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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
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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
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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FOOD DISTRIBUTION CALENDAR
The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan
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Wednesday, June 4 at 9 - 11 AM: Center of Hope, Saginaw
Friday, June 6 at 10 AM - 12 PM: Saginaw YMCA, Saginaw
Saturday, June 7, 14, 21, & 28 at 10 AM – 12 PM: Old Town Christian Outreach, Saginaw
Friday, June 13 at 12 PM: Radiant Church of God, Saginaw
Saturday, June 14 at 10 AM - 12 PM: Faith Lutheran Church, Saginaw
Tuesday, June 17 at 10 - 11 AM: Saginaw-Victorious Believers, Saginaw
Tuesday, June 24, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM: New Covenant Christian Center, Saginaw
View full FOOD DISTRIBUTION CALENDAR.
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FREE MEALS FOR KIDS
The Saginaw Family YMCA
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Mission Nutrition Community Events
FREE Youth Meals
Monday – Friday: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Visit website to learn more and for FREE food giveaways at THE SAGINAW FAMILY YMCA.
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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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Building Healthy Relationships with Media: Essential Skills for Children 10 and Younger
American Academics of Pediatrics
Children build media habits and preferences from a very young age, so it’s worthwhile to set them up for a healthy relationship with media before they grow into teens and young adults.
Click on the LINK for strategies are ways to build balance, critical thinking, self-regulation, and safety skills for toddlers through elementary school-aged children.
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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
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UNPLUGGED PLAY ACTIVITY: 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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INFANT SAFE SLEEP
Don't Let Baby Get Too Warm - Infant Safe Sleep
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Families with children between the ages of two and five months 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 stage of development. Often times, early diagnosis can help give a child the best opportunity to reach their potential.
Learn more: AGES & STAGES QUESTIONNAIRES
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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
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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!
Covenant Anderson Building (1020 Almira, Saginaw)
Thursdays from May 22 - June 26 at 10 AM - 12 PM
For any inquiries, please reach out to ccharbonneau@cancouncil.org.
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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
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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 to find the perfect books to check out!
You can also check out a Chromebook and get help with digital services.
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Friendship Senior Center - June 3, 9:30 AM
Edgewood Assisted Living - June 3, 3:30 PM
Maplewood Manor - June 5, 12 PM
Pinewood Manor - June 10, 10 AM
Robin Glen - June 10, 3 PM
Elmwood Manor - June 11, 10 AM
Great Lakes Bay Health Center
Monday, April 14, 2025
10:00am - 11:00am
Davenport Manor - June 17, 10 AM
Independence Village (Wescourt) -
June 17, 3 PM
Rosien Towers - June 19, 10 AM
Wellsprings Assisted Living - June 19, 3 PM
Learn More: BOOK MOBILE STOP
| | June 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, & 26 at 10:30 AM: TALES FOR TWO at Thomas Township Library, Saginaw | | June 3, 10, 17, & 24 at 10:30 AM: STORY HOUR at Bridgeport Public Library, Saginaw | | June 3, 10, & 17 at 5 - 7 PM: F.U.N. at Thomas Township Nature Center, Saginaw | June 3 at 7 PM: MUSEUM TUNES at Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw | | June 4, 11, 18, & 25 at 11 AM: WEEKLY STORY TIME at Carolyn R. Otto Family Literacy Center, Saginaw | | June 6 & 7: COMMUNITY DAYS at Saginaw YMCA, Saginaw | June 6, 13, 20, & 27 at 6 - 9 PM: FRIDAY FUN NIGHTS at Downtown, Frankenmuth | June 7 at 8 - 11 AM: 'CATCH ME IF YOU CAN' FREE FAMILY FISH FESTIVAL at Haithco Recreation Area, Saginaw | June 7 at 9 - 11 AM: WOODWORKING WORKSHOP at Home Depot, Saginaw | June 7 at 10 AM - 2 PM: FAMILY FUN DAY at Thomas Township Nature Center, Saginaw | June 7 at 11 AM: SUMMER KICKOFF! at Castle Museum, Saginaw | June 7, 14, 21, & 28 at 10:30 AM: FAMILY STORYTIME at Zauel Library, Saginaw | June 7, 14, 21, & 28 at 12 - 5 PM: FREE SATURDAY ADMISSION at Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw | June 7, 14, 21, & 28 at 2 PM: TOGETHER WE READ at Hoyt Main Library, Saginaw | June 9, 16, & 23 at 10:30 AM: SUMMER STORYTIME at Rauchholz Library, Hemlock | June 9, 16, 23, & 30 at 2 PM: MONDAY MATINEES at Zauel Library, Saginaw | June 10 at 11 AM: SUMMER KICKOFF CARNIVAL (ages 2-5) at Rauchholz Library, Hemlock | June 11 at 10 AM: NAILED-IT (ages 5-9) at Rauchholz Library, Hemlock | June 11, 18, & 25 at 10 AM: SUMMER REC PROGRAM at Hayes Park, Freeland | June 11 at 11 AM: BEARS, BEAVERS, AND BATS OH-MY! at Castle Museum, Saginaw | June 11 at 5 PM: SUMMER CONCERT Hayes Park, Freeland | June 12 at 10 AM: NATURE ART (ages 5-9) at Rauchholz Library, Hemlock | June 12 & 26 at 3 PM: DRUMMUNITY (ages 5-9) at Zauel Library, Saginaw | June 14 at 10:30 AM: DRAGON HUNT YOGA CLASS at Butman-Fish Library, Saginaw | June 14 at 11 AM - 6 PM: CHEESE HAUS PALOOZA at Frankenmuth Cheese Haus, Frankenmuth | June 14 at 12:15 - 1 PM: STUDIO STORY TIME at Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw | June 14 at 3 PM: FAMILY CRAFT: PRIDE BOOKMARK at Hoyt Main Library, Saginaw | June 16 at 10 AM: BABY RAVE! (age 0-3) at Frankenmuth James E. Wickson Library, Frankenmuth | June 16 at 3 PM: BUGS GALORE at Butman-Fish Library, Saginaw | June 17 & 24 at 10:30 AM: STORYTIME at Frankenmuth River Place, Frankenmuth | June 17 at 1 PM: BUG MAN (ages 5-9) at Rauchholz Library, Hemlock | June 17 at 2 PM: PLAYDATE - ART IN THE PARK at Haithco Recreation Area, Saginaw | June 17 at 6 PM: HOYT STEAM NIGHT at Hoyt Main Library, Saginaw | June 18 & 25 at 10 AM: READ TO FRANK THE DOG at Frankenmuth James E. Wickson Library, Frankenmuth | June 18 at 11 AM: ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS IN THE SAGINAW VALLEY at Castle Museum, Saginaw | June 18 at 1 PM: MINI SCULPTURES PT 1 (ages 5-9) at Rauchholz Library, Hemlock | June 18 at 2 PM: PLAYDATE - MUSIC ON THE MOVE at Imerman Memorial Park, Saginaw | June 18 & 25 at 6:30 PM: SUMMER CONCERT at Hayes Park, Freeland | June 19 at 11 AM: GROW WITH US STORYTIME at Castle Museum, Saginaw | June 19 at 1 PM: MINI SCULPTURES PT 2 (ages 5-9) at Rauchholz Library, Hemlock | June 19 at 2 PM: COLOR QUEST THURSDAY - TYE DYE IN THE PARK at Heritage Park, Frankenmuth | June 21 at 10 AM - 12 PM: KIDS WOODWORKING WORKSHOP at Lowes, Saginaw | June 22 & 29 at 7 PM: CONCERTS IN THE PARK at Palmer Schau Platz - Memorial Park, Frankenmuth | June 23 at 10 AM: MUSIC AND ME STORYTIME (ages 0-3) at Frankenmuth James E. Wickson Library, Frankenmuth | June 23 at 5:30 PM: FAMILY NIGHT OUT at Haithco Recreation Park, Saginaw. Questions -fkaczor@sisd.cc or text 989-372-1067. RSVP | June 24 at 12 PM: PLAYDATE - WATER WARS at Haithco Recreation Area, Saginaw | June 24 at 5 PM: RUBBER SCIENCE (ages 5-9) at Rauchholz Library, Hemlock | June 25 at 10 AM: PLAYDATE - SUPERSIZE FUN at Showboat Park, Chesaning | June 25 at 5 PM: FAIRY & DINO GARDEN (ages 5-9) at Rauchholz Library, Hemlock | June 26 at 12 PM: WHAT IS THE BUZZ ON MOSQUITOS at Castle Museum, Saginaw | June 26 at 1 PM: COLOR QUEST THURSDAY - DROP-IN COLOR OUR WORLD at the Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw | June 26 at 1:30 PM: COLORS IN NATURE W/ CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER SESSION 1 (ages 5-12) at Zauel Library, Saginaw | June 26 at 2 PM: PLAYDATE - NATURE EXPLORERS at Green Point Nature Center, Saginaw | June 26 at 4:30 - 7 PM: BWELL STRIDES COMMUNITY WALK at Coal Miners Area Park, St. Charles | June 26 at 5 PM: SOCCER FUN DAY (ages 5-9) at Rauchholz Library, Hemlock | June 29 at 1 - 4 PM: LOG CABIN DAY at Wolkensdoefer - Cross Park, Frankenmuth | June 30 at 3 PM: COTTON CANDY SCIENCE at Butman-Fish Library, Saginaw | | | | |
