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Parents & Families
Parents and Caregivers are a child’s first and most important teacher. We know parenting is not easy, and we’re here to help! Below you will find a variety of printed and video based resources in English and Spanish -- from workshops for parents to read alouds and educational, hands-on activities for your children, we’ve got you covered!
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CDC Developmental Milestones
Skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving “bye bye” are called developmental milestones. Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, act, and move.
CDC – Developmental Milestones Link
NYPL – Find your local Library
Discover New York Public Library locations across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island.
NYPL – Location Finder
City’s First Readers
A group of nonprofits in New York City that offer early learning programs and activities for families with children from birth to age 5.
City’s First Readers Website
NYC Reads Communities
Launched in 2014, the NYC Reads Initiatives in South Jamaica, East New York, and East Harlem combines the collective effort of 11 partner organizations with the strength inherent in every community to enhance literacy culture and increase the number of children who enter school prepared to learn and to sustain academic achievement.
NYC Reads Website
The Three Billy Goats Buenos Paired Book Activity: Bridge Building
The three Billy goats had quite an experience trying to cross the bridge! Make your own bridge at home using everyday materials. Depending on the age and level of your kids, you can make your bridge building experience easier or harder.
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The Proudest Blue Paired Craft Activity: Hijabi Doll
In the book, The Proudest Blue by Ibtijaj Muhommad, Asiya, a 6th grader, is wearing her hijab for the first time and has chosen a beautiful blue hijab as her “first day of school” hijab.
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Healthy Screen Time Habits
Not all screen time is equal! Educational content that encourages children to be interactive, connect with others, and introduces them to reading can help foster growth and learning. Here are some healthy screen time habits to think about.
City’s First Readers’ Blog
Workshop 38: Using Children’s Books to Build Math Skills
We’re sharing our top tips on how to incorporate math into your reading practices with your young child. There is so much to learn; talking about the shapes you see in the story book pictures, counting the pages, and using words like ‘less’ and ‘more.’
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Workshop 37: KidLit TV’s FREE Online Programs and Activities
Join us and KidLit TV to get access to FREE Online Programs and Activities for Children & Families! Founder and producer Julie Gribble is here with award winning author and illustrator Roxie Munro.
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Taller 36: Leamos y juguemos juntos
Estamos leyendo una historia juntos y le mostramos actividades que puede hacer en casa con su familia. La historia de hoy es Oso pardo Oso pardo ¿Qué ves?
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Workshop 36: Let’s Read and Play Together in Arabic
We’re reading a story together and showing you activities you can do at home with your family. Today’s story is Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See.
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Workshop 36: Let’s Read and Play Together English
We’re reading a story together and showing you activities you can do at home with your family. Today’s story is Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See.
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Workshop 35: Child Nutrition What to Know Part 2 with GrowNYC
This week we have Susie Spodek with GrowNYC to talk about where to buy and tips on how to purchase local foods in your area.
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Taller 35: Nutrición infantil: Qué Saber, parte 2 GrowNYC
Esta semana tenemos a Susie Spodek con GrowNYC para hablar sobre dónde comprar y consejos sobre cómo comprar alimentos locales en su área.
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Workshop 34: Child Nutrition Part 1 with Dr. Aneeka Babar
Tonight, we are excited to have Dr. Aneeqa Babar, a pediatric resident at Staten Island University Hospital. She is here with us to answer parents’ top questions on child nutrition from her medical perspective.
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Screen Time Handout
Find tips for reading together and balancing your child’s screen time.
Chinese Handout
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Workshop 33: Children as Change Makers with LitWorld
We’re talking about using children’s books to spark the change-maker in our young learners through LitWorld’s Seven Strengths model.
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Workshop 32: New Year, New Books: The Best of 2020 and What’s Coming Up in 2021
What are your favorite new children’s books published in 2020? We’re sharing our top picks from 2020 and giving a sneak peek of what to look for in 2021!
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Workshop 31: Cómo balancear los medios digitales en el hogar, parte 2, with Brooklyn Public Library and Co-Hosted with Literacy Inc.
Nos complace dar la bienvenida a Isaac Stahl de la Biblioteca Pública de Brooklyn para taller numero 31 de Reach Out and Connect llamado “Cómo balancear los medios digitales y technología en el hogar, parte 2.”
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Workshop 31: Balancing Screen Time Part 2, Co-Hosted with Literacy Inc
We’re thrilled to welcome back Kymberly Konty from Brooklyn Public Library and Tali Horowitz from Common Sense Media for our workshop, presented with our co-hosts at Literacy Inc.
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Workshop 30: Early Literacy and Dual Language Learners, Co-Hosted with Literacy Inc
We’re excited to co-host with Literacy Inc! Learn more about the benefits of dual language learning and learn tips on how to support children learning more than one language.
Haitian Creole
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Workshop 29: Cómo balancear los medios digitales en el hogar, parte 1, with Brooklyn Public Library
Nos complace dar la bienvenida a Isaac Stahl de la Biblioteca Pública de Brooklyn para taller numero 29 de Reach Out and Connect llamado “Cómo balancear los medios digitales y technología en el hogar, parte 1.”
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Workshop 29: Balancing Screen Time Part 1, with Brooklyn Public Library and Common Sense
We’re thrilled to welcome Kymberly Konty from Brooklyn Public Library and Tali Horowitz from Common Sense to talk about balancing screen time for our young children during COVID-19.
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Workshop 28: Child Vaccinations, What to Know with Dr. Anna Cornish
We know parents always want the best for their kids, especially when it comes to their health. We are excited to have Dr. Anna Cornish with us to answer parents’ top questions on vaccines.
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Workshop 26: Reading with Students with Disabilities
We are excited to present strategies and tips for reading with young children of different abilities and how families can work with their child at the level they are at to engage in early literacy practices.
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Workshop 27: Spooktober Halloween Family Fun Nights
We put together 5 different Family Fun Nights with books, crafts, activities, and snacks that you can do together with your children to get into the Halloween spirit (or fall spirit) and make lasting memories.
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Workshop 25: Going Back to School During a Pandemic
We are talking about what it looks like to go back to school during a pandemic. Our guest Pamela Schwartz is the Director at the Penn Family Early Childhood Center in New York City.
Haitian Creole Translation
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Workshop 24: Multicultural Books with NYPL
Our friends at the New York Public Library are helping us share some amazing children’s books that represent cultures around the world and right in our community!
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Workshop 23: Create Your Own Storybook
By creating and telling a story together, children learn to organize their thoughts and use language to communicate with readers in a variety of ways.
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Workshop 22: Singing Our Way through Quarantine
Singing with young children is just as important as talking and reading with them. In some respects it has even more cognitive benefits!
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Workshop 20: Making the Most of Reading with your Young Child
Join us as we give tips on how to make the most of reading with your young child from birth to five years old!
Haitian Creole
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Workshop 21: Let’s Get Messy with At Home Activities
We are sharing a few unique, messy activities you can do at home that involve the whole family!
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Author Rima AlKurdi Reads Here I Am
We are excited to welcome back children’s author Rima AlKurdi who is reading us her story in Arabic. Published by Hudhud Publishing & Distribution.
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Author Rima Alkurdi Reads Palms of My Father
Today, we have a very special read aloud in Arabic from author Rima Alkurdi. It is published by Al Hudhud Publishing.
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Summer of Fun: Rockin’ Through the Summer Day 5
It’s the final day of Rockin’ Through the Summer! Today, we’re learning about the piano and spending some time with Mr. Matt from Turtle Dance Music!
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Rockin’ Through the Summer Day 4
It’s day 4 of Rockin’ Through the Summer! Today, we’re learning about more instruments and having a fun dacne party!
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Rockin’ Through the Summer Day 3
It’s day 3 of Rockin’ Through the Summer! Today, we’re learning about the guitar and making our own homemade instrument.
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Rockin’ Through the Summer Day 2
It’s day 2 of Rockin’ Through the Summer! Today, we’re making maracas and talking about different rhythms.
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Rockin’ Through the Summer Day 1
Welcome to day 1 of Rockin’ Through the Summer! This whole week we are learning about music, instruments, and dancing through the rest of the summer.
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Space Camp Day 5
Today, we are closing our week by talking about the stars and constellations.
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Space Camp Day 4
Today, we are learning about astronauts!
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Space Camp Day 3
Today, we are exploring the moon!
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Space Camp Day 2
Today, we are learning about the scientists who helped launch rockets into space.
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Space Camp Day 1
This whole week we are learning about outer space, the solar system, and the inspirational scientists and astronauts who study it. Today, we are starting off by exploring the planets in our solar system.
Youtube Playlist
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Workshop 19: Q & A with Dr. Reinoso on Preparing for a Baby During COVID-19
We are thrilled to have our special guest, Dr. Reinoso, with us tonight as we close out our bilingual workshop series on Preparing for a Baby During COVID 19. Dr. Reinoso is a pediatrician in New York and is here to answer all our questions and share her expertise on preparing for a baby during this global pandemic.
Haitian Creole
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Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin
Today’s read aloud is by children’s book author, Doreen Cronin! She will be reading her book, Click Clack Moo Cows that Type. Illustrated by Betsy Lewin, and published by Simon and Schuster.
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Canticos by Susie Jaramillo
Children’s author and illustrator, Susie Jaramillo will be reading several of her own books from Canticos!
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Summer of Fun: Into the Outdoors Day 5
Welcome to day 5 of Into the Great Outdoors! This whole week we are talking about our beautiful world and exploring the nature around us. Today, we are going on a teddy bear picnic with our favorite furry friends and having a camp out.
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Into the Outdoors Day 4
Welcome to day 4 of Into the Great Outdoors! This whole week we are talking about our beautiful world and exploring the nature around us. Today, we are learning about pond animals through crafts and activities.
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Into the Outdoors Day 3
Welcome to day 3 of Into the Great Outdoors! This whole week we are talking about our beautiful world and exploring the nature around us. Today, we are exploring the bugs and insects we find in the outdoors.
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Into the Outdoors Day 2
Welcome to day 2 of Into the Great Outdoors! This whole week we are talking about our beautiful world and exploring the nature around us. Today, we are talking about outdoor activities like planting a garden and learning how plants grow.
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Into the Outdoors Day 1
Welcome to day 1 of Into the Great Outdoors! This whole week we are talking about our beautiful world and exploring the nature around us. Today, we are going camping outside or camping indoors and telling stories around our virtual campfire.
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Amazing Science Day 5
Welcome to day 5 of Amazing Science! This whole week we are Exploring the world around us through experiments, observations, and hypothesis.
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Amazing Science Day 4
Welcome to day 4 of Amazing Science! This whole week we are Exploring the world around us through experiments, observations, and hypothesis.
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Amazing Science Day 3
Welcome to day 3 of Amazing Science! This whole week we are Exploring the world around us through experiments, observations, and hypothesis.
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Amazing Science Day 2
Welcome to day 2 of Amazing Science! This whole week we are Exploring the world around us through experiments, observations, and hypothesis.
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Amazing Science Day 1
Welcome to day 1 of Amazing Science! This whole week we are Exploring the world around us through experiments, observations, and hypothesis.
Youtube Playlist
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Workshop 18: Preparing for a Baby During COVID-19 Part 3
In this bilingual workshop, we talk about infant safety and safe sleep practices.
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Workshop 17: Preparing for a Baby During COVID-19 Part 2
This week we are going to talk about child development; what is happening with this little human you brought home and how you can support their growth and wellbeing!
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Workshop 16: Preparing for a Baby During COVID-19 Part 1
With all the social distancing measures, we realize it is harder to access information or attend parenting classes on what to expect during pregnancy and how to prepare for the birth. We are not experts in the medical field. But we are excited to share resources with you that can put you in contact with medical experts who can help you and answer your questions. We cover three broad areas of maternal and child health and wellbeing.
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Workshop 15: Literacy Through Visual Art
Tonight’s bilingual workshop is all about art! We’re going to show you different ways to tell stories through art!
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Workshop 14: Using Children’s Books to Discuss Racism
For tonight’s bilingual Reach Out and Connect Workshop we welcome special guest Shauntee Burns Simpson who is the president elect of the Black Caucus of the American Library association and the Manager of School Support at the New York Public Library. We will be talking about using children’s books to discuss racism.
Haitian Creole
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Summer of Fun: Around the World – Day 5
Welcome to day 5 of Around the World in 5 Days! This whole week we are traveling virtually around the world to 5 different countries across 5 different continents. Today, we are traveling to Colombia in South America. We have some fun weaving crafts, stories, and treats from Colombian culture.
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Around the World – Day 4
Welcome to day 4 of Around the World in 5 Days! This whole week we are traveling virtually around the world to 5 different countries across 5 different continents. Today, we are traveling to Kenya on the continent of Africa. We are ready to learn more about the landscape, food, and games that come from this country.
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Around the World – Day 3
Welcome to day 3 of Around the World in 5 Days! This whole week we are traveling virtually around the world to 5 different countries across 5 different continents. Today, we are traveling to Australia and ready to learn more about the aboriginal history, food, and culture of the island country.
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Around the World – Day 2
Welcome to day 2 of Around the World in 5 Days! This whole week we are traveling virtually around the world to 5 different countries across 5 different continents. Today, we are traveling to France and ready to learn more about the games, snacks, and stories from their culture.
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Around the World – Day 1
Welcome to day 1 of Around the World in 5 Days! This whole week we are traveling virtually around the world to 5 different countries across 5 different continents. Today, we are traveling to India and ready to learn more about the history, culture, food, and sights of this beautiful country.
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Jurassic Journey – Day 5
Welcome to day 5 of Jurassic Journey! This whole week we are talking about dinosaurs, how they lived, what they ate, and we have tons of craft and activities to engage your little explorers!
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Jurassic Journey – Day 4
Welcome to day 4 of Jurassic Journey! This whole week we are talking about dinosaurs, how they lived, what they ate, and we have tons of craft and activities to engage your little explorers!
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Jurassic Journey – Day 3
Welcome to day 3 of Jurassic Journey! This whole week we are talking about dinosaurs, how they lived, what they ate, and we have tons of craft and activities to engage your little explorers!
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Jurassic Journey – Day 2
Welcome to day 2 of Jurassic Journey! This whole week we are talking about dinosaurs, how they lived, what they ate, and we have tons of craft and activities to engage your little explorers!
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Jurassic Journey – Day 1
Welcome to day 1 of Jurassic Journey! This whole week we are talking about dinosaurs, how they lived, what they ate, and we have tons of craft and activities to engage your little explorers!
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Our America – What Issues Matter to You
It’s never too early for kids to start thinking about big ideas they have and issues they care strongly about.
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Summer of Fun: Our America – Day 5
Today, we are talking about the future of our country and where the next generation can work to learn from our past and look towards the future.
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Our America – Day 4
We are talking about the people who were here long before any immigrants came to the land, the Native Americans.
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Our America – Day 3
Let’s talk about the millions of Americans who immigrated to the United States from other countries.
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Our America – Day 2
We are talking about the brave, mostly women who fought for the right to vote in the early 1900’s, finally winning that right in 1920!
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Our America – Day 1
Today, we are talking about the brave men and women who fought for equality during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s.
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Our America – I’m Moving to America
If you were immigrating to America, what would you bring with you? Use this printout to help write down your thoughts.
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Summer of Fun: Our America – Election Ballots
It’s time to cast our votes using these ballot printouts.! What are you voting for?
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Summer of Fun: Animal Planet Day 5
Today, we are talking about animals that live under the sea, like fish, whales, sea urchins, and jellyfish!
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Animal Planet Day 4
Today, we are talking about animals that have feathers and can fly! That’s right, birds!
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Animal Planet Day 3
Today, we are talking about nocturnal animals! That means animals that sleep during the day and are awake at night like raccoons, owls, and bats!
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Animal Planet Day 2
We are talking about animals that people take home as pets, like cats, dogs, hamsters, birds, fish, and turtles!
Youtube Playlist
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Summer of Fun: Animal Planet Day 1
Today, we are talking about animals that you may see on a safari! These animals can live in dry desert areas like the African Savanna or in jungles like the Amazon Rainforest.
Youtube Playlist
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Workshop 13: Managing Challenging Behaviors: Ask a Behavior Specialist
Part 4 of a 4 part series on managing challenging behaviors at home. In this session, we have a Q&A with a Behavioral Assistant, who answers your questions!
Haitian Creole
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Workshop 12: Managing Behaviors Part 3
Part 3 of a 4 part series on managing challenging behaviors at home. We know that being in quarantine has created many new obstacles for families, and times are stressful for everyone, which can cause all sorts of challenging behaviors. In this series we will discuss the ABCs of behavior management and how you can help keep things calm, cool, and collected in your home!
Part 3 covers the “C” in the ABCs, Consequences, or what happens after the unwanted behavior.
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Workshop 11: Managing Behaviors Part 2
Part 2 of a 4 part series on managing challenging behaviors at home. We know that being in quarantine has created many new obstacles for families, and times are stressful for everyone, which can cause all sorts of challenging behaviors. In this series we will discuss the ABCs of behavior management and how you can help keep things calm, cool, and collected in your home!
Part 2 covers the “A” in the ABCs, the Antecedent, or what happens before the unwanted behavior.
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Workshop 10: Managing Behaviors Part 1
Part 1 of a 4 part series on managing challenging behaviors at home. We know that being in quarantine has created many new obstacles for families, and times are stressful for everyone, which can cause all sorts of challenging behaviors. In this series we will discuss the ABCs of behavior management and how you can help keep things calm, cool, and collected in your home!
Part 1 covers the “B” in the ABCs, Behavior!
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Workshop 9: Using Children’s Books to Talk About Mental Health
Learn more about using children’s books to talk with our kids about some tough topics that affect their mental health. This is such an odd, stressful time for all of us, but especially for our kids. Fictional stories offer another route to talk about difficult subjects and help make powerful feelings more manageable.
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Workshop 8: Literacy Through Play
We’re talking all about learning through play! After all, play is a child’s work. Play is a wonderful way to build your child’s literacy and problem solving skills. Watch to learn some fun, no-cost ways to encourage creative play at home!
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Workshop 7: Staying Social in a Time of Social Isolation
Help your children stay social during a time of social isolation.
Children learn so much through play, especially through playing with their friends! We know that right now children are not able to see their friends in person, but there are still many ways to plan virtual playdates to keep your kids happy and learning! Join us with a beverage of your choosing to learn about a few ways to keep your kids social!
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Workshop 6: Managing Screen Time
Learn about how to manage screentime at home, especially during COVID-19 when we are stuck at home.
We can’t deny that the number of hours we spend in front of screens is increasing. Much of our connection to the outside world is now facilitated through screens, from zoom meetings to online classes to virtual hangouts. In this workshop, we will be discussing strategies and resources to help you effectively manage your family’s screentime!
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Workshop 5: Caring for Caregivers
Learn about different techniques for parents and caregivers to take care of themselves.
Parents and caregivers’ lives often revolve around their children, which is no surprise. But, self-care and making sure you are in a good place to be able to care for others is just as important.
Haitian Creole
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Workshop 4: Social Emotional Learning
Social Emotional Learning with North Shore Animal League’s Mutt-i-grees program!
Through bonding with animals (whether or not you have pets!) you are able to help your child talk about their emotions and build critical thinking skills — all of which are important skills for your child to know to be prepared for school!
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Workshop 3: Music and Children with Autism
Mr. Matt from Turtle Dance Music talks all about building literacy skills through music in young children with autism while at home.
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Workshop 1: Creating a Literacy Friendly Environment
Learn about the best, free ways to create a literacy friendly and encouraging environment for your children during these COVID-19 times!
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Workshop 2: Storytelling
In this interactive workshop, learn how to make your own stories come to life through just your words, or through puppets and stuffed animals!
Storytelling is a wonderful way to include literacy skill building into your children’s day whether or not you have books at home!
Haitian Creole
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