Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in charleston, SC

Savvy Savings: Summer Movie Specials!

by Nicole Teed

May 25, 2009

There's nothing like a cool movie theater on a hot summer day, with cartoons on the big screen and popcorn butter on little fingers!  Here are a few ways to get out to the movies with your little ones this season!

From the Page to the Screen: Chapter Books Turned Into Movies

by Nicole Teed

May 18, 2009

My daughter is five-years-old now, and while she still enjoys picture books, we've transitioned our nighttime reading to chapter books.  We started with a chapter book that had been turned into a movie -- she was excited to see the movie, so I used seeing a movie as the "carrot" to get her to stick with the book.  Since that first one, we've continued to choose chapter books that have gone to the screen.  We get to experience the joy of reading together, and then we snuggle up on the couch with popcorn to see the story come alive.  It's fun to talk about the differences between the book and the movie, and also the differences between the characters we imagined and how they were portrayed for film.

Here are a few of the books we've tackled so far, as well as some of those on our list for the future!

Sing, Dance, Act: Classic Musicals Your Kids Will Love

by Nicole Teed

March 02, 2009

Let's face it: Disney Channel may be good for turning out theatrical musical performances from the latest tween and teen stars, but they didn't invent the musical.  Some of my favorite classic movies are musicals, and there is nothing I like better than seeing people break into song in the middle of everyday life.  In fact, my daughter and I sing so much throughout the course of the day, I've wondered if my toddler son thinks that he actually lives a musical!

Here are a few of my recommendations of old school musicals to share with your kids.

What's Up for the Weekend: February 6-8

by Nicole

February 06, 2009

Free library events on Saturday! Sing and Learn Chinese with Wei, 10:30 -11:30 a.m. at the West Ashley branch. Valentine's Day Craft Make-and-Take with Grace Dunbar, 10:30 a.m., Poe-Sullivan's Island branch. Saturday Family Storytime, 11:00 a.m. at the John's Island branch. African American Read-In Celebration, 2 p.m., Main Library. Saturday Movie: Igor, 3 p.m. at the Dorechester  Read more...

A weekend of holiday fun!

by Nicole

December 05, 2008

The holiday festivities are in full gear this weekend, so there is plenty to get out and enjoy! [Image credit: SXC/Julia Freeman-Woolpert] Saturday and Sunday bring Christmas to downtown Charleston. Christmas tree lighting and Parade of Boats Saturday evening, Christmas parade Sunday afternoon. Details here ! The annual Reindeer Run is also happening downtown this Saturday, December 6 at 9  Read more...

Weekend round-up: October 25-26

by Nicole

October 24, 2008

As you might expect, there are quite a few Halloween-related events going on this weekend! The Halloween Extravaganza at St. Paul's Academy in Hollywood and the Summerville Ghost Walk and Harvest Moon Hayride are both this Saturday! Get details at the Halloween calendar posted earlier this week. The Charleston County Public Library is getting it's spook on! Tour a haunted house, hear scary  Read more...

Staying Cool this Summer: Free and low-cost family movies

by Nicole

June 11, 2008

There's something about seeing a movie on the big screen -- munching on popcorn and watching larger-than-life images -- with the benefit of air-conditioned comfort on hot summer days. But it can be hard to find current movies appropriate for the preschool crowd, and even when you do find them, a single trip can cost a pretty penny if you're paying full price. But there's no reason to fret!  Read more...