November 2010 Issue of North Texas Kids

North Texas Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids

November 2010

FREE

www.northtexaskids.com

I am grateful for the moments in life that give you pleasure.

In this issue:

Sara Stahl, Age 14

What is National Family Volunteer Day? / The Role of Imagination in Childhood / Great Gifts / North Texas Kids Survey / Tackling Your Child’s Cold and Flu / November Calendar of Events

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North Texas Kids • November 2010 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

North Texas Kids • November 2010 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

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Contents November

l

Volume 8 No. 11

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6

8

What is National Family Volunteer Day? Connecting Today’s Youth to Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

14

Great Gifts

18

The Critical Role of Imagination in Childhood Development

20

North Texas Kids Survey

22

Tackling Your Child’s Cold and Flu

26

Q&A with Margaret Jarvis at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas

18

16

Enrichment Guide

11

Craft: Gratitude Book

23

November Calendar of Events

12

Kids in the Kitchen - Thanksgiving

25

Emma’s Restaurant Review

17

Turkey Fun Jokes

25

Alexandria’s Book Review

25

Ticket Giveaway

26

Family Resource Guide

26

Turkey Day Word Scramble

All new registrations in November will receive "101 Ways to Say Thank You." Go to www.NorthTexasKids.com today to sign up!

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North Texas Kids • November 2010 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

Note from the Publisher

Minette Riordan, Ph.D.

So Much to Be Thankful For! As I look back over 2010,

I realize what a full year this

great husband and a silly cat.

• My health (and my husband's

has been for my family and my

and two kids' health). Being healthy

my stepdad being hospitalized

• My friends Jenny and Betty at

business. I started the year off with and in rehab for two months and

I spent all my spare time traveling back and forth to San Antonio. I am grateful to my husband and

my staff for picking up the slack

while I was gone. I am grateful my 83 year old stepdad is stable and

still at home. It was a rough start to the year, but we managed to

get through it, like we have gotten through so much in the past few

makes everything better!

Living Well Dallas who have helped us get healthy this year.

• Beautiful fall weather.

• Everything in my house

is working right now (knock on wood.)

• Free time, when I can get it.

• Training with my husband to

run a half marathon.

• Good friends.

I could go on and on with this

years.

list, and this is just personal thanks.

can continue to throw so many

all the loyal readers and the fun

Do you ever wonder how life

curve balls at you, yet you survive,

muddle through and carry on? One of the ways that I stay positive and

move forward is to remember all of the things I have to be grateful for, large and small. I talk to my kids

about gratitude and how important it is to say thank you and to focus on all the amazing wonderful

things in our lives! We tend to talk more about Thanks and Giving in

November, but it is important every month of the year!

Here's a partial list of what I am

grateful for right now:

• 2 amazing, wonderful kids, a

Which brings me to this

Publisher/Editor

Minette Riordan minette@northtexaskids.com

Web/Media Designer

Brad Dobson bdobson@northtexaskids.com

month's theme: Volunteering.

Read the awesome article about

Editor of Sports Scoop Mike Kravik

mike@northtexaskids.com

how to be a part of National Family

Office/Sales Manager Heidi Schlabs

heidi@northtexaskids.com

We have a spotlight on two local

Account Executives

volunteering with your family and Volunteer Day on November 20.

companies making a big difference, Time Warner Cable and their

Cindy Johnson Gail Kirkland Nancy Luttinger

Connect a Million Minds Program

Creative Dir. /Designer Brittany Allen

2nd Story Design brittany@2ndstorydesign.com

Cross Blue Shield which has an

Printed by

and Richardson-based Blue

impressive line-up of community focused programs, as well as an

Mailing Address

Scissortail Publishing

700 E. Park Blvd. #110 Plano, Texas 75074

Phone

972-516-9070

Fax

972-516-9048

active commitment to volunteering in the community.

I also have to say a huge

Midway Press, Dallas Tx

I also am grateful for great clients,

thank you to all of the people who

work I get to do at North Texas

Family Expo, we hope you had a

LLC. North Texas Kids is published 12 times a year.

sponsors and vendors who made

reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without

the staff at CITY House every year

encourages your submission of articles, children’s

our small part in supporting their

right to edit all submitted material. All submissions

and awareness raising.

article length is 500 to 800 words. Viewpoints of

Kids every day. I am grateful for those of you who write in to say

how much you love our magazine.

Like this note from June: "I love

your newsletters and website. My daughter is all grown up now but

I still like reading all the great stuff you research." June does cool stuff, too. She owns PJ's Party Supply &

Rentals in Denton and she collected Costumes for Charity at her store and gave out 25% off discounts

attended the 3rd Annual NTK

North Texas Kids is a Division of Scissortail Publishing

blast. And of course, thanks to our

Copyright 2010 by North Texas Kids©. All rights

it all possible. I love working with

written permission prohibited. North Texas Kids

and am glad we are able to do

artwork, photographs and ideas. We reserve the

programs through a cash donation

will be considered for publication. Recommended

Happy Thanksgiving to you

and your family!

the articles are not necessarily the viewpoints of North Texas Kids. Materials will not be returned.

Advertising is accepted at the discretion of the Publisher. Advertisers assume all liability for the

towards new costumes for every

content of their printed advertisements and agree

donation! Thanks June for all you

to indemnify North Texas Kids and its publisher for

do for your community.

any and all claims and expenses arising therefrom.

Cover Artist...

Winner of Swoozie's Art Contest Sara Sara Stahl is a freshman at J.J. Pearce High School in Richardson ISD, where she is a member of the cross country team. She has been a member of the Beta Club, the National Junior Honor Society and twice received Parkhill Junior High School's Academic Athlete Award. Most recently, she was awarded a Blue Ribbon in the Junior drawing competition at the 2010 State Fair of Texas where her work was on display in the Creative Arts Building.

Your child will receive $50 when we use his/her artwork on the cover of NTK. North Texas Kids loves kids’ art. Feel free to send us your child’s Masterpiece.

We are looking for covers that are unique, bright and colorful. Each child that appears on our cover receives $50.00 along with his/her picture and story in the paper. Submissions may be digital or print. Email pictures to info@northtexaskids.com or mail them to Scissortail Publishing, LLC. 700 E. Park Blvd., Suite 110, Plano, Texas 75074.

North Texas Kids • November 2010 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

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Our Heart is in Caring for You!

What is National Family Volunteer Day?

by Ashley E. Hyder, MPA

Specializing in Pediatric Home Healthcare

3 Main Offices • Dallas 214-637-1300 • Addison 214-623-5900 • Fort Worth 817-698-9500 Services available in Dallas, Collin, Denton, Tarrant, & surrounding counties

Now hiring for RN/LVN Full Time & Part Time positions specific jobs are posted on www.epicmedstaff.com

National Family Volunteer Day, Saturday, November 20, is designed to showcase the benefits of families working together, provide a great way to introduce community service, and encourage those who have not yet made the commitment to volunteer as a family to begin doing so. Volunteering as a family provides quality time, strengthens communication, and provides opportunities for family members to be role models, while making significant contributions to their communities. Family volunteering creates life-long volunteers and a legacy of volunteering for the next generation to carry into the future!

Example of projects families can do together: Host a Drive:

Meet with a local nonprofit organization in your area to determine their needs, and host a donation drive to help support the organization where they need assistance the most.

Words of Encouragement:

Create get-well cards for those in homeless or domestic violence shelters, transitional living programs, or senior living facilities and have those cards mailed to the agency of your choice to encourage those who need it most.

Arts & Crafts:

Allow the creativity of your family to brighten the lives of others! Create or design your own arts and crafts (wall art, custom jewelry, custom placemats, refrigerator magnets, etc.) as a family and take the items to a local nonprofit organization.

Voluntourism:

Travel to a special designation abroad and use your vacation time as a time to make a difference. Globe Aware, based in Dallas, TX, offers trips yearround to volunteer while on vacation in places around the world. For more information, call 214-824-4563 or visit www.globeaware.org

Adopt-a-Family:

Either visit a nonprofit organization or ask a neighbor about a family in need, and adopt-a-family this holiday season! Support them by providing a Thanksgiving meal, assisting with gift-giving for Christmas, or just inviting them over for a time of fun and games with your family. A little bit of time can go a long way!

Deliver a smile:

Many people spend the holidays in senior living facilities and shelters and rarely have visitors. Make a commitment to partner with a local hospital, nonprofit organization or assisted living facility to brighten the lives of others in your community. Please call first to learn about any guidelines.

Visit www.vcnt.org to learn more about how the Volunteer Center of North Texas can help you stay involved individually and as a family throughout the year.

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North Texas Kids • November 2010 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

Achieving Your Child’s Goal,

One Step at a Time

In all your life have you ever been sorry you did the right thing?

Don’t put off creating a life care plan any longer- Take the time now and give yourself the comfort of being prepared for the financial future of yourself and your loved ones.

Nick Carrocio, Special Care Planner MassMutual’s SpecialCareSM program Phone: 972-348-6368 ncarroccio@finsvcs.com nexusadvisorsllc.com 10000 N. Central Expwy., Ste. 1200 Dallas, TX 75231 Insurance products are issued by MassMutual, Springfield, MA 01111, and its subsidiaries, C.M. Life Insurance Co. and MML Bay State Life Insurance Co., Enfield, CT 06082. CRN201104-118795

Pediatric Services we provide: PT, ST, OT and Case Management We see kids in the Dallas and surrounding areas.

Call today to have your child evaluated!

Treat for the following but not limited to:

Speech Delay • Autism Developmental Delay Cerebral Palsy • Down Syndrome Learning Disability • Dysphagia

9330 LBJ Freeway, Suite 790 Dallas, TX 75243

214-575-2999

www.KidsCareTherapy.com

North Texas Kids • November 2010 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

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Time Warner Cable Connects Today’s Youth to Science, Technology, Engineering & Math According to a recent survey by the National Science Foundation, 80 percent of jobs created in the next decade will require math and science skills.

However, today’s students show a declining interest in these subjects, with 84 percent of middle school students saying they would rather clean their room, eat their vegetables, go to the dentist or take out the garbage than learn math or science.

In response to this growing national problem, Time Warner Cable launched a new initiative in 2009, Connect a Million Minds (CAMM). CAMM is a 5-year, $100 million initiative dedicated to inspiring students to pursue science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Ultimately, CAMM connects youth with fun educational opportunities in the community that encourage kids to participate in STEM related activities and develop the skills needed to solve challenges of the future.

In order to better promote Connect a Millions Minds and reach North Texas students, Time Warner Cable has strategically partnered with some of the community’s leading STEM organizations; such as The Museum of Nature and Science at Fair Park, FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), The Nasher Sculpture Center, Girls Inc. of Tarrant County, and University of Texas at Arlington’s “Engineering Saturdays”. With each of these organizations, Time Warner Cable is able to align efforts and better provide students with opportunities to learn about science, technology, engineering and math.

An example of a unique interactive activity that allowed youth to learn about technology and engineering was Time Warner Cable’s recent partnership with Girls’ Inc. of Tarrant County. Time Warner Cable not only sponsored their Operation SMART (Science, Math and Relevant Technology) week long camp, but also took the girls to Six Flags over Texas for a behind the scenes tour of the rollercoaster, The Titan. There, they learned the science behind the rollercoaster and how engineering is used to keep the rollercoaster safe and functional for all of its passengers.

Time Warner Cable is dedicated to engaging youth in these unique experiences. There is also a focus at the company on volunteer engagement among its employees. Employees regularly volunteer at CAMM events and provide their experience in the technology field, as well as their enthusiasm to ensure students learn and better understand STEM. One volunteer based activity that Time Warner Cable provides for students, is its CAMM Curriculum. This curriculum teaches how the cable signal is created, transmitted and received in the home via six hands-on fun and interactive stations. Volunteers also participate in community events around the Dallas Forth Worth area to share information about CAMM and reach a greater number of families. Many employee volunteers help bring this initiative to the community, but it is important to note a few employees who stand out above the rest. Time Warner employees Judy Collinsworth, Sharva Mitchell, and Janet Coppinger have distinguished themselves, by repeatedly volunteering for a variety of CAMM activities and by even promoting CAMM 8

North Texas Kids • November 2010 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

individually in their own communities. In the past three months, they have collectively volunteered more than 35 hours for CAMM. To better understand these volunteers and why CAMM is so important to them, each volunteer was asked a couple of questions about their involvement with CAMM: Why is it important for you to volunteer for CAMM?

Bring the family to

“I volunteer for the CAMM program because I believe in it. It’s our responsibility to encourage student involvement in STEM-related education. It will help prepare our kids for great success in the future,” said Collinsworth.

Coppinger answered, “To me it is a great way to connect to the DFW community. I grew up in Dallas and like living in the city. I have been in mentoring programs before and feel that my compassion for working with kids is an asset to whatever project that I do. “ What has been your favorite CAMM activity so far and why?

“I love every aspect of the CAMM program and will do anything that is needed to promote the STEM initiative. I enjoy educating parents on how they can help their children get involved but my favorite part is the hands on work with the kids through the CAMM curriculum. They are so very eager to learn,” Collinsworth added.

Sharva Mitchell was more specific with her response and answered; “My favorite CAMM activity thus far was the Dallas Mayor’s Back to School Fair because we had a chance to not only inspire children but reach their parents as well. The group of people was very diverse and interesting to meet. “ To learn more about Time Warner Cable’s CAMM initiative, visit: www.connectamillionminds.com.

Every Saturday & Sunday Kids under 12 receive FREE admission Most activities take place in the Center for Creative Connections on Level 1.

studio creations

collection connections

Saturday & Sunday, 1:00–3:30 p.m.

Sunday, 1:30–3:30 p.m.

sketching in the galleries for kids Every third Saturday, 1:00–3:00 p.m.

Family initiatives are funded by Catherine and Will Rose and the Pollock Foundation Education Endowment Fund.

New family learning experiences are supported by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Museum’s Gateway Gallery Endowment Fund, the Mr. and Mrs. H. Lee Hobson Endowment Fund, the Betty Moroney Norsworthy Education Endowment Fund, and the Karen and Richard Pollock Education Endowment Fund provide a permanent source of support for family and community programs.

Annual support for family and community programs is provided by The M. R. & Evelyn Hudson Foundation, the Junior League of Dallas, and the Donor Circle membership program through leadership gifts by an anonymous donor and the Dedman Foundation. Promotional support provided by Radio Disney and North Texas Kids.

The Dallas Museum of Art is supported in part by the generosity of Museum members and donors and by the citizens of Dallas through the City of Dallas/Office of Cultural Affairs and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

DallasMuseumofArt.org

North Texas Kids • November 2010 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

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It’s Party Time!!

Come Experience Our

Private Parties!

We provide a private play area so it’s just you and your guests enjoying the party.

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lloon

Ba Dozen

Free d parties.

ooke newly b /10. ru 11/30 Good on th d o o g is r e Off

Call today to reserve your Private Pump It Up Party!

972-792-9663

www.pumpitupparty.com Pump It Up Jr. of Plano 4101 E. Park Blvd., #135 • Plano, TX 75074

Pump It Up of Dallas 9201 Forest Ln., #100 • Dallas, TX 75243

THERAPY 2000: The North Texas leader in home-based therapy for children

We treat children for. . .

Feeding & Swallowing Disorders (including the need for Vital Stim Therapy) Cerebral Palsy • Neurological Disorders • Down Syndrome Developmental Delay • Sensory Processing Disorders and many others A comprehensive hearing screening is administered to all children admitted for speech therapy services.

To obtain physical, occupational or speech therapy services for your child, call THERAPY 2000...

214-467-9787 or 877-626-7003 • www.T2000.com

Welcome to our Family 10

North Texas Kids • November 2010 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

Here is a fun craft for the whole family to make and enjoy!

use your pots And pAns for more thAn Just cooKing mAc And cheese.

This fun little booklet is for writing down each day what

Once you’ve made music with your infant, toddler, or preschooler in one of our joyful, research-based classes, you’ve got the ingredients to bring the fun home.

Just add a few pots. Pans. Spatulas. And you’re ready to move, sing, and satisfy your appetite for fun.

you are grateful for. These make great gifts for teachers, friends, stocking stuffers, etc.!

(972) 267-4452

• musictogetherdAllAs.com

• Card stock paper that will run through your printer • Binder rings

• Embellishments: ribbons, flowers, buttons etc.

• Glue

• Paper trimmer

The University of Texas at Dallas & School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences

Resources for Parents 1.

Go to www.simplescrapbooksmag.com/content_downloads/

SS_GratTemplate.pdf and print the cover and inside pages. Page 1 of the document is the cover, and page 2 is the inside pages. You will need 1 of page one and 10 of page 2 per book.

2.

Using a paper trimmer, cut out the cover and inside pages.

3.

With a hole punch, put a hole in the top left corner of each page.

Secure the pages together with a binder ring.

4.

Embellish your cover and ring with flowers, ribbons, etc.

Thanks to www.simplescrapbooksmag.com for this awesome craft!

Resources & Referral Program

Infant Development Program

• Free consultations for parents with concerns about a developing child or adolescent

• Low-cost developmental screenings to identify delays in children’s language, motor, cognitive, or social development

• Referrals for a wide array of services from an extensive database of child and family resources

• Immediate feedback, including screening results, recommendations for home activities, and referrals to therapeutic programs

Contact: Cynthia A. Frosch, PhD

Contact: Emily Touchstone, PhD

cynthia.frosch@utdallas.edu

etouchstone@utdallas.edu

Phone: 972-883-4827

Phone: 972-883-3632 http://infantdp.utdallas.edu

http://ccf.utdallas.edu

Catch the latest news on child development at : http://ccf.utdallas.edu/blog

North Texas Kids • November 2010 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

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Kids in the kitchen

The Real Moms Guide to...

Thanksgiving Dinner We all know that miserable, too full feeling we get after Thanksgiving dinner, right? Why do we do that to ourselves? We cook for hours, the meal is demolished in 10 minutes, then we all head to the couch to digest for hours. There has got to be another way!

The combination of the tryptophan in the turkey and the multiple starchy dishes: mashed potatoes, stuffing, rolls, etc., was turning my family into zombies after our Thanksgiving meal. So a few years ago, I started adding in a few lighter dishes and guess what? Nobody complained. Now our Thanksgiving dinners are much easier on the tummy. Here are a couple of our favorite recipes:

Brussels Sprouts Ingredients: 1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts 4 tbs olive oil, divided ½ c water butter sea salt

Instructions: • Cut the ends off Brussels sprouts, then quarter • Toss with 2 tbs olive oil • Heat other 2 tbs olive oil in a large skillet on medium • Toss in sprouts and cook, stirring occasionally, until some pieces are browned (5-7 minutes) • Pour ½ cup of water into pan, cover, and steam on medium for 6 minutes • Stir in a small amount of butter and a dash of sea salt

Sweet Potatoes Ingredients: 4-5 sweet potatoes ½ cup milk ½ cup pecans, chopped (optional) 4 tbs butter, melted 1/3 cup maple syrup ¼ tsp cinnamon

Instructions: • Poke potatoes with fork to vent, bake in 425° oven until tender, about an hr.

• Scoop potato into a large mixing bowl, discard skins • In small bowl, mix pecans, melted butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon • Heat milk in saucepan on medium heat until warm • Pour warmed milk and butter mixture into potatoes and stir until creamy, pour in baking dish Of course, we have to keep up with tradition. What's Thanksgiving dinner without pumpkin pie? Some things never change. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving that is filled with love, laughter, and maybe a little lighter fare. For more information on how to keep your family healthy through food, and for more quick, healthy recipes, go to www.processedkids.com to order the book Processed Kids.

To your health, Lisa Greene 12

North Texas Kids • November 2010 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

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Birthday Party Fun! We do it all for you, so relax & enjoy

$69.99

+ tax

for up to 10 children $6.10 for each additional child

• • • •

Allen McKinney Plano Richardson

Party includes: Happy Meal , Cake, Ice Cream, Decorations, ®

Party Favors, a Host or Hostess and a Gift for the Birthday Child.

To make reservations: Visit www.OreillyMCD.com or call our birthday party hotline at 972.985.9285.

Now Available 7 days a week!

No deposit required.

Locally owned and operated by Chuck and Julie O’Reilly

When busy lives meet big responsibilities…

With so many demands on your time, some things just have to wait. But don’t put off talking to a State Farm Life Insurance Company agent about life insurance – it may be the most important thing you ever do.

Ann Dunham Ins Agcy Inc Ann Dunham CLU CPCU LTCP, Agent 2301 W Parker Road, Suite 1 Bus: 972-596-4809 Fax: 972-867-3183 www.anndunham.com

P092002TX

Tamara Murphy, Agent 4504 Legacy Drive, Suite 200 Plano, TX 75024 Bus: 972-943-9555 Fax: 972-943-9562 www.murphyagency.net

State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) • Bloomington , IL

North Texas Kids • November 2010 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

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Great Gifts...

Not Soap, Radio Say It With Suds You're the Greatest Dad Shower Gel Traditional old greeting cards are fine, but everybody exchanges them, same old thing year after year, sigh, Why be ordinary? Say--you're the greatest, best, coolest, most wonderful dad with a message on a bottle. Greeting card bubble bath/shower gels (formulated as both!) and lotions, Say It With Suds!

Hide!!!

www.amazon.com • $13.00

Comedian Jeff Foxworthy tells the story of a neighborhood hide and seek game and invites readers to join in! With vivid illustrations and a hearty dose of silliness, each page includes a hidden child, a seeker, and a whole bunch of other hidden objects for kids to find. Can you help Rachel Green find Sue, along with one raccoon, two spoons, three mops and four flip flops? Hide!!! is guaranteed to charm readers of all ages.

Local Bookstores • $17.99

Main Event Gift Cards Give the Gift of FUN all Season Long!

Purchase a Main Event Gift Card and get a FREE FUNcard!

Contact Main Event Entertainment for details. www.maineventusa.com

Music Institute Gift Certificate

The Handstand Kids Cookbook Kit The Handstand Kids Cookbooks are fully-illustrated, international children's cookbooks that introduce children to the language, culture and cuisine of three different countries: Italy, Mexico and China. We loved the map, cookbook and mitt in the Mexican cookbook. Great recipes that are simple and easy-to-follow instructions plus lots of great cultural information. www.handstandkids.com • $25.00

$99 gift certificate for four trial lessons, private or group classes, all ages, up to $160 value. Music Institute of North Texas offers exceptional music lessons for all ages and levels. Classes include group and private lessons for piano, guitar, drums, cello, violin, voice, and Kindermusik.

Founded by a Julliard graduate, we offer age specific classes from newborn to adults. Give the gift of music that they will enjoy for a lifetime. www.MusicInstituteNT.com / 972.668.6600 $99.00

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North Texas Kids • November 2010 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

The New Explorers Club CD The Maine-based Flannery Brothers are known for their engaging, easy-going, “jam session in our living room” style of family music. The New Explorers Club invites everyone in the family to go exploring. Filled with danceable, clappable, singable, familyfriendly rock songs, The CD enthusiastically encourages seeking adventure and viewing the world with a fresh perspective. www.flannerybrothers.com • $15.00

AnimalFun Infant Tableware Sets AnimalFun Infant Tableware Sets are the cutest, most colorful, innovative tableware for infants and toddlers that makes meal time fun for little ones.

Made of high-quality, durable material, the AnimalFun Infant Tableware is dishwasher safe and virtually unbreakable. www.snacktrap.com / 248.828.7460 / local retail stores • $15.99

The Sing-A-Ma-Jigs Get ready to meet The Sing-A-Ma-Jigs, the new free-spirited, offbeat characters that set off unexpected laugher and excitement with every interaction! The Sing-A-MaJigs enjoy nothing more than singing together, and just to prove it, they harmonize with each other in perfect pitch every time. The more you collect, the larger the chorus! www.amazon.com • $20.00

YBIKE

The Ybike encourages balance and motor coordination. It has tough construction and a hidden back wheel, so no catching little feet. Get your Ybike at Learning Express, an educational toy store serving area neighborhoods for the past 12 years. Locations in Plano, Frisco and Firewheel (Garland). www.plano.learningexpress-toys.com • $79.99

ThinkFun Zingo

Aquaterra Bath Collection Sugared Cranberry Pamper and moisturize your skin with this collection for a festive bath-time treat. Sugared Cranberry is a fruity fragrance that is both a little sweet and a little tart. Collection includes 12 items: Shower Gel, Bath Fizzers, Body Butter, Bubble Bath, Bath Salts and Body Mist in a lovely decorative painted Tin Basket (approximately 10"w x 10 1/2 "h). www.amazon.com • $28.99

This fast-paced, energetic variation of Bingo is a guaranteed crowdpleaser. Kids get a kick out of pulling the Zinger forward to reveal two mystery tiles and attempting to be the first to call out the tiles that match the images on their cards. The first player to fill his or her card wins! Ages 4 to 8. 2 to 8 players.

2 levels of play. 8 double-sided Zingo! cards and 72 picture tiles. 8 inches x 10.5 inches x 3.5 inches. www.amazon.com • $16.00

Squinkies Surprise Cupcake Bakeshop Squinkies are tiny little loveable kittens, puppies, babies, ponies and more. The world of Squinkies fits in the palm of your hand.

These soft and squishy figures are so cute you'll want to collect them all. The Squinkies come in their very own little bubble container; it's a surprize inside. Rings and things big and small.

Friends and pets collect them all. Prices vary from $5.99 and up.

The Squinkies Surprise Cupcake Bakeshop • $39.99 www.amazon.com • Prices Vary

North Texas Kids • November 2010 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

15

School... k c a B to Mill-Again Stables Plano, TX

Visit our beautiful new facility. In ground pits & trampolines, same great programs.

Programs Offered:

Parent & Tot • Kindergym • Girls & Boys Classes Team Program • Tumbling • Parties • Special Events • Camps

2nd Annual Holiday Market

Nov. 29-Dec. 4. Get started on your gift list early. Great goodies and crafts!

6085 Sports Village Rd., Frisco, TX 75034

972-712-4644 www.eaglegymnastics.com

$50 Off with this ad

Kids

“It makes math funnable.”

- Shannon, grade 5 “Math is the new cool.”

- Antonio, grade 7

Call us to find out how your child can catch up, get ahead, gain self-confidence, and just maybe become crazy about math.

Riding Lessons Horse & Tack Supplied

Candee Carlson 469-853-5718 by appointment only

Mathnasium because:

“It makes math jump from the page to my brain.”

- Daniel, grade 5 “Math gets easier and easier.”

- Olivia, grade 2

These kids know what thousands of Mathnasium students have learned: Kids don’t hate math, they hate being confused and intimidated by math.

Every Little Girl Loves a Horse!

Mathnasium of Plano 3115 W. Parker Rd, Ste 560 Plano, TX 75023 972-519-0340 plano@mathnasium.com

Just a reminder to Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!! www.twitter.com/northtxkids On Facebook, search for North Texas Kids magazine.

www.mathnasium.com/plano

2 n d - 1 2 + G RA D E S • S TA R R / TA K S , SAT, A C T, G E D P R E P • H O M E W O R K H E L P

Grand Opening Special!

GT Sport TaeKwondo We specialize in Sport Taekwondo and Traditional Korean Martial Arts for all ages: 3 to adult.

We also offer: Women’s Fitness, Kickboxing, Toddler classes and the newest fitness craze paddleball classes.

Grand Opening Special!

2 for 1 Registration Special. Plano location only.

Call for details. Exp. 11-30-2010

972.424.5566

4101 E Park Blvd, Ste 100 Plano, TX 75074

www.gtsportusa.com

Visit our 2nd location inside Lifetime Fitness. 971 Hwy 121, Allen, TX

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North Texas Kids • November 2010 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

greatc las se&sactivities!!

Have you done your Therapy Homework?

Key Note Music Studio

Ages 12 months – Pre-K Call TODAY for a tour.

469-323-1200

972-239-8100

JCCDALLAS.ORG

www.keynotemusicstudio.com

7900 Northaven Rd • Dallas 75230 • 214-239-7157

Location: West Plano, Parker & Independence

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www.smashing times.com North Texas Kids • November 2010 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

17

The Critical Role of Imagination in Childhood Development

by Dr. Caron Goode Imagination is a potent ingredient that we as busy parents often dismiss and brush aside as mere childhood play. But imagination is a critical component to learning -- one that serves as the foundation for a host of necessary life skills.

Self-dialog is a component of imaginative play that helps children learn to overcome obstacles and master the art of self-regulation. Unstructured imaginative play also serves to round out a child’s whole-person development.

Recent studies indicate that imaginative play has changed drastically in the past 60 years, and that children’s overall development is suffering because of it. One study conducted in 2001 intended to compare results to a similar study from the late 1940’s. Its goal was to test children’s capacity for self-regulation.

In the 1940’s study, the researches tested children ages 3, 5 and 7 by asking them to stand perfectly still without moving. The 3-year-olds could not stand still at all, the 5-year olds could for about three minutes, and the most of the 7-year-olds could stand still for as long as the researchers asked.

Compare this to the astonishing results from the 2001 study at the MidContinent Research for Education and Learning, where the 5-year-olds could only stand for a duration equal to that of the previous level of 3-year olds.

More tellingly, the 7-year-olds of today were barely approaching the level of 5-year-olds from over a half century ago. Psychologist Elena Bodrova commented, “The results were very sad.”

Why is imaginative play such a critical component in developing selfregulation? During periods of make-believe and pretend, children engage in self-dialog – a life skill that helps empower them to learn to overcome obstacles, master cognitive and social skills and manage their emotions.

It is during this period of self-dialog, or private speech, that children decide on desired objectives and then strategize ways to accomplish those feats. Self-dialog is also a tool that many adults still utilize when faced with challenges or problems. By talking things through, we’re able to process situations, analyze them and design solutions for them.

Imagination is a critical component to learning - one that serves as the foundation for a host of necessary skills.

Studies also show that creative and imaginative play can aid in other areas of development such as memory, attitude, planning, attention and creativity, as well as help children expand and hone their language and communication skills.

A key change that many scientists are concerned with is the fact that until the advent of television, childhood play revolved around some type of activity, vs. today’s usual object-centric type of play.

18

North Texas Kids • November 2010 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

Before television, children utilized everyday objects to create scenarios and to imagine a world of their own. If a boy found a stick, it was not merely a stick -- it had the capacity to become a knight’s sword, a fishing pole, or a Native-American spear.

Today’s product commercialization has removed the realm of limitless possibilities, and now tends to pigeonhole children into a pre-conceived situation such Darth Vader’s Lightsaber, where the intent of the object is already clear and denies the child a chance to find a creative purpose for the object.

Another area of concern is the loss of unstructured time that allows children to engage in imaginative play. From soccer and baseball games to piano and karate lessons, children today have far less time than past generations to let their Just as exercise is important to the imaginations physical development of muscles, run free. And while leagues imaginative play allows children to and lessons build their creative and problemoffer many benefits to solving “muscles.” children, the fact is that when kids are engaged in structured activities, they are regulated by the adults in their lives and not themselves.

Scientists have noted that the more structured the level of play, the more children’s private speech and self-dialog decline. By striving to structure most or all of a child’s free time, kids of today have far less time available for imaginative play (which requires they police themselves.)

Compound this with the dearth of electronic devices that serve not to expand children’s minds but to numb them, and you can see why children today have fallen behind in their abilities to self-regulate.

Why is self-regulation such an important life skill? Poor self-regulation skills (also referred to as executive function) correlate strongly to increased dropout rates and gravitation towards substance abuse and other behaviors that put children not only at risk, but jeopardize their entire future.

Studies have shown that good self-regulation skills are a better predictor of success in school and life than a child’s IQ. Children that master good executive function will be able to control their own behavior, manage their feelings, and keep themselves on task – all elements that contribute to educational and cognitive development and success.

What are some ways you as a parent can encourage imaginative play in your child? Here are just a few to get you started: 1. Limit television viewing and time spent playing computer or electronic games 2. Schedule time for imaginative play, just as you would schedule time for piano lessons or soccer practice. (You don’t need to tell your child you’re doing this, as you then impose structure.)

3. Encourage interaction between peers by letting your child have friends over or go to a friend’s house. Peer interaction often drives the imaginative process, and develops children’s social, language and problem-solving abilities.

4. While play dates are all the rage, make sure that you or other parents allow children to interact together at their own level and pace, instead of dictating for them how the play date unfolds.

Parents can also interact with children in a variety of ways that let children master creativity through the use of imagination. These include:

1. Creating stories together, where you each take turns adding a thread to the tale. You can start the process by finding an everyday object and verbalizing a sentence or two about it to create a scenario.

Then, let your child take over and embellish the tale from there. As you go back and forth adding to the story, you’ll stimulate and challenge both of your imaginations.

2. Provide tools for make believe. Have objects like pots and pans with spoons, and building blocks and craft supplies on hand that you keep in the “Imagination Drawer.” Then, make sure to direct your child to the magic drawer when she says, “I’m bored.”

3. Play the “Imagine If” game. Whether you’re in your garden or driving along in the car, look for objects and then start conversations with, “Imagine if …” – i.e., “Imagine if roses were blue,” or “Imagine if birds swam and fish flew.” This helps children hone their visual processing and cognitive skills, as well as opening them up to seeing the world in new ways.

Just as exercise is important to the physical development of muscles, imaginative play allows children to build their creative and problem-solving “muscles.” By making sure to incorporate imaginative play in our children’s lives, we give them the capacity to become self-regulated problem solvers – ones whose futures are limited only by their boundless imaginations.

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Source List Old-Fashioned Play Builds Serious Skills - NPR www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=19212514 Creative Play Makes for Kids in Control - NPR www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=76838288 © 2010 by Dr. Goode, a licensed counselor, author of a dozen books, and educational trainer. She is the founder of the Academy for Coaching Parents International (www.acpi.biz). She has recently co-authored (with Tara Paterson) the award-winning book, Raising Intuitive Children and Nurture Your Child’s Gift.

Both are available at your local bookstore or on Amazon.com. Her newest book, Kids Who See Ghosts, guide them through their fears became an international best seller in June.

The art doesn’t go home.

Why should you?

Friday, November 19 6:00 p.m.–midnight Celebrate African Masks: The Art of Disguise with an evening of dance, performances in the galleries, films, tours, family experiences, Creativity Challenges, and more.

Kids under 12 get in FREE!

Visit DallasMuseumofArt.org for

a complete schedule of events.

Late Nights at the Dallas Museum of Art is supported by the Donor Circle membership program through leadership gifts of Mr. and Mrs. William T. Solomon and the Vin and Caren Prothro Foundation. Promotional support provided by CBS Radio: JACK-FM and KLUV 98.7, Dallas Observer, KXT 91.7, and Radio Disney.

The Dallas Museum of Art is supported in part by the generosity of Museum members and donors and by the citizens of Dallas through the City of Dallas/Office of Cultural Affairs and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

North Texas Kids • November 2010 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

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Q&A: Trackling Your Child’s Cold And Flu Pediatrician Sara Gondol, M.D., Answers Common Questions Parents Ask During the Winter Season Q. When is it time to see the doctor about my child’s cold of flu?

A. If your child seems to have a cold—with symptoms like congestion and runny nose but not high fever or body aches—it’s probably not necessary to see your child’s doctor right away. But do call if symptoms don’t improve within three to four days.

If your child appears to have the flu—with symptoms like fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, headache, or nausea—call your child’s doctor right away to ask about coming in. Flu treatment is more effective when it’s given within the first two days of illness.

Any time you’re unsure whether your child needs to be seen, call your child’s doctor. Also, even if you’ve already talked to or seen the doctor, call if symptoms get worse or new symptoms appear. Another ailment, like an ear infection or pneumonia, could be brewing.

Q. When is a fever too high?

A. A good general rule is to call the doctor any time a child’s fever is higher than 102 degrees to find out whether the child should be seen.

Normal body temperature ranges from 97 to 100.4 degrees. When our bodies are fighting an infection or other illness, our temperatures may climb higher.

Mild fevers may get better without treatment. So a fever may not mean your child needs immediate medical care.

If your child feels feverish—for instance, if his or her fore- head feels warmer than normal—use a thermometer to get a reading. This can help you and your child’s doctor decide how to respond.

Seek emergency or immediate medical care if any of the following is true: • Your child is younger than 3 months old and has any temperature higher than 100.4 degrees.

• Your child has a seizure, refuses to eat, isn’t responding, or has trouble breathing during a fever.

• Your child’s fever lasts more than a few days.

• Your child has a fever of 105 degrees or higher. Brain damage may occur if body temperature tops 107.6 degrees.

Q. How can my family help reduce the spread of cold and flu?

A. Hand washing is the number one way to prevent the spread of many illnesses, including colds and flu. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer, throughout the day.

Good hand hygiene is especially important right after sneezing or coughing and right before eating. And don’t do it only during active illness. Anyone with a cold or flu is typically contagious starting one day before his or her symptoms begin. Consider them contagious until most of their symptoms have faded and they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours—without the aid of a fever-reducing medicine.

Other effective ways to limit spread of illness are to avoid sharing food and drinks and to cover sneezes and coughs with a tissue and throw the tissue away.

Dr. Gondol is located at Starwood Pediatrics, Starwood Medical Offices, 2595 Dallas Parkway, Suite 410, Frisco. To make an appointment for your child, call 972.519.1139.

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Minority/Women Owned Business

NTK Calendar of Events

Looking for Something to Do in Your Own Backyard or Around the Metroplex? You Will Find it Here!

Find these events and more online at www.northtexaskids.com.

November 1 Monday Autumn at the Arboretum: The Great Pumpkin Festival: Featuring the Storybook Pumpkin Village, Oktoberfest Garten and Beautiful Floral Color. www.dallasarboretum.org - Dallas Arboretum - Sat Sep 18 to Sun Nov 14 Pumpkin Patch: Bring the family out to Country Critters Farm Pumpkin Patch. Activities include: bounce houses, train and tractor playground, pony ride, train ride, petting zoo, hay ride, the maze, and games. Open Saturdays 10 am to 5 pm, Sundays from 1 to 5 pm. $8 per person. www.countrycrittersfarm.com - Alvardo - Sat Sep 25 to Sun Nov 7 Dinosaurs Live!: Encounter the ever-popular 46-foot T-Rex and eight new life-size animatronic dinosaurs along nature trails. The exhibit always gives families and friends a fun, educational activity to enjoy together and a unique family outing during the holidays! The Dinosaurs Live! trail is jogging-stroller friendly. heardmuseum.org - Heard Natural Science Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney - Sat Oct 2 to Mon Jan 31, 2011 Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park - Sneak Peek: Take a sneak peek for a discount at the new Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park. You’ll see the greatest hits of the sea. Kids will love viewing sharks, eels, rays, piranhas, turtles, and other species from popular movies and books. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children 3 to 11, and free for children age 2 and younger. www.DallasZoo.com-Dallas-Sun Oct 3 to Tue Nov 30 Wendell Minor: In the American Tradition: Wendell Minor’s children’s book illustrations explore our natural environment, from wild Alaskan landscapes to the Mojave Desert and even the moon. www.irvingartscenter.com Irving - Sat Oct 9 to Sun Jan 2, 2011 Dinosaurs Unearthed: Life-size Dinosaurs.

Larger than life experience! The Museum of Nature & Science will host animatronic dinosaurs that YOU move and control! See why this show will challenge what you think you know about dinosaurs. www.natureandscience.org Dallas Museum of Nature & Science - Thu Oct 21 to Sun May 1, 2011 Share the Warmth Blanket Drive: Sleep Experts asks North Texas families to help cover and comfort domestic violence victims this winter by donating new or gently used blankets, as well as sheets, pillows, towels and other comfort items. For drop off locations: visit www.sleepexperts.com/stores/all-stores -Dallas- Fort Worth Area- Fri Oct 29 to Thu Nov 25

2 Tuesday Prenatal Yoga: Nov 2, 6, 9, 13, 16. This Prenatal Yoga class teaches to the changing needs of a woman’s body during pregnancy. A very gentle form of Yoga emphasizing breath work, safe alignment, relaxation and nurturing the body. www.yogasynergyspa.com - Garland - Tue Nov 2

3 Wednesday The 2010 Chi Omega Christmas Market: The Market features more than 165 handpicked vendors from around the country filling coveted merchant booths transforming the Dallas Convention Center into a luxury gift marketplace. This year home cook and author Nigella Lawson will be making a personal appearance and signing copies of her new book, Nigella Kitchen. Ticketing information and event details can be found at www.chiomegaxmas.org - Dallas - Wed Nov 3 to Sat Nov 6

4 Thursday Moms & More Monthly Meeting: Moms & More offers support and activities for parents and kids in Wylie and the surrounding communities. Please call for more info: 469-361-6468.

URL: www.wyliemomsandmore.org - Wylie Thu Nov 4 10am to 11am LISD Special Ed Department’s Transition Fair for teens and young adults: Purnell Support Center. This event is for you if you have a high schooler transitioning to adult services, or if you have a younger child and want to get a jump-start on learning about what’s available next! 469-713-5203 www.lisdseptsa.txpta.org Lewisville - Thu Nov 4 4pm to Thu Nov 4 8pm

5 Friday First Friday Women’s Event: First Friday of Every Month. Harkins Theatre, Southlake Town Center. Admission is free. Arrive early to ensure seating. Childcare is provided through Harkins Theatre for a fee by reservation only. firstfridaywomen.com - Southlake - Fri Nov 5 11am to 12pm

6 Saturday American Heroes - A Salute to Veterans: Free Family Festival. Celebrate Veteran’s Day with this patriotic annual festival. www.saluteamericanheroes.com (972)625-1106 - The Colony - Sat Nov 6 Night of Dreams Gala benefiting the Orphan Angel International Foundation: The fundraising gala includes a seated dinner, live and silent auction, live entertainment and dancing. www.oaif.org - Westin Stonebriar in Frisco - Sat Nov 6 Texas Pet Expo: family-fun event for petlovers of all ages. Come see Twiggy, the Water Skiing Squirrel and other top quality animal entertainers. Admission: $25/Pass for family of 4; $10/Adults; $5/Senior citizens, college students and kids...FREE/children under 5 years. www.texaspetexpo.com 877-349-0999 Plano Centre, 2000 East Spring Creek Parkway - Sat Nov 6 to Sun Nov 7 Speak Up for Kids CASA 5K/kids run: www. casa5k.org 972-772-5858 - Wilkerson-Sanders Stadium, 1201 Townsend Dr, Rockwall - Sat Nov 6 8am to 9am Arbor Day Run 5K/10K Run & Fun Walk: Along with the fun run you will be proud to participate in North Texas’ greenest race as we

celebrate the planting of tree with a festival of music, fun and entertainment for everybody. www.arbordayrun.com/index.html - Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve - Sat Nov 6 8:30am to 9:30am Mayor’s Passport to Health Family FunFest: Join Mayor Tom Leppert and Mrs. Laura Leppert for a day of fit-friendly fun on the field of the historic Cotton Bowl! Get free health and dental screenings, plus take part in family-fun activities including a youth obstacle course, art and movement exercises, a one-mile fun walk, face painting, games, a dance floor and more. www.mayorspassporttohealth.com - Cotton Bowl, Dallas - Sat Nov 6 9am to 1pm In-Sync Exotic’s 2nd Annual Tiger Trot: www.dfwtigertrot.com - Bob Woodruff Park, Plano - Sat Nov 6 10am to 11am National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week Party and Open House: November is going to rock at the Rockwall Animal Adoption Center!

You’re invited to the biggest pet party in Rockwall history to celebrate National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. Bring the entire family, including your dogs! It’s party time at the Rockwall Animal Adoption Center! rockwallpets.com/nasa_week.html - Rockwall - Sat Nov 6 10am to 12pm Mud Run DFW KIDS RACE: The kids race is a 1 mile course with about 10 obstacles for kids ages 3-12. Parents are welcome walk along and cheer on kids but can not help and interfere with the race or its participants. Kids can race on Saturday or Sunday! Kids race starts at 2:05. www.mudrundfw.com/ms/ - Fort Worth - Sat Nov 6 2pm to 3pm

7 Sunday Family Past Times at Dallas Heritage Village: The 1st Sunday of the month is free admission day at the Village. Pack a lunch and bring the whole family for historic fun. Participate in themed activities for everyone to enjoy. www.dallasheritagevillage.org - Dallas Heritage Village, Dallas - Sun Nov 7 Family Concert With Peter & Ellen Allard: Multi-award winning recording artists Peter & Ellen Allard will present a family concert!

Come early for the best seats! Call Faith Retsky at 972-473-7718 or email faith.retsky@ anshaitorah.org_for further information about the concert. $8.00 in advance $10 at the door - www.peterandellen.com. - Congregation Anshai Torah 5501 West Parker Road Plano - Sun Nov 7 4pm to 5pm

8 Monday Second Monday Family Fun Nights at Josey Ranch Lake: Come to the library for a night of games and crafts. Meet up with other families and enjoy the free fun! For all ages. www. cityofcarrollton.com - Carrollton Public Library, 1700 Keller Springs Road, Carrollton, Texas 75006 - Mon Nov 8 7pm to 8:30pm

9 Tuesday Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano: Join us at one of our regular program meetings on the

second Tuesday of each month. SMU-in-Legacy, 5228 Tennyson Parkway, Plano. www.newcomerfriends.org - Plano - Tue Nov 9 9:30am to 11:30am Wild About SAFY Christmas Benefit: The ‘Wild About SAFY’ Christmas Benefit is about awareness and to provide Christmas gifts for children in Foster Families. JD Miller will do a live by painting to be auctioned off. Price: $25 online $30 at the door. Phone: (214) 394-8968 Age Suitability: 21 and up. Appetizers, wine and beer provided, Casual Chic attire. Complementary Valet. www.wildaboutsafy.org - Samuel Lynne Galleries, Dallas - Tue Nov 9 6pm to 9pm

10 Wednesday Be in the Know! K2-The Controversial New Drug and Other Drug Issues in Our Community: Join us for a very informative night as Senator Shapiro discusses the legislative issues surrounding K2; Plano’s Narcotics Unit educates parents on K2 and other drugs in our community; and local pharmacist Malini Ghoshal discusses the negative health effect and symptoms of K2. programs@planopta.org - Plano Admin Bldg, 2700 W. 15th St. Plano, 75075 - Wed Nov 10

12 Friday Tom Thumb Texas Stampede: What do you call authentic rodeo competition, national musical headliners, a three-day festival and a great cause? The 2010 Tom Thumb Texas Stampede. www.alleneventcenter.com - Allen Event Center - Fri Nov 12 to Sun Nov 14 Car Seat Fitting Station: Centennial Medical Center Frisco, 1-877-228-3628. 2nd Friday of the month. Parents will be assisted with installation of the car seat and educated on proper securing of child. - Frisco - Fri Nov 12 12:30pm to 3:30pm

13 Saturday Help the Homeless Walkathon & 5K: Proceeds from this year’s WalkAThon & 5K will be used to support the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance (MDHA), operators of The Bridge: Dallas’ Way Back Home. www.helpthehomelessdallas.org Dallas - Sat Nov 13 Sweet Pea Consign’s Holiday Bazaar: Get your Holiday shopping finished early with lots of great vendors and a store full of items 70%90% off retail. Lots of toys, play gyms, riding vehicles, baby items, furniture, Holiday decor, fall/winter clothes, and great vendor shopping. www.sweetpeastyles.com - 521 W. Campbell Rd Suite #300 Richardson, Texas 75080 - Sat Nov 13 to Sun Nov 14 Dorothy’s Dash: www.flower-mound.com/ dorothysdash/ 972-874-6282 - Flower Mound High School, 3411 Peters Colony, Flower Mound - Sat Nov 13 7am to 8am Wills Run Fun Run and 5k: Family Friendly Event and Venue. Fun for the whole Gang.

Playground and Facepainting for kids. Race Day Registration at 7am. Fun Run Followed

by Timed 5k. Event details on Web at www. willsrun.com - Frisco - Sat Nov 13 7am to 8am The Spirit Run 5K/Fun Run: Run “The Spirit

North Texas Kids • November 2010 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

23

Run” and be thoroughly entertained every step of the race! Four High Schools will compete for bragging rights and a coveted traveling Spirit Trophy based on your end of race votes for the most spirited High School. Each High School will be assigned one of four water stops and have their Drum Lines, Jazz bands, and others entertain you and cheer you to the finish! risdspiritrun.com - Galatyn Park, Richardson - Sat Nov 13 8am to 9am

Grand Avenue and 1318 S. 2nd Avenue in Fair Park - Fri Nov 19

Frisco Community Parade: Route runs down Main Street from Pizza Hut Park to Downtown Frisco. FriscoParade.com - Main Street, Frisco Sat Nov 13 11am to 12pm

Allen Rotary Coats for Kids Drive at Watters Creek: Warm a body and soul by donating a new winter coat or jacket to Allen elementary school children (male and female) in sizes 6 to 16. New gloves, winter hats and caps are also welcomed. Bring donations to the Watters Creek Concierge located between Le Creuset and Mediterranean Grill. www.watterscreek.com Allen - Sat Nov 20

14 Sunday Silly Strings: An interactive concert experience that will introduce your kids to the String Family of instruments. Come early before each concert and enjoy the Plano Symphony Instrument Petting Zoo, a hands-on musical learning experience, and more. You and your child will have a great time being exposed to great music all for one low price, less than the cost of a movie. www.planosymphony.org/education Plano - Sun Nov 14 Truck Time: Rev up your engines! The 7th Annual Truck Time is coming Sunday, November 14, from 11am-2pm, rain or shine, to Congregation Shearith Israel. Don’t miss this community wide event featuring all kinds of large trucks, tractors, police vehicles, fire engines, earth movers, and more. Children will have the opportunity to view the trucks up close and, in many cases, actually climb into them. shearith.org - Congregation Shearith Israel, Dallas - Sun Nov 14 11am to 2pm If You Give a Cat a Cup a Cupcake: Friends of the Richardson Library Family Theatre Series.

If you give a cat a cupcake, he will ask for some sprinkles, but he might spill some on the floor.

Mopping up the mess might get him wet, so you will have to give him a bathing suit...and that’s just the beginning! Based on the book written by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond. Hill Performance Hall, Tickets: $11-$21. Eisemann Center Ticket Office 972-7444650 www.eisemanncenter.com - Richardson - Sun Nov 14 2:30pm to 3:30pm

18 Thursday Love & Logic w/Jim Fay: At A Day of Love and Logic with Jim Fay you’ll learn simple and practical techniques to raise responsible children. $99/person. For more information call 800-338-4065; or visit www.loveandlogic.com - Plano Centre, 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway Thu Nov 18 8am to 2pm Homeschool Class for Families: Dallas Museum of Art. Calendar.dallasmuseumofart.org - Thu Nov 18 11am to 12:30pm

19 Friday Junie B. in Jingle Bells Batman Smells!: Based on the wildly popular book series by Barbara Park, see the world through the eyes of a sassy and impulsive first grader in an all new holiday production. Laugh out loud at the Merry Mayhem filled with Junie B. www.dct.org - Dallas Children’s Theater’s Rosewood Center for Family Arts, Dallas - Fri Nov 19 to Thu Dec 23 Opening of IMAX show “Bugs! A Rainforest Adventure”: Mingle eye-to-eye with the more than 40 insects featured in Bugs! With time-lapse photography on the giant screen, every detail of this final stage of metamorphosis is clear to the naked eye. www.natureandscience.org - 535

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Story Time Theatre: Our storyteller will take you on a fun-filled journey of imagination as she brings to life favorite children’s stories. This event is FREE. www.womproductions.com Frisco Discovery Center Theatre - Fri Nov 19 10am to 11am

20 Saturday

Care2Share at Watters Creek: Fulfill your holiday wish list at Watters Creek and receive an additional gift to keep or share with your favorite charity. Spend $150 at any Watters Creek retailer or restaurant and receive a $15 gift certificate to keep or Care2Share and have Watters Creek donate $15 to your charity of choice. Simply bring your qualifying same-day receipts totaling $150 to the Concierge to pick up your gift card or identify your charity. www.watterscreek.com Allen - Sat Nov 20 to Fri Dec 24 Firewheel Town Centers Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting: Firewheel Town Center invites area shoppers and families to gather in warmth for the celebration and tree lighting event featuring Santa Claus Grand Parade. Children will delight in marching bands, holiday characters, face painting and Santa Claus Grand Arrival as he lights the Holiday Tree! Families are also invited to ride the Polar Express themed Train in the Park as well as holiday carriages. www.simon.com - Garland - Sat Nov 20 Light the Night at Watters Creek: Children will be invited to toss magical fairy dust into the air illuminating over half-a-million LED lights and large glowing icicle ornaments adorning the centers historic 100-year-old pecan tree.

Live entertainment, a holiday window dcor contest, Chamberlains Performing Arts fairies, a lighted horse-drawn carriage parade, and Santas arrival are also on the joyful agenda. www.watterscreek.com - Allen - Sat Nov 20 The Nutcracker: The Frisco Ballet’s 2010 production of The Nutcracker, a holiday delight for families, will be November 20 at Wakeland High School. Performances are at 2pm and 6pm. Tickets are available at Sheena’s Dance Academy, 7975 Stonebrook Pkwy, or by calling The Frisco Ballet at 972 712-1100. www.thefriscoballet.org Frisco - Sat Nov 20 Train Exhibit at NorthPark: All aboard for the Trains at NorthPark! Newly redesigned, the exhibit spans over 1600 feet of track making it the most elaborate toy train exhibit in Texas. Come watch 40 miniature trains chug across America in more than 4,000 square feet of train themed environments! Adults are $6 and children and seniors are $3. www.rmhdallas.org - NorthPark Center, Dallas - Sat Nov 20 Give Thanks Walk: benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Registration: 7:00 AM, Walk: 8:00 AM. www.givethankswalk.org - Fair Park @ Big Tex Circle - Sat Nov 20 7am to 9am Holiday Parade and Festival: Main Street comes alive with children’s activities, food, music, photos with Santa and fun! Make sure you grab your seat early on Main Street to watch

North Texas Kids • November 2010 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

the Noon Exchange Club’s 24th Annual Holiday Parade on Main Street. www.ci.rowlett.tx.us Downtown Rowlett: 4000 Main Street - Sat Nov 20 10am to 1pm

23 Tuesday MetroPCS Dollar Day at the Dallas Zoo: Thanks to our friends at Metro PCS, the Dallas Zoo is offering $1 admission all day. Look for dollar deals on food and gifts throughout the park. Take the DART Red Line straight to the Zoo entrance to avoid the traffic and save the $7 per car parking fee. www.DallasZoo.com Dallas Zoo - Tue Nov 23 Carol of Lights: The public is invited to this free event in which guests sing along with local choirs as the ‘switch is thrown,’ lighting thousands of lights in historic downtown Grapevine. www.grapevinetexasusa.com - Historic Downtown Grapevine at the Main Street Gazebo (325 S. Main St.) - Tue Nov 23 7pm to 8pm

26 Friday Chamberlain Performing Arts in their production of “The Nutcracker”: Featuring Wendy Whelan and Philip Neal of New York City Ballet. Hill Performance Hall, Tickets: $7.50-$60.

Eisemann Center Ticket Office 972-744-4650 www.chamberlainperformingarts.org - Richardson - Fri Nov 26 to Sun Nov 28 Dickens of a Christmas: Downtown McKinney’s premier festival, the 30th Annual Dickens of a Christmas...Home for the Holidays.

An old fashioned, Christmas atmosphere with horse drawn carriages, traveling carolers, visits with Santa Claus, the Christmas tree lighting, activities for all ages and shopping galore. www.downtownmckinney.com - Historic Downtown McKinney - Fri Nov 26 Frisco Christmas in the Square Holiday Lights opens: The City of Frisco is pleased to partner with Frisco Square to bring you the largest choreographed holiday lights and music display in Texas. Frisco Square’s ‘Christmas in the Square’ has a variety of family-oriented activities happening on various dates. The event also features a Christmas Tree Lot operated by Boy Scout Troop 51. The tree lot will operate November 26 through December 19. - Frisco Square - Fri Nov 26 Nutcracker: Momentum Dance Company’s annual presentation of Nutcracker is a delightful tradition for Metroplex families. Bonus!

Nutcracker Tea following Sunday’s performance.

Join the cast of the Nutcracker from 4-5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 28. Tickets to the Nutcracker Tea are $10-15. Price: $13-21 (972) 252-2787 (ARTS) www.irvingartscenter.com - Carpenter Hall, Irving Arts Center - Fri Nov 26 to Sun Nov 28

27 Saturday Heard Night Hikes: Animals and plants use the nighttime to their advantage, and we can sneak a peek into their world! Cost: $12 nonmembers / $10 members, pre-registration is required. Closed toed shoes, long pants, and bug spray are recommended. Bring a flashlight with a red lens on it to protect your night vision while looking for nocturnal animals!

Participants will be outdoors for at least an hour. 972.562.5566 ext. 237 heardmuseum.org McKinney - Sat Nov 27 6pm to 7pm

Support Groups All FREE divorce support emails www.functionaldivorce.com

Allen Moms Club of Allen www.allenmoms.com Allen Early Childhood PTA www.aecpta.com MOMS Offering Moms Support - Northeast Allen Club momscluballenne@yahoo.com Heart Link Network www.theheartlinknetwork.com

Anna Area North Collin County Moms Group www. meetup.com/sahm-3053 Arlington MOMS Club of North Central Arlington www. momsclub.org Carrollton Carrollton Early Childhood PTA www.cecpta.org Collin County Collin County Moms Meetup group moms. meetup.com/994/ Autism society of Collin County groups.yahoo. com/group/ascc2/join Autism society of Collin County Self-Advocacy Group For Teens groups.yahoo.com/group/ ascc2/join

Coppell/Valley Ranch Coppell/Valley Ranch Early Childhood PTA www.cvrecpta.org Dallas www.lbc-dallas.org Moms Club of Dallas: North Central Chapter info@momsclubofdallas.org Dallas Dyslexia Information Group La Leche League of Dallas www.lllofdallas.org Motherhoodlater.com

Dallas/Collin County Free Parent Helpline www.dallasparents.org Dallas/Plano/Frisco Far North Dallas Early Childhood PTA www. fndecpta.txpta.org Denton Denton Area Mothers of Multiples damoms. clubspaces.com/Default_css.aspx Farmers Branch My Place early intervention play & communication group no website given My Place early intervention play & communication group classes www.northdallasspeech.com

Fort Worth Its My Heart Support Group www.itsmyheart.org Frisco Frisco Cares Children’s Clinic www.friscocares.org Frisco Early Childhood PTA www.friscoecpta.org Early Childhood Intervention of LifePath Systems

Garland Garland Area Early Childhood PTA www. earlychildhoodpta.com Grapevine/Colleyville MOMS Club of Grapevine-S/Colleyville-S www.gscsmomsclub.com Irving Irving Homeschoolers www.irvinghomeschoolers.com Lake Highlands Lake Highlands Area Early Childhood PTA www.lhaecpta.org Lewisville Greater Lewisville Special Education PTSA www.lisdseptsa.txpta.org First Baptist Church of Lewisville MOPS fbclmops@gmail.com Lewisville, Flower Mound, Highland Village Greater Lewisville Mothers & More www. mothersnmore.com

Little Elm Little Elm Epilepsy Support Group McKinney DivorceCare & DivorceCare 4 Kids www.mcfbc.org

McKinney La Leche League of McKinney dlynn@dfwair.net MOMS Club of McKinney East momsmckinneyeast@yahoo.com Grandparents Raising Grandkids Support Group www.academicsplus.com MOMS Club of McKinney Central www.geocities.com/mckinneymoms

We add new events on an ongoing basis.

Salsa TexMex

Submitting Events

Homemakers and CEOs www.homemakersandceos.com

Our calendar of events is free to the community.

Murphy/Sachse MOMS Club of Murphy/Sachse murphy_ sachse_moms@yahoo.com

will appear in print and on our website. Go

North Coppell MOMs Club of Coppell - NORTH www.momsclubofcoppell.org North Dallas Mocha Moms of North Dallas www.mochamomsnorthdallas.com North Dallas Mothers of Twins Club www. ndmotc.org

North Richland Hills Asperger’s Support Meeting www.featnt.org North Richland Hills Autism Support Meeting www.featnt.org Plano Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support Group www.spdnetwork.org/parentconnection/us.html Mothers and Others www.setonmothersandothers.net Plano/Collin County branch of the AAUW www.aauwplanocc.org CHILD & FAMILY Guidance Center www. childrenandfamilies.org Collin County Early Childhood PTA Plano Kiwanis Club www.kiwanis.org/club/plano

All events must be submitted online and to www.northtexaskids.com and click on the submissions button to add your event to our calendar. We reserve the right to edit submissions and give priority to familyfocused events.

Friendly Reminder...

Change your clocks back :) On Sunday, November 7

Daylight Saving Time ends in the United States

.

at 2am

Gain an extra hour Yay!

m t Visi Kids.co

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Free diagnostic scoliosis screenings www.medicalcenterofplano.com Support and Activities for Food allergy Education www.safewithfoodallergies.com.

Plano Educational Association of Christian Homeschoolers www.peachonline.org SAT Prep Course urs_seiler@sbcglobal.net

Richardson MOMS Club of Richardson West momsclubofrichardsonwest@gmail.com Richardson Post Partum Depression Support Group www. dallasparents.org

Various RISE Adventures www.riseadventures.org Wylie Moms & More www.wyliemomsandmore.org

Please visit our online calendar for complete descriptions and up-to-date listings.

This time I went to dinner with my dad and brother. My mom was having book club, so we went out. We decided to try a new Mexican restaurant, a neighborhood place, called Salsa.

We were seated right away, and the waiter brought chips with salsa and bean dip. The bean dip was really good and a nice change from the usual salsa.

My dad and I loved it!

I ordered the soft beef taco, which came with beans and rice. I ate every bite! My dad and brother split the chicken fajitas. They really liked their meal, too.

Other items on the kids’ menu include crispy taco, bean and cheese nachos, cheese, beef or chicken enchilada, cheese taco, burrito or

chicken fingers. All come with bean, rice and a soft drink for only $4.99!

We will have to go back soon so that my mom can try it, too!

Salsa is located at the southwest corner of Legacy and Independence in Plano. You can visit them online at www.SalsaTexMex.com Emma Bonin is a sixth-grader at Haggard Middle School. She lives in Plano with her mom, dad, and brother, Jack, who is very cool and good-looking. She is an avid soccer player and enjoys swimming, computer games, baking, getting together with friends, and taking care of her two mini-schnauzers, Pepper and Prince.

A Review by Alexandria Battle

MOMS Club of Plano-North www.momslubplanonorth.com

Rockwall MOMS Club of Rockwall www.angelfire.com/ tx5/rockwallmoms

by Emma Bonin

The Frog Who Wanted to Be a Singer

MOMS Club of Plano North Central chapter www.planomomsclub.com/

Collin County Homeschool Playgroup. geocities.com/collincountyhomeschoolplaygroup/

3020 Legacy Drive• Plano, TX 75023 • 972-491-6732 www.SalsaTexMex.com

Alexandria’s Book Review

La Leche League of Plano www.lllusa.org/ web/PlanoTX.html

MOMS Club of Plano Central momsclubplano_ central@yahoo.com

Emma’s Kid Friendly Restaurant Review

IN S T E K TIC

to W .

to..

ce I n O y e Disn t the ter a Cen t n e n Ev e l l A

By Linda Goss 40 pages • Age 4-8 Scholastic, Inc. (March 1996) Linda Goss was born to a family of storytellers in Alcoa, Tennessee. Her grandfather, mother, father, aunts and uncles and more shared stories when they came together as a family, and the talent passed right on to her—when she was at college, and now, when she tells academia and folklore stories to audiences all over.

I found this story by chance while in the library recently, and I just love it.

The way it ties in to the origin of jazz and dance moves I still use today made me laugh, and it was such a good story about following your dreams, and choosing whether to fit in or to push everything aside and do what you can do best.

Frog lives what looks like a pretty normal life—however, this is one mad, sad, frustrated little amphibian. He is one talented frog—he can sing like nobody’s business. All Frog wants is one shot, a chance to prove to his forest that he’s got what it takes to knock their socks off. But only birds can sing in his forest, and it doesn’t look as if this rule will be changing anytime soon.

He holds his feelings in for a while, but before long he explodes like a shaken bottle of Coke. I’m tired of holding this in, he thinks, and decides to talk to others about his dream to be a singer. While his parents approve of his choice, he is not so lucky with his friends and the other animals of the forest—particularly the birds. They all think he is crazy, and that he’ll never achieve his dream.

How will Frog ever convince the animals of the forest that he has a song to sing, and so deserves the chance to be a singer? Well, a concert coming up at the end of the week just might change his luck for the better.

No more will be revealed, but I will say that the concert is the best one I’ve ever heard of. I’m a newcomer to Ms. Goss’s books, but I am sure I will be reading more of them in the future—such as Jump Up And Say and Savin’ Somethin’.

North Texas Kids • November 2010 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

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NTK Family Resource Guide North Texas Kids is committed to bringing you the resources you need simplify your life and raise happy, healthy kids!

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Q&A with Margaret Jarvis at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas North Texas Kids would like to thank Margaret Jarvis for her time and

thank Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, which is based in Richardson, for the

great work they do and their ongoing commitment to community involvement.

We are impressed with the number of programs they are involved in that directly support the children in our local cities around the metroplex.

1. What type of community programs does BCBS support or participate in?

We participate in many programs every year. Here are a couple of examples but a complete list can be found on our website at: http://www.bcbstx.com/ company_info/community/index.html

Caring for Children Foundation: The Caring for Children Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 1991 to provide free childhood vaccines to uninsured and underinsured children throughout the state of Texas through its Care Van program. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) continued to provide primary administrative support to the Foundation this year so that 100% of all donations and sponsorships could go directly to support the Care Van Program. Operating a fleet of 10 vans to service the medically underserved throughout the state, the Foundation’s Care Van Program, was especially important in 2009 due to the need for immunization against H1N1.

The Caring for Children Foundation of Texas screened 66,685 and provided 118,250 free immunizations in 2009. The Caring for Children Foundation of Texas screened 15,343 children and provided 28,117 free immunizations in the second quarter of 2010.

Marathon Kids: BCBSTX is the Presenting sponsor of this nationally recognized fitness program for students in grades K-5, who are most vulnerable to childhood obesity and type-2 diabetes. The 2009-2010 Texas Marathon Kids six month running/walking, nutrition and schoolyard gardening program received major corporate sponsorship funding from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. Dallas area had almost 48,000 registered children with a 78% completion rate, 183 elementary schools and 18 school districts .

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North Texas Kids • November 2010 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

School is now back in session for 2010 – 2011 and Blue Cross has signed up to provide support to this program for another school year. Our goal is to help keep this program free to school kids who are most vulnerable to childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes. We are ramping-up our support, including Blue Bear appearances at our event booths and providing colorful, educational “Healthy Portions” placemats for participating kids.

Other organizations BCBSTX supports include: Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas, Inc., Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Girls on the Run, American Heart Association, Festival - Richardson, TX and Dia de la Mujer Latina, Inc. 2. Do you encourage your employees to participate and actively volunteer?

We definitely encourage employees to volunteer. Our volunteerism program is called the ‘Blue Corps’ Volunteer Program. Its success depends on the many employees who freely give their personal time supporting an array of important causes. Blue Corps recognizes individual volunteer contributions, as well as corporate volunteer activities. Its goal is to build upon our heritage of making a positive difference in the lives of others, thereby helping to create a healthier, more positive future for us all.

3. Do you have any success stories from your volunteers? A Blue Corps Volunteer of the Year is selected annually. This award celebrates the dedication and community service of truly outstanding BCBSTX employee volunteers. To-date for 2010, 502 BCBSTX volunteers have given their time in the local community.

4. What impact do you think your commitment to community has both on your employees and your clients? Cross and Blue Shield of Texas created our Employee Volunteer Program (EVP) because it can be effective in developing employees, creating a culture of giving to those less fortunate among us and enhancing business operations. We hope that this culture of giving back to the community improves our visibility in the communities where we live, work and do business and that our clients see it as a positive contribution and see the company as a good corporate citizen.

North Texas Kids • November 2010 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

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