Teen Connection Kits
During the COVID-19 pandemic, teens have experienced unprecedented levels of social isolation. They have also missed out on the opportunity to build important life skills. Teen Connection Kits are tools for libraries to help teens reestablish social connections and create learning experiences to help them build practical skills and resiliency. There are two different ways that your library can use the kits:
- Circulate them. If you choose to circulate a kit to teens in your community, your library is responsible for adding it to your catalog and creating circulation procedures. You can add items to the kits and use different containers if the ones that we send don’t work for your library. The ICfL is unable to replace lost or damaged items.
- Use them for library programs. The kits can be used during in-house library programs, or during outreach events. You may need to purchase supplemental materials for your programs. The ICfL is unable to replace lost or damaged items.
Your library may request two kits in May 2024, and they are your library’s to keep. We will send you a survey in six months to gather feedback on how you used the kits and how many teens you served.
All the kits have been claimed – thanks to everyone for ordering!
Teen Connection Kit Descriptions (2024):
Mindfulness for Teens
Mindfulness practices can have profound effects on teenage brain development. Regular mindfulness meditation among adolescents has been associated with improvements in attention regulation, emotional regulation, and cognitive flexibility. These skills are crucial for navigating the challenges of adolescence and promoting overall well-being. Crafted with the teenage mind in focus, this kit combines educational resources with interactive tools to foster mental well-being and emotional resilience. Check out the Mindfulness for Teens Table of Contents.
Teen Anxiety
The teenage years are a period of significant social, academic, and personal development, making teens particularly vulnerable to stress and anxiety. Providing teens with access to resources and support for managing anxiety promotes their overall well-being and helps them thrive during this critical stage of life. Tailored to meet the unique needs of teens dealing with anxiety, this kit offers a blend of educational materials, sensory tools, and engaging activities to foster resilience and promote well-being. Check out the Teen Anxiety Table of Contents.
Teen Mental Health
Access to mental health resources is crucial for teens, yet many teens struggle to access the support they need due to stigma, lack of awareness, or limited resources. Providing teens with access to mental health resources and education can significantly improve their overall well-being and long-term outcomes. Designed with diverse needs in mind, this kit combines educational materials with interactive tools to empower teens in navigating the ups and downs of life with resilience and self-awareness. Check out the Teen Mental Health Kit Table of Contents.
Rock Tumbling
Rock tumbling offers valuable opportunities for out-of-school learning and STEM exploration. Engaging in rock tumbling activities has been shown to enhance students’ understanding of geological processes, mineral identification skills, and scientific inquiry abilities. This kit provides everything needed to transform ordinary rocks into polished gemstones while fostering a deeper understanding of earth science and geology. Check out the Rock Tumbling Kit Table of Contents.
Sketching Kit
Engaging in artistic activities can have profound benefits for teenagers' mental health. By providing teens with a diverse range of art materials and resources, this kit empowers them to explore their creativity, express themselves authentically, and cultivate resilience in the face of adversity. Materials in this kit are tailored for teens, designed to ignite creativity, foster self-expression, and promote mental well-being. Check out the Sketching Kit Table of Contents.
Questions? Contact Jennifer Redford: jennifer.redford@libraries.idaho.gov.
