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"!!