We have a lot of news to share this month, including our latest play-at-home activity kits, Maternal Health Month, and upcoming virtual and in-person events!
May Activity Kits: Hello, world! I am ready to explore!
Our May kit activities will give new and creative ways for your child to discover the world around them! As more opportunities open up to get outside of your home, you can prepare your little ones by helping them both feel secure in who they are and also feel excited to explore new people and places. You’ll find lots of fun, play-based learning activities:
- Say hello in rhyme, song, social distance, and other languages!
- Sing and spell your name, address and phone number!
- Share stories, recipes, traditions, and photos about your family and culture!
- Make a treasure map and play games to build spatial reasoning skills!
- Read a CoMo book and go on a scavenger hunt to explore where you live!
- Plus, a special Mother’s Day craft and a kit just for moms to support Maternal Mental Health!
Your kit includes the book Mommy, How Do You Know I’ll Like CoMo?, play Passport sticker book, construction paper, large cardstock, craft sticks, glue stick, markers, globe squish ball, people cutouts, letter stickers, paper cups, yarn, model magic clay, and snacks! Scroll down to see how to pick up a free May activity kit for your young child!
May is Maternal Health Month
For Maternal Mental Health Month, we are giving a mini-kit for Mom!
A cactus symbolizes endurance, strength, and the ability to thrive under harsh conditions. What better symbol to describe motherhood?! Mom-ing is hard and we know you give your best every day, no matter what life throws your way. So, we created this mini-kit for YOU.
You’ll find a cactus notebook, pen, travel lotion, and cactus decal sticker – plus helpful information, and resources. We hope the items in this kit will be a reminder that when you’re facing harsh conditions in your life, feeling overwhelmed, or experiencing serious anxiety or depression, it is an act of strength to reach out for help. You are not alone. You will endure and you will thrive.
What’s your story?
It’s likely that you or someone you know has experienced difficulties with their mental and emotional health during pregnancy, childbirth, and as new moms. In May, FC4C is joining a collective, global effort to raise awareness about the importance of supporting Maternal Mental Health.
Consider sharing your story and posting on social media to raise awareness for Maternal Mental Health Month.
You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well. #letstalkaboutit #maternalMHmatters
- To share your story anonymously: https://forms.gle/eNaLk7wyeg3PoH6K9
- For help and resources: https://www.boonecomopps.org/resources-1
- For online support groups: https://www.postpartum.net/
Virtual Event: Racism and its Impact on Maternal Mental Health
Wednesday, May 26, 2021 – 7-8pm on Zoom
Join us for a conversation on how racism negatively impacts women’s healthcare experiences during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. We’ll talk about the strengths and resilience of mothers facing the challenges of racism, resources for anti-racist action, and how to advocate for your needs with professionals and your circles of support. This event is free and open to families and educators.
Contact Charity Quinn to register.
Summer Events
We are planning some exciting outdoor events this summer. Safety guidelines such as adult masks and social distancing will be required. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details!
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
- June 9 – 10am-12pm
- Hindman Discovery Garden
- 2300 E Walnut St, Columbia MO 65201
Nature Hike & Explore event hosted with MO River Relief
- July 13 – 10am-12pm
- Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Devil’s Icebox
- MO-163 S
Douglass Park Splash & Play
- August 10 – 10am-12pm
- 400 N Providence Rd
First Chance will also be participating in the Family Fun Fests with the City of Columbia on the 3rd Wednesdays starting in June, 5-8 pm. Each event will be held at a different park. Entertainment for the entire family that includes music, food trucks, live performances, art activities, hands-on learning, face painting, balloon art, and fun for all.
May Educators Kit
We have a monthly kit download that’s designed for Early Childhood Educators with a resource spotlight on maternal mental health, 7 fun “Learning My Name” activities, and printable Social Distance Greetings Posters! Download
Take the Survey
Whether this is your first or tenth time getting a kit, we want to hear from you! What do you enjoy about the activity kits? Do you have suggestions or new ideas?
Take the survey: https://forms.gle/4aHDen1vF9K74gtn8
Play Online
Follow our Lend & Learn facebook page for monthly Play Online videos where Jessica and her kids show you how they play with the kit activities. Our goal with the at-home kits is for you to have FUN and spend time TOGETHER with your child.
How do I get an Activity Kit?
The activity kits are free to local families with young children ages 0-5. Kits are given out first come, first serve while supplies last during our weekly curbside hours.
If this is your first time participating in a First Chance program or activity, fill out our online enrollment form.
You can download and print all the kit activities from home!
Curbside Hours
Pick up an activity kit during our Columbia L&L curbside hours on Tuesdays 9am-11am & Thursdays 1pm-3pm. When you arrive at our office parking lot at 1010 Fay St, text/call Charity (573-340-1341) to bring the activity kit to your car. Kit delivery is also available by request – email quinnc@fc4c.org.
Northern Boone County Families: Pick up a kit during our Northern Boone Diaper Drive Thru at L&L North (1023 E. Hwy 22, Centralia, MO) or request delivery – email byingtont@fc4c.org.