Kids Library

Preschool

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Classroom Connections

Classroom Connections, formerly known as Kansas Connections, is a fantastic upgrade to bring even more joy and engagement into your elementary classroom! We offer 17 interactive specially curated, free programs. Each program is 30–45 minutes. Choose from a wide range of captivating topics from the wonders of animals and the marvels of science to intriguing challenges, the richness of language, and the depths of history. Each teacher can request up to 3 programs per semester.

These hands-on experiences are tailored for elementary schools, ensuring every student is not just participating, but truly immersed in the learning process. Our dedicated librarians are eager to visit your classroom and spark curiosity, creativity and a love for learning. Let’s make learning an unforgettable journey together, one that ignites enthusiasm and fosters lasting Classroom Connections!

Program List

Life Cycles (K-1st Grade)

A beginning look at how plants and animals grow and change. Students will work together to solve the life cycle challenges.

Plant & Animal Adaptations (K-2nd grades)

Transform your classroom into a vibrant exploration of the natural world with our dynamic program on plant and animal adaptation! Students will dive into the fascinating needs of plants and animals, discovering the incredible adaptations that enable them to thrive in their environment. This hands-on experience will captivate young minds and bring the science of survival to life!

Number of Students: 30

Length: 30 Minutes

Air Dragons (K-2nd grades)

Dive into an exciting journey where your students will uncover the wonders of air through a hands-on adventure! In this captivating program, kids will explore the essential attributes of air and then unleash their creativity by crafting their own air dragons. Watch as they put their newfound knowledge to the test, experiencing the magic of air movement firsthand.

Book this dynamic classroom experience now to inspire curiosity and hands-on learning in your students!

Number of students: 30

Length: 45 min

Dinosaurs Biggest to Littlest (K-3rd grades)

How big were the dinosaurs really? How do fossils form and what do they tell us about these giant and not so giant animals? We will have fun measuring and comparing sizes before students design their own dinosaurs.

Number of students: 30

Length: 30-40 min

Storytime Adventure: Space (K-3rd grades)

Learn about the wonders of our solar system, the sun, moon and stars through stories and activities.

Number of students: 30

Length: 30-45 min

Kansas Symbols (1st-3rd grades)

Bring the vibrant heritage of Kansas to life in your classroom with our immersive State Symbols program! Students will engage all five senses as they explore and interact with Kansas's unique symbols, uncovering fascinating facts and experiencing the rich tapestry of our state's identity. This hands-on, sensory-rich adventure will captivate young learners and deepen their connection to Kansas.

Number of students: 30

Length: 30 minutes

Superpower of Snails (2nd-4th grades)

Step into the captivating world of snails and discover their incredible superpowers in this interactive, educational extravaganza! This program is designed to thrill students with hands-on experiments, sensory exploration, and a deep dive into the marvels of these unassuming yet extraordinary creatures.

Number of students: 30

Length: 30 minutes

Amazing Animal Engineers (2nd-4th grades)

Designing, fixing, and improving habitats for survival. Find out how animals build shelters to protect themselves from predators and extreme weather. Students will be challenged to make a spiderweb that can hold an insect (kidney bean).

Number of students: 30

Length: 30 minutes

Poetry: Writing Haiku & Lantern Poems (2nd-5th grades)

Your class will have fun with words and word play as we dissect the elements of haiku and lantern poems focusing on word syllables and imagery. Once our creative juices are flowing students will write their own poems.

Number of students: 30

Length: 45 minutes

Northern Lights (3rd-5th grades)

Students will learn about Auroras: What causes them, where they can be seen, and why they appear in different colors. Students will create art using paint and magnets, just like our earth’s magnetic field helps create auroras. This year, scientists predict a lot of solar storms. There hasn’t been this much activity for over 20 years!

Number of students: 30

Length: 30 minutes

Electricity Buzz (3rd - 5th grades)

What’s going on when we flip the light switch? Your class will get an introduction to electricity. They will get to experience a human circuit and make a flashlight and glow worm.

Number of students: 30

Length: 30 minutes

A Water Molecule Adventure (3rd-5th grades)

Water can be found on earth in all three states of matter – solid, liquid, and gas. Students will experience this as they move through the water cycle. They will get to make a beaded water cycle bracelet or zipper pull as they complete their adventure.

Number of Students: 30

Length: 30 Minutes

Famous Kansan Ameila Earhart (3rd-5th grades)

Ignite your students' curiosity with an inspiring exploration of Amelia Earhart's adventurous life and the science of flight! This engaging program not only dives into the story of the pioneering Kansan aviator but also lets students design, build, and test their own paper planes, making science come alive in their classroom.

Number of students: 30

Length: 30-40 minutes

Program Request Form 2024-2025