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The Bay Arenac Great Start has updated the website and is now easier to navigate for information that you may need. Find local resources, parent classes, tips, and so much more.
Discover the NEW WEBSITE.
| | HINTS, TIPS, & AT HOME ACTIVITIES | |
TALKING IS TEACHING:
Let’s talk about NATURE! Outdoor play can help your preschooler develop their motor skills and strengthen their muscles and bones. Not only does your preschooler get a chance to lower their stress and anxiety through physical activities outside, but they also has the opportunity to connect to their natural self, that part of themselves that responds to nature.
For more ideas on how to talk, read, and sing together visit: TALKING IS TEACHING
| | KINDERGARTEN READINESS GOALS: | |
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- Walk forward and backwards easily
- Suggests solutions to social problems
- Uses complete 4-6 word sentences
- Compares and orders a small set of objects according to size, length, weight; knows usual sequence of basic daily events
- Explores drama through actions and language
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COOKING AT HOME - PEANUT BUTTER AND BANANA POCKETS
Cooking Matters
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30 Minutes 4 Servings
Ingredients:
3 ripe bananas
3 Tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1½ teaspoons honey
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 (8-inch) whole wheat flour tortillas
Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions:
- Peel and slice bananas about ¼-inch thick.
- In a small bowl, stir together peanut butter, honey, and cinnamon.
- Lay tortillas flat. Spread about 1 Tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture on one half of each tortilla.
- Divide banana slices evenly among tortillas. Arrange in a single layer over peanut butter mixture. Fold each tortilla in half.
- Coat a large skillet with non-stick cooking spray. Heat over medium-high heat.
- Place folded tortillas in the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
View full recipe: PEANUT BUTTER AND BANANA POCKETS
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LITTLE TRIPS TO LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES
Maggie Dwan
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Keep reading fun (and free!) all summer long by turning family bike rides or evening walks into “book hunts.”
- Open the Little Free Library World Map and type in your ZIP code.
- Pick a nearby wooden box to visit each week; let kids swap a finished book for a new one.
- Track how many “book miles” your family logs and throw a family celebration, like a picnic, at the end of the summer!
Exploring different Little Free Libraries gives children fresh titles, models community sharing, and keeps their reading routine strong so they’re classroom-ready in August.
Find your first stop here: LITTLE LIBRARY MAP
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HAND-EYE COORDINATION
Early ON
Around 18-24 months, children develop hand-eye coordination for tasks like stacking blocks. Early intervention activities like puzzles or coloring enhance these skills.
If you have concerns or questions about your child's development please contact Amy Vallad, BAISD Early On Coordinator at vallada@baisd.net or (989) 262-4182
Learn more about EARLY ON.
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HELP ME GROW
Every little step toward independence matters! Encourage your child to dress themselves, help with simple chores, and practice self-care. If you have concerns about self-help skills, call Help Me Grow.
For more information visit helpmegrow-mi.org/counties or call 844-464-0005.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS SPOTLIGHT: EARLY BRAIN DEVELOPMENT & SCREEN TIME
Maggie Dwan
Summer is the perfect time to get outside and explore!
Studies show kids who spend time outdoors are happier, healthier, and more focused in school.
Why outdoor play matters:
- Builds stronger muscles, creativity, and social skills
- Boosts mood and reduces stress
- Encourages curiosity and discovery
🗓️ Tip: Make outdoor time part of your family's summer calendar — even 20 minutes a day makes a difference!
Check it out: UNPLUGGED PLAY
| | MSU EXTENSION - FREE ONLINE PARENTING CLASSES |
Extension Extras Parenting Hour
Tuesdays at 8 - 9:30 PM
July 1 - Making Food Fun for the Picky Eater
July 8 - Parenting & Family Relationships When a Family Member Has a Disability
July 15 - Inquiring Minds Want to Know: Science for Young Children
July 22 - Learning to Talk
July 29 - Positive Discipline
Lunch and Learn Webinar - Mindfully Feeding Infants & Toddlers
June 9, 2025 12:00PM - 1:30PM
Online Kinship Caregiver workshops: Setting the Stage: Promoting Social-Emotional Health in Young Children
July 9, 2025 7:00PM - 8:30PM
Online Parent Talk System Webinar Series
Thursdays - July 10 - August 14, 7:30 - 9:30 PM
Online Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting Webinar Series
Wednesdays - July 16 - August 13, 11:30 AM - 1 PM
Learn More & Register: MSU EXTENSION PARENT CLASSES
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MONTESSORI CHILDREN'S HOUSE OF BAY CITY, INC, 668 N. Pine Road, Bay City
Weekly Summer Camps starting June 9 - August 8th
YMCA, 225 Washington Ave, Bay City
Weekly Summer Camps starting June 9 - August 15th
Bay County Community Center, 800 John F. Kennedy Drive, Bay City
Summer recreation program starting June 9 - July 31, Monday - Thursday
Boys & Girls Club, Bay City, Essexville, and Pinconning
June - August, Monday - Thursday
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July 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 at 10 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 2-5) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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July 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 at 11 AM: BABY STORYTIME (ages 2-5) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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July 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 at 12:15 PM: FAMILY STORYTIME at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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July 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 at 10:30 AM: FAMILY STORYTIME at Pinconning Branch Library, Auburn
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July 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 at 10:30 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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July 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 at 9-11 AM: NATURE DISCOVERY at Finn Park, Essexville. Questions: text Amy Trogan 989-992-1803 or trogana@baisd.net
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July 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28 & 30 at 12 - 12:45 PM: MEET UP, EAT UP, & READ UP at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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July 2 at 12:30 PM: 4TH JULY CRAFT (age 0-12) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 at 6:30 PM: FAMILY STORYTIME (ages 0-6) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 at 10 AM - 12 PM: GREAT LAKES BAY MOM CAFE & PLAYGROUP at Bay-Arenac Career Center Playground, Bay City. Questions: text Amy Trogan 989-992-1803 or trogana@baisd.net
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July 3, 10, 17, 23, & 31 at 10:15 AM: BABY STORYTIME at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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July 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 at 10:15 AM: TODDLER STORYTIME at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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July 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 at 11 AM: BABY STORYTIME at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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July 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 at 11:15 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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July: Sunday-Saturday at 10 AM - 5 PM: VISITOR CENTER OPEN at the Bay City State Park, Bay City
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July 7 at 9 AM: STORYTIME at Legacy Coffee House, Bay City
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July 11 & 25 at 11 AM: TODDLER TIME! at Pinconing Branch Library, Pinconning
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July 12 at 10:30 AM: STORYTIME at Risers Kitchen, Auburn
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July 12 at 11:30 AM: STORIES & CRAFTS at Mary Johnston Memorial Library, Standish
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July 14 at 10 AM: STORYTIME at Excited Goat Coffee Company, Essexville
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July 14 at 12:30 PM: RICK KELLY at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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July 16 at 12:30 PM: ROCK PAINTING (ages 0-12) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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July 16 at 5:30 PM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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July 17 at 5:30 PM: CRAYON MELTING (ages 5-12) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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July 17 at 6 PM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) at Pinconing Branch Library, Pinconning
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July 18 at 10:30 AM: LITTLE WIGGLERS (ages 0-5) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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July 18 at 11 AM: ART BUFFER at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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July 18 at 11 AM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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July 19 at 2 PM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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July 21 at 10 AM: POPSICLES IN THE PARK (ages 0-5) at Veteran's Memorial Park Playground, Bay City
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July 22 at 4:30 PM: VOLCANO ART at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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July 22 at 5 PM: PICASSO MAGIC SHOW at Mary Johnston Memorial Library, Standish
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July 23 at 12:30 PM: MAKE A PINWHEEL (ages 0-12) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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July 23 at 1 PM: SUMMER MOVIE: TANGLED (ages 0-12) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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July 23 at 1 PM: PLAY DATE at AuGres Spray Park, AuGres. Questions: text Amy Trogan 989-992-1803 or trogana@baisd.net
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July 24 at 12:30 PM: SUMMER LAWN SERIES: EXOTIC ZOO at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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July 24 at 12-4 PM: POLLINATION IN THE PRESS at Arenac Conservation District, Standish
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July 24 at 4:30 PM & 6 PM: EXOTIC ZOO (ages 0-12) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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July 25 at 10:30 AM: ART BUFFET (ages 0-12) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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July 25 at 10:30 AM: YOUNG SCIENTISTS: FIZZY FUN (ages 2-5) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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July 25 at 2 & 3 PM: TIE DYE at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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July 28 at 2 PM: CHESS AT THE LIBRARY at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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July 29 at 12 PM: EXOTIC ZOO (ages 2+) at Pinconing Branch Library, Pinconning
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July 29 at 4 PM & 6 PM: EXOTIC ZOO at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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July 30 at 9:30 AM: STORYTIME (ages 0-12) at Trombley House, Bay City
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July 30 at 12:30 PM: FLAMES 'N DAMES FIRE SHOW at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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July 31 at 6 PM: CRAYON MELTING (ages 5-12) at Pinconing Branch Library, Pinconning
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