"Play & Learn" Groups (Ages 1-6)

Parent-child playgroups provide children and parents/caregivers the opportunity to interact with each other in a safe, developmentally appropriate environment. Children learn to play, develop listening skills, communicate and build social skills. Parents can share ideas, develop relationships and expand their support system. Families will enjoy free play time-featuring a hands-on craft or sensory activity - along with a group snack (optional), story time and movement song, all led by our fabulous facilitators! 

Sutton Family Center 

Monday through Thursday 9:15 - 10:30 & 10:45 - 12:00

Fridays 9:15 - 10:30 

Sept 14 - Oct 30 (no group 10/12)

Marlborough PlaySpace 

Monday and Thursday 9:15 - 10:30 & 10:45 - 12:00

Sept 14 - Oct 29 (no group 10/12)

NEW! "Playful By Nature" Playgroup (Ages 2-5) 

Calling all nature lovers—whether that means stomping in giant rain puddles right outside your door or exploring natural treasures on a tray! In this nature-based playgroup developed by the Boston Children’s Museum, parents and their little explorers (ages 2-5) will dive into hands-on activities designed to spark natural curiosity and nurture a connection with the natural world. Along the way, children will build early math, science, and literacy skills through group activities like bug home building, pumpkin hammering, and scavenger hunts! Each family will receive weekly activity sheets and supplies to continue the exploration at home.

Outdoors at the Boroughs Family Branch YMCA in Westborough

Thursday 10:00 - 11:00 

Sept 17 - Oct 29 (no group 10/15)

Musical Sing-Along (Infant - 5)
Sing, dance, and play together in this interactive music & movement series! Using a variety of songs, children and their caregivers will share music and movement together with Ms. Debbie. We will also explore and play with a variety of rhythm instruments & props. Music is for every age!

Berlin Library
Monday 1:00 - 1:45

Sept 14 - Oct 26 (no group 10/12)

Marlborough Library
Wednesday 1:00 - 1:45

Sept 16 - Oct 28

"Wiggles & Giggles" (Ages 2-5)
Children will sing, move, play musical instruments, learn rhythm and listen to stories in this music & movement series facilitated by Ms. Laine. "Wiggles & Giggles" fosters physical, cognitive, social and emotional learning through music and motion. Siblings are welcome and must be supervised. 

Oxford & Charlton Libraries
Monday 10:00 - 11:00
Sept 14 & 21 (Oxford Library)
Sept 28, Oct 5, 19, 26 (Charlton Library)           

Pearle L. Crawford Memorial Library (Dudley)
Thursday 11:00 - 12:00

Sept 17 - Oct 29

"Little Wiggles & Giggles" (Ages 6-24 months)
Introduce your little ones to the joy of music and movement. Babies, toddlers and their caregivers will explore rhythm through songs, simple instruments, and stories in this 30-minute series facilitated by Ms. Laine. Little Wiggles & Giggles supports early physical, cognitive, social development. 

Pearle L. Crawford Memorial Library (Dudley)
Thursday 10:15 - 10:45
Sept 17 - Oct 29

"Tots & Tunes" (Ages Infant - 3)
Children and their caregivers will explore music through songs, movement and simple instruments in this joyful music and movement experience facilitated by Ms. Brenda from Apple Tree Arts. 

Millbury Library
Thursday 10:15 - 11:00
Sept 17 - Oct 29

Little Movers! (Ages 3-6)
This movement series will help children build and enhance gross motor (movement) skills by participating in fun physical activities. Children, with a parent/caregiver, will run, jump, crawl, balance, ride scooters & bikes, and play games! With the help of a facilitator, children will be guided through fun movement activities, ending with a storytime. Younger siblings are welcome and must be supervised by parents/caregivers. 

Boroughs Family Branch YMCA in Westborough

Tuesday 12:00 - 1:00

Sept 15 - Oct 27

Tri-Community Family Branch YMCA in Southbridge

Wednesday 10:30 - 11:30

Sept 16 - Oct 28

Children ages 3-6 with a parent or caregiver will learn STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) concepts through hands-on activities, story time, challenges and simple experiments in 45-60 minute classes facilitated by STEM Beginnings and hosted by libraries!  Registration is required. Please note: Families may attend 1 STEM class/location per week. 

To register: click on the library below or visit the library website's event calendar.  

Auburn (Oct 1 - Nov 19)
Thursdays at 10:30
Register weekly with the Library

Charlton (Nov 2 - Dec 14)
Mondays at 10:00 - 10:45 WAITLIST

Grafton (Sept 25 - Oct 30)
Fridays at 10:30 WAITLIST

Hudson (Oct 1 - Nov 5)
Thursdays at 11:00

Marlborough (Sept 22 - Oct 27)
Tuesdays at 10:00
Register with the library

Millbury (Sept 28 - Nov 9)
Mondays at 11:00

Northborough (Oct 1 - Nov 12)
Thursdays at 1:00

Shrewsbury (Sept 25 - Nov 6)
Fridays at 1:00  WAITLIST

Webster (Sept 24 -  Oct 29)
Thursdays at 10:30
Register with the library

Join Ms. Grace for an interactive book club designed for pre-reading children, ages 2–5, and their parent or caregiver! We will read We're Going on A Bear Hunt together and hold a short, kid-friendly discussion, followed by a fun activity, craft, & snack! Families are encouraged to read the book together in advance. Copies will be available at the children's circulation desk at the Charlton Library and available to borrow at book club. Pre-registration is required.

Charlton Library
Thursday 10:00 - 11:00 
Nov 5, and Dec 10
Note: A new book will be featured on each date. 

Register for 10/15
Registration for future dates will be available 2 weeks before the event.

Families will explore songs, movement, and simple instruments in this joyful, interactive experience! This music series led by Tom Knight is for children ages 1 - 5 with their parent/caregiver. Registration is required.  Please Note: You are registering for an 8-week series.

Blackstone Library
Tuesday at 11:30 – 12:00
Oct 20, 27; Nov 10, 17 and Dec 1

To Register:
Email tcollier@cwmars.org, call 508-883-1931, or visit the Blackstone library

"How to Support Your Toddler through the Most Important Years so They Grow and Develop with Healthy Self-esteem"
Tuesday, October 6 | 7:00 - 8:15

Presented by Bonnie Harris, M.S. Ed.

Parenting young children means navigating their big feelings, tons of impulsivity, and developing identity, while dodging non-stop pressure to teach them to listen, share, and behave. Join us for a practical, encouraging workshop on how toddlers actually process language and emotions. Learn simple ways to hold realistic expectations, communicate on your child's level, reduce frustration, and discover why everyday support and play matter far more than constant instruction and praise or criticism. Learn to be with them rather than to be at them.

  REGISTER HERE  

"All Children are Perfectly Designed"
Tuesday, October 27 | 6:30 - 8:00

Presented by Jeanine Fitzgerald

Adults and children are partners in the dance of interaction; however, adults hold greater "responsibility.” This means we are to parent and teach in ways that ensure each child’s unique “designer genes” are understood and honored. Otherwise, children will grow up in many afflicted ways. This session provides insights into the hero within every child.

  REGISTER HERE  

"When Your Kids Push Your Buttons: Understanding Your Reactions and Reframing Expectations"
Tuesday, November 17 | 7:00 - 8:15 PM

Presented by Bonnie Harris, M.S. Ed.

Do you ever find yourself losing your cool or feeling stuck in endless power struggles, saying and doing things you never thought you would? Join us for an insightful, practical workshop on understanding why our children’s behavior triggers us the way it does and how to intervene with ourselves, so our behavior doesn’t get out of hand, too. Learn effective strategies to understand where our triggers come from and how to stay calm, set clear boundaries, and respond rather than react.

Registration opens in early November.

"No Place Like Home"
Tuesday, December 1 | 6:30 - 8:00 PM

Presented by Jeanine Fitzgerald

Only when we know we will be treated with respect; when we know our needs will be met; when we know we are visible, valued and supported, and not embarrassed or set up to fail…only then are we willing to let our defenses down and truly open up the growth and learning. Relationships matter and perhaps none more than those we share in our home. The quality of the relationships we have are based on the attitudes we hold. So, what are the attitudes we hold? This session explores the “primary laws of love” as a highly effective way to influence our children and enhance our relationships with them.

Registration opens in early November.

About the Presenters 

• Jeanine Fitzgerald is a Certified Human Behavior Consultant and Specialist, Author, Master Trainer, and founder of The Fitzgerald Community School. Learn more about Jeanine Here

• Bonnie Harris, M.S. Ed. is the Director of Connective Parenting, Author, Professional Trainer, and Family Counselor. Learn more about Bonnie and sign up for her Newsletter Here