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Let’s talk, read, and sing about FALL! As summer turns into fall, the days begin to get shorter. This is a great time for your little one to go stargazing at night before bedtime! Talk about the stars you see in the sky and make up your own constellations together!
For more ideas on how to talk, read, and sing together visit: TALKING IS TEACHING
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Kindergarten Readiness Goal:
- Walk forward and backwards easily
- Initiates, joins in, and sustains positive interactions with a small group of 2-3 children
- Uses complete 4-6 word sentences
- Uses and responds appropriately to positional words indicating location, direction, and distance (under, over, between, close, far, behind, in front, etc.)
- Explores dance and movement concepts
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Cooking Matters Recipe:
SWEET POTATO SHEPHERDS PIE
140 Minutes 6 Servings
Kids love to help in the kitchen. Let your child measure and pour the ingredients into the bowl. Talk about how vegetables are harvested in the fall season.
Ingredients:
Topping
4 medium sweet potatoes (2 1/2 pounds total)
1/4 cup nonfat milk
1 1/2 teaspoon unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
Filling
8 ounces mushrooms
1 small onion
3 cloves garlic
1 1/2 pounds 93% lean ground beef or turkey
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 (15-ounce) can reduced-sodium chicken broth or beef broth
3 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 cup fresh, frozen, or canned green peas
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
¼ cup canola oil
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Coat a 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Scrub potatoes and pierce several times with a fork. Place in a 9x13-inch baking pan and bake until soft, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Let cool while you make the filling.
- While the sweet potatoes are baking, wash and slice mushrooms. Peel onion and garlic. Dice onion. Mince garlic.
- While the sweet potatoes are cooling, in a large skillet over medium-high, cook beef or turkey, mushrooms and onion, crumbling the meat with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks, until the meat is no longer pink, about 30 minutes.
- In a colander, drain off liquid and return to pan. Add thyme and garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle with flour and stir to coat. Add broth and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook until mixture thickens, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in peas, salt and pepper. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Peel the cooled sweet potatoes and place in a medium bowl. Add milk, butter, cinnamon (if using), salt and pepper. Mash with a fork until smooth. Spread over the filling. Bake until hot and bubbling at the edges, 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.
View the Recipe: SWEET POTATO SHEPHERDS PIE
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MiFAMILY ENGAGEMENT AND LITERACY HUB
Maggie Dwan
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Hello Families!
My name is Maggie Dwan, and I’m the new Family Engagement & Literacy Hub Coordinator in our region, a role created through the MiFamily Engagement Centers Grant (35i). My role is to support families and schools in working together to help children succeed by developing systems of support, professional development, and resources for educators and providers. A key focus of this work is placing YOU—our families and caregivers—at the heart of your child’s learning journey as leaders and co-creators of their educational experiences. Each month, I’ll be sharing tips, activities, and information to help strengthen family engagement and literacy skills at home and within our community.
October Family Engagement Activity: Fall Color Scavenger Hunt 🍁
Take your family on a fall color scavenger hunt! As you walk through your neighborhood, local park, or backyard, ask your child to find red, orange, yellow, and brown items like leaves, pinecones, or pumpkins. Use the colors as conversation starters to encourage language and learning by asking questions like, “What do you think happens to the leaves when they turn orange?”, “Why do you think trees change colors in the fall?”, or “What is your favorite fall color, and why?”. Encourage your child to describe the items they find, such as asking, “What does this red leaf feel like? Is it smooth or bumpy?” This activity is inclusive for all ages, encourages observation, language development, and family bonding—perfect for enjoying the fall season together!
"Children whose parents are involved in their education are 55% more likely to be proficient in literacy by the end of third grade." Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University, "Parent Involvement and Early Literacy" (2018).
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THE CONSEQUENCES OF A SMARTPHONE-CENTERED CHILDHOOD
NPR Delta College Media
Smartphones are not only addictive, but they contribute to low self-esteem and feelings of isolation among kids. And with Big Tech companies barely policing any of their online products, young minds are susceptible to potentially damaging content. Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt says it's not too late to undo some of the damage if parents walk back what they allow their kids to access on their phones and delay when they give them smartphones. He lays out how in his new book, "The Anxious Generation: How The Great Rewiring Of Childhood Is Causing An Epidemic Of Mental Illness." He talked with our colleague Steve Inskeep about the consequences of smartphone-centered childhood and the value of face-to-face, old-school play.
Listen to the full interview:
THE CONSEQUENCES OF A SMARTPHONE-CENTERED CHILDHOOD
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FREE MEALS FOR KIDS
The Saginaw Family YMCA
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Mission Nutrition Community Events
FREE Youth Meals
Monday through Friday 4p-6p
Saturdays Noon – 2p
Visit website to learn more and for FREE food giveaways at THE SAGINAW FAMILY YMCA.
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SAFE SLEEP
Michigan Health & Human Services
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A Michigan baby dies every 2 to 3 days due to sleep-related causes. Put risk to rest by using infant safe sleep tips for every nap and sleep time. Spread the word this Infant Safe Sleep Month. Find resources at Michigan.gov/SafeSleep.
Find resources: MICHIGAN SAFE SLEEP
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DOULA SERVICES
Great Lakes Bay Health Centers
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The Great Lakes Bay Health Centers offer Doula Services to support our patients through every step of your incredible journey into parenthood.
Their dedicated team is here to ensure you have all the care and guidance you need during this precious time. Whether it's prenatal support, childbirth education, or postpartum care, we're here for you.
For more information and to stay updated, give us a call at (989) 922-5749.
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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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Great Start to Quality
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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FREE Online Parenting Classes
Extension Extras Parenting Hour
Tuesdays at 8 - 9:30 PM
October 1 - RELAX: Alternatives to Anger for Parents and Caregivers
October 8 - Positive Discipline
October 22 - Epilepsy 101: Empowering Knowledge, Enhancing Care
October 29 - Young at Art
The Parent Talk System Webinar Series - October-November 2024
October 7, 2024 - November 11, 2024, 7:30-9pm
Learn More & Register: MSU EXTENSION PARENT CLASSES
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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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October 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 & 29 - Storytime | | |
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WHERE: Frankenmuth Wickson District Library, Frankenmuth
DATE:
Mondays & Tuesdays at 9:30 AM & 11 AM
Children ages 0-7 can bring along an adult friend and meet in the community room. Join Mrs. Emmons as we explore stories, songs, crafts, and rhymes. No registration required, just drop in!
Mondays Babies 0-2 @ 9:30 AM
Mondays Multi-Age @ 11:00 AM
Tuesdays Multi-Age @ 9:30 AM
Tuesdays Preschool Age @ 11:00 AM
Learn more: STORY TIME
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October 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 - Storytime | | |
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WHERE: Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock
DATE: Tuesdays at 9 AM – 12 PM
Preschool Story Time at the library for kids ages 2-5 and their adult helper! We will read stories, sing songs, use the felt board, do a craft and other fun activities for kids!
**Please register to attend so we know how to set up the space and plan the craft supplies.
Call (989) 642-8621.
Learn more: STORY TIME
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October 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29 & 31 - Tales For Two | | |
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WHERE: Zauel Memorial Library, Saginaw
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays 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
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October 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 - Story Hour | | |
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WHERE: Bridgeport Public Library, Saginaw
DATE: Tuesdays, 10:30 at 2 PM
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 teaching the Ready to Read Michigan skills during each story hour
Learn More: STORY HOUR
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October 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 - Story Hour (age 3-4) | | |
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WHERE: River Rapids Library, Chesaning
DATE: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM
Join Janet Godfrey with your 3 or 4 year old child for stories and a snack. Pre-Registration is required.
Learn More: STORY HOUR
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October 1 - Bookmobile Stop | |
Riders 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! You can also check out a Chromebook and get help with our digital services. | |
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STARS Bus Plaza
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
9:00am - 10:30am
Maplewood Manor
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
10:00am - 11:00am
Elmwood Manor
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
11:00am - 12:00pm
Pinewood Manor
Monday, October 14, 2024
10:00am - 11:00am
Robin Glen
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
3:00pm - 4:00pm
YMCA of Saginaw
Thursday, October 17, 2024
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Davenport Manor
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
10:00am - 11:00am
Olive Tree Apartments
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Rosien Towers
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
11:00am - 12:00pm
Lawndale Estates
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
3:15pm - 4:00pm
Learn More: BOOK MOBILE STOP
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October 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 - Families United in Nature | |
October 2 - STEM Open House | | |
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WHERE: Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock
DATE: Wednesday, October 2, 6:00 – 7:30pm
Stop by the library to learn and explore with over 20 new STEM Kits! Made available through a grant from Science Kits for Public Libraries IEEE-Region 4. Explore the human body, use a microscope, identify rocks and minerals, build mechanical, electronic, and robotic machines, and much more!
Open to all ages! Young and old come and learn about biology, geology, coding, engineering, etc!
Learn more: STEM OPEN HOUSE
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October 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 - Little Acorns Preschool Group | |
October 3 - Play Dough Party | | |
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WHERE: Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock
DATE: First Thursday of each month at 5:30-6:30pm (Exception: January 16th instead of the 2nd)
Check out all the awesome play dough toys at the library’s Play Dough Party! Make play dough pizza and ice cream, give a play dough haircut, make play dough puppets, and much more!
Family event for kids of all ages, must be accompanied by an adult.
Learn more: PLAY DOUGH PARTY
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October 4, 11, 18 & 25 - Jam & Play to Learn | | |
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WHERE: Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock
DATE: Fridays at 10 - 11:30 AM
Jumping Jammers and Play to Learn are now back-to-back on Fridays at 10:00-11:30am! Feel free to join us for one or both programs! For kids ages 0-5 and their caregivers.
The first half-hour will be Jumping Jammers, with interactive song and dance and a chance for kids to explore and play with various musical instruments!
For the last hour we will pull out the library's toy carts full of hands-on fun for Play to Learn playgroup! Let your child play, learn, and interact with other children while you socialize with the other caregivers! (If you are coming only for Play to Learn, please arrive around 10:30am).
Learn more: JUMPING JAMMERS
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October 5 - Kids Workshop | | |
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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
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October 5 - Family Fun Day | | |
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WHERE: Thomas Township Nature Center & Preserve, Saginaw
DATE: 1st Monday of the Month, 10 AM - 2 PM
Family Fun Days: usually the first Saturday of the month from 10-2 pm. Family Fun Days are similar to F.U.N. nights. There are six or so stations based on a theme. There are science/STEM activities, a craft or two, a coloring station, and a snack. Families go through the activities and participate where they’d like. All are welcome.
Learn More: FAMILY FUN DAY
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October 5, 12, 19 & 26 - Preschool Storytimes | | |
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WHERE: Zauel Library, Saginaw
DATE: Saturdays at 10:30 AM
We are inviting children and their families to our storytime for 30 minutes of read-aloud stories, songs, fingerplays and fun. A theme-related craft project is included for fun and fine motor skills practice. Stories and content are prepared for children ages 3-5, but all children are welcome.
Learn More: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME
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October 5, 12, 19 & 26- Story Hour (age 5-8) | | |
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WHERE: River Rapids Library, Chesaning
DATE: Thursdays at 6 PM
Stories, Crafts, food and fun for 5 to 8 years old. Join with Bethany and James every Thursday during the school year except for holidays. Children must be pre-registered and Story Hour fills up fast so be sure to call or step in to see if we have any openings.
Learn More: STORY HOUR
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WHERE: River Rapids Library, Chesaning
DATE: First Saturdays at 12 - 1 PM
Lego Club for kids of all ages. No registration required. Just come to enjoy time with other Lego Enthusiasts. We have 30 minutes of free build, then a 30 minute challenge build. Snack provided.
Learn More: LEGO CLUB
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October 5, 12, 19 & 26 - Free Saturdays @ Saginaw Art Museum | | |
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WHERE: Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw
DATE: Saturdays 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
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October 5 - Together We Read | | |
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WHERE: Hoyt Main Library Library, Saginaw
DATE: October 5 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!
Learn More: TOGETHER WE READ
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October 12 - Studio Storytime | | |
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WHERE: Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw
DATE: October 12, 12:15 PM
Calling all young museum goers! Join us every second Saturday this fall for Studio Storytime. We will listen to a story and create an art project, with a new theme each time. The program is geared towards ages 2-5, but all are welcome. Studio Storytime is in partnership with Public Libraries of Saginaw.
Learn More: STUDIO STORYTIME
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WHERE: Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw
DATE: October 12, 1-4 PM
Come make the studio space your own and turn one of your ideas into a reality! Drop-in between 1pm-4pm on the Second Saturday of the month June-August for unguided art making. We have plenty of materials for you to access, like yarn, fabric, markers, colored pencils, and more. Open Studio is open to all: kids, adults, and anyone new to art. Saginaw Art Museum’s studio space is a great place to try out art materials and take a little creation home with you. If you are stuck, no worries! We will have volunteers or staff present to help you get inspired.
Learn More: OPEN STUDIO
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October 12 - Kids Workshop | | |
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WHERE: Lowes, Saginaw
DATE: October 12 at 10 AM - 12 PM
Fire Dog Bank
Spark imagination with DIY-U kids' Firehouse Dog Bank workshop! Budding architects and future firefighters alike will delight in assembling this charming bank, complete with a firehouse facade and a friendly Dalmatian peeking out. Not only will mini builders enjoy the thrill of creating their own savings companion, but they'll also learn about fire safety and the role of firefighters in our communities. Join us for a day of building, bonding, and crafting memories that will inspire young minds to dream big and save with style!
Learn More & Register: LOWES
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October 16 - Kids Craft Club | | |
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WHERE: Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock
DATE: Monthly on the third Wednesday, until May 21, 2025
Join us on the third Wednesday of each month for an after-school craft at the library!
No registration necessary. For kids Kindergarten-5th grade.
Learn more: KIDS CRAFT CLUB
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October 17 - Harvest Fest | | |
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WHERE: Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock
DATE: Thursday, October 17, 6:00 – 7:30pm
Join us at the library for a harvest festival! Enjoy plenty of fun fall activities at the library including a costume photo booth, pumpkin crafts, games, story time, a scavenger hunt, snacks and more!
**Drop-in program. No sign-up necessary. Crafts and treats available while supplies last.*
Learn more: HARVEST FEST
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October 18 - Jack-O-Dash (Halloween Costume Contest & Run/Walk on Candle lit trail) | | |
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WHERE: Price Nature Center, Saginaw
DATE: October 18, 6-7:30 PM
Join Saginaw County Parks and the Saginaw YMCA for a 3/4 mile family fun run/walk in your Halloween costume. The first 50 participants registered receive a free Pumpkin! Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes plus healthy activities, treats, campfire and mascots will be part of the evening fun! Pre-Register by calling the parks office at 989-790-5280 Cost: Free
Learn More: JACK O DASH
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October 19 - Hands on History | | |
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WHERE: Castle Museum, Saginaw
DATE: October 19, 11 AM - 12:30 PM
Learn More: HANDS ON HISTORY
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October 19, 20, 26 & 27 - Scarecrow Fest | | |
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WHERE: Frankenmuth River Park Place, Frankenmuth
DATE: October 19, 20, 26 & 27, 12-6 PM
Learn More: SCARECROW FEST
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October 19 - Children's Yoga | | |
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WHERE: Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw
DATE: October 19, 12:30 PM
Join us for a DRAGON HUNT with certified Children’s Yoga & Mindfulness instructor Michelle who you may know from Public Libraries of Saginaw. This class will be a half hour filled with fun, giggles and some cool yoga activity. The class is geared towards ages 4-10. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat or towel.
Learn More: CHILDREN'S YOGA
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October 19 - Art Jamborees 2nd Birthday/ Costume Contest | | |
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WHERE: SVRC Marketplace, Saginaw
DATE: October 19, 1 - 6 PM
Join us for a day full of art, music, and fun!
Come dressed in your best costume to be entered in to win a Halloween prize bucket full of goodies!
In the second floor ballroom of the SVRC marketplace.
Learn More: ART JAMBOREES 2ND BIRTHDAY
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October 24 - Preschool Storytime & Trick or Treating Around the Museum | | |
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WHERE: Castle Museum, Saginaw
DATE: Thursday, October 24, 10:30 AM
Learn More: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME
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October 25 - Preschool Storytime | | |
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WHERE: Butman-Fish Library, Saginaw
DATE: Fridays 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
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October 26 - Family Saturday Movie | | |
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WHERE: Bridgeport Public Library, Saginaw
DATE: Saturday, October 26, 11 AM
We will be showing Beetlejuice. IMDb describes it as: "The spirits of a deceased couple are harassed by an unbearable family that has moved into their home and hire a malicious spirit to drive them out." Come get your scare on! Rated PG.
Popcorn and water will be served or you may bring your own snack.
Learn More: MOVIE NIGHT
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October 25 - Halloween at the Market | | |
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WHERE: SVRC Marketplace, Saginaw
DATE: October 25, 5-7 PM
Come dressed in your favorite costumes and enjoy FREE family fun as vendors and community partners treat you to delightful goodies.
Explore the market for a trick-or-treating extravaganza. Immerse yourself in the eerie and enchanting Halloween decorations that will transform the pavilion into a festive wonderland.
Don't miss this bewitching evening of live entertainment and family-friendly festivities – mark your calendar for a Halloween celebration like no other!
Learn More: HALLOWEEN AT THE MARKET
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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. | | | | |
