HINTS, TIPS, & AT HOME ACTIVITIES | |
TALKING IS TEACHING:
Let’s talk about CARS! How much time do you spend with your child driving in a car or riding the train or bus together? For many of us, it’s part of our daily routine, making it a great opportunity to talk, read and sing together! As you go by the park or store, you can say things like, “That’s where we played last weekend,” or “There’s the grocery store where we buy healthy foods.”
For more ideas on how to talk, read, and sing together visit: TALKING IS TEACHING
| | KINDERGARTEN READINESS GOALS: | |
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- Walk up and down stairs without help
- Initiates the sharing of materials in the classroom and outdoors
- Follows directions of two or more steps (ex. put your food in the trash and rinse off your plate)
- Identifies 2 and 3 dimensional shapes (circle, square, triangle, rectangle)
- Explores the visual arts
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COOKING AT HOME - TRAIL MIX
Cooking Matters
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15 Minutes 8 Servings
Ingredients:
¾ cup unsalted roasted peanuts
⅓ cup raisins
1¼ cup crispy whole wheat cereal squares
1 cup mini pretzels
⅓ cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine peanuts, raisins, cereal, pretzels, and chocolate chips.
- Place in an air-tight container or zip-top plastic bag. Store in a cool, dry place.
View full recipe: TRAIL MIX
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GETTING THERE TOGETHER: SOLVING THE "HOW DO WE GET THERE?" QUESTION
Maggie Dwan
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Whether it’s preschool, Great Start playgroups, or a library story hour, consistent attendance builds skills and relationships-but transportation snags can derail the day. Try these quick fixes:
- Locate a ride in one call: Dial 2‑1‑1 and ask for school‑age or early‑childhood transportation listings. Many counties offer free van services or bus tokens for families heading to learning activities.
- Use your Great Start network: Text the playgroup or preschool chat the night before—parents often have an extra seat and love the company. Keeping a simple “can anyone swing by?” habit turns neighbors into a backup fleet.
- Plan for hiccups: Save the school office and bus dispatch numbers in your favorites, and jot down public‑transit schedules for your route. A five‑minute check the evening before can prevent a last‑minute scramble.
Reliable rides mean fewer missed moments-from circle‑time songs to end‑of‑year celebrations-and ensure every child finishes the year thriving.
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OUTDOOR PLAY
Early ON
Outdoor play in June isn’t just fun—it’s crucial for social skills. Early intervention promotes turn-taking and peer interaction through play, even with simple games like catch.
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
Let’s get moving! Active play strengthens your child’s muscles and coordination. If your 3- to 5-year-old struggles with jumping, running, or balance, 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
Did you know?
90% of brain development happens between ages 0–3.
Students with engaged parents are 81% more likely to graduate high school and early interaction like talking, playing, and exploring lays the foundation for lifelong learning. Engaging with your child now makes a lasting impact!
But today’s screens can get in the way:
-Nearly half of children under age 8 have their own device.
-On average, they spend 2.25 hours per day on screens.
- More than 2–4 hours/day of screen time has been linked to delays in language, motor skills, social development, and problem-solving.
👨👩👧👦 Looking for easy ways to boost connection instead of screen time?
Head to the link to find an activity you can do at home or in your community
Check it out: UNPLUGGED PLAY
| | UNPLUGGED PLAY ACTIVITIEs | | | | |
EDIBLE CHOCOLATE PLAY DIRT & MINI PLASTIC TRUCKS
Sisters What
For hours of fun, this edible dirt doesn't have any added sugar and is a great inside activity for really hot summer day indoor activities.
Check it out: EDIBLE DIRT
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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
| | FOOD/ DIAPER/ CLOTHING GIVEAWAY | | | | |
Arenac County:
The Closet Exchange, 263 S. Main Street, Unit 3, AuGres
Resources offered: children's clothing, shoes, etc.
Learn more: THE CLOSET EXCHANGE
Arenac County Baby Pantry 583 E. Cedar St., Standish (entrance is on the North side)
Resources offered: clothing, diapers, wipes, formula, and other baby related items. Open Wednesdays at 12 - 4 PM.
Learn more: ARENAC COUNTY BABY PANTRY
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Beacon of Light Church, 201 S. Forest St. Standish
Resources offered: Diapers. Every Monday at 10 AM - 12 PM
For more information call 989-846-6592
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Bay County:
Safe Harbor Community Center, 706 Joseph Street, Bay City, in the Banks District.
Resources offered: food takeout, food pantry, and mass food giveaway
Learn more about SAFE HARBOR COMMUNITY CENTER
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YMCA, 225 Washington Ave, Bay City
Resources offered: youth food program
Learn more about YMCA
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Parent Cafés are physically and emotionally safe spaces where parents and caregivers talk and listen to each other on topics that matter to them. During each Café parent will learn about the protective factors, create strategies from their own wisdom and experiences to strengthen their families, and receive practical tools and resources to take home. Access to additional resources even when the Cafés are over. Sign up today!
Bay-Arenac Career Center Playground (4155 Monitor Rd. Bay City)
Thursdays, July 10-24, 10AM -12 PM.
Register: PARENT CAFES
Inquiries, please reach out to ccharbonneau@cancouncil.org.
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Parenting Classes
WHERE: 4401 E. Wilder Rd., Suite B231, Bay City, MI 48706
CONTACT: 248-600-9489 or BornToBloomDoulaCare@gmail.com
- The Mommy Hive
- Dad Life Support Group
- Teen Mom Drive Support Group
- Working Moms United Support Group
Learn More & Register: BORN TO BLOOM DOULA CARE
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FREE Online Parenting Classes
Extension Extras Parenting Hour
Tuesdays at 8 - 9:30 PM
June 3 - How Children Develop (Birth-5)
June 10 - Essential Skills for Learning and Life
June 17 - Introduction to Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences
June 24 - Unlock the Conversation: Safety from Guns for Parents
Lunch and Learn Webinar - Mindfully Feeding Infants & Toddlers
June 9, 2025 12:00PM - 1:30PM
Online Kinship Caregiver workshops: Together We Can: Co-Parenting
June 11, 2025 7:00PM - 8:30PM
Online Kinship Caregiver lunch and learn classes: The Birds and the Bees: Talking With Kids About Sex
June 20, 2025 11:30AM - 1:00PM
Learn More & Register: MSU EXTENSION PARENT CLASSES
| | BAY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT LACTATION SUPPORT | |
- - Lactation support through call or text
- - In home and in office lactation support
- - Breastfeeding and infant feeding classes
- - Assistance finding community resources
- - Support groups: Virtual and in person (with breastfeeding assistance available)
*Regardless of insurance or qualifying for public assistance, if you are a Bay County resident, these services are available to you.
(Moms outside ov Bay County are welcome to join)
For more information: Call or text Charissa Loeffler (989)459-8487
| | WELLSPRING - BEHAVIOR HEALTH | | | | |
Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidenced-based, short-term parent coaching program for young children with behavioral problems. It is designed to increase positive parent-child interactions, and equips parents to confidently, calmly, and consistently manage their child’s behavior.
Learn more: PCIT
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Rental Counseling
Financial Literacy Class
Homebuyer Education
Call 989-358-4653 or email gagnona@nemcsca.org for dates.
Learn More: NEMSCA
| | MCLAREN BAY REGION - BAY COUNTY | | |
Virtual Breastfeeding Class
Virtual Childbirth Crash Course
Breastfeeding Class
Learn More & Register: MCLAREN BAY REGION
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June 2 at 9 AM: STORYTIME at Legacy Coffee House, Bay City
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June 2 at 11 AM: BUSY BOOK CAFE (ages 0-3) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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June 3 at 4:30 PM: DUCKIE DESIGN (ages 2-12) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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June 4, 11, 18, & 25 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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June 4 at 5:30 PM: BABY BOOK CLUB (ages 0-3) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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June 5, 12, 19, & 26 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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June 5 & 12 at 10:30 AM: MOVE & MOVE & GROOVE (ages 4-12) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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June 5 at 4:30 PM, 5 PM, & 5:30 PM: GIFT FOR A GUY (age 0-12) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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June 5 at 6-7 PM: TIE DYE ON THE LAWN at Pinconing Branch Library, Pinconning
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June 7 at 9 AM - 2PM: FISH FREE EVENT at Bay City State Park, Bay City
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June 7 at 9 AM - 12PM: WOOD WORKSHOP at Home Depot, Bay City
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June 7 at 9 AM - 12PM: KID'S SAFETY DAY at COPOCO Community Credit Union, Bay City
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June 9 at 10 AM: STORYTIME at Excited Goat Coffee Company, Essexville
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June 9 at 10:30 AM: OUTDOOR EXPLORERS IN OMER at behind the Omer Library, Omer. Questions: text Amy Trogan 989-992-1803 or trogana@baisd.net
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June 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, & 30 at 12 - 12:45 PM: MEET UP, EAT UP, & READ UP at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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June 10 at 12 PM: TAPE RESIST ART (ages 0-12) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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June 11 at 4:30 PM: MAGIC FOR BEGINNERS (ages 6-12) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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June 11, 18 & 25 at 7 PM: WEDNESDAYS IN THE PARK at Wenonah Park, Bay City
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June 12 at 10 AM - 4 PM: FAMILY DAY AT THE MUSEUM at Bay County Historical Society, Bay City
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June 12, 19, & 26 at 6:30 PM: STANDISH SUMMER CONCERT SERIES at Standish Historic Depot, Standish
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June 13 at 10:30 AM: SUNNY BABIES & TODDLERS (ages 0-5) at Auburn Library, Auburn
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June 13 & 27 at 11 AM: TODDLER TIME! (ages 2-5) at Pinconing Branch Library, Pinconning
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June 14 at 11:30 AM & 12:30 PM: SUMMER READING PROGRAM KICK OFF PARTY at Mary Johnston Memorial Library, Standish
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June 14, 21, & 28 7 PM: MUSIC FROM THE MARSH at Bay City State Park, Bay City
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June 16, 23, & 30 at 12:30 PM: STORIES & SONGS IN THE PARK (ages 0-12) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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June 17 & 24 at 10 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 2-5) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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June 17 & 24 at 11 AM: BABY STORYTIME (ages 2-5) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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June 17, 24, & 26 at 12-12:45 PM: MEET UP, EAT UP, & READ UP at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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June 17 & 24 at 12:15 PM: FAMILY STORYTIME at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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June 17 at 3:30 PM: PAINTERLY POTTERY: CHILDREN (ages 5-12) at Pinconing Branch Library, Pinconning
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June 18 & 25 at 10:15 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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June 18 & 25 at 10:30 AM: FAMILY STORYTIME at Pinconning Branch Library, Auburn
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June 18 & 25 at 10:30 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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June 18 at 12:30 PM: SAND ART (ages 0-12) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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June 18 at 5:30 PM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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June 18 & 25 at 6:30 PM: FAMILY STORYTIME (ages 0-6) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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June 18-22: CORNFEST at Auburn Park, Auburn
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June 19 & 26 at 10:15 AM: BABY STORYTIME at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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June 19, 20, & 21 at 11 AM: STORIES & CRAFTS at Mary Johnston Memorial Library, Standish
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June 19 & 26 at 11:15 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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June 20 at 10:30 AM: YOUNG SCIENTISTS: COLORFUL WORLD (ages 2-5) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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June 20 at 11 AM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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June 21 at 10:30 AM: STORYTIME (ages 4-12) at Risers Kitchen, Auburn
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June 21 at 1-2:30 PM: KAM KOMICS (ages 6-12) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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June 21 at 2 PM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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June 23 at 11 AM: SUMMER ART SERIES - PAINTERLY POTTERY (ages 4-12) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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June 24 at 11 AM: WATERCOLOR CLASS (ages 7-12) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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June 24 at 4:30 - 6:30 PM: SIDEWALK CHALK ART at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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June 25 at 9:30 AM: STORYTIME (ages 0-12) at Trombley House, Bay City
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June 25 at 12:30 PM: FOAM PARTY (ages 0-12) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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June 26 at 5:30 PM: ALUMINUM RELIEFS (ages 5-12) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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June 26 at 6 PM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) at Pinconing Branch Library, Pinconning
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June 27 at 10:30 AM: LITTLE WIGGLERS (ages 0-5) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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June 30 at 11 AM: SUMMER ART SERIES - COLOR A MUG (ages 7-12) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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Sunday-Saturday at 10 AM - 5 PM: VISITOR CENTER OPEN at the Bay City State Park, Bay City
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