Talk, Read, and Sing - Talking is Teaching
February 2022 - Winter + Love
Created by Great Lakes Bay Parents - Informing parents since 2012!
You are your child's lifelong teacher.

"Talking is Teaching: Talk, Read, Sing" is a public awareness and action campaign that helps parents recognize their power to boost their children’s early brain and vocabulary development through simple, everyday actions ... "
LET'S TALK ABOUT WINTER
Let’s talk, read, and sing about WINTER! Turn snow days into opportunities to move around and play! Make mini snowmen out of small snowballs, and if there’s enough snow on the ground, try making a snow angel! While playing, ask “How does the snow feel? Is it hard? Soft?” 

Talking is Teaching has tips and resources to help parents talk to their children, even those who are very young. 
LET'S TALK TOGETHER
Activities For You & Your Little One
Talking is Teaching Tip:

Through everyday activities and playing, children can develop a strong foundation for early science concepts. When early science learning is fun children can stay engaged as you bond and learn together! Together use observation skills to talk about what WINTER looks like and how it feels. 
PBS Parents' Learn Along Bingo for Ages 2-5: Celebrating Winter
Celebrate WINTER with your preschooler by playing BINGO! This PBS Kids packet is a great way for you and your child to play and learn together about all things winter. 
Talking is Teaching Activity Calendar
LET'S READ TOGETHER
Talking is Teaching WINTER Book & Video Recommendations
Cuddle up with your little one with a book or a video about WINTER! Let your child ask questions or comment about what they see and hear.  

Below is a listing of recommended books and videos from Talking is Teaching. If these are unavailable, visit your local library and ask the librarian for ideas. 
Visit Your Local Library and Ask a Librarian

Contact your local library to learn about the FREE resources available to you and your child.

Birch Run - Thomas E. Fleschner Memorial Library 989-624-5171

Breckenridge -  Howe Memorial Library 989-842-3202

Bridgeport - Bridgeport Public Library 989-777-6030

Chesaning Township - River Rapids District Library 989-845-3211

Frankenmuth -  Frankenmuth Wickson District Library 989-652-8323

Hemlock -  Rauchholz Memorial Library 989-642-8621

Merrill -  Merrill District Library 989-643-7300

Saginaw -  Public Libraries of Saginaw 989-755-0904

  • Butman-Fish Library 989-799-9160
  • Rudolph C. Zauel Memorial Library 989-799-2771
  • Ruth Brady Wickes Library 989-752-3821

Saint Charles -  Saint Charles District Library 989-865-9371
LET'S SING TOGETHER
Sing & Dance with Sesame Street
In addition to being fun, listening to music and singing with your little ones has many benefits. Music is a great way to introduce children to new words and sound patterns. It creates a rich multi-sensory environment in which their brains build connections. 
THE IMPORTANCE OF TALKING TO YOUNG CHILDREN
Celebrating Winter
by PBS Parents
Winter experiments and crafts are fun to do, especially when you and your child do them together. It is also a great way to introduce scientific terms that deal with WINTER, such as ice, cold, melt, freeze, and thermometer.
Supporting Your Child's Social-Emotional Development
by Talking is Teaching
LET'S TALK ABOUT LOVE
Let's celebrate Valentine's Day by talking about LOVE!
Cut out a few paper hearts using construction paper. Together with your child, come up with compliments to write on each heart like “You are sweet!” and “I love your outfit!” While out with your little one, encourage them to give the compliment hearts out to people in the community to help share love and kindness in your neighborhood. 
At bedtime, snuggle with your little one and sing some lullabies. These loving moments of bonding also help your child expand their vocabulary, build language skills, and stimulate their brain development. 
A LOVE scavenger hunt is super fun, especially when you and your little one does it together! As you look for the items, talk about what you see to help your child build their vocabulary and brain.
PARENT SUPPORT & CLASSES
Parent Cafe
Great Start Saginaw
Extension Extras Parenting Hour: LEARNING TO TALK - The Development of Speech-Language Skills in Children
MSU Extension
WHEN: March 17 at 8 – 9:30 pm

WHERE: Zoom

This free online series of early childhood professional workshops will provide training and professional development for caregivers of young children .

Participants may register for as few or as many workshops as they wish.
The Parent Talk System Webinar Series
MSU Extension
WHEN: February 22, 2022 - March 29, 2022 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Zoom

This class is meant for parents of kids from toddlers to teens and will explore the following topics:

  • Eliminating unwanted behavior
  • Setting limits
  • Teaching about consequences
  • Giving effective feedback
  • Promoting independence
  • Developing character
Make Parenting A Pleasure - In-person & Online Parenting Class
Can Council
Need Help? Call 2-1-1.
*This newsletter was supported by the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Initiative (PDG B-5), Grant Number 90TP0055-01-0090TP0002, from the Office of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

**Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Child Care, the Administration for Children and Families, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.