Putnam County Help Me Grow

05/22/2026

05/21/2026

When the weather is nice, head outside for a simple and colorful activity your little one will love!

✨ What you need:

Coffee filters
Washable markers
Spray bottle with water

🎨 How to play:
Let your child decorate a coffee filter with lots of different colors using markers. When they’re done, it’s time for the magic—spray with water and watch the colors spread and blend like tie-dye!

💡 What your child is learning:

Creativity & color exploration
Cause and effect (what happens when water hits the ink)
Fine motor skills through drawing and spraying

It’s simple, hands-on, and full of colorful surprises! 🌈💛

05/19/2026

It was recently announced that the Union Pacific Big Boy Steam Locomotive will be stopping and rolling through Continental on Saturday, June 6th at the railroad track crossing at Main Street and Oak Street!

05/18/2026

Putnam County Help Me Grow is partnered with Cribs for Kids, to share trusted safe sleep education and connect families with the resources they need most.

Through the Cribs for Kids program, eligible families can receive a safe crib to ensure infants sleep safely. If you’re in need, call the office at 419-523-6059.

Remember the ABCs of Safe Sleep:
Alone – Babies should sleep alone in their crib.
Back – Always lay your baby on their back to sleep.
Crib – Use a firm crib mattress with no soft bedding.

05/14/2026

The Ohio Department of Children and Youth have released their Spring Scope Newsletter.
In this issue:
• New ways to build early literacy skills with your child
• A firsthand story from a home visitor
• Updates on the expansion of home visiting services across Ohio
• Why Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) matter for raising resilient kids
• What you can learn by dialing Ohio’s expanded Ohio 211 services
• How fathers can get involved in the All Pro Dad Experience on June 15

Take a look and stay connected to what matters most for Ohio’s kids and families.

Created with the Heyzine flipbook maker

05/12/2026

🧦⚽ Playing Catch! ⚽🧦

Turn something as simple as a sock into a fun learning game!

✨ How to play:

Roll up a sock into a soft sock ball
Sit across from your child and roll it back and forth
Encourage your child to pick it up and toss it back
Talk about what they’re doing:
💬 “You rolled it to me!”
💬 “Now I’m throwing it back!”
Add a laundry basket or box as a target for tossing fun!

💡 What’s in it for your child?

Motor Skills: Builds gross motor control through rolling, reaching, and throwing
Social-Emotional: Physical play helps children release energy, reduce stress, and practice emotional regulation

Simple, active, and full of connection—let the games begin! 💛🎯

05/07/2026

📦✨ Paper Pull Fun! ✨📦

Looking for a simple, engaging activity for your baby? Try Paper Pull—a fun way to explore and learn!

🧻 How to play:

-Take an empty tissue box
-Tear paper or fabric into strips, or use scarves and stuff them inside
-Let your baby pull the strips out
-Model if needed by showing them how to pull
-During clean-up, encourage your baby to help put the strips back in

💡 What your baby is learning:

Fine Motor Skills: Picking up and pulling strips helps develop the pincer grasp (using fingers and thumb)
Cognitive Skills: Learning cause and effect—“I pulled it out, and now it’s on the floor!”

Simple, hands-on, and full of learning—plus it can be done with items you already have at home! 💛

04/30/2026

Bring the art supplies outside and draw with your toddler! When your child observes and imitates drawing with you, they are able to experience social skills: taking turns with crayons and beginning to “create” alongside you.
💬Encourage your little one to describe their picture. Talk about what colors and shapes you see in their drawing.

04/28/2026

Blowing bubbles with your toddler promotes Gross Motor development:
Chasing and Jumping: Running after bubbles improves balance, agility, and leg strength.
Full-Body Movement: Toddlers often squat, reach, and spin while playing with bubbles, engaging multiple muscle groups.