First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity. (A Year in Review... 2021)

 I just love it when an idea and plan comes together

(which is exactly what happened this year) 

with...

First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity.

An idea scribbled onto paper

then mentioned to a team member

bloomed

blossomed

and grew

into what has turned out to be

 an amazing opportunity to share 

virtual stories, songs, activities,

with children and families in places 

we could have never known we'd reach!!

(So here's to our first year in review)

In...

January- Stone Soup

we launched First Fridays 

as we brought in the New Year

February- Shades of Black 

kicked off Black History Month

as we learned to celebrate 

all of our beautiful shades,

tones, and undertones

In...

March- Go Away Big Green Monster

we got a handle on our emotions

by learning to name (and tame) them

with Elmo, Common, and Colbie Caillat's

in their Sesame Street version of 

"Belly Breathe"

April- Not Norman

celebrated our pets as we listened to a brass band, 

and headed outside to blow bubbles

May- The Napping House

we excitedly released our new logo and 

our First Fridays intro theme song!!

June-The Little Red Hen and the Grains of Wheat

we made non-toxic puffy paint while introducing 

the concepts of hard work, dedication, labor and reward

and then in...

July- Goodnight Moon

we had a glow-in-the-dark party!!

We offered our first "off site" recording to start

a conversation on validating our feelings 

toward going back-to-school

August- The Kissing Hand

and joined the band with our

own DIY child-sized instruments

to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

in...

September- The Best Mariachi in the World

October- Rosie Revere, Engineer

was all about using what you have to spark 

creativity as we created with cardboard,

welcomed a special guest, and "engineered a song"

before bringing in 

November- We Are Grateful; Otsaliheliga

with gratitude

and finally closing out the year...

December- Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes

by celebrating 12 months of First Fridays with Pete the Cat's

reminder to keep moving along and singing our song!!

(And although you cannot personally join us for cake and ice cream...)

I would like to say "thank you" to everyone who has tuned in,

shared with a friend, and/or allowed me to read to your child(ren)

I do not take being invited into your home/school lightly.  

I appreciate our time together 

and until we meet again...

We hope to see you again on the next First Friday!

First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes)

 I sat in a session with Eric Litwin

(creator of the original Pete the Cat series)

at a Child Care Conference a few years ago

and his message was simple... 

Best way to engage children? 

turn up the music

(and make it funky)

These past two years

have been a little funky, 

and

the events

the encounters

the experiences

we have all endured

have certainly taught us a lot

but grace has kept us, we've found strength in the storm,

and we continue to turn up the music and make it funky!!

First Fridays- 

A Story. A Song. An Activity

Virtual Storytime

A Story...

A Song...

Meghan Trainer- Better When I'm Dancin'
One Voice Children's Choir

An Activity...

"Pete the Cat" Snack Activity

In "Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes", Pete accidentally steps
into some things that change the color of his brand new white shoes.  

But does Pete cry? Goodness, No!

He just keeps walking along

and singing his song...

Use Pete's resilience to start a conversation on mindset

and recreate Pete's experience with this simple snack

Strawberries...

Blueberries...

Mud (chocolate)...

(or whatever the new year brings)

Just keep walking along

and singing your song!

First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity. (We Are Grateful- Otsaliheliga)

Otsaliheliga 

(pronounced oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah)

is a Cherokee word used to express gratitude for the

blessings and challenges that each season brings

Join us as we take a seasonal gratitude journey guided 

through the Cherokee practice of Otsaliheliga

First Fridays-

A Story. A Song. An Activity

Virtual Storytime

A Story...

A Song...

For family, friends,

and the air we breathe...

we are grateful

Let's think about what else we are thankful for

as we sing and dance along to this gratitude song

Thankful | The Juicebox Jukebox |

An Activity...

"I am Grateful for..."
Seasonal Gratitude Collage

Let's explore how to foster gratitude with children

(as well as within ourselves) through visual documentation

Materials you will need:

Child-Friendly Magazines
Scissors
Glue Sticks

Cardstock or Construction Paper
Colored Pencils/ Markers (optional)

"Every Day. Every Season. We Are Grateful"

First Friday - A Story. A Song. An Activity (Rosie Revere, Engineer)

Cardboard engineering is a simple, inexpensive,

fun way to cultivate the 4c's with children

communication

collaboration

critical thinking 

and 

creativity!

What could be better than learning to

use what you have to spark joy

First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity

Virtual Storytime

A Story...

A Song...

Listen, Learn, and Sing-along

as we engineer a simple song...

You may recognize the tune, but we changed the words!

An Activity...

"Cardboard Engineering"

Let's build with cardboard

"Life might have it's failures, but this was not it.

The only true failure can come if you quit" 

First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (The Best Mariachi in the World)

If you have ever had the pleasure

of hearing a live Mariachi Band

then you probably remember... 

the distinct sound of each instrument

the strength and unity felt within the song

and the powerful vocals that brought it all together

 So for today and every day,

let's enjoy...

The Sound of Mariachi:

Celebrating Latinx Heritage through Music

First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity

Virtual Storytime

A Story...

A Song...

Connect to Latin culture by listening to a Mariachi band

 

(while introducing children) 

to the English and Spanish names of the 

musical instruments in a traditional Mariachi band

If I Had a Mariachi | 123 Andres

Watch the video with children

as they distinguish between... 

a trumpet

a guitar

a violin

to determine which instrument makes their favorite sound

An Activity...

DIY Paper Tube Maracas

Paper tubes

Tissue Paper

Glue Stick

and an appropriate

Noise maker "filler of choice"

(*we used leftover birdseed)

Decorate paper tubes by layering and gluing

colorful pieces of tissue paper onto the tube. 

Seal one end and fill with your noise maker "filler"

(variations shown include yarn and tape)

Seal the other end and now... 

You are ready to join the band!!

First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (The Kissing Hand)

This classic brings attention to the feeling(s) 

of both the child and parent/ adult caregiver

  so...

whether your child is heading off to college

starting their Senior year of High School

or stepping onto a campus

for the very first time

we're...

Validating Feelings During 

the Transition Back-to-School 

First Friday- A Story. A Song. An Activity

Virtual Storytime

A Story...

A Song...

Listen, learn, and sing along with this simple song as 

we learn to acknowledge and give name to our feelings

How Are You Feeling Today? | Feelings Song | Taylor Dee Kids TV

An Activity...

"Draw and Tell"

Story Dictation

Let's explore how to support children's emotional literacy 

through the illustration and dictation of their unique stories

Support children in learning to express themselves and

remember that there is no "right" or "wrong" way to feel

Every feeling is valid!

First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (Goodnight Moon)

Whether you are preparing for

bed time

naptime 

or a 

quick rest time

this classic story will get you ready

Grab a blanket and get cozy as we gently explore
the moon, the stars, and the nighttime sky

First Fridays-
A Story. A Song. An Activity

Virtual Storytime

 A Story...

A Song...

After we say 

Good night Moon

we say

Hello Sun!

Sun, Moon, and Stars | The Singing Walrus | Songs for Kids

An Activity...

We use hands-on experiences (learning activities) to help children 

attach meaning to the new words we would like to introduce.

Neon Glow-in-the-Dark Art

This activity works great with...

-white paper

-neon highlighters

-black lightbulb 

($4 Walmart)

Turn off the lights and watch it glow!

First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (The Little Red Hen and the Grains of Wheat)

The Little Red Hen called out...

Will anyone help me?

Can anyone help me?

Who will help me?

but her cries went unrequited as the cat, the dog, 

and the goose all proclaimed to be too busy!!

This classic tale provides an opportunity to discuss

hard work, dedication, perseverance, labor and reward

start this conversation and extend the themes

(when children are ready)

First Fridays- 

A Story. A Song. An Activity

Virtual Storytime

A Story...

A Song...

Andrew Queen | Campfire Crew

This fun song takes the classic version and adds a twist!

(Check it out for an alternative ending)

An Activity...

Use some of the ingredients The Little Red Hen used 

to make her bread for a Kitchen Science Art Activity!!

Non-toxic "Puffy Paint"

Flour

Salt

Water

Food Coloring

microwave w/ Adult Supervision to 

"activate" the flour and salt

-------------------------------------------------

*BONUS ACTIVITY*

Bread Baking with Sarah Baldwin

If you'd like a simple bread baking recipe/activity 

to do with children, check out "Sundays with Sarah"

First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (The Napping House)

We're ready for another "First Friday"
and excited to also share

a new logo...

a new theme song...
(see video intro)

and new learning support materials

being packed to gift our early learners!!

(details to come)

------------------------------------------

Virtual Storytime

Themes: One Can Affect Many- 

Cause and Effect- Adding One More

 A Story

A Song

"Wake Up! School Assembly Song and Dance"
by Out of the Ark Music

An Activity

Exploring chemical reactions with
 baking soda, vinegar, and water

Let's explore...

Which ingredients appear to be sleeping?
Which ingredients appear to wake them up?
What happens when you add one more?

First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (Not Norman)

National Pet Day-

April 11th

take children along on a journey with a story

which asks and answers the question

What kind of pet would you like to have?

Go deeper with a conversation on...

Loyalty, Companionship, and

Honoring Differences

First Fridays-

A Story. A Song. An Activity

Virtual Storytime

A Story...

A Song...

"Flight of the Bumblebee"

Canadian Brass

(listen to a band like the one in the story)

a trumpet...

a trombone...

and two horns...

but can you find

the tuba?

An Activity...

Spring is here...

let's head outdoors for COVID safe

"Breathless Bubbles"!!

First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (Go Away Big Green Monster)

We are spiritual beings

sharing a human experience...

joy

sadness

anger

fear

disgust

life happens... 

and the experiences it brings can seem

to take our emotions along for a ride

the range is extraordinary

as we can witness

joy turn into ecstasy

fear turn into anxiety

anger turn into bitterness

the cycle seems to be endless

but one of the gifts we can give

(to the next generation)

 is the ability to 

face, name, and identify what they feel

in order to regulate their own emotion

First Fridays-

A Story. A Song. An Activity

Virtual Storytime

A Story...

A Song...

"Belly Breathe" (Sesame Street)

featuring Common and Colbie Caillat w/ Elmo

An Activity...

Homemade Play Dough

2 cups flour

3/4 cup salt

2 cups water

2TB cooking oil

4 teaspoons cream of tartar (optional)

a few drops of food coloring (optional)

Extend the conversation...

download the workbook

Join us again next First Friday...

we're headed outdoors!!

Your Life as a Flameless Candle

We use flameless candles in places

we fear real fire may be a threat...

(we want)

the ambience

the look

the illusion

without any of the assumed risks

(and similarly)

we live our lives in the same manner

we lay low

stay calm

keep quiet

because we do not

wish to start fires

with our words

with our passion

with our lives

But what if a fire is exactly

what we need right now?

a spark

a flicker

a flame

to ignite these dry places

causing them to catch ablaze

Fire brings...

warmth

light

fueled passion

renewed purpose

It transforms...

raw

dead

flesh

into roasted feasts

fit for kings

But we fear it's real power

because we're observant

we've seen it left

unmanaged

unattended

and watched

it quickly turn

becoming wild 

and incontrollable

so...

instead of allowing the

real flame of the Spirit

to ignite, burn down,

consume and destroy

 

all of the chaff

we continue living our lives as illusionist

battery-operated flameless candles

with no full purpose

First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (Shades of Black)

In 1976

Black History Month

was extended to include

a full month of recognition

(but the month of February) 

should not be the only time when Black history, 

culture, and contribution is noted and celebrated

It should be celebrated daily!

Use this time to start (or extend)

the timely conversation

Cultural Diversity, 

Appreciation, and Positive Self Image

should be reinforced

w/ ALL children DAILY

First Fridays- 

A Story. A Song. An Activity

Virtual Storytime

A Story...

A Song...

"Celebration" /Kool and the Gang

Voices for Change/Songs Around the World

An Activity...

"I am Black. I am Unique."

Find your shade?

visit www.crayola.com

(to learn about tones and undertones)

How to Respond to Trouble

We find many ways to express it...

Have designed many ways to say...

Nope

Nah
Unh-Unh

I'm good

I'll pass

No thanks

So when you need to use voice

when trouble comes your way

just smile

and respond

with a kind, yet firm

No, thank you

Not today

(sharing here today)

4th Grade Field Trip Rewind... back when WE stormed the Capitol

It is ironic

that this month's 

vacation rewind

is a field trip 

from our daughter's 

fourth grade class visit

to our State Capitol

to

learn
understand

witness

the 

history and democracy 

of our State Govt.

----------------------------------

Fourth grade curriculum
focuses on State History

(so this trip is intended/intentioned to provide

in-person experiences to reinforce that learning) 

Day 1-

Our trip began early morning 

(coffee in hand) 

as we boarded the motor coach

American Christian Tours

www.acts-tours.com

for a 3-day all inclusive

journey upstate to explore

California's rich heritage

through the context of 

history and culture

first stop...

Hilmar Cheese Factory

Take a virtual tour

www.hilmarcheese.com

We stopped for a lesson, and the kids even had 

time to make and taste fresh vanilla ice cream!

Day 2-

California State Capitol Building

a private tour of the Capitol Grounds and

the opportunity to "hear a motion" on the floor

(We stood beneath the dome and sang for a

true sense of the power held within this space)

The sound of children singing

together in harmony is priceless...

California State Railroad Museum

Visit the website

for digital exhibits, weekly story time and

activities, or to become a Junior Engineer

Day 3-

Indian Museum

Exhibits highlighting the Native people of CA,

 indigenous culture, and historical artifacts

Sutter's Fort

We arrived just in time for the private guided tour to 

meet the blacksmith, and re-enactors in period costume

Hand-churned butter anyone?

Our final stop...

Panning for Gold

a "Gold Rush" experience 

inviting the children to remove their shoes 

and wade through the American River to search

(while learning) to distinguish rocks from gold

Gold was discovered in Coloma on January 24, 1848

Always remember Baby girl, 

that the true treasure you seek

...is within!

Travel experiences bring learning to life
for adults and children of every age

(find more Family Adventures here)

There's Only One Who Can Fix It

 All it takes is one...

one storm

one attack

one quake

one thought
one action
one mistake

One God

who can fix this

fix them

fix us

we are fragile

we are frail

we are dust

and God knows.

So with...

one petition

one prayer

one praise

He lifts us

shows us

reminds us

that all it takes is...

one moment

one person

one day

to change your life forever

(sharing here today)

First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (Stone Soup)

There is a lot going on these days...

but in these moments

we find clarity

opportunities 

to amplify our voices

dismantle the foundation of hatred and corruption

and rebuild something real for the next generation

It is our responsibility to have

these necessary conversations

Introducing... 

First Fridays- 

A Story. A Song. An Activity

Virtual Storytime

Use this story to start (or continue) the timely 

conversation on Sharing, Togetherness, 

Hospitality, and Community Wealth

A Story...

A Song...

"In Trinidad" by Ella Jenkins

www.ellajenkins.com

An Activity...

"We shall never go hungry now that we 

know how to make soup from stones"