and automatic renewals? ...