Family Connections is a bi-weekly newsletter from DC Child Care Connections for families with children birth to age 5. The newsletter highlights evidence-informed resources and developmentally appropriate activities for families to support their child’s growth, development and social-emotional well-being.
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Fun Summer Learning Activities
Young children are naturally curious about the world around them. Summer is an ideal time for families to encourage exploration and learning through play, both indoors and out. The resources below highlight fun activities to keep young minds engaged throughout the summer months.
Learning through play – It is often said that young children learn best through play. What does that really mean, and what does it look like? This article from Kids Who Play explores the elements of playful learning and why it matters for childhood development. Kids Who Play also has a list of 112 engaging summer activities for children and their families to help foster creativity, curiosity, and self-discovery.
Summer learning activities that promote school readiness – Waterford.org describes nine easy, hands-on summer learning activities for children. Families who qualify can also get free access to Waterford Upstart, an interactive learning program that helps children in PreK-2nd grade strengthen skills in reading, math, and science. To find out if you qualify, fill out the form here.
Home learning stations – Families can create a dedicated space in their homes where kids can engage in learning activities. Stock it with books, art and building supplies, puzzles, and educational games. This resource from Head Start provides suggestions and strategies on creating these dedicated spaces.
Resource Highlights
- Expert advice about digital media – Common Sense Media has developed an app to help families make informed decisions about children’s movies, games, and other digital media. Use the reviews to find age-appropriate movies, captivating podcasts, or educational games.
- Financial literacy for kids – Young children can begin to build foundational knowledge of money concepts and how to make good financial choices. Sesame Workshop offers a suite of financial education resources that teach age-appropriate lessons about money management. Resources are available in English and Spanish.
- Gardening with young children – Gardening is a wonderful way to connect with children outdoors while teaching important lessons about food and science. Families can find practical tips on engaging young children in gardening in this resource from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Let’s Read Together!
Reading aloud to young children has many cognitive and learning benefits. It can also reduce the stress a child feels, leading to better sleep, more positive feelings, and stronger relationships. It is important to read to children several times a day.
Here are some e-books available at the DCPL that families can enjoy together this week:
- Roar-Choo! by Charlotte Cheng – Dragon is fierce and plans to take over the world! But he also has a cold. Will he stay still long enough for his friend Phoenix to help?
- Blueberry Cake by Sarah Dillard – Little Bear loves blueberries, and while picking them for Mama so she can make his favorite blueberry cake, he eats them all and must find a way not to come home empty handed.
- Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho – A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers’. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. Her eyes kiss in the corners, just like her mother’s, her sister’s, and her grandmother’s.
- A Rock is Lively by Diana Hutts Aston – This nonfiction book introduces readers to rocks and minerals, describing how they are created, what they can be used for, and their different forms and types.
- Matilda by Roald Dahl – Matilda is a sweet girl with special powers, which she channels to rid her school of the evil child-hating headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, and restore her nice teacher, Miss Honey, to financial security.
Vroom Brain-Building Tip
Vroom is a website and app with science-based tips to help boost young children’s brain connections. Families can turn daily moments into brain-building opportunities.
Today’s Tip: Moving Parts
- When you and your child are at home, search together for things that move. Can they find something that rolls, like an empty bottle? What about something that turns, like a doorknob? Or something that spins, like a fan? Talk together about the things you’ve discovered and how they move.
Brainy Background
Your child learns words like “roll,” “spin,” and “turn” by seeing those motions in action and talking about them with you. Hands-on experiences like these encourage them to be an “active learner.” They help your child explore and ask questions about how the world works.
Week of May 18, 2026
- Music and Movement Monday: Follow the cues in this Move It! music video.
- Tasty Tuesday: Make some breakfast burritos.
- Wellness Wednesday: Have fun as you practice exercise, balance, and coordination skills.
- Textured Thursday: Create a sensory walk path, indoors or out!
- Family Fun Friday: Build an outdoor dam and explore how water flows.
Week of May 25, 2026
- Music and Movement Monday: Make and play a tin can drum.
- Tasty Tuesday: Cook a spicy roast chicken.
- Wellness Wednesday: Warm up with this 5-minute full-body stretch.
- Textured Thursday: Try this block tower knock-down.
- Family Fun Friday: Play a senses discovery game.
Free Produce Giveaway
On the second Wednesday of each month, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the Capital Area Food Bank provide produce and other food items to the community. The giveaway takes place from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at Lederer Gardens, 801 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE. Find more information here.
Salute the Sunset Concert Series – National Harbor
Throughout the summer, Saturday evenings feature military band performances at National Harbor. Families can bring a chair and enjoy an evening with performing ensembles from a variety of United States military bands. The concerts start at 7 p.m. and are free and open to the public. The next performance is on May 23, featuring the United States Army Rappers. View the full concert series schedule here.
Directions to National Harbor, including driving directions, public and private transportation options, and parking, can be found here.
Family Connections May 2026 Workshops
Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 5:30-6:30 p.m.
STAR: Sing, Talk, and Read with Your Child
DCPL will lead an interactive session focused on the importance of developing literacy skills in young children, beginning in infancy. Participants will explore simple practices that can positively impact a child’s overall growth.
Click here to register.
Strong Start
Strong Start is DC’s early intervention program, offering free services for children under 3 with developmental delays or disabilities. Strong Start provides therapeutic and other services for DC infants, toddlers and their families.
If you have questions about your child’s development, call Strong Start today at (202) 727-3665 or submit a Strong Start referral online.
Product Recall Alerts
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission recently announced the following recall:
- Wiifo Children’s Tower Stools, because they can collapse or tip over while in use, posing a risk of serious injury and death.
- Autobrush Sonic Pro Kids Toothbrush Boxes because they contain a lithium battery that children can access. If ingested, the batteries can cause serious injuries, including internal chemical burns and death.
We are here to help! If you need support in navigating these resources or help planning experiences for your children, please contact one of our team members today. Please contact us at DC Child Care Connections (202) 829-2500.
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