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Let’s talk, read, and sing about SHAPES! When you talk to your baby about shapes, you build your child's early math knowledge and prepare your baby for elementary school and beyond. Playing with blocks can help your baby learn about shapes and early engineering concepts! What does your baby like building when playing with blocks?
For more ideas on how to talk, read, and sing together visit: TALKING IS TEACHING
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Kindergarten Readiness Goal:
- Pedal a tricycle
- Initiates the sharing of materials in the classroom and outdoors
- Tells stories about places and past events in a logical order that includes major details
- Identifies 2 and 3 dimensional shapes (circle, square, triangle, rectangle) and describes them (round, has four sides, has 3 corners, etc.)
- Explores the visual arts
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Cooking Matters Recipe:
BLACK BEAN AND VEGETABLE QUESADILLA
45 Minutes 6 Servings
Kids love to help in the kitchen. When you make lunch, ask your child, “Would you like your quesadilla cut in four or five triangles?” Count together as you cut.
Ingredients:
½ (15½-ounce) can black beans, no salt added
2 medium zucchini
1 bunch fresh spinach (about 4 cups)
1 ear fresh corn or 1 cup canned corn
4 ounces low-fat cheddar cheese
1 Tablespoon canola oil
Pinch ground cayenne pepper
1–2 teaspoons water
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
6 (8-inch) whole wheat flour tortillas
Non-stick cooking spray
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Instructions:
- In a colander, drain and rinse black beans.
- Rinse zucchini. Cut into thin slices or shred with a grater.
- Rinse and chop fresh spinach. If using fresh parsley or cilantro, rinse and chop now.
- If using fresh corn, peel. Use a knife to cut corn kernels off of the cob. If using canned corn, drain.
- Grate cheese.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add zucchini and cayenne pepper. Cook until zucchini is semi-soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add corn and spinach. Cover and cook until tender, stirring a few times, about 5 minutes more. Remove from heat.
- Add black beans to the veggie mixture. Stir to combine. Smash beans lightly with a fork. Add 1–2 teaspoons water to make a bean-and-veggie paste.
- Season mixture with black pepper. If using parsley or cilantro, add now. Transfer mixture to medium bowl. Reserve skillet. 10. Spread vegetable mixture evenly on half of each tortilla. Fold tortillas over. Press lightly with spatula to flatten.
- Spray skillet lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Heat over medium high heat. Add one folded tortilla. Cook about 4 minutes per side, or until both sides of tortilla are golden brown. Repeat until all quesadillas are cooked.
- Cut each quesadilla into wedges. Serve while hot.
View full recipe: BLACK BEAN AND VEGETABLE QUESADILLA
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MiFAMILY ENGAGEMENT AND LITERACY HUB
Maggie Dwan
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Hello Families!
I’m excited to connect with you again this month and share an important opportunity for your voices to be heard! The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) has launched a statewide campaign that focuses on improving literacy practices for children ages 0-10, and we need your input. (click to image below to be directed to the survey)
Interested in winning a $25 gift card? Participate in the MiLEAP Parent Survey
We invite all parents and guardians of children ages 0-10 to participate in an online survey designed to gather insights about your family’s literacy practices and needs. Your feedback will directly influence statewide messaging that will support families like yours in fostering strong literacy development at home. By completing the survey, you’ll have the chance to win a $25 gift card!
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Parent Resources: As you engage with your child’s literacy journey, here are a few resources to explore:
Your participation and engagement in surveys like this and daily literacy activities make a tremendous difference in your child’s future success. Let’s continue to work together to build strong literacy skills for all children in our community!
"Parent involvement is one of the most powerful predictors of a child's literacy success."
Source: National Center for Family Literacy
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MEDIA & CHILDREN
American Academy of Pediatrics
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Media is everywhere. TV, Internet, and video games all compete for children's attention. The information on this link, including evidenced-based research and other resources, can help pediatricians understand and communicate about the impact media has on children's lives.
View the research and resources: MEDIA & CHILDREN
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The Closet Exchange
263 S. Main Street, Unit 3, AuGres MI
The Closet Exchange was established to provides children's clothing, shoes, etc. with the goal of meeting the basic needs of ALL children and is a division of the 501(c) 3 Non-Profit Organization "It Takes A Village - Arenac"
Learn more: THE CLOSET EXCHANGE
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Christmas Toys for Kids
Pick Up for Toys: December 10, 10am - 6pm
Address: 4358 Airpark Drive (The WELL Outreach, Distribution Center)
Contact us at 989-941-6637 or Heather.Bauman@TheWELLstandish.org
FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 19 still living with parent/guardian.
The Arenac County Christmas for Kids program, designed to support low-income, and in-need families within the county, is supported fully by gracious donors within the community. We strive to ensure that each child in our county can wake up to gifts under the tree on Christmas morning. If it is within your means to provide gifts to your children/dependents, please reserve this registration for those who are unable to do so as the funds are limited. Changes or are unsure if an application was completed, please call (989) 893-7508.
Register: ARENAC CHRISTMAS FOR KIDS
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Tipsy Cowboy's Snow Angels | |
SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CENTERS | |
CHILD CARE OPENINGS - Great Start to Quality
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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 childcare. On a scale of one- to five-stars, Michigan childcare, 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
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AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
Boys & Girls Clubs
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CHILD CARE PROVIDER RESOURCES
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Michigan Tri-Share
The MI Tri-Share Child Care Program (Tri-Share) is an innovative approach to increasing access to high quality, affordable child care for working families, with the cost of child care shared by an employer, the employee and the State of Michigan. The pilot also seeks to increase the labor market by allowing employers to offer a child care subsidy to help retain and attract talent.
Learn More: MICHIGAN TRI-SHARE
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Caring for MI Future
This is a statewide effort to help child care entrepreneurs open 1,000 new or expanded child care programs by the end of 2024. This initiative, led by the Michigan Departments of Education and Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (MDE & LARA) is focusing on what entrepreneurs need most to open and expand child care businesses—help finding and renovating space, startup funding, help recruiting staff, and support creating a business plan.
Learn More: CARING FOR MI FUTURE
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FREE Online Parenting Classes
Extension Extras Parenting Hour
Tuesdays at 8 - 9:30 PM
November 5 - Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder and Neurodiversity
November 12 - Purpose of Play
November 19 - Introduction to Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences
November 26 - Together We Can: Co-Parenting
Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting Webinar Series
November-December 2024
November 12, 2024 - December 10, 2024 11:30am-1:00pm
Building Strong Adolescents Webinar Series
November-December 2024
November 18, 2024 - December 16, 2024 7:00pm-9:00pm
Learn More & Register: MSU EXTENSION PARENT CLASSES
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PRENATAL
Dow Bay Area Family YMCA
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Financial Assistance Programs
Individuals will not be turned away from participating in programs, activities, and/or membership due to their inability to pay. The Y maintains a generous financial assistance program for youth, adults, and families who demonstrate financial need. Funding for this program is provided by fundraising events at the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA and community-wide donors.
Application: FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
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NEMSCA - ARENAC COUNTY
Rental Counseling
Financial Literacy Class
Homebuyer Education
Call 989-358-4653 or email gagnona@nemcsca.org for dates.
Learn More: NEMSCA
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MCLAREN BAY REGION - BAY COUNTY
Visit the website to learn more about these upcoming classes:
- Virtual Breastfeeding Class – Free of Charge
- Virtual Childbirth Crash Course – Free of Charge
- Breastfeeding Class : Health Pavilion
Learn More & Register: MCLAREN BAY REGION
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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. | |
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WHERE INNOVATION FLOWS
We're on a mission to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Locate STEM events: STEM PIPELINE CALENDAR
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November 2 - Kids Workshop | | |
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WHERE: Home Depot, Bay City
DATE: 1st 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.
Register: WOOD WORKSHOP
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November 2 - Pups & Pages | | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library
DATE: November 2, 11 AM
Read to a therapy dog or dog in training in a one-on-one session. You will be called to schedule your session the week of the program. Children ages 4-12 are invited to attend.
Register: PUPS & PAGES
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November 4 - Populace Storytime w/ WIRT | | |
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WHERE: Populace Coffee, Bay City
DATE: October 7 at 9 AM
Families with young children. Join the Wirt library downtown at Populace Coffee House for storytime.
No registration required..
Register: POPULACE STORYTIME
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November 4 - Busy Book Cafe (age 0-3) | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: October 7 at 11 AM
We begin at 11:00 am. Craft supplies and coffee will be available for parents to build a page for a baby busy book. Toys will be out for children to play while adults craft and visit.
Register: BUSY BOOK CAFE
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November 5 & 27 - No School Days @ the Museum | | |
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WHERE:
Bay County Historical Society, Bay City
DATE: November 5 & 27 at 10 AM - 4 PM
No school!?! Visit the Bay County Historical Society’s museum, complete a SELFIE SCAVENGER HUNT and receive a coupon for FREE small Slurpee drink at the local 7 Eleven store.
Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Program sponsor: Bay City 7 Eleven Stores.
COST: $2/person or $5/Family
FREE – Bay County Residents & BCHS Members
Learn more: NO SCHOOL DAY
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November 5, 12, 19 & 26 - Preschool Tuesdays: Family Playtime @ the Museum | | |
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WHERE:
Bay County Historical Society, Bay City
DATE: Tuesdays at 10 AM - 4 PM
Preschoolers + adult are invited to stop by the Museum any time from 10 AM – 4 PM to complete the PRESCHOOL MUSEUM CHALLENGE.
Together you can explore the galleries for clues to complete the challenge, discover Delta College’s PBS Raising Readers Room with books supplied by the Bay County Library System, and play at the activity table. Stop by the Museum Store for a to-go activity and a coupon for a treat from McDonalds.
ADMISSION:
Bay County Residents & BCHS Members: FREE
Non-Bay County Residents: $2/person or $5/Family, Ages 0-5 FREE
Learn more: PRESCHOOL TUESDAYS
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November 5 - Story and Activity | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: November 5, 1:30 PM
Children ages 3-12 are invited to join us at Sage Branch Library for Story and Activity on Tuesday, November 5 at 1:30 pm. Lets learn or put your skills of weaving to creating a bookmark! We look forward to seeing you!
Register: STORY & ACTIVITY
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November 5 - Catch the Fish Game and Craft (age 2-12) | | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: November 5, 5:30 PM
Inspired by Good Mythical Morning’s Catch the Fish with Grandad, join us for a fun evening where you’ll decorate your own fish and learn how to play this fun family game.
Register: CATCH THE FISH GAME & CRAFT
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November 7, 14, & 21 - Great Lakes Bay Mom Cafe & Playgroup | | |
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WHERE: BAISD Career Center Playground, Bay City
DATE: Thursdays at 10 AM - 12 PM
LEARN MORE: text Amy Trogan 989-992-1803 or trogana@baisd.net
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November 7 - Pick & Choose Fall Craft (ages 3-12) | | |
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WHERE: Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning
DATE: November 7, 6 PM
Register to make a fall craft at the Pinconning Branch-choose between a ceramic turkey to paint or a light-up fall lantern!
Register: PICK AND CHOOSE FALL CRAFT
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November 8 & 22 - Playdate | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
DATE: November 8 & 22, 10 AM
Little ones can play, discover & meet new friends. Ages 4 & under. Participating caregiver required. No registration required.
Learn more: PLAY DATE
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November 8 - Little Wigglers | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: November 8, 10:30 AM
For children that are walking ages 5 and under + Adult
Move and dance our wiggles out at a fun musical program.
Register: LITTLE WIGGLERS
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November 8 - Fall Babies & Toddlers | | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: November 8, 10:30 AM
Bring your babies for a fun morning of fall crafts, a sensory area, and snacks. Coffee and snacks provided for grown-ups as well.
Register: FALL BABIES & TODDLERS
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November 8 - Nature Explorers in Bay City | | |
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WHERE: Bay City State Park, Bay City
DATE: 2nd Friday of the month, 1 PM
Learn more by emailing trogana@baisd.net.
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November 9 - Dinosaur Party | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City
DATE: November 9, 2 PM
Families with young children. Celebrate Dino-vember with dinosaur games, crafts and temporary tattoos!
No registration is required.
Learn more: DINOSAUR PARTY
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November 11 - Excited Goat Storytime w/ WIRT | | |
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WHERE: Excited Goat Coffee Company,
Essexville
DATE: November 11, 9 AM
Families with young children. Join the Wirt library at EXCITED GOAT COFFEE CO. in Essexville for storytime!
No registration required.
Register: EXCITED GOAT STORYTIME
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November 11 - Nature Explorers in Omer | | |
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WHERE: Omer Library, Omer
DATE: 2nd Monday of the month, 10:30 AM
Learn more by emailing trogana@baisd.net.
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November 11 - Build & Play (age 5-12) | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack WIrt Library, Bay City
DATE: November 11, 4:30 PM
Build together, family fun! What will you create with open-ended interactive building materials? Blue Blocks, Fort Build, Kinex, and more for you to BUILD with.
No Registration Required.
Learn more: BUILD & PLAY
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November 13 - Make It: Apples Galore! | | |
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WHERE: Pinconning Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: November 13 at 3:30 PM
Pumpkins are popular for fall time, but we can’t forget about the apples! At this program we will be making apple bird feeders, apple play dough, and more.
Register: MAKE IT: APPLES GALORE
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November 13 - Fall Lantern Craft | | |
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WHERE: Arenac Community Center, Standish
DATE: November 13 at 4:30 PM
Learn more by contacting Amy at trogana@baisd.net.
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November 14 & 21 - Move & Groove | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack WIrt Library, Bay City
DATE: November 14 & 21, 10:30 AM
Ages 0-5 with an adult. Join us for a story, music, and dancing! Both kids and their caregivers will enjoy shaking their sillies out in this movement-based program.
No registration required.
Learn more: MOVE & GROOVE
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November 14 - Pups & Pages (Age 4-12 | | |
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WHERE: Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning
DATE: November 14 at 6-7 pM
Join us at the Pinconning library for Pups & Pages for ages 4-12! Bring a book from home or come a few minutes early to look at books as readers are assigned to a dog as they arrive and check in at the Pinconning Public Service Desk
Register: PUPS & PAGES
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November 15 - Young Scientists (Age 2-5) | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: November 15, 10:30 AM
Guided by your librarian have the opportunity to engage, interact, ask questions, play, and craft during the hour of science fun with STEAM stations geared toward making musical instruments, sound and vibration stations, and a musical parade!
If you need help with registration please contact us at 989-892-8555 opt 4.
Register: YOUNG SCIENTISTS
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November 15 - Family Turkey Project w/ Kaylyn Inda | | |
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WHERE: Studio 23/ The Art Center, Bay City
DATE: November 15, 5:30-8:30 PM
Join Kaylyn Inda in learning step-by-step in creating this fun family project. Families will complete a family handprint project of a Thanksgiving turkey.
Register: FAMILY TURKEY PROJECT
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November 16 - Pups and Pages | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City
DATE: November 16, 2-3 PM
Join us in-person at Wirt Library and read to a certified therapy dog. Ages 4-12 read to a certified therapy dog in a one-on-one timed session based upon registration and arrival at the library starting at 2:00 pm. The dogs love to be read to and they look forward to seeing you soon!
Learn more: PUPS & PAGES
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November 22 - Jupiter & Saturn Night | | |
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WHERE: Delta College Planetarium
DATE: November 22, 7 PM
Our staff will have telescopes on our rooftop observation deck to see the two largest planets in our solar system. A free planetarium show begins at 7pm in the Dome360 Theater to introduce visitors to Jupiter and Saturn before observing. The show occurs regardless of weather. This event, including the planetarium show, are free.
Register: JUPITER/ SATURN NIGHT
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November 23 - Saturday Cinema: The Good Dinosaur + Craft | | |
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WHERE: Auburn Area Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: November 23, 10:30 AM
Saturday Cinema: The Good Dinosaur + Craft
Come enjoy a movie with your family! We will have snacks and a dinosaur craft to be made during the movie.
Register: SATURDAY CINEMA
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November 26 - Play Dough Play Date (age 2-5) | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: November 26, 10:30 AM
Join us Sage Library for Play Dough Play Date on Friday, November 26 @ 10:30 am!
For children ages 2-5 + Adult
Stories, songs and Play Dough stations!
Register: PLAY DOUGH PLAY DATE
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November 26 - Totally Turkey | | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: November 26, 5:30 PM
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.
Register: TOTALLY TURKEY
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November 29 - 6th Annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting | | |
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WHERE: Standish Historic Depot, Standish
DATE: November 29 at 6-8 PM
The Standish Historic Depot and Welcome Center hosts its Annual Santa Parade and Lighting of the Depot each year on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
It is a FREE event for parade participants and spectators alike.
The parade culminates with the arrival of SANTA at the Depot heralding the arrival of the holiday season.
This is a lighted evening event so we encourage all vehicles and persons to “LIGHT UP!
Register: CHRISTMAS PARADE
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November 30 - December 22 - Visit Santa | | |
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WHERE: The Nate & Mary Ida Doan Santa House, Bay City
DATE: November 30 - December 22
Monday – Friday: 6–8:30 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 1–4 PM & 6:30–8:30 PM
The Bay City Santa House is located in a log cabin inside Veterans Memorial Park in Bay City, Michigan. Visitors don’t get bored while waiting their turn to visit with Santa, as there are fascinating animated displays throughout each of the rooms. A popular one is the kitchen where elves are busy making cookies and other goodies. Don’t forget to bring along your camera to get some amazing pictures!
Learn more: VISIT SANTA
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December 3, 4, 11 & 12 - Reindeer at the Library | |
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. | | | | |
