Move Your Body

May 17, 2021 | obrienbc

Physical fitness can help you sleep, feel, think and manage your weight loss better. It can also energize your mind and body. Just a quick walk around the block can rejuvenate your body and mind. Get moving and inspired with these books, DVDs, e-media and other digital resources.

 

Exercised : why something we never evolved to do is healthy and rewarding by 1964- Daniel Lieberman

Trace Your Family Tree

May 17, 2021 | AmyJo

If you're interested in researching your family history, there are many online resources available to begin your search (and a lot of them are free!).  Use the attached worksheet to document your progress!

Essentials

Mindfulness

May 17, 2021 | sobczakd
be here now

Mindfulness is based on a Buddhist concept where we focus on our own awareness, our thoughts and feelings, and sensations in the moment with acceptance.  In today's busy world where distractions divide our attention in every direction, disengaging from all that can be a challenge. So how can we turn off disruptions and tune into mindfulness? Start by setting aside few minutes a day. It can greatly reduce our stress and allow us the space to reconnect with ourselves with how we feel and what we are doing. Practicing mindfulness is an easy thing to do if we learn techniques like focusing on our breathing, our inner thoughts, our feelings, and how our bodies are moving in our surroundings.

Focus on the breath

Observe the Night Sky

May 17, 2021 | kimba
Astro Origami

Did you know that Michigan is home to six protected Dark Sky Preserves? Additionally, Michigan is home to Headlands International Dark Sky Park and Dr. T.K. Lawless Park, which are the only internationally designated park preserves in the state. While each location provides the very best opportunity for you to truly enjoy the Milky Way, aurora borealis and more - you do not need to travel to these places to Observe the Night Sky. You can begin your adventure at home by simply keeping a few viewing tips in mind.

Activities:

Resources:

The awesome night sky by Kay Barnham

In this gentle science series, World of Wonder (4 titles), the youngest readers are given the fundamental ideas and language needed to grapple with our world's natural wonders. Each title begins with activity suggestions before a series of colorful, full-bleed spreads break the topics down into digestible tidbits--one short paragraph per page--incrementally building readers' understanding of the subject. The Awesome Night Sky tackles astronomy, touching on aspects that will already be somewhat familiar to children, like the sun, moon, other celestial bodies, and the scientific tools human used to study it all. Vocabulary terms are underlined in the text and collected in a glossary. While photography is absent, Frost's inviting illustrations give the perfect context for each lesson, and two omnipresent white children anchor the education in friendly companionship. Effective in balancing simplicity with the right selection of details, these make excellent science primers for early readers.

Self-Confidence for Kids

May 17, 2021 | jonesw

Help the little ones in your life learn to love themselves! These pictures explore what it means to be confident, happy, and unabashedly YOU. 

Alma and how she got her name by illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal
Be who you are by Todd Parr

Celebrate Yourself

May 17, 2021 | jonesw

Hey you! Yes, you! There is no one else like you in the world and that is something very special. In fact, you are worth celebrating just the way you are. Use our tips to enjoy time to yourself, create something special to you, or learn how to boost your confidence.

Sparkler in the snow by Jakob Owens courtesy of Unsplash

Ways to Celebrate Yourself

Get Involved

May 17, 2021 | jonesw

Volunteering is not only great for your community, but great for you as well! Getting involved with a cause can help you find purpose, connect with others, and feel good about the difference you’ve made. Helping out is also great for everyone, no matter their age. Use the resources below to get involved today!

The photo Colorful Hands by Tim Mossholder is made available through Unsplash. 

Connect With Volunteer Opportunities

Garden to Table

May 17, 2021 | kasarak

                           

      Gardening does not simply allow one to be mentally old,

      because too many hopes and dreams are to be realized.

                            - Allan Armitage

 

The Earth gives us the opportunity to cultivate and enjoy its offerings. Trees, flowers, and gardens can all flourish under our care. What gardens offer in exchange is the ability to take the end result right to our table. For ideas and inspiration on what the garden to table experience can look like for you, check out the activities, books, and resources listed below.

Activities

Rainy Day Fun

May 17, 2021 | kasarak

                                            

                                                   Rain is grace;

                                rain is the sky descending to the earth;

                                    without rain, there would be no life.

                                                  - John Updike

 

We wait so long for sunny skies and outdoor opportunities in Michigan's ever-changing weather, that a rainy day in the summer can be...a bummer. Allowing ourselves to reframe the day and observe what's available to us inside to enjoy can be good. The 62 Days Square "Rainy Day Fun" is here to help you with that.

Activities

Best Your Nest

May 17, 2021 | kasarak

 

Our homes can be a reflection of who we are, how we're feeling, and what brings us joy. That piece of art--expensive or made in preschool, the blanket that acts as a comfort when life is overwhelming, and the chair that is waiting at the end of the day--all are part of your "nest." For ideas on how to "best your nest," CPL has you covered.

Activities

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