First Friday: A Story. A Song. An Activity.
February 2022: “A Place Inside Of Me”
To kick-off our Black History Month celebration we’re sharing a story that provides an opportunity to come together, give voice to feelings, and heal. Create a safe space within your home and/or child care environment to initiate healing conversations with children and families. A Place Inside of Me- A Poem to Heal the Heart models how to use creative expression as an outlet for everything we may be feeling. Joy, Fear, Sorrow, Anger, Compassion, Healing… and Hope! Children, parents, and providers all welcome.
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January 2022: “Your Name is a Song”
As we enter a new year, we share a story of a young girl’s frustration at the constant mispronunciation of her beautiful name. The story comes to life as the girl and her mother explore the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home. Your Name is a Song is a celebration to remind each of us about the beauty, history, and magic behind names. Children, parents, and providers all welcome.
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December 2021: “Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes”
As we share our final reading for 2021, we are excited that it is BOTH a Story and a Song!! Read (and sing) along with us as we follow Pete the Cat on his journey while walking in his brand new white shoes. Our hope for all of you is that no matter what the new year brings, you will just keep walking and singing your song. Children, parents, and providers all welcome.
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November 2021: “We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga”
Otsaliheliga (pronounced oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is a Cherokee word used to express gratitude. This month’s reading of “We Are Grateful- Otsaliheliga” reminds us to celebrate blessings and reflect on struggles- all year long.
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October 2021: “Rosie Revere, Engineer”
“Rosie Revere, Engineer” is a beautifully-illustrated tale of a girl and her dream to become a great engineer. Where some people see rubbish, Rosie Revere sees inspiration. After our story reading, join us for a special song and a hands-on children’s learning activity.
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September 2021: “The Best Mariachi in the World”
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month we will be reading “the Best Mariachi in the World” by J.D. Smith. Then, after the story reading, join us for a special song and a hands-on children’s learning activity. Children, parents, and providers all welcome!
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August 2021: “The Kissing Hand”
The Kissing Hand is an American children’s picture book written by Audrey Penn and illustrated by Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak. It features a mother raccoon comforting a child raccoon by kissing its paw.
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July 2021: “Goodnight Moon”
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Clement Hurd is a wonderful short story about a little bunny getting ready for bed and saying good night to all the things that surround him. This is a favorite bedtime story for children! Enjoy!
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June 2021: “The Little Red Hen and the Grains of Wheat”
The little red hen finds some grains of wheat but when she asks the cat, the dog, and the goose to help her plant them, they say they are far too busy. When the little red hen has grown the wheat, harvested it, turned it into flour and baked the bread, will she let them help her eat it?
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May 2021: “Not Norman”
With wry humor and lighthearted affection, author Kelly Bennett and illustrator Noah Z. Jones tell an unexpected—and positively fishy—tale about finding the good in something you didn’t know you wanted.
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