|
Let’s talk, read and sing about LOVE! 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.
For more ideas on how to talk, read, and sing together about LOVE: TALKING IS TEACHING
| |
Books are a wonderful way to start a discussion on a specific subject with your little one, like LOVE. Talking is Teaching has a great list of recommended books, but also visit your local library and ask your librarian for ideas. | |
|
|
Kindergarten Readiness Goal:
- Pedal a tricycle
- Engages with familiar adults as resources, to share ideas, and interests
- Tells stories about places and past events in a logical order that includes major details
- Counts groups of 6-10 objects and labels which groups have less, more, or the same number of objects
- Explores the visual arts
| | | |
 | |
Cooking Matters Recipe:
STOVE TOP MACARONI AND CHEESE
45 Minutes 16 Servings
Making a special meal for someone you care about is a great way to show your love for them. Have your child help prepare dinner for the family and as you cook together, talk about the ingredients you are using. Point out the measurements as you add things to the pot. “We are pouring in one cup of macaroni, cover with water, a pinch of salt, and a whole lot of love!”
Ingredients:
1 small head broccoli
5 ounces cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
1 (16-ounce) package whole wheat macaroni
1½ cups nonfat milk
1½ Tablespoons unsalted butter
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
4 Tablespoons light cream cheese
Instructions:
- Rinse and chop broccoli.
- Grate cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add broccoli and just enough water to cover half way. Heat in microwave until bright green and tender, about 6–8 minutes.
- Cook pasta following package directions. Drain in a colander and set aside. While pasta is cooking, make cheese sauce.
- In a small pot over medium heat, heat milk. When hot, remove from heat. Cover to keep warm.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour. Whisk with a fork, stirring constantly.
- Slowly add the warm milk. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula, until sauce thickens. Sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Stir in salt and black pepper. Add cream cheese, grated cheese, and broccoli. Stir until grated cheese is melted. Remove from heat.
- Add macaroni to cheese sauce. Stir to coat.
View the Recipe: STOVE TOP MACARONI AND CHEESE
| |
IMAGINATION LIBRARY
The Imagination Library program is available to children throughout Saginaw County between the ages of Birth-5 and provides the opportunity for children to receive FREE, age appropriate books mailed directly to their homes. After the child is signed up for the program, they will receive one book, per month, until their fifth birthday.
Learn more: IMAGINATION LIBRARY
| |
LET'S TALK ABOUT LOVE SCAVENGER HUNT
Talking is Teaching
Learn more: SCAVENGER HUNT
| |
|
Families with children between the ages of 2 months and five residing in Saginaw County can complete a FREE Ages and Stages developmental screening or a social-emotional screening. Screenings take ten minutes to complete and the results are back within a week. Results tell parents what to expect at each state of development. Often times, early diagnosis can help give a child the best opportunity to reach their potential.
Learn more: AGES & STAGES QUESTIONNAIRES
| |
|
One out of every 169 pregnancies ends in stillbirth in the U.S., and that rate is two times higher for Black expectant parents.
The link between fetal movement and a healthy baby is clear, but research continues to uncover more about the importance of tracking baby’s movements. Count the Kicks uses the latest research to help achieve our mission.
Count the Kicks provides free, evidence-based resources for expectant parents to stay informed and monitor their baby’s well-being.
Learn more about: COUNT THE KICKS
| |
|
Great Start to Quality
Children learn so much in their first five years. Quality licensed programs, for children 0-12, help children learn, grow, and develop. The foundation is set for children to be successful in school, work, and life when they have a safe place to learn, explore their world, and build relationships. Great Start to Quality is committed to helping Michigan families find child care that fits their budget and schedule.
Great Start to Quality is Michigan’s quality rating and improvement system that evaluates the quality of licensed programs, for children 0-12. As a Michigan family, you can use Great Start to Quality as a tool to help you look up and compare early childhood programs to find the best child care. On a scale of one- to five-stars, Michigan child care, preschool, and afterschool programs are scored in different areas, and those scores are combined to give them their Star rating.
Learn More: GREAT START TO QUALITY
| |
|
Peer 360 Recovery Alliance exists to serve the diverse recovery communities, their family, friends and allies offering a unified voice and a shared recovery vision. We are building bridges across the gaps between professional treatment services and successful lives in long-term recovery so that no more are lost to addiction.
What is peer support?
- Peer support is an informal gathering of others in recovery; it is a chance to share your experience and strength in recovery with others. It is also a chance to talk about your struggles and get support.
| |
FREE Online Parenting Classes
Extension Extras Parenting Hour
Tuesdays at 8 - 9:30 PM
February 6 - The Birds and the Bees - Talking with Kids about Sex
February 13 - Purpose of Play
February 20 - Setting the Stage - Promoting Social Emotional Health in Young Children
February 27 - Together We Can - Co-parenting
Mindfully Feeding Infants and Toddlers Wednesday Lunch and Learn
February 7 at 12 PM
Online Kinship Caregiver Workshops
February 14 at 7:00PM - 8:30PM - Reducing Challenging Behaviors in Toddlers
Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting Webinar Series - February - March 2024
Fridays, February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 15
Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm
The Parent Talk System Webinar Series - February - April 2024
Thursdays, 11:30am - 1:00pm
Building Strong Adolescents Webinar Series
Thursdays, February 29, March 7, 14, 21, 28, 2024
Time: 7:00- 9:00 p.m.
Learn More & Register: MSU EXTENSION PARENT CLASSES
| |
Visit Great Lakes Bay Parents' KIDS DAILY CALENDAR for a full listing of story times, family/ kid events, and new places to discover in the Great Lakes Bay Region. | |
STEM Passport - Calendar
You and your child can explore STEM Passport locations and events in the Great Lakes Bay Region (GLBR) by accessing our STEM calendar. The GLBR is home to a variety of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) destinations and programs. Afterschool programs help children learn, grow, discover who they are and what they love to do, and ultimately realize their full potential. They enhance a child’s foundational skills, like communication, teamwork, and problem solving, and prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow. Research shows that this added participation in afterschool programs sparks interest in school so students attend school more often, get better grades, and are more likely to graduate.
Learn more: STEM PASSPORT
| |
January - Playgroup at Thomas Township Nature Center & Preserve | |
February 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 27 & 29 - Tales for Two | | |
|
|
WHERE: Zauel Memorial Library, Saginaw
DATE: February 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 27 & 29 at 10:30 AM
Come read, laugh, and play at our storytime program designed for toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years. Our storytime provides active young children and their caregivers with stories, fingerplays and songs based on simple concepts, repetition, and lots of movement. This storytime will engage toddlers while fostering early literacy and fine motor skills development.
Meets Tuesdays, with a repeat of the same program on Thursdays.
Learn More: TALES FOR TWO
| |
February 2, 9, 16 & 23 - Preschool Storytime | | |
|
|
WHERE: Butman-Fish Library, Saginaw
DATE: February 2, 9, 16 & 23 at 10:30 AM
Drop-in storytime fun! We can't wait to have you join us for stories, music, crafts, games, and more!
Learn More: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME
| |
February 2, 9, 16 & 23 - Jumping Jammers | | |
|
|
WHERE: Rauchholz Library, Hemlock
DATE: Fridays at 10:30 AM
Jumping Jammers: Music Time at the Library!
For kids ages 2-5. Drop-ins are welcome!
Learn More: JUMPING JAMMERS
| |
February 3 - Kids Workshop | | |
|
|
WHERE: Home Depot, Saginaw
DATE: First Saturday at 9 AM – 12 PM
Join us the first Saturday of each month between 9 am – 12 pm for free in-person Kids Workshops.
Learn more: KIDS WORKSHOP
| |
February 3 - Little Learners Storytime & Craft (ages 4-6) | | |
|
|
WHERE: Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, University Center
DATE: February 3 at 1 PM
Come celebrate Black History Month by attending our FREE youth program, "Little Learners: Storytime & Craft!"
Join us at 1:00pm as we read the children's book, "Many Shapes of Clay: A Story of Healing," a wonderful story about grief, diversity, and family connections. Afterwards, all attendees will have fun making a themed craft based on the book!
A complimentary copy of "Many Shaped of Clay: A Story of Healing" will be given to the first 20 children in attendance (one copy per household).
This program is free and family-friendly. Best for ages 4 through 6. No registration required.
Learn more: LITTLE LEARNERS
| |
February 3, 10 & 17 & 24 - Bringing Back the Ice at Hoyt Park | |
February 3, 10, 17 & 24 - Preschool Storytime | | |
|
|
WHERE: Zauel Library, Saginaw
DATE: February 3, 10, 17 & 24
at 10:30 AM
Preschool Storytime at Zauel
Learn More: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME
| |
February 3, 10, 17 & 24 - Free Saturdays @ Saginaw Art Museum | | |
|
|
WHERE: Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw
DATE: February 3, 10, 17 & 24 at 12 - 5 PM
In an effort to increase accessibility to the museum, we have extended our regular hours to include Saturday afternoons Noon-5pm starting this week, for FREE! We look forward to welcoming you and yours into our gem of a museum to explore our collection, exhibitions, and gardens.
Learn More: FREE SATURDAYS
| |
February 3 - Take Your Child to the Library Day Party | | |
|
|
WHERE: Zauel Library, Saginaw
DATE: February 3 at 1 - 3 PM
On the first Saturday in February, thousands of libraries across the world celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day by offering free, fun, fabulous activities for families. Your local library is an ideal place for children to play, discover, make friends, and have fun. And Take Your Child to the Library Day is the perfect time to discover some library magic. Visit Zauel between 1 and 3 p.m. for some family activities and crafts!
Learn More: TAKE YOUR CHILD TO THE LIBRARY DAY PARTY
| |
February 3 - Bring your Child to the Library Day- 'Space Slime! (ages 6-12) | | |
|
|
WHERE: Butman-Fish Library, Saginaw
DATE: February 3 at 2 - 3 PM
Come celebrate 'Bring your Child to the Library Day' with us at Butman-Fish Library! We'll be making space slime and oobleck.
RSVP: BRING YOUR CHILD TO THE LIBRARY DAY
| |
February 5, 12, 19 & 26 - Kindergarten Boot Camp: Preschool Story Time | | |
|
|
WHERE: Zauel Library, Saginaw
DATE: February 5, 12, 19 & 26 at 10:30 AM
This story time is an interactive learning experience that helps preschool aged children strengthen the skills necessary for a successful transition to kindergarten. Story time and activities focus on early literacy and kindergarten readiness skills such as colors, shapes, numbers, counting, letters, and scissors practice. Stories, activities, and crafts are prepared for children ages 3 to 6.
Learn More: KINDERGARTEN BOOT CAMP
| |
February 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 & 27 - Story Time with Mrs. Emmons | | |
|
|
WHERE: Frankenmuth Wickson District Library, Frankenmuth
DATE: February 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 & 27
Learn More: STORY TIME
| |
February 5, 12, 19 & 26 - Storytime | | |
|
|
WHERE: Rauchholz Library, Hemlock
DATE: January 22 & 29 at 10:30 AM
For kids ages 2-5. Drop-ins are welcome!
Learn More: STORY HOUR
| |
February 5 - Hoots at Hoyt Storytime | | |
|
|
WHERE: Hoyt Main Library, Saginaw
DATE: February 5 at 7 PM
Come join us in the Children's Area at Hoyt Library for Evening Storytime. Enjoy a snack as our overly enthusiastic reader reads a variety of stories with a variety of voices! (and he may even sing if the kids ask him nicely!) Spend an evening with us filled with books, rhymes, and good times! Have a hoot at Hoyt!
Learn More: HOOTS AT HOYT STORYTIME
| |
February 6, 13, 20 & 27 - Story Hour | | |
|
|
WHERE: Bridgeport Public Library, Bridgeport
DATE: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM
Have fun with stories as Miss Cindy reads and discusses each story. We also sing songs, learn rhymes and fingerplays and make crafts. We promote early literacy by teach the Ready to Read Michigan skills during each story hour.
Learn More: STORY HOUR
| |
February 6, 13, 20 & 27 - Play to Learn | | |
|
|
WHERE: Rauchholz Library, Hemlock
DATE: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM
Play to Learn: Playgroup at the Library
September 19th-May 14th (with some breaks)
For kids ages 0-5. Drop-ins are welcome!
Learn More: PLAY TO LEARN
| |
February 7, 14, 21 & 28 - Story Time | | |
|
|
WHERE: Carolyn R. Otto Family Literacy Center, Saginaw
DATE: Wednesdays at 11 AM
Learn More: STORY TIME
| |
February 7, 14, 21 & 28 - Raising Readers Academy | | |
|
|
WHERE: Carolyn R. Otto Family Literacy Center, Saginaw
DATE: Wednesdays at 5 PM
Learn More: RAISING READERS ACADEMY
| |
February 8 - Bookmobile Stop | | |
|
|
WHERE: Zilwaukee Community Hall, Saginaw
DATE: February 8 at 3:30 - 5:30 PM
The PLOS Bookmobile is coming to Zilwaukee! Patrons can bring their Public Libraries of Saginaw library card or sign up for a new card (ID with current address needed), then browse our mobile library to find the perfect books to check out! Books for all ages will be available. You can also check out a Chromebook and get help with our digital services.
Learn More: BOOK MOBILE STOP
| |
February 10 - Cardboard Sled Races | | |
|
|
WHERE: Memorial Park, Frankenmuth
DATE: February 10 at 10 AM
Grab your friends, families, cardboard, and your creativity! Frankenmuth Parks and Recreation is bringing back the Cardboard Sled Race! This is the perfect way to get rid of all of the extra cardboard you have in your house and have some fun with your families and friends. There will be awards for the different categories! You can register online or in person. This event is FREE!
Learn More: CARDBOARD SLED RACES
| |
February 10 - Community Youth Day | |
February 10 - Studio Storytime | | |
|
|
WHERE: Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw
DATE: February 10 at 12:30 PM
Calling all young museum goers! Join us every second Saturday, January through April for Studio Storytime. Every month will be a new theme, where we read a story and create an art project from 12:30-1:00 PM. The program is geared towards ages 2-5, but all are welcome. Studio Storytime is in partnership with Public Libraries of Saginaw.
Registration is requested, but not required:
STUDIO STORYTIME
| |
February 10 - Kids Workshop | | |
|
|
WHERE: Lowes, Saginaw
DATE: February 10 at 10 AM - 12 PM
Calling all little builders! Kids will love this holiday DIY-U workshop where they’ll learn to build a handmade wreath ornament that also makes a one-of-a-kind keepsake.
Workshops are hosted by our Red Vests are held from 10:00am – 1:00pm, in-store only.
Learn More & Register: LOWES
| |
February 10 - Saturday Movie | | |
|
|
WHERE: Bridgeport Public Library, Bridgeport
DATE: February 10 at 11 PM
Come sing along with the live action movie "Beauty and the Beast". Popcorn will be served.
Learn More: MOVIE SATURDAY
| |
February 14 - Tea-Rex Party (ages 4-10) | | |
|
|
WHERE: Rauchholz Library, Hemlock
DATE: February 14 at 4-5 PM
Join us at the library for a dinosaur tea party featuring a reading of the book "Tea-Rex," fun activities, plus tea, lemonade, and snacks!
*Drop-in program for kids ages 4-10 accompanied by an adult.
Learn More: TEA REX PARTY
| |
February 15 - Bookmobile Stop | | |
|
|
WHERE: YMCA of Saginaw, Saginaw
DATE: February 15 at 3 - 5 PM
The PLOS Bookmobile is coming to the YMCA of Saginaw! Bring your Public Libraries of Saginaw library card or sign up for a new card (ID with current address needed), then browse our mobile library full of books for children, teens, and adults. You can also check out a Chromebook and get help with our digital services.
Learn More: BOOK MOBILE STOP
| |
February 15 - Preschool Storytime - Snow Day | |
February 17 - Together We Read | | |
|
|
WHERE: Hoyt Main Librar Library, Saginaw
DATE: February 17 at 2-3 PM
We'd LOVE to have you join us in the Hoyt Children's area for a fun time of stories, jumpy songs, a craft, and a snack! What is this month's theme?... LOVE! We'd LOVE to see you there!
Learn More: TOGETHER WE READ
| |
February 17 - Hands On History | | |
|
|
WHERE: Castle Museum, Saginaw
DATE: February 17 at 11AM - 1 PM
Learn more: HANDS ON HISTORY
| |
February 27 - Pizza & Pages Storytime | | |
|
|
WHERE: Wicke Library, Saginaw
DATE: February 27 at 4:30 PM
Bring the whole family for stories, crafts and PIZZA at Wickes Library! This activity is specially prepared for children ages 2-5, but the whole family is welcome. Please let us know you can be there by calling Wickes Library at (989) 752-3821.
Learn More: PIZZA & PAGES FAMILY STORYTIME
| |
February 27 - Board Game Night | | |
|
|
WHERE: Zauel Library, Saginaw
DATE: February 27 at 5:30 - 8:30 PM
Come in for an evening of fun board games. Bring one of your own, or use one we have. We'll provide the water and snacks.
Learn More: BOARD GAME NIGHT
| |
Visit Great Lakes Bay Parents' KIDS DAILY CALENDAR for a full listing of story times, family/ kid events, and new places to discover in the Great Lakes Bay Region. | | | | |
