January 2015 • Free
THE TRUTH
About Vitamin D
Finding Calm How mindfulness benefits kids
+ Is Your
Preschooler Gifted?
109
Ways to Start the New Year AS A FAMILY
special advertising section
schools guide
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charlotteparent.com| JANUARY 2015
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Experience our annual guides in a whole new way with our new
iPad apps!
Download free, enhanced versions of our annual guides and watch them come to life with multimedia, slideshows, videos and interactive directories. Everything you need at your fingertips! Available now for iPad.
January CONTENTS
FEATURES
26 30 32 34
Mind Over Matter Help bring the calm out in your child
Let the Sunny ‘D’ Shine How much vitamin D does your child need?
Just Keep Swimming
Benefits of winter swim programs
Is Your Preschooler Gifted? Indicators of a gifted child and how to respond
IN EVERY ISSUE
4
Editor’s Note
8
Family FYI
20
Tech Talk
22
Growing Up
48
Excursion
52
Faces and Places
26
30
24 Daddy Derek
CALENDAR
39 34
Our Picks
40
Daily Calendar
42
On Exhibit
44 On Stage
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| JANUARY 2015
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EDITOR’S NOTE
morrismedianetwork.com
New Year, New Beginnings!
GROUP PUBLISHER Sharon Havranek
PUBLISHER/ EXECUTIVE EDITOR Eve White
H
appy New Year! I’m really not sure where last year went, but I know it
went fast. Since becoming a parent, time does seem to fly by faster than the preparenting days. Nonetheless, a new year is here, and I’m ready. I’m ready to explore new places with my family and make another year of lasting memories. Our first issue of 2015 is all about making a fresh, healthy start as a family. To me healthy is a balance of challenge and calm. I personally love a good workout at the gym to sweat out some stress, but nothing beats a long yoga class to stretch and strengthen my mind and body — two things I want to do more of in 2015. That balance of challenge and calm is good for children too. The story on page 26 is about mindfulness for children. When I mentioned this story to people, many gave me a perplexed look and asked “What’s that?” Though it may sound like a deep topic for kids, most kids are born with it. And if you’ve ever had those moments when you read a page in a book and then wondered at the end of the page what you just read, or ever arrived at a destination and realized you really didn’t pay attention to anything around you on the way there, you can benefit from mindfulness too. Simply put, it’s awareness, and it’s a way we can all find more serenity inside ourselves. The new year also means enrollment at many schools. If you are considering the
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools magnet lottery, be sure your child is enrolled before Jan. 12 in order to participate in the first magnet lottery for the 2015-16 school year. Take a look at our Schools Guide on pages 25 for a snapshot of some of the area’s top-notch preschools, private and charter schools. We also have a new look for 2015. You may notice some new fonts, new organization of content, plus the new column Tech Talk that taps into the digital landscape and kids today. The nuts and bolts of the magazine, however, are the same. The pages are packed with local news, helpful tips, our calendar with ideas for family fun, and features that serve up useful information that can guide us all along our parenting journeys. We hope you enjoy.
Michele Huggins, Editor
EDITOR
Michele Huggins
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Mikala Young
ART DIRECTOR Melissa Stutts
DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER Susannah Carpenter
SALES TEAM LEADER • MEDIA CONSULTANT Leslie Hatheway • lhatheway@charlotteparent.com
MEDIA CONSULTANTS
Jen Byrum • jbyrum@charlotteparent.com Dawn Field • dfield@charlotteparent.com
ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR Kia Moore • ads@charlotteparent.com
MORRIS VISITOR PUBLICATIONS REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT Karen Rodriguez
PRESIDENT
Donna Kessler
DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING Donald Horton
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR Shelonda West
PUBLICATION MANAGER Kris Miller
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Cher Wheeler
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Logan Eason
CONTACT US charlotteparent.com 214 W. Tremont Ave., Suite 302, Charlotte, NC 28203 phone: 704-344-1980 • fax: 704-344-198 email: info@charlotteparent.com advertising@charlotteparent.com • editorial@charlotteparent.com Circulation 40,000. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. Charlotte 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 written 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 President William S. Morris III Will S. Morris IV
PARENTING MEDIA ASSOCIATION
2014 Bronze Award Winner Editorial Awards Competition
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WHAT’S NEW AT …
charlotteparent.com Books for Kids Cold days inside are great for curling up with a book. Open up their imaginations with new books for the new year. See what CharlotteMecklenburg Library specialists suggest as their favorites for different age and stages.
Faces and Places
Fit Family Challenge
Snapshots of kids just being kids are the best.
We’re motivating families to get moving together in
Each month we are featuring a real-life moment
2015. If getting healthy is on your family’s new year
that has a story behind it. Maybe it’s simply
agenda, be a spotlight family in our 2015 Fit Family
standing at the door and waving bye to mom
Challenge. Spotlight families get customized fitness
or dad, or it could be a splish-splashing fun
and nutrition advice to match their family’s lifestyle,
time on vacation. One winner will be selected
and earn prizes along the way.
each month to be featured in the magazine and
receive a prize.
…/blogs
…/fitfamilychallenge Birthday Party Time
…/contests
No need to worry about birthday party planning anymore. Find more
Play and Create Craft Books
than 200 local party
Enter to win the “Recipes for Play” and “Creative Play” craft
entertainers, venues and
books for activities to help keep the winter blues at bay.
suppliers in our Birthday
Contest ends Jan. 18.
Party Planning Directory.
…/contests
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twitter.com/ charlotteparent
pinterest.com/ charlotteparent
…/party
instagram.com/ charlotteparent
› FYI ‘100 Days of Real Food’ Makes Best-Seller List
Air Charlotte The city that knows a little something about Air Jordan has landed another indoor trampoline park. Visitors can make like Michael the basketball player at Sky Zone Charlotte, which features a SkySlam Basketball court plus such fun spots as Open Jump, Ultimate Dodgeball, a Foam Zone and more. Opened last fall by a company that has more than 70 other locations in North America and Australia, Sky Zone also is available for such outings as birthday parties, dodgeball tourneys, workout classes, fund-raising events, corporate team-building and class field trips. 10200 Centrum Pkwy., Pineville (across from Carolina Place Mall), 704.208.4040. www.skyzone.com/Charlotte More places to jump: DefyGravity Charlotte defygravity.us Sky High Sports cha.jumpskyhigh.com
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Lisa Leake just wanted to give her family the very best when she, her husband and two daughters, ages 3 and 5 at the time, went on a journey of 100 days of real food. That meant they ate nothing processed — no white sugar, no white flour and nothing with more than five ingredients — for 100 days. She decided to blog about that journey, and four years later, she has turned her wildly popular blog into a book, “100 Days of Real Food,” that published in the fall and made the NY Times best-seller list. We talked to Leake, who lives in Matthews, about how she did it and got some tips on how to make it work in any household. CP: It’s the start of a new year, for families ready to make a fresh start where do they begin? LL: The best place to begin is in your own pantry. Start by reading ingredient labels and looking for products that are made with five or less whole ingredients. Slowly start getting rid of everything else because it’s much easier to avoid processed food when it’s not in the house. CP: What were initial struggles from your family about changing their diets? LL: The biggest challenge for us was my younger daughter who would only eat one vegetable before all of this – and it was frozen peas! Once we decided to take our pledge though I started trying a lot harder, which meant offering her a variety of
vegetables cooked a variety of ways on a regular basis. It was tiring at times, but she eventually stopped turning her nose up to the new foods and (after many failed attempts) today she loves salad, broccoli and even Brussels sprouts. CP: How can families do this on a budget? LL: I sit down and spend time each week deciding what dinners I’ll make and what groceries I need to buy. We got the budget question a lot during our first pledge, so we took another 100-day pledge on a budget of $125 per week (for the four of us). It wasn’t always easy, but we didn’t starve or ever have to succumb to processed food. With a little creativity it can definitely be done. See more from our conversation with Leake, at CharlotteParent.com/wellness.
Lisa Leake, blogger and author of the book “100 Days of Real Food” with her husband and daughters.
TEEN OPENS INSTRUMENT LENDING LIBRARY Davy Fee, a senior at Rocky River High School and a junior member of The Charlotte Folk Society, is making music a little more accessible to the community. Fee created The Charlotte Folk Society Instrument Lending Library as his Eagle Scout project. Fee says he has high hopes for the library, including monthly “jam sessions” so that more people in the community discover the beauty of folk music. Currently stocked with 20 instruments, ranging from a fiddle to an ukulele, Fee
charlotteparent.com
is always looking for quality instrument donations. Located at Plaza Presbyterian Church, library instruments are available for check out by appointment. For a $30 deposit fee, instruments can be borrowed for up to two months. To check out instruments, you must be at least 18 years of age or accompanied by an adult, who must then fill out a cosigner form. Anyone looking to borrow an instrument can make an appointment with Davy via email at davofee@gmail.com.
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FYI
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community
CMS TEACHERS LEAD NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools ranks fourth in the nation in number of National Board-certified teachers with 1,995 of the district’s teaching staff having earned the certification. The ranking, compiled by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, also shows that CMS ranked fourth in the number of newly certified teachers in 2014 with 82 earning the designation. The National Board seeks to advance the quality of teaching and learning by setting rigorous standards and advocating for educational reform. Across the nation, more than 110,000 teachers have earned the National Board certification. “The rigorous process of certification, combined with the many opportunities to reflect on teaching practice and collaborate with others, helps our teachers improve instruction,” says Deputy Superintendent Ann Clark. Research conducted on behalf of the National Board has shown that certification has a positive impact on student achievement. North Carolina has 20,611 National Board-certified teachers, more than any other state. CMS is ranked second in number of certified teachers among districts in North Carolina. National Board certification is valid for 10 years and can be renewed. In 2014, 69 teachers in CMS renewed their certification. New and renewed teachers in CMS will be honored with a ceremony in February.
Thomas Davis’ Perfect Day Carolina Pathers’ linebacker Thomas Davis is a leader on and off the field, serving as a team captain and running his nonprofit Defending Dreams Foundation.
A Guide to Manhood From how to throw darts and build a savings
Here’s how he likes to spend a day Chapter topics include women and
account to how to break up with a girl and
dating, social skills and manners, work and
find a stud in the wall, local author and dad
ethics, wealth and money management,
Jonathan Catherman serves up commonsense
grooming and personal hygiene, clothes
tips for men-in-the-making in “The Manual
and style, sports and recreation (with all the
to Manhood: How to Cook the Perfect Steak,
basics for a mean game of horseshoes or
Change a Tire, Impress a Girl and 97 Other
how to swing a golf club), cars and driving,
Skills You Need to Survive.” The step-by-step
food and cooking, and tools and fix-it. Each
guide offers light-hearted, insightful advice on
topic is covered in less than three pages, and
how to avoid embarrassment and prepare to
offers straightforward tips broken out with
impress.
information on what you need and steps to get the task done. $14.99, amazon.com.
off the field with his family. 8 AM: WAFFLES, PLEASE.
I wake up and cook breakfast for my family, which is something I take pride in doing and is something that they love for me to do. But if we’re going out to eat, we love to visit Terrace Café. My kids are big fans of their red velvet waffles. 11 AM: FAMILY FUN. We like to take our kids to the park (Colonel Francis Beatty Park), and just spending time with them. Our kids are very active and they love getting out and doing things, so I try to encourage them to do that. 2 PM: LUNCH ON THE RUN.
If we’re having a late lunch and just grabbing something quick, like a good burger spot, we’ll go to Red Robin. 4 PM: RELAXATION. We’ll just kick back at home for a little while.
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FYI
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life
EXPERIMENT IN THE KITCHEN Liz Lee Heinecke, author of “Kitchen Science Lab for Kids: 52 Family-Friendly Experiments From Around the House” gives parents an opportunity to make science a fun and educational experience for children. Instead of using fancy equipment and dangerous chemicals, each recipe requires you to use household items like milk and aluminum foil. Inside the unconventional recipe book, you can also find creative enrichment tools, as well as an informational box used to explain the science behind the fun. $24.99. quarrybooks.com.
4 Free Apps for Good Health Nudge Answer four questions to get your “Nudge Factor” score, then Nudge rates your health on a scale of 1 to 110. Connect fitness devices and compare health data to what friends and family are posting. Available for iPhone and Android devices. nudgeyourself.com. Map My Run Touted by health industry publications and websites as the No. 1 running app, users can map their routes, track their runs, log food consumed and share data with friends and family. Available for iPhone, Android and Blackberry devices. mapmyrun.com/app. Fitocracy Earn points, beat quests and unlock achievements as you complete expertly designed workouts, set by set. Your virtual coach works with you daily to motivate you and keep you on track. Available for iPhone and Android devices. fitocracy.com. Fitness Buddy Choose from 75 customizable workouts, 1,000 videos and 1,700 exercises to create a routine that matches your lifestyle, goals and fitness level. Track weight and body measurements using graphs. Available for iPhone and Android devices. fitnessbuddyapp.com.
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ORGANIZE FOR A FRESHER 2015 Scientific evidence shows that clutter can cause health problems, including decreased immunity, stress and depression. January is National Get Organized Month. Alison Brigham, founder and president of Charlottebased Queens of Clutter, offers four tips to get you and your family on your way to less mess and a more organized life. FRESHEN THE FRIDGE Clean out your pantry and refrigerator. Discard old, expired and spoiled items, then separate healthy foods from “junk” foods and toss anything you don’t want to be tempted to eat. DESIGNATE A DROP-OFF SPACE Create a functional area by the entryway for kids to place their shoes, coats and hats, to keep the germs picked up throughout the day from spreading through the house. ORGANIZE PAPERWORK At minimum, establish a home for all incoming bills and paperwork, and designate one day a week to pay them to avoid stress over missed bills. START SMALL When de-cluttering, start with one small area, whether it is one surface or a corner of a room, the move onto the next area. As the clutter leaves your physical space you’ll be amazed at the increasing sense of health and well-being.
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FYI
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style
Baby, it’s cold outside!
1.
Snuggle up in these cold-weather picks that will have you feeling cozy and cute. BY LAUREN BELL ISAACS
3.
2.
6.
4.
5.
5.
1.
Cable-knit Pompom Cap, oldnavy.com, $12
3. 5.
Monroe Studs, moonandlola.com, $38
I’m So Fancy Coffee Mug, moonandlola.com, $28
6.
2. Eversoft V-neck Sweater, gap.com, $39.95 4. Slimshortie Boot, sorel.com, $130
Kennebunk Home ‘Doe a Deer’ Throw, nordstrom.com, $58
Lauren Bell Isaacs is the digital media specialist for Carolina Parent.
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FYI
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health
Tics in Kids and What to do About Them Shoulder shrugging, nose wrinkling, head twitching, throat clearing, eye blinking and more. Tics, by definition, are involuntary, brief (usually less than one second) motor movements that can happen anywhere from 10 to 100 times a day, says Scott Spies, pediatrician at Novant Health Matthews Children’s Clinic. “Tics are pretty common, occurring in approximately 20 percent of children at some point,” he says. “Tics mostly occur between the ages of 6 and 10, and typically affect boys more than girls, 3 to 1.” Tics don’t occur during sleep, which is one clue that a tic, and not something else, is at play. “Tics tend to be a good barometer of stress in kids,” Spies says. “I encourage parents to use a child’s tic as a gauge for when to back off and take it easy on them.” The biggest key is to downplay tics with your child. “The more you talk about it, the worst it gets, typically,” Spies says. “The vast majority of tics in kids will go away in just a few months; it’s very rare to see it go on more than a year, and even then most go away completely.” Parents should consult a pediatrician if tics last longer than a year, or cause distress or bullying in school. “The less you focus on tics, the better off children are,” Spies says, adding that parents should never punish children for tics, which are out of a child’s control.
5 Ideas for Indoor Exercise The temperature may have dropped but that doesn’t mean your heart rate has to. Incorporate a few of these
Winning the Battle of Picky Eaters
fun exercises from the Kids Making Healthy Choices app into your family’s
If the battle over healthy eating is causing guilt
that they are getting the best combination of
daily routine to keep active on frosty
trips for you and the kids, make incorporating
nutrients.
days better spent inside.
fruits and vegetables into your family’s daily
Juices and smoothies are an excellent way
lifestyle easier with these ideas from “My First
to feature fruits and veggies, and can mask bitter
1 | DANCE. Turn on your family’s
Juices and Smoothies, Healthy Recipes Kids Will
vegetable tastes with sweet fruit. To keep the kids
favorite music and jump around for
Love” by Amanda Cross.
interested, create a calendar for the week and let
an easy and fun way to burn calories.
When introducing new food groups,
them mark off what colors went into their juices
remember it’s all about keeping your kids
or smoothies for each day of the week. Best of all,
enthusiastic. On your next shopping experience
you’ll know that your kids are getting their daily
allow your children to shop the “rainbow,”
nutrients without a fight.
picking out a colorful range of produce to ensure
2 | HULA HOOP. Make sure everyone
has enough space to do this exercise. Make it challenging by seeing who can keep their hula-hoop around their waist the longest. 3 | SHADOW BOXING. This can be
a great full body workout to get your heart pumping. Kids can make this fun by “shuffling and ducking” as if they are in a boxing ring. 4 | YOGA. Practice balance and
strength through fluid motions that even the kids can enjoy. 5 | CRUNCHES. Challenge the kids
and yourself to do as many sit ups as they can while the commercials are on.
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FYI
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education
2015-16 CMS Magnet Schools Lottery Open The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools online School Options Lottery is open through Jan. 26 at 10 p.m. CMS is offering 52 school options for the 2015-2016 school year with magnet themes, including Montessori; science technology, engineering, arts and math; International Baccalaureate; visual and performing arts; and world languages. Students new to CMS in the 2015-2016 school year must be enrolled by Jan. 12 to be eligible for the first magnet lottery. Students who enroll after Jan. 12 will be eligible for the second magnet lottery that runs from March 9 to June 5. One-hour information sessions are available in the morning, afternoon or evening through Jan. 26 at the Smith Family Center, located at 1600 Tyvola Road; and the annual School Options Fair takes place from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 10 at Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology. The school options lottery application is available on the CMS website. CMS also provides free computer access at CMS Learning Community offices, CMS schools and the Smith Family Center through Jan. 26, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Families can contact Student Placement for assistance from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 980-343-5335. Look for assignment notifications letters in mid-February.
Hands-on History for Home-Schoolers With the number of families choosing to home-school on the rise, local venues are
Time to Change Tutors?
slavery. Trunks are available for a fee of $30 per
Most parents expect to see results
week and can be renewed up to three weeks.
within a couple months of a tutor working with a child. When no
providing special programs for the home-
Historic Latta Plantation also hosts
school community. Home-school students
Discover Latta Home School Days, with
progress is being made, you may be
can open up a historical treasure trove
the next taking place Feb. 11 and another
ready to call it quits. Before you do,
through Historic Latta Plantation’s Traveling
following in May. Discover Latta Home School
consider these things.
Trunks program. The trunks contain history
Day includes hands-on activities and an
in tangible form, filled with books about how
educational program that revolve around a
1 | TEAMWORK
people lived in the 18th and 19th century,
historical topic. Each program is developed
Have the teacher and tutor been
replica clothing that was worn during that
to meet specific Common Core, social studies
working together, talking about
time, plus games and toys that children
and science requirements for grades K-12.
exactly the help your child needs?
enjoyed. Trunk topics include plantation life,
For more information, call 704-875-2312.
the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and
lattaplantation.org.
2 | DYNAMICS
Before making the decision to find a new tutor, consult with your child: Does he or she like working with the tutor? How helpful does the child feel the tutor has been? 3 | TIME
Some children may need a great deal of help in some subjects to catch up with the work being done in the classroom. In this case, progress will not be apparent immediately. Results of a good tutoring program should Children participate in a hands-on history lesson at Latta Plantation.
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usually be seen in 10 to 20 weeks.
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TECH TALK Multisensory Experiences Technology, by nature, strips down reality. No matter how cute the puppy is on the screen, he isn’t real so what your child learns is inevitably limited. Mess and disorder are often part of quality play. If possible, set aside an area where kids can roughhouse, use art supplies and leave complicated projects in progress.
Physical Activities Using devices may also cut into the time children have for playing tag, riding bikes and turning somersaults. Make time to locate and visit playgrounds or green spaces in your community.
Open-ended Play
Disconnect to Rediscover Playtime BY CAROLYN JABS
B
abies reach for their parents’ smartphones before they can talk. Toddlers prefer bedtime stories read on a tablet. Preschoolers clamor for interactive games. No
wonder a recent study from the Pew Internet Project found that parents are more likely to download apps than other people who own interactive devices. There’s no question that kids like apps, but are they actually good for them? Some experts in childhood development worry that kids are spending too much time with screens and not enough time with 3-D play. The Kaiser Family Foundation now estimates that the average child spends almost eight hours a day engaged with television, computers and portable devices, squeezing out more traditional play activities. Experts define play as any activity or game initiated by a child. They believe open-ended, child-led play is crucial to development for at least two reasons: n Participating in play allows children to master complex physical, mental and emotional challenges, giving them confidence in their abilities to function in the outer world. n Initiating play allows a child to follow his or her whims and fantasies, exploring
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a unique inner landscape that leads to discovering what’s interesting, motivating and inspiring. Quality interactive experiences may give children a sense of mastery, but they aren’t particularly good at promoting selfdiscovery. In fact, some apps may actually stifle imagination. For many years, experts have warned that video games encourage kids to watch and react rather than reflect and create. Now it seems likely that parents should also pay attention to apps that impose an adult agenda on play, turning kids into consumers instead of explorers. Restoring genuine playtime isn’t simply a matter of keeping kids away from screens. Parents can set the stage and create what the Alliance for Childhood calls “Time for Play, Every Day.” Here are some qualities that make play most rewarding for children and, for that matter, adults.
Interactive devices are programmed. Someone else has already determined what will happen in response to children’s actions. Free play may also have rules, but children create — and change — these rules. Following a child’s lead is often difficult for parents who may be tempted to show a child how to do things “better.” Put your urge to “help” on hold. If you join in your child’s play, ask questions and let your child come up with the answers.
Social Interaction When kids interact more with digital devices, they often interact less with people. Children learn to cooperate by playing with other children. Also, there’s growing evidence that adults who stay in touch with their playfulness throughout life are healthier, happier and more successful. Interactive devices definitely have a place in the lives of 21st century children — as well as their parents. The trick is finding balance. You may hand your smartphone to your child during a ride to the park, but once you get there, turn off all devices, run through the grass, kick a ball, dig in the sand and abandon yourselves to good old-fashioned playtime. Carolyn Jabs raised three computer-savvy kids, including one with special needs. Visit growing-up-online.com to read some of her other columns.
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GROWING UP items organized, says Karen Meadows, supervisor of grades K-8 counseling for Guilford County Schools in Greensboro. First, create a spot for school papers at home — a hanging file folder or wall file works well — as well as a special place for your child to put papers that need a parent’s attention, like permission slips or class newsletters. Set a daily time for homework and provide the tools your student needs to stay on track, like a timer and calendar. Help your child develop a few good habits: emptying his or her backpack at the end of the school day, writing assignment due dates on the calendar and chunking up big projects into smaller, more manageable tasks.
Coming Clean: Organizational Skills for Kids BY MALIA JACOBSON
D
oes your child’s bedroom look like a tornado recently swept through? What about her backpack or school locker? If your little pack rat can’t seem to find
homework projects, library books or a favorite pair of shoes, it may be time to instill some organization. Strong organizational skills serve children well through grade school, college and beyond, and help prevent the daily stress of hunting down lost items — not to mention tardy slips, missed buses and late classwork. Experts say that even the most disorderly kids can learn to be more organized, beginning in toddlerhood. Here’s how to get started, at any age. AGES 2-5
Model Behavior Do you complain about after-dinner cleanup or moan about making your bed? Your toddler will pick up on your attitude about organization, says behavioral psychologist Richard Rende, associate professor of psychiatry and human behavior at Brown Medical School in Providence, Rhode Island. Model a positive attitude about daily tidying up to foster cooperation in tiny tots. Children as young as 18 months can begin learning basic guidelines for organization. (Just don’t expect a spotless bedroom quite yet!) Set a few simple family
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rules, such as cleaning up one activity before starting another, or always putting dirty clothes in the hamper — and follow through. Young children can learn and sing a “cleanup song” when it’s time to put toys away or create a sticker chart for recognition of a job well done. AGES 6-12
Schoolwork Shuffle Homework assignments, permission slips and other school paperwork can pile up for grade-schoolers — and losing track of school papers creates a hassle for both students and parents. Now’s the time to begin teaching children how to keep school
AGES 13-18
Schedule Sync If anyone needs a well-ordered schedule, it’s a teenager. Between academics, afterschool jobs and extracurricular activities, a teen’s daily routine can be incredibly hectic. Help teens learn vital organization skills to manage a busy schedule, but make sure they are the ones doing the organizing to keep the focus on skillbuilding. “Collaborate with your teen to develop organizational strategies. Their buy-in is important. Teens are more prone to follow through with strategies if they’ve been a part of the decision-making process,” Meadows says. Visual cues can help a scattered teen stay organized, so invest in a white board or a large write-on calendar for a teen’s bedroom. Use a teen’s love of all things tech to teach self-management skills, including apps with daily schedule reminders, homework calendars, and task timers. Once teens clean up their act, Meadows says, praise consistent progress. “The best way to always be organized is to stay organized!” Malia Jacobson is an award-winning health and parenting journalist and mom of three.
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DADDY DEREK hair while tweezers got what was tough to tame. I’m able to push my hair issues aside until a few weeks later. I’m getting a haircut and as my stylist is finishing up I feel the electric trimmers buzz my ears. “Just cleaning up a little bit of hair on your ears,” she says. Someone other than my kid is calling it out. I crack a joke about my kids and the stress of 20 hours of live TV a week making me feel old. She mentions that I’ve got a few white hairs upfront too. It’s official. I’m old! Why does no one warn you that these changes happen so soon? If you are in your 40s or 50s I’m sure you are shaking your head and thinking I don’t know the half of “getting old.” If a bunch of crazy stuff is going to happen when I hit those next milestones, I’d appreciate a heads up. I called a friend of mine who
Prematurely Aging Dad BY DEREK JAMES
A
t 35-years-old I am a prematurely aging dad and I can’t stop. I recently came to this conclusion after the physical evidence started piling up. It all started while
cuddled up on the couch with my 6-year-old son Tyler. “Daddy, why do you have so much hair in your nose?” I had no idea, so all I could tell him was “Umm. Hair grows in all sorts of places when you get big.” I’ve had nose hair for several years, no big deal. I’ve got a trimmer that does a nice job of keeping my nose from looking like an exploded party favor. I’m sure all guys my age trim their nose hairs weekly.
Tyler’s follow up question is where things started to turn for the worse. “What about all the hair coming out of your ears?” Seriously? I had no idea I had ANY hair coming out of my ears let alone enough to be described as ALL. Now that is an official “you’re getting old” sign. I was so shocked that I don’t
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think I replied at all. I got up, ran to the bathroom and started examining my ears. Sure enough, I had some ear hair but it hadn’t reached Andy Rooney or Ewok level yet. I mean, I work in television. Someone would tell me if my ear air was out of control, right? Again, I let the trimmer get rid of some of the
is a bit older than me and he was able to make me feel better in seconds. He told me, “You have a full head of hair. Perfect hair. TV hair!” He was right. I do have perfect TV hair. Now I won’t have to go into an early midlife crisis. All kidding aside, I have realized that while I have lots of hair where it isn’t wanted or needed, I also have it where it counts. More importantly, this Ewok is still having fun in his 30s — fun with my wife, my kids, my friends and coworkers. My Friday nights may not be as exciting as they once were now that I’m a dad. These days staying awake long enough to watch “Shark Tank” is an accomplishment. I’m a 35-year-old prematurely aging dad and that’s OK. Derek James is a host of WCCB News Rising, and lives with his wife and two sons, ages 3 and 6. Read more from Derek in his Daddy Derek blog at CharlotteParent.com/blogs.
MIND OVER
Matter BY COURTNEY MCLAUGHLIN
How mindfulness is helping children improve learning and channel calmness
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woman stands in front of an elementary school classroom. She tells students she is going to ring a bell. Your job, she says, is to count the rings. In another school, second graders sit at their desks, each focusing on a single marshmallow. They are instructed not to touch it, eat it, or throw it across the room. I want you to remember how it feels, the leader says, to want to put the marshmallow in your mouth and to have to wait. The above exercises are commonly used in mindfulness training. Counting bell rings develops mindful listening and the marshmallow activity forces participants to feel an emotion before acting on it. Mindfulness is defined as the practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one’s thoughts, emotions or experiences on a momentto-moment basis. Rooted in Buddhism, it was introduced in the west by Jon Kabat-Zinn through his MindfulnessBased Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. This part art, part science practice that includes breathing techniques and self-calming exercises is now making its way into educational settings, and research shows it’s working.
Are We Born Mindful? Being mindful isn’t as difficult as it may sound. In fact, some argue we are born with the natural ability to notice, empathize and be in the moment. “Just notice how a baby becomes enthralled by the sensory experience of touching a piece of fruit or a toy, or how a toddler explores a bug in the yard,” wrote Stephan Bodian, psychotherapist and teacher of mindfulness and spiritual awakening, on his Mental Workout blog. “Rather than teaching your children something they don’t know, remember that you’re
encouraging them to practice and cultivate a skill they already have but can easily lose in the push to live up to the expectations of others.” Jennifer Hawthorne, licensed psychologist and Charlotte mom, uses mindful principals in her private practice and her home life. “The cool thing about mindfulness in kids is they are naturally mindful, you just have to give them permission,” Hawthorne says. Children are natural noticers, but of course all this noticing can be frustrating when you need to get out the door and to the next place, she admits. “Mindfulness is intentionally pausing, noticing and allowing. Catch them already being mindful and hold the space for that,” she says.
Finding Balance in Schools The Wellness Works in Schools program was inspired by two Lancaster, Pennsylvania principals who were at a loss about what to do in their troubled schools. Trainers of this innovative health and wellness program go into local schools and lead students and faculty through specific mindfulness curriculum, including exercises for self-quieting, problemsolving, relation and emotional balance. “Sit down and pay attention does not work. What does work is when kids are part of the process and can gain self regulation and self control,” says Rick Kinder, co-founder of Wellness Works in Schools. Hawthorne experienced first-hand how mindful curriculum can work in a classroom after teaching an eightweek mindfulness course to second graders at a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools elementary school. After the two-month session, students reported becoming more aware of their surroundings, having an easier time falling asleep and slowing down. “I learned to take deep breaths when
I’m angry,” one student noted. Half of the students also reported teaching mindfulness techniques to someone else.
Staying in the Moment Mindfulness techniques are also being used to help children with different learning needs, including those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In a 2011 study published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies, parents reported reduced ADHD-behavior in their children after an eight-week mindfulness program. In her private practice, Hawthorne works with children with special learning needs and incorporates mindfulness exercises into therapy. One of her clients with ADHD often moves too quickly, making it difficult for her to focus on a task or relax. “We start the session and set an alarm for every three minutes, then she stops, takes a breath and notices her speed.” Hawthorne also uses decorated pebbles to help clients name and focus on feelings while incorporating calming breaths. Existing in the present moment is tough for anyone, but adolescents and teenagers face particular daunting odds, says Jessica Bloomfield, licensed psychologist at Southeast Psych in Charlotte. “I think teens are pulled in several directions,” she says. Between social media, homework, jobs, friends and parents, their attention is constantly being diverted. She utilizes breathing exercises and other mindful practice techniques to help her teenage clients focus on being in the moment. “The idea is you are using mindfulness to create self awareness and be more connected to yourself.” Bloomfield also uses mindfulness exercises to promote nonjudgment and help teens accept their feelings – whether good or bad. “The teen years are such a
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time of identity formation. Part of how kids know who they are is by connecting to what they feel,” she adds. If you think your teen or adolescent would benefit from mindful practice Bloomfield encourages parents to lead by example. Shut the phones off at the dinner table, take time to be in the moment and really focus on the task whether doing dishes or working out. “Parents can demonstrate without being explicit about it, they can set a good example.” There are many useful apps available. She suggests utilizing those created by or endorsed by a professional counseling center to take mindfulness with you on the go. Meagan Cowan, co-founder and program director for Mindful Schools in California, is encouraged by how mindfulness can help children with special educational needs, but warns mindfulness is a practice, not a magic pill. “People read into it it’s a general panacea but it’s an ongoing exploration that needs time,” Cowan says. That said, taking the principals of mindfulness and applying them to stressful situations or diagnoses can make a challenging situation easier by removing judgment and moving towards acceptance, she says.
Step One: You Leading a life focused on mindfulness begins with you – the parent, the teacher, the mentor or the friend. Cowan says beginning a mindful practice can foster an awareness you might not realize has been lost.
Beginning
Case in point, Cowan asks: Do you remember how you got to work today, or did your car just get you there? Have you ever been reading a book and when you got to the bottom of the page, you didn’t know what you read? When was the last time your kids started talking and you suddenly realize you have no idea what the conversation is about? “Mindfulness is rebuilding our capacity for attention,” she says. “When we are not paying attention, we are not usually aware of when we stopped,” she says. Mindfulness creates a slowing down in a culture constantly asking us to speed up. “Because of the state of our culture and society, there’s not as much natural pause in our day to day life.” The missing or elimination of the “pause” can cause havoc on our bodies and concentration, she says. “When mindfulness is given time each day, we are giving our nervous system a break from having to respond to all of the stimulus.” This much-needed break could lead to living a more meaningful and effective life. “Being in the moment, living this moment right now. It’s not judgment. It’s wisdom and compassion, the connection of mind and body,” Kinder says. “At a practical level its kind of stress management, at a deeper level it’s a step-by-step instruction in being human,” Hawthorne says. Courtney McLaughlin is a Charlotte native, freelance writer, mother of a terrific 9-year-old daughter, and is remembering how to breathe.
BRINGING MINDFULNESS HOME If you are looking for a good way to begin integrating mindfulness into your home, there are many books and websites that offer activities and tips on how to ease mindfulness into your family routine. “Sitting Still Like a Frog” by Eline Snel. The book contains helpful practices that focus on helping children sleep better, deal with worry and manage anxiety with short examples and anecdotes throughout. The publication also comes with an audio CD with guided meditations. “Planting Seeds” by Thich Nhat Hanh. Based on Thich Nhat Hanh’s teaching of mindfulness and compassion, this book provides activities, songs and exercises to build a foundation of mindfulness. Lessons include mindful breathing and walking, inviting the bell, pebble meditation, eating meditation, dealing with conflict and strong emotions. Left Brain Buddha creator Sarah Rudell Beach is a teacher, writer, mother and mindfulness enthusiast. She describes her website leftbrainbuddha.com as a place to learn about living and parenting mindfully, joyfully, and thoughtfully, especially in left-brain, analytical lives. The site includes blog posts, a resource library and monthly newsletter.
• Keep mindfulness opportunities light and inviting, and let children step in. • Notice natural moments together.
MINDFULNESS
• Focus and be aware of your breathing.
Exper ts on mindful practices recommend these tips and tricks to begin mindfulness with your family.
• Take a few breaths with your family before heading out the door to start the day.
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• Read books about mindfulness to your children, and ask for feedback. • Teach by example.
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SUNNY ‘D’ SHINE Making sure your child gets enough vitamin D BY KATHLEEN M. REILLY
W
hen you were a kid, getting enough vitamin D wasn’t often an issue. If you weren’t in school, you were running around outside. You were exposed to the
sunlight, and that was enough to power up your body’s vitamin D. And your parents? They probably endured a spoonful of cod liver oil every night to cover their needs. But that’s not the case for today’s kids. During the past five years, the number of children with a vitamin D deficiency has increased by more than 200 percent, according to a study by the United Kingdom-based public-awareness campaign Vitamin D Mission. The lack of vitamin D could be because kids aren’t going outside as much, or because
foods, but it’s mostly in fatty fish. And there aren’t a lot of kids who readily eat a lot of fatty fish!” It’s also in fortified milk, but Kennedy suggests choosing wisely. “Because it needs to bind to a fat to work, you should use at least 1 percent milk. Skim milk won’t have the fat vitamin D really needs to work efficiently.”
of the rise in the use of sunscreen, which is, naturally, very important for its own reasons.
How Much Do Kids Need?
But it leaves today’s parents wondering: Is my child getting enough?
The good news is, it doesn’t take a lot of effort for kids to get the vitamin D they need. Laura Reavis, a clinical dietitian for Cone Health Nutrition and Diabetes Management Center in Greensboro, says infants up to 12 months old need 400 IU (international units, the standard for measurement) daily. “If they’re formulafed, it’s most likely fortified with the correct amount of vitamin D,” she says, but check the label if you want to be sure. If your baby is nursing, you’ll want to give him a supplement, because it’s not present in breast milk. For kids older than age 1 — and adults up to age 70 — the recommended daily allowance is 600 IU. “Vitamin D is really most important for kids during periods of rapid growth,” Reavis says. “So, that first year when
Vitamin D Primer “Vitamin D isn’t actually a vitamin,” explains Maria Kennedy, a dietitian and nutritionist in Cary. “It’s actually a hormone.” Vitamin D, in other words, isn’t the end game — it’s a starting player that makes things happen in our bodies. Scientists believe it works like this: Skin contains a substance called provitamin D. When exposed to sunlight, provitamin D begins to change into vitamin D. But then it has to be “activated,” so it travels to the liver, where it undergoes a chemical change. After that, it takes a trip through the bloodstream to the kidneys, where it goes through another change to become the
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active form our bodies can use. “Vitamin D is most important for good bone health,” Kennedy says. “It helps your bones absorb calcium. So, when kids weren’t getting enough sunlight, they’d become vitamin D deficient. They’d end up with a condition called rickets, where their bones became soft and weak.” Vitamin D goes to work doing other things, too. Research shows it boosts the immune and nervous systems, and may even help battle diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease and multiple sclerosis. So, how can kids get their vitamin D? “Mainly from the sun,” Kennedy says. “You can’t get vitamin D from too many
infants are growing rapidly, it’s important. Then again during the adolescent growth spurt, you want to be sure your child is getting enough.” If your child is getting her vitamin D from the sun, there’s no need for her to go outside and stand in the middle of the yard for several hours. The ultraviolet radiation waves known as UVB start vitamin D formation, and those waves shine down best around noon. “Exposure for about 20 minutes at noon without sunscreen is enough to make vitamin D and store it,” Reavis says. Here’s some really cool news: Human bodies can store vitamin D, so if children spend time outside during the summer, Reavis says, typically enough vitamin D will be stored in their fat cells to last them through winter.
What You Can Do “It’s really not terribly difficult to make sure kids are getting enough vitamin D,” says Dr. Marty Baker, a pediatrician with
Carolinas Healthcare in Charlotte. If you have an infant who’s on formula, check the label to see if she’s getting enough. And if you have an infant who’s nursing, talk to her doctor about providing a supplement in a liquid dropper. But follow the guidelines closely. The Food and Drug Administration cautions parents to only use the dropper that comes with the bottle of vitamin D to avoid toxicity. “And sometimes people think, ‘If one drop is good, 10 would be better,’” Baker says. That’s not the case with vitamin D, since it’s not watersoluble and it’s possible to overdose. “There’s overload on the kidneys,” Baker explains. “So if it says five drops, do five drops. Not 50 or 15.” If you’re concerned about your child going outside without sunscreen, it’s not an all-or-nothing scenario. “If sunscreen were perfect, it would protect us from skin cancer while allowing us to get our vitamin D,” Baker says. Since that’s not the case,
apply sunscreen to protect your child’s skin, but be sure he gets outside often to maximize the chances he’ll have enough exposure. Remember, it doesn’t take hours to store up on vitamin D — even several minutes every day is sufficient. It’s not easy to tell if your child is vitamin D deficient, but if he has pain in his legs or knees, or if he’s getting sick more often, that may be an indication, Reavis says. If you’re still unsure, Kennedy offers this advice: “If you’ve got a child who doesn’t spend time outside and who doesn’t drink fortified milk, ask the doctor to just have a blood test done,” she says. “It’s simple, it’s quick, and why worry about giving your kid extra vitamin D if they’re already getting what they need naturally?” Kathleen M. Reilly is a writer and mom in the Triangle. Visit her online at kathleenreilly.com.
SUPPLEMENT GUIDELINES FOR KIDS In a perfect world, we’d all get the nutrition we need from smart, well-balanced dietary choices. But sometimes life gets busy or kids get picky, and we worry that they’re not getting enough of what they need to be healthy. Here’s a quick cheat sheet on how much of these vitamins kids need:
AGE
VITAMIN A
VITAMIN B6
VITAMIN B12
VITAMIN C
VITAMIN D
VITAMIN E
VITAMIN K
(mcg)
(mg)
(mcg)
(mg)
(mcg)
(mg)
(mcg)
0-6 months
400
0.1
0.4
40
10
4
2
6-12 months
500
0.3
0.5
50
10
5
2.5
1-3 years
300
0.5
0.9
15
15
6
30
4-8 years
400
0.6
1.2
25
15
7
55
9-13 years
600
1.0
1.8
45
15
11
60
900 boys
1.3
2.4
75 boys
15
15
75
14-18 years
700 girls
65 girls
mcg = micrograms, mg = milligrams Data from the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine
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Just Keep Swimming: The Surprising Benefits of Winter Swim Lessons
BY ALYSSA CHIRCO
T
he American Red Cross estimates that more than 90 percent of families spend at least some time in the water during the summer months, so it makes sense that summer is the prime season for children’s swim lessons. But don’t be so quick to pull your kids out of the water just because the temperature has fallen outside. Consider the following ways in which kids can benefit when they “just keep swimming” throughout the winter season.
Mastery in the Water According to a 2009 study from the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, formal swim lessons can significantly reduce the risk of drowning, particularly in children between the ages of 1 and 4. Taking a break during the winter can set back young swimmers, especially toddlers and preschoolers, says Kelly Gaines, owner of Charlotte Aquatics. Though the main swimming season is the summer, just like any sport, children need time to prepare and train during the off-season. “Summer classes help children build strong swimming and water safety skills, but year-round lessons allow them to better retain those skills and move on to mastering more advanced skills faster,” says Mary Sue Crowley, owner of Charlotte Swim Academy.
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Keeping Active
A Cure for Cabin Fever
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. But parents often struggle to keep kids active, particularly during the winter months, when colder temperatures and fewer hours of daylight limit outdoor playtime and lead to a more sedentary lifestyle. Weekly swim lessons provide built-in insurance that children are going to get moving (and splashing) on a regular basis. Studies have found that children who swim typically have improved motor control, higher IQs, and better self-esteem, Gaines says. “Continuing swim lessons not only during the winter, but year round, keeps children actively engaged and growing both physically and mentally,” she says. “The reciprocal action of swimming — using opposite arm and opposite leg — creates great communication between both hemispheres of the brain. So not only are swimmers getting great exercise and developing great muscle control, they are improving the development of their brains.” Swimming works most of the body’s major muscle groups and carries a low risk of injury, making it an excellent form of exercise for growing children. Swimming also is an activity that most kids enjoy.
It’s common for children (and adults) to become bored and restless during the long winter months. Indoor activities like reading and playing video games can only provide so many hours of entertainment before kids feel the urge to run and jump and play, and parents begin to feel like they are going to lose their minds. When it’s too cold to head to the playground, a trip to an indoor pool makes for the perfect escape. During swim lessons, kids get to expend all of the excess energy that builds up after too much time spent indoors. They have an opportunity to see their friends, interact with their teachers and move their muscles as much as they need. Once class is over, they should be ready to rest — or at least play quietly — upon returning home. Bottom line: Routine winter swim lessons keep kids moving, and also allow them to develop the strong swimming skills needed to stay safe in the water. Maybe even more importantly, swim lessons give the entire family a reason to get out of the house before cabin fever sets in. Alyssa Chirco is a freelance journalist and mother of two. In an effort to avoid cabin fever, she and her children spend much of the winter at their local indoor pool.
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Is Your Preschooler
? BY LISSY WOOD
Y
our toddler asks questions — lots of them. All preschool children are inquisitive, but you suspect she might be different — maybe gifted. You could be right. Even very young children can show signs of precocity. As a parent, you will probably be the first to spot it. You observe your child daily and understand how she thinks, processes information and views the world. You are truly the best judge of your preschooler’s abilities. Experts look for certain behaviors and characteristics as indicators of giftedness. These are listed below, but keep in mind this is not an all-inclusive, definitive list.
Signs of a Gifted Child Early verbal skills. He or she talks earlier, uses expressive language, ask lots of questions to gain knowledge and has a large vocabulary. Early motor skills. He or she turns his or her head, sits up early as an infant, crawls or walks at a younger age. Intense interest in numbers and puzzles. He or she puts together a 20-piece puzzle at age 3 or has interest in telling time and how it affects day-to-day activities.
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Emotional sensitivity. He or she is empathetic to others and their feelings, and starts to observe differences with others who are the same chronological age. Long attention span. He or she maintains a longer attention span, even as an infant. Comfortable conversing with older children or adults. He or she finds it easier to talk to older children or adults due to advanced verbal and communication skills. Asynchronous development. This refers to the unequal development of intellectual, motor and emotional skills in children. A gifted 3-year-old might have basic reading skills common for a 6-year-old but still throw tantrums. Developmentally, basic reading is not common for the average 3-year-old, but throwing tantrums is within the range of developmentally appropriate behaviors.
How to Respond Every child is different. One gifted preschooler might exhibit multiple characteristics and behaviors, while another displays just one or two. If you see some of these signs in your child, consider responding in some way. Whether you invest in psycho-educational testing, enroll
your child in advanced academic programs on a trial basis, or simply seek out other parents of gifted preschoolers with whom you can exchange information, you’ll start to gain new perspectives and feel more positive about how your child fits into the world. It can be isolating for parents who suspect their child might be gifted because they feel they can no longer share “mommy stories” with other parents. Many parents feel that this comes across as bragging, exaggerating or outright lying to say their 4-year-old just read a chapter book. Many choose to stop talking about their gifted child altogether. Although parenting gifted preschoolers provides challenges and difficulties that vary from more typical parenting frustrations, searching for resources or a support group is the best way to understand your gifted preschool child. Contrary to belief, being gifted is not easy but with the right perspective and support, it can be a positive and rewarding experience for your child and your family. Lissy Wood is an educator with more than 14 years of experience. She has studied the needs of gifted students and is founder of Wake Gifted Academy.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
guide to
SCHOOLS
Find more school options at CharlotteParent.com/directories Early Beginnings Child Development Center
11330 Rozzells Ferry Road | 704-392-5530 earlybeginningscdc.com 6 weeks to Pre-K | Starting at $87/week Five-star child development center located in the Mountain Island area where children can grow emotionally, cognitively and physically all within a Christian atmosphere. Large classrooms, indoor/ outdoor recreation areas, and live web cameras for parents.
Field of Dreams Nurture and Education Center
Ivybrook Academy
1080 Edgewater Corporate Pkwy., Indian Land, S.C. | 803-549-0900 fieldofdreamscenter.com 6 weeks-10 years | $229-$270/week We ensure each child is provided individual nurturing and teaching by professional and loving staff. We have a fun natural playground, and parents can use the secure Internet cameras to view classroom activities.
Mallard Creek Presbyterian Preschool
Fort Mill and Weddington, S.C. | 704-845-2310 ivybrookacademy.com 1-6 years | Call for rates A half-day program that provides a progressive approach to early childhood education through Reggio Emilia and Montessori curriculum where children create, discover and nourish their potential as individuals.
Peace Preschool
1600 W. Mallard Creek Church Road | 704-549-9741 mallardcreekchurch.org 2-5 years | Fees vary based on age Now enrolling for our nurturing Christian environment. 7:1 student to staff ratio, iPads in every classroom, indoor and outdoor play areas, weekly trips to on-site library, weekly Children’s Church, many teachers with advanced degrees.
4418 Rea Road | 704-927-1687 mypeacepreschool.com 18 mos.-5 years. |Starting at $235/month Our mission is to have a loving, nurturing, and learning environment. Classes for toddler through transitional kindergarten. Enrollment is available to all children (international children are welcome) ages 18 months to 5 years.
South Charlotte Baptist Academy and Preschool
The Sunshine House Early Learning Academy
12416 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville | 704-544-7323 scbacademy.org 3-5 years | $380-$685/month SCBA is a close-knit family atmosphere. Founded in 2003, the Pre-K classrooms operate at a 15:1 teacher student ratio. A long-time member of the NCCSA and AACS. Phonics, reading and handwriting emphasis.
1-800-551-1561 sunshinehouse.com 6 weeks- 12 years | Affordable weekly tuition rates Choosing the right childcare is one of the most important decisions your family will make. With 38 years of experience, our company’s mission is to provide quality care and education to every child, every day. Locations in Charlotte, Ballantyne, Matthews, Mint Hill and Concord.
*Tuitions are annual unless otherwise noted
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PRESCHOOLS*
Christ Church Kindergarten
1412 Providence Road | 704-333-5818 Toddler-kindergarten | Fees vary by age A half-day preschool that strives to offer the community a program that encompasses the highest standards in early childhood education within a Christian environment of love and support. Our NAEYC accredited preschool allows each child to develop socially, intellectually, physically and spiritually.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
PRIVATE SCHOOLS*
Arborbrook Christian Academy
4823 Waxhaw Indian Trail Road, Matthews | 704-821-9952 arborbrook.org Grades K-12 | $5,297-$6,842 Four-day week Christian school “nourishing a love of learning, flourishing in Christ.” Small classes, in-depth academics, Biblical integration, hands-on methods, outdoor nature activities, narration, sports, arts, electives. Founded in 2005. 182 enrolled. 1:6 ratio.
Cannon School
5801 Poplar Tent Road, Concord | 704-786-8171 cannonschool.org Grades Jk-12 | $11,890-$19,590 Founded in 1969, Cannon School is an independent JrK-12 college preparatory school serving more than 950 students from Concord, Lake Norman, Charlotte, Salisbury and the University City area.
Charlotte Christian School
7301 Sardis Road | 704-366-5657 charlottechristian.com Grades JK-12 | $12,825-$18,580 Founded in 1950, Charlotte Christian School is a Christ-centered independent, nondenominational, college preparatory school serving students in grades JK-12. Enrollment: 1036; Student/Teacher Ratio: 12:1; Southern Association of Colleges and School Improvement (SACS-CASI) Accreditation; NCISAA Member.
Charlotte Jewish Day School
5007 Providence Road | 704-366-4558 cjdschool.org Grades JK-5 | $9,435-$13,944 A community Day School open to all Jewish families in the Charlotte area with a current enrollment of just over 100 children. Low teacher student ratios ensure a 21st century education in a nurturing environment.
Charlotte Preparatory School
212 Boyce Road | 704-366-5994 charlotteprep.org Grades PK-8 | $10,730-$17,650 Founded in 1971, Charlotte Preparatory School is an independent PreK-8th grade school attracting 400 students. Average class size is 15-20. Student-teacher ratio is 10:1. Accreditations: SACS, SAIS, AMS, ASCD, ISM, NAIS. *Tuitions are annual unless otherwise noted
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Back Creek Christian Academy
1827 Back Creek Church Road | 704-549-4101 Grades TK-10 | $4,700-$6,500 bccaschool.org BCCA is a TK-10th grade classical, Christian school with an emphasis on history, critical thinking, writing and speaking. BCCA students know they are part of the Back Creek Family.
Carmel Christian School
1145 Pineville-Matthews Road, Matthews | 704-849-9723 carmelchristian.org Grades K-12 | $8,478-$10,182 Ministry of Carmel Baptist Church, provides an excellent education built on biblical truth that equips students to reflect Christ to the world. Varsity, JV, Middle School drama, music, art, dance. Enrollment: 809. Ratio: 11:1. Founded in 1993.
Charlotte Country Day School
1440 Carmel Road | 704-943-4500 charlottecountryday.org Grades JK-12 | $15,000-$21,760 Founded in 1941, recognized for academic excellence, International Baccalaureate and international studies programs, technological resources, opportunities in arts, athletics, community service and leadership. Enrollment: 1,630; Student-teacher ration 10:1; 22 AP classes; SACS and SAIS accreditation.
Charlotte Latin School
9502 Providence Road | 704-846-1100 charlottelatin.org Grades TK-12 | $16,400-$20,650 Charlotte Latin is an accredited, independent, coeducational, nonsectarian, college-preparatory, day school serving 140 students in transitional kindergarten through twelfth grade. Latin’s Honor Code, mission, and dedicated teachers guide students’ academic and moral development.
Countryside Montessori School
4125 Johnston Oehler Road | 704-503-6000 countrysidemontessorischools.org 18 mos.-12 years | Visit website for rates Founded in 1981, Countryside Montessori School is the only independent school in North Carolina offering the complete cycle of Montessori education from toddler through college preparatory high school.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
800 Fullwood Lane, Matthews | 704-847-2385 covenantday.org Grades TK-12 | $6,400-$13,600 Covenant Day School is a TK-12 Christ-centered, college preparatory school. Enrollment: 830; after-school care; Christian affiliation, SACS and CSI accreditation; founded in 1989.
Davidson Day School
Cramerton Christian Academy
426 Woodlawn Ext., Cramerton | 704-824-2840 cramertonchristian.org Infants to Grade 12 | $3,600-$4,200 A Christian School dedicated to assisting parents in equipping their children spiritually, academically and physically so that they can experience God’s best in their lives.
The Epiphany School of Charlotte
750 Jetton St., Davidson | 704-237-5200 davidsonday.org 2 years-Grade 12 | $14,590-$15,800 The premier independent school in the Lake Norman area, Davidson Day School cultivates academic excellence through collaboration, creativity and character development. Each student is offered an active, challenging learning environment through our broad array of programs.
1000 E. Morehead St. | 704-496-9942 theepiphanyschool.com Grades 2-8| $18,250 Enrollment: 15; Student-teacher ratio: 1:4; Found in 2009. Social skills summer camp. Specializing in social communication and emotional skills curriculum in a safe and nurturing community.
Gaston Day School
Ivybrook Academy
2001 Gaston Day School Road, Gastonia | 704-864-7744 gastonday.org Grades PK-12 | $4,490-$15,050 Founded in 1967, Gaston Day School is a nonsectarian, college-preparatory school for grades pre-kindergarten through 12 with approximately 500 students. Gaston Day attracts students from a five-county area including Gaston, Mecklenburg and surrounding areas.
The John Crosland School
5146 Parkway Plaza Blvd. johncroslandschool.org Grades K-12 | $17,100-$20,500 The John Crosland School is an educational experience for children with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and Asperger’s that goes beyond the definition of school with 90 students enrolled. SAIS/SAICS accredited.
Liberty Preparatory Christian Academy
246 Blume Road, Mooresville | 704-660-3933 libertyprepnc.com Grades K-12 |$3,450-$4,850 Liberty Prep Christian Academy is a certified K-12 University-Model School. Liberty Prep was founded in 2010 and has steadily grown to over 240 students. The maximum class size is 16 students.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Covenant Day School
Weddington and Ft. Mill, S.C. | 704-845-2310 ivybrookacademy.com 1-6 years | Call for rates A half-day program that provides a progressive approach to early childhood education through Reggio Emilia and Montessori curriculum where children create, discover and nourish their potential as individuals.
Keystone Montessori School
283 Dorchester Place | 704-523-4338 keystonemontessorischool.org 3-12 years | $6,600-$9,300 A new nonprofit school that nurtures the natural development of children and follows AMI guidelines. A creative, inspiring, and joyful environment started in 2013 by two experience Montessori teachers and supportive parents.
Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools
1123 S. Church St. | 704-334-3273 macs-schools.com Grades PK-12 | $5,315-$13,348 Nine schools located through the Charlotte Mecklenburg Area offering a quality education in the Catholic tradition including Charlotte Catholic High School; Christ the King Catholic High School, Huntersville; Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School; St. Ann Catholic School; St. Gabriel Catholic School; St. Matthew Catholic School; St. Mark Catholic School, Huntersville, and St. Patrick Catholic School. charlotteparent.com| JANUARY 2015
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PRIVATE SCHOOLS*
Mountain Island Day School
8101 Fallsdale Drive | 704-391-5516 midschool.org Grades TK-10 | $5,250 Founded in 2009. Private Christian collegepreparatory school. Seventy percent of staff hold masters degrees. Approved by the NC Department of Education. Discipline, dress, intimate class sizes ensure a great foundation for education and fellowship.
Providence Day School
5800 Sardis Road | 704-887-6000 providenceday.org Grades TK-12 | $16,415-$22,745 Providence Day School is a thought leader in global education. We exist to inspire in our students a passion for learning, a commitment to personal integrity, and a sense of social responsibility.
CHARTER SCHOOLS**
Carolina International School
9545 Poplar Tent Road, Concord | 704-455-3847 carolinainternationalschool.org Charter school since 2004, with an interdisciplinary focus based upon international and environmental studies. Excellent teaching staff reflects upon each individual, providing a differentiated curriculum, including cultural and fine arts. Class size: 22-24 students.
Charlotte Lab School
PO Box 30034 | 980-277-4522 charlottelabschool.org Grades K-4 in 2015 (growing to K-8) Provides a rigorous and engaging curriculum in a small, nurturing setting. Emphasizes real-world learning, language immersion, and personal connections with students. Uses the resources of the city as an expanded classroom. Opens uptown Charlotte, 2015.
Northside Christian Academy
333 Jeremiah Blvd. | 704-599-9015 ncaknights.com Grades K4-12 | 2015-2016 rates available Jan. 2015. Enrollment approximately 470. Founded in 1960. SACS and ACSI accreditation.
Trinity Episcopal School
700 E. 9th St. | 704-358-8108 tescharlotte.org Grades K-8 | $15,400-$16,940 Founded in 2000, Trinity Episcopal School is the only K-8 independent school in uptown Charlotte. As an urban school, Trinity has the distinct advantage of an extended campus that includes ImaginOn, Discovery Place and the Mint Museum. Accredited by SACS/SAIS. Serving 436 students. Student-teacher Ratio:12:1-18:1.
Charlotte Choice Charter School
1000 Anderson St. | 980-272-8308 charlottechoicecharter.org Grades K-7 Opened in 2013, a free public charter school with small class sizes. Mission is to cultivate a passion for learning and community service. Character education, STEM curriculum. Performing arts, cultural diversity, volunteering and mentoring.
Mountain Island Charter School
13440 Lucia Riverbend Hwy., Mount Holly | 704-827-8840 micharter.org Grades K-12 in 2015-2016 Mountain Island Charter School offers a robust curriculum while instilling character values and leadership development within a positive, challenging learning environment. MICS educates over 1100 students in K-11 and will grow to a K-12 campus in 2015-16.
Scholars Academy
5225 77 Center Drive | 704-503-1112 scholarsacademy.org Grades K-8 Scholars Academy provides a differentiated, challenging education for highly intellectual children. We are a learning community that strives to meet the intellectual, social, and emotional needs of our students in a safe environment. *Tuitions are annual unless otherwise noted **All schools are2015 tuition-free 38 charter JANUARY | charlotteparent.com
Find more education resources at CharlotteParent.com/educationguide
January OUR PICKS COMPILED BY MIKALA YOUNG
Pajama Story Time Get together with the family for a pajama story time, Jan. 6 at Matthews Library. Wear your favorite pajamas and read along to a story, or sing and dance the evening away beginning at 7 p.m. Refreshments, including cookies and milk, will be served. Free. cmlibrary.org.
Free Tuesday at The Schiele Head to The Schiele Museum in Gastonia Jan. 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. for Free Tuesday sponsored by Duke Energy. Explore the collection of fossils, minerals and flora exhibits, discover outdoor exhibits, including the Catawba Indian village, and make your way to the planetarium for a round-up of the planets with Red Starr and his sidekick Solar Max. Visit schielemuseum.org for museum hours. Free. schielemusem.org.
Sunday Funday: All About the Blues Blast away your winter blues Jan. 11 at the Mint Museum Uptown. Drop in from 1-4 p.m. for a color-themed museum tour that features African-American artists, activities that spark creativity, and a blues-band jam. Kids can use different art tools to create a take-home project inspired by the color tour. Admission is free for children, and adults are $6 per person. mintmuseum.org.
The Illusionists: Witness the Impossible On Jan. 29, witness seven of the most talented illusionists in the world at the Knight Theater at the Levine Center for the Arts. Packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic, watch as the inventor, the anti-conjurer, the manipulator, the warrior, the escapologist, the futurist and the trickster create fascinating fantasies. Each illusionist is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. This show is for all age groups to enjoy. Tickets start at $20 and are available for purchase at blumenthalarts.org. See page 44 for more date and show times. charlotteparent.com
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Families gather at Levine Museum of the New South to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
HONORING THE LEGACY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. BY MIKALA YOUNG
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” These words, spoken by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., set the tone for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Celebration at Levine Museum of the New South’s Jan. 18 and 19. For two days, the free event allows families to explore exhibits, participate in children’s crafts and view films that portray and expand upon the civil rights era. See performances by the McCrorey YMCA Senior Drummers, St. Paul Baptist Church, One Voice Chorus and other organizations. Films like “Mighty Times: The Children’s March” will play continuously throughout the event, and give younger students a first-hand viewing experience at what it was like to live during the civil rights era. Visitors can also participate in the interactive presentation called Music and Black Southern History that includes discussion about the correlation between the roots of black Southerners and the impact music had on the subculture. In addition to its current exhibits, the museum will also open its recent traveling exhibit, Selma to Montgomery: March for the Right to Vote. This thought-provoking exhibit showcases 48 black and white images by Spider Martin, a seasoned photographer for Birmingham News. The exhibit also includes interpretative material that is easy for small children to understand. For hands-on learning, kids can make “Garment of Destiny” Yarn bracelets, “My American Dream” comic strips, or an illustration of what they learned from the celebration. Story time about African-American and civil rights history is also included in the program. More than 4,000 community members are expected to attend the two-day event. Stop by the museum Sunday between noon and 4 p.m., and Monday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Visit museumofthenewsouth.org for more information.
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1 THURSDAY
New Year’s Day Commitment Day Charlotte. Enjoy a 5K with family and friends. Kids can enjoy face painting and coloring. Registration required. $20+. 10am. Lifetime Fitness, 8514 University Blvd. commitmentday. com/north-carolina/charlotte/. First Footin’ 5 Miler Trail Run. Run a challenging course through the forest. Bring a nonperishable food item to donate. Proceeds benefit the educational mission of Historic Rural Hill. Registration required. $25. 10am. Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville. 704-875-3113. ruralhill.net. Preschool Storytime. Stories, music and movement for tiny tots. Ages 3-5. Registration required. FREE. 10:30am. Beatties Ford Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road. 704-416-3000. cmlibrary.org. Tools of Stone. Learn how our prehistoric ancestors fashioned knives, axes, spears and arrow points from stone. Visitors can bring any stone tool artifacts for identification. $6-$10. 11am. The Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 704-866-6900. schielemuseum.org.
2 FRIDAY Middle School Madness. Enjoy music, dancing, hoops, contest and video games. Ages 11-13. $5 for members; $8 for nonmembers. 8-11pm. Lake Norman YMCA, 21300 Davidson St., Cornelius. 704716-4400. ymcacharlotte.org.
3 SATURDAY Science Saturday Book Club for Kids. A teen volunteer discusses books based on veterinary medicine. Ages 5-11. FREE. 2pm. Davidson Library, 119 South Main St., Davison. 704-416-4000. cmlibrary.org. Scrambled Eggs Super. Read the classic Dr. Seuss tale and explore the science of cooking with a hands-on treat that children and parents can make together. Grades PK-2. $12, museum admission not included. 10:30am-noon. Discovery Place, 301 N. Tryon St. 704-372-6261. discoveryplace.org. Storytime: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Read the classic story written by Judith Viorst that inspired the recent movie.
FREE. 11am. Barnes and Noble, Birkdale Village, 8725 Townley Road, Huntersville. 704-895-8855. barnesandnoble.com. Turbo Turtles. Explore the lives of turtles while learning about their homes, diets and speed. Ages 3-11. Registration required. FREE. 10-11am. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 704-5885224. parkandrec.com. Woodland Wildlife. Learn about native wildlife through touchable artifacts and live animals. Registration required. $3. 11:30am-12:30pm. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 704-588-5224. parkandrec.com. You Are What You Eat. Decipher the dangers of junk food and learn to make healthy, nutritious choices. Using food labels, design a meal plan that works for you and your family. Grades 3-5. $12, museum admission not included. 10:30am-noon. Discovery Place, 301 N. Tryon St. 704-372-6261. discoveryplace.org.
4 SUNDAY Holiday on Ice. Last day to skate on the outdoor uptown rink. $10 admission, plus $3 skate rental. 10am-7pm. NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza, 400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 704-277-2636. holidayonicecharlotte.com. The Ice Park. Celebrate the winter chill with more than 4,000 square feet of real ice for an afternoon or evening of ice skating. $12. The Speedpark at Concord Mills , 8461 Concord Mills Blvd, Concord . 704-5278464. thespeedpark.com.
5 MONDAY Baby Storytime. Engage little ones with new sights and sounds through books, songs and rhymes. Ages 17 mos. and under. FREE. 10:30am. Cornelius Library, 21105 Catawba Ave, Cornelius. 704-4163800. cmlibrary.org. Monday Storytime: The First Snowfall. Share in laughter and good company while reading about an adventure. FREE. 11am. Barnes and Noble, Birkdale Village, 8725 Townley Road, Huntersville. 704-895-8855. barnesandnoble.com. Tiny Tots Storytime. Enjoy stories, music, and movement designed to develop language, listening, and coordination skills. Ages 18-35 mos. FREE. 11:30am.
› Cornelius Library, 21105 Catawba Ave, Cornelius. 704-416-3800. cmlibrary.org.
6 TUESDAY Family Storytime: Pajama Storytime. Enjoy stories, songs, and movement activities that support early literacy skill development along with cookies and milk. FREE. 7pm. Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews. 704416-5000. cmilbrary.org. Mini Model Build. Build a LEGO Alien space dog mini-model and take it home. Quantities are limited while supplies last. Ages 6-14. FREE. 5pm. The LEGO Store, Concord Mills, 8111 Concord Mills Blvd. Ste. 206, Concord. 704-979-5708. stores. lego.com. On Stage: Newsies. See page 44.
7 WEDNESDAY Baby Storytime. Engage your little one with new sights and sounds through books, songs, and rhymes. Ages 17 mos. and under. FREE. 11am. Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews. 704-416-5000. cmlibrary.org. Nature Detectives: Animal Detectives. Discover nature through stories, crafts, and activities. Ages 2-4. $3. 10:15-11am. Latta Plantation Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-432-6460. parkandrec.com. Preschool Storytime. Use books, stories and songs to encourage language and pre-reading skill development. Ages 3-5. FREE. 11:30am. Cornelius Library, 21105 Catawba Ave., Cornelius. 704- 416-3800. cmlibrary.org. Wee Wednesdays. Toddlers and caregivers can enjoy stories, movement with music, and a special craft. Ages 3 and under. $5. 10:30-11am. Main Street Children’s Museum, 133 E. Main St., Rock Hill, S.C. 803-909-7218. chmuseums.org. On Stage: Newsies. See page 44.
8 THURSDAY Listen and Move. Participate in stories, songs, and movement activities that build gross and fine motor skills. Parent participation is required. Ages 2-4. FREE. 11:30am. Independence Regional Public Library, 6000 Conference Drive. 704-4164800. cmlibrary.org.
On Stage: Newsies. See page 44.
9 FRIDAY Dakota and Friends. Interact with Dakota, pet a replica baby T-Rex and enjoy the antics of the Triceratops Rex. FREE. 11:30am. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. 704-4164600. imaginon.org. Go Fish. Play with other young children and make a craft. Ages 4-6. Registration required. FREE. 11am. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville. 704-664-2927. ci.mooresville.nc.us/ portal/library. Monster Jam. Witness the world’s premier monster truck series featuring Grave Digger and many other well-known favorites. $10-$25. Fri., 7:30pm; Sat., 2 and 7:30pm. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. 800-745-3000. monsterjam.com. Sensory Storytime. Stories, songs and activities specifically designed for children with autism spectrum disorders, sensory integration issues, or other developmental disabilities. FREE. 10:15am. Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews. 704-416-5000. cmilbrary.org. On Stage: Newsies. See page 44.
10 SATURDAY Animal Feeding Frenzy. Join resident animals for breakfast and try feeding one. Registration required. FREE. 10-11am. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 704-588-5224. parkandrec.com. Arts and Science Council Sponsored Day. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the plantation grounds and chat with re-enactors as they demonstrate 18th-century skills. FREE. 10am-2pm. Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-2312. lattaplantation.org. Fourth and Fifth Grade Fun Night. Listen to music, dance, play games, enjoy concessions and hang out with friends. Ages 9-11. $8. 7-10:30pm. Siskey YMCA, 3127 Weddington Road, Matthews. 704716-4200. ymcacharlotte.org. Monster Jam. Witness the world’s premier monster truck series featuring Grave Digger and many other well-known favorites. $10-$25. Fri., 7:30pm; Sat.,
2 and 7:30pm. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. 800-745-3000. monsterjam.com. Please, Mr. Panda Storytime. Storytime and activities featuring the clever picture book about manners. FREE. 11am. Barnes and Noble, Carolina Place Mall, 11025 Carolina Place, Pineville. 704-5449985. barnesandnoble.com. Team Adventure Race. Use your ingenuity and outdoor skills in order to find targets. Participants should bring a lunch, water bottle and a spare change of clothes. $10. 10am-3pm. Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-1391. lattaplantation.org. On Stage: Newsies. See page 44.
11 SUNDAY Animal Encounter Show. Learn surprising facts about the animals in your backyard. Registration required. FREE. 3pm. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 704-588-5224. parkandrec.com. My Brain Did What? Explore some of the bizarre ways your brain processes information. Get to know your own brain with interactive games and quizzes. $6-$10. 2pm. The Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 704-866-6900. schielemuseum.org. Sunday Fun Day: All About the Blues. Blast away the winter blues with fun, color-themed museum tours, art activities, and a blues-band jam. $6 for adults, free for kids. 1-4pm. Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St. 704-337-2000. mintmuseum.org. Winter Ecology Hike. Discover how animals and plants survive the cold and go on a hike to explore the many adaptations that animals and plants exhibit during this time of year. Ages 7 and up. FREE. 2-3:30pm. Latta Plantation Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-8751391. parkandrec.com. On Stage: Newsies. See page 44.
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Catawba Ave, Cornelius. 704-416-3800. cmlibrary.org. Budding Adventures. Through various hands-on activities learn about plant-life and animals, their homes, weather, and more. Ages 3-6. Registration required. FREE. 10-11am. Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road. 704-4326459. parkandrec.com. College 101: Writing a Winning College Essay for Homeschoolers. Learn writing do’s and don’ts and the elements of a well-structured essay with Kaplan. Ages 12-18. FREE. 6pm. Cornelius Library, 21105 Catawba Ave., Cornelius. 704-416-3800. cmlibary.org. McDowell’s Creature Feature. Get to know the featured creature of the day. Registration required. FREE. 10-11am. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 704-588-5224. parkandrec.com. Tiny Tots Storytime. Enjoy stories, music, and movement designed to develop language, listening, and coordination skills. Ages 18-35 mos. FREE. 11:30am. Cornelius Library, 21105 Catawba Ave, Cornelius. 704-416-3800. cmlibrary.org.
13 TUESDAY Free Tuesday at The Schiele Musuem. Enjoy a late afternoon exploring exhibits and the nature trail. Sponsored by Duke Energy. FREE. 4-8pm. Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 704-8666900. schielemuseum.org. Latta Homeschoolers: Geocaching. Using a GPS unit, learn tips and tricks for finding the hidden caches throughout the nature preserve. Afterwards, decorate a wooden coin and use it to trade. Ages 6-8. FREE. 1-3pm. Latta Plantation Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-1391. parkandrec.com. Read with Baron the Dog. Come to the library and read a book to Baron, the lovable long-haired German Shepherd, a certified therapy dog. FREE. 3:30pm. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville. 704-664-2927. ci.mooresville. nc.us/portal/library.
Baby Storytime. Engage babies with new sights and sounds through books, songs and rhymes. Ages 17 mos. and under. FREE. 10:30am. Cornelius Library, 21105
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One of 48 images in the Selma to Montgomery: The March for the Right to Vote exhibit at Levine Musuem of the New South.
ON EXHIBIT Dinosaurs in Motion. (Through Jan. 16). Features 14 fully interactive recycled metal dinosaur sculptures with exposed mechanics inspired by actual fossils. $12-$15, includes museum admission. Mon-Fri., 9am-4pm; Sat., 10am-6pm; Sun., noon-5pm. 704-3726261. Discovery Place, 301 N. Tryon St. discoveryplace.org. Connecting the World: The Panama Canal at 100. (Through Feb. 1). More than 50 selected examples of the construction of the canal, featuring photographs, books, newspapers and other period material. $6-$12, includes museum admission. Wed., 11am-9pm; Thurs.-Sat., 11am-6pm; Sun., 1-5pm. 704-337-2000. The Mint Museum, 500 S. Tryon St. mintmuseum.org. Selma to Montgomery: The March for the Right to Vote. (Through Feb. 22). A traveling exhibit from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute that depicts 48 black and white images taken by seasoned photographer Spider Martin. $5-$8. Mon.-Sat., 10am-5pm; Sun., Noon-5pm. 704-333-1887. Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. 7th St. museumofthenewsouth.org. The Solar System: A Journey of Exploration. (Jan. 17-Sept. 30). Explore the sun and its family of planets, moons, comets and asteroids that define our place in space. Features dynamic interpretive kiosks, hands-on components, objects on loan from NASA and the Smithsonian Institution, and an interactive Mars Colony. $6-$10, includes museum admission. Mon.-Sat., 9am-5pm; Sun., 1-5pm. 704-866-6900. The Schiele Museum of Natural History, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. schielemuseum.org.
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› Story Explorers: Book Nuts. Explore books and stories through interactive activities, including math, science and games. Ages 5-11. Registration required. FREE. 4pm. Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews. 704416-5000. cmlibrary.org.
14 WEDNESDAY Baby Storytime. Engage your baby with new sights and sounds through books, songs and rhymes. Ages 17 mos. and under. FREE. 11am. Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews. 704-416-5000. cmlibrary.org. Two-Time Storytime. Enjoy a story time experience that encourages language development, listening and social skills. Ages 24-35 mos. FREE. 10:30am. Cornelius Library, 21105 Catawba Ave., Cornelius. 704-416-3800. cmlibrary.org. Wee Wednesdays. Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy stories, movement with music, and a special craft. Ages 3 and under. $5. 10:30-11am. Main Street Children’s Museum, 133 E. Main St., Rock Hill, S.C. 803-909-7218. chmuseums.org.
15 THURSDAY Homeschool Nature Games. Play several nature-themed board games. Ages 4-13. Registration required. FREE. 2-3pm. Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road. 704-432-6459. parkandrec.com. How to Homeschool in North Carolina. Listen to an informational session on homeschooling in North Carolina. FREE. 4-5pm. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville. 704-664-2927. ci.mooresville.nc.us/portal/library. Listen and Move. Participate in stories, songs, and movement activities that build gross and fine motor skills. Parent participation is required. Ages 2-4. FREE. 11:30am. Independence Regional Public Library, 6000 Conference Drive. 704-4164800. cmlibrary.org. Owls of Mecklenburg County. Start in the classrooms learning about owls in the area, then take a short walk to listen and look for resident owls. Ages 8 and older. Registration required. FREE. 6-7pm. Reedy Creek Nature Center,
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2900 Rocky River Road. 704-432-6459. parkandrec.com. Preschool Explorer Series. Little ones and adults can discover nature together through crafts, games, songs, and animal encounters. Ages 2-6. Registration required. $3. 10 and 11am. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 704-5885224. parkandrec.com. You’re a Poet and Didn’t Know it. Share poetry in different ways from reading to writing. Ages 12-18. FREE. 3pm. Beatties Ford Road Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road. 704-416-3000. cmlibrary.org.
16 FRIDAY Fourth and Fifth Grade Fun Night. Listen to music, dance, play games, enjoy concessions and hang out with friends. Ages 9-11. $7-$10. 8-11pm. Lake Norman YMCA, 21300 Davidson St., Cornelius. 704-716-4400. ymcacharlotte.org. Preschool Explorer Series. Little ones and adults can discover nature together through crafts, games, songs and animal encounters. Ages 2-6. Registration required. $3. 10 and 11am. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 704- 5885224. parkandrec.com.
17 SATURDAY The Solar System: A Journey of Exploration Grand Opening. Discover astronomy through hands-on activities and go on a solar system scavenger hunt. FREE. 9am for members only; 10am for general public. Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd, Gastonia. 704-866-6900. schielemuseum.org. Fourth and Fifth Grade Fun Night. Listen to music, dance, play games, enjoy concessions and hang out with friends. Ages 9-11. $7-$9. 7-9:30pm. Teen Activity Center, Harris YMCA, 5900 Quail Hollow Road. 704-716-6910. ymcacharlotte.org. Petapalooza. Visit with rescued and exotic pets and learn about responsible pet ownership. Activities include crafts, puppet shows and storytelling. Ages 10 and under. $8, includes museum admission. 10am-1pm. Charlotte Nature Museum, 1658 Sterling Road. 704-3726261. charlottenaturemuseum.org.
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Disney’s “Newsies” on stage at Belk Theater uptown Jan. 6-11.
ON STAGE Newsies. (Jan. 6-11). The new musical from Disney features a group of people who deliver the paper and make headlines. The show includes high-energy explosion of song and dance. Ages 6+. Tickets start at $20. Tues.-Thurs., 7:30pm; Fri., 8pm; Sat., 2 and 8pm; Sun., 1:30 and 7pm. Belk Theater, 130. N. Tryon St. blumenthalarts.org. Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. (Jan 23-Feb. 15). Lilly and her friends Chester, Wilson and her beloved teacher, Mr. Slinger, find endless adventures fueled by her delightfully oversized imagination. Ages 5+. $12. See website for times. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte at ImaginOn, 300 E. 7th St. ctcharlotte.org. Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players. (Jan. 24). Unexpectedly intelligent and whimsically rocking music for kids and their parents including music from their latest album “Recess.” Ages 3-10. $6-$15. 3pm. The Batte Center/Wingate University, 403 N. Camden Road, Wingate. 704-233-8300. battecenter.org. Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel. (Jan. 24-Feb. 8). Watch as a beloved steam shovel Mary Anne proves that she is still useful by digging up a basement in the new city hall. Ages 4+. $14. See website for times. 704-973-2828. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte at ImaginOn, 300 E. 7th St. ctcharlotte.org. The Illusionists: Witness the Impossible. (Jan. 27-Feb.1). Mind-blowing showcases packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions. Tickets start at $20. See website for a list of times. 704-372-1000. Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St. blumenthalarts.org. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Legends. (Jan. 28-Feb. 1). Experience animal performances and daring high-wire acts with contemporary surprises. Tickets start at $20. Wed.-Fri., 7pm; Sat., 11am, 3 and 7pm; Sun., 11am and 3pm. 704688-9000. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. ringling.com. Rumpelstiltskin. (Jan. 30-Feb. 1). A bragging father, a poor king, a lot of straw, and a funny little man fill this cautionary fairy tale with loads of fun. Presented by Davidson Community Players. $10. See website for list of times. Davidson Day School Theatre, 750 Jetton St., Davidson. davidsoncommunityplayers.org.
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› Winter Tracking. Learn how to identify some common tracks and other signs of winter wildlife. Ages 7-12. $3. 2-3:30pm. Latta Plantation Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-1391. parkandrec.com.
18 SUNDAY Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Celebration. Honor the pursuit of civil and human rights through film, performances, children’s crafts and exhibits. FREE. Noon4pm. Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. 7th St. 704-333-1887. museumofthenewsouth.org.
19 MONDAY Baby Storytime. Engage little ones with new sights and sounds through books, songs and rhymes. Ages 17 mos. and under. FREE. 10:30am. Cornelius Library, 21105 Catawba Ave, Cornelius. 704-4163800. cmlibrary.org. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Celebration. Honor the pursuit of civil and human rights through film, performances, children’s crafts and exhibits. FREE. 10am-4pm. Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. 7th St. 704-333-1887. museumofthenewsouth.org. MLK Teen Summit Presented by Sprite. Join other youth for a discussion around social justice. Engage in a poetry slam, volunteer fair and a message from a special speaker. FREE. 11am-2pm. McCrorey YMCA, 3801 Beatties Ford Road. 704-416-6538. ymcacharlotte.org. On Earth’s Moon. Learn about the phases of the moon, eclipses and the moon’s unique landscapes. Find out how the surface of the moon was shaped and why we only see one side of earth’s natural satellite at night. $6-$10. 11am. The Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 704-866-6908. schielemuseum.org .
20 TUESDAY Martin Luther King Jr. Day Read with Baron the Dog. Come to the library and read a book to Baron, the
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lovable long-haired German Shepherd, a certified therapy dog. FREE. 3:30pm. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville. 704-664-2927. ci.mooresville. nc.us/portal/library. Storytime in the Secret Garden. Enjoy a special story time treat and share original paintings with Judy Stead illustrator of “Snowy, Blowy, Winter.” Ages 5 and under. Registration required. $5, nonmembers; members are free. 10-11am. Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary, 248 Ridgewood Ave. 704-331-0664. winghavengardens.org.
21 WEDNESDAY Baby Storytime. Engage your baby with new sights and sounds through books, songs, and rhymes. Ages 17 mos. and under. FREE. 11am. Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews. 704-416-5000. cmlibrary.org. Dress Up Drama: Animals. Get into character and role-play while having fun with activities, arts and crafts, and make pretend games. This program includes swimming. Ages 3-5. Registration required. $3. 4-4:45pm. Ray Splash Planet, 215 N. Sycamore St. 704-4324729. raysplashplanet.com. Wee Wednesdays. Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy stories, movement with music, and a special craft. Ages 3 and under. $5. 10:30-11am. Main Street Children’s Museum, 133 E. Main St., Rock Hill, S.C. 803-909-7218. chmuseums.org.
22 THURSDAY Listen and Move. Participate in stories, songs, and movement activities that build gross and fine motor skills. Parent participation is required. Ages 2-4. FREE. 11:30am. Independence Regional Public Library, 6000 Conference Drive. 704-4164800. cmlibrary.org. Preschool Explorer Series. Little ones and adults can discover nature together through crafts, games, songs, and animal encounters. Ages 2-6. Registration required. $3. 10 and 11am. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 704- 5885224. parkandrec.com.
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Trusted Parents Meeting. Parents with children who have special needs can interact with other parents and caregivers through support, services, awareness and advocacy. FREE. 5pm. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. 704-416-4600. imaginon.org. Turandot Student Night at the Opera. Puccini’s story of Beijing’s ruthless princess and the stranger who inspires her to fall in love. Grades K-12. $5-$10. 7pm. 704332-7177. Belk Theater, 130. N. Tryon St. blumenthalarts.org.
23 FRIDAY Preschool Explorer Series. Little ones and adults can discover nature together through crafts, games, songs, and animal encounters. Ages 2-6. Registration required. $3. 10 and 11am. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 704- 5885224. parkandrec.com. On Stage: Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. See page 44.
24 SATURDAY Haiku Walk. Enjoy the sights of nature and write a simple form of Japanese poetry. Ages 10 and older. Registration required. $2. 2-3pm. Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road. 704-432-6459. parkandrec.com. Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players. Unexpectedly intelligent and whimsically rocking music for kids and their parents including music from their latest album, “Recess.” Ages 3-10. $6-$15. 3pm. The Batte Center/ Wingate University, 403 N. Camden Road, Wingate. 704-233-8300. battecenter.org. On Stage: Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players; Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse; Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel. See page 44.
25 SUNDAY Open Classroom: Winter Adaptations. Discover how animals are adapting to the winter through interactive activities. FREE. 2-4pm. Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road. 704-432-6459. parkandrec.com. Super Game Day. Wear your favorite team’s colors and participate in preschool
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games and activities located throughout the museum. Ages 3-5. $5. 1-5pm. Main Street Children’s Museum, 133 E. Main St., Rock Hill, S.C. 803-327-6400. chmuseums.org. On Stage: Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel. See page 44.
26 MONDAY Baby Storytime. Engage little ones with new sights and sounds through books, songs and rhymes. Ages 17 mos. and under. FREE. 10:30am. Cornelius Library, 21105 Catawba Ave, Cornelius. 704-4163800. cmlibrary.org. Miscellaneous Mondays. Discover a new STEM program, game program, movie and even making robots. Ages 12-18. FREE. 3pm. Beatties Ford Road Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road. 704-416-3000. cmlibrary.org. Tiny Tots Storytime. Enjoy stories, music, and movement designed to develop language, listening, and coordination skills. Ages 18-35 mos. FREE. 11:30am. Cornelius Library, 21105 Catawba Ave, Cornelius. 704-416-3800. cmlibrary.org.
27 TUESDAY Read with Baron the Dog. Come to the library and read a book to Baron, the lovable long-haired German Shepherd, a certified therapy dog. FREE. 3:30pm. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville. 704-664-2927. ci.mooresville. nc.us/portal/library. On Stage: The Illusionists: Witness the Impossible. See page X.
28 WEDNESDAY Baby Storytime. Engage little one with new sights and sounds through books, songs, and rhymes. Ages 17 mos. and under. FREE. 11am. Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews. 704416-5000. cmlibrary.org. Mini-Masters Workshop: Royal Capes and Crowns. Look at fancy portraits of Queen Charlotte and King George, and craft your own noble and elegant capes and crowns. Ages 3-5. Registration required. $14-$18. 10:30-11:45am; 1:30-2:45pm. Mint Museum Randolph,
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2730 Randolph Road, 704-337-2000. mintmuseum.org. Wee Wednesdays. Little ones and their caregivers can enjoy stories, movement with music, and a special craft. Ages 3 and under. $5. 10:30-11am. Main Street Children’s Museum, 133 E. Main St., Rock Hill, S.C. 803-909-7218. chmuseums.org. On Stage: The Illusionists: Witness the Impossible; Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Legends. See page 44.
29 THURSDAY Fun With The Snow Queen. Learn about “The Snow Queen,” play games and make crafts with Matthews Playhouse. Ages 3-8. Registration required. FREE. 4:30pm. Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews. 704- 416-5000. cmlibrary. org. Listen and Move. Participate in stories, songs, and movement activities that build gross and fine motor skills. Parent participation is required. Ages 2-4. FREE. 11:30am. Independence Regional Public Library, 6000 Conference Drive. 704-4164800. cmlibrary.org. Mini-Masters Workshop: Royal Capes and Crowns. Look at fancy portraits of Queen Charlotte and King George, and craft your own noble and elegant capes and crowns. Ages 3-5. Registration required. $14-$18. 1:30-2:45pm. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road. 704-337-2000. mintmuseum.org/tags/ mini-masters-workshop. Preschool Explorer Series. Discover nature together through crafts, games, songs, and animal encounters. Ages 2-6. Registration required. $3. 10 and 11am. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 704- 588-5224. parkandrec.com. Throwback Thursday. The librarians take a look at their past. Learn about technology, television shows, food and education
from years before. Ages 12-18. FREE. 3pm. Beatties Ford Road Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road704-416-3000. cmlibrary.org. On Stage: The Illusionists: Witness the Impossible; Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Legends. See page 44.
30 FRIDAY Preschool Explorer Series. Discover nature together through crafts, games, songs, and animal encounters. Ages 2-6. Registration required. $3. 10 and 11am. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 704- 588-5224. parkandrec.com. On Stage: Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse; The Illusionists: Witness the Impossible; Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Legends; Rumpelstiltskin. See page 44.
31 SATURDAY Heroes and Hard Times: American History Through Story and Song. Journey through three centuries of American history, from slavery to the civil rights era, in story and song. FREE. 2pm. Gaston County Public Library, 1555 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 704-868-2164. Middle School Madness. Friends are welcome and everybody will find something of interest. Music, dancing, hoops, contests and video games are just the beginning. Ages 11-13. $5-$7. 7-10:30pm. Morrison Family YMCA, 9405 Bryant Farms Road. 704-716-4650. ymcacharlotte.org. On Stage: Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse; Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel; The Illusionists: Witness the Impossible; Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Legends; Rumpelstiltskin. See page 44.
CALENDAR POLICY The Charlotte Parent calendar lists free and low-cost local and regional events for children and families. To submit an event for consideration, go to charlotteparent.com/calendar, then click on Submit an Event. Submission deadline for print is the 5th of the month prior to the next month’s publication. Time, dates and details of events are subject to change. Call venue to confirm.
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EXCURSION
North Carolina’s Little Switzerland BY DEBORAH R. HUSO
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ittle Switzerland, North Carolina, isn’t the easiest place to access. You can reach it via the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 334 or by way of a weaving, winding trip up Route 226A north of Marion. It’s the only developed area on the parkway and actually came into existence when Switzerland Land Co. of Charlotte discovered it on Grassy Mountain at an elevation of 4,000 feet and bought the original 600 acres. It would later become known as Little Switzerland and open as a resort area to visitors wanting to escape the summer heat. Though visitors probably won’t find too many Swiss, they will find a town that emulates the look of an Alpine village, with brightly decorated craft, jewelry and food shops. The centerpiece is Switzerland Inn, with its green-roofed lodge buildings, green-shuttered windows and short balconies overlooking long, blue mountain ridges to the east. Switzerland Inn owner Gary Jenson says 80 percent of his guests are repeats. “They come here because of the quiet and the view,” he says. The Old World-style inn offers spacious sunny rooms and suites in hues of sage, mauve and blue as well as expansive mountaintop lawns where guests can lounge, play shuffleboard and tennis, or relax in the mountain view pool during warm weather.
Mining Memories As part of the Spruce Pine Mining District, Little Switzerland is home to large deposits of feldspar, mica and quartz, all of which can be viewed at the nearby Museum of North Carolina Minerals. Approximately 714 mines are on record in the district, but most are now defunct. Emerald Village, which opens in March, offers its underground mines to visiting prospectors, who can keep any precious stones they find. The village also offers memorabilia ranging from old steam engines to Bon Ami cleansers made from feldspar.
Hiking Adventures Visitors who like to explore nature can hike the shady 2.5-mile loop to Crabtree Falls at milepost 339.5. The trail passes under an arbor of mature rhododendrons, descending gradually along a boulder-strewn path past a spring-fed stream. The sound of rushing water grows from faint to uproarious as hikers approach the falls. At full throttle, Crabtree Falls cascades 60 feet to a small pool and over gray boulders and fallen trees underneath a moss-covered walking bridge.
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Mine for sapphires and other precious stones in Little Switzerland. Photo courtesy of Emerald Village.
Hitting the Slopes Winter sports enthusiasts are an hour or less away from many of North Carolina’s ski resorts, including Appalachian Ski Mountain in Blowing Rock, Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and Beech Mountain Ski Resort, which offers the highest elevation skiing on the East Coast. All three resorts offer a variety of other winter sports, including ice skating, snowshoeing, snowboarding and ski lessons for beginners. Appalachian Ski Mountain’s ice skating rink is open seven nights a week and features a rinkside bonfire. At Hawksnest Resort, just south of Boone, guests can enjoy snow tubing at the largest snow-tubing operation in the East.
Winding Down After a day of mining, hiking or skiing, visitors can settle in for an elegant evening at Switzerland Inn’s Chalet Restaurant, where a glass-enclosed dining room offers views across manicured gardens to the scenic mountains beyond. Enjoy a more offbeat experience at the nearby Mountain View Restaurant, where sandwiches are served in plastic baskets on a deck that features the best views in Little Switzerland. Plan your getaway to Little Switzerland by visiting littleswitzerlandnc.com. Deborah R. Huso is an outdoor recreation and travel writer who has the good fortune of living on a farm in central Virginia within walking distance of two wineries. She blogs at at deborahhuso.com.
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s... Hey, parent soon It’s not too king to start thin er about summ
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› FACES & PLACES
“It was Caroline’s first day of kindergarten. Her younger brother, J.R., hugged her as she’s getting ready to leave for the bus stop, and said ‘Don’t go.’ It was such a sweet and genuine gesture that I’m happy to have captured.” Photo and memory by Shannon Brown of Waxhaw.
Share your real-life moment at CharlotteParent.com/contests.
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