August 2021_Atlanta Parent by Atlanta Parent

AtlantaParent August 2021 / atlantaparent.com

+ Kid’s

Activity Guide

Ready for Class Again!

It’s Time for Back to School!

BRANDONHALL.ORG 770-394-8177

WESLEYANSCHOOL.ORG

770-448-7640

TheWalkerSchool.org 770-427-2689

McGINNISWOODS.org 770-664-7764

AtlantaAcademy.com 678-461-6102

Springmont.com

NCCHRISTIAN.ORG

404-252-3910

770-975-0252

eimdance.com

TheSpanishAcademy.com

404-993-4122

770-751-3646

WE BEND OVER BACKWARDS FOR YOU.

CMCATLANTA.COM 404-614-0466

MOUNTPISGAHSCHOOL.ORG 678-336-3440

Gymnastics • Cheerleading • Tumbling Classes • Camps • Lessons

1017F Collier Rd Atlanta GA 30318 | 5600 Roswell Rd Atlanta GA 30342

PaceAcademy.org

404 697 3697

D E peachpitgym

peachpitgym.com

404-262-1345

atlantadanceandmusic.com 404-877-0005

cheer & tumbling ArtzfortheHarp.org 678-902-ARTZ

danceandarts.com 770-934-5010

CDASPIRIT.com

alliancetheatre.org/classes

770-418-9550

404-733-4600

WorldofGymnasticsandCheer.com 770-516-6898

Nestled between Savannah and Charleston, Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort is situated on Beaufort’s most beautiful barrier island. Swept by warm trade winds and soothed by the sound of the surf, Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort remains and escape for people of all ages and ways of life. Experience our two breathtaking golf courses, a full-service marina, professional racquet club, outdoor pool complexes, and 3.5 miles of unspoiled beach.

844.546.2586

WWW.FRIPPISLANDRESORT.COM

Dr. Azi Nia Board Certiﬁed Pediatric Dentist

With safety still as a top priority, life is beginning to look a lot more familiar in 2021! Schedule your child’s checkup today and get back on track with your dental visits. Nia Pediatric Dentistry 1111 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, GA 30068 770-479-9999 l www.NiaDentistry.com 4 Atlanta Parent August 2021

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Inside 37 August

YEARS OF ATLANTA PARENT

Publisher’s Note / 8

Good Stuff / 9 For the Fridge / 50

It’s Back-to-School Time! n Taming

the Morning Rush / 10 n Helping Middle School Kids Succeed / 12 n How to Help With Homework / 20 n Hassle-Free Lunches Kids Will Love / 24

A Therapy Primer

Family Fun Guide

Made in the Shade

Kids with special needs can make great strides with the right therapy. Learn about some common types.

The best things to do in August, festival fun, outdoor movies and not-to-miss exhibits. Plus, read our review of Illuminarium’s “WILD: A Safari Experience.”

Natural tree canopies and coverings make these playgrounds a great place to escape the summer sun. SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS

Spotlight on Schools / 11 Plan Your Field Trips Now / 16 Kids Fall Activity Guide / 32 Like us on Facebook; facebook.com/ AtlantaParentMagazine atlantaparent.com

August 2021 Atlanta Parent 5

PUBLISHER Liz White

lwhite@atlantaparent.com ASSOCIATE Laura Powell PUBLISHER lpowell@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Carolyn Haushalter EXECUTIVE chaushalter@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Genie Lockeretz EXECUTIVE glockeretz@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Christy Craig EXECUTIVE ccraig@atlantaparent.com

STAFF Emily Webb WRITER ewebb@atlantaparent.com

COPY Mary Williams EDITOR

EDITORIAL Sheri Taylor-Emery ART DIRECTOR creative@atlantaparent.com

PRODUCTION Robin Mintz

MARKETING Felicia Barman MOM

Atlanta Parent magazine is published monthly by

Atlanta Parent, Inc., 2346 Perimeter Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341. Telephone 770-454-7599, Fax 770-454-7699. Atlanta Parent magazine is available free of charge throughout the metro area and as a digital issue at atlataparent.com Atlanta Parent magazine welcomes letters, articles, artwork and photographs from its readers and the community. Atlanta Parent magazine is not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials.

is prohibited without written permission.

6 Atlanta Parent August 2021

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Publisher’s Note

Nominate today!

Atlanta Parent is looking for you to tell us about the best OB/GYN, midwife and fertility specialists in the Atlanta area. Nominate them today.

Tell us about your favorite OB/GYN, midwife and fertility specialists.

ach fall when it’s time for school to start, I never know who’s more excited – parents or their kids. This year, I think the excitement is about equal. Kids who learned virtually last year missed out on so much, especially not being able to see their friends. Many parents also had the added responsibility of assisting kids with virtual learning, and things may have felt a bit more crowded with everyone at home. We’re not used to all this togetherness! As most kids make a return to in-person learning, we’re all feeling a sense of relief. The return to school is an important milestone this year. Parents may be focused on buying school supplies, new clothes, or just making a cautious return to normalcy. Atlanta Parent has resources to help parents and kids make a smooth transition to the new school year. Our August issue has a “road map” of ideas and suggestions, from streamlining the morning routine to packing healthy lunches and snacks, to helping your kids with their homework. If you have a middle schooler, read our story on helping them adjust to more challenges and responsibilities. One of the things we really missed last year was extracurricular activities. They’re a great way to supplement kids’ academic learning while reinforcing cooperation, confidence and life skills. Be sure to check out our Kids Fall Activity Guide to learn about the variety of offerings available in the metro Atlanta area. Even though school has started, it’s still summer. Enjoy the warm weather and take advantage of all the things Atlanta has to offer. Visit a local pool or splashpad, head to a farmers market or catch an outdoor movie. Looking for a spot in the shade? Our list of shady playgrounds around Atlanta is a great way to play outside while avoiding the sun. If you haven’t had a chance to see a Braves game or go to Stone Mountain Lasershow, there’s still plenty of time. Two of our favorite annual spring events, the Dogwood Festival and Lemonade Days, are happening in August this year. Find more not-to-miss festivals and events in our Family Fun Guide. Enjoy the return to school and the rest of the summer!

Nominations end soon!

Visit atlantaparent.com/nominate For more information call 770-454-7599 ATL ANTA PARENT’S

MOM-APPROVED

How to Reach us: Telephone 770.454.7599

Email lwhite@atlantaparent.com

Fax 770.454.7699

Website www.atlantaparent.com

Snail Mail 2346 Perimeter Park Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30341

We welcome your views and comments. Letters that appear in the magazine may be edited for content and space.

8 Atlanta Parent August 2021

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by Emily Webb

Good StUff

This Little Light

The AlpenGlow Lanterns from BioLite are perfect for late summer camping trips. These rechargeable lanterns were inspired by nature and emit a warm natural light. Shaking the lantern unlocks additional lighting options, such as a candle-like flicker or different colors. Its small size makes it easy to pack and take with you on vacations. Available at bioliteenergy.com for $59.95-$79.95.

THINGS WE LIKE

In the Woodshop

Help your kids learn woodworking skills with Annie’s Young Woodworkers Kit Club. Designed for ages 7-12, kids will practice a variety of woodworking skills, including using screws, nails, sandpaper and a hammer, the importance of measurements and more. Each kit includes precut wood pieces with pre-drilled nail holes so they can make their own toys and crafts easily. Starts at $19.99 at annieskit-clubs.com.

Less Mess Potty Training

Help your toddler learn how to properly use the toilet with Potty Train with Pinky Bear. The kit includes an interactive board book and a plush Pinky Bear, which will help make potty training enjoyable for younger children. Pinky Bear comes with a tummy pouch for hiding treats or stashing prizes to reward successful potty time. It will also help them understand the importance of good hygiene from a young age. Available at pinkybear.com for $38.

Shoot for the Stars Let’s Talk

Gather around the dinner table after a day at work and school for an exciting family discussion. TABLETOPICS’ Family is a question cube including 135 age-appropriate questions from silly to thought-provoking to help your family connect and start conversations. These questions will also help you understand and learn more about your family members. Available at tabletopics.com for $25.

atlantaparent.com

Learn fun facts about the universe with “Little Leonardo’s Fascinating World of Astronomy,” written by a real-life astrophysicist. This extraordinary book for young readers helps them understand the wonders of the universe with beautiful illustrations. Kids who are intrigued by space will love this book, and check out the other books in the series for kid-friendly explorations of other topics. Available at gibbssmith.com for $12.99.

August 2021 Atlanta Parent 9

PREVENTING MORNING MAYHEM: Ways to Tame the School Morning Rush by Jill Morgenstern

Just a little saved time in the morning can get your child’s day off to a cheerier start and help them enter the classroom with the best foot forward. Use these tips to help prevent the morning mayhem.

n Get

kids to bed on time

Everything runs more smoothly when kids get enough sleep. According to leading sleep expert Richard Ferber in his book “Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems,” the average 6-year-old needs ten and a half hours of sleep and a 10-year-old needs an average of ten hours. While this may seem difficult with work, school schedules and after school activities, the closer you can get to giving your child this much needed rest, the easier mornings will run. A wellrested child will be easier to rouse and more compliant with instructions throughout the day, not just early in the morning.

n Pack

lunch the night before

Early mornings will go more smoothly if you don’t realize you are out of carrots five minutes before you’re scheduled to leave the house. Packing lunch the night before not only saves time in the morning but allows an extra cushion for when expected items are not on hand, making mornings much less hectic.

n Get

as much done on the weekends as you can

Mornings can run smoother if grocery shopping has already been planned for the week and the laundry is ready and waiting. Some parents even go as far as picking out outfits for the week and lining up five sets of snacks for lunch boxes during the weekend when the timing is not so critical.

n Choose

clothing the night before

Lining up the week’s clothing ahead of time is not feasible for everyone, but choosing clothing the night before saves much needed time in the morning. Not only does your child not have as much to think about in those groggy early mornings, but laundry emergencies such as a lack of clean socks can be taken care of the night before. Making sure shoes, hats and coats have a designated spot and are present and accounted for the night before will also help prevent morning mayhem. 10 Atlanta Parent August 2021

n Set

the alarm 10 minutes earlier Ten minutes may seem like a small amount, but it can make a huge difference when it comes to getting ready in the morning.

n Keep

backpacks at the ready

Make sure you have a designated spot for the backpacks. Before bed the night before, check to see that all homework is already inside and ready to go! One easy way to accomplish this is to train your kids to put their homework into the backpack directly after doing it.

n Ban

TV in the mornings

Even having the TV on to the news or weather can be distracting to children. If TV in the mornings is the habit at your house, try banning it for a week and see if it improves your morning routine.

n Make

it a game

Try timing certain parts of their mornings. Some children will like the challenge of getting dressed faster today than they did yesterday.

n Delegate Make certain chores up to your kids. Whether it’s picking out the clothes the night before or gathering snacks for the lunch box, kids should definitely be responsible for parts of the morning routine. In addition to making mornings run more smoothly, giving children more responsibility for themselves can benefit children in a myriad of ways including increased self-control and building problem solving skills.

n Shower

or bathe the night before

Especially if your child likes to lounge in the tub or shower, before or after dinner is a better time to bathe than mornings. atlantaparent.com

Considering a School Change? Considering a It’s not too late and these schools can hold the key to a successful academic year.

School Change?

It’s not too late. After a year of unknowns, parents are reevaluating and willing to change course seeking the best learning environment for their child. You want smaller class sizes, specialized curriculum, communication with parents, ability to adapt and more. Schedule a tour with one of these 11 schools and learn more about their availability these schools can for enrollment now!

Considering a School Change? It’s not too late and hold the key to a successful academic year.

Annunciation Day School (ADS) serves a diverse community of children in Preschool through 8th grade and is accredited by COGNIA. With no more than 16 students per class and 68% of teachers holding master’s degrees or higher, your child will receive individualized attention to help them thrive and excel. ADS offers morning and after-school care, clubs and sports. When you enter the doors, you will find a school filled with joy and a love of learning centered in Christ, Children and Community.

Considering a School Change?

It’s not too late andlthese schools can 404-565-2850 l annunciationdayschool.org hold the key to a successful academic year.

2500 Clairmont Road, Decatur

Atlanta Heights Charter School never set limits on how much your child can achieve. Endless opportunities are created for your child to become their best. Instruction is shaped to build on the strengths and abilities of each child and make moral focus lessons part of every school day. As a result, the students thrive. Atlanta Heights is dedicated to developing students through rigorous instruction that empowers them to become their very best. Call today at 404-472-3003.

3712 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW, Atlanta

404-472-3003

atlantaheightscharterschool.org

Brandon Hall, a nationally ranked Niche A+ School, offers both AP and IB curriculum as well as a learning support center. They serve students in grades 6 - 12 and are a co-educational day and boarding school. Small classes are a priority, with an 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Students are encouraged to find their voice and passion through a variety of clubs, arts, and GHSA team athletics. Their community values each student and challenges them to lead lives of leadership, scholarship, and service. Rolling admissions. Apply today.

1701 Brandon Hall Drive, Atlanta atlantaparent.com

770-394-8177

SPECIAL ADVERTISING ADVERTISING SPECIAL

brandonhall.org August 2021 Atlanta Parent 11

HOW TO HELP YOUR KIDS SUCCEED

IN MIDDLE SCHOOL by Tanni Haas

All parents want their kids to be successful students, particularly during the important middle school years. Even as they become more independent and start developing their own interests, there are still life lessons parents can teach that will help them thrive. TEACH THEM TO PLAN AHEAD – AND BACKWARDS On the first day of middle school, kids often get an agenda or calendar to write down all of their assignments and deadlines. This is a great way to teach them the importance of planning ahead so they don’t hand in their assignments late. But one thing kids have a hard time understanding is that the agenda book isn’t just for planning ahead – it’s also for planning backwards, in the sense of creating a timeline. Teach your kids to take each deadline and work backwards, so they see what they need to do every day to have an assignment ready by its due date. It can help them manage their time more effectively and prevent those last-minute all-night study sessions.

TEACH THEM TO STUDY FOR MASTERY – NOT TIME An agenda book is great for teaching kids what and when to study. It doesn’t help much in teaching them how to study. You can help them understand that they need to focus on learning the material, not the amount of time they spend studying. Some nights, they may need several hours to prepare for a test; other nights, 30 minutes of homework may be sufficient.

TEACH THEM TO USE THE INTERNET – BUT WISELY Everywhere you look, you see warnings about the dangers of letting kids surf the internet when they’re studying. If your kids are constantly checking social media or playing games, they are distracted, and that will negatively affect how well they absorb the material. However, there are ways of using the internet that can actually boost your kids’ learning. For example, a visual learner may benefit from YouTube videos that pertain to the subject being studied. Videos from other educators can demonstrate how to solve problems in different ways.

TEACH THEM REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS An excellent way to support your kids’ learning is to teach them the real-world applications of what they’re studying in school. It makes the material stick so much better than any amount of homework. For example, improve math skills by asking them for help with everyday tasks that require an understanding of math concepts, like adapting a dinner recipe for more people or measuring for window treatments. 12 Atlanta Parent August 2021

SKILLS EVERY MIDDLE SCHOOL KID NEEDS The first few weeks of middle school can be daunting. Here’s how parents can help make the transition easier: n Practice opening a combination lock. n Practice the routes they’ll use as they go between classes. n Help them stay organized and clean out backpacks once a week. n Monitor homework and assignments – middle school is more academically challenging. n Attend parent meetings and stay up to date on school events. n Remind them that their group of friends may change as kids’ interests change. n Ask them what’s different or challenging about the new school year, and work together to find solutions.

atlantaparent.com

Considering a School Change? It’s and theseschools schoolscan can It’snot nottoo toolate late. These hold hold the the key key to to aa successful successful academic academic year. year.

Georgia Connections Academy Charter School, grades 5-12 expands the ways your child can learn. All while igniting their passions and helping them gain the life skills they need to thrive in the modern world. Designed specifically for online learning, our curriculum not only meets educational standards, it engages students’ minds and hearts. From exploring the world around them to building social and emotional skills, our students make the most of every moment.

Considering a School Change?

It’s not too late and these schools can l 1-800-382-6010 l georgiaconnectionsacademy.com Georgia Online School hold thePublic key to a successful academic year. GRACEPOINT is a private, Christian school committed to equipping dyslexic students in grades 1-8 with the skills needed to become independent, confident learners. A comprehensive, high-quality education program combines remediation with enrichment and acceleration, allowing students to transition into a more traditional educational environment. GRACEPOINT utilizes the Orton-Gillingham method, a multisensory approach woven into all subject areas. Located in an independent building on the campus of Piedmont Church in Marietta. Schedule a tour to learn more.

Considering a School Change?

It’s not too late and these schools can l 678-756-8897 570 Piedmont gracepointschool.org hold the keyRoad, to aMarietta successful academicl year.

International Charter Academy of Georgia (ICAGeorgia) is a K-5 JapaneseEnglish Dual Language Immersion State Charter School providing rigorous academic instruction aligned with Georgia Standards in both languages. ICAGeorgia aims to broaden the horizons of students so that they may become global citizens who promote peace around the world. Students have opportunities to participate in local and global-level service learning projects and Japanese cultural events such as JapanFest, tea ceremony, calligraphy, rice pounding and more. Apply today!

3705 Engineering Dr., Peachtree Corners

770-604-0007

internationalcharteracademy.org

SPECIAL ADVERTISING

McGinnis Woods School offers a rich Preschool – 8th grade education. The beautiful school campus located in Forsyth County includes a Nature Explore outdoor classroom. McGinnis Woods offers in person and remote learning. Instruction is student-centered and hands-on with a focus on STEM. The school is a 1:1 iPad environment and features small classes with teacher assistants and superior academics that inspire a love of learning. Field trips, extra-curricular offerings and leadership opportunities round out the curriculum. After school programs are available. Learn more at mcginniswoods.org.

5380 Faircroft Drive, Alpharetta atlantaparent.com

770-664-7764

SPECIAL SPECIAL ADVERTISING ADVERTISING

mcginniswoods.org August 2021 Atlanta Parent 13

Bringing Learning to Life • Private non-parochial education for infants through 8th grade • Now offering Face-to-Face Instruction and Real-Time Remote Learning with ClassFusion!

NOW ENROLLING FOR 2021-2022

• Nurturing environment featuring outstanding teachers, small class sizes with assistants, 1-to 1-iPad environment, hands-on academics, STEM, frequent field trips and afterschool programs.

5380 Faircroft Drive, Alpharetta, GA 30005 www.mcginniswoods.org • 770-664-7764 SACS, GAC and NAEYC Accredited

Georgia Connections Academy Charter School (GACA) is a tuition-free public online school in Georgia that utilizes a learning management system supporting students in grades 5-12 with synchronous learning opportunities for all. We offer innovative enrichment and intervention programs for our students. Some of our offerings include STEAM Academy, AP Courses, Honors Society, and much more. GACA offers a STEAM Academy where students participate in weekly:  Collaborative STEAM LiveLessons  STEAM-focused clubs and school events  Character education program. The High School STEAM Curriculum allows for customization and specialization, participation in Dual Enrollment, and places an emphasis on college and career readiness.

800-382-6010 | connectionsacademy.com 14 Atlanta Parent August 2021

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Considering a School Change? It’snot nottoo toolate late. These It’s and theseschools schoolscan can hold the key to a successful academic year.

Mill Springs Academy provides a values-based, college preparatory environment for students with learning differences in kindergarten through 12th grade. Small class sizes and individualized instruction allow teachers to meet each student where they are and teach the way each individual student learns. MSA’s school-wide community structure encourages students to participate in their own education, teaching self-advocacy, social problemsolving skills, and how to forge their own path. Learn more and schedule a tour at millsprings.org/visit.

Considering a School Change? It’s not too late and these schools can l 770-360-1336 13660 Alpharetta holdNew theProvidence key to aRoad, successful academic year.

millsprings.org

Mount Pisgah Christian School is a leading Preschool through 12th grade independent school located in the heart of North Fulton with a mission to provide an outstanding college preparatory education grounded in Christian faith and values. MPCS is educating with intention by engaging students through student-centered learning brought to life in academics, athletics, the arts and spiritual life. New this fall: Bus transportation for Johns Creek, Roswell, Milton, Forsyth, Peachtree Corners and Dunwoody.

Considering a School Change?

It’s not too late and these schools can hold the key to a successful academic year. 9820 Nesbit Ferry Rd., Johns Creek l 678-336-3440 l mountpisgahschool.org The Piedmont School of Atlanta – Differences Don’t Define Us! Piedmont provides a regular education curriculum delivered through differentiated instruction to students with autism, learning disabilities, and attention deficit disorder in grades kindergarten through high school. The curriculum focuses on academics, social and emotional, and adaptive life skills. A rich, diverse program enables students to achieve these goals. Piedmont prepares students to exercise options for either college or vocational training upon graduation. Call for more information. Few openings remain.

4484 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta

404-382-8200

tpsoa.org

SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Woodward Academy is Atlanta at its very best. Intentionally bringing together students from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, Woodward creates a richer learning community with exceptional academic opportunities. Their students and graduates are caring and compassionate global citizens who are a microcosm of what the world should be. Making a commitment to do their best and use differences to nurture conversation and understanding is the Woodward Way. woodward.edu/visit

1662 Rugby Ave., College Park l 404-765-4000 l woodward.edu 565 Boles Rd., Johns Creek l 404-765-4490 l woodward.edu atlantaparent.com

SPECIAL SPECIAL ADVERTISING ADVERTISING

August 2021 Atlanta Parent 15

SPONSORED CONTENT

BOOK YOUR SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS NOW These great field trip destinations are ready to welcome students for the 2021-22 school year. n Enter a World of

Pure Imagination

Field trips are back at the Center for Puppetry Arts! Come experience the art of puppetry in person with live puppet shows, Worlds of Puppetry Museum exhibitions and CreateA-Puppet Workshops™. If your organization is not currently booking in-person field trips, virtual experiences are available through the Digital Learning department with a wide variety of live, interactive puppet shows and curriculum-based workshops. From the classics to original works, these performances and workshops are custom-created to engage, entertain, and educate. Puppet shows are available on-demand to book whenever it’s convenient for you and your group. For more information, visit puppet.org or call 404-873-3391. Center for Puppetry Arts

n Connect With Nature

and Learn

The Chattahoochee Nature Center

16 Atlanta Parent August 2021

The Chattahoochee Nature Center has 127 acres of forests, wetlands, trails, ponds and exhibits for children to explore! Available weekdays August through May, these excursions offer children a window to the beauty of nature in a hands-on setting. They’ll participate in animal encounters, educational exhibits, guided hikes and more. CNC’s programs are designed to engage students’ natural curiosity and provide experiential learning opportunities in nature. It’s an unparalleled, fun-filled educational experience children won’t soon forget! Visit chattnaturecenter.org or call 770-992-2055. atlantaparent.com

n See. Touch. Explore. From dinosaurs and fossils to rockets and stars, Tellus Science Museum provides STEM-based curriculum for students at all grade levels and meets Georgia’s Standards of Excellence. Field trips to Tellus Science Museum include gallery time, hands-on learning activities in the labs and more! The museum offers a covered pavilion for lunch or sack lunch options to purchase. Visit tellusmuseum.org or call 770-606-5699 today to book your field trip.

n Earn Points with

Tellus Science Museum

Football History and Interactive Technology Turn textbooks into playbooks with a field trip to the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame. Not only will your students discover the traditions, passion and pageantry of the sport, they will walk away with valuable lessons about teamwork, leadership and hard work. With more than 50 state-of-the-art interactive experiences, historical exhibits and artifacts and a free STEAM curriculum available for educators, the Hall of Fame is like no other game in town. Visit cfbhall.com or call 404-880-4800.

n Experience History

Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame

Firsthand

Atlanta History Center offers multidisciplinary and interactive guided tours for students of all ages that are educational and engaging. Students are encouraged to interact with historical objects while touring award-winning exhibitions, historic houses and gardens. Teachers and homeschool families have the additional option for self-guided tours. For the 2021-2022 school year, Atlanta History Center offers packaged promotions and free virtual and onsite tours to Title I schools. School tour booking begins in August. Visit atlantahistorycenter.com or email schooltours@atlantahistorycenter.com. Cont’d on next page

atlantaparent.com

Atlanta History Center

August 2021 Atlanta Parent 17

n Adventures in Science,

Nature and Culture

Delight your students with an interactive field trip to Fernbank Museum and inspire curiosity through adventures in science, nature and human culture. Students can explore three floors of engaging exhibits, witness real-life science in the dramatic 4-story Giant Screen Theater, and discover 75 acres of outdoor nature adventures in Wildwoods and Fernbank Forest. Enhance your field trip with a specialized school program, designed by Fernbank educators, including investigations, tours and classroom-style programs that cover a variety of earth and life science topics. Virtual and homeschool programs are available. Book now! Visit fernbankmuseum.org, call 404-929-6320

Fernbank Museum

n Discover Cultures Throughout History

n See Amazing Animals

The Carlos Museum holds a collection of artwork from ancient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East; Greece and Rome; the Americas; Africa; and Asia; as well as works on paper from the Renaissance to the present. The Museum serves as a dynamic interdisciplinary center that cultivates literacy in the arts and fosters understanding of religions and cultures throughout history. Interactive field trips facilitate inquiry, foster skills such as observation, analysis, and communication, and align with the Georgia Standards of Excellence. On virtual field trips, museum educators teach students in real time, exploring a variety of subjects across collections. Visit carlos.emory.edu/school-programs for more information or call 404-727-4282.

Harnessing technology as the vehicle, Zoo Atlanta can connect your students to animals, careers and conservation through a Virtual Field Trip. Zoo Atlanta also offer on-grounds programs like Self-Guided Field Trips, Wild Walks and Zoo Challenge Programs. All programs align with the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE), and engage students as they learn about Zoo Atlanta’s animal ambassadors and conservation initiatives. On-grounds programs are facilitated with safety guidelines in place to protect all participants. Make your reservations now for next school year as dates fill up fast! Visit zooatlanta.org or call 404-624-9453.

The Carlos Museum

18 Atlanta Parent August 2021

From Around the World

Zoo Atlanta

atlantaparent.com

n Think Like a Designer Museum of Design Atlanta has virtual field trips and workshops for every class, and they’re free for Title I Schools! Students will learn design and STEM skills to help them face real-world challenges, so today’s young designers can become tomorrow’s changemakers. Using cool technology like computer aided design and 3D printing, students will learn how to think like a designer while exploring topics such as architecture, coding, game design, storytelling, graphic design and even space travel! Reach out with questions or to discuss specific needs in your school or classroomJ. All school programs are aligned to Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE). Visit museumofdesign.org or call 404-979-6455.

Museum of Design Atlanta

n Find the Wonders of Nature

in the Heart of Atlanta

Piedmont Park Conservancy field trips are STEM-based and aligned to Georgia Standards of Excellence. From hands-on experiments to educational hikes and outdoor games, the Park’s carefully crafted programs will captivate students of all ages. Choose from an on-site field trip in the green heart of Atlanta, or have an environmental educator come to your classroom for an exciting outreach programs! Also, be sure to check out the new Traveling Trunk curriculum, designed to bring the best of the Park to the schools in the community. Visit piedmontpark.org/field-trips or call the Education Team at 404-875-7275, ext. 325. Piedmont Park Conservancy

Successful Field Trip Tips Plan, Plan, Plan n Pick a destination that fits the area of interest you plan to explore. Schedule the trip as far in advance as you can. Some venues offer group discounts, so ask how many you need in a group to qualify. For popular destinations, visits made early in the week will be less crowded. n If you’re taking a group, talk with your guide in advance to tailor the visit to your group’s interests. n Make sure you have enough chaperones for your group – a good ratio is one adult per five children – and make sure the chaperones know the itinerary. Have a list of each child’s name and a list of the items each child should see, and they know where and when to meet if the group splits up. n If taking a large group, outfitting the kids in their school shirts or fluorescent T-shirts will help chaperones keep track.

atlantaparent.com

For More Info: n Before the field trip, gather information from the destination’s website, read books, watch videos or take virtual field trips. Make sure the kids have a basic knowledge of the place they’ll be visiting and why they’ll be there. n Follow the visit with a discussion that reinforces what they saw first-hand.

One Week Ahead n Call the location and confirm the trip. Make sure the directions are correct, and ask if there are routes that will avoid traffic snarls. Be sure you know where to park, particularly if you’ll be arriving by bus. Set some ground rules for behavior for your group, and make sure everyone knows them – and the consequences of acting out. Decide how you’ll do lunch – you’ll need to make reservations in advance with the venue or a restaurant for a large group, or you might ask each child to pack a sack lunch. – Sue Price and Amanda Miller Allen

n Atlanta History Center atlantahistorycenter.com n The Carlos Museum carlos.emory.edu n Center for Puppetry Arts puppet.org n The Chattahoochee Nature Center chattnaturecenter.org n Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame cfbhall.com n Fernbank Museum fernbankmuseum.org n Museum of Design Atlanta museumofdesign.org n Piedmont Park Conservancy piedmontpark.org n Tellus Science Museum tellusmuseum.org n Zoo Atlanta zooatlanta.org

August 2021 Atlanta Parent 19

HOMEWORK HELP 15 Ways to Support Your Child

by Janeen Lewis

Sometimes parents dread homework as much as their kids. Homework connects parents to what their children are learning in school, and kids are more likely to be successful with family support. With these tips, even the most homework-challenged parents can help their children have a great homework year.

20 Atlanta Parent August 2021

1. Understand the reason

3. Learn the

Homework reinforces what is being taught in the classroom and teaches students important life skills – responsibility, time management and task completion. Children should be able to complete the work with little help from parents, and they shouldn’t come home with an entirely new concept to learn. Homework should be practice or an extension of what they’ve already learned.

At Open House, learn the homework policy of the school and your child’s teacher. What are the consequences for lost or forgotten homework? Don’t be quick to bail out your child every time you get a frantic text message about forgotten homework. One of the purposes of homework is to teach responsibility.

for homework

2. Know the teacher’s philosophy

Teachers have different philosophies about how much homework to assign. Some think piling on a ton of homework helps build character. Others think children have done enough work during the day and don’t assign any. Understand where your child’s teacher falls on the homework spectrum so you are not surprised as the homework does (or doesn’t) come home. If you are unsure what a reasonable amount of homework is, The National Education Association and The National Parent Teacher Association recommend 10-20 minutes of homework per night in the first grade, and an additional 10 minutes per grade after that.

homework rules

4. Get organized

Your child should have a backpack and homework folder to carry assignments between home and school. Teachers of primary students usually send homework correspondence each night. If your older child’s teacher doesn’t require students to record school work in an assignment book, provide one yourself and teach your child how to fill it out.

5. Schedule a consistent time

With sports, service projects, church and community activities, it can be hard to schedule one set time every day to do homework. Aim for as much consistency as possible when scheduling homework around after-school activities. atlantaparent.com

6. Designate a study space

Pick a space free from distractions. However, consider your child’s personality and ability to focus when selecting a homework station. Some children concentrate best in complete quiet at the kitchen table or a desk. Others study well on their bed with background music. Reading areas can be creative like a reading tent or bean bag. Keep study areas free from video games, television and the games of siblings who finish homework early.

7. Create a supply caddy

Fill a plastic caddy or bin organizer with items your child might need for homework. Some good supplies are pencils, markers, crayons, glue, tape, stapler, three-hole punch, paper clips, notebook paper, art paper, graph paper, calculator, protractor, compass, ruler and a dictionary/thesaurus combo. Also provide a wipe-off calendar for important due dates.

8. Be available,

but don’t do the work Helping your child is a great way to connect with them, but don’t spoon feed answers. The whole point of homework is for children to practice skills independently. Cont’d on next page

Websites that help with homework n Dictonary.com and Thesaurus.com This website is a dual tool to help students define words and find synonyms. n Quizlet.com Provides study tools like flashcards, games and study sets. Make your own or choose from their library of topics. n BJ Pinchbeck’s Homework Helper (bjpinchbeck.com) This site is a homework source started by a nine-year old boy and his father in the late 1990s. It links to sites that have helpful information on a library of topics. n Kids.gov Intended for kids, links to thousands of web pages from government agencies, schools, and educational organizations grouped by grade level and subject. n Factmonster.com Find facts on a variety of school subjects and play educational games. Also has a dictionary, encyclopedia, thesaurus, atlas, almanac, and timelines. n Khanacademy.com Includes online courses, lessons and practice in a variety of subjects for students in kindergarten through high school. Also includes test prep and information about college and careers.

Apps that help with homework n Dictionary.com This app works just like a print dictionary without taking up desk space. n My GradeBook Students or parents can keep track of grades with this app. n StudyBlue Provides tools including flashcards, notes and study guides. n Tinycards This flashcard app helps with memorization. n Meta Calculator A graphing, scientific, matrix and statistics calculator app, this will help in those challenging upper level math classes.

GRACEPOINT

Founded in Faith

In 2012, two mothers wanted to provide their dyslexic children with a specialized education in a Christian setting. GRACEPOINT School began with four students and has steadily grown to an enrollment of more than 120 students in grades one through eight.

High Quality Education

Students receive a comprehensive, high quality education program, combining remediation with enrichment and acceleration. After completion of remediation, students transfer into a more traditional educational environment including public and private schools.

Small Classes, Big Impact

GRACEPOINT utilizes the Orton-Gillingham method, a multisensory approach woven into all subject areas. Their students receive seventy-five minutes of explicit reading instruction daily by a certified Orton-Gillingham teacher. The student/teacher ratio for reading and math is 5:1, while all other core subjects have a student/teacher ratio of 8:1.

GRACEPOINT Goals

The mission is to equip dyslexic students with the skills needed to develop into independent and confident learners. They strive to instill a life-long desire for their students to grow in wisdom and knowledge of the Lord, so each will fulfill God’s purpose and bring Him glory. GRACEPOINT is located in an independent building on the campus of Piedmont Church in Marietta. gracepointschool.org. 678-709-6634.

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August 2021 Atlanta Parent 21

HOMEWORK HELP 9. Use a timer if necessary

Sometimes children like to procrastinate. Some children like the challenge of beating the clock. Either way, a timer keeps a child focused on the finish line.

10. Keep a resource bookshelf

Can’t remember what a gerund is? Are you a little rusty on what the terms perpendicular and parallel mean? Keep an assortment of reference books or save online references to your Favorites list on your computer. A good math dictionary for parents of elementary students is “Math Dictionary: Homework Help for Families” by Judith de Klerk. Another great resource is the “Everything You Need to Know About Homework Series Set” by Anne Zeman and Kate Kelly.

11. Create a phone chain

How many times has your child left their spelling words at school or forgotten a lesson? Help your child make a list of friends they can call or get to know other parents in your child’s class so you can have a phone chain to get answers about assignments.

Where authentic Christian mission and academic excellence aren’t mutually exclusive

12. Model learning as a priority

Let your child see you reading the newspaper or books. Discuss current events, politics or the new art or history museum you want to visit. Find exciting tidbits in their homework lessons and research them. Show by example that learning is fun.

13. Encourage

No matter how tired you are, have a positive attitude about the work your child is doing. Encourage their efforts and let them know you are proud of them.

14. Reward

Homework rewards don’t have to be elaborate, although you may want to up the ante for a struggling child or one who is hard to motivate. A reward can be as simple as a fun activity when they finish. But you can also keep a homework incentive chart and let your child earn a special activity with mom or dad, some extra screen time or a dinner out.

15. Don’t be afraid to speak up

If you think too much homework is coming home, that your child isn’t familiar with the material or that they are struggling, schedule a conference with your child’s teacher. Most teachers welcome feedback and want your child to succeed.

WHY WESLEYAN?

EXPLORE WESLEYAN AT WWW.WESLEYANSCHOOL.ORG/ADMISSIONS 22 Atlanta Parent August 2021

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Organizing Kids’ School Papers and Art Projects by Sarah Lyons

If you have school-age children, you are likely dealing with an ever-growing stack of school papers and artwork. Some of it may go straight to the recycle bin, but what do you do with the important papers and special art you want to keep? n Start by sorting

Before you start organizing your child’s paperwork and art projects, decide what to discard and what to keep. Set aside papers that show your child’s writing skills and artwork that you feel is unique to your child’s personality. Discard worksheets or daily papers. Make another stack of papers that have information you need such as calendars, directories or spelling lists. Try to sort items at least once a week so the paper stack doesn’t get out of control. “Parents may want to feature their child’s artwork by hanging it in frames on the wall; this gives them the opportunity to enjoy it, then change the pictures over time,” says Stephanie Davis, a Certified Professional Organizer with Let’s Get Organized.

n Start a keepsake box

A keepsake box is a space for you to save items that mean something to you or your child. “A keepsake box causes you to constantly purge and evaluate what you really want to keep,” says Davis. Some parents may have a box for each grade level, but Davis suggests sorting items by type, such as artwork, invitations, pictures, projects and adventures. This will give the boxes a more defined purpose and makes them easier to maintain.

n Create a family binder

Creating a family binder for important information can help families stay organized. Each family member has a tab, and their sports calendars, school directories and medical information are stored there. When you need something in a hurry, you know right where to look. “I encourage families to use a family calendar app so everyone knows what is going on and important papers can be scanned and computerized as well,” says Davis.

n Go digital

Some parents may find it easier to go digital when it comes to storing their child’s artwork and school papers. Joanna Cline, mother of three, says, “I use the Artkive app to store my kids’ art. At the end of the year I will make a photobook of their artwork.” Other apps that help save artwork are DearMuse or Keepy. Many of these apps have family sharing available. As your child grows, the items you want to save in your keepsake box may change. It’s okay to discard items to make room for something you value now. The important thing is to keep the items that mean the most.

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Packing a healthy lunch your kid will actually eat can be a challenge. Here are tips for shopping for and preparing nutritious, appealing lunches. Plus, use our ideas to serve up healthy snacks.

Pack a Healthy Lunch ...

Hassle Free! by Emily Webb

Shopping and Preparing Foods

Sandwiches and wraps are staples of a packed lunch, but you don’t have to get stuck in this rut. Rethink wraps by using romaine lettuce leaves, or use cucumber rounds to create mini sandwiches with tuna, salmon or chicken salad. Put leftover pastas or soups in a thermos to keep warm. The fun of the meal can sometimes come from the accompanying sides and snacks. Browse the produce section and the snack aisle for items to serve your kids. “For packaged snacks, we always say pair packaged with unpackaged,” says Katherine Shary, RD, LD, a registered dietitian with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Strong4Life. “Mother Nature offers great options for snacks; bananas and clementines If your kids are are just as quick as packaged.” older, have them When shopping help you prepare packaged snacks, Shary items the night recommends looking for items with the least before, such as amount of ingredients, creating their as well as recognizable own trail mix ingredients. Look for snacks with six grams of or preparing sugar or less and three a bento-style grams of fiber or more. lunchbox to Caroline Burkholder, MS, RD, LD, a dietitian make their at Nourish Family own version of Nutrition, recommends Lunchables. finding snacks with 4-5 grams of protein. Don’t be swayed by the latest products on the market or the labels proclaiming a food is healthy. Some terms are not defined by the Food and Drug Administration, so any product can use them. “Those companies are great at marketing, and the packaging looks super enticing, but if you turn the package over and look at the ingredients, the front of the package means nothing,” Shary says. “For example, it may say it has a fruit or vegetable in it, but the ingredient is usually a powdered vegetable or a fruit juice concentrate, so you’re not getting the same benefits as you would from fruits and veggies. If it seems too good to be true, it usually is. There are hot ways to label foods to entice people to buy them, but they don’t make a huge impact on nutritional value.” Offer a variety of snack options. If your kids are older, have them help you prepare items the night before, such as creating their own trail mix or preparing a bento-style lunchbox to make their own version of Lunchables. Cont’d on page 26

24 Atlanta Parent August 2021

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Healthy Back-to-School Lunches Follow these recipes for fun and nutritious meals you can pack into a lunchbox. Healthy Cheese Quesadilla Bento Box

2 flour tortillas 2 oz. shredded cheddar cheese Grape tomatoes Mini guacamole cups Clementine Trail mix Make quesadillas by melting cheese between 2 tortillas in microwave or on a hot pan. Cut into wedges and serve with remaining lunch components.

Homemade Lunchables

Make a lunchbox meal with lowsodium turkey, cheese, whole-wheat crackers, cooked green beans, apple slices and nut or seed butter. Source: strong4life.com/en/feeding-andnutrition/mealtimes/10-tasty-packedlunch-ideas-for-school-aged-kids

Deconstructed Tacos

Put these ingredients in your child’s lunchbox for him to create his own tacos: ground turkey or beef with taco seasoning, shredded cheese, tomatoes or salsa, lettuce, mini guacamole to-go cup and watermelon. Source: strong4life.com/en/feeding-andnutrition/mealtimes/10-tasty-packedlunch-ideas-for-school-aged-kids

Source: myeverydaytable.com/healthy-cheese-quesadilla-bento-box-lunch

Mini Lunchbox Meatloaves

Olive oil 2 lb. ground beef 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 c. rolled oats 2 eggs ½ c. BBQ sauce 1 tsp. salt ½ tsp. oregano ½ tsp. thyme BBQ Sauce: ¾ c. plain tomato sauce 1/3 c. pure maple syrup 4 tsp. Dijon mustard 4 tsp. apple cider vinegar ½ tsp. onion powder ½ tsp. chili powder 2 cloves garlic, minced

Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a muffin pan with olive oil and set aside. In a large bowl, mix together all the rest of the ingredients until well combined. Spoon out between 1/3-1/2 c. of the meatloaf mixture into each muffin cup. Top each with a spoonful of BBQ sauce. Bake until cooked all the way through, about 20-25 minutes. For the BBQ sauce: Combine all ingredients in a small pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to low and simmer or 5-10 minutes. Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Source: 100daysofrealfood.com/mini-lunchbox-meatloaves

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Apple Cheese Wraps

1 Granny Smith apple 1 slice lemon 2 slices cheddar cheese, cut in half 2 slices deli turkey or ham, cut in half

Slice the apple into ½-inch thick slices. Rub the apple with the lemon wedge to prevent from going brown. Slice the cheddar cheese into ½-inch wide slides and the ham in ¼-½-inch slices. Place an apple slice and a cheese slice on top of the deli meat and fold over deli meat to wrap. Source: weelicious.com/apple-cheesewraps-recipe

August 2021 Atlanta Parent 25

Pack a Healthy Lunch ... Hassle Free!

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The school day can be long for students, especially for those with after-school activities or clubs. “Snacks can be great to keep hunger and energy stable,” Burkholder says. “We want to have some structure with snacks – having set snack times between breakfast and lunch and lunch and dinner can be helpful to keep hunger from getting too extreme, but make sure kids are still going into meals hungry. Active kids will certainly have higher nutrient needs. Kids are remarkably good at responding to their hunger and modulating their intake based on their nutrition needs.” If your kid rides the bus or goes straight from school to an activity, pack an extra snack in their lunch box for them to enjoy. If your ride home takes a while, consider having a snack in your car, instead of having to deal with the temptation of running through a drive-thru. “The best snacks are those that combine 2-3 food groups to provide a diverse profile of nutrients,” Burkholder says. “It can be great to offer a variety of snacks together; for example, apple slices, string cheese and chips.” Both dietitians recommend pairing a protein and a carb, such as beans, peanut butter, yogurt, string cheese or nuts with fruit, whole grain crackers, pretzels or toast. Read our story on making healthy eating a priority in September.

Keep these Snacks on Hand n Siggi’s kids pouches or yogurts n Sargento Balanced Breaks n Nature’s Garden Trail Mix Snack Packs n Biena Chickpea Snacks n Perfect Kids bars n Oscar Mayer Natural Plates n Wholly Guacamole with pretzels or mini bell peppers n Fruits or fruit cups n Hummus with baby carrots or pita chips n Seed or nut butters with crackers, a banana or an apple n Other healthy choices include: popcorn, trail mix, pretzels, Goldfish, sunflower seeds and toast.

26 Atlanta Parent August 2021

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Back-to-School Style

n Hydro Flask now offers a Kids Insulated Lunch Box. Insulation will keep food cold for hours, and the durable interior will make it easy to clean up any spills. The new 20 oz. Kids Wide Mouth water bottle keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours. Available at hydroflask.com for $37.95 and $44.95.

Make lunches easier and more sustainable with these awesome products. n Shop Fenrici’s Insulated Lunch Box with multiple pockets for storing lunch items. Patterns include galaxy, tie dye, florals, cheetah print and more. They also have a Bento Box for Kids with five different compartments, including a sauce tray. The box comes with kid-friendly utensils that are microwaveand dishwasher-safe to reduce single-use plastic. Available at fenrici.com for $24.99 and $29.99. n Make recycling a priority with the Paper Sandwich and Snack Bags from Ziploc. These bags come with stickers to seal snacks or sandwiches, and you can use them to send a sweet message to your child for the day. With a non-wax formula, these bags are easy to recycle once you’ve used them. Available at amazon.com for $5.99.

n Snack in style with Bumkins’ Reusable Snack Bags. Characters include Batman, Wonder Woman, Super Mario, Winnie the Pooh and more, or get cute patterns with raindrops, cactuses, whales and more. Available at bumkins.com for $8.95-$12.95.

n Ditch the plastic with Lunchskins’ Reusable Bags. These sustainable bags come in tons of cute patterns for wrapping up a sandwich and a snack with a twopack bundle. Snack bags, gallon bags and sandwich bags are also available, as well as paper bags and reusable straws. Available at lunchskins.com for $9.95.

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Visit COTTAGESCHOOL.ORG for more information. August 2021 Atlanta Parent 27

A Therapy Primer by Kate Wicker

A look at therapies, from physical therapy to play therapy. Occupational Therapy (OT) n What: Focuses on helping children of all ages cope with emotional, social and physical difficulties. n Treatment: OT treatment varies widely depending on a child’s physical, emotional and social needs. For instance, a treatment program for children who have trouble sitting still in school, tying their shoes and dressing themselves may involve an obstacle course that helps improve hand-eye coordination. n To Learn More: American Occupational Therapy Association, aota.org

Physical Therapy (PT) n What: Through the use of exercises and physical activities, PT manages and improves patients’ physical limitations and helps them return and/or achieve the highest level of function possible. n Treatment: Children typically meet with a physical therapist once or twice a week for 45 to 60 minutes. Therapy sessions may include mobility training, activities designed to boost gross motor coordination, ambulation training (activities that help with children’s walking skills), balance training and wound care. Physical therapists also can help parents choose the appropriate wheelchair, walker or orthotics for their child, if needed. n To Learn More: American Physical Therapy Association, apta.org

Speech Therapy n What: Any form of therapy that assists children who are experiencing difficulties with communication, language skills and social interaction. Specially trained therapists often are part of a team that provides feeding therapy to help children with feeding and swallowing difficulties (also called dysphagia).

Play Therapy n What: A form of counseling that draws on the curative powers of play to help children with various problems. n Treatment: Play therapists use toys and activities to help children communicate. Sessions are typically 30 to 50 minutes and are held weekly. Research suggests that it takes an average of 20 play therapy sessions to resolve the problems of the typical child referred for treatment. n To Learn More: Association for Play Therapy, a4pt.org

Hippotherapy n What: Hippotherapy means “treatment with the help of the horse” (the Greek word “hippos” translates to horse). Specially trained physical and occupational therapists use the rhythmic movement of the horse – which surprisingly mimics the human movement patterns of the pelvis when walking – as a tool or strategy to improve neuromuscular function.

n Treatment: Speech-language pathologists generally work with children for 30 to 60 minutes once or twice a week. Treatment may incorporate reading, recognition games and other activities designed to advance communication skills.

n Treatment: During a typical session, a child spends time on horseback, supported by walkers alongside the horse. The horse’s gait is modified by a horse handler and therapist, who monitors the child’s response during the session as well as the impact of sensory input. Unlike therapeutic horseback riding where children learn equestrian skills and how to care for a horse, hippotherapy focuses on improving neurological function and sensory processing through the horse’s movement.

n To Learn More: American SpeechLanguage-Hearing Association, asha.org

n To Learn More: PATH International, pathintl.org or American Hippotherapy Association, americanhippotherapyassociation.org

28 Atlanta Parent August 2021

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Music Therapy n What: A creative therapy that uses music and music activities to address an individual’s physical, emotional, cognitive and/or social needs. n Treatment: The format and the type of music selected for a session is based on the individual client’s treatment plan. Treatment sessions are generally held once or twice a week for 30 to 60 minutes and may include music improvisation, singing, instrument play, movement, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion and music performance. n To Learn More: American Music Therapy Association, musictherapy.org

Dance Therapy n What: A creative therapy that uses choreographed or improvised movement to promote healing. n Treatment: For children, treatment often takes place in a group setting and lasts about an hour. Treatment sessions may include a broad spectrum of approaches, such as expressive movement, creative dance, role-playing and a blend of structured and improvised movement experiences. n To Learn More: American Dance Therapy Association, adta.org

Aquatic Therapy n What: Also known as hydrotherapy, this discipline uses the unique physical properties of water to facilitate rehabilitation. n Treatment: Aquatic therapy usually is conducted in conjunction with physical and/or occupational therapy and sometimes speech therapy. Sessions generally take place in a warm therapeutic pool and last about an hour. n To Learn More: Academy of Aquatic Physical Therapy, aquaticpt.org

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August 2021 Atlanta Parent 29

Read All About It by Emily Webb

More books are not only using special needs as a theme, but are also including characters with disabilities. Kids with disabilities will see their own and other disabilities portrayed, and these books can also increase the awareness of disabilities among typical children. Diverse children’s books can be an awesome way to show your child a character they can relate to, or books can help a child learn how to connect to others they believe are different from them.

30 Atlanta Parent August 2021

n Amazing by Steve Antony (Hachette Children’s) This picture book celebrates a friendship between a young boy, who uses a wheelchair, and his pet dragon, while sharing why understanding and acceptance are important. For ages 0-5.

n I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott and Sydney Smith (Neal Porter Books) This sweet picture book shows a father helping his son reconnect with the world around him as he struggles to communicate in a way he’d like. For ages 4-8.

n Guion the Lion by Rebecca Wilson Macsovits and Milena Kirkova (Harking) Using animals, this book follows Guion, an imaginative lion who sees the world differently than his friends, but they learn to appreciate his perspective. For ages 3-8.

n Too Sticky!: Sensory Issues with Autism by Jen Malia and Joanne Lew-Vriethoff (Albert Whitman & Company) Holly loves experiments in her science class, but she struggles with making slime. Her family and her teacher encourage her to try it. For ages 4-8.

n Completely Me by Justine Green and Ana Luísa Silva (Green Rose Publishing) A little girl has never noticed she’s different until others start pointing out, but when she stands up for herself, she’ll teach the townspeople a lesson about acceptance. For ages 4-7.

n Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor and Rafael López (Philomel Books) This book celebrates the different abilities kids have, and looks at the special powers kids can have because of their differences. For ages 4-8.

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AN EXCEPTIONAL SCHOOL FOR EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS

n Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky, Patrick Downes and Scott Magoon (Candlewick) Rescue, a service dog, helps Jessica accomplish everyday tasks, and shows readers the training and abilities of service dogs. For ages 5-9. n King for a Day by Rukhsana Khan and Christiane Krömer (Lee & Low Books) This book introduces readers to Malik, a wheelchair user who’s built a special kite for a competition. Children will also learn about Basant, a springtime festival in the Indian Subcontinent. For ages 4-7. n Brown Boy, Be Social and Brown Girl, Be Social by Pamela Gurley (Clark and Hill Enterprise) This new book series will feature 20 books highlighting Black and Brown children with Down syndrome, autism and physical disabilities to represent different childhoods for self-acceptance and self-love. For ages 1-10. n Juan Has the Jitters by Aneta Cruz and Miki Yamamoto (North Atlantic Books) Juan has autism, and his teacher makes sure he feels included when there’s an athletic event by appointing him the official judge, where he can use his skills at counting, sorting and matching. For ages 4-8. n My Ocean is Blue by Darren Lebeuf and Ashley Barron (Kids Can Press) A girl and her mother enjoy a delightful day at the beach with many sensory experiences, showing that the girl’s physical disability doesn’t stop her from experiencing the beauty of the beach. For ages 3-7. n Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen! by Sarah Kapit (Dial Books) 11-year-old Vivy is determined to pitch for a real baseball team, proving that being a girl and being autistic won’t stop her. For ages 8-12. n I Am Not a Label by Cerrie Burnell and Lauren Mark Baldo (Wide Eyed Editions) These short biographies of famous figures tell how artists, thinkers, athletes and activists have overcome obstacles and owned their differences. Learn more about remarkable figures like Helen Keller, Stephen Hawking, Temple Grandin and more. For ages 6-12. n The Silence Between Us by Alison Gervais (Blink) Deaf teen Maya moves across the country and must attend a hearing school for the first time, adjusting to the hearing culture. This book features an own voices perspective on deaf and hard of hearing culture. For ages 13 and older.

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32 Atlanta Parent August 2021

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FALL

ACTIVITY GUIDE

Dance n Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education centre.atlantaballet.com Offering a variety of dance styles for all ages. Studios are conveniently located in West Midtown, Buckhead, and now Virginia-Highland. Register for classes today! 404-873-5811. n Atlanta Dance & Music Academy atlantadanceandmusic.com Atlanta Dance & Music Academy (formerly Studio Dionne) offers ballet, jazz/hip-hop, tap, modern, and creative dance for ages 2 and older. Open house/registration July 31, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Atlanta. 404-877-0005. n Dance and Arts Showcase danceandarts.com 52 years in dance excellence, teaching ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, piano and guitar. Ages 2 to adult. Open house: Aug. 7 and 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 2861 Henderson Mill Rd., Atlanta. Sign up for fall classes today. 770-9345010. n Expressions in Motion Dance eimdance.com Expressions In Motion Dance gives students an opportunity to explore multiple styles of dance. Classes are for boys and girls ages 2 and up. Register today! Atlanta, Dunwoody and Tucker. 404-993 4122.

Extracurricular activities enhance your child’s educational experience. In our guide you’ll find a wide variety of programs, including drama, music and sports.

n Moving in the Spirit movinginthespirit.org Dynamic classes focused on Modern Dance, Creative Movement, Ballet, Hip Hop and Leadership Training. Ages 5-18. 1458 La France Street NE, Atlanta. 404-624-5295. Cont’d on next page

Choosing the Right Activity

The metro area offers a variety of enriching opportunities for every child, but how do you know which program is the right fit? Here are some questions and tips to help you begin your search. Know your child’s interests: First determine your child’s interests. Younger children should be exposed to a variety of activities to develop interests, while older kids can be given options such as sports, dance, music or art. Find out the costs: Make sure you understand what the costs are up front. Determine the length and cost of each class. Consider extra expenses such as costumes and gear. Attend a class: One of the best ways to determine whether a program is a good fit for your child is to visit with the instructor and watch a class. Progress: Find out how students are evaluated. Ask whether the instructor will do an evaluation before classes start to make sure your child is properly placed.

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August 2021 Atlanta Parent 33

Sinfo-Nia Youth Orchestra David Robinson, Director Alycia Robinson, Operations Director

31 Years!

Ages 7-18 Classes on Saturdays 8:30 am – 1 pm Fall Classes begin September 11

An Exciting Repertoire of Multicultural Music

ALL LEVELS OF INSTRUCTION FOR STRINGS: Violin, viola, cello & double bass ADVANCED: Woodwind, brass & percussion

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

FALL ACTIVITY GUIDE Drama

n Alliance Theatre Acting Classes alliancetheatre.org/classes Acting classes for youth and teens are back in-person this fall! Build character, confidence, and creativity at the Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre. Atlanta. 404-733-4600. n Forefront Arts Children’s Theatre forefrontarts.com Perform in Descendants, Narnia, and more; join the Youth Show Choir or Comedy Troupe or enroll in after-school or weekend Performing Arts or STEAM classes. Locations throughout metro Atlanta.

Educational Enrichment n The Master Class themaster-class.com The Master Class is a private teaching organization that proudly offers face-to-face Language Arts workshops utilizing real-time interaction in small peer groups. 404-819-9867.

www.sinfo-nia.com 404-428-3804

First Congregational Church Commons 125 Ellis Street • Atlanta 30303

Immerse your child in the language of music. The Music Class® is an early childhood music program designed to unleash the musical potential of children from birth to age six. Parent + child classes feature award winning music, engaging activities and anytime-access to the music on our app. This fall, class options include Indoor and At Home classes, starting August 14–20. Call for class times. 8 Atlanta locations

770-645-5578 themusicclass.com/atlanta

Film n Kids Film Club kidslovewatson.com Students ages 6-12 will learn the fundamentals of filmmaking, photography, video editing, voiceover and more. After-school and Saturday classes available; enrolling for fall and winter sessions now! Smyrna. 678-929-8289.

Music n Atlanta Boy Choir atlantaboychoir.org Do you know a boy who loves to sing? Auditions are now open! Rehearsals are held both in person and virtual. Free tuition for the Fall 2021 semester. Atlanta. Cont’d on page 36

Give The Gift of MUSIC!

Ages: 6 weeks to Adult Music Therapy After-school Programming Music Lessons Camps

Schedule for In-home, In-clinic, or Virtually!

Workshops Birthday Parties Group Classes Homeschool Classes

Welcoming and supporting students with special needs!

SMALL STEPS MUSIC

Learn more at: smallstepsmusicllc.com • 770-703-4577

34 Atlanta Parent August 2021

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SPOTLIGHT ON KIDS’ PROGRAMS BIG BLUE SWIM SCHOOL

770-308-8227 / bigblue.link/atl-parent

Big Blue Swim School in Johns Creek offers swim lessons to children ages 3 months to 12 years, teaching them how to be safe, happy, and confident swimmers. Their unique approach of hiring highly trained, adult swim instructors guarantees kids have fun while learning from caring professionals. The school makes life easier for parents by allowing families with multiple kids to swim at the same time. Sign up for a free trial lesson and discover The Big Blue Difference!

ARTZ FOR THE HARP

678-902-2789 / artzfortheharp.org

Artz for the Harp is a nonprofit public benefit organization whose mission is to provide harps for group harp music enrichment and music therapy programs to students of all ages, who need it most. Artz for the Harp firmly believes music education is an indispensable part to the development of the whole child and that all children should be provided access to the emotional, social, physical and intellectual benefits of music.

SPOTLIGHT ON KIDS’ PROGRAMS Furthermore, Artz for the Harp believes music has the ability to heal and provides a positive outlet of self-expression through the arts, while creating growth in the areas of self-esteem, responsibility, and discipline. Programs are provided on site to Fulton, Cobb, Atlanta and Decatur schools, as well as recreation centers, libraries and arts centers. Classes include: group set of harps, and instructional materials for students 7 years and older! Virtual and In-Person sessions start September 1st! For more information visit: artzfortheharp.org. Contact: 678-902-2789. lyrika@artzfortheharp.org 2 Atlanta Parent

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

DANCE AND ARTS SHOWCASE

atlantaparent.com

770-934-5010 / danceandarts.com

Dance and Arts Showcase offers an exciting array of classes including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Piano, Guitar, Hip Hop and Ballroom along with Adult Tap and Ballet. Classes are offered for ages 2-adult. Jean Shapiro, director and owner, is a native Atlantan and has been teaching dance and gym classes for 50 years. She has dedicated her life to helping children and adults learn beauty through the art of dance. Call or go online to sign up for fall classes. Open Houses: August 7 & 8; 10 a.m.4 p.m. 2861 Henderson Mill Rd., Chamblee (near Northlake Mall). atlantaparent.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

August 2021 Atlanta Parent 35

Dance & Arts Showcase Ages Two-Adult Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Hip Hop • Piano • Guitar • Adult Ballet & Tap

OPEN HOUSE

AUGUST 7 & 8: 10am-4pm

770-934-5010 www.danceandarts.com

Chamblee/Tucker - 2861 Henderson Mill Rd.

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REGISTRATION FEE Must mention this ad. Expires 10/1/21

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

FALL ACTIVITY GUIDE

n Artz for the Harp artzfortheharp.org In-person and virtual group harp music enrichment and music therapy programs. Classes include group harps and instructional materials for ages 7 and up. Teaching all genres of music! 678-902-2789. n Community Music Centers of Atlanta cmcatlanta.com Private lessons, performance workshops, aftercare and more; online and in-person options. Ages 4 and older, beginners through pre-professional. Decatur, Dunwoody, Little 5/Inman Park and N. Druid Hills/ Brookhaven. 404-614-0466. n European School of Music and Chess musiclessonsatl.com; euroschoolmusic.org Expert private instruction in piano, violin, guitar, drums, recorder, voice and chess. Significantly develops musical and intellectual abilities, focus and memory. New: Mommy & Me classes. Buckhead and Sandy Springs. 404-255-8382. n The Music Class themusicclass.com/atlanta Fun-filled, developmental, interactive music classes, in-person and at home. Award-winning music and engaging activities led by inspiring music teachers. Birth-6 years. Eight Atlanta locations. 770-645-5578. n Sinfo-Nia Youth Orchestra sinfo-nia.com Sinfo-Nia Orchestra provides more than 400 performances locally, nationally and internationally. String players ages 7-18: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. An exciting repertoire of multicultural music. Classes on Saturdays. 404-328-0840. n Small Steps Music smallstepsmusicllc.com Music therapy, private lessons, classes, workshops, camps, homeschool programs, and parties for ages 6 weeks and older. In-home, in-clinic, or virtually. Welcoming students with special needs! 770-703-4577.

Sports

n Atlanta JayHawks Cheerleading cdaspirit.com Atlanta JayHawks state-of-the-art facilities are located in Duluth and Grayson. Join the tumbling classes, summer camps and all-star teams. Enroll today! n The Peach Pit peachpitgym.com Competitive gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, cheerleading and dance for ages 2 and older, taught by experienced instructors. Locations in Collier Hills, Buckhead and Sandy Springs. Come flip out today! n World of Gymnastics worldofgymnasticsandcheer.com World of Gymnastics helps children of all ages develop strength, flexibility, coordination, confidence and selfesteem while increasing their gymnastic and cheer abilities. Register now! 770-516-6898.

Swim n Big Blue Swim School bigblueswimschool.com Big Blue Swim School teaches children how to be safe, happy and confident swimmers. Sign up for a free trial swim lesson and discover the Big Blue difference! Johns Creek. 770-308-8227. n Dynamo Swim School dynamoswimschool.com Learn to swim with programs for ages 4 months-adult available at 6 Metro Atlanta area locations including Alpharetta, Buckhead, Chamblee, Decatur, Dunwoody and Oakhurst.

Best of

2020 Atlanta

Now you can become one with the music

Our unique instructional method develops both musical and intellectual abilities, memory focus, creativity and critical thinking which help students reach their full potential.

NEW! Mommy and Me Class 0-4 years

Private Lessons: Music & Chess  4 years– adult Piano  Violin  Guitar  Drums Pan Flute  Recorder  Voice  Chess

MusicLessonsATL.com  EuroSchoolMusic.org SANDY SPRINGS



404-255-8382

36 Atlanta Parent August 2021

Providing a clear path for successful readers & writers … • Next-level Language Arts workshops • Real-time interaction in small peer groups • In-person learning serving grades 4-12 • Advanced graduate degree instructors • Reading and Writing focused curriculum www.themaster-class.com 404-819-9867 atlantaparent.com

SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT ON ON KIDS’ KIDS’ PROGRAMS PROGRAMS FOREFRONT ARTS

770-864-3316 / ForefrontArts.com

Ages 3-18 can perform in DESCENDANTS, NARNIA, BEAUTY & THE BEAST, JUNIE B JONES or HOW I BECAME A PIRATE! Join the Youth Show Choir to perform in 2 concerts! Love improv & comedic acting? Check out the Comedy Troupe that performs two Improv & Sketch Comedy shows! Enroll in a super-fun after-school Performing Arts or STEAM class including: Storybook Adventures, Imaginators STEAM Club, Movie Acting Club, or Theatre Skills! After-school and weekend options at locations throughout metro-Atlanta.

SPOTLIGHT ON KIDS’ PROGRAMS THE MASTER CLASS

404-819-9867 / themaster-class.com

The Master Class is a private teaching organization that proudly offers face-to-face Language Arts workshops utilizing real-time interaction in small peer groups. Whether your child is trying to catch up or get ahead, The Master Class’s varied reading and writing workshops will build strong communication skills and ensure a scholastic advantage. The Master Class’s ultimate mission is to teach your children to be critical thinkers using patience, structure, and kindness.

SPOTLIGHT ON KIDS’ PROGRAMS MOVING IN THE SPIRIT

404-624-5295 / www.movinginthespirit.org

At Moving in the Spirit, young people study the art of dance, make friends, and develop the skills they need to thrive. The curriculum is based in modern dance and creative movement. Students can also study ballet, jazz, hip hop and West African, performing choreography that celebrates diversity and makes a difference in the world. Boys and girls ages 5-18, beginner to advanced. Sliding scale tuition is available.

2 Atlanta Parent

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SMALL STEPS MUSIC

atlantaparent.com

770-703-4577 / smallstepsmusicllc.com

Give your child the gift of music! Small Steps Music supports and encourages a love of music and the development of new skills through music therapy sessions, private lessons, group classes, workshops, camps, homeschool programs, and birthday parties. Small Steps Music programs use innovative teaching strategies and creative music activities within a therapeutic environment. Programs available for ages 6-weeks to adult. Schedule in-home, in-clinic, or virtually. Welcoming and supporting students with special needs! atlantaparent.com 2 Atlanta Parent

SPECIAL SPECIAL ADVERTISING ADVERTISING SECTION SECTION

August 2021 atlantaparent.com Atlanta Parent 37

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AUGUST: Things to do this month

Top Events l Shaded Playgrounds l Outdoor Festival Fun “WILD: A Safari Experience” at Illuminarium l Don’t-Miss Exhibits atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

August 2021 Atlanta Parent 39

AUGUST TOP EVENTS

Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, most places are requiring advanced ticket purchase. Call or check websites for procedures. Events may be cancelled or changed after our deadline. Please check before visiting to confirm. Full calendar online at atlantaparent.com

How I Became a Pirate

How I Became a Pirate Horizon Theatre Aug. 1, 5:30 p.m. and Aug. 8, 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. Held on Horizon’s lawn, this sea-faring musical follows young Jessica Jacob and a band of pirates on their search for a perfect place to bury treasure. 1083 Austin Ave., Atlanta. 404-523-1477. $10. horizontheatre.com

Second Sunday

High Museum of Art / Aug. 8, noon-4 p.m. View art in the special and permanent collections for free. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4400. Free admission. high.org

Family Zoo Yoga

Zoo Atlanta / Aug. 14, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Stretch with yoga moves inspired by lions. 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-624-9453. $20 for a parent/guardian and child; additional participant, $4. zooatlanta.org

Summer Adventures Day Chattahoochee Nature Center Aug. 15, noon-4 p.m. Celebrate summer and being outdoors with canoeing, archery, paddle boarding, bubbles, adventure activities and water science and conservation stations. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. $10; ages 13-18, $7; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org

Trains, Trucks & Tractors Southeastern Railway Museum Aug. 6-8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. View antique and classic trucks and tractors, a fire engine, a route bus and more. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-476-2013. $18; ages 2-12, $12; ages 1 and younger, free. train-museum.org

Survival Safari Zoo Atlanta Aug. 7 and 20, 6:30-9 a.m. Roam the Zoo at night looking for nocturnal animals and discovering how they use their different senses to navigate in the dark. 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-624-9453. $20; ages 3 and younger, free. zooatlanta.org

40 Atlanta Parent August 2021

Summer Adventures Day

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Virtual: Sounds of the West End

Aug. 17-May 31 The Alliance Theatre presents this amazing experience that will take you through the sounds of the historic Atlanta neighborhood. 404-733-4650. $5; Subscription package: $35; ages 6-17, $15; ages 5 and younger, free.

Mother Goose

Center for Puppetry Arts Aug. 18-Sept. 26. Fri. 10 a.m. and noon; Sat. 11 a.m.; 1 and 3 p.m.; Sun. 1 and 3 p.m. Help Humpty Dumpty, Little Bo Peep, Jack and Jill and the other citizens of Rhymeville find Mother Goose. 1404 Spring St. NW at 18th, Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $22. puppet.org

Butterfly Experience

Dunwoody Nature Center Aug. 19-22. See website for times. Get an up-close look at butterflies, and walk the Pollinator Pathway for activities, crafts and educational experiences. 5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody. 770-394-3322. $10; ages 3 and younger, free. dunwoodynature.org Mother Goose

Dinosaur Birthday Bash

Fernbank Museum of Natural History Aug. 21, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Celebrate the dinosaurs at this prehistoric party. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. $20; ages 3-12, $18; ages 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org

Acworth-Cobb Dragon Boat Festival

Dallas Landing Park / Aug. 21, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. See colorful 40-foot boats decorated to look like dragons competing in this high-energy race. Proceeds benefit Loving Arms Cancer Outreach. 5021 Allatoona Dr., Acworth. 678956-0062. Free. acworthdragonboatfest.com

atlantaparent.com

Drive-in Cabaret: 80’s and 90’s Edition

Cobb Civic Center Parking Lot Aug. 21, 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a live performance from local artists with classic 80’s and 90’s-themed tunes. 548 S. Marietta Pkwy. SE, Marietta. 770-528-8490. Tickets on sale Aug. 2: $30. andersontheatre.org

Family Fun Guide

Miss Mary’s Ice Cream Crankin’

First Baptist Church of Roswell Aug. 29, 2-4 p.m. Have a sweet time at this event featuring classic and new locally-churned ice cream flavors. Proceeds benefit families and programs of The Drake House. 710 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. 770-587-4712. $7-$20. thedrakehouse.org

August 2021 Atlanta Parent 41

FESTIVAL FUN

Enjoy the outdoor atmosphere, animal experiences, foods and more at these festivals in metro Atlanta and beyond.

Summer is a great time to take a look at the night sky! Piedmont Park / Aug. 6-8 are lots of ways for Shop the artist market, listen toThere live entertainment, play on inflatables, taste food and beverages kids to see stars – right in and more. Charles Allen Dr. and 10th St., Atlanta. your own back yard. 404-817-6642. $5. dogwood.org Dogwood Festival

Decatur BBQ Blues & Bluegrass Festival

Legacy Park / Aug. 14, 1 p.m. Enjoy great BBQ while listening to blues and bluegrass music. 500 S. Columbia Dr., Decatur. 678-778-2000. $30; ages 12 and younger, free. decaturbbqfestival.com

Lemonade Days

Brook Run Park / Aug. 18-22 Enjoy family fun with 30 carnival rides, food and beverage vendors, live entertainment and the Dunwoody Idol contest. 4770 N. Peachtree Rd., Dunwoody. 770-668-0401. Free admission; ride tickets, $1 each; wristbands for unlimited rides, $20-$25. dunwoodypreservationtrust.org

Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival

Adams Park Aug. 20, 6-10 p.m. and Aug. 21, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Taste delicious BBQ, listen to live music, and enjoy interactive family fun. 2600 Park Dr., Kennesaw. 770-422-9714. Free admission. pigsandpeaches.com

Piedmont Park Arts Festival

Piedmont Park Aug. 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Aug. 22, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. This festival features 250 artists, live music, a children’s play area and food and drinks. 1215 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 214-205-8373. Free admission. piedmontparkartsfestival.com

Dogwood Festival

Chattooga County Agricultural Fair Chattooga County Agricultural Education Center Aug. 26-29. Thur. 5-10 p.m.; Fri. 5-11 p.m.; Sat. 2-11 p.m. and Sun. 2-9 p.m. Enjoy magic shows, watch demonstrations, visit the petting zoo, listen to live music, ride carnival rides and more. 40 Middle School Rd., Summerville. 706-857-4927. $0-$10; carnival rides, extra. chattoogafair.com

North Georgia Highlands Seafood & Wine Festival

Young Harris Aug. 27-29. See website for hours. Stroll through more than 50 arts and crafts exhibitors, listen to live music, enjoy delicious seafood and sweets and more. 6321 US-76, Young Harris. 706-897-6179. $5; ages 12 and younger, free. northgeorgiahighlandsseafoodfestival.com

German Bierfest Atlanta

Woodruff Park Aug. 21, 1-6 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of German-themed entertainment, including German bier and wine tastings, live music performances, restaurants and food vendors and more. 91 Peachtree St. SW, Atlanta. 404-586-6800. $45-$60. gaccsouth.com

BEYOND ATLANTA Georgia Mountain Fair

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Aug. 13-21. See website for schedule. Watch glassblowing demonstrations, see grizzly bears, experience the “old ways” of doing things, walk through the Pioneer Village and more. 1311 Music Hall Rd., Hiawassee. 706-896-4191. $12; 3 Day Pass, $33; rides, extra. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

42 Atlanta Parent August 2021

Lemonade Days

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

MOVIE MAGIC Grab your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a movie night under the stars. Movies On The Square Colony Square 7-9 p.m. Aug. 5 – “Grease” (PG) Sept. 2 – “The Lion King” (PG) Oct. 7 – “Hocus Pocus” (PG) 1197 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-879-2250. colonysquare.com

Flicks on the Bricks

Duluth Town Green 8-10 p.m. Aug. 6 – “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (PG) Sept. 3 – “The Wizard of Oz” (PG) 3142 Hill St. NW, Duluth. 770-476-3434. duluthga.net

Movies Under the Stars

Honeysuckle Park Movie starts at dusk. Aug. 7 – “Raya and the Last Dragon” (PG) 3037 Pleasant Valley Dr., Doraville. 770-936-3850. doravillega.us

Flicks on the Green

Peachtree Corners Town Green 7 p.m. Aug. 7 – “Thor” (PG-13) Sept. 4 – “Cars” (G) Oct. 2 – “Labyrinth” (PG) 5140 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners. 678-691-1200. peachtreecornersga.gov

Screen on the Green

Atlantic Station Movie trivia starts at 6:30 p.m.; movies begin at 7 p.m. Aug. 12 – “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (PG) Aug. 26 – “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” (PG-13) 1380 Atlantic Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-410-4010. atlanticstation.com

Movie Under the Stars

The Bowl at Sugar Hill Movies start at dusk. Aug. 13 – “Shark Tale” (PG) Sept. 10 – “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” (PG-13) 5039 W. Broad St., Sugar Hill. 770-945-6716. thebowlatsugarhill.com

Screen on the Green, Atlantic Station

Movies at Newtown Park

Newtown Park Gates open at 7 p.m. for pre-show activities; movie starts at dusk. Aug. 27 – “Raya and the Last Dragon” (PG) 3150 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. johnscreekga.gov

Feature Fridays

Lawrenceville Lawn 7-9 p.m.; registration requested. Aug. 27 – “The Pursuit of Happiness” (PG-13) Sept. 24 – “A League of Their Own” (PG) 210 Luckie St., Lawrenceville. 770-963-2414. downtownlawrencevillega.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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Chattahoochee Nature Center

Jason’s Music Party

Bucks Sports and Circus Barn

Families love birthdays at CNC! During your 90-minute party, you will hike in the woods, observe and learn about animals in their natural habitat, be outside with nature and friends. Plus enjoy a live animal encounter.

A Birthday Concert for Your Child. Interactive live kids music for all occasions. Performing classics and new favorites, percussion jams, singing, dancing and more. Options for every budget. Easy set-up, best for ages 1-8.

We are located in Buckhead. With our private parties you get the entire facility. We have more than 300 costumes and 30 performers. Circus, Sports, Superhero’s, Princesses, Ninja Warrior and much, much more.

chattnaturecenter.org

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jasonsmusicparty.com

Family Fun Guide

Buckssportbarn.com

August 2021 Atlanta Parent 43

SAFARI ON THE BELTLINE: FROM ATLANTA TO AFRICA

ave you dreamed of going on safari, but can’t travel to the African savanna? Now you can make this bucket list item a reality – Illuminarium has brought the next best thing to the Beltline. “WILD: A Safari Experience,” features breathtaking views of exotic wildlife and sweeping landscapes of South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania. I recently visited with my kids, Gracie and Andrew, and it felt like we were up close to life-size animals. We were wowed by life size projections of an elephant and her baby tramping through the forest, the African skyline, trees and mountains in the background. Suddenly, a playful lion raced halfway around the room. The high-tech resolution showed details like the scaly lines on the skin of a green chameleon and flies perching on a lion in the grass. Our footprints made dark projections on the The Details floor, and we could splash water “WILD: A Safari Experience” virtually at the shoreline. at Illuminarium Time shifted from sunrise to 550 Somerset Terrace NE, Atlanta sunset, and in the middle of the 404-341-1000, illuminarium.com day, dark storm clouds billowed n Hours: overhead. A lion rolled on a large Sun.-Wed., 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; rock, jumping off as lightning split Thurs.-Sat., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. the sky and the sound of crackling n Dates: Through the end of 2021. thunder surrounded us. n Tickets: $35-$50; ages 3-12, The chorus of frogs and $30-$45; ages 2 and younger, free. crickets, the flapping wings of African Swift, the stomping of herds, and the sound of pattering raindrops had us totally immersed in our African Safari. Our favorite part was the night sky blanketed with what seemed like a million stars. The experience featured almost 50 different animals. Our favorites were the Masai giraffes munching on Acacia trees, a lion pride, cheetahs and leopards, hippopotami, Plains zebras, black rhinoceroses, blue wildebeest, great white pelicans, Thomson’s gazelle and lesser flamingo. 44 Atlanta Parent August 2021

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Be sure to check out the Illuminarium Shop that sells artisanal products including woven baskets, beaded items, and socks for a cause. Shoppers can purchase these socks to help protect wildlife and trees. I loved the miniature giraffes constructed from recycled flip flops that washed up on African beaches. At the end of our visit, we enjoyed lunch from the café on the patio. The white cheddar mac and cheese was some of the best we’d ever tasted. Gracie enjoyed the barbeque panini while Andrew and I liked the beef tenderloin. The portions were filling and moderately priced. Know Before You Go: The experience takes place in two large rooms, approximately 10,000 square feet. No live animals are part of the experience and nothing is intentionally frightening, but there are some loud sounds that may startle younger kids. Seating is limited. Strollers are allowed and the venue is wheelchair-accessible; rentals are not available. Personal photographs and videos are allowed (no flash photography). The experience lasts about 45-60 minutes. The family restroom in the café has a diaper changing station. Valet parking is available for $3. Allow extra time for parking FridaySunday. If visiting in the evening or on a weekend, Marta or Lyft is recommended. – Janeen Lewis

The chorus of frogs and crickets, the flapping wings of African Swift, the stomping of herds, and the sound of pattering raindrops had us totally immersed in our African Safari.

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Family Fun Guide

August 2021 Atlanta Parent 45

Photo by Jason Simmonds

FASCINATING EXHIBITS

Don’t miss these exciting educational and art opportunities throughout metro Atlanta. Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, most places are requiring advanced ticket purchase.

The FRIENDS Experience

Perimeter Pointe Through Sept. 6 Explore 12 rooms of set recreations, including Joey and Chandler’s apartment, Monica and Rachel’s kitchen and Central Perk. 1155 Mount Vernon Hwy. NE, Sandy Springs. $32.50-$39.50; ages 3 and younger, free. friendstheexperience.com

Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab

Children’s Museum of Atlanta Through Sept. 7 Learn more about Thomas Edison’s works with hands-on activities featuring invisible forces, the six simple machines, chemistry and material science. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. $11.95-$19.95; ages 11 months and younger, free. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

Pullman Yards Through Sept. 26 This 20,000-square-foot light and sound show displays Van Gogh’s amazing works, and separate galleries chronicle his life, technique and influence. 225 Rogers St. NE, Atlanta. $32.20$52.30; ages 4-12, $19.10-$41.40; ages 3 and younger, free. vangoghexpo.com

SUPERnatural: Aerial Art in Motion, Glass Art in Bloom

Atlanta Botanical Garden Through Oct. 31 Search for the 13 installations of beautiful sculptures representing blooming plants, and walk under the colorful aerial skynet, on view through Sept. 19. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. $22.95-$24.95; ages 3-12, $19.95-$21.95; ages 2 and younger, free. atlantabg.org

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

Masterpiece of Puppetry: Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance

Center for Puppetry Arts Through Oct. 31 Visit the newly reimagined world of Thra from the Emmy Awardwinning series of “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance” with puppets, props and artifacts. 1404 Spring St. NW at 18th, Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $15; ages 2-12, $10; ages 1 and younger, free. puppet.org

Outside the Lines

Sifly Piazza Through Nov. 28 Walk through this immersive maze of accessible, sensory environments made with tactile materials. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4400. Free admission. high.org

46 Atlanta Parent August 2021

SUPERnatural: Aerial Art in Motion, Glass Art in Bloom

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

At Tellus Science Museum

At Fernbank Museum of Natural History n Habitat Through Aug. 29 This outdoor exhibit explores the stories and science of habitats, as well as the plants, animals and humans that call them home. n Games in the Gallery Through Aug. 29 Test your skills with oversized games and challenges in this WildWoods exhibit.

n Zoo in You Through Sept. 6 Explore the vibrant world of inner microorganisms and how they impact personal health with interactive programs. n Out of This World! Jewelry in the Space Age Through Oct. 24 View more than 200 pieces of fine and non-precious jewelry with celestial and Space Age designs, and learn more about the history of space exploration.

n Nature’s Ninjas Through Sept. 6 See live animals, including iguanas, snakes, dart frogs, an armadillo and a porcupine, and learn how animals defend themselves from predators.

The Details: 100 Tellus Dr.,

Cartersville. 770-606-5700. $17; ages 3-17, $13; ages 2 and younger, free. tellusmuseum.org

At High Museum of Art n Calder-Picasso Through Sept. 19 See the inventive works from two of the foremost figures in the history of twentieth-century art, Alexander Calder and Pablo Picasso.

n Crocs: Ancient Predators in a Modern World Through Sept. 6 Discover the world of crocodiles with live animals and interactive exhibits.

n Electrifying Design: A Century of Lighting Through Sept. 26 View how lighting technology has changed since the first electric lightbulb in the 1800s to the present.

The Details: 767 Clifton Rd.,

Atlanta. 404-929-6300. $20; ages 3-12, $18; ages 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org

n Science Fiction, Science Fact! Through Feb. 20 Explore the inventions and technologies science fiction writers were able to predict.

The Details: 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4400. $16.50; ages 5 and younger, free. high.org

Calder-Picasso

70th Annual Georgia Mountain Fair Summer Line-Up

Glover Park on the Marietta Square

September 4-6 FREE ADMISSION Concerts Camping Events Hiawassee | 706-896-4191

GeorgiaMountainFairgrounds.com atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

ArtParkMarietta.com August 2021 Atlanta Parent 47

PLAY IN THE SHADE

Don’t let the heat stop your outdoor fun. These playgrounds offer natural and manmade shade.

Poole’s Mill Park

Wills Park

7725 Poole’s Mill Rd., Ball Ground; parks.forsythco.com This new Forsyth County park offers natural shade on the two-story playground with slides, climbing structures, interactive elements and more, and kids will especially love the spider web-like climbing structure. Stop by the cute covered bridge and Settingdown Creek.

11925 Wills Rd., Alpharetta; alpharetta.ga.us This 120-acre Alpharetta park features “Wacky World,” a wooden kingdom playhouse with towers, bridges and passages. Play on the yellow playground with equipment for younger kids, and the covered purple playground has climbing structures and swings for older kids. The park also features a pool, baseball fields, disc golf, picnic pavilions, art sculptures, an arboretum, batting cages and more.

Morgan Falls Overlook Park 200 Morgan Falls Rd., Sandy Springs; sandyspringsga.gov The two play structures offer climbing elements and slides for both younger and older children. The spider web is a tall rope structure providing all ages with a climbing challenge, and the play area is shaded by trees. Sandy Springs’ park offers plenty of green space overlooking the Chattahoochee River, and visitors can even enjoy the seasonal High Country Outfitters for paddleboard and kayak rentals.

Henderson Park 2801 Henderson Rd., Tucker; tuckerga.gov With 130 acres, Tucker’s largest park has two different playgrounds, one of which is shaded by trees and next to a pavilion. After playing on the playground, take a walk on one of the trails and enjoy the beautiful lake scenery.

Wade Walker Park

Dunwoody Nature Center

5585 Rockbridge Rd., Stone Mountain; dekalbcountyga.gov This large, inclusive playground is wheelchair accessible and has an accelerator swing, gravity rail and climbing nets. With 177 acres, this park offers tons of sports activities, including street hockey, baseball, softball, football, soccer, tennis and swimming.

Dunwoody Nature Center

PlayTown Suwanee

5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody; dunwoodynature.org Dunwoody Nature Center’s tall playground is covered with shady trees and features slides, climbing towers, a rope swing, teetertotter and swings, along with a smaller structure for toddlers. The center boasts 22 acres of trails with free admission.

425 Main St., Suwanee; suwanee.com This entertaining playground features a magical bus, a castle, a log cabin, a boat, an elephant and a rocket for imaginative play, and children will also love the climbing wall, bridges, slides and swing sets. The park also boasts picnic tables, a pavilion and public art, along with a greenway with a small waterfall.

48 Atlanta Parent August 2021

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Gary Pirkle Park

OTHER SHADED PLAYGROUNDS:

6195 Austin Garner Rd., Buford; cityofsugarhill.com The giant playground is covered by a 90-foot solar-powered pavilion, making it a perfect activity for sunny or even rainy days. The 67-acre park also boasts Richland Creek, a scenic stop, or go on a walk on the paved and lighted walking trails.

n Alexander Park: 800 Old Snellville Hwy., Lawrenceville; gwinnettcounty.com n Azalea Park: 203 Azalea Dr., Roswell; roswellgov.com n Caney Creek Preserve: 2755 Caney Rd., Cumming; parks.forsythco.com Gary Pirkle Park

Duncan Creek Park

Brinkley Park

3700 Braselton Hwy., Dacula; gwinnettcounty.com This shaded playground has handicapaccessible features, cool equipment and a sand area. With 110 acres, your family will also enjoy the skate complex, basketball courts, volleyball courts and football field.

1270 Hunter St., Smyrna; smyrnaga.gov The playground designed for ages 5-12 has multiple slides, swings and climbing structures and is shaded by umbrellas. A smaller playground for ages 2-5 offers shade from nearby trees. The park also offers baseball fields, batting cages, trails and pavilions.

n Coal Mountain Park: 3560 Settingdown Rd., Cumming; parks.forsythco.com n D.H. Stanton Park: 213 Haygood Ave. SE, Atlanta; beltline.org n East Roswell Park: 9000 Fouts Rd., Roswell; roswellgov.com n Garrard Landing Park: 8000 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Alpharetta; roswellgov.com

Roswell Area Park

10495 Woodstock Rd., Roswell; roswellgov.com This 79-acre park features natural shade and manmade shade structures. With two playgrounds for older and younger kids, this park is fun for all ages. Play on the new Gravity Rail and interactive features, and don’t miss the outdoor fitness equipment, pool, trails, picnic area and pond.

Swift-Cantrell Park 3140 Old 41 Hwy., Kennesaw; kennesaw-ga.gov This playground has wheelchair accessible ramps, a ropes tower, a Sensory Play Center, an eight-person We-Go-Round and more, as well as 40-feet of shade. A separate playground for younger kids includes swings, climbers, bridges and playthings. The park also has a splash pad, a skate park and a dog park.

Garrard Landing Park

n Hembree Park: 850 Hembree Rd., Roswell; roswellgov.com n Kidscape Village at Cobb Park: 2776 Sanford Rd., Smyrna; smyrnaga.gov n Lanierland Park: 6115 Jot-Em-Down Rd., Cumming; parks.forsythco.com n Logan Farm Park: 4405 Cherokee St., Acworth; acworth.org n Murphey Candler Park: 1551 W. Nancy Creek Dr., Brookhaven; brookhavenga.gov n Piedmont Park: 1320 Monroe Dr., Atlanta; piedmontpark.org n Riverside Park: 575 Riverside Rd., Roswell; roswellgov.com n Waller Park: 250 Oak St., Roswell; roswellgov.com n Webb Bridge Park: 4780 Webb Bridge Rd., Alpharetta; alpharetta.ga.us

Swift-Cantrell Park

atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

August 2021 Atlanta Parent 49

for thee fridg Not all who wander are lost. Some are Moms, in Target, filling their carts with a bunch of things they didn’t even need. Unknown

50 Atlanta Parent August 2021

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August 2021_Atlanta Parent

Articles inside

n Taming the Morning Rush