Olean Public Library Investigation Stations

	Investigation Stations a hands on discovery program for three, four and five year olds
Investigation Station discovery centers provide the materials for children and parents to explore and learning together using the theory of multiple intelligences (MI). This theory is based on identifying and utilizing the many ways in which people learn. MI is not a teaching method but rather the recognition that people have at least eight (8) different intelligences and use all of them to a greater of lesser extent to process and learn information. Children will be most successful at learning if parents and teachers recognize these intelligences and provide multiple opportunities for experiences and connections to their smart parts as listed below.
Click here for current schedule.
The Smart Parts printable pdf file
Music Smart This person likes to hear music in his or her head connect music to emotions sing to himself or herself tap or move to rhythms	Logic Smart This person likes to be precise figure out relationships have a special goal solve things
Picture Smart This person likes to do puzzles draw imagine visualize	Self Smart This person likes to be alone have time to think things through reflect
Body Smart This person likes to build experience feel and touch make things move	People Smart This person likes to be with people empathize interact lead teach
Word Smart This person likes to learn new vocabulary play with words read and write	Nature Smart This person likes to categorize collect grow plant relate to animals sort

Investigation Stations are located at the Olean Public Library with supplemental activity spaces or stations at Immanuel Christian Child Care and Preschool (ICCC). They provide children and adults the opportunity to participate in free play and/or directed activities designed to help three-, four- and five-year olds develop the skills needed to have a successful experience when they enter kindergarten. The station activities encourage parents to stimulate all of their children's Smart Parts while investigating the various aspects of a topic. Investigation Station activities are part of the programming at both the Olean Public Library and ICCC. Books, materials and activities that expand on the experiences and connections presented at the stations are available for families to use at home. Parents can actively participate with their children both at the Investigation Stations and at home. Workshops and family group activities are alos offered. Because space is limitied, all children must be registered for group activities. Click here for current schedule.

The Investigation Stations include the following spaces printable pdf file
Drama Boulevard features a stage, puppets armoire, a mirror, dress ups, seasonal clothing (hats, mittens, scarves, etc), and sports equipment.
Pretend Parkway is the home of a kitchen center with food, pots and pans and utensils; and dolls, clothing and accessories.
Construction Junction has a large variety of building materials including LEGOs™, gears, nuts and bolts, tools and toolbox, and puzzles.
Quiet Cove is a “hiding spot” located under the stage which has soft cushions and mats. This area often houses favorite story books and dolls and stuffed animals along with their human companions.
Word Terrace is the home of the books and more traditional reading and writing activities. This features a flannel board, magnetic board, creative writing center, take home activities cards, book displays and the parent's center.
Melody Lane is a movement and listening space with instruments, cassette/CD player with and without headphones; accessories like ribbons and scarves, and access to poems, finger plays, stories in both print and recorded format.
Science Square includes various magnifying tools, measurement tools, sorting and classifying materials, sand/water table, indoor gardening equipment, and tactile box.
Creative Corner is where hands get dirty. The work area is supplied with a variety of art supplies (clay, crayons, markers, chalk, paper, stickers, glue sticks, scissors, etc.) to be used independently with directions, and suggestions and samples of coloring and craft activities related to the current theme. The Investigation Stations Gallery offers participants space to display their creations if they wish.

Each area will include suggested activities based on the current themes. Books and materials for loan will be on display at all areas.

In addition to providing materials to explore and learn by using the various intelligences, the Investigation Stations will feature a topic to explore. The directed activities that accompany the stations use various entry points to assist the learner in using their Smart Parts to develop an understanding of the topic. The exploration of these topics will provide three-, four-, and five-year olds with new ways to develop the skills needed to have a successful experience when they enter kindergarten. The use of a variety of entry points to a topic will encourage parents to stimulate all of their children's Smart Parts. The use of entry points as described below allows the integration of MI theory into the learning process without superimposing “artificial” activities upon a topic.
The Entry Points
Narrative The narrative entry point is the story or stories central to the topic. The stories may be read, told or performed. They may include fiction and nonfiction in the representation of the topic. These may include both modern fiction and fantasy and traditional folklore.
Logical-Quantitative This entry point focuses on numerical aspects of the topic and on logic and deductive reasoning. The entry point asks if-then questions and sorts, orders and categorizes the different aspects of the topic.
Aesthetic The aesthetic entry point engages the artistic representations or aspects of the topic. It will focus on the use of the senses to investigate the topic and my involve imagination.
Experimental (Hands-on) This is the entry point that involves working with the physical stuff of the topic. This entry point will be closely aligned with the logical-quantitative entry point but provides for more opportunity to handle and manipulate materials
Interpersonal The interpersonal entry point involves working with others to learn about a topic. This may be as simple as an adult and child working together, or a group or team approach to learning.
Existential/Foundational This entry point deals with the philosophical aspect of the topic. It answers the questions of why and what is the purpose or meaning of the topic. This explores the questions that children often ask about their environment.

To make the most effective use of the stations please follow these guidelines:

Please participate with your child. The activities are designed to be interactive.
The Investigations Stations are designed for preschool children ages three through five. While some activities can be enjoyed by children both younger and older, please supervise them carefully so that toys and materials are not used inappropriately.
The noisiest and messiest activities are located in the story room which is open for your use, but children must be supervised by an adult.
Your children are sharing the library with many other library users, some of whom need and expect a quiet library. Please be aware that the level of noise which parents are accustomed to may not be acceptable to others. Quiet voices are encouraged.
We have seen children hurt themselves and others when they run, climb, swing or jump on furniture and shelving. Please prevent injuries by watching your children at all times. Remind children they must use the stairs to get on and off the stage.

Investigation Stations is a program of the Olean Public Library in partnership with Immanuel Christian Child Care Center and is was originally funded in part by a Parent and Child Library Service grant New York State Education Department, Division of Library Development.

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