Free Spanish Story to help children learn how to speak Spanish

Spanish Story Time for Children. Wednesday, March 28 11:00-11:45 AM. Your children will have lots of fun learning Spanish through story and song! Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday through May at Bilingual Speech Therapy & Language Center, 9100 White Bluff Road, Suite 202. Parents just call or email us to reserve a spot for your child. Call Lorena Luna-Bradfield M.S. CCC/SLP at 912.335.8486 or email llbradfield@gmail.com. For more info, visit www.bilingualspeechtherapy.net . For Ages 3 and up. Free.

The first FREE Spanish Story Time for Children will be 11-11:45 AM Wed March 14 . Your children will have lots of fun learning Spanish through story and song!

This free event will be held Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday through May at Bilingual Speech Therapy & Language Center, 9100 White Bluff Road, Suite 202.

For more information, call Lorena Luna-Bradfield M.S. CCC/SLP at 912.335.8486 or click here . For Ages 3 and up. Free.

Bilingual Speech Therapy & Language Center, 9100 White Bluff Road Suite 201, Savannah, 31406. On Facebook here. 912.335.8486, www.bilingualspeechtherapy.net/ Bilingual Speech Therapy & Language Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

You can have a say about the plans for new libraries.

Live Oak Public Libraries officials are asking the public for input as they unveil preliminary plans for two new libraries at two upcoming public meetings.

They are scheduled as follows:

Community input session for Westside Library
Thursday, February 23 at 6 p.m. at City Hall in the new Garden City Town Center

Community input session for Islands Library
Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. at the existing Islands Library, 125 Wilmington Island Rd.

In the preliminary designs, both libraries will have the same design and square footage with several unique features that reflect the individual communities. Estimated completion of the libraries is summer 2013.

Saturday, February 4
Stop by the library with your kids and take part in some special activities, PLUS, register to win a Nook! Live Oak Libraries will give away ONE Barnes & Noble NOOK ($200 value) throughout the entire system to individuals who register at their branch ONLY on February 4.

Rincon Library, 3 p.m.
Stop by the Rincon Library with your kids and take part in this special family program. Activities include family storytime and board games. This is also a great opportunity to get a library card, learn about library services and collections for the whole family, and find out more about e-book services. Your child may even be able to read to a wonderful therapy dog. For all ages.

Oglethorpe Mall Library
10:30 a.m. – “Special Storytime” for ages 0 to 4
4 p.m. – “Make It and Take It Craft” with a Reading Train theme for ages 4 and up.

Southwest Chatham Library
11 a.m. – “Dog Days” Readers, ages 5 & up. Quiet reading with one of our many registered therapy dogs.
2 p.m. – “Family Storytime” Stories, songs, fingerplays and a thematic craft for all ages.
3 p.m. – 5 p.m. – “E-book Consultation” A trained staff will be available to offer assistance using Download Destination on your electronic reading device.

Islands Library, 4 p.m.

Tybee Library, 4 p.m.

Thunderbolt Library, 4 p.m.
Learn about library services, get an e-book lesson, make an art activity, and register for a special prize.

For families who wish to increase and support their Spanish skills while interacting with their baby or toddler. Ages 0-5.

Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah has 3 new juvenile bobcats on exhibit. Come check out these active, playful youngsters. Oatland Island is open 362 days a year including MLK Jr. Day Mon. Jan. 16.

Oatland’s popular weekly Toddler Tuesdays programs Jan. 10 returns after holiday break. Details below.

Oatland Island Wildlife Center
Wildlife and education programs
711 Sandtown Rd.
Savannah, GA, 31410
(912) 395-1212

Admission rates & driving directions here.

Toddler Tuesdays return Jan. 10 2012 at Oatland Island Wildlife Center.
Programs at 10 AM & 11 AM Tuesdays. Pre-registration required. Call 395-1500

Toddler Tuesday Program Fees for 2011-2012:
General: $5 per child $5 per adult
Friends of Oatland Members: $5 per child, up to 2 adults FREE!

Program fee includes program and entrance to Oatland Island Wildlife Center and trails.

Toddler Tuesday Topics January 2012

January 10, 2012: Happy “Mew” Year! – Join Oatland as they welcome a new year by learning about Oatland’s feline friends the Bobcats. They may be short on tails but not on personality! During this program, the group will take a walk so be sure to bring your stroller or wagon.

January 17, 2012: Our Bushy-tailed Friends: Squirrels! – Scurry to Oatland Island to learn about those frisky, furry tailed rodents, squirrels, as we celebrate National Squirrel Appreciation Day. We will sing songs, read a book, and do a squirrel painting craft. Be sure to bring your strollers as we will be taking a walk to look for squirrels along the trails.

January 24, 2012: Dragon Lizard – Welcome the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese calendar by meeting Oatland’s resident “dragon” Dyno the broad head skink and making your own lizard dragon to take home.

January 31, 2012: A Different type of Hog – Trot on in to Oatland as we celebrate Ground Hog day learning about another kind of hog, our resident pig, Streaker. We will take her a treat and learn about our porcine friend.

FREE Spanish story time by a licensed teacher!
Come to the Richmond Hill YMCA for a fun, energetic story time with crafts, singing, dancing, sign language, and stories by the only Spanish instructor at Savannah Technical College.
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:30 a.m.

For families who wish to increase and support their Spanish skills while interacting with their baby or toddler. Ages 0-5

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness in Richmond Hill provides parents a venue to participate in play and fitness classes with their children age 6 weeks to 5 years old

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness offers:
*Parent/Child Classes
*Birthday Parties
*Mommy’s Morning Out
and more!

Gift certificates available! Click here.

Enroll Now for January 2012 Classes Filling Fast at Mommy & Me Play and Fitness.  2552 US Highway 17, Richmond Hill
912.756.2828
Any new student who mentions you read about Mommy & Me on SouthernMamas.com will have the Lifetime Membership Fee waived!
Military & Multi Child/Class Discounts
www.mommyandmeplayandfitness.com
email: mommyandmeplayandfitness@live.com

Like Mommy & Me Play and Fitness on Facebook here.

Charlene R. Ford, EdD
Owner/Program Director

Hours: Mon: 9 am-2 pm
Tues – Thurs: 9 am -2 pm & 5-6:30 pm
Fri: 9 am – 2 pm
Sat: 9 am – 12 pm

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness, www.mommyandmeplayandfitness.com, 2552 US Hwy17, Richmond Hill, 31324, 912.756.2828, email: mommyandmeplayandfitness@live.com Mommy & Me Play and Fitness is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Enroll Now for October classes at  Mommy & Me Play and Fitness in Richmond Hill.  Classes begin on Oct. 3. If you would like your child to enroll in classes, please visit Mommy & Me Play and Fitness website by clicking here for the October schedule (slight changes) and to enroll online.

If you have classes that you will make up in October and you intend to enroll in an October class, email owner Charlene Ford so that she can invoice you the proper fee. (email: mommyandmeplayandfitness@live.com) Two of the September classes were full and most likely will fill again, so make sure to get in early to ensure the class time that works best for your child.

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness.

2552 US Highway 17, Richmond Hill
912.756.2828
Any new student who mentions you read about Mommy & Me on SouthernMamas.com will have the Lifetime Membership Fee waived!
Military & Multi Child/Class Discounts
www.mommyandmeplayandfitness.com
email: mommyandmeplayandfitness@live.com

Like Mommy & Me Play and Fitness on Facebook here.

Story Time w/ Make and Take every 1st Thursday @ 1 PM
COST: FREE!
Reservations Required. Call 756.2828

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness in Richmond Hill offers Classes; Birthday Parties; Mommy’s Morning Out & More!

Hours: Mon: 9 am-2 pm
Tues – Thurs: 9 am -2 pm & 5-6:30 pm
Fri: 9 am – 2 pm
Sat: 9 am – 12 pm

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness, www.mommyandmeplayandfitness.com, 2552 US Hwy17, Richmond Hill, 31324, 912.756.2828, email: mommyandmeplayandfitness@live.com Mommy & Me Play and Fitness is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness in Richmond Hill offers Classes; Birthday Parties; Mommy’s Morning Out & More!

Enroll Now for September. Classes Filling Fast at Mommy & Me Play and Fitness.

2552 US Highway 17, Richmond Hill
912.756.2828
Any new student who mentions you read about Mommy & Me on SouthernMamas.com will have the Lifetime Membership Fee waived!
Military & Multi Child/Class Discounts
www.mommyandmeplayandfitness.com
email: mommyandmeplayandfitness@live.com

Like Mommy & Me Play and Fitness on Facebook here.

Charlene R. Ford, EdD
Owner/Program Director

Story Time w/ Make and Take every 1st Thursday @ 1 PM
COST: FREE!
Reservations Required. Call 756.2828

Hours: Mon: 9 am-2 pm
Tues – Thurs: 9 am -2 pm & 5-6:30 pm
Fri: 9 am – 2 pm
Sat: 9 am – 12 pm

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness, www.mommyandmeplayandfitness.com, 2552 US Hwy17, Richmond Hill, 31324, 912.756.2828, email: mommyandmeplayandfitness@live.com Mommy & Me Play and Fitness is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Here’s great news for parents looking for a fun indoor place where you can get fit or stay fit with your child:

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness just opened in Richmond Hill.

The brand new venue at 2552 US Highway 17 offers parent/child classes, birthday parties, Mommy’s Morning Out, free play, pay to play and more!

Classes begin Mon. Aug. 1. Limited slots remaining. Enroll online here or call 912.756.2828.

For children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness also hosts a FREE storytime every first Thursday of the month at 1 PM. Reservations Required. Call 912.756.2828

Lifetime Membership Fee waived for those that register on-line July 23-July 30. Military & Multi Child/Class Discounts also offered.

Stay connected and learn more about upcoming events by liking Mommy & Me Play and Fitness on Facebook by clicking here.  

SouthernMamas.com often hears from moms who say they wish our area had more indoor play spots, so please support this new kid-and-parent friendly business. Mommy & Me Play and Fitness is also open Saturdays, ideal for work-outside-the-home parents looking for parent-child weekend activities.

Hours: Mon: 9 am-2 pm
Tues – Thurs: 9 am -2 pm & 5-6:30 pm
Fri: 9 am – 2 pm
Sat: 9 am – 12 pm

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness, www.mommyandmeplayandfitness.com, 2552 US Hwy17, Richmond Hill, 31324, 912.756.2828, email: mommyandmeplayandfitness@live.com Mommy & Me Play and Fitness is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Sara Jane Children’s Boutique invites you to Story Time at 11 AM Wed June 8 and 22. The group will read a story together, have snack, and create a themed craft! There will be special promotions in the store for all shoppers. Bring your imaginations and your listening ears!
http://sarajane.myshopify.com/

For more free or discounted Savannah area summer kids’ activities, visit the SouthernMamas.com Summer 2011 Deals and Freebies page here.

Sara Jane Children’s Boutique invites you to Story Time at 11 AM Wed June 8 and 22. The group will read a story together, have snack, and create a themed craft! There will be special promotions in the store for all shoppers. Bring your imaginations and your listening ears!
http://sarajane.myshopify.com/

For more free or discounted Savannah area summer kids’ activities, visit the SouthernMamas.com Summer 2011 Deals and Freebies page here.

We know you are always looking for new local activities for your kids. That’s why we’re thrilled to tell you about the new 3rd Wednesday puppet show program at Star Castle Family Entertainment Center featuring “Angela Beasley’s Puppet People“

The first of the regular monthly events will be 10-11:30 AM Wed. Oct. 20. Join “Angela Beasley’s Puppet People” featuring the 3 Little Pigs and the Teeny Tiny Wolf at Star Castle on Wednesday morning. There will be fun and games, balloon sculptures from Sir Laughs-Alot, story telling and lots of jokes. Don’t forget your socks for a sock skate activity following the puppet show.

Tickets are $12 at the door per child. Bring a library card to receive $2 off. Parents with children get in free.

Savannah children’s birthday parties

Star Castle – the local mecca for laser tag and skating – is also a popular Savannah spot for children’s birthday parties. Party packages range from $75 to $200. There are a variety of options. Kids can have a party that includes both skating and a laser tag; or choose one or the other. The pizza, birthday cake and ice cream part of the celebration unfolds in Star Castle’s party room. You have the option of having goody bags for guests that include a free pass for a return visit to Star Castle. Star Castle club members receive $25 off certain party packages. You can even book your party online. For more info, click here.

Star Castle, 550 Mall Blvd., 912-354-KIDS(5437), Savannah, GA, 31406, http://starcastle.info/

Starlight Pottery at 7070 Hodgson Memorial Drive offers tons of kid-friendly, as well as mom-friendly, activities.

First, Starlight Pottery has teamed with Amanda Reed’s Tippy Toes Pottery, famous throughout our area for personalizing pottery – using your child’s footprints, hand prints or finger prints to create a whimsical painting on mugs, plates and more.  The Tippy Toes line is on display at Starlight Pottery and parent’s can bring their children to get handprints and footprints. Amanda will turn them in to the beautiful works of art that she’s known for.

Moms can still book Tippy Toes Parties and receive discounts on pottery. They can even host their event at Starlight Pottery‘s studio.

Starlight Pottery offers Kids Night Out 6-8 PM Sat. Sept. 25. It’s for ages 5 and up. Children will make a Halloween plate. Cost is $25 and that includes pottery painting, pizza, drinks, and games. Yes, this is a drop off event . Parents can use this time for a childfree dinner out. Think date night. 

Starlight Pottery also offers Ladies Night Out 6-8 PM Thurs., Sept. 30. Ladies can get a group of friends together, reserve a table, and bring food and drink to have a fun evening out. It’s a great time to start making gifts. No additional fees, just the price of the pottery that you choose to paint.

Starlight Pottery will do on-site storytimes for preK and Kindergarten classes. Price is $10-$12 per child. Startlight will come to a classroom to read a story and the children paint a piece of pottery related to the story. Or class can come to Starlight Pottery studio for a Storytime Field Trip.

SouthernMamas readers receive a Startlight Pottery discount through Dec. 31 , 2010: Book a birthday party with 8 or more guests and the birthday child paints free (Up to a $15 value).

For more info or to make reservations for a Tippy Toes party, Kids Night Out, or Ladies Night Out , call 912.303.9599.

Starlight Pottery’s paint-your-own-pottery studio is in mid-town Savannah. The studio is in the Eisenhower Shopping Plaza at the intersection of Eisenhower and Hodgson Memorial Drive. Starlight Pottery is a great place to host your next birthday party, bridal shower, baby shower, youth group, ladies group, etc. Become a fan on Facebook and receive special announcements and offers.

Live Oak Public Libraries storytimes are 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. Here’s the breakdown of regular storytimes at Live Oak Public Libraries. For branch locations, click here.

Bull Street Library, 652-3630
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for ages 3 and 4
Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. for ages 0 to 2

Forest City Library, 238-0614
Tuesdays at 11 a.m. for ages 3 to 4

Hinesville Library, 368-4003
Mondays at 10:30 a.m. for ages 3 and up
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for ages 0 to 2

Islands Library, 897-6233
Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. for ages 0 to 5

Oglethorpe Mall Library, 925-5432
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for ages 0 to 4

Pooler Library, 748-0471
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for ages 3 to 4

Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. for ages 1 to 2

Port City Library, 964-8013
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for ages 3 to 4

Rincon Library, 826-2222
Wednesdays at 10:15 for ages 1 to 2 years
Wednesdays at 11 a.m. for ages 2 to 4 years

Southwest Chatham Library, 925-8305
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for ages 0 to 2.
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for ages 0 to 4
Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. for ages 3 to 5

Springfield Library, 754-3003
Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. for ages 2 to 4 years

Thunderbolt Library, 354-5864
Tuesdays at 11 a.m. for ages 0 to 5

Tybee Library, 786-7733
Tuesdays at 11 a.m. for ages 0 to 5

Laura Numeroff, award-winning author of “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” and “If You Give a Pig a Pancake,” is among the many talented guests in this year’s lineup at the 2009 Savannah Children’s Book Festival.

The festival – one of the best local kids’ events – is set for 10 AM-4 PM Sat., Nov. 14 at Forsyth Park in Savannah. This beloved event celebrates the joy of reading, the power of the written word and the magic of storytelling with children’s book authors and illustrators from around the country.

The festival will also include dozens of Low Country authors, arts and crafts, food vendors, a variety of entertainment, costumed characters, and much more. The Savannah Children’s Book Festival is presented by Live Oak Public Libraries and the City of Savannah.

Rain location for the event is the Savannah Civic Center.

For more information, call 912-652-3689 or click here.

Other guests at the festival include:
David Biedrzycki, “Ace Lacewing”
Bruce Degen, “The Magic School Bus”
Dr. Jean Feldman, “A Survival Guide for Preschool Teachers”
Patrick Jones, “Chasing Taillights”
Doc Neal, “What’s in a Doctor’s Bag?”
Kyle Puttkammer, “Galaxy Man”
Charles R. Smith Jr., “Dance with Me”
Mike Thaler, “Teacher from the Black Lagoon”
John and Danita Thomas, “The Ultimate Book of Kid Concoctions”
Michael P. White, “The Library Dragon”
Mrs. Rosa, host of “PBS Kids”

There’s a special storytime 10-11 AM Wed. June 3 @ the Roundhouse Railroad Museum, 601 W. Harris St

For ages 2-5. The theme: Fun in the Sun. Children will make ocean bottles & hear stories about summertime fun. Register at 912.651.6823 (note a different number than what was included in our weekly newsletter) or email childrensevents@chsgeorgia.org.

The Roundhouse Railroad Museum has a special once-a-month story and craft time in the Kidz Zone in the museum’s baggage car.

For more storytimes happening in the local area this summer, visit our new storytime page which lists a variety of storytime locations. .

A reminder about a new storytime in town.

It’s @ The Roundhouse Railroad Museum @ 601 W. Harris St. in downtown Savannah, starting Wednesday, Feb. 11 10 – 11 am. In the Kids Zone Baggage Car. For ages 2-5.

The theme for that week is “Will You Be My Valentine?” Cost : $4 per child, plus adult admission.

Reservations are required. Call 912.651.6823 or email childrensevents@chsgeorgia.org.

The event kicks off  a special once-a-month story and craft time @ The Roundhouse Railroad Museum. Click here upcoming storytime themes and dates.

 Thanks to savvy SouthernMamas reader Lia Hyatt for sharing this tip: Oatland Island Wildlife Center will not cancel their regular Toddler Tuesdays story, craft and animal visitor program after all. The good news was announced @ this past week’s Toddler Tuesday.

Last month, organizers had said  there are no plans to continue the popular program this year because of budget cuts. The wildlife center receives funds from money-strapped Savannah-Chatham County Public School System.

We’re thrilled the program is expected to start up again mid-January. Click here for upcoming updates on when it will start.

What a great reason to become a member of Oatland Island, especially now that membership rates have been lowered. It now costs $35 for a family of six, compared to the previous price of $60. Click here for membership info and here for rates.

Registration begins Wednesday (Sept. 24) for for the Baby Programs @ the Hilton Head Branch Library.

Beth Green, dubbed the “Music Lady,” will present the programs for babies ages newborn to 6 months @ 11 am on Sat. Oct. 11, 25 and Nov. 1. The fourth program will be @ 12:30 pm Sat., Nov 8.

Please bring a blanket for your little one. Each class explores parental-musical bonding, baby sign, certified infant massage techniques choreographed to music, and musical stimulus and response activities. Each class will be different.

Register for each session in person, by phone @ 843.342.9200 or by emailing jmorgan@bcgov.net.

Hilton Head Branch Library also offers a regular Do-Drop-In storytime @ 10 am every Saturday in the library’s indoor amphitheater. For children of all ages.

Stories, songs, silliness, take-home ideas and more. Residents and visitors are welcome.

The popular Toddler Tuesdays craft, storytime and animal program @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center is about to get better.

Starting Tues. Sept. 16, Toddler Tuesdays will feature more age appropriate activities on alternating weeks.

• Each month, the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month will be more appropriate for 6 month-2 year olds.

• The 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month will be more appropriate for 3-4 year olds.

• On the rare 5th weeks of each month, the program will be appropriate for all ages

Of course, all toddler ages from 6 months-4 years are welcome to attend any of the programs! Toddler Tuesdays is from 10:30-11:15 am every Tuesday. It’s free with regular admission to Oatland Island Wildlife Center.

Dates, ages and topics are also posted on Oatland’s Web site. Click here.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again.

If you haven’t taken your toddler to the 10:30 am Thursday story time @ Bull Street Library with librarian Sha Dishong, then your child (and you) are missing out on a beloved part of growing up (and raising children) in our area.

Story time @ Bull Street for 0-2 year-olds (there’s also story and craft time 10:30 am Wednesdays for 3-4 year-olds) unfolds inside a cottage playhouse that looks like it’s right out of a Golden Book.

Sha is a pro at getting and keeping kids’ attention, even toddlers, with energetic choruses of “Hurry Up, Hurry Up, Drive that Fire Truck,” “Little Red Wagon” and standards like “Wheels on the Bus.”

You can read all about Sha and her job as children’s librarian in this recent Savannah Morning News article (photo by John Carrington, SMN). The woman obviously has found her calling: helping children share her love for books. Congrats Sha and thank you!

To find out about other story times in our area, click here.