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

Three years ago

we birthed something to...

introduce stories

spark creativity

and

initiate conversations

between children and their

friends, parents or caregivers

Join us in celebrating 100 episodes!!

First Fridays-

A Story. A Song. An Activity

Virtual Storytime

A Story

Themes:

The Power of Embracing Creative Expression

"Just make a mark and

see where it takes you"

A Song

These song lyrics will inspire you to

"make a mark and see what happens"

while reminding you that...

to make it matter,

all you gotta do is start

An Activity

A red dot.

A purple dot.

A yellow dot.

A blue dot.

Lots of many dots in many colors...

This simple paint dotter activity is all about embracing creative expression

with the use of simple materials, exploration, and the power of imagination.

What would you do if fear

no longer stood in your way?

Unsubscribing from Hustle Culture

I didn't realize that unsubscribing 

from the hustle culture mindset

and becoming an advocate for...

using what you have,

slowing down, and

honoring your personal rhythm

would actually be this exhausting!!

I mean, really

It all sounds so simple

challenge your mindset

change your routine

and stop

trying to do "all of the things"

(with only a "some of the things"

amount of time and resources)

simple.

logical.

straight forward.

and yet.

After two years of

"preaching to the choir"

I often still

find myself...

hands too full

heart racing

mind unsettled

holding things

I've been handed

along the way

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

This week's "unsubscribing" included...

@Moonlight Bath Treats

(enjoy the class, the product, and the experience)

Hand Whipped Body Butter

Library Books and Saunas

Adult Coloring

Sipping Green tea

and 

slow start mornings w/

candlelight and records

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

And the truth of the matter

is that although these 

self-care moments may serve us

they will not save us

as it will also require...

repentance

recommitment

conversion 

(and conversing)

with...

daily renewed focus

and determination

to push back against

oppressive capitalistic systems

designed to keep us from true living

It is an entire mindset

and if we are ever to succeed in our attempt

to unsubscribe from hustle culture

we must not only set the boundary

we must be the boundary

What is God's purpose for your life?

How will you unsubscribe from hustle culture?

First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (I Love My Hair!)

It has been a journey for sure...

(longer for some of us than for others)

but we are finally here 

ready

to playfully 

explore

celebrate

and share 

the many reasons we LOVE our hair!!

First Fridays-
A Story. A Song. An Activity

Virtual Storytime

 A Story

Themes:

Hair Love and Self Expression-

Celebrating the Unique Ways
We Style and Wear Our Hair

A Song

Afro, curly, cornrows, straight...

Celebrate through song, as we uncover the beauty found
in the variety of ways we love to style and wear our hair

An Activity

"Out of this World:
Silhouette Hair/ Head Portraits

Trace their outline to create silhouette portraits that

remind children their hair (and/or head shape) is unique,

worthy of celebration, and simply out of this world!

 

You will need:

Pencil and paper, a flashlight (or camera),
white paper, black construction paper,

liquid watercolor, glue, and scissors

First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (Yesterday I Had the Blues)

 "First Fridays"

was created

as a tool to connect with

teachers, children, and families

to

provoke thought

initiate conversations

support learning

because

as Early Childhood Educators

our goal is not 

to teach children what to think,

but to teach them how to think

So, this month we used the story, the song, and the activity

to reinforce the idea of using color to describe our moods

First Fridays-

A Story. A Song. An Activity

Virtual Storytime

A Story

Theme: Embracing a Positive Growth Mindset

Moods change from day to day, and you never know what

tomorrow will bring.  But one thing's for sure: when you've

got love around you, the blues won't stick around long...

A Song

Children will enjoy this song

celebrating the "Colors of the World"

Dance, clap, sing along, and watch your mood improve!

(link disabled- watch on YouTube)

An Activity

You will need:

Paint

Canvas

Squeegee

Provide time and a space for children to explore and discover how easy

it is to create a masterpiece using simple materials with controlled effort

"Every child is an artist..."

-Pablo Picasso

How to Guard Your Personal Energy and Why it is Important

We are social creatures by nature

interaction

relationship

human connection

the foundation 

of our initial human development

(think babies and how we are wired to get our needs met)

and even as...

learning

growing

maturing

adults

we are still using behavior and the power

of human connection to get our needs met

which can be exhausting

both...

meeting needs and 

getting needs met

and so one of the things we've

explored during our pandemic pause

(and subsequent Wellness Series)

is the importance of guarding one's personal energy 

When given more thought, we may find there are

three possible outcomes from every human interaction

1. You give more than you receive... 

(you feel _______ )

2. You receive more than you give...

(you feel _______ )

3. You receive as much as you give... 

(you feel _______ )

(and within each of these three possible outcomes)

the variables

content

(the what)

context

(the why)

continuum

(the where)

contribute 

to how we feel

(refreshed, replenished, satisfied, shamed, drained, etc)

and how we proceed

which is the purpose of this post today...

developing a deeper understanding of ourselves, how

we show up, the ways we attempt to get our needs met, 

AND...

how we respond to others attempting to get their needs met

It all matters.

So perhaps you may also choose to begin by stopping to

pause, consider and identify the wellness path that works for you

Here is what I have so far...

Guard your personal energy

1. Set clear and realistic boundaries

2. Honor your own personal rhythm

3. Show grace (to yourself as well as others)

How do you guard your personal energy?

First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (Black is a Rainbow Color)

 Red is a rainbow color

Green sits next to blue
Yellow, orange, violet, indigo
they are rainbow colors too

But...

My color is Black!

First Fridays-

A Story. A Song. An Activity

Virtual Storytime

Theme:

Celebrating Black- 

The Color. The Community. The Culture.

A Story

A Song

Introduce children to this classic anthem that

serves to acknowledge, honor, and celebrate

the beauty and brilliance of Black Culture

To Be Young, Gifted, and Black

Nina Simone

An Activity

"Black is a Rainbow Color Art"

Black Glue and Watercolor

Allow time and space in order to maximize

children's experiences with this extended activity...

You will need:

Black Glue

White Paper

Paint Brushes

Liquid Watercolor

*Activity Hack*

Purchase black glue or mix up your own

by using clear glue and black paint

How Honoring Your Rhythm Supports Wellness

Everyone has a personal rhythm...

but for YEARS

I wrestled with that reality

as life has a way of 

constantly

consistently

conditioning

us to align ourselves to the

personal rhythm of others

fast

hurried

busy

But I am learning that you cannot thrive

when you are operating outside of the way

that God designed for YOU to operate

We are different for a reason.

Read that again.

We are different for a reason.

I read. I teach. I sing.

because those are the ways in which

God chooses to use me

AND...

my personal rhythm demands 

that I do those things in a slower 

more intentional kind of way.

I need time to process at my own pace

AND...

when I dishonor that

I dishonor myself. I dishonor you. I dishonor God.

Read that again.

We are different for a reason.

One plants. One waters. God gives the increase.

So instead of getting pulled out of your personal rhythm...

Honor it. Note it. Celebrate it.

And create a list of affirmatives

to support you as needed.  

Here are mine.

I am intentional with the time and resources God provides

I am in tune with my Spiritual gifts

I am where God has placed me for this moment

I follow the leading of the Holy Spirit

My ear is attuned for guidance

My heart is open to correction

I am willing to learn and grow
I am complete and at peace with God here in this moment
I will not allow myself to be pulled out of my personal rhythm
I will not be rushed by fear, threat, or anxiety

I will communicate my boundaries calmly and clearly

I will leave space for grace

I am intentional with the time and resources God provides

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

The Cost of Interrupted Work

UC Irvine's empirical study showed 

it can take over 20 minutes to

recalibrate after an interruption

read THAT again...

then give yourself permission

to say no, 

to go slow, 

to honor 

your personal rhythm

in support 

of your personal wellness

(click here to follow our Wellness series)

First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (What the Road Said)

 How do I begin?

Which way do I go?

Where does the path lead?

Life is full of questions and answers

and sometimes...

we want to know exactly

where the road will lead

but...

we must each learn to 

create and follow

our own unique path 

taking 

one day 

one step 

at a time

as each new day

presents

a new opportunity

to 

"Be a leader and find out"

First Fridays-

A Story. A Song. An Activity

Virtual Storytime

Theme: Creating and Following Your Own Path

A Story

A Song

"Don't you carry nothin'

that might be a load"...

The Wiz | Ease on Down the Road

Universal Pictures

Turn up the music and dance along with this playful, 

upbeat reminder to keep moving forward as you learn to

take one step at a time, stay on the path of your choice, 

and...

ease on down the road!

An Activity

Sidewalk Chalk

STREET ART

Grab your sidewalk chalk and head outdoors

to create a group chalk mural as children

design, draw, and learn to follow their own path

*Sensory Hack*

Cover the chalk with painter's tape or provide a chalk holder

to children who find the sensory feel of chalk off-putting

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

AND...

I am so excited to announce our new partnership
with the Main Branch of the Inglewood Public Library

Look for our "First Fridays" book display, scan the QR code,

and snap a selfie for an opportunity to win special prizes!!