The Ballet School in Savannah offers classes for every age from “Tippy Toes” thru Adults.

This spacious, elegant studio in Piccadilly Square on Savannah’s Southside also has the largest ADULT and BOYS Program in the area.

Registration for Fall classes is under way. The Ballet School specializes in Classical Ballet & Traditional Character Dance. Pilates Barre Fusion, Tap, Jazz are also offered. To register, call 912.925.0903 or email theballetschool@comcast.net . Learn more here.

Special programs

Homeschool
More HOMESCHOOL classes are being created

“Mommy & Me”
8-week course Mommy & Me classes will begin Sept.9th. This fills quickly, don’t miss out

Boys’ program
Focuses on the aspects of training that are specific for the male dancer. While many of the technical requirements in ballet are the same among boys & girls, there are also those that are different for a male dancer, particularly athleticism. Classes will include strength training, injury prevention, anatomy and Pilates, Dance History & French terminology.
No dance experience required.
Details here.

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Early Dance Classes For Ages 2-5
Mommy and Me
“almost” 2-3 yrs
An eight-week program that is designed as an introduction to music and movement for the young, while accompanied by an adult. This morning class is filled with energy and full of fun for everyone.

Creative Movement 1
3 yrs
Creative Movement 1 expands a child’s creativity and coordination using music and dance in an enthusiatic environment, while maintaing structure and discipline. Our little ballerinas and danseurs attend this program one day per week.

Creative Movement 2
4 yrs
Creative Movement 2 cirriculum introduces children to primary steps, rhythm, and flexibility. This class also begins to introduce the French terminology used in Ballet.
This age group is able to participate in “Tiny Tap.”

Primary
5 yrs
This is the final level of the Children’s This class helps with body awareness, confidence, and positioning. This class prepares the young dancer for the upcoming years of technique and study.

Tiny Tap
4 yrs
Introduction to basic tap steps.

Details on all of the above here.

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Young Dancer for ages 5 & older

Ballet Preparatory Levels
Levels 1A – 3B
This is a crucial age for technical training.
Emphasis is on discipline, French terminology, correct positioning, musicality, flexibility, and strength. Standard barre and center work will be structured. Students at this level should be taking class twice a week.

Youth/Junior Jazz

Youth/Junior Tap

Youth and Junior Character Dance
Character dance is integral to much of classical ballet repertoire. It is the stylized representation of a traditional folk or national dance, normally from a European country and uses movements and dance which have been adapted for the theatre.

Details on all of the above here. 

The Ballet School, 10010 Abercorn Street, Suite 8, Piccadilly Square, Savannah, 31406 (912)925-0903, email theballetschool@comcast.net, www.theballetschoolsav.com  On Facebook here.  The Ballet School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

All kids growing up in the Savannah/Lowcountry area need to experience at least one shark tooth & fossil hunt with Beaufort’s famed Shark Tooth Fairy in Port Poyal, near Beaufort, S.C.

The Shark Tooth Fairy, Mike Harris, regularly invites kids to come to The Sands beach in Port Royal to look for shark teeth, Megalodon teeth and other fossilized finds. These kid-friendly hunts are held every couple of months throughout the year.

The next one is 11 AM Oct. 11. Free for kids 12 & younger. $5 for kids 13 & older. 

The Shark Tooth Fairy  spreads out over 100 pounds of shark teeth over the beach before kids arrive. Info on The Sands in Port Royal, S.C. near Beaufort here.

Read about The Shark Tooth Fairy & the public shark-tooth beach hunts by clicking here.

These beach hunts typically happen rain or shine. But stay updated about this Oct. 11 hunt & other future ones by ‘liking” the Shark Tooth Fairy & his pup Captain Morgan on Facebook here. 

(Make a day of it and pair your visit with a trip to the lighthouse at Hunting Island near Beaufort.  Info on Hunting Island here.)

FOR MORE FREE LOCAL KIDS’ EVENTS, VISIT OUR FREEBIES PAGE HERE. 

Fall Drawing and Painting Classes at the Studio School in Savannah
Fall session runs September 15 through November 20 2014
Sign up now for multi-level drawing and painting classes for youth and adults taught by local artist, Melinda Borysevicz.

Stay connected by liking the Studio School on Facebook here. 

Class choices include:

Youth Drawing & Painting/Portfolio Prep (ages 11 & up),
Mondays and Thursdays 3:30-6pm

Adult Drawing and Painting
Thursdays 9:30-12
**Mentoring option available for this session. Bring your own projects and receive feedback and guidance as you work!

6-week Saturday Painting Intensive, Oct. 11-Nov 15 (ages 15 & up)
Saturdays 1:30- 4pm

6-week Portrait Painting, Oct. 14- Nov. 18 (ages 15 & up)
Tuesdays, 6- 8:30pm

5-week Figure Drawing (ages 16 & up)
Wednesdays 6-8:30pm, taught by guest instructor Karen Bradley.

More details here. 

The Studio School, 1319 Bull Street, Suite B Savannah, 31401, tel. (912) 484-6415, email melinda@thestudioschoolsavannah.com , http://thestudioschoolsavannah.com/home.html, The Studio School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Telfair Museums in Savannah has two fun & educational programs for young children – babies, toddlers & preschoolers – to visit the museum, learn and make art together.

Stroller Tours Stroller Tours 3rd Thursday of Every Month
9:30-10:15am
Telfair Museums is excited to introduce its newest program for the stroller set! Join Telfair Museums for a monthly gathering where parents & caregivers can enjoy a morning at the museum while also engaging infants with art. Babies thrive on dynamic environments, so each month we’ll explore a different set of artwork. There will be touchable toys for the little ones, adult conversation for you & like-minded art lovers. Finish your visit with a leisurely talk over complimentary coffee & tea in Telfair Museum’s café. Strollers, crying & older siblings are all welcome here.

November 20 – Peeking at Portraits
Get to know the people in our paintings in the Telfair Academy.

December 18 – Color/Contrast
Discover different ways colors are combined in abstract and representational works in Savannah Collects.

Infants from 2-18 months and adults welcome. Included with museum admission; free to members. Ten spaces are available.

CLICK HERE TO PRE-REGISTER or contact Glenna Barlow at 912.790.8821.

Telfair Tots 3rd Thursday of Every Month
10:30-11:30am
Start your day with art! Once a month preschoolers aged 2 ½ – 5 and their adult companions are invited to the museum for story time, a special tour, and an art activity. Younger siblings are welcome to tag along. Come play and learn with us!

November 20 – Magic Touch
Art can be made out of all sorts of things – silver, plastic, wood, and so much more. Explore an eclectic mix of artwork in Savannah Collects and activate your sense of touch. Then use your own hands to create multi-media sculptures.

December 18 – Silver and Gold
These shiny metals aren’t just for jewelry. Take a walk with us to explore the various metals and materials used in sculptures around the museum. Then you‘ll create your own modified brass rubbings in silver and gold.

Activity fee is $5 per participating child; regular museum admission for caregivers. Adult members are always free.

CLICK HERE TO PRE-REGISTER or contact Glenna Barlow at 912.790.8821.

The two above new programs are in addition to other kids’ programs currently offered by Telfair Museums in Savannah including WCWM (What Can We Make?) & FREE Family Days offered one Saturday a month. Details here. 

Jepson Center, 207 W York St. Savannah, 31401 , http://telfair.org/learn/family-programs Telfair Museums is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

FOR MORE MOMMY & ME ACTIVITIES IN SAVANNAH & THE LOWCOUNTRY, CLICK HERE. 

Savannah School of Folk Music is offering beginner group guitar classes starting Monday, September 8 2014!

Classes are available for kids 6-12 and adults/teenagers 13 and up. Group classes are designed to be fun and relaxing and are perfect for students who want to play with others.

Savannah School of Folk Music takes the traditional approach of playing by ear and teaching only theory that is immediately useful for the student.

Private lessons are available now and are being offered for guitar, bass, banjo, ukulele and mandolin.

Visit SavannahSchoolofFolkMusic.org for pricing/scheduling information. Email SavannahSchoolofFolkMusic@gmail.com  for any additional questions.

Savannah School of Folk Music, 2421 Waters Ave, Savannah, 31404 (one block from Daffin Park) Email SavannahSchoolofFolkMusic@gmail.com to sign up for a class or schedule a lesson, www.savannahschooloffolkmusic.org Savannah School of Folk Music is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Don’t miss the FREE late summer family stargazing event @ Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens (formerly called The Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens ) in Savannah: Gazing in the Garden!

The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens in conjunction with the Oglethorpe Astronomical Association invite you to a night of stargazing in the Garden Saturday Aug. 30 8-10 PM. Telescopes will be set up for observation, but you are welcome to bring your own. Free & open to the public.

Before the star-gazing, you’re also invited to a free showing of a classic science-fiction film “The Day of the Triffids” starting at 7:30 in the Annex educational building. Be prepared for less-than-ideal acting and effects in the movie, but know telescope views of the rising moon and stars await you on the Great Lawn.

Once the sun sets, join the group on the Great Lawn to gaze upward with the help of telescopes set up by the Association.  Feel free to bring food, lawn chairs. Alcoholic beverages, pets and tobacco products are prohibited

Free and open to the public. This is a great family event! More details here.

Here’s a list of children’s books on astronomy:

“Night Sky Atlas” by Robin Seagell
“Astronomy” by Kristen Lippincott
“Black Holes & Other Space Oddities” by Alex Barnett
“Space” by Simon Holland
“The Solar System: An A-Z Guide” by Christina Wilsdon
“Cosmic Light Shows” by Bobbie Kalman & April Fast
“Find the Constellations” by H.A. Rey
“The Stars: A New Way to See Them” by H.A. Rey

Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens (Formerly The Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens), 2 Canebrake Road, Savannah, GA. 31419. Please enter the gate on US Hwy. 17. Please call 912-921-5460 for information, http://bamboo.caes.uga.edu/, On Facebook here

(Note: “Night Skies – Telescopes at the Tybee Pier and Pavilion” are hosted on the second Friday of each month by the Oglethorpe Astronomical Association at sunset. View the night sky through high-powered telescopes, weather permitting. Free. (912) 401-8634 or e-mail oaadir@kwbell.net.)

Give your star a chance to shine.

Coastal Performing Arts Academy offers dance classes in Pooler & Springfield.

Specializing in preschool dance curriculum, competition/performance companies and competitive hip hop crews. Classes offered for ages 2.5 & older. Call 912.656.1744.

Pooler: Click here for the Pooler Fall 2014 Schedule.

Springfield: Click here for the Springfield 2014 Fall Schedule.

Sign up for fall classes for Pooler and Springfield at Pooler Studio.

Coastal Performing Arts Academy, 107 Grand Central Blvd, Suite 202/203, The Shops at Godley Station, Pooler, 31322 tel: (912) 988-1521 email coastalperformingartsacademy@yahoo.com, www.coastalperformingartsacademy.com/ Coastal Performing Arts Academy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

We often hear from Pooler parents who are upset that Pooler doesn’t have many organized activities for younger kids.

Which is why we’re thrilled to tell you that Savannah Yoga Center‘s new Pooler studio will start Baby & Me Yoga on Sept. 2.

Baby & Me Yoga classes in Pooler will be at 10am on Tuesdays starting Sept. 2
Age: precrawlers.
Instructor: Ann Carroll a Certified Labor Doula, Certified HypnoBirthing Teacher, and registered E-500 Registered Yoga Teacher with a special designation for pre and post natal yoga. She is honored to guide women during this empowered time of their life.

Savannah Yoga Center’s Savannah location already has two Baby and Me Yoga classes on Monday mornings: Toddlers & Me Yoga is 10-11:15 AM; Infant & Me (pre-crawlers) Yoga is 11:30 AM-12:45 PM

Parent & Me Yoga Classes Mondays – Savannah

10 AM-11:15AM Toddlers & Me Yoga
11:30 AM-12:45PM Infant & Me (Pre-Crawlers)

Pregnancy Yoga-Savannah

Pregnancy Yoga Rolling Series (start anytime!)
Savannah, 6-7:15pm Thursdays Pregnancy Yoga Series (sign up online) Details here.

Pregnancy Yoga Workshops
Pooler Saturday 1-3 PM. Details here.
Sept. 20
Nov. 1

Details, Pricing & Registration for all of the above classes: www.savannahyoga.com (912) 232-2994

Savannah Yoga Center in Savannah & Pooler, 1319 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401 & 111 Canal St. #101, Pooler, GA 31322
Email info@savannahyoga.com (912) 232-2994, email savannahyoga@gmail.com , www.savannahyoga.com Savannah Yoga Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Bring the kids to celebrate Science, Engineering, Technology and Math at Georgia Southern University at STEM Festival 2014

This FREE fun-filled community event will be Sept. 20, 2014
10 AM – 4 PM

Nessmith-Lane Building
*847 Plant Drive on the Georgia Southern Campus

50+ Exploration stations will provide hands-on activities for children young and old. Activities appropriate for elementary, middle and high school will be available.

STEM Fest activities include:

See robotics in action
Learn how video games are created
Make ice-cream with liquid nitrogen
Blast off Alka-Seltzer rockets
Gaze at the stars in Georgia Southern’s Planetarium
Learn about Georgia Archaeology with the ArchaeoBus
Participate with NASA
Go on a mission with the Army
See competition awardees and their presentations
and much more

Free guest parking will be available in lot #32; bus parking available in lot C behind the Nessmith Lane building
Food will be available for purchase.

Institute for Interdisciplinary STEM Education, Georgia Southern University, (912) 478-2549, stem@georgiasouthern.edu

FOR MORE FREE KIDS’ EVENTS IN SAVANNAH & THE LOWCOUNTRY, CLICK HERE.

Astronomy Day & Gazing in the Garden @ Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, Savannah

Saturday, October 4, 2014
2 pm
Free & Open to the Public

The Savannah area’s own Oglethorpe Astronomical Association will be at Coastal Ga. Botanical Gardens in Savannah to excite you about the universe! As part of Astronomy Day, the Conference Center will become a portable planetarium. Visit a scale model of our solar system across the CGBG property. Find out how much you would weigh on Mars, and then see that change if you were living on Jupiter! Various kids activities will be taking place. Also take part in daytime sky-gazing!

For more information, call the office at (912) 921-5460.

Gazing in the Garden

Feel free to come back later that night for our popular quarterly event, “Gazing in the Garden.” Watch the 1950s classic sci-fi film followed by nighttime stargazing on the Great Lawn once the sun sets. This event also is free to the public. More about Gazing in the Garden here.

The daytime portion of the event begins at 2 PM. The evening session begins just after sunset: 7:15 pm. Of course, all observing is subject to having, at a minimum, partly clear skies.

Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens (Formerly The Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens), 2 Canebrake Road, Savannah, GA. 31419. Please enter the gate on US Hwy. 17. Please call 912-921-5460 for information, http://bamboo.caes.uga.edu/, On Facebook here

(Note: “Night Skies – Telescopes at the Tybee Pier and Pavilion” are hosted on the second Friday of each month by the Oglethorpe Astronomical Association at sunset. View the night sky through high-powered telescopes, weather permitting. Free. (912) 401-8634 or e-mail oaadir@kwbell.net.)

FOR MORE FREE LOCAL KIDS’ EVENTS, VISIT OUR FREEBIES PAGE HERE. 

Take your kids (ages 8 & older) to a live history lesson/true ghost story this October 2014. Savannah’s historic Davenport House presents “Dreadful Pestilence: Savannah’s Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1820.” More info here.

Friday and Saturday nights in October 2014
PROGRAM DATES: October 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 & 31
TIMES: 7:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.

ADMISSION: $15 in advance for adults, $10 in advance children (ages 8-17) and $17 for adults and $15 for children at the time of the performance
Reservations recommended. Limited attendance. Call: 912/236-8097

LENGTH OF PROGRAM: 60 minutes
Participants in the living history performance experience the story of yellow fever’s dreadful consequences which transformed the bustling seaport of Savannah into a ghost town. The action commences with a war of words between competing local newspapers on the fever’s outbreak and the municipal action that follows. Moving through the house and garden by candlelight, visitors observe the 19th century inhabitants as their thoughts turn to the contemplation of their own mortality and witness a doctor’s treatment of a fever victim. In an area seldom seen by visitors, the fate and experiences of the uncounted half to the city’s population, both free and enslaved Africans, are revealed. As a culmination each visitor will participate in a “Lottery of Life and Death.”

Not suitable for children younger than 8 years of age.

The performance requires that guests be able to walk up and down stairs and maneuver in the candlelit rooms.

Davenport House, 324 E State St, Savannah, 31401, (912) 236-8097, http://www.davenporthousemuseum.org/category/events/

FOR MORE SAVANNAH HALLOWEEN KIDS’ EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Soccer, art  & cartooning classes, pottery classes, youth orchestra, competitive cheer, theater classes – what will it be?

Find the after-school activity that your child will love on our after-school activities page.

Our SouthernMamas.com after-school activities page includes drawing & video game development classes @ Telfair’s Jepson Center; pottery classes @ Savannah’s Clay Spot; Star Wars Lego Art, Cartoon Drawing or Spooky Illustrations @ Scribble Art Studio; after-school theatre classes @ The Jewel Conservatory Theatre; competitive cheer @ Savannah Sharks gym; fall soccer with Savannah United: after-school childcare with bus transportation from certain schools with Childcare Network.

See your children’s after-school options here.

Star Wars Lego Art, Cartoon Drawing, Spooky Illustrations are just a few of the fall art classes offered for kids @ Scribble Art Studio in Savannah & Pooler.

Scribble has Classic Tales: Frozen class for ages 4 & older as well as Painting Basics, Portfolio Prep & Drawing Made Easy for the older kids & many more.

Scribble also offers Homeschool Art for ages 6 & older at both the Savannah & Pooler studios.

For the full schedule of classes & to register, click here. 

FOR MORE INFO, CLICK HERE.

Scribble Art Studio in Savannah & Pooler offers private & group art classes for kids, summer art camps, adult art parties & children’s birthday parties, both in the studio & at-home DIY art birthday kits. For gifts, Scribble has art kits & gift certificates. For more information, contact artist Carrie Christian at (912) 713-7376 or emailinfo@thescribbleartstudio.com  . Click here for more info. Scribble Art Studio is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Afterschool 6-week Clay Classes start at the beginning of September 2014 at one of our favorite local studios for kids – Savannah’s Clay Spot.

Preschool Age, Mondays, 4:30pm-5:30pm, Sept. 8-Oct.13
Kid’s with Clay, 6-10, 4:30-5:30pm, Sept. 7-Oct. 14
Parent and Child, 4:30-5:30pm, Sept. 8, Oct. 15
Teen Wheel Throwing, 4:30-5:30pm, Sept. 7-Oct. 9

New! Homeschool Clay Class
Elementary Age students, Fridays, 9:30am-11:30am, Sept. 5-Oct. 10

Register at www.savannahsclayspot.com
Contact: 912-509-4647 or email lisa@savannahsclayspot.com

“Like” Savannah’s Clay Spot on Facebook here to stay connected & to see the adorable creations kids make at this studio.

Savannah’s Clay Spot is at 1305 Barnard St., Savannah, 31401. The studio sits on the SW corner of Barnard and Henry Street with the front door facing Henry St. There is parking right in front of the studio facing Henry Street. Look for the fun red fence.

Savannah’s Clay Spot, www.savannahsclayspot.com, 1305 Barnard St., Savannah, 31401, tel. 912-509-4647 or e-mail lisa@savannahsclayspot.com

Join Kindermusik Savannah with 88 Keys Piano for their August play date at their brand new location! There are still a few spaces available for the Monday, August 25th play date at 10am- the theme is “YUM! Fabulous Food!” and it is open to ages 0-7.

Each participant receives a Kindermusik class, an instrument, 10 Kindermusik songs and a bonus gift at the end of class! Siblings are only $5.00. To enroll, visit our website at www.88keysga.com and click on the Kindermusik link. Or, call 912-988-KEYS (5397).

FREE demo classes: Also, on Monday and Tuesday September 1 & 2, Kindermusik will host free demo days for ages 3 and under. 0’s and 1’s demo will be Monday 9/1 at 9:20am and Tuesday 9/2 at 10:15am. Toddlers ages 2’s and 3’s demo will be Monday 9/1 at 10:15am and Tuesday 9/2 at 9:20am.

Even though Kindermusik Savannah’s demo days are completely free, all participants must first enroll online so we can have an accurate head count. Spaces are limited for all classes. Join Kindermusik Savannah for a musically enriching time with your little one!! Kindermusik…a good beginning never ends.

To enroll online, visit www.88keysga.com and click on the Kindermusik link.

Kindermusik Savannah, email music@88keysga.com, 912.988.KEYS (5397), www.88keysga.com then click on Kindermusik link. Kindermusik is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

If your child plays strings, woodwinds, brass or percussion, auditions are this Sat. Aug. 23 for the Armstrong Atlantic Youth Orchestra program for Fall 2014-1015 in Savannah.

This Savannah youth orchestra has different levels for different abilities including:
Debut Strings Ensemble (DSE)
Lyric Strings Ensemble (LSE)
Lyric Youth Orchestra (LYO)
Atlantic Chamber Orchestra (ACO)
Armstrong Atlantic Youth Orchestra (AAYO)

Auditions will be Saturday, Aug 23 2014
ASU Fine Arts Building
11935 Abercorn St., Savannah, GA 31409

Auditions will require the student to play a prepared solo, scales and do one or two sight-reading examples at their audition. Audition requirements here.

For students auditioning for the LYO, ACO, AAYO level ensembles, there are additional required etudes for each instrument. To see the specific “Audition Requirements” & more details, click here.

To schedule an audition, please contact: savaayo@yahoo.com

Live Oak Public Libraries storytimesare a wonderful FREE way to expose your child to storybooks read aloud by a librarian as well as songs and fingerplays.

Plus, attending storytimes regularly helps your child to become accustomed to visiting the library regularly.

Free storytimes are offered for different age groups at the local branches – including Wilmington Island, Bull Street, Pooler, Thunderbolt, Oglethorpe Mall branch & Tybee Is. – at various times on weekday mornings. You can find a storytime happening at at least one branch Mondays through Thursdays.

There’s even a new afternoon, after-school storytime now that’s offered for ages 5 to 11 at 4 PM Tuesdays at the Oglethorpe Mall branch library.

Each library branch storytime brings something a little different – Bull Street library storytime unfolds inside a cottage playhouse that looks like it’s right out of a Golden Book while storytime at Southwest Library next to Savannah Mall is in a new, sunlit auditorium.

Enjoy energetic choruses of “Hurry Up, Hurry Up, Drive that Fire Truck,” “Little Red Wagon” and standards like “Wheels on the Bus” plus fun stories, crafts and more.

Click here for the breakdown of regular storytimes at Live Oak Public Libraries.

PLEASE NOTE: STORYTIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DURING SUMMER & HOLIDAYS. PLEASE CALL AHEAD TO CONFIRM STORYTIMES. MORE INFO HERE. 

2014 Savannah Children’s Book Festival

Live Oak Public Libraries and the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs present the 11th annual Savannah Children’s Book Festival on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Forsyth Park.

The festival celebrates the joy of reading, the power of the written word and the magic of storytelling with award-winning children’s book authors and illustrators from around the country.

Authors and Illustrators 

Live Oak Public Libraries and the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs are proud to announce a stellar lineup for this year’s book festival.

The 2014 lineup of renowned and award-winning children’s book authors and illustrators includes Lois Lowry (“The Giver”), Tedd Arnold (“Fly Guy”), Rosemary Wells (“Max and Ruby”), Bob Staake (“The First Pup: The Real Story of How Bo Got to the White House”), David Ezra Stein (“Interrupting Chicken”), Bruce Degen (“Magic School Bus”), Bob Shea (“Dinosaur vs. Bedtime), Kevin O’Malley (“Captain Raptor and the Space Pirates”), Carin Berger (“A Perfect Day”), Ted Dunagan (“A Yellow Watermelon”), Meaghan Fisher (“I Love Ladybugs”), and Kelly Starling Lyons (“Tea Cakes for Tosh”).

This free day-long event in Forsyth Park in Savannah brings families together to meet their favorite authors and illustrators and enjoy a variety of hands-on activities throughout the day.

The festival will also include more than 50 authors and illustrators from throughout the Lowcountry and Southeast region, arts and crafts, an International Tent, costumed characters, a graphic/comics area, and a variety of food and entertainment. In addition, a book walk will be staged among the trees so families may enjoy a story together reading from one page to the next throughout the park.

Rain location for the event is the Savannah Civic Center. For more information, call (912)652-3600. For updates, keep checking www.liveoakpl.org and follow Live Oak Public Libraries on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Teachers & homeschool groups, have you applied yet for Musical Explorers, Savannah Music Festival’s new partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute?

Musical Explorers has been a huge hit with New York City schools, and in 2014-15 Savannah Music Festival will be the first organization in the nation to adapt Musical Explorers for a community outside of New York.

Deadline to apply has been extended to Mon. Aug. 18. More information on the program and an application for 2014-15 can be found  by clicking here.

Musical Explorers is a K-2 arts education program where students learn about their community, their city, their state and all the diverse musical styles that can be found in Georgia and the southeast. They also learn basic music skills and vocabulary. During the 2014-2015 school year, students explore various music styles including blues, classical, African-American spirituals, jazz, Slave Shouts, and bluegrass, embarking on a musical journey through the cultures found in and around Savannah.

For each genre of music, the students are “introduced” to a local artist, and songs and activities associated with the artist (3 artists per semester, 6 artists total). At the end of each semester, students meet the musicians they’ve learned about in the classroom live on stage, performing the songs from the curriculum in an interactive concert.

Click here watch a brief video, with footage put together by Carnegie Hall, that gives you the teacher’s perspective. (Just imagine your students going to the Lucas Theatre for the concert instead of Carnegie Hall!)

Some more program features:
*Two interactive concerts (fall and spring) per year in downtown Savannah featuring mulitcultural vocalists
*Two professional development workshops for participating teachers (fall and spring)
*An online, interactive Teacher Guide with accompanying musical excerpts, featuring lessons and creative extensions for yearlong coursework, geared toward both music and general classroom teachers
*Online, printable student activities

This program is absolutely free for participating schools!

More information on the program and an application for 2014-15 can be found  by clicking here.

Wear your most magical robes and hats and join Savannah Children’s Museum for FROGWARTS, an exciting wizarding event on Sunday, September 14th 2014 from 5pm-7pm! More info here. 

Take a ride on the Frogwarts Express to Savannah Children’s Museum to be sorted into Houses at Frogwarts. After the SCM Sorting Hat has picked your House, all the wizards and witches will get take fun magical classes like Potions, Wand Making.

This year Frogwarts is adding all new classes.

The Frogwarts Express will board at Georgia State Railroad Museum from 5pm-6pm and take all the witches and wizards to Savannah Children’s Museum.

The train boards on a first come, first served basis, so be sure to arrive on time to get onboard!

Pricing for Frogwarts is $10 per person ages 18 mo. and older.

Pre-registration AND pre-payment are REQUIRED for this popular annual event. Space is limited. Be sure to register today.

Click here to register

Savannah Children’s Museum, email info@savannahchildrensmuseum.org, 655 Louisville Road, Savannah 31401, www.savannahchildrensmuseum.org Savannah Children’s Museum is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION MAY LEAVE YOU AND YOUR BABY VERY HUNGRY….FOR MORE MUSICAL FUN!

Announcing Kindermusik in Savannah’s August playdate: Monday, August 25, at 10 AM. The theme for August is “YUM! Fabulous Food!” Come explore music, movement, stories, instruments, and MORE, all centered around our musicalicious food theme.

Playdate is open to ages 0-7, and siblings are ONLY $5.

Each participant receives an instrument, 10 Kindermusik songs, and a BONUS gift at the end of class!

Spaces are limited, so enroll today online at www.88keysga.com (click on the Kindermusik link). Please note: August’s playdate is being held at a different time than most of our monthly playdates: 10am!

Any questions? Please email us or call us at 912.988.KEYS (5397) or music@88keysga.com

To enroll online, visit www.88keysga.com and click on the Kindermusik link. Kindermusik…A Good Beginning Never Ends.”

Kindermusik Savannah, email music@88keysga.com, 912.988.KEYS (5397), www.88keysga.com then click on Kindermusik link. Kindermusik is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Kids can enhance their artistic skills at the Jepson Center. Contact Kip Bradley at 912.790.8823 or bradleyk@telfair.org to reserve your space now!

Youth Classes

New! Classes for Homeschool Students Homeschool Contemporary Creative Explorer
Ages 8-12
Mondays, September 8-October 6, 10 am-12pm
Members $100, Non-members $125
The Contemporary Creative Explorer class will take students on a journey, exploring Telfair Museums’three sites and exhibitions. Find inspiration with instruction in drawing, painting and printmaking. Students immerse themselves in innovative arts lessons taught by professional artists. To register, click here.

Homeschool Portfolio Builder: Youth Drawing 1
Ages 10 – 14
Mondays September 8-October 6, 10 am-12pm
Members $100, Non-members $125
This class is designed to help upper-elementary and middle school students improve their drawing skills and begin the process of developing a portfolio. In Drawing I, students will focus on still life, practicing perspective and sketching from clothed models. Youth Drawing is a great class for students to develop their art portfolios. New students welcome! All materials will be provided. To register, click here.

Portfolio Builder: Youth Drawing 1
Ages 10-14
Thursdays, September 11-October 16, 4:30-6 pm
Members $100, Non-members $125
New students welcome! This six-week class is designed to help upper-elementary and middle school students improve their drawing skills and begin the process of developing a portfolio. In this session, students focus on measurement and proportion, value, and linear perspective in a variety of black and white media. Youth Drawing 1 is a great class for students to develop their art portfolios, and all materials are provided. To register, click here.

Video Game Development
Ages: 10-16yrs
Thursdays, October 23 – November 20 | 4:30-6pm
Members $100 | Non-members $125
In this five-week class, students build their own video game. Suitable for beginners to intermediate-level participants who want to join the fun! Explore, play, and create video games while learning computer programming from scratch using Game Maker. Prior programming experience is not required and all materials are provided. To register, click here.

Jepson Center, 207 W York St. Savannah, 31401 , http://telfair.org/learn/family-programs Telfair Museums is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Telfair Museums provides many opportunities for families to visit the museum, learn, and make art together. Are you looking for a fun and educational activity for children? Check these out:

WCWM? (What Can We Make?)
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays / 1-4 PM
Jepson Center’s Melaver Studio
The studios are open for drop-in visits for all ages. No need to pre-register. Free to members or with museum admission. Open to adults and children accompanied by an adult caregiver. More info available here. 
Join Jepson Center as they open the studios for drop in visits for all ages. wcwm? (What Can We Make?) focuses on developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills through imagination. Explore your creative side with inspiring activities utilizing recycled materials, found objects, and traditional art supplies. In addition to the wcwm? project kits, the studios provide watercolor and collage opportunities as well. More info here. 

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Stroller Tours, Telfair Tots

Telfair Museums in Savannah has two new fun & educational programs for young children – babies, toddlers & preschoolers – to visit the museum, learn and make art together.

Stroller Tours Stroller Tours 3rd Thursday of Every Month
9:30-10:15am
Telfair Museums is excited to introduce its newest program for the stroller set! Join Telfair Museums for a monthly gathering where parents & caregivers can enjoy a morning at the museum while also engaging infants with art. Babies thrive on dynamic environments, so each month we’ll explore a different set of artwork. There will be touchable toys for the little ones, adult conversation for you & like-minded art lovers. Finish your visit with a leisurely talk over complimentary coffee & tea in Telfair Museum’s café. Strollers, crying & older siblings are all welcome here.

October 16 – Rolling on the River
Find yourself walking through a river of light and sound in the immersive Deep River installation.

November 20 – Peeking at Portraits
Get to know the people in our paintings in the Telfair Academy.

December 18 – Color/Contrast
Discover different ways colors are combined in abstract and representational works in Savannah Collects.

Infants from 2-18 months and adults welcome. Included with museum admission; free to members. Ten spaces are available.

CLICK HERE TO PRE-REGISTER or contact Glenna Barlow at 912.790.8821.

Telfair Tots 3rd Thursday of Every Month
10:30-11:30am
Start your day with art! Once a month preschoolers aged 2 ½ – 5 and their adult companions are invited to the museum for story time, a special tour, and an art activity. Younger siblings are welcome to tag along. Come play and learn with us!

October 16 – Dress Up, Dress Down
There are all sorts of reasons to play dress up – holidays, festivals, or just for fun. Come dance and move with costumes as we learn about masks and clothing from around the world in the ArtZeum, and make your own special headdress.

November 20 – Magic Touch
Art can be made out of all sorts of things – silver, plastic, wood, and so much more. Explore an eclectic mix of artwork in Savannah Collects and activate your sense of touch. Then use your own hands to create multi-media sculptures.

December 18 – Silver and Gold
These shiny metals aren’t just for jewelry. Take a walk with us to explore the various metals and materials used in sculptures around the museum. Then you‘ll create your own modified brass rubbings in silver and gold.

Activity fee is $5 per participating child; regular museum admission for caregivers. Adult members are always free.

CLICK HERE TO PRE-REGISTER or contact Glenna Barlow at 912.790.8821.

The two above new programs are in addition to other kids’ programs currently offered by Telfair Museums in Savannah including WCWM (What Can We Make?) & FREE Family Days offered one Saturday a month. Details here. 

FOR MORE MOMMY & ME ACTIVITIES IN SAVANNAH & THE LOWCOUNTRY, CLICK HERE. 

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ArtZeum
Located in the Jepson Center
A great place to visit after school, on a rainy day, on weekends, or just anytime, the Telfair’s hands-on learning gallery and interactive exhibits provide an excellent introduction to big ideas about art. Click here to learn more.

Activity Downloads
Download activity sheets here on the educational resources page before your museum visit and explore the museum with fun and educational search activities.

FREE Family Days (Next one is Sept. 6. Theme: Playing with Photography Details here.)
Telfair Museums FREE family days will be on the first Saturday of each month, 1-4 PM through 2014 These events highlight a different exhibition each month and feature art-making activities for visitors of all ages.  More info here. 

Jepson Center, 207 W York St. Savannah, 31401 , http://telfair.org/learn/family-programs Telfair Museums is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

FOR MORE LOCAL KIDS’ EVENTS, VISIT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR BY CLICKING HERE.

The Jewel Conservatory Theatre – an educational theatre in Rincon dedicated to providing classic theatre entertainment and quality theatre classes for all ages – has a whole assortment of after-school theatre classes for all ages!

Their classes are custom made to young thespians to focus on the process of being a truthful actor and do not put the pressure of performing on them. Each student will have a blast learning about acting through games, scene study, ensemble-driven classes.

Junior Gems
Ages 3-5
This is the perfect introductory to stories on stage! Your youngest thespian will dive right into story drama through songs, simple movement, and crafts–we make our own costumes and props! These classes are 45 minutes and specifically created for the pre-school student!
Aug. 27- Oct. 22 2014
Wednesdays
4-4:45 p.m.
$80

Emeralds
Ages 6-8
This is the perfect introductory to stories on stage! Your little actor will learn about the fun of theatre! Through songs, stage movement, and age-appropriate story drama, your child will build their confidence and meet new friends. You will be blown away with the complex characters your children will create!
Aug. 27- Oct. 22 2014
Wednesdays
5-6 PM
$90

Elementary Troupe
Ages 9-12
From Greeks to folk lore to fairytales the Elementary Troupe does it all! Your elementary schooler will learn all about projection, character development, and how to stand and move on stage through fun games and play-study. Get ready to laugh and learn all about how fun theatre can be!
Tuesday Night Class
Get Grimm-The Seven Ravens
Sept 2-Oct 28, 2014
6-7 p.m.
$105
Thursday Night Class
Get Grimm- The Bremen Town Musicians
Aug. 28-Oct 23 2014
4-5 p.m.
$105

Teen Troupe
Ages 13-18
Your teen will get the perfect introduction to acting theory and technique in this class. Designed to teach key acting techniques through games and scene study, your teen will learn about Stanislaski and Bogart acting techniques through studying classic and contemporary theatre.
Sept 11-Nov. 6, 2014
Thursdays
5:30-7 p.m.
$115

Girls Chorus
Ages 10+
The Jewel Conservatory Theatre could not be more excited to be adding an all-girls chorus! No experience necessary, just a love for music! Auditions are required. Includes all music fees, etc.
Aug 20- Nov 4, 2014
Wednesday
6-7 pm
$50 per month

TO REGISTER FOR ANY OF THE ABOVE CLASSES, CLICK HERE.

The Jewel Conservatory Theatre, 6014 HWY 21 Suite E Rincon, Ga 31326, (912) 257-0671 email jewelconservatorytheatre@gmail.com, www.jewelconservatory.com  The Jewel Conservatory Theatre is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser