SFLC Playgroups / Parent Support Groups Activities & Resources!
NEW! Virtual Fall Playgroups/ Parent Support Groups schedules
will be coming soon!
Anti-Bias / Anti-Racism
Early Learning is Crucial
They're not too young to talk about race- infographic
Somerville Public Schools Director of Early Education Lisa Kuh A message and resources
Maestros y familias, comuníquense y construyan los puentes que nos ayudarán a sanar. Lisa Kuh, Directora de Educación Temprana 6/17
Talking Race with Young Children. NPR Podcast
We Are All Alike...We Are All Different by The Cheltenham Elementary School Kindergartners
Starting the Conversation: Recorded Storytime and Follow-Up Questions/Activity
Books about difference can be a great way to start the conversation about race and inequality with your child. Follow your child’s lead and respond to the questions and thoughts they bring up. Depending on their age, here are some questions you might consider asking your child during or after the video:
- What makes you different from or the same as other people?
- What makes our family different from or the same as other families?
- Sometimes people are treated differently/badly because of their skin color/family structure/etc. [Discuss recent events as you deem appropriate.] Do you think that’s fair?
- What do you think we can do to help create a world that is fair?
In the context of your own family, share your own answers to these questions with your child (ex. “It makes me sad/angry/upset when people are treated differently/badly because of their skin color.”)
Emphasize what your family can do to help create a more fair world. (ex. “When we see people treating others unfairly, we can speak up” or “We will go to protests to use our voices and speak out for our/others’ rights.”)
Expect and encourage these conversations to continue beyond this one reading of the book.
Extended Activity: Provide materials for your child to create a self-portrait. Use “people colored” crayons or provide different colors of paint for your child to mix to create their skin color. Use yarn, colored tape, or other household items for the hair and face!
Why resistance must be part of any discussion of oppression. Lift Up the Freedom Fighters
WHCIS Students: We Shall Overcome
Black Lives Matter: Instructional Library
Beverly Daniel Tatum video (“Is My Skin Brown Because I Drank Chocolate Milk?”) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_TFaS3KW6s& 7/1
How To Talk About Race And Protests With Your Kids, Explained By A Child Psychologist | Here & Now 7/14
Did you catch the live Panel Discussion on Structural Racism with Rep. Ayanna Pressley, DA Rachael Rollins, Mayor Joe Curtatone and other community leaders?
You can watch it now at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMlcU6IY1wM
Looking for more resources on talking about racism and activism with kids of all ages? Visit https://somerville.k12.ma.us/talking-about-racism
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New Parent Support Group! Fridays 1:00-2:30pm via Zoom
Caring for a new baby is challenging in the best of times. With the incredible confusion of the COVID-19 virus affecting everyone, many new parents are juggling even more stress than is usual. Connecting with other parents is important whenever people become parents. Now, many people feel like it is imperative. Talking with others who are going through similar experiences, and hearing specific ideas to solve problems can feel wonderful.
As one participant said " This group lets us enjoy parenting the way we always dreamed about!"
Join us for our FREE New Parents Support Group every Friday 1:00-2:30pm via Zoom!
Open to all expecting parents and parents with babies from Birth - 15 months old.
Facilitated by Amy Bamforth, MS (ED.), LICSW, Early Childhood Specialist at the SFLC.
Please email sfn@k12.somerville.ma.us for the link to join us!
In This Together: A free on-line support group for parents of young children
Who: People who have young children and would like to connect with other parents, share ideas, frustrations, resources and more about work-life balance, especially in these chaotic, confusing times with COVID-19 stress.
What: A 90 minute ZOOM group meeting with facilitation by Amy Bamforth (from the Somerville Family Learning Collaborative)
When: Weekly on Thursdays from 1:15-2:45 p.m.
Where: On line. Please email sfn@k12.somerville.ma.us for the link to join us!
ASQ Developmental Screening
While you're home, learn more about your child's development with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ)! If your child is between 2 months and 5 years old, you can complete the ASQ-3 (general screening) and/or the ASQ:SE-2 (social-emotional screening). Once completed, you will hear back from an SFLC staff member with the results, along with activities you can do to continue supporting your child's development.
Click below to complete the screening(s):
English: https://www.asqonline.com/family/4da2f1
Español: https://www.asqonline.com/family/4ba1af
If you have any questions, please feel free to email sfn@k12.somerville.ma.us or call us at (617) 684-5316.
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Facebook Live: Summer Fun!
Join us for the following programming live or watch when it works for you and your family!
Thursdays 3pm: Summer Fun Activity Time with Becca! www.facebook.com/SFLCplaygroups
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At Home Activities
Learning, Playing, and Helping at Home: A message to families
Infants (Birth - 15 months)
Toddlers (15 months - 3 years)
Preschoolers (3 - 5 years)
Infantes (Recién nacidos - 15 meses)
Niños Pequeños (15 meses - 3 años)
Preescolares (3-5 años)
Bebês (Do Nascimento aos 15 meses)
Crianças de (15 meses a 3 anos de idade)
Crianças em idade (pré-escolar de 3 a 5 anos)
Tibebe (Nesans - 15 mwa)
Timoun piti (15 mwa. - 3 zan)
Preskolè (3-5 an.)
शिशुहरू (जन्म - १५ महिना)
बच्चाहरु (१५ महिना- ३ वर्ष)
प्रिस्कूलर्स ( ३ वर्ष- ५ वर्ष)
- www.somervilleearlyed.com
- https://somervillehub.org/family-resources/support-families-during-coronavirus
- https://www.mass.gov/lists/early-childhood-education-resources-for-families
- https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome/grades-prek-k.html
- City Scavenger Hunt (Young Children)
- City Scavenger Hunt (Readers)
- Action for Healthy Kids: Game on Activity Library
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Social Stories
Gabi Says, “I’m Confused!” No School, No Friends! A Story about Social Distancing By Amy Bamforth ~ Illustrations by Janet Lane
Gabi Disse, “Eu estou confusa!” Sem escola, sem amigos! Uma história sobre distanciamento social By Amy Bamforth ~
Illustrations by Janet Lane Translation by Maria Holz & Fernanda Villar (Portuguese)
贝贝说,“我很苦恼!” 没有学校,没有朋友! 一个关于社交隔离的故事 作者 Amy Bamforth 绘者 JanetLane Chewlee Lim
貝貝說,“我很苦惱!” 沒有學校,沒有朋友! 一個關於社交隔離的故事 作者 Amy Bamforth 繪者 JanetLane Chewlee Lim
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We are Wearing Masks Written by Meredith Polsky
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Ronan is Confused By Amy Bamforth. Illustrated by Janet Lane
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What Nathan & His Friends Can Do A Social Story about Staying Healthy By Amy Bamforth MS(ED.) LICSW
Lo que Nathan y sus amigos Pueden hacer
O que o Nathan & seus Amigos Podem Fazer
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Noah Henry by Deana Sobel Lederman
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Corona Virus Story
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Music
Matt Heaton sing-a-longs, daily @ 10 am via FB live songs for Cooped-up kids #2
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Social/Emotional Spotlight
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Las comidas con niños pequeños
Refeições com crianças pequenas
स-साना बालबाललकाहरू संग खाना खानेसमय
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“Serve and Return” Interactions
Interacciones "Servir y Devolver"
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The Brain-Changing Power of Conversation
El Poder de la Conversación que Modifica el Cerebro
O Poder da Conversa que Muda o Cérebro
कु राकानीको मस्तिष्क-पररवर्तन गने शस्ति
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Early Childhood Mental Health: Facts and Resources
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Responding to Challenging Behavior
Respondiendo a comportamientos desafiantes
Respondendo a comportamentos desafiadores
चुनौतीपूर्णव्यवहार प्रततको प्रतततिया
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GUIDANCE FOR SUPPORTING YOUNG CHILDREN THROUGH COVID-19
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Responding to Children's Feelings
Respondiendo a los Sentimientos de los Niños
Respondendo aos sentimentos das crianças
बालबाललकाहरूको भावनाहरूमा प्रलिलिया लदिंद
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Playing with Young Children
Jugando con niños pequeños
Brincando com crianças pequenas
साना बालबाललकाहरूसँग खेल्दै
More resources to come! Please continue to check in!
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How to Register
You can register in one of the following ways:
- Download registration form to your computer, fill out on the computer, save it and email as an attachment to sfn@k12.somerville.ma.us or
- Call 617-625-6600 x6990
- Drop-In Playgroups require no registration.
We look forward to registering you and your family for the Fall Playgroups!
Playgroups Locations
SFLC Center at the Cummings School ~ 42 Prescott Street, Somerville MA 02143 (Enter through the double doors in the parking lot on 93 School Street)
Capuano Early Childhood Center ~ 150 Glen Street, Somerville MA 02145 (Enter through the front entrance by ringing the bell and then please sign in at the front office on the left)
About our Playgroups & Support Groups
Playgroups are a place to meet other parents and caregivers with infants, toddlers and preschool children in a language-rich environment. Each week, participants experience literacy support through play, conversation, singing and sharing books.
- Playgroups are open to all Somerville families with children birth to 5 years.
- Families may register for one playgroup plus attend Drop-In Groups.
- Two sessions per year are offered in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Nepalese.
Groups at the SFLC Center at the Cummings School -- 42 Prescott Street, Somerville MA 02143
Discover & Learn Playgroups offer distinct areas of the room engaging babies to 5 year olds. There are a variety of experiences that support the development of children's literacy, math, science, music, art and social-emotional skills! The space also provides an area of the room where children can develop their large motor skills! (Double Doors in parking lot on 93 School Street).
Language-Specific Groups offer families all the components of a Discover & Learn playgroup run in their native language! (Double Doors in parking lot on 93 School Street).
Wondering Together 1 Support Group includes playtime for children 1 year old and adults together, plus a facilitated adult discussion time to explore toddlers' learning and development.Toddlers play in a supervised learning environment and practice separating from their caregviers. Adult group time is held in the same room. Conversation topics will be generated both by particpants and facilitators. (Double Doors in parking lot on 93 School Street).
New Parents Drop-In Support Group (Prenatal - 12 months) Fridays, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m The Somerville New Parents Group is open to all expecting parents and parents with babies from birth - 12 months old. It is a drop-in support group where families can make connections with each other, find resources and share ideas and supports. (Double Doors in parking lot on 93 School Street).
SomerBaby Welcome Bag
SomerBaby is a FREE and voluntary community program to welcome new babies to Somerville!. Each SomerBaby family receives a home visit, support, resources & a Welcome Baby Bag filled with information, a book and blanket for baby and much much more! For more information or to make an appointment for a visit email Flor Apolaya or call her at 617-625-6600 x6702.
Groups at the Capuano Early Childhood Center -- 150 Glen Street, Somerville MA 02145
Preschool Playgroups
Create & Learn Playgroups