School-Break Specials from Saratoga Reads
Local schools will be on break Feb. 18-22, but there’s still plenty for kids to do to keep their brains active and creative juices flowing. Saratoga Reads will play its part by offering a Lego contest at a local elementary school and an art program for kids at Skidmore College’s Tang Museum.
Lego Challenge
The Lego contest, open to all grade levels, will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the Division Street Elementary School in Saratoga Springs. The challenge issued by Saratoga Reads is to build an original Lego model inspired by a favorite book. Students may work on their own, or with family and friends as a collaborative project.
Contest participants will bring in their pre-built models between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., with judging beginning at 10:30. Prizes will be awarded at each grade level, with a special prize for the entry that best characterizes Saratoga Reads.
Click here for a Lego contest entry form and rules. Deadline for submission of the form is Feb. 11. There is an entry fee of $10, which goes directly to Saratoga Reads to support programs for the community.
Hands-on Art at the Tang
On Thursday, Feb. 21, Saratoga Reads will team up with the Tang Museum at Skidmore College to offer an art workshop for kids age 6 and up and their accompanying adult. The group will begin by discussing one of the Saratoga Reads junior book selections for this year, Henry’s Freedom Box, written by Ellen Levine and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. The book tells the true story of Henry Brown, a slave who had himself shipped to freedom in the North in a crate. Following the discussion, the young artists will work on an art project related to the story. Participants are urged to read the book in advance.
Space for the Tang workshop is limited. To make a reservation, call the museum at 518-580-8080.