What's Up For Kids, November 2015

W HAT ’S UP FOR KIDS NOVEMBER 2015

FROM THE ARTBOX GIVING

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

SING IN CHINESE

ON DAD’S WATCH HOW TO UPGRADE YOUR IPHONE

Connecting Parents With Resources www.WhatsUpForKids.com

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In This Issue 6

Parent’s Corner Did You Ever Have One Of Those Days?

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In The Spotlight Sing In Chinese

10 The Organized Family Do You Have A Medical Record Keeper?

12 On Dad’s Watch How To Upgrade Your iPhone 16 Family Friendly Travel The Perfect Family Getaway: Go Active 20 Education Notes From The School Yard: Mainstreaming 24 From The Artbox Giving 28 Calendar Find all the latest things to do around town!

As events change be sure to call ahead!

COVER PHOTO AND STYLING COURTESY OF

Stylist: Christie Richards Photo: Cynthia Olkie, Fleur De Lis Photo www.fleurphoto.com

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Letter from the publisher As I write this, we are in the middle of another October heatwave, and it definitely does not feel like Thanksgiving is around the corner!! In fact, it feels like an endless summer.

However, as I think of the holidays, I always look forward to special activities with my kids.

This is the perfect time of year to schedule to do something together, maybe something you have never done before. The days pass quickly, and if you don’t put it on the calendar, it might not happen.

Check out our calendar of events in this issue: maybe get in touch with nature at the South Coast Botanic Garden, where the Great Pumpkin Hunt is going on daily through November 15th, a fun opportunity for your child to seen a real pumpkin patch! Or maybe you want to get creative: on the first Saturday of the month, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium hosts an Art Corner with an ocean-themed project to jump start your creativity. Have a young train enthusiast? What about a trip to Wilson Park to ride the Southern California Live Steamers miniature trains the first Sunday of the month from 11am to 3pm. Or, maybe you have a little ballerina, why not start a tradition of going to a live performance of “The Nutcracker” ballet? Peninsula School of Performing Arts offer their production in November at the Norris Theater which offers an intimate theater experience perfect to draw kids into the action on stage. Whatever you do, by taking a step out of your routine, you will create lasting memories.

Wishing You and Yours a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Cindy

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Parent’s Corner Did You Ever Have One Of Those Days?

Some days you get the bear, some days the bear gets you. Parenting will challenge you more than any job in the history of the world. If not now, then just know it’s coming.

There are days that are hectic, when you can barely get dinner on the table and homework finished.

There are days that are filled with meltdowns, fears and frustrations… and the kids have a rough day too. I’d like to talk to you about the days that are so overwhelming you want to hide in a closet and hope no one finds you for the rest of the week. Those days are a like a parent’s Mt. Everest, only without a sherpa.

I’ve come to believe that these difficult, ravaging days are a rite of passage for parents. If you talk to your parents, I’m sure they can remember one or two. There’s a hilarious video on Facebook about soon-to-be parents sharing all of the ways they will be perfect parents. They won’t give their baby a pacifier, they’ll never allow screen time, their child will absolutely never throw a fit in Target when the line is 10 people deep. Never. It’s funny to us because we know how quickly things change. It’s often our high expectations of ourselves and our children that send us down the proverbial rabbit hole. On those particularly difficult days the best we can do is to make it to the end of the day and start fresh tomorrow.

Here are a few tips to help you if you ever have a tough day: 1. Journal- Write down where it all went wrong. Then add 1 or 2 steps you could take the next time things are looking bleak to help turn the day around. Try changing your perspective and your expectations for the day and see what happens.

2. Exercise/Walk- As soon as possible and get that awful feeling out of your body! You’ll sweat it out and gain some clarity too.

3. Gratitude- Be grateful that you are a parent and that your child is safe and loved.

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Know this; You may not be a perfect parent, but you are the perfect parent for your kids.

Michele Pullo created happycalmchild out of the needs of her own family and friends to have simple, tangible tools to help our children self-regulate their emotions, focus and ease anxiety. She works with both children and their parents through live and virtual classes, talks, webinars, family workshops and a private family program. She’s combined evidence based stress reduction tools with effective parenting techniques to give parents the support they need. Her experience as the mother of a 9yr old with ADD and a spirited 4yr old keeps her in the trenches with you! Michele’s background working with children, teaching Yoga and Dance along with 25 years of study on Stress Reduction Techniques, Movement for Learning and the Mind/ Body Connection helped her create a structured, easy to follow, fun curriculum that gives kids the tools they need while giving parents the results and support they’ve been looking for!

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Spotlight IN THE

Sing In Chinese Tell us a little about your programs: Sing In Chinese understands that each child is a unique individual with a different personality and learning style. We believe that learning should be fun. We design all of our classes to be interactive, practical and highly effective for children. Inside our classrooms, children develop intrinsic interest in learning Mandarin.

Sing In Chinese offers a unique Patent-Pending language teaching method to enforce the learning of conversational speaking and encourage reading.

Our Enrichment program utilizes a leading Mandarin curriculum to enforce the learning of speaking, reading & writing. Sing In Chinese also offers a Parent & Me program that teaches Mandarin phonics with original songs paired with ASL baby sign language and gross motor movements.

Private and semi-private lesson are customized based on each individual student’s learning capabilities.

What do kids love most about your programs?

Kids have lots of fun while learning inside our classrooms. What they love about our programs is that our lessons are designed with “effective play” in mind. We encourage creativity and believe that information is best retained when children have fun.

What is unique about your program?

Childhood songs are stored in our long-term memory. Students at Sing In Chinese learn through fun original songs that were written with practical and useful daily conversational phrases. Our Patent-Pending method incorporates the proper basic tones of Mandarin into the melodies so children can retain useful Mandarin in the correct tones into their longterm memory.

Engaging and colorful storybooks are paired with every song. APPs by Sing In Chinese are extremely fun and interactive while children learn Mandarin through engaging animation, fun games, karaoke style singing and recording.

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How can parents find out more?

We’d love to speak to you about your goals for your children’s Mandarin learning.

We think it’s important that we spend time to understand your vision, so we may provide teachings accordingly and help achieve the same goals.

We have new classes starting every month. Call us at 855.527.8697, email us at Info@SingInChinese or visit us at www.SingInChinese.com!

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The Organized Family Is There A Medical Record Keeper In The House?

It’s back to school time and time to get the family medical and health insurance paperwork in shape. If you had trouble locating your child’s immunization records for school or can’t find the insurance benefits booklet, take a deep breath, relax and read on.

There are 3 main areas of medical record keeping: 1. Medical Information • Health & medical information clipped from magazines, picked up at the pharmacy or downloaded from a health web site can be helpful. However, be aware that information is constantly updated.

So check info regularly.

• Insurance Information files should contain family medical, dental and optical policies and claim forms, benefits, physician’s directory, etc.

• Settled claims are filed in a separate folder. Active claims and paperwork should be filed in a separate folder until settled.

• When updated information is received from your insurance company’s new benefits and coverage, be sure to discard the outdated information. Keep a separate file folder for each insurance company and their paperwork (eg: dental, medical, vision, etc).

2. Personal Medical Records • File folders, labeled with the first name of each family member, will contain their personal medical data. Information includes records of immunizations, physical exams, lab results, mammograms, dental records, allergies, etc., for future reference.

• A list of family members’ regular medications should be made; one for each family member with copies to bring to office visits, as they usually ask for this information. Have copies available for medical office or hospital visits. Their treatment may differ after having this information. You can also keep a small print version in your wallet for emergency use. Also include this medical information in your cell phone, listed as ICE: In Case of Emergency, to be accessed in an emergency by paramedics or emergency hospital personnel.

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3. Special Information • Include birth, death and adoption certificates in separate folders labeled. You may choose to keep original copies in a bank safe deposit box.

• Don’t forget a file for your household pets to include immunizations & other veterinary records, animal licensing paperwork, boarding or pet sitter information and any other record keeping.

Having these files handy will save much time, energy and stress… and possibly money.

Ann Gambrell is an organizational consultant and speaker available to inform and entertain audiences. She facilitates weekday and Saturday Clutter Support Groups and teaches organizing classes through the Torrance Adult School. To learn more, phone Ann at 310-212-0917 or to request her FREE monthly email tips email gambrellann@aol.com. You will be glad you did!

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On Dad’s Watch How to Upgrade Your iPhone

by Michael Malgeri Those with a puppy may have had your pet microchipped. Should the dog run away, the pup can be returned to its owner. Isn’t that what dog tags are for?

The human equivalent of microchipping is an iPhone. It’s easier to remove a lung than pry an iPhone from a teen’s grip. The benefit is the built-in GPS. How many of you have launched the “Find My Phone” app to locate your kids? If they stray 10 feet beyond my geographic comfort zone, I alert our local rescue team.

Our daughter has discovered my surveillance weakness, and parlayed it into iPhone upgrades.

“Dad!” She cried years ago. “I dropped my phone in the toilet!” It was a phone on which kids learn how to text with their thumbs faster than a court stenographer. I wanted an iPhone 5, so as “punishment,” our daughter got my “4.” Our son was clueless why he was receiving Lisa’s.

“Uhhh, THANKS!” was all he said.

“DAD! I CAN’T BELIEVE I DID IT AGAIN!” It was a year later, more tears and dropped in a school toilet. I would think it more common for boys to drop stuff in potties. They can’t spare a hand for a phone. Anyway, the iPhone 6 was out, so I “abused” our children by giving them old iPhone 5s. Lisa got the 6 plus, which made me suspicious SHE might be coaching Dom. After shattering two more screens, Apple voided our daughter’s warranty, forcing another upgrade.

Fortunately, our son hasn’t noticed that his sister has my “old” iPhone 6, complete with a “lost, broken or stolen” insurance policy. I’m the possessor of a new 6 plus BUT... the next time she wrecks her “kid locator device,” she’s using phone booths and I’m having her microchipped.

Along with “On Dad’s Watch” Michael has also written a series of books he calls “Bedtime Stories about Capitalism,” which teaches kids about honest profit making. Visit http://www.kids4biz.com. You can write to him at mmalgeri@kids4biz.com

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Family Friendly Travel The Perfect Family Getaway: Go Active!

Biking, sword fighting and castle-hotels!

Biking in France’s castle-sprinkled Loire Valley conjures up enough dreamy visions of graceful rivers, meticulously manicured gardens, flying buttresses and fairy-tale castles, but imagine your family in this setting, realizing that everyone is equally captivated and excited about the daily program. Backroads, “The World’s “#1 Active Travel Company,” offers first class guides to navigate family bicycle tours on child-friendly routes, while satisfying the kids’ and adults’ versions of fun and curiosity.

Tour leaders are critical to a successful guided cycling vacation and Backroads provides genuinely enthusiastic, knowledgeable and motivating leaders who have endured a rigorous recruiting and training program.

On family trips, Backroads provides a dedicated Kid Coordinator who orchestrates activities for the entire family, even giving the children a few hours a day of kids-only fun, connecting them to the local culture.

Insofar as the biking is concerned, generally, children over nine years old may ride their own bikes, otherwise, they ride on a bike/trailer.

Young ones will use their legs instead of their thumbs and not even notice they left behind TV and their electronic devices when they are engaged in their own real world adventures. For example, the Loire Valley Family Bike Tour offers peaceful roads leading to fairy-tale castles, fencing and chocolatemaking classes, a visit to Sleeping Beauty’s castle and the most exquisite gardens with mazes, out of which children will enjoy finding their way.

Meanwhile, parents can enjoy touring spellbinding villages and their chateaux loaded with rich histories and elegantly appointed art as well as learning about historical figures such as Joan of Arc, Honore de Balzac and Leonardo da Vinci. There is also no shortage of local vintners where touring and tasting can be enjoyed without distraction before returning to one of the many magical castle-hotels in the region.

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Each itinerary balances quality time together and apart and families will share memorable experiences while biking, exploring and recharging. Backroads has perfected the art of the family adventure vacation by mixing bicycling with peppy and knowledgeable guides, kidfriendly routes and fun diversions. Also, if you are not drawn to bicycling, the multi-sport and camping trips can also guarantee a balanced family adventure. Your travel agent can assist in helping you choose the best adventure suited to your family, so let the magic begin and GO ACTIVE!

Cynthia Bartlett is an independent travel planner and affiliate of Travelstore. She loves sharing her passion of travel with her clients and strives to create itineraries that are unique and stress-free. Having lived in the United Kingdom and France, Cynthia has an extensive experience in and knowledge of Europe. However, she has also traveled to 6 of the 7 continents, so is able to assist in crafting unique itineraries in all corners of the world. She enjoys finding adventurous activities and experiences that are unique, so that her clients feel they have traveled “deeper” than the average tourist. Her expertise is in family/multi-generational travel, but she loves the challenge of making anyone’s travel dreams a reality! Cynthia can be reached at cynthia.b@ travelstore.com or 310-750-9404.

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PUBLIS

HER’S

REVIEW

Little Mr.

A New Twist on the Classic Kid’s Bow Tie

With Thanksgiving this month and the upcoming Holiday Season, we know many moms will be out shopping for a bow tie for their sons. Little Mr. is a new twist on the child’s bow tie, avoiding the sometimes uncomfortable clip. Little Mr. was created by a Mom in Nevada who became frustrated with the lack of accessory options for her son. She would pick him up from Sunday school class only to find he was not wearing his clip-on tie anymore. She knew there had to be a better option so she set out to create a secure, yet safe, high-quality and affordable option. Thus, Little Mr. Button On Bow Ties was born.

Little Mr. is an innovative bow tie designed with a button hole that attaches to the top button of a shirt. Little Mr. Button On Bow Ties are comfortable for children of all ages because they don’t have a metal clip and they can’t get wrapped around a child’s neck. They come is different sizes designed to fit newborn to age 10.

Little Mr. Button On Bow Ties come in a variety of colors and patterns including chambray, plaid, gingham, polka dot, seersucker, black and solid colors. Little Mr. can also personalize a bow tie and add a child’s name on it. Custom bow ties are printed on 100% organic cotton. Proudly made in the USA! Little Mr. Button On Bow Ties can be purchased at www.littlemr.net $10-$18; personalized for $25.

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Gingerbread House Workshops A Holiday Tradition!

The Holiday Season is a great time for family traditions. In our busy lives we often intend to do special activities with our kids, but life is busy and we are not always able to make it happen. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just do the fun part, and not all the preparation?

Art To Grow On Inc. is once again offering their annual Gingerbread Workshops. They take care of the details and provide the supplies, allowing you and your child to do the fun part, decorate the gingerbread house and cookie. This year’s workshops will take place at The Manhattan Beach Art Center on Dec. 5th and 6th and Dec. 12th and 13th at 11:00am or 2:00pm each day. The cost is $85 and includes the Gingerbread House, Cookie and Art Workshop. Take your masterpiece home and enjoy the sweet memories all through the Holidays.

Art To Grow On Inc. also offers Gingerbread-To-Go for Schools, Play-date Groups, Scout Troops, and Birthday Parties. Space is limited, contact them at (310) 625-6028 or visit www.art2growon.com.

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Education Notes From the School Yard: Mainstreaming

By Elizabeth Wagner I have worked as a behavior interventionist for ten years, working with children who have special needs in homes and schools, in various districts throughout the South Bay. I am grateful to be working at a time when all children in California are required to be educated in the least restrictive environment that meets their needs. Some students spend their day in a special education setting. Some are fully included in a “typical” classroom. In the middle of both extremes, however, are the mainstreaming students who have a “home base” in a special education classroom and then join peers in a typical classroom for part of the day.

In my job, I am continually impressed by the dedication of parent volunteers who work tirelessly to enrich their child’s school experience.

Since mainstreaming students are coming and going from the classroom so frequently, they can be largely invisible in terms of parent participation.

Parent volunteers can play a huge part in making sure that classroom activities include every child!

If there is a class project, such as a thank-you art project for the teacher, find out if any students with special needs come to your child’s classroom for mainstreaming time. Including those children in classroom-wide activities could mean the world to them and their parents.

If you are bringing treats for a birthday or holiday party, consider bringing non-edible goodies such as stickers or bubbles. Students with food sensitivities are elated to be able to have the same treat as everyone else.

Learn the names of any students with special needs who are part of your

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child’s class, the way you would with any other student. You might not see them as often as the rest of the kiddos, but if you and your child say hello when you do, it will go a long way toward making that child feel like part of the classroom community.

T-shirts. This seems like such a small thing, but to a mainstreaming student it can be devastating to be left off of a T-shirt that lists the names of everyone in the class. A quick check with the teacher could make someone’s day!

Mainstreaming, when appropriate, benefits all students involved by promoting empathy, tolerance, communication, and age-appropriate social skills. (I can’t teach my students things like “Jingle bells/Batman smells,” I need other six-year-olds to foster that critical milestone.) Your help in fostering a classroom that includes even its “part-time” members may not be obvious but its effects can make all the difference to a student with special needs!

Elizabeth Wagner is a special needs educator with over 10 years of experience working with special needs children in the classroom and home setting.

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Annie B’s Caramels

+ Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe I love caramel and it pairs so nicely with apples for fall baking.

When Annie B’s sent us this recipe, I decided to order some of the baking caramel and the candies, and they were excellent! If you order some, be prepared to share, my kids both loved Annie B’s maple caramels almost as much as I did.

Annie B’s buttery caramel adds decadence to your fall baking and is available in a handy 1 lb. package. Some mouthwatering ideas: Add it to uncooked brownie batter, bake as directed for the best brownies ever.

Gently warm caramel on stovetop, then pour discs onto parchment paper and make unique little bites by topping discs with nuts, melted chocolate, dried fruit, pretzels, whatever you want! Let cool and serve up a bunch of smiles. Or just take your apple pie to another level by drizzling with melted caramel. All-Natural & Gluten-Free.

Here is another yummy way you can incorporate Annie B’s Caramel into your fall baking:

Caramel Apple Crisp 3 cups old-fashioned oats 2 cups all-purpose flour 1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup cold butter, cubed 8 cups thinly sliced & peeled tart apples 1 package of Annie B’s Baking Caramel 1 cup apple cider, divided

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Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar and cinnamon; cut in butter until crumbly. Press half of the mixture into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Layer half of each of the following: apples, caramels and remaining oat mixture. Repeat layers. Drizzle 1/2 cup cider over top.

Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes. Drizzle with remaining cider; bake 15-20 minutes longer or until apples are tender. Makes 12 servings.

Recipe adapted from Taste of Home.

About Annie B’s Caramels & Popcorn Annie B’s Caramels and Popcorn is a small family-owned caramel company located in Kellogg, Minnesota. This isn’t just any caramel company, Annie B’s prides itself on a line of gluten free, all natural ingredients. Each beautifully wrapped caramel is made using locally sourced products including milk, butter, sugar, condensed milk and natural flavoring. The caramel is slow cooked in copper pots through small-batch cooking. Homemade candy the way it used to be made in eras bygone. Annie B’s is so good Oprah named them one of her “favorite things.”

Create your own fall magic by visiting Annie B’s at www.anniebs.com. You can follow Annie B’s on Facebook & Twitter.

“Success requires BIG decisions and BOLD actions!”

Get Your FREE 30 Days of Inspiraaonal Support Now! www.GetYourYesOn.com

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From The Artbox Giving Let’s Pass it On: Thoughtfulness. Kindness. Hope.

Happy Holidays to our fantastic readers, artists and families!

Amazing things have happened here at the Art To Grow On Inc. offices since I last wrote to you. It was a “normal” spring day at our offices – a day filled with preparing lessons, organizing supplies and the excitement of getting ready to teach! Then, the phone rang.

We received a miracle call from Starlight Children’s Foundation, a leading global charity that partners with experts to improve the life and health of kids and families around the world. As I learned more about this amazing organization, I discovered they not only serve children facing chronic illness and hospitalization between the ages of 0-20, but that they deeply believe in the power of art and its therapeutic benefits as well as its ability to positively transform a child’s medical journey.

After several meetings and phone calls, we are thrilled to introduce Starlight Children’s Foundation as our Philanthropic Partner. As a starting point, this November we will be participating in Starlight’s GIVEactually holiday campaign. The campaign’s message is powerful: it doesn’t matter how, when, where, why or what you give, only that you give. So, give. GIVEactually.

If the mission of Starlight doesn’t resonate with you, then take the time to choose another organization that is meaningful to you and your family and GIVEactually.

As part of our partnership we are launching Art with a Heart for Pediatric Care, a campaign that will bring the healing power of art and creativity to pediatric facilities nationwide. The funds raised could support the creation of murals in children’s hospitals, art galleries, and creative play spaces. Art To Grow On will also be donating our The Art Box Academy sets directly to patients.

How will you and your family GIVEactually this holiday season? The act of giving can start at a young age. I remember seeing my grandparents give

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when I was quite young and it really made an impact on me. It could be $5 or $25 or $100 …they were always giving and thinking of how to best help someone in need.

I hope you will join me and pass this message onto our own children. Who can GIVEactually? Anyone! Families, churches, Girl Scout troops, baseball teams, individuals, schools, corporations….let’s show our true gratitude and blessings this holiday season and GIVEactually to someone or something…let’s help transform a child’s life!

Please visit our campaign website: http://starlight.org/giving/art2growon I invite you to call me directly for any questions or material you may need.

Wishing you a safe, healthy, happy holiday season.

See you in art class!

Art To Grow On Children’s Art Center, Inc., brings Art Enrichment Programs, Products, and Services to children ages 18 months –18 years old. Owner Lauren Perelmuter’s extensive background working with schools, both private and public, along with Cities, Corporate Day Care Centers, and non-profit organizations has moved Art To Grow On Inc. to the forefront as one of the leading art enrichment providers in Southern California. For class information and details, visit www.art2growon.com or call 310-625-6028.

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Calendar November SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Southern California Live Steamers offers free train rides the first Sunday of every month from 11am—3pm at the East end of Wilson Park in Torrance.

South Coast Botanic Garden 26300 Crenshaw Blvd. Palos Verdes hosts The Great Pumpkin Hunt daily through Nov.15th Take a walk through the Garden and be on the lookout for ten festive Fall stations. Each station will be decorated and have a pumpkin sign with questions about the Garden.

Make sure to stop by their real pumpkin patch!

Included with general admission, (310) 548-1948.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3 South Bay Galleria, 1815 Hawthorne Blvd., Redondo Beach, hosts Kids Club in the Kids Club Food Court Stage. Come play with us! FREE healthy, education, and FUN entertainment for ages 2-10. Level 3. 6:30pm. 310-371-7546.

are now open for this unique attraction, and can be made by visiting www.SouthBayGalleria.com Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, 3720 Stephen White Dr., San Pedro, hosts Art Corner. Have fun doing arts and crafts the first Saturday of the month.

Each Cabrillo Art Corner will feature a unique ocean-themed project that jump starts your creativity, engages your senses and relaxes your mind. Focus on the task at hand and forget about life’s craziness for a while. 11am-3pm 310-5487562.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Madrona Marsh 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, presents Rhythms of Nature Native American Drums and Songs. Join us for an afternoon of history and music under the willows on the Preserve. 1-3pm, FREE. 310-782-3989.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts a tyke hike. Hey kids bring your favorite adult! Hike on the preserve, listen for birds, look for frogs and learn about nature.10am, $5 donation requested. 310- 782-3989.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Hesse Park Community Center 29301 Hawthorne Blvd, RPV presents Little Critters Storytime and Craft designed for ages 2-5 to enjoy with their parent or guardian. FREE (310) 544-5260.

MOMS Club of San Pedro meets the second Wednesday of every month at Peck Park Recreational Center, meeting room ABC, San Pedro. 10am. Call Marcia at 310-514-9825 or sanpedromomsclub@yahoo.com.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 South Bay Galleria 1815 Hawthorne Blvd., Redondo Beach presents Adventure to Santa – a DreamWorks DreamPlace which runs from today through December 24th! The attraction features a virtual sleigh ride, which transports guests to the North Pole with the help of Shrek and his friends.

Guests enjoy interactive activities along the way, culminating in a grand finale celebration that includes meeting Mr. Claus himself, and of course snapping a few keepsake photos. Reservations

Canvas & Clay 1802 South PCH, Redondo Beach is offering a Veteran’s Day camp, morning or afternoon, half or full day available. Visit canvasclay.com or call (310)316-9331 for details.

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of events SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 White Point Nature Education Center & Preserve Your family will enjoy a garden exploration and activities with the Rangers held year round with different themes each month. Enjoy stories, children’s activities, and exploration through the native plant Demonstration Garden. FREE. www.pvplc.org

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16 The South Bay evening group of LaLeche meets the 3rd Monday of each month at the Beach Cities Health District. 7:00pm. Free. krislaleche@yahoo.com THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 Point Vicente Interpretive Center presents Little Fish Tales Storytime and Craft designed for ages 2-5 to enjoy with a parent or guardian.

Stay afterwards to visit the museum, gift shop and grounds. FREE (310) 377-5370.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20 Norris Theater Peninsula School of Performing Arts presents the classic holiday ballet “The Nutcracker”. Introduce your children to the magic of a live performance.

Friday 7pm, Saturday 2pm and 7pm Tickets $32 adults/$22 children. Box Office (310) 5440403. www.norriscenter.com Plaza El Segundo kicks off their Elf On The Shelf Holiday Scavenger Hunt which runs Nov. 20-Dec. 14. For details visit www. plazaelsegundo.com

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21 Norris Theater Peninsula School of Performing Arts presents the classic holiday ballet “The Nutcracker”. Introduce your children to the magic of a live performance.

Friday 7pm, Saturday 2pm and 7pm Tickets $32 adults/$22 children. Box Office (310) 5440403. www.norriscenter.com Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza del Amo, Torrance hosts a Star Party! Do you know what’s visible in the Autumn sky? Learn to recognize the constellations. Free. 6:30pm- 8:30 pm.

(310) 782-3989.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 South Bay Galleria, 1815 Hawthorne Blvd., Redondo Beach, hosts Kids Club in the Kids Club Food Court Stage, Level 3. 10:30am. FREE 310-371-7546.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28 Norris Theater Peninsula School of Performing Arts presents the classic holiday ballet “The Nutcracker”. Introduce your children to the magic of a live performance.

Saturday 2pm and 7pm, Sunday 2pm. Tickets $32 adults/$22 children. Box Office (310) 5440403. www.norriscenter.com SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29 Norris Theater Peninsula School of Performing Arts presents the classic holiday ballet “The Nutcracker”. Introduce your children to the magic of a live performance.

Saturday 2pm and 7pm, Sunday 2pm. Tickets $32 adults/$22 children. Box Office (310) 5440403. www.norriscenter.com LOOKING FOR MORE THINGS TO DO? Our website has 100’s of things!

We just can’t list them all here!

More ideas at www.WhatsUpForKids.com

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ONGOING

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES As events may change, please call ahead.

MONDAY

Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd., R.H.E., hosts Babies in the Library, a story time designed just for 6-23 month olds. No registration necessary. 10:15 & 11am. 310-377-9584, ext. 601.

Malaga Cove Library, 2400 Via Campesina, PVE., hosts a story time for ages 2-5 year olds. 10:30am. 310-3779584, ext. 551. {pages} a Bookstore, 904 Manhattan Avenue, Manhattan Beach hosts storytime for ages 2-6 every Monday from 10:30-11:30am.

TUESDAY

Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd., RHE, hosts story time Ages 2-5. No registration necessary. 10:15 & 11am.

377-9584, ext. 601.

Miraleste Library, 29089 Palos Verdes Drive East, R.P.V., hosts story time for ages 6-24 months. Free. 11:30am. 3779584.

Kids Music N Motion hosts classes for various age levels at 4 South Bay locations. Call for the details.

373-0280.

WEDNESDAY

Miraleste Library, 29089 Palos Verdes Drive East, R.P.V., hosts story time for ages 2-5. Free. 11:30am 377-9584.

Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd., RHE, hosts story time for ages 2-5.

10:15 & 11am. 377-9584, ext. 601.

10:15 & 11am. 377-9584, ext. 601.

Redondo Beach Library North branch, 2000 Artesia Blvd., hosts story time for 1-5 year olds. 1pm. 318-0675. .

Redondo Beach Main Library, 303 NO. Pacific Coast Hwy., hosts Pajama story time. All ages. 6:45pm. 318-0675

FRIDAY

Little Fawn, a parent participating nature program for children ages 2-5, takes place every Friday at Deane Dana Friendship Park, 1805 W. 9th St., San Pedro. 10-12noon. $5.

(310) 519-6115.

Malaga Cove Library, 2400 Via Campesina, PVE., hosts Babies in the Library, a story time designed just for 6-23 month olds. No registration necessary. 10:30am.

310-377-9584, ext. 551.

Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts Friday Fun (does not meet Dec.25 or Jan.1)! “Friday Fun” is a hands-on program for pre-schoolers, ages 3-6 years and their parents or guardians. The program will incorporate story time, science, art and a tour emphasizing the chosen topic. The topics emphasize respect for all living things and prepare the children (and parents) to be good stewards of the planet.10-12noon. Free ($5 donation appreciated.) Pre-registration is required. (310) 782-3989.

SATURDAY

Barnes & Noble, 21400 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance. Join us for children’s Storytime every Saturday at 11:00AM. Have fun while nurturing your child’s love of reading. 11am. 310-370-5552.

SUNDAY

MOMS Club of Hermosa Beach meets one Wednesday a month. For information on the next meeting, email hbmomsclub@gmail.com, website http://www.meetup.com/MOMS-Clubof-Hermosa-Beach

Roundhouse Aquarium at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier offers story time every Sunday at 11:30am.

379-8117.

Information about many activities come to us after our print deadline. Visit the website for more exciting things to do with your family!

Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd., RHE, hosts story time for ages 2-5.

www.whatsupforkids.com

THURSDAY

30 What’s Up For Kids

November 2015

Family Resource

DIRECTORY

CLASSES The Dance Factory School of Performing Arts Where kids grow up and make memories to last a lifetime. Ages 2 and up. University trained teachers, limited class size.

(310) 519-3600, 28901 S. Western Ave. #113, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA www.Dance-Factory.com

 Peninsula School of Performing Arts Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Jazz and More!

Tita Boulger, director.

Please check our website: www.pspadance.com, for class information, teacher bios, calendar and fees.

(310) 375-1398 2325 Palos Verdes Drive West, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 700 Silver Spur Rd, Rolling Hills Estates, CA Â

Do you offer classes or services to South Bay families?

Listings start at only $75/issue. Call us today!

Guess What’s Coming to the Garden?

Imagine a walk through a beautiful garden where you round a corner to come face-to-face with a bison! Not a real one, of course, but one made as an art installation Will be on display entirely constructed from 45,143 LEGO® February - May 2016! bricks. Families will be able to enjoy a toy-filled exploration this spring. The South Coast Botanic Garden will host an exciting family-friendly ecosystem of fun, flowers and fauna: Nature Connects®, an interactive art installation entirely constructed from nearly half a million toy bricks and multiple hands on activities.

The South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes Peninsula will be the only Southern California stop for this nationally touring exhibit which will be unveiled on February 19 and be on display through May 8, 2016.

The nature-themed art exhibition will feature 15 life-sized, and larger than life, animal and plant sculptures scattered throughout the property.

15% Off Visit us online to learn more about our upcoming holiday events www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org (310) 544-1948 @SCBGarden

One Item at:

The Gift Shop at SCBG Must present this ad for discount on one item purchased in The Gift Shop. Does not apply to Membership, Class Registration, and Events. Not valid with any other discount. Expires 12/31/15

26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274