More than just storytime

The Brooklyn ARTery is again hosting its annual Storytelling Festival on Governors Island on Aug. 7, 14, 21, and 28.

Featured storytellers include Regina Ress on Aug. 7, Arif Choudhury on Aug. 14, Julie Pasqual and puppets on Aug. 21, and origami swami Megan Hicks, as well as the Marshall Katzman Marionettes, on Aug. 28.

The festival is sponsored by Municipal Credit Union and Corner Media Group.

Storytelling Festival on Aug. 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 1 to 3 pm. Free.

Families can get the ferries to the island at 10 South St. in Manhattan or Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6 in Brooklyn.

Brooklyn ARTery Soundstage [Outside Building 10 in Nolan Park on Governors Island, (347) 425- 7770, www.brooklynartery.com].

Manhattan Mandarin

Manhattan Mandarin runs the Mandarin after-school programs at over 40 schools nationwide, including St. Bernard's, Chapin, Allen-Stevenson, and Buckley. Whether in schools, students' homes, in the office, online, or on our beloved China trips, our teachers and tutors have helped hundreds of students of all ages master the Mandarin language on their own unique paths to fluency. Our philosophy has always been to make private lessons and classes perfectly tailored for each individual student. We look forward to working with you. - Jamie Keyte, Founder

Brooklyn Robot Foundry - Virtual Classes

Brooklyn Robot Foundry offers super fun online robot-building classes for children 2-13 years old!&nbsp;&nbsp;Each week, students are introduced to new engineering concepts and components while building that day&rsquo;s robot in their own &ldquo;workshop&rdquo;.&nbsp;&nbsp;All classes maintain a very low student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for plenty of individualized instruction and socializing. The supplies are shipped in advance and classes are led by amazing instructors, taking all the pressure off parents.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Foundry&rsquo;s main focus however, is that kids have fun, get creative, and enjoy being part of this STEAM-loving community!&nbsp;