On November 4th, 2011, the library hosted a ROCK program at the city park.  Third, fourth &  fifth grade classes hiked to the park for Macksville’s first ever O.K. Kids event.  Students were eager to get out of the classroom for some fresh air & hands-on learning. 

The purpose of this program was threefold: to teach kids about rocks; to encourage kids to get out in nature, looking closely at it; & to promote some hometown pride by learning about our band shell, a  one-of-a-kind local treasure. 

To begin the program, Mr. Dan Renfro shared some amazing Native American artifacts that he has discovered in the Macksville area.  Then, students were introduced to the Wildlifer program.   A Coleman prize pack was shown, & all students received brochures regarding the program.  (See Kansaswildlifer.com to find out how to participate!)

After discussing the basic types of rocks & minerals found in nature, students learned about the band shell.  Constructed in 1940, this ampitheatre features sandstone from Clark County, & on its pillars, rocks from the 48 contiguous states.  Students were excited to find countless fossils, which are prominent all around the structure, & they marvelled at the varied rocks on the pillars.  Then, seated in the band shell, they listened to a story:  Everybody Needs a Rock, by Byrd Baylor.   The kids were challenged to go out on their own &  find a cool rock– or to find an average rock & decorate it to make it cool!  All who accepted the challenge later received a special prize from the library.

         
Thanks to the grant we received, students each took home a geode to break, & a sticker booklet about rocks & minerals.  This O.K. Kids event was made possible through sponsorship from Kansas Wildscape, KDWP, KRPA, Kansas Health Foundation, and corporate sponsors.  The Outdoor Kansas Kids (O.K. Kids) program helps ensure that all Kansas kids have opportunities to experience outdoor fun.  For more information on O.K. Kids visit www.kansaswildscape.org 

Some VERY creative poems & reports were submitted by the kids about their rocks– here are a few:  Karla– “My rock is called Hershy.  She was a piece of chocolate but a magic wizard turned her to stone.”  Trevor- “My rock looks like a star.  I found it really far.  I think we should adore it.  I think we should of named it.  It shines like a crystal.  I want to shoot it with my pistol.”  😉  Parker:  “Violets are blue, Roses are red, My rock is great, and doesn’t have to be fed.”