A Story. A Song. An Activity.

 

Come join our virtual library every First Friday as we read a children's literary classic and do a lesson activities together. Children, parents, and providers welcome!

 

August 

 

First Friday - "El Cucuy Is Scared, Too! " Reading

Ramon can’t sleep because he is nervous the night before his first day at a new school.  After a conversation with El Cucuy, the monster who lives in Ramon’s cactus pot, Ramon discovers that… El Cucuy is scared, too!  This gentle story explores the worries that accompany moving to a new place and beginning a new journey.  It reveals how comfort, bravery, and strength can be found through even the most unexpected of friendships. Children, parents, and providers are all welcome.

 

First Friday - “Melt Away Your Worries" Learning Activity

“Melt Away Your Worries” 

w/ Kitchen Science

Children have worries too!

Let’s use things we already have (ice, water, salt) to start a conversation about identifying our fears and/or worries while introducing children to strategies they can use to confront and “melt” their future worries away.

 

Sing-Along: “Cielito Lindo”

Turn up this traditional song of Mexico as a reminder to “Sing, don’t cry”… 

 

July

 

First Friday - "Layla's Happiness" Reading

Come join our virtual library event for a special children’s literary adventure! Climbing a tree, wearing purple, and eating spaghetti without a fork. These are things that bring Layla happiness. Follow along with us this summer to ask, explore, and discover... What is happiness for you? Children, parents, and providers are all welcome.

 

First Friday - “Summer Happiness Bucket List Challenge" Learning Activity

Bucket List Challenge

The weather is warmer, the days feel longer, and school is out for the summer! Making Homemade Playdough... Creating Chalk Art Murals... Blowing Bubbles... Watching the sun set... Let's make a list of all of the fun things we would like to experience before the season changes to Fall!

 

Summer Song for Kids

The Singing Walrus

Turn up the music and dance along as this month's song gets children thinking about their Summer plans with the simple prompt...

What do you like to do in the summer?

 

 

June

 

First Friday - "The ABCs of Black History" Reading

This month’s story “The ABC’s of Black History” provides a glimpse into the many contributions of Black Americans while reminding readers that Black History is not limited to 28 days in February.

 

First Friday - “J is for Juneteenth” Juneteenth Celebratory Activity

Juneteenth Celebratory Activity 

Bring children, families, and your local community together by hosting your very own Juneteenth celebration! Check out our Learning Activity for four things to consider when planning your Juneteenth celebration: the conversation, the setting, the music, and the food!

J is for Juneteenth… How will you celebrate?

 

Sesame Street: Let's Celebrate Juneteenth Song Power of We Club

It’s Juneteenth! Each year on June 19th we gather to reflect on the past and share hope for today. Join Gordon and the Power of We club to celebrate the day when many enslaved African Americans learned of their freedom long ago.

 

May

 

First Friday - "I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness" Reading

This month’s story introduces mindfulness and deep breathing to assist children with self-regulation strategies to use during moments of stress. Children, parents, and providers are all welcome.

 

First Friday - "I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness" Activity

“Float or Sink?” 

Play Provocation Space

Use what you have to facilitate this inquiry based approach
to exploring density, weight/weightlessness and buoyancy.
 
Discover what will float and what will sink…

 

Safe and Calm for Children - Children Meditation Song - The Learning Station

Stop. Take a Moment. Take a Breath.

Then share this short guided meditation song with children for a calming experience 

 

Want to Watch More? Click this link to go to our YouTube Playlist for First Fridays!