Carolina Parent August 2014 by Carolina Parent

parent CAROLINA

AUGUST 2014

FREE

the Triangle’s family resource • carolinaparent.com

COMMON CORE Questions Answered

Reading, Writing and …

CODING?

TRIANGLE CLASSROOMS Get Moving

EMPOWER STUDENTS to Change the World

NC Museum of Life and Science

Watagua County

IMACS

AUGUST 2014

features 27 Walking Classrooms and Spinach Smoothies

Healthy Initiatives Catch On in Triangle Schools

31 Common Core Q&As You Asked, We Have Answers!

35 Reading, Writing and … Coding?

Creating the Next Generation of Programmers

36 Organize Your

Disorganized Student

Tips That Work

38 Service Learning Empower Students to Change the World

41 Carpool Confessionals Teens Talk — This Mom Listens

in every issue 7 Online

8 Editor’s Note

11 Family FYI

Community 11 Craft 12 Education 13 Tips and Picks 15

17 Your Style

parent CAROLINA

AUGUST 2014

18 Growing Up

FREE

20 Tech Talk

the Triangle’s family resource • carolinaparent.com

COMMON CORE

p.31

22 Understanding Kids

Reading, Writing and …

25 Healthy Families

Questions Answered

CODING?

p. 35

TRIANGLE CLASSROOMS

p. 27

EMPOWER STUDENTS

p. 38

Get Moving

to Change the World

44 Calendar Our Picks Daily On Stage

44 46 51

53 Face & Places carolinaparent.com | AUGUST 2014

Mathnasium

AUGUST

carolinaparent.com Movie Deals

Carolina Beaches

Water Fun

Get deals on summer movies or see them for free!

Take our quiz to find out which Carolina beach best matches your family’s vacation personality.

Let the kids cool off at these pools, lakes and water parks around the Triangle.

…Things to Do  Travel

…Things to Do  Family Fun

…Things to Do  Seasonal

Summer Giveaways

Back to School

Enter our giveaways for a chance to win crafts, water soakers, a Madame Alexander doll, great books and a Triangle Rock Club party.

Pack a lunch kids will eat. Get organized with apps. Help your child avoid backpack injuries.

… Community  Contests

…Things to Do  Seasonal  Back-to-School Guide

Consignment Sales Pick up shopping tips and browse our updated consignment sales listings. Search our site for “Consignment.”

Farmers Markets

Volunteer Opportunities

Stop by a farmers market to add fresh, local produce to your family’s menu.

Discover where your teen or family can lend a helping hand in the Triangle.

…Things to Do  Seasonal

… Community  Get Involved

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Subscribe to free digital delivery of our magazine on our home page.

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parent CAROLINA

editor’s note

BIG Days Ahead

n July 30, 2002, my oldest child, Ben, turned 5. He also started his first day of kindergarten at Morrisville YearRound Elementary. As my quiet, thoughtful child stepped out of our Ford minivan and strapped on his Thomas the Tank Engine backpack, he looked nervously up at me and said, “Mom, this is a big day.” Twelve years later, going back to school takes on new meaning for my now 17-year-old. On Aug. 25, he will begin his senior year of high school. This will be the last time he goes “back to school” under my watchful eye — and with my protective good luck hug. Around the same time, Associate Editor Janice Lewine’s recently-graduated son, Matthew, will go “back to school” 400 miles away at Georgia Tech. He will pursue an engineering degree and adapt to life without parents, siblings and the comforts of home. These adjustments are hard for our children to make, but they are equally difficult for us as parents, too. Needless to say, there have been a few tears shed in the Carolina Parent office lately. We know how important these fleeting school years are to you and your children, so each August, we endeavor to help you make your child’s school experiences as positive as possible by providing you with information about important education issues. Our 2014 back-to-school issue is packed with them. In this issue you can discover:  How to handle a child who resists going to 

school (page 22). How Triangle schools are creating health-

GROUP PUBLISHER Sharon Havranek



lum requirements (page 35). Tips for helping you organize your

disorganized student (page 36).  What kinds of service learning projects 

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carolinaparent.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR • CALENDAR/DIRECTORIES Janice Lewine • jlewine@carolinaparent.com

EDITORIAL INTERN

Carolyn Caggia • intern@carolinaparent.com

Why eavesdropping on your child in

ART DIRECTOR

Cheri Vigna • cvigna@carolinaparent.com

carpool is an enlightening experience (page 41). When I look back at how quickly Ben’s school years flew by, I celebrate his accomplishments but also remember those harried moments when I couldn’t keep up with the demands of working, carpooling children, managing activities and balancing life in general. There were times when I caught myself wishing away those precious years that are now coming to a close.

Don’t wish them away. Celebrate each inconsequential certificate, award and pottery piece your child brings home. Take time off to chaperone one field trip per year. Go to the school open houses. Read every note your child’s teacher sends home — good and bad. Buy your child’s school picture each year (at least one). And by all means, don’t miss the end-of-year awards ceremonies, as silly as some of the awards may seem. Your child is watching, listening, hoping, dreaming and depending on you to be there through it all. Don’t let him down. Twelve years, 13 grades, 52 report cards, 18 marching band shows, 15 orchestra performances and 32 certificates later, I can confidently say I was there for Ben on that first big day, and have been there for every big day since. I know I can’t be there for all of the big days that lie ahead, so I cherish those I was lucky enough to experience while he was under my roof. As you send your child off for his first day of school this year, take a moment to embed each memory, and embrace all of the big days that lie ahead for him, you and everyone his life touches.

Answers to your Common Core State

Standards questions (page 31).

EDITOR

Beth Shugg • bshugg@carolinaparent.com

students can get involved in (page 38).

ier environments for students (page 27).



PUBLISHER

Brenda Larson • blarson@carolinaparent.com

Why coding classes are becoming curricu-

Beth Shugg, Editor

WEB EDITOR

Odile Fredericks • ofredericks@carolinaparent.com

DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

Lauren Isaacs • lisaacs@carolinaparent.com

WEB PRODUCER April Craig

SALES TEAM LEADER • MEDIA CONSULTANT Candi Griffin • cgriffin@carolinaparent.com

MEDIA CONSULTANTS

Regina Alston • ralston@carolinaparent.com Sue Chen • schen@carolinaparent.com Katina Faulkner • kfaulkner@carolinaparent.com

ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR Kia Moore • ads@carolinaparent.com

MORRIS VISITOR PUBLICATIONS REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT Karen Rodriguez

PRESIDENT

Donna Kessler

DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING Donald Horton

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR Mary Kate Cline

PUBLICATION MANAGER Kris Miller

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Cher Wheeler

5716 Fayetteville Rd., Suite 201, Durham, NC 27713 phone: 919-956-2430 • fax: 919-956-2427 email: info@carolinaparent.com advertising@carolinaparent.com • editorial@carolinaparent.com

Circulation 37,000. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. Carolina Parent reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the publication’s standards. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

A publication of the Visitor Publications Division of Morris Communications Company. L.L.C. 725 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901

Chairman and CEO William S. Morris III

President Will S. Morris IV

PARENTING MEDIA ASSOCIATION

2014 Bronze Award Winner

General Excellence Awards Competition

Design Awards Competition

Nuvonivo

Southpoint Pediatric Dentistry

Marbles

carolinaparent.com | AUGUST 2014

Carolinas Poison Center

family fyi

community | craft | education | tips & picks Local Girl Scouts Receive Lifesaving Medal Eryn Olmo of Holly Springs and Grace Tharrington of Bunn were awarded the Girl Scout Lifesaving Medal of Honor in May. The national award recognizes Girl Scouts between the ages of 5 and 15 for saving or attempting to save a life under circumstances that indicate heroism. Eryn, who works in a fast-food restaurant, saved a choking customer. Grace rescued her 3-year-old cousin from the swift currents of the Pamunkey River in Virginia. “I am so incredibly proud of what Eryn and Grace have done,” says Anna Maria Chávez, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA. “Their heroic and selfless actions saved two precious lives that could have been lost forever without their courageous leadership and innate sense of duty.’” Eryn and Grace also received a letter from Chávez and a certificate from the Girl Scouts N.C. Coastal Pines Council.

What’s your favorite month to go to the beach, and why? I like September. Rates on everything go down, (it’s) less crowded, it’s not quite as hot and the water is still warm! — Heather Costa Huber

 KIDS WH O A M AK E C E R EN E F IF D

We like to go in April and in August, or Easter break. It’s not too hot and you can do a lot of things. Although the prices are jacked up that time of year, it’s still a fun adventure. And (we like it) in August because the kids are back in school then and it’s not so crowded. The prices are reasonable. — Tiffany Pandolfi

top: Eryn Olmo receives the Girl Scout Lifesaving Medal of Honor from Cindy Kelly-Deaton, chief operating officer of Girl Scouts – N.C. Coastal Pines. bottom: Lisa Jones, CEO of Girl Scouts – N.C. Coastal Pines, presents the Girl Scout Lifesaving Medal of Honor to Grace Tharrington.

Apex Community Theatre Established The Apex Arts Council has formed an alliance with London Salt Productions of Apex to establish the Apex Community Theatre. The group will produce family-friendly plays and other performance pieces, as well as conduct classes in acting and stagecraft for all ages. The theatre will produce its first show in September. Learn more at apexartscouncil.org.

Area Teens Give Back to the Community Teen members of the Carolina Lily Chapter of The National Charity League and their

We just took ours in June but I prefer August or even September for lower rates and something to look forward to! I’m already bummed our summer vacation is over. — Lauren Bell Isaacs I like late August-September! Less crowded, not as hot normally and the rates go down a little. — Regina Alston

mothers served a total of 6,983 volunteer hours during the 2013-14 year. They volunteered for local organizations such as The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Wake County, Horse and Buddy, United Services Organization of North Carolina and Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill. Members also baked 31,000 cookies for the USO and Brown Bag Ministries, stuffed 1,600 stockings for military children and donated nearly 2,000 Connect with us on Facebook to share your ideas each month.

books for Book Harvest. The chapter anticipates higher volunteer hours with the addition of four partner philanthropies: SWOOP, The North Carolina Museum of Life & Science, the Durham Rescue Mission and The Carying Place. Learn more at nclcarolinalily.org.

POLL: What is your family’s favorite summer activity? swimming

family vacations

cookouts/parties

sleeping in

other

family reunions

41%

29%

17%

carolinaparent.com | AUGUST 2014

Tier Bella

T CR AF

Track Out/Summer Baking Camps Daddy & Me/ Mommy & Me Baking Classes Birthday Parties 919.451.2595 tierbella.com visit website for all dates available Cary, N.C.

Triangle Montessori Academy

Raleigh Parks and Rec

Back-to-School Glue and Watercolor Art

Here is a quick and easy decoration to help get your child back into the school spirit. You will need the following supplies:  School glue  Watercolor paints (or markers)  Sharpie marker  Wire or ribbon for hanger

What to Do: Use your glue to draw a school and let it dry completely.  Paint your school glue drawing and let it dry.  Use the Sharpie to write your school name (or teacher’s name) and add details.  Create a handle out of wire or ribbon. (You can also add buttons and ribbon to the wire.)  Put two holes in the top of your artwork and attach your hanger, then put it on display! 

These also make great handmade gifts to take to school when your child meets his or her new teacher. Provided by North Carolina artist Laura Kelly, creator of Laura Kelly Designs. Find more of her crafts at laurakellydesigns.com/cms/Videos.php.

Weehabilitate

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fyi N.C. State Board of Education Revises Test Scoring

Whizard Academy

Durham Teacher Wins National Singing Contest

Pediatric Therapy Associates

EDUCATION The N.C. State Board of Education recently adopted new achievement standards and academic descriptors for the End-of-Grade and End-of-Course tests. Beginning with the 2013-14 school year scores, the fourlevel structure changed to five levels. Students scoring in the new level 3 range are prepared for the next grade, but do not meet the college-and-career readiness standard. Students performing at levels 4 and 5 have a stronger command of the knowledge and skills contained in the Common Core State Standards and are well-prepared to engage in further studies in the content area at the next grade level or in the next course. Learn more at www. ncpublicschools.org/accountability/testing/shared/achievelevel.

Durham Academy kindergarten teacher Elizabeth South recently recorded a cover of “Let It Go,” the popular song from Disney’s Frozen movie, at her students’ request for an upcoming recital. Her kindergartners enjoyed the recording so much, they convinced her to upload it to YouTube, where it caught the attention of Ryan Seacrest Productions. RyanSeacrest.com evaluated 25 videos from talented singers for its “Let It Go” cover contest and asked fans to vote for their favorite artist. After five competitive rounds, Elizabeth’s video won first place. It currently has more than 2 million views on YouTube. See the video at youtube.com/watch?v=Xo4HsA3T07.

WCPSS Adopts National Football Safety Program

Montessori Community School

The Wake County Public School System will become the first school district in North Carolina to adopt a new, nationally developed football safety program for student athletes: USA Football’s Heads Up Football program. In preparation for the 2014 season, 21 high schools and 31 middle schools in Wake County will be trained in Heads Up Football standards. Learn more at usafootball.com/headsup.

carolinaparent.com | AUGUST 2014

REX

The Goddard School

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fyi

PICKS

Sesame Street, the popular educational program that has entertained children for more than four decades, will begin offering a bonus halfhour program on-air and via digital platforms Sept. 1. Selected full episodes of the 30-minute bonus show will be available on PBS, at pbskids.org/ video, on the OBS Kids Roku channel and via the PBS Kids Video App. Learn more at pbskids.org/sesame.

TIPS

OPPOS mix-and-match leggings allow girls to create a variety of unique outfits without breaking the bank. Girls can pair two solid-color legs, or match a solid color to a patterned one. Choose from 48 possible legging combinations in all. $19 per leg, oppos.com.

Post-it’s Colors of the World collection spans vibrant cities across the globe — from

TOP

New York to Rio de Janeiro. Perfect for the student who needs a vivid reminder of when that science project is due, the collection offers vibrant color palettes inspired by a variety of global destinations. Browse the collection at post-it.com.

Items on School Supply Lists No. 2 pencils a folders a facial tissues crayons a markers Source: teacherlists.com, The National School Supply Lists Directory

Packing in a last-minute summer road trip? You’re in a good state for it. North Carolina is the 15th best state for summer road trips, according to a study conducted by personal finance social media network WalletHub. The study also ranks North Carolina:  2nd for the number of scenic byways it offers.

10th in offering the lowest-price three-star hotels.



 

Help your little swimmer wash away summer’s harsh sun, sea salt and pool chlorine with Fairy Tales Hair Care’s Sun and

11th in ratings of driving laws. 20th in number of attractions available.

Learn more at wallethub.com/edu/ best-worst-states-for-summer-road-trips/ 4648

Swim collection. Lifeguard Clarifying Shampoo, Lemon-Aid Conditioner and CoCo Cabana Sun Spray remove sea salt, chlorine green and daily build-up with fruit extracts, and restore softness with vitamins and minerals. Designed for beachgoers and swimmers, the products contain no chemicals, pesticides, sulfates or paraben, and are also gluten-, soy- and nut-free. $9.95 each, fairytaleshaircare.com.

Whitewater Falls near Cashiers, NC. Photo courtesy of the N.C. Department of Commerce

PA R E N T I N G T O O L B O X Raising Boys and Raising Girls by Steve Biddulph (both third edition books in paperback; Ten Speed Press, $14.99 each) offer detailed accounts of the three stages of boyhood and five stages of girlhood. You’ll also find advice for how to deal with changing hormones and gender-specific issues dealing with brain development, friendships and body image issues.

• carolinaparent.com | AUGUST 2014

Carr Mill Mall Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates

Spanish For Fun

16 AUGUST 2014

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BY LAUREN ISAACS

your style

Take your warm-weather look to the next level (and season!) Summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trickiest trend, the Bermuda short, is more polished than your average chino short, thanks to the incredibly versatile hem!

7. 6.

1. Flower art statement necklace, charmingcharlie.com, $22 2. Fitted blazer, hm.com, $50 3. Cotton broadcloth wrap top, cwonder.com, $68 4. Shopper bag, hm.com, $35 5. Sunglasses, hm.com, $13 6. LAUREN by Ralph LaurenÂ Cecilia espadrille wedge, zappos.com, $69 7. Mossimo 11-inch Bermuda shorts, target.com, $20 Lauren Bell Isaacs is the digital media specialist for Carolina Parent. carolinaparent.com | AUGUST 2014

growing up

BY MALIA JACOBSON

Taming Anxiety

ometimes anxiety and childhood go hand in hand. Kids are constantly growing, and growth can mean new experiences, unfamiliar feelings and

confusing situations. It’s enough to make anyone anxious. One in eight children has an anxiety disorder, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, but all children experience anxiety from time to time. Whether your child feels nervous about a family change, new school or rocky friendship, you can help. Here are some ageappropriate strategies to soothe jangled nerves and overgrown worries so kids can simply enjoy being kids.

AGES 0-4

Calm Cues

First, know that some anxiety is a normal part of

AGES 5-12

Social Stress As children enter elementary and middle school, their

Anxiety Overload AGES 13-18

For teens, changing bodies and churning hormones

early childhood.

social world grows — and so can anxiety

aren’t the only things upping the

“It is quite typical for preschool-aged

about friendships, crushes and family

anxiety ante, Painter says. Increasing

children to show some hesitation or

relationships. The school years present

academic demands, peer pressure

anxiety in new situations,” says Kim

specific situations that can stir up anxi-

and concerns about fitting in socially

Painter, a licensed psychologist and

ety, Painter says.

can all add up to extra angst. Anxiety

family therapist in Summit, N.J. Wheth-

“In middle school, students try to find

is normal for teenagers, and experi-

er the stressor is a teacher, preschool

where they fit in socially, and academic

encing some anxiousness from time

class or food, most children will “warm

demands increase,” she says. “This is

to time is part of growing up.

up” over time. How long it takes varies

uncharted territory for most children.

Occasional anxiety over something

widely kid to kid, Painter says.

They’re expected to do more with more

like a poor grade or a relationship

Some children need to be exposed

independence.”

problem is called “typical anxiety,” and

to something new only a couple of

Family conflict can be especially

it’s just that — typical. But if your teen

times for anxiety to fade, while others

stressful for school-age children, who

experiences intense, frequent bouts of

might need up to 10 experiences with

are just beginning to understand rela-

worry and nerves that affect school-

something or someone in order to feel

tionship dynamics. Parental feuds and

work, relationships or work, it might

comfortable. Parents can soothe an

high-conflict divorces can fuel anxiety

be time to consult with a licensed

anxious tot by remaining calm them-

that negatively impacts a child’s school-

psychologist.

selves. Brief statements of encourage-

work, social life, sleep and overall well-

Anxiety-related mental illness often

ment are fine, but excessive reassur-

being, says attorney Nadia A. Margherio

begins during the teen years. Social

ance only serves to “grow” the anxiety.

of Sodoma Law in Charlotte.

Anxiety Disorder, which affects 15 mil-

It’s important to note that you can’t

“Talking negatively about the other

lion adults, typically appears around

save a child from experiencing some

parent can cause serious anxiety, stress

age 13. The good news: Anxiety is

anxiety. “Don’t walk on eggshells to

and social problems,” Margherio says.

treatable. “With the appropriate help

try to prevent it,” Painter says. “Instead,

Minimize social stress by maintaining

and support, overly anxious teens

help a child face it.”

open communication, and when

can get back to living a healthy life,”

conflicts arise, never bad-mouth the

Painter says.

other party. Malia Jacobson is an award-winning health and parenting journalist and mom of three.

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Sensation Nation

NC Museum of Natural History

Montessori Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House of Durham

carolinaparent.com | AUGUST 2014

tech talk

International Preschool of Raleigh

BY CAROLYN JABS

What a Shame!

WHY SHAMING YOUR CHILD ON SOCIAL MEDIA IS A DANGEROUS IDEA

n the Era of Over-sharing, it’s not surprising that parents post photos of their kids on social media. What’s truly startling is the

popularity of something that has been called, for better or worse, “kid-shaming.”

Pro Martial Arts

The idea of taking a photo of a sign hanging around a loved one’s neck seems to have started with pets. Maybe it is funny to see dogs, cats and even hamsters confessing their “sins,” but when children are the subject of these photos, many viewers find themselves cringing instead of chuckling. Parents who do this seem to hope online shaming will be an effective form of discipline. Some, frustrated by unruly teens, have updated The Scarlet Letter by posting photos of their teens holding signs describing infractions ranging from stealing to breaking curfew. Although kid-shaming photos may seem extreme, they raise serious questions about when it’s appropriate to expose children to the scrutiny of social media. Here are questions worth asking before you post any photo of your child.

What’s my motivation? Connecting with other parents — on the playground or at the soccer field sideline — is a time-honored way to relieve stress. After chatting with other parents, it’s easier to return to the challenges of raising children with more perspective and better balance. Social media may seem like a variation on this theme, and posting a funny photo of a child may temporarily relieve adult feelings of embarrassment, irritation or isolation. The difference is that social media throws an unwilling or oblivious child into the spotlight, inviting laughter, judgment and even ridicule. When you’re tempted to post a photo of your child, stop for a moment and examine your own feelings. Are you acting out of love for your child? Or is posting a way to meet your own needs for attention or support? If it’s all about you, consider other ways of getting what you need. Phone a friend. Join a parenting group. Read a book on child development. Or keep a (private!) journal.

How would I feel if I were the one in the photo? Everyone makes mistakes. In healthy families, people can count on loved ones not to blab about their weaknesses. Even the cutest kid-shaming photos violate this trust. Before posting, try to imagine how you would feel if a spouse, child, friend or parent shared an image of you at your worst, or with

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a sign around your neck proclaiming your most embarrassing secret.

CH Gymnastics

Will this make my child feel ashamed or humiliated? Humiliation is one of the quickest ways to undermine trust in a relationship. Overwhelmed parents may be tempted to try it as a discipline strategy because shame can produce short-term compliance. However, child development experts agree that the long-term consequences of being called out in public are damaging by making a child feel defined by his or her mistake, so it’s likely to lead to feelings of isolation, self-hatred, hostility or even revenge. In contrast, effective discipline helps children understand how they can make amends for mistakes in the past and make better choices in the future.

What if this goes viral? Before sharing a photo or video of your child, think about what would happen to your kid — and you — if that image turns out to be one of the random items that gets shared by millions of other people. When a post takes on a life of its own and becomes associated with a child’s name, it’s likely to be the first thing that shows up in future searches by employers or potential romantic partners. Do you really want your child — or your parenting — to be defined by one foolish moment?

Do I want my child to follow this example? Most parents teach their kids not to embarrass or mock other people. Those lessons lose effect when kids discover their parents have posted photos that mortify or make fun of them. You may say you’re “just kidding,” but there’s an undercurrent of hostility that makes it difficult to distinguish teasing from bullying. To raise kids who are caring and respectful, parents must also model caring, respectful behavior — online as well as offline.

Developmental Therapy Associates

Duke Pediatric Dentistry

Will this post improve your relationship with your child? Some images do strengthen relationships because they affirm a family’s values. When it seems important to post pictures of your family, seek out photos that will reinforce what’s good about your connection with your kid. If you’re uncertain about posting an image, ask your child whether it’s OK to share it. When children are too young to answer that question or to anticipate the possible consequences, parents bear the added responsibility of trying to imagine what they might think now as well as in the future. Given what’s at stake, some parents may decide that, when it comes to kids, “under-sharing” is by far the better option. Carolyn Jabs raised three computer savvy kids, including one with special needs. She is working on a book about constructive responses to conflict. carolinaparent.com | AUGUST 2014

understanding kids

Chapel Hill Pediatric and Adolescents

Madison University Mall

BY LUCY DANIELS CENTER STAFF

When Children Resist Going to School

t Lucy Daniels Center, we learn a great deal about childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feelings about going to school and how to help those

who are reluctant to attend school. Most children enjoy going to school because it offers many rewards. School provides opportunities for children to: n Spread their wings and achieve independence. n Make friends and socialize. n Learn academic skills and feed natural curiosity. n Engage in new and enriching relationships with teachers. n Develop confidence when they grow in their independence,

socialization and learning.

When school presents challenges, they are typically minor, but can be significant for vulnerable children. School challenges can stem from a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s difficulty with: n Feeling comfortable and confident with independence and autonomy. n Navigating the social landscape. n Learning and working through obstacles that come with new skills and concepts. n Turning to or seeking help from a teacher when help is needed. Children resist going to school when its challenges outweigh its pleasurable aspects. If a child who was once comfortable in school suddenly resists going, explore the environmental factors, both at school and at home. Perhaps there is an undesirable social situation, an unfavorable child-teacher match or some other stressful classroom issue. School resistance may also occur after a vacation, illness or other prolonged period at home, or may be a reaction to a family loss or stress. Such environmental situations are best addressed by making appropriate environmental changes,

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identifying the issue with the child, developing good lines of communication and providing extra support.

L’ecole

When Resistance Persists Frustrations in learning can make school a place to be avoided. Similarly, some children have difficulty understanding social relationships and making friends. Repeated or ongoing episodes of school resistance usually have something to do with a child’s internal development. Children’s anxiety over being apart from his or her parents is, in the experience of Lucy Daniels Center’s educators and clinicians, the most common reason for repeated or prolonged school resistance. Often, such separation anxiety is expressed in other ways, too. For example, a child may worry about her parents’ safety, not want to be alone (even in the house), resist babysitters and overnight visits with friends, fear intruders or evil figures, and experience sleep disturbances such as nightmares and difficulty falling or staying asleep alone.

Dreamsports

When Resistance Ebbs and Flows Our experience is that children who have intermittent resistance to school may not be gaining all that they can from the school experience. Much of their emotional energy is being diverted from regular school tasks to manage the same concerns that emerge during their active resistance. Try this three-step approach: n Maintain a kind, but firm, insistence that the child attend school. Some parents consider homeschooling, but that runs the risk of accommodating rather than solving the problem. n Let the child know that his parents understand that he is not being stubborn, babyish or seeking attention, but rather has feelings he is unable to work out right now. Parents should reassure their child that he or she will one day be able to manage these feelings, and that they are getting help. n Get help from a mental health professional who can conduct the careful evaluation necessary to determine the basis of the child’s difficulties. An assessment can determine the appropriate options for addressing the situation.

Duke Lemur Center

With assistance and perseverance, parents can feel confident that help is available and their child will one day look forward to school with confidence and enthusiasm. The Lucy Daniels Center is a nonprofit agency in Cary that promotes the emotional health and well-being of children and families. Visit lucydanielscenter.org to learn more. carolinaparent.com | AUGUST 2014

Autism Innovations

Wynnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Family Psychology

Durham Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

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COMPILED BY KATHERINE KOPP

healthy families

Post-Concussion Protocol

Muscular Strength Lowers Risk of Heart Disease and Diabetes for Teens Teen boys and girls who have greater muscular strength are at a lower risk for heart disease and diabetes, according to a study of more than 1,400 boys and girls ages 10-12 published in the April 2014 issue of Pediatrics. Titled “Strength Capacity and Cardiometabolic Risk Clustering

Concussions are not uncommon among young people who participate in contact sports. According to guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, a concussion should not only take a student athlete off the playing field; it may also require a break from the classroom. Research has shown that a school-aged student usually recovers from a concussion within three weeks. If symptoms are severe, some students may need to stay home from school after a concussion. If symptoms are mild or tolerable, the parent may consider allowing the child to return to school, perhaps with some adjustments. Students with severe or prolonged symptoms lasting more than three weeks may require more formalized academic accommodations. The AAP recommends a collaborative team approach to help a student recovering from a concussion. This team should consist of the child or adolescent’s pediatrician, family members and individuals at the child’s school or athletic club responsible for the student’s academic schedule and physical activity. Find detailed guidance on returning to sports and physical activities in the 2010 AAP clinical report, “Sport-Related Concussion in Children and Adolescents,” at pediatrics. aappublications.org/content/126/3/597.full.

in Adolescents,” the study revealed that stronger boys and girls also had lower body mass indices, a lower percentage of body fat, smaller waist

6.5 million U.S. school children are in special education programs.

circumferences and higher levels of

Source: U.S. Department of Education

cardiorespiratory fitness. Previous, large-scale studies have found that low muscular strength in teen boys is a risk factor for several major causes of death in young adulthood, such as suicide and cardiovascular diseases. The authors concluded that this study bolsters support for strategies such as strength training or strengthening exercises to maintain healthy BMIs and body compositions among children and adolescents, and that it supports the use of resistance exercise to supplement traditional weight loss interventions among children and teens.

Kids Want Their Parents to be Healthier, Survey Finds In a survey of more than 72,000 parents, kids and teens, the website kidshealth.org found that children and teens want their parents to be healthier, and that kids can motivate their parents to improve their health. Among the findings: ✔ About half of the kids and teens said they worry about their parents’ health. ✔ 85 percent of kids would be willing to make changes such as eating more nutritious foods and exercising more to improve the whole family’s health. ✔ Nearly 80 percent of parents said they wanted to improve their health and 90 percent would try to make healthy changes if their kids asked them to. These findings were presented at the 2014 World Health Care Congress.

10%

The percentage of children ages 3–5 years living in poverty who were able to recognize all the letters of the alphabet. Source: U.S. Center for Education Statistics

Katherine Kopp is a freelance writer and editor in Chapel Hill. carolinaparent.com | AUGUST 2014

Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities

Girl Scouts

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Southern Village Pediatric Dentisty

Walking Classrooms and

Spinach Smoothies Healthy Initiatives Catch On in Triangle Schools By Caitlin Wheeler

pinach smoothies and organic gardens. Morning exercise and mileage clubs. Sound like a health spa in Sedona? Sure — but

it may also your child’s public school. Once disparaged by health mavens, public schools are now emerging as leaders in health and wellness initiatives. This is true across the country and in Triangle schools, where administrators, teachers and the community have come up with creative — and sometimes zany — ways to inspire healthy habits in the classroom.

Movin’ and Learnin’ Numerous studies suggest that physically active students perform better in school. So how do you get kids to be more active during the school day? Teachers and administrators at Jeffreys Grove Elementary School in Raleigh get students moving and grooving with a program called Jammin’ Minutes. Parent Sandra McBride, a member of the school’s Wellness Committee, has helped students produce their own 5-minute exercise videos, which are then broadcast to the whole school. “The kids start jumping around as soon as they see me at the school with my low-tech camera,” McBride says. The kids choose five exercises. Favorites include sky reaches, lunges and ski jumps. The videos end with a healthy tip — like the school mascot coming on to encourage students to choose a one-ingredient snack (such as an apple), as opposed to something with a list of 27 unrecognizable ingredients (such as potato chips). Participation is strong. “If kids see other kids doing it, they’ll do it,” McBride says. The Jeffreys Grove staff hopes Jammin’ Minutes will help them win their first “Brains and Bodies” award from Advocates for Health in Action, a collaboration of

top photos: Students at Jeffreys Grove

Elementary School participate in Jammin’ Minutes, an initiative to get kids moving. Photo courtesy

of Sandra McBride bottom photo: Students participate

in The Walking Classroom, orginally created at Mary Scroggs Elementary School in Chapel Hill.

Photo courtesy of The Walking Classroom Institute

organizations working to increase access to healthy eating and exercise in Wake County that annually recognizes schools striving for a culture of wellness. “We’ve definitely seen an increased awareness of health and wellness,” says Michele McKinley, AHA’s project coordinator. Past award winners set the bar high. Laurel Park Elementary School in Apex, School a 2012 winner, created a Healthy Ideas Team of students; an online “Snack Neutralizer” tool, developed by teacher Jeff Schwartz; a “Fuel Up to Play 60” program through which students track their healthy habits; a morning aerobics session similar to “Jammin’ Minutes”; and a family marathon during which continued on page 28 carolinaparent.com | AUGUST 2014

City Ballet

Emerson Waldorf

Walking Classrooms and Spinach Smoothies continued from page 27

students track miles walked outside of school and then run the last mile at a schoolwide event. Many teachers find that time is the biggest hurdle to incorporating physical activity into the school day. Jammin’ Minutes must give way to a strict academic curriculum. Laura Fenn, founder of “The Walking Classroom” and a teacher at Mary Scroggs Elementary School in Chapel Hill, learned from experience that students who were given the opportunity for physical activity were better behaved and more engaged in their work. To get her fifth grade class moving without sacrificing valuable teaching hours, she developed podcasts of subjects within the curriculum, loaded them into audio players, and had the students listen while they walked outside. “The kids were so happy to be getting fresh air,” she says. “Sleepy kids woke up, hyper kids calmed down. And, they had amazing recall of the podcasts.” She was so excited by the results that she wanted to share them with other teachers. “The Walking Classroom” is now used in fourth and fifth grade classrooms throughout the Triangle and in 35 states around the country. The “WalkKits” (audio players preloaded with a year’s supply of podcasts) and teacher guides are available for purchase online at thewalkingclassroom.org. Public school teachers can apply for grants if schools don’t have funds available.

Farm-to-School Meals Nutrition also impacts developing minds. While it’s not hard to encourage kids to move, how do you get them excited about kale, turnip greens and sweet potatoes? Tenderly steam the greens to retain their bright color and fresh taste, roast the potatoes until their natural sugars caramelize and serve them up in the school cafeteria, says James Keaten, executive director of Child Nutrition Services for Durham Public Schools. It helps that the produce is perfectly ripe and fresh from a local farm. DPS has been purchasing some of the foods students eat directly from local farmers. “Strong farm-to-school programs mean more fruits and vegetables in the school cafeterias,” he says. “This year we had a budget of $90,000 dedicated to North Carolinagrown produce — crops like blueberries, strawberries, sweet potatoes, apples, kale and collards.” Keaten hopes to foster the program and dedicate more money each year. “The kids have eaten it up so far,” he says.

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It’s one thing to serve kids nutritious food — another to instill lifelong habits. Chef Eric Gephart, committed to providing “real food” to kids in schools, is a firm believer in “edu-tainment.” Gephart, a lead chef instructor at The Chef’s Academy in Morrisville, has presented healthy cooking demonstrations in Wake County schools and participated in Iron Chef-style events that pit local chefs against each other to create healthy, cafeteria-style lunches featuring a secret local vegetable, with students judging. “You’ve got to make it fun,” Gephart says. “Kids are super smart. Once you engage them — once you get them to think about their food and where it comes from and how it is made, they’re going to make healthy choices.” Becca Wright, a registered dietitian with the Durham County Department of Health, finds that encouraging kids to cook teaches them to like spinach, for example. Wright is part of the Durham’s Innovative Nutrition Education, or DINE, team that teaches nutrition and cooking classes at elementary schools in Durham. She says hands-on chopping, mixing and boiling make the accompanying nutrition lesson easy to swallow. When the class learns to make kale pesto, they talk about the importance of calcium. When they make spinach smoothies, it’s about eating a rainbow of veggies. The classes have made her a celebrity with students. “I walk in with my equipment and the kids come running up, ‘Ms. Wright is here! Ms. Wright is here!’” she says. And she is pleased with the results. “We’re getting kids curious about and connected with the food they put into their bodies. Most surveyed parents said that as a result of the class, their child is more willing to eat healthy foods and to try new ones — and some specifically request fruits and vegetables.”

Grow It, Love It You can bring healthy food to schools, but how do you show students where it comes from? The Hub Farm in Durham, a 30-acre project sponsored by Durham Public Schools and the City of Durham, is dedicated to teaching healthy food production. The farm accommodates fruit and vegetable gardens, outdoor classrooms, cooking facilities and a studentrun farmers market. The Hub Farm offers a farm-to-fork morning for elementary students, during which kids plant a seed, harvest a vegetable, wash the vegetable, prep it and finally eat it. High school students run the farm’s market, which, over the first two years of production, has offered lettuce, chard, radishes, tomatoes, cucumbers, sunflowers, melons and peppers. The farm has several long-term goals: n Provide produce to Durham Public Schools’ cafeterias. n Help schools set up and maintain their own gardens. n Offer ecology and cooking classes to younger students and vocational training to high school students. “Kids are immediately engaged and happy at the farm,” says Katherine Gill, the farm’s designer and facilitator. “They truly enjoy caring for these plants, and literally creating their own food.” These healthy activities and dining programs being offered at Triangle schools are but a few of the initiatives underway locally and throughout the country. “There’s definitely momentum,” Gephart says. “With all these great teachers and great local resources, we’re headed in the right direction.” Caitlin Wheeler is a freelance writer living in Durham.

Children’s Orchard

Building Blocks Pediatrics

carolinaparent.com | AUGUST 2014

St. Timothyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Fast Med Urgent Care

30 AUGUST 2014

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Kids Educational Center

YOU ASKED, WE HAVE ANSWERS! By Carolyn Caggia

he N.C. Department of Public Instruction adopted the Common Core State Standards as the math and

English language arts standards in 2010 and implemented them throughout the state’s public schools during the 2012-13 school year. The new, nationalized curriculum defines what K-12 students should know in two basic subject areas — English language arts and mathematics — by the end of each grade. This endeavor to unify the public school curriculum across the country began in 2009.

The internationally benchmarked standards were created using existing state standards, research, current college and work expectations, experience from teachers and public feedback. Proponents say the standards increase critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and help students who move during their K-12 years by maintaining a consistent curriculum across the states. Many textbook developers favor them as well, since they are able to more provide consistent text for students across the U.S. Support for the Common Core State Standards recently diminished, however, due to concerns about age-appropriate teaching material and increased standardized testing. Some activists argue that it infringes on state sovereignty, although the initiative is not required by the federal government to create a national curriculum. Such initiatives are not new. (Remember the No Child Left Behind act?) State education standards have existed for many years, allowing each its own definition of proficiency. The Common Core State Standards were designed to normalize these proficiency standards. We opened up the floor to Carolina Parent readers so they could ask questions about the Common Core State Standards. Tammy Howard, director of Accountability Services for NCDPI, and Robin McCoy, director of K-12 Curriculum and Instruction for NCDPI, provide some answers. You can also learn more about the standards and international benchmarks at corestandards.org.

What do you see as some of the strengths of the Common Core State Standards? McCoy: Compared to our previous North Carolina ELA and math standards, they provide a greater level of rigor in the classroom such that students will be better prepared for college and the workplace. They encourage higher-level thinking skills, including problem solving and reasoning skills. They allow for students with high mobility to be more successful, since school districts across states will be using the same set of standards in ELA and math. The standards promote enhanced teacher collaboration and professional development as teachers within and across states share best practices around the teaching of the standards. … As our teachers become more familiar with the new standards and ways of providing instruction to address the standards, our students will benefit. What do teachers think about the Common Core State Standards? McCoy: We administered a survey to our teachers and the majority of responses were in favor of the Common Core State Standards in English language arts and mathematics. In addition, the biannual Teacher Working Conditions Survey was completed this year and the majority of respondents were in support of the standards. Our North Carolina Association of Educators supports the standards. continued on page 32 carolinaparent.com | AUGUST 2014

Trinity Academy

St. Thomas More

Common Core |

continued from page 31

The House Education Committee voted 27-16 on June 3 to direct state officials to begin studying new achievement standards for North Carolina students as a way to replace the national Common Core State Standards. The House also voted 74-40 on June 24 to put its version of the legislation into a Senate repeal bill and send it back to the chamber, which could force lawmakers on either side to come up with a compromise. What are the latest developments there, and how could this affect the curriculum for 2014-15? McCoy: SB 812 was enacted into law on July 22, 2014. The bill calls for a review of the mathematics and English language arts standards. The State Board of Education is responsible for adoption of standards for N.C. public schools and the State Board of Education already has a policy requiring a review of standards every five years. This process will be followed for the math and ELA standards beginning this fall, 2014, and continuing throughout the school year and into 2015-16. Until such time as the review process is completed and any modifications adopted by the State Board of Education, the current standards will remain in place. How many benchmark tests do teachers have to give the average elementary, middle and high school student throughout the year as part of this curriculum; for what subjects and how often? Howard: The curriculum does not require benchmark testing. That is a local issue, not state-required. How were the End-of-Grade (EOG) and End-of-Course (EOC) tests changed to adapt to the Common Core State Standards, and what impact has the curriculum had on these test scores? Howard: As with any shift to new content standards, new tests were developed and first implemented in 2012-13. The impact on the test is the rigor of the content standards. The tests are aligned to the content standards, thus measuring whether students have learned the standards. The percent of students (who are) proficient has decreased, but that is expected anytime there are new content standards and a shift in what is taught. We have seen this occur every time we implement new standards and new tests. Do you foresee additional changes to EOG and EOC tests due to the Common Core State Standards? Howard: No.

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What constitutes changes in math due to the Common Core State Standards? McCoy: There are three main shifts in the math standards. First, there is greater focus on fewer topics so that students gain a strong foundation and solid understanding of concepts, a high degree of procedural skill and the ability to apply math to real-world problems. Second, there is a greater emphasis on coherence or linking knowledge and skill development across grades so that learning is a progression rather than disconnected topics or memorization. Third, there is greater rigor, meaning that conceptual understanding, procedural skills and fluency and application are given equal intensity such that students gain a deep command of mathematical concepts. At the high school level, our math courses are now titled Math I, Math II and Math III. The courses include the same concepts and skills included in the courses we previously called Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II. However, the Math I, II and III courses reorganize the concepts and skills into a more integrated course of study that leads to a greater conceptual understanding of mathematics. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to know more about Read To Achieve. Is this part of Common Core, or was it implemented as a separate initiative? Howard: This is not part of Common Core. It is a reading initiative enacted by the General Assembly in 2012. I want to know when to expect testing and whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expected in kindergarten related to the new curriculum. McCoy: There are no formal testing requirements in kindergarten. â&#x20AC;Ś During the kindergarten year, information collected during the first 60 days of enrollment creates a Kindergarten Child Profile, capturing a snapshot of each child at the beginning of kindergarten. To create the profile, the teacher intentionally collects evidence (e.g., observations, work samples, parent input, activities) about what children can say, do, make or write across five areas of learning and development: Approaches to learning, cognitive, emotionalsocial, language and communication, and health and physical. ... The evidence collected is then used to help the teacher understand where a child may be in his or her learning. This helps the teacher and student make immediate and ongoing adjustments to instruction and learning.

Durham Library

Bricks for Kids

Carolyn Caggia is an editorial intern with Carolina Parent Magazine. She is a rising junior at N.C. State University majoring in environmental science with a focal area in journalism. carolinaparent.com | AUGUST 2014

Raleigh Little Theatre

XL Soccer

Our Playhouse

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Duke ADHD

Reading, Writing and … CODING? Creating the Next Generation of Programmers By Marty Minchin

oding, the practice of writing languages that computers

A Path to IT Jobs

understand, is being taught to students of all ages in

NCDPI has undertaken initiatives to increase interest in coding as well, including increasing awareness of what coding is in middle schools and streamlining licensure requirements for teachers who want to teach it. During the 2013-14 school year, about 2,000 students statewide took a level one programming course offered online and in high schools. Enrollment in programming courses increased after the introduction of a game development course, and teachers received more resources to teach coding. “We made it a course that kids really want to be in, where they learn a skill and think it’s fun,” Honeycutt says. Across the state, instructors are impressing upon students how learning to program can positively affect their future job prospects. Apex High School’s Academy of Information Technology in Wake County, which is like a school within a school, consists of 360 students in grades 9-12 who study computer programming and applications in addition to their normal high school curriculum. Each year, 90 rising ninthgraders are chosen through a lottery system from hundreds who apply to be in the program. AOIT students are taught business and technical skills, and are required to complete a 135-hour internship during high school. Many students work with technology companies in the Research Triangle Park such as IBM and SAS. “We want to make sure our students are an asset to these companies,” says John Evans, the school’s AOIT director and Career and Technical Education department chair. Many students stay in touch with the companies they intern with and are sometimes hired full-time after graduating from college. Find technology resources at carolinaparent.com in our Education Guide and camps directory, and at these websites: n Hour of Code: code.org n Tynker: tynker.com n Daisy the Dinosaur: daisythedinosaur.com n Hopscotch: gethopscotch.com n IT-oLogy: it-ology.org n Bee-Bot: bee-bot.us

schools around the nation. Why? Technology-related work that involves coding, or programming, is expected to continue as one of the fastest growing fields of work through 2022, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2014 Best Jobs report.

“The way we think about the world is evolving,” says Jo Anne

Honeycutt, career and technical education director for the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. “I think so much of what will happen in technical careers will require some understanding of programming.”

Coding in the Classroom Fluency in coding can lead to lucrative jobs in information technology, whether they involve programming computers or designing video games. But there are educational benefits that extend into other areas of study as well. Coding helps children as young as 4 years old develop valuable problem-solving and critical-thinking skills through its emphasis on breaking large problems down into a sequence of smaller problems. Thanks in large part to Code.org, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding participation in computer science at U.S. schools, millions of students nationwide have been exposed to coding. Founder Hadi Partovi refers to coding as a “critically foundational field.” For this reason, the Code.org staff hopes to reach at least 2 million students through its programs, which consist of coding lessons and tutorials that show students how to build an iPhone game, write a program to guide a robot or create drawings using JavaScript, for example. Teachers are learning that they don’t have to be experts to teach coding. Margaret Rudisill, a middle school science teacher at Trinity Episcopal School in Charlotte, incorporates basic coding into her science classes. Her students have created programs that show how hurricanes move and that illustrate the parts of cells. Last year, she began a technology club that attracted 23 of the school’s 50 sixth-graders. She says it benefits her students because they learn how to create projects together using coding, and they build off each other’s creativity and ideas to write more complex programs.

Marty Minchin is a freelance writer based in Charlotte. She has two children in elementary school. carolinaparent.com | AUGUST 2014

The Hill Center

ORGANIZE

Your Disorganized Student

rganization and focus are key qualities for many successful adults that do not come naturally to all. Here are tips

from Maryann Campbell, executive director of The Glenholme School in Devereux, Conn., which offers students a program called Executive Functioning Skills to help them learn to focus on tasks at hand, prioritize and organize.

STASH AND TRASH. Prevent mountains of papers from accumulating by learning what to keep and what to toss. Teach your child at a young age what types of documents to keep and throw away, as well as how to best organize the materials he is keeping. Your storage bins will thank you!

BALANCE WORK AND FUN. There is a time for work and a time for play. Both are important for a wellbalanced life. Make sure your child has time for studying, after-school activities and dinner with the family.

Arts Together

MANAGE THE DAY. Teach your child to use a day planner or calendar for recording schoolwork, afterschool activities, social events and family time. Whether it’s paper or digital doesn’t matter. The point is, your child learns to manage his time and set realistic expectations for each day.

ORGANIZE ASSIGNMENTS. Help your child stay organized with color-coded folders and a desktop storage system for her schoolwork. Children also really enjoy label makers. Divide the folders and storage containers by subject, and teach your child how to label them accordingly. LIGHTEN THE BACKPACK WITHOUT LOSING THE WORK. Teaching your child to carry what is important for the day will help her be better prepared for class. Go over the day’s activities the night before, make a list of what classes and activities she has, and pack accordingly. Learn more about the Glenholme School’s Executive Functioning Skills program at theglenholmeschool.org.

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Sports Arts Academy

University of Mt. Olive C O N T I N U I N G E D U C AT I O N

Women’s Mood Disorder

From your friends at Mount Olive College RTP  CREATE A SOLID RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR ADVISORS. Keep the communication lines open with your academic and financial advisors so you can stay on top of the classes and financial assistance you need to graduate.

 FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH COMPUTERS AND THE

INTERNET. Almost everything is done now using computers and internet resources, so it’s worth your time to get some basic training on how to use both. Check out local libraries, community centers and websites such as gcflearnfree.org that offer free classes you can take.

 STAY UP TO DATE ON YOUR STUDIES — DON’T CRAM!

Plan ahead and devote at least one hour a day to school so you don’t have to cram in a five-hour study session. This also keeps you engaged in your studies and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed.

 DETERMINE AND ACCOMMODATE YOUR LEARNING STYLE.

Whether you learn by doing or watching, determine how you learn best and try to accommodate accordingly to ensure your potential for understanding and knowledge.

 DEVELOP A TIME MANAGEMENT PLAN OF ACTION. Be sure

to create a schedule that includes time for family, yourself, or other activities that bring you joy. A colleague of mine paraphrases this by saying “Don’t postpone JOY for doing the dishes”.

These tips were provided by Dr. Nicole Childs, Director at University of Mount Olive College, RTP Campus.

carolinaparent.com | AUGUST 2014

SERVICE LEARNING Empower Students to Change the World By Heather Leahwood

hen it comes to solving social problems, preschoolers and elementary students are often overlooked as people who can make a difference. Children are natural helpers. They love assembling care packages, sorting donations and making toys for shelter animals. Not only that, these projects are empowering for kids, who marvel at their ability to improve the world. Here are 10 simple projects parents can do at home or suggest to teachers to try in class that benefit North Carolina nonprofits and build our local community.

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Help your homeless shelter.

Help senior citizens.

The Raleigh Rescue Mission, or any

Art for Hospice, a program created

local shelter, enjoys receiving artistic,

in 2008 by then-11-year-old Emma

laminated placemats to brighten up

Astrike-Davis of Durham for young

their dining area and make it feel

painters, asks children to create

more like home. Kids can paint or

a beautiful canvas, then donate

write inspiring quotes to the

it to a local hospice or

residents on the placemats.

nursing home. Some patients rarely receive cards, so a colorful painting

Photo above: Raleigh students fold and sort consignment clothes. Photo courtesy of Cindi Clymore

is a muchappreciated gift.

Make treats for animals. Kids easily empathize with animals.

Comfort kids with terminal illnesses.

Learn about science while planting

Find recipes for animal treats and

Sending homemade cards packed

a tree or flowers in your

host a family or class cooking

with colorful stickers and friendship

neighborhood or at school.

project. Have kids create tug toys for

bracelets is a great project for any

Organize a litter pickup in your

dogs by braiding felt fabric and

holiday. Zach’s Toy Chest in Wake

neighborhood. Dr. Seuss’s book

knotting the ends. When you’re

County collects these items,

done, visit the cute puppies

as well as toys, to cheer up children

at the Society for the Prevention

in hospitals.

Beautify the environment.

The Lorax is an excellent partner for this project.

of Cruelty to Animals or any nearby

shelter to deliver the treats or toys.

Collect and sort donations.

Distribute smile rocks.

Rather than just collecting clothes

Random acts of kindness are excit-

Make personalized compliment posters.

or canned foods and shipping them

ing, especially when they’re sneaky!

Ask kids to write their names in the

off, ask your kids to fold and sort

Teach your kids to be “Kindness

center of piece of construction

clothes by size, just as volunteers

Ninjas” with this project. Buy multi-

paper, then form a circle and pass

do onsite. Go through your canned

colored fish tank pebbles. Ask your

the sheets around. Each child writes

foods and brainstorm what dishes

kids to draw smiley faces on the

an anonymous compliment on each

the families might prepare. Help kids

pebbles, then hide them around

friend’s paper. Laminate and hang

connect with the

school or other places.

the posters up as a reminder

of the qualities the children

impact their

appreciate in each other.

donations make.

Write thank-you cards.

Hand out flowers.

The biggest problem you’ll face with

Encourage kids to write thank-you

Buy a bouquet of flowers at the gro-

these projects? Your kids leave random

cards for teachers, new students,

cery store and ask your child

acts of kindness all over the place, and it

grandparents, classmates or

to give a flower to people who

neighbors. Then, either hand-deliver

seem like they need a lift, or

or leave the card anonymously.

take them to your neighbors’ houses and tape a flower and sweet note to their door.

makes a big, beautiful mess. Heather Leahwood writes about solving social problems and shares inspirational stories from around North Carolina. She has been teaching for 12 years. Find more service opportunities for children and teens at carolinaparent.com (search for “service“).

carolinaparent.com | AUGUST 2014

Nanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School of Dance

E.LaRee Johnson

absolute speech

City of Raleigh

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JEI

Harbor Behaviorial

Dance Arts

Grade Power

City of Raleigh

40 AUGUST 2014

carolinaparent.com

JEI

Not Just Paper

Carolina Friends

Casa Club

Tutor Time

Camelot

40 AUGUST 2014

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Carpool Confessionals Teens Talk — This Mom Listens By Tiffany Doerr Guerzon

’m in the driving stage of motherhood. With

two girls and a boy, I spend so much time behind the wheel that the driver’s seat of my minivan has molded to perfectly fit the shape of my ever-expanding behind.

Because I work from home, and am thus freed from punching a time clock or being chained to an office chair, I drive not only my children, but everyone else’s, too. Seldom is the day when I pull up to the curb of the junior high and pick up only my own kid. Usually one or two other teens tumble into the back as well. And although I occasionally resent being everyone’s go-to gal, driving around a gaggle of girls does present fabulous eavesdropping opportunities. Usually, the kids forget I’m there, since I am, after all, only the bus driver. I hear snippets of conversation about friends, teachers and classes. More importantly, I catch the rhythm of their banter. Hearing the jokes, sarcasm and even the slang is a great help in later interpretations of my own kids’ conversation. The pecking order also becomes obvious by listening in. In contrast, driving around my youngest and his friends provides a view into the life of 6-year-old boys. Apparently, the ability to burp the ABCs or perform the loudest armpit fart is a skill worthy of admiration. Who knew? But the most interesting rides are those times when I am driving only one of my three children. Twice a week, my teen and I spend an hour-and-a-half together driving back and forth to her evening fencing lessons. There is something about being cocooned in a moving vehicle that encourages

confidences. Freed from the inevitable interruptions and comments of her younger siblings, she talks. And talks. Sometimes she relates her triumphs and tragedies, or tells me of her hopes and fears. But mostly, it’s the little things that we don’t have time to talk about in our busy days, like the scoop on schoolwork or the latest drama with her friends. My middle child, a tween, views car time with Mommy as the perfect opportunity to unload every sad and negative experience she’s had since our last talk. These diatribes are usually accompanied by copious crying on her part — and the desire to cry on mine. However, when she hops out of the van and slams the door, she is usually smiling, relaxed and happy. This outpouring of her troubles seems to make her feel great, while leaving me exhausted and in need of a nap. My son views our car rides as the time for 20 questions. I welcome conversation, but it can be difficult to formulate an answer to esoteric queries such as “If God made everything, then who made God?” while navigating traffic. Although I have been known to complain about the cost of gas, the wear and tear on the van and the feeling of being an unpaid chauffeur, I know this won’t last forever. Soon my kids will have their own keys to the car and I’ll be out of the driver’s seat. And, without the use of illegal spy technology, I’ll be out of the loop, too. But for now, I’ll keep my job as Driver-in-Chief. The pay is terrible, but the benefits are terrific. Tiffany Doerr Guerzon is a carpool-driving mom of three kids. Read more of her writing at tdguerzon.com. carolinaparent.com | AUGUST 2014

Wake Gifted

Bizzy Broomz

Waterstone Family Dentistry

WELCOME

to the Carolina

Parent family!

• Apex School of Dance • CASL (Capital Area Soccer League) • Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities • Carolina Kids Pediatric Associates • Casa Club Spanish Immersion Preschool • City of Raleigh: Learn & Explore Preschool • Frogs, Snakes, Lizards • Harbor Behavioral Health • Hollands United Methodist Church Wings Kids Consignment Sale • JEI Learning Center • North Carolina Opera • North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences • Tier Bella Bakery & Florals • Wake Gifted Academy • Waterstone Family Dentistry • Weehabilitate Pediatrics Therapy & Preschool

42 AUGUST 2014

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Lazy Daze

carolinaparent.com | AUGUST 2014

august our picks

BY CAROLYN CAGGIA

30th-31st Photo courtesy of Twanda J. Baker

Festival Celebrates African American Heritage August 30-31 Explore the cultural traditions of African Americans in North Carolina

troupes, drum circles, make-and-take crafts and more in the

and from around the world at the African American Cultural Festival

Family Village; a marketplace, art gallery walk and food vendors along

Aug. 30-31 (check website for hours), at Charter Square and City

Fayetteville Street; and live music on the City Plaza main stage.

Plaza in downtown Raleigh. The event showcases storytellers, dance

Admission is free. aacfralwake.org.

Cedars in the Pines on the Plaza Honors Lebanese Culture August 2 Take the family for Lebanese dancing, music, food and crafts at the Cedars in the Pines on the Plaza event Aug. 2, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., located on Bicentennial Plaza and at the N.C. Museum of History in downtown Raleigh. Try your hand at henna painting and Arabic calligraphy, and

2nd 44 AUGUST 2014

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take part in a scavenger hunt. Visit the exhibit “Cedars in the Pines” at the N.C. Museum of History to learn about Lebanese immigrants who have made North Carolina their home, and see the Triangle Lebanese Association’s nationally recognized Dabke group perform traditional dances in Daniels Auditorium. Admission to the festival and exhibit is free. ncmuseumofhistory.org

16th

Melons Take Center Stage at Western Wake Farmers Market August 16 Enjoy watermelons, cantaloupe, honeydew and other in-season melon varieties at the Western Wake Farmers Market Aug. 16, 8 a.m.-noon. Melon Day offers children’s activities, cooking demonstrations from Herons Restaurant in Cary and mouthwatering recipes. The market also offers wellness demonstrations and health and nutrition information from local businesses. The Western Wake Farmers Market is at 1225 Morrisville Carpenter Rd., Cary. westernwakefarmersmarket.org.

Stretch Fest Celebrates Summer August 9

Photo courtesy of Western Wake Farmers Market

Celebrate summer with Populate Productions’

Spin Your Tale at the Wake Forest Storytelling Festival August 9

3-9 p.m., at Sugg Farm Park in Holly Springs. Cool off in a

Celebrate the art of storytelling at the Wake Forest Storytelling

water battle arena, tumble through a sea of beach balls,

Festival Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., in the Wake Forest Renaissance

fill the sky with bubbles of all shapes and sizes,

Centre. Children’s storytellers Claire Ramsey and Priscilla Best

and enjoy live music and local food trucks.

Summer Stretch Festival, which takes place Aug. 9,

kick off the festival at 10 a.m., followed by storytelling work-

A children’s station features arts and crafts, beach ball

shops at 11 a.m. An open mike session for children’s workshop

coloring and performances. Tickets, available

participants begins at 12:30 p.m. The adult portion of the festival

for purchase online, are $8 for ages

begins at 2 p.m. and features workshops, open mike sessions

3-11 and $15 adults.

and storytelling by E. Gale Buck and Robin Kitson. Tickets, available for purchase online, are $5-$10. wakeforestnc.gov/forest-storytelling-festival.aspx.

Enjoy The Princess & The Pea and Robin Hood August 2, 6 and 9

Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre takes families on a magical journey this month with two productions. The Princess and the Pea follows Prince Peter in his search to find a true princess to marry. Shows take place Aug. 2 at 10 a.m. and Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Robin Hood traces the adventures of the Sherwood Forest outlaw and his quest to aid Maid Marian Aug. 9 at 10 a.m. Tickets are $5/ person for each show at the gate. Call 336-376-6948 to make advanced reservations to enjoy lunch or dinner (depending on show times) with the characters. The amphitheater is at located 301 Drama Rd., Snow Camp. snowcampdrama.com. Image courtesy of the Town of Wake Forest

carolinaparent.com | AUGUST 2014

calendar

1 FRIDAY

Family Wildlife Series: Twilight Hike. Take a hike and learn how to identify plants, insects, birds and other critters. Ages 5 and older. Registration required. $5/family. 8-9:30 p.m. Blue Jay Point County Park, 3200 Pleasant Union Church Rd., Raleigh. 919-870-4330. wakegov.com/parks/bluejay. Frozen Friday: Cool Off With Olaf. Celebrate Olaf the Snowman with activities and stories. Free. 7 p.m. Barnes & Noble, 760 S.E. Maynard Rd., Cary. 919-467-3866. bn.com. A Walk in the Woods. Join a park ranger for a short hike to learn about vines. Registration required. Free. 2 p.m. William B. Umstead State Park, 8801 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. 919-571-4170. ncparks.gov.

2 SATURDAY

Birding with Vernon. Join bird enthusiast Vernon for an easy walk while looking and listening for feathered friends. Discover different types of birds and their habitats. Meet at the Waterwise Garden. Free. 8:30-10 a.m. Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville. 919-460-3355. wakegov.com/parks/ lakecrabtree. Curiosity Club: Snake-tacular Snakes. Children embrace science and nature while developing skills and knowledge to satisfy their curiosity about the natural world. Ages 5-8. Registration required. $12 resident, $16 nonresident. 2-4 p.m. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org. Family Farm Fun. Learn about life on a farm. Paint with produce, dig into soil science and get moving with barnyard fun. $5 ages 1-adult. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-834-4040. marbleskidsmuseum.org. Get Pop-Cultured: Marvel Day. Honor Marvel’s 75th anniversary with activities and giveaways. Dress as a favorite Marvel hero. Free. 3 p.m. Barnes & Noble, 760 S.E. Maynard Rd., Cary. 919-467-3866. bn.com. Nature Nuts: Hummingbirds. Go nutty for nature as children satisfy some of their curiosity about the world around them and parents share in the joy

46 AUGUST 2014

of discovery. Ages 3-5 with parent. Registration required. $11 resident, $14 nonresident. 10-11 a.m. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org.

3 SUNDAY

Junior Naturalist: What Bug is That? Participants develop their naturalist skills and understanding of local nature. Ages 5-8 with parent. Registration required. $8 resident, $10 nonresident. 2-3 p.m. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org. Lost Ladybug Project. Learn why native ladybugs are disappearing. Discover the life cycle and behaviors of ladybugs, and explore ways to help “lost ladybugs.” Take a camera to help photograph and catalog ladybugs collected in the field. Registration required. Free. 1-3 p.m. Lake Crabtree County, 1400 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville. 919-460-3355. wakegov.com/parks/lakecrabtree.

4 MONDAY

Bird Houses. Parent and child build a birdhouse and decorate it. Registration required. $15/child. 10-11:30 a.m. Durham Arts Council, Northgate Mall, 1058 W Club Blvd., Durham. 919-5602726. durhamarts.org.

5 TUESDAY

Bird Houses. See Aug. 4. 4-5:30 p.m. Curious Creatures: Finding Frogs and Toads. Discover wildlife, their habits and their habitats through hikes, activities and crafts. Ages 5-8. Registration required. $12 resident, $16 non resident. 1-3 p.m. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org. Nature Families: Beautiful Butterflies. Learn about butterflies, their habitat, adaptations and life cycle through hands-on activities and games. Take a walk to look for common butterflies and make a butterfly craft to take home. All ages. Registration required. $5/family. 11 a.m.-noon. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 919-662-2850. wakegov.com/parks/crowder. Time for Tots: Colonial Clothing. Discover how children and adults dressed in

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Colonial times and decorate a pocket to take home. Ages 3-5. Registration required. $1. 10-10:45 a.m. N.C. Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 919807-7992. ncmuseumofhistory.org.

6 WEDNESDAY

Crabtree Casters. Learn to fish. Instruction and bait provided. Participants 16 and older must have a valid N.C. fishing license. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the boat rental dock. Registration required. Free. 6:30-8 p.m. Lake Crabtree County, 1400 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville. 919-460-3355. wakegov.com/parks/ lakecrabtree. History Corner: Play Ball! Learn about rounders, townball and similar historic games. Ages 6-9 with adult. Registration required. $1. 10-11 a.m. N.C. Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 919807-7992. ncmuseumofhistory.org. History Hunters: The Boys and Girls of Summer. Look back at sports history and learn how leisure activities and athletes have changed over the last century. Ages 10-13. Registration required. $1. 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. N.C. Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 919807-7992. ncmuseumofhistory.org. Nature Friends: Perfect Pollinators. Learn the parts of the butterfly and their special adaptations. Go on a nature walk to search for common species, plant a flower in the butterfly garden and make a craft. Ages 6-9. Registration required. $5/family. 11 a.m.-noon. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 919-662-2850. wakegov.com/parks/ crowder. Nature Stories: Fishy Fun. Learn about fish with a story, song and craft. Register online. $4/child. 1-2 p.m. Blue Jay Point County Park, 3200 Pleasant Union Church Rd., Raleigh. 919-870-4330. wakegov.com/parks/bluejay. Nature Watchers: Winged Wonders. Read The Very Hungry Caterpillar and discover caterpillars’ favorite foods. Learn the life cycle of butterflies, make a caterpillar necklace and go on a scavenger hunt. Ages 3-5. Registration required. $5/family. 1-2 p.m. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 919-662-2850. wakegov.com/parks/ crowder.

Storytime for Tots: Animals in Camouflage. Discover which animals use camouflage, and why. Search for animals in the woods and help animals hide. Ages 2-5. Registration required. $4/child. 1-2 p.m. Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville. 919-460-2723. wakegov.com/parks/ lakecrabtree. Summer Drop-in Studio. Kids make art. Free. Noon-3 p.m. N.C. Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh. 919-8396262. ncartmuseum.org. Summer Mini-Preschool Class: Faith Formation. Take part in a minipreschool class. Ages 2-5. Register online or by calling 919-865-5728. Free. 9:30-10:15 a.m. St. Raphael Preschool, 5801 Falls of Neuse Rd., Raleigh. 919865-5728. straphaelpreschool.org.

7 THURSDAY

Eco-Express: Seeking Rapid Reptiles. Take the fast track to nature in hands-on studies of nature and ecology. Ages 8-12. Registration required. $12 resident, $16 nonresident. 1-3 p.m. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org. Get Pop-Cultured: Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtle Day. Celebrate the new movie and discover your inner Ninja Turtle with activities, stories and crafts. Ages 5-10. Free. 7 p.m. Barnes & Noble, 760 S.E. Maynard Rd., Cary. 919-4673866. bn.com. Hockey Fun with the Carolina Hurricanes. Enjoy hockey fun with staff members from the Carolina Hurricanes. Play in the Canes’ inflatable slap shot booth and practice in the skills and drills zone. $5 ages 1-11. 1-3 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-834-4040. marbleskidsmuseum.org. Kids Fun-Days: Cool Coyote Fun. Children hike, make projects and engage in nature activities. Ages 5-8. Registration required. $12 resident, $16 nonresident. 10 a.m.-noon. Stevens Nature Center/ Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org. Little Historians: Light the Way. Hear the heroic tale of Abbie Burgess, a young woman who was forced to run her family’s lighthouse alone in the winter of 1856. Play a lighthouse game and make a lighthouse to take home. Ages 5-7.

SAVE THE DATE ! Carolina Parent’s 13th Annual

Women@Work BREAKFA ST Thursday, October 23, 2014 | 8-11 a.m.

W@W

Embassy Suites | 201 Harrison Oaks Blvd., Cary

Recognition of the

2014 N.C. Family-Friendly 50 companies selected in partnership with UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School

Guest Speaker

Sharon Delaney Mc Cloud Turning Battle Scars into Badges of Honor

Sharon shares the ups and downs of being a working parent in today’s world and lessons on how to come out on top. • Managing Partner of Greenroom Communications • Emmy Award-winning journalist, TV anchor and host for 20 years across the southeast including WNCN • Supporter of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and the Leukemia & LymphomaSociety

DOOR PRIZES

•

GOODY BAGS

•

NETWORKING

Visit carolinaparent.com/womenatwork carolinaparent.com | AUGUST 2014

calendar

Registration required. $4/child. 11 a.m.-noon. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 919-856-6675. wakegov.com/parks/ yatesmill.

8 FRIDAY

Durham Mocha Moms Support Group. Take part in a support group for mothers of color and mothers raising children of color. Children welcome. Free. 10 a.m. noon. Hope Valley Baptist Church Playground, 6900 Garrett Rd., Durham. mochamoms.org. What Lives in the Pond? Read a story and look at pond samples to see what lives in the water. Ages 1-3 meet 10:30-11 a.m.; ages 3-5 meet 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Meet at the Cypress Shelter. Registration required. $4/child. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 919-387-4342. wakegov.com/parks/ harrislake. Yates by Night: Night Riddles. Join a park naturalist for a nighttime walk to solve a riddle without flashlights. Wear closed-toe shoes. Ages 8 and older with adult. Registration required. $5/family. 8-9 p.m. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 919-856-6675. wakegovcom/parks/ yatesmill.

9 SATURDAY

Eco-Explorers: Snake Discovery. Children learn about local plants and animals. Ages 7-10. Registration required. $12 residents, $16 nonresidents. 10 a.m.noon. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org. Family Rhythm Jam. Drumming and stories for ages 3 and older with parent. Drums to loan. $10/family. 10-11 a.m. Music Explorium, 5314 Hwy. 55, Ste. 107, Durham. 919-219-2371. musicexplorium.com. Family Science Olympiad. Enjoy a series of interactive and hands-on challenges. Build an egg drop device, hit the roof with a pasta tower, turn wind into power and fly paper airplanes. $5 ages 1-11. 1-4 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-834-4040. marbleskidsmuseum.org. Garden Sprouts with Produce Box. Learn how fresh fruits, veggies, herbs and flowers grow in a garden and fuel healthy bodies. $5 ages 1-11. 10 a.m.-

48 AUGUST 2014

noon. Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. marbleskidsmuseum.org. Kids Get Crafty: Animal Art. Make a raccoon mask, slithering snake and a few leaf animals. Dress to get messy. All ages. Registration required. $4/person. 11 a.m.-noon. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 919-662-2850. wakegovcom/parks/crowder. Make It, Take It: Gallery Hunt. Join a scavenger hunt through the 1920s drugstore gallery and make a toy to take home. Look for toys and games on drugstore shelves. Drop-in program. Free. Noon-3 p.m. N.C. Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 919-807-7992. ncmuseumofhistory.org. Nature Stories: Fishy Fun. See Aug. 6. 10-11 a.m. Summer Children’s Festival. Take the family to enjoy music and dancing, historical crafts, activities and games. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Duke Homestead, 2828 Duke Homestead Rd., Durham. 919-477-5498. dukehomestead.org.

10 SUNDAY

Family Feature: Three Cheers for Trees. Learn about the importance of trees through games and activities. Make paper and discover the goods that trees provide. All ages. Registration required. $5/family. 2-3 p.m. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 919-6622850. wakegov.com/parks/crowder. Rock Painting for Beginners. Paint two rocks. Ages 10 and older. Register online. $15 plus $5 supply fee. 2-4 p.m. Southern Charm Gift Boutique, Cary Towne Center, 1105 Walnut St., Cary. 919-2331598. etsy.com/southerncharmgifts2. Super Full Moon Hike. Learn what a super moon is with a fun activity and hike under its light. All ages. Meet at the Cypress Shelter. Registration required. $5/family. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., Apex. 919-387-4342. wakegov.com/parks/ harrislake.

11 MONDAY

Breastfeeding Cafe. Discuss breastfeeding with an accredited La Leche League leader and meet other mothers. Infants welcome. Free. 1-2 p.m. The Red Hen, University Mall, 201 S. Estes Dr., Chapel Hill. 919-942-4420. theredhen.com.

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12 TUESDAY

Parent and Me Art Class. Parent and child create art. Ages 1-5. Registration required. Free. 3 p.m. Bright Horizons at The Enrichment Center, 10 T.W. Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park. 919-549-4802. brighthorizons.com/ enrichment. Time for Tots: Colonial Clothing. See Aug. 5.

13 WEDNESDAY

Summer Mini-Preschool Class: Art. See Aug. 6

14 THURSDAY

Back to School Pencil Toppers. Make pencil toppers to use at school and enjoy twisted balloons. All ages. Free. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Southern Home Crafts, 111 N. Salem St., Apex. 919-233-1598. Curious Creatures: Discovering Hummingbirds. See Aug. 5. 10 a.m.-noon. Garden Sprouts with Produce Box. Make a pea salad and take home pea recipes. $5 ages 1-11. 10 a.m.-noon. Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. marbleskidsmuseum.org. Nature Lab: The World You Cannot See. Discover nature with magnifying glasses and microscopes. Pack a lunch. Ages 6-12. Drop-off program. Meet at the Cypress Shelter. Registration required. $8/child. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 919-387-4342. wakegov.com/parks/ harrislake.

15 FRIDAY

Crowder by Night: Night Lights. Explore light pollution and learn how different shades of light affect wildlife. Measure the stars and discover the importance of the moon for sea turtles. All ages. Registration required. $5/family. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 919-662-2850. wakegov.com/ parks/crowder. Spider Sniffing. Take a flashlight for a hike around the Old Beech Nature Trail and discover the secret art of spider sniffing. Meet at the Waterwise Garden. Registration required. $5/family. 8-10 p.m. Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville. 919-460-3355. wakegov.com/parks/lakecrabtree.

16 SATURDAY

Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser. Take part in a fundraiser for nonprofit educational residential Camp S.W.A.G. (Students With Ambitions and Goals) that helps teenagers develop strong self-esteem and a commitment to community. Funds raised will assist campers with expenses and tuition. Purchase tickets online. All ages. $7.50. 7:30-10 a.m. Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, 8701 Brier Creek Pkwy., Raleigh. cswag.org. Cicada Cidah-da. Learn about cicadas. All ages. Meet at the Cypress Shelter. Registration required. $5/family. 10 11 a.m. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 919-387-4342. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake. Curiosity Club: Finding Fossils. See Aug. 2. 10 a.m.-noon. Healthy Kids Back to School Expo. Get ready for a new school year with exhibitors and freebies. Free. 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Cary Towne Center, 1105 Walnut St., Cary. fitandable.net. Junior Naturalist: Who Lives in That Hole? See Aug. 3. 1-2 p.m. Kick-off to Kindergarten. Practice a lunch line, get moving at recess, hop on a school bus and explore circle time. For rising traditional-schedule kindergartners and their families. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-834-4040. marbleskidsmuseum.org. Special Storytime. Read Pete the Cat and the New Guy and enjoy an activity. Free. 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 760 S.E. Maynard Rd., Cary. 919-467-3866. bn.com.

17 SUNDAY

Eco-Explorers: Terrific Trees. See Aug. 9. 2-4 p.m. Pottery Workshop for Kids. Create stoneware pottery. Ages 9 and older. Register online. $20. 2-4 p.m. Lynne Fischer Art Adventure Studio, 107 Spring Hollow Ln., Cary. 919-233-1598. etsy.com/shop/ lynnesueart.

18 MONDAY

Breastfeeding Cafe. See Aug. 11

calendar

19 TUESDAY

Home School Day: Flights of Fancy. Learn the history of flight and the historical figures that made it possible. Ages 8-12. Registration required. $4/child. 10 a.m.-noon. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 919-856-6675. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill. Kids Fun-Days: Sensational Snake Fun. See Aug. 7. 1-3 p.m. Special Storytime. Read My Pet Book and enjoy an activity. Free. 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 760 S.E. Maynard Rd., Cary. 919-467-3866. bn.com.

Kiddie Academy

20 WEDNESDAY

Crabtree Casters. See Aug. 6. Little Sprouts: Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Play Outside. Learn how baby animals play and why play is important. Ages 3-5 with adult. Registration required. $4/child. 2-3 p.m. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 919-856-6675. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.

21 THURSDAY

Sing! Dance! Play! Join Jamminâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Baby for musical fun and exploration. Ages birth-5. $5 ages 1-adult. 10-10:30 a.m. Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919834-4040. marbleskidsmuseum.org.

22 FRIDAY

Butterflies and Moths. Join a park ranger for a movie and a short hike to learn how to identify butterflies and moths. Take binoculars. Registration required. Free. 9 a.m. William B. Umstead State Park, 8801 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. 919-571-4170. ncparks.gov. Durham Mocha Moms Support Group. See Aug. 8. Nature Nuts: Praying Mantis. Children satisfy their curiosity about the world around them. Ages 3-5 with parent. Registration required. $11 resident, $14 nonresident. 10-11 a.m. Stevens Nature Center/ Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org.

Hollands UMC

carolinaparent.com | AUGUST 2014

calendar

23 SATURDAY

Busy Beavers. Learn about beavers and hike a portion of the Peninsula Trail to look for evidence of them. All ages. Meet at the Loblolly Shelter. Registration required. $5/family. 10-11:30 a.m. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 919-3874342. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake. Cary Lazy Daze. Enjoy arts and crafts vendors, Kid’s World, live entertainment on two stages, food and more. The Cary Youth Video Project Premiere, in which teens premiere original documentaries that explore various topics in and around the Triangle, takes place from 1-2 p.m.

at The Cary Theater. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Downtown Cary, townofcary.org. Family Programs: Family Herp Search. Explore the summer woodlands and search for snakes, lizards and bugs. All ages. Registration required. $16 resident, $20 nonresident. 2-3:30 p.m. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-3875980. townofcary.org. Nature Nuts: Praying Mantis. See Aug. 22. Paddle the Pond. Enjoy a canoe float. After basic instruction, explore the pond’s many features as seen only from the water. Canoes, paddles and life jackets provided. Subject to suitable weather conditions. Ages 6 and older. Registra-

American Dance Festival

50 AUGUST 2014

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tion required. $10/boat. 1011 a.m., 2-3 p.m. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 919-856-6675. wakegov.com/ parks/yatesmill. Special Storytime. Read Cars and Trucks and Things That Go. Learn about fire safety and the job of a fireman with the Cary Fire Department. Tour their fire truck. Free. 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 760 S.E. Maynard Rd., Cary. 919-467-3866. bn.com.

24 SUNDAY

Best Dog Trick and Costume Contest. Celebrate National Dog Day by showcasing your dog’s talents. Enjoy prizes in both puppy and adult dog categories.

All ages. Free. 1-4 p.m. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 919-6622850. wakegovcom/parks/crowder. Big Lake Boat-A-Bout. Enjoy a 90-minute guided canoe tour. Meet at the Big Lake Boathouse. Registration required. Free. 7 p.m. William B. Umstead State Park, 8801 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. 919-5714170. ncparks.gov. Family Fishing Fun: How Smart are Fish? Learn about fish adaptations and intelligence before fishing in the millpond. Supplies and instruction provided. Ages 5 and older with adult. Registration required. $5/family. 9-10 a.m. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 919-856-6675. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.

Wake County Library

calendar Grandma’s Princess Ball. Join the Grandma’s Princess crew at their first Princess Ball. Meet characters from classic fairy tales such as The Snow Queen, Cinderella, Rapunzel, The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. Activities include storytime, games, food and photos with a favorite princess. Ages 3-10. Wear a costume. Purchase tickets online. $10$20. 2-4 p.m. The Matthews House, 317 W. Chatham St., Cary. eventbrite.com/e/ princess-ball-tickets-12105278213. Mom and Me Upcycle Basic Jewelry Design Class. Learn the basic techniques in making earrings and bracelets. Ages 9 and older. Register online. $15 plus $5 supply fee. 2-3:30 p.m. Southern Charm Gift Boutique, Cary Towne Center, 1105 Walnut St., Cary. 919-233-1598. etsy.com/shop/southerncharmgifts2. Plunge, Pedal and Plod Triathalon. Take part in a triathalon featuring swimming, biking and running courses. Register online. All ages. $45/individual and $75/ relay team before Aug. 29; $55/individual and $85/relay team after Aug. 29. 7 a.m. Triangle Aquatic Center and Cary Town Mall, Cary. fitandable.net.

25 MONDAY

Breastfeeding Cafe. See Aug. 11

26 TUESDAY

Parent and Me Art Class. See Aug. 12. Special Storytime. Read Peanut Butter & Cupcake and enjoy an activity. Free. 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 760 S.E. Maynard Rd., Cary. 919-467-3866. bn.com.

27 WEDNESDAY

Holly Springs Community Band Open Rehearsal. Hear the band rehearse various genres of music, including rock, classical and more. All ages. Free. 7 8:45 p.m. Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W. Ballentine St., Holly Springs. hollyspringsband.net.

28 THURSDAY

Kids Fun-Days: Lizard Fun on the Run. See Aug. 7. Trail Treks: Friendly Snakes. Learn about snakes and meet Maize, a friendly corn snake. All ages. Meet at the New Hill Parking Area. Registration required. $5/family. 2-3 p.m. American Tobacco Trail, 1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Rd., Apex. 919-387-4342. wakegov.com/parks/att.

29 FRIDAY

Music With Miss Cotton. Games and music with Miss Cotton. Ages 1-12. $5/child. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Kidz in a Minute, 6021 Poyner Village Pkwy., Ste. 103, Raleigh. 919-876-8207. kidzinaminute.com.

30 SATURDAY

Family Wildlife Series: Blue Jay Garden Sampler. Take a peek at a mini pond, composting area and wildflower and butterfly gardens. Registration required. $5/family. 9:30-11 a.m. Blue Jay Point County Park, 3200 Pleasant Union Church Rd., Raleigh. 919-870-4330. wakegov.com/parks/bluejay. Terrific Turtles. Learn about turtles and take a short hike to observe them in their natural habitat. Take binoculars. All ages. Meet at the New Hill Parking Area. Registration required. $5/family. 9:30-11 a.m. American Tobacco Trail, 1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Rd., Apex. 919-387-4342. wakegov.com/parks/att.

ON STAGE Aida Aug. 1-2 – Clayton Youth Theater presents Elton John and Tim Rice’s timeless love story of an enslaved princess and an Egyptian soldier. $10 adults, $5 students. 7:30 p.m. The Clayton Center, 111 E. Second St., Clayton. 919-553-1737. theclaytoncenter.com.

Fiddler on the Roof Aug. 1-3 – Young performers present this musical set in Tsarist Russia in 1905, which follows a father as he tries to uphold tradition in a changing political and social landscape. Purchase tickets online for $11. 7:30 p.m. Aug 1; 3 and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2-3. Raleigh Little Theatre, 301 Pogue St., Raleigh. raleighlittletheatre.org.

Pathway to Freedom Aug. 2 and 8 – Enjoy an exciting account of the struggles and heroism of the 1840s and 1850s along the “Underground Railroad” from North Carolina to Indiana. Both individuals and organized religions fought slavery in the legislature and on the farms, while others freed slaves as part of clandestine efforts. Parental discretion advised. Purchase tickets online. $16 adults, $8 ages 11 and younger. 8 p.m. Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre, 301 Drama Rd., Snow Camp. snowcampdrama.com.

N.C. Museum of Art Summer Concert Series: Carolina Chocolate Drops Aug. 9 – The Carolina Chocolate Drops perform old-fashioned string band music. Purchase tickets online. $29 adults, $14.50 ages 7-18. Free for ages 6 and younger. 8 p.m. N.C. Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh. 919-715-5923. ncartmuseum.org/calendar. Photo courtesy of Concerted Efforts Inc.

31 SUNDAY

Exhibit Closing: “Cedars in the Pines: The Lebanese in North Carolina: 130 Years of History.” Observe the history and contributions of Lebanese immigrants who have made North Carolina their home since the 1880s. All ages. Free. Noon-5 p.m. N.C. Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 919-807-7992. ncmuseumofhistory.org.

CALENDAR POLICY The Carolina Parent calendar lists local and regional activities for children and families. To submit an event for consideration, email carolinaparent.com/thingstodo/calendar/calendarform.php by the 8th of the month for the next month’s issue. Readers, please call ahead to confirm dates and times. This calendar may include some events not intended for young children.

Hairspray Aug. 22-Sept. 7 – The year is 1962 and Baltimore’s Tracy Turnblad is going to do whatever it takes to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a big girl with big dreams – and even bigger hair – turn the whole town around and still have time to win the boy she loves? Purchase tickets online. $24 adults, $22 students. $13 on Aug. 24. 8 p.m. Aug. 22-23; 3 p.m. Aug 24; 8 p.m. Aug 28-30; 3 p.m. Aug. 31; 8 p.m. Sept. 4-7. Raleigh Little Theatre, 301 Pogue St., Raleigh. raleighlittletheatre.org.

Grease Singalong Aug. 23 – This screening of Grease features subtitles so the audience can sing along. Special hosts lead a vocal warm up, judge a costume competition and show attendees how to use a free goody bag. Purchase tickets online. $15 adults, $7 ages 5-12. 8 p.m. Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy., Cary. 800-514-3849. boothamphitheatre.com/ events. carolinaparent.com | AUGUST 2014

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Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Kia, 12, of Durham, jumps for joy on her neighborhood golf course.

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Adelaide, 3, enjoys a neighborhood walk in Durham.

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Aden, 4, of Apex, participates in the SAFE Kids safety program at Beaver Creek Commons in Apex. JJ, 5, of Raleigh, attends Farm Day, hosted by N.C. State University. Carter, 9 months, of Raleigh, attends Farm Day, hosted by N.C. State University. Caleb, 6 months, of Apex, enjoys his first time in a swing.

Submit high-resolution photos of your kids having fun. Go to carolinaparent.com/facesandplaces. You could even win a prize! Congratulations to our most recent winner, Ammaar, 3, of Chapel Hill. carolinaparent.com | AUGUST 2014

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