During the holidays it can sometimes be hard to keep your students engaged and learning. YouthQuest will be out of session from Dec. 17- Jan. 4. However, there are many different things parents can do with their children to keep them learning and growing.
“Continuing your student’s learning during winter break doesn’t have to be difficult,” says Nefertari Jones, program director for YouthQuest. “Parents can utilize resources in the area to help their student transition from school to break and back again.”
To help students stay engaged, parents might check out:
The Flint Children Museum – The museum is now open to patrons with safety protocols in place such as requiring masks and social distancing. For those who would rather stay home, the museum also offers virtual programming for students.
The Flint Public Library – Although the library is temporarily closed until Dec. 9, there are plenty of learning resources and engaging activities on its website. Once the library, which is temporarily based at Courtland Center, reopens, the institution will offer events such as puppet shows and storytimes.
Mid-Michigan Moms – A local group that provides a user-friendly connection to the community, Mid-Michigan Moms is a collaborative of 35 local moms who create blog posts, resources and guides, build event calendars and more. The group has also created free distanced learning Facebook Live events that are available to watch on their website.
Flint Community Education Initiative Wellness Resources – The local initiative, headed up by the Crim Fitness Foundation, offers a variety of videos to help students and their families stay active and well.
Additionally, for families in need, there are several local resources and programs available during the holiday season. Some of these include:
- Carriage Town Ministries, 605 Garland St., Flint
- Emergency food, clothing, shelter, health screening and more
- Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, 2312 Lapeer Road, Flint
- Provides assistance with food
- Greater Flint Outreach Center, 1114 University Ave., Flint
- Provides food and clothing
- South Flint Soup Kitchen, Lincoln Park United Methodist Church, 3410 Fenton Road, Flint
- Provides lunch
- Toys for Tots – Flint, 4425 South Saginaw St., Flint
- Provides holiday toys for children
YouthQuest is made possible through the generous support of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and 21st Century Community Learning Centers.