Because of the COVID-19 social-distancing recommendations, Fort Bend County Libraries’ Cinco Ranch Branch Library (FBCL) is continuing to offer children’s programming virtually this spring, so that families can participate from the comfort and safety of home!
Videos of Mother Goose Time, Toddler Time, Preschool Story Time, After-School Breaks, and Middle School Programs will be posted on the online Virtual calendar on FBCL’s website each week.
Several special online Family Programs, for children of all ages, will also be featured in February.
Age-appropriate stories, songs, and puppet shows are featured in the Mother Goose Time, Toddler Time, and Preschool Story Time videos. The schedule is as follows:
- Tuesdays – Mother Goose Time (infants 1-12 months of age)
- Wednesdays – Toddler Time (1-3 years of age)
- Thursdays – Preschool Story Time (3-6 years of age)
Families of toddlers and preschoolers may pick up to-go activity packets from the library for the month. These packets contain fun craft activities that can be done at home. Call the libraries to request to pick up the packets through the Curbside Pick-Up service.
The After-School Breaks – which take place on the second and fourth Mondays – include crafts, stories, and more for school-aged children in grades K through 5. The schedule for February is as follows:
- February 8 – Pop-Up Love Card. Make your love card “pop” with this simple craft activity.
- February 22 – Index-Card Structures. Learn how to fold and cut index cards to make towers that can support items like books without collapsing.
The Middle School Programs – which take place on the first and third Mondays — include activities specially designed for kids in grades 6 through 8. The schedule for February is as follows:
- February 1 – Drawing Spiderman. Learn how to draw different Spiderman characters.
- February 15 – Woven Paper Hearts.
Learn how to craft a paper heart by weaving paper together. No tape or glue required! This DIY craft is perfect for decoration or for gifting to someone special.
SPECIAL FAMILY VIRTUAL EVENTS
- February 6 – “Journey Through China” (pre-recorded video)
This dance performance is presented by Dance of Asian America, in conjunction with Young Audiences of Houston. Open your eyes to the rich cultural heritage of China through authentic Chinese dances. The vast land of China consists of the mainland and 56 ethnic sub-regions, each with its own dance forms that directly reflect each group’s lifestyle and customs. Classical and folk dances are a precious part of China’s cultural heritage and serve as a wonderful tool for learning about its various traditions, history, and culture. This performance is recommended for families with children of all ages.
- February 13 – “Preschool Story Lab: Colors of the Rainbow” (pre-recorded video)
This activity is for preschoolers from 3 to 6 years of age. The Preschool Story Lab is a creative story time event that encourages children to discover and explore concepts in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). FBCL’s children’s librarians will read books, sing songs, and demonstrate a variety of STEAM activities that can be done with simple supplies found around the home.
- February 20 (Part 1) and 27 (Part 2) – “Stop-Motion Animation” (pre-recorded video)
In Part I of this activity, learn how to create a moveable character and background for a stop-motion animation movie. In Part 2, learn how to use MS PowerPoint to create a stop-motion animation movie. This activity is recommended for youth in grades 6-8.
- February 20 – “ABIYOYO” (pre-recorded video)
This program is presented by Twanda’s Theatre on Wheels, in conjunction with Young Audiences of Houston. Ms. Twanda compares and contrasts African customs and traditions. She will dramatize a folktale about a boy who plays the ukulele, his dad, and a magic wand – and a hungry giant named Abiyoyo. This performance is recommended for families with children of all ages.
For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), or call the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).