UC Merced Center for Early Cognition and Language

Want to learn more about positive discipline?
Want to help children discover how capable they are?
Want to teach children social skills?
Check out this FREE 7-week workshop in both English and Spanish!
Childcare providers and parents/families caring for children 0-5 are welcomed to register at

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc55Uiu0LAuU8e_tN5zishaQ2zHlcgEfC9c14NC3ce_CwRR8Q/viewform

Thanks to Merced County Office of Education
First 5 Merced County!

Celebrate the Black History Month by reading a book to your child!
Check out the following books for pre-school, beginner readers and middle grade children, available at Merced County Library

Click this link if you want to find more books about Black culture
https://hbpl.libguides.com/kids/blackhistorymonth

Do you know that Kids Discovery Station is Free the last Sunday of every month? Check out the FREE admission dates for Kids Discovery Station!

Happy Chinese New Year! This year's zodiac animal is the dragon.

Dragon represents power, strength, good luck and wisdom.

Chinese zodiac assigns an animal to each year based on the Chinese calendar, which is a combination of both solar and lunar calendar.

Dragon is the only myth animal among the 12 zodiac animals.

If you are born in year 2024 (starting tomorrow), 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1952 and 1940, then you are a dragon!

https://www.first5california.com/en-us/videos/the-dragon-song-calming-kids/

Sometimes our little ones struggle with some big emotions. Here is a fun song they can sing to help calm themselves down~

The Dragon Song: Calming Kids | First 5 California Little kids have big emotions. When they don’t know how to deal with them, they can get frustrated, angry, and upset. The Dragon Song gives them a way to calm down with just a few deep breaths. It can help put them in control of their feelings and regulate their mood, and guide them to better mana...

It's a blast from the past! Check out this neat exhibit at the Kids Discovery Station — opening this Sunday!

SURPRISE!! 🎉 we are opening our newest exhibit this Sunday, December 17th at 11am.

Walk into an 80s family's living room and experience original 80s music, furniture, Christmas decorations, and working technology. The 80s room will be open for free exploration after the opening ceremony. Additionally, tours will be given including operation of original 80s technology.

Write a letter to Santa on our Computer and print it out, call your family on our original rotary phone, play old-school video games on our game console, or watch the 1980 LA Christmas Parade on our TV. If you prefer to listen to music you can choose between our record player, radio, or rewind and listen to our variety of tapes.

We cannot wait to see everyone at our Exhibit Opening on Sunday, December 17th at 11am!

This seems like a fun thing to do before the holidays! Check it out: it's happening next week~

Get in the holiday spirit with our annual Lights before Christmas!🎄

Gather your loved ones and enjoy a magical night full of holiday lights and cheer!

Join us December 15-17th from 5:30pm-7:30pm at Applegate Zoo!

Mark your calendars for this fun event in two weeks!

Come join us for a fun night and take a picture with Santa🎅

An interesting read about the importance of playing pretend with your little ones! Especially relevant as cold and rainy weather may make it difficult to play outside. Are there any pretend games you love to play with your kiddos!

Playing make-believe isn't just fun. It has many early childhood development benefits too. 🧙

It's proven to:
🧠 Boost brain development and creativity
💬 Hone language and communication skills
🤝 Foster social interactions and empathy
🧩 Sharpen problem-solving and decision-making skills
🎭 Nurture emotional expression and regulation
🦸‍♂️ Build self-confidence and identity
👯 Refine motor skills through active engagement

Check out our blog to learn more. https://bit.ly/47xSZwx

November is National Picture Book Month! Reading out loud to children has lots of benefits and it can be a fun indoor activity to do as it gets colder outside. Learn more about how reading helps children thrive in the article below!

Why Reading Aloud to Kids Helps Them Thrive | Parenting Tips & Advice Reading aloud to kids has clear cognitive benefits but it also strengthens children’s social, emotional, and character development.

As the temperatures begin to drop it's time to pull out those sweaters and make some yummy drinks to warm up. Try out the recipe below next time your kids start to feel chilly!

Homemade Hot Chocolate - Celebrating Sweets Creamy Homemade Hot Chocolate. A combination of cocoa powder and chocolate chips make this hot chocolate extra flavorful and delicious! Ready in minutes.

Let's play a fun game to learn numbers! "I spy with my little eye, 3 yellow pumpkins!" Check out this free printable worksheet and have fun!