Family FREE FREE
Southwest Washington
December 2016
HITTING THE SLOPES CHRISTMAS GIFTS Making Them From the Heart
Skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding for the entire family
Local U-Cut Christmas Trees
Friendship Found in Imagination
COLORS IN THE SKY
What are those lights seen dancing in the northern sky?
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On the cover:
Family FREE FREE
Southwest Washington
December 2016
HITTING THE SLOPES
Pg. 14
CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Pg. 26
Friendship Found in Imagination
Pg. 6
COLORS IN THE SKY
Making Them From the Heart
What are those lights seen dancing in the northern sky?
Skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding for the entire family
Pg. 12
Local U-Cut Christmas Trees
Pg. 7
THANK YOU NEWSPAPERS IN EDUCATION SPONSORS
Answers from page 10: What kind of candy is William eating? Peppermint Answers from page 11:
Pg. 25
On the cover: Weston,10, Jax, 8, and Nash, 5 months. Proud parents are Andrea and Brett Potter, of Chehalis. Photo taken by Alison Clinton of Horizon Photo & Design. Please see advertisement on page 28.
Southwest Washington
Family Southwest Washington Family is a publication of Lafromboise Communications, Inc. 321 N. Pearl Street, Centralia, WA 98531
Editor: Eric Schwartz, eschwartz@chronline.com (360) 807-8224
Family Manager: Jackie Viall jviall@swwfamily.com (360) 807-8217
Graphic Designers: Kelli Erb, Design Director Cindy Gundo, Daniel O’Neil, Orlando Santana
Advertising Sales: Brian Watson, Advertising Director Hunter Weeks, Cara Dean, Kody Huang
Contents Pg. 4 Winter Fun
Pg. 6 Did You Know — Northern Lights
P.g 7 Local Christmas Trees
Pg. 16 Arctic Snow Activity
Pg. 13 December Fun
Pg. 10 Taste Buds
Pg. 12 Day Trip — White Pass
Pg. 18 Happy December Birthdays
Pg. 25 Thank You NIE Supporters
Pg. 20 Backpack Safety
Pg. 26 Imaginative Friendship
Pg. 8 Picture Book Reviews
Pg. 14 Homemade Christmas
Pg. 24 Teacher Feature
Pg. 22 Early Learning Banners
Pg. 23 Coloring Contest Winners
Pg. 28 Your Pictures!
Pg. 29 Colorful Crayon Idea
December 2016 • Southwest Washington Family • 3
December 1 Winter Village Display
All day, Lewis County Historical Museum, Chehalis
Come see the museum’s Winter Village display. The display will be available for viewing through the month of December. For more information, please visit lewiscountyhistoricalmuseum.org.
December 2 The Story of The Nutcracker 7 p.m., Morton Roxy
Fritz and Marie are visited by their uncle who brings three dolls as Christmas presents. Later, Marie sneaks downstairs to say goodnight to the dolls, Clara, the nutcracker and the toy soldier. She falls asleep holding the nutcracker. As she enters dreamland, the lights flicker, the Christmas Tree grows and the dolls come to life. The illusion of the Land of Enchanted Dreams begins. For additional dates, times, fees and information, please visit mortonroxy.org.
December 3 Walk-N-Knock
Don’t forget to get your donations together!
67th Annual Santa Parade 11 a.m., downtown Chehalis
For more information, please visit chamberway.com.
Christmas in the Park 9:30 a.m., Yelm City Park
Holiday parade and tons of fun. For more information, please visit ci.yelm. wa.us.
4 • December 2016 • Southwest Washington Family
December 3 A Charlie Brown Christmas
2 p.m., Evergreen Playhouse, Centralia
When Charlie Brown has the blues because of the over-commercialization of Christmas, Lucy suggests he direct the annual Christmas play, which ends up helping not just Charlie Brown, but the entire Peanuts gang discover the true meaning of Christmas. For additional dates, times, fees and more information, please visit evergreenplayhouse.com.
December 8 It’s a Wonderful Life
7:30 p.m., Evergreen Playhouse, Centralia
Actors benefit pay-what-you-can night. George Bailey’s guardian angel descends on Christmas Eve to save him from despair and to remind him — by showing him what the world would have been like had he never been born — that his has been, after all, a wonderful life. For additional dates, times, fees and more information, please visit evergreenplayhouse.com.
December 9 Borst Park Christmas Lights 5 p.m., Fort Borst Park, Centralia
Drive through the park and see the light displays. Runs through December 25. Admission is $3 per car or $2 with a donation of a non-perishable food item. For more information, please visit chamberway.com.
December 10 Lighted Tractor Parade
6 p.m., downtown Centralia
Parade route starts on Main Street, goes to Pearl and Locust and ends on Tower Avenue. For more information, please visit chamberway.com.
SWWF
December 2016 • Southwest Washington Family • 5
am Another n
e for Nor thern Lights is Aurora Borealis.
or The N
thern Lights are caused
ectr by el
ons from solar winds.
ectronically charged l e y b d e t a e r c e d beams ar e r o nter the Ear th’s l e o t c a h e t n u h s T s from the e l re power ful. c a i t s r d n i w r pa a l re when so e h p s o atm he fur ther nor th you go, t e l b i s i s t o v m e r a s t thern Ligh r o south as Florida. N r a f s e a n h s e e b e n a c T imes but somet The lights are usually green, purple, re d e. Blue and green lights fo u l b r rm at l o owe w h i s l e e d r e u d t i c r t o e s m f rom the h al i g hes altitudes. t ribbons and n i e c n a d n a c thern Lights r o N e h u g h t h e s k y. o T r h t s n r e t t a p circular SWWF 6 • December 2016 • Southwest Washington Family
CHRISTMAS TREES are Ready For the Holidays CENTRALIA TREE FARM
CHRISTMAS VALLEY TREE FARM
What: U-cut or we-cut noble fir mostly 4 to 7 feet. No pre-cut taller nobles this year. Also, u-cut or we-cut grand fir and Douglas fir 4 to 7 feet and a few smaller Fraser fir and Norway spruce. Will bring Nordmann fir and Norway and blue spruce 5 to 9 feet from Toledo farm. Directions: Two miles north of downtown Centralia on North Pearl, east one block on Oakview or Carson to Sirkka Street. Look for signs. Hours: Starts Nov. 26-27 weekend and following weekends 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Thursday and Friday 2:30 p.m. to dusk likely through Dec. 20. Contact: (360) 864-6938 or (360) 431-5847.
What: awesome selection of noble, Douglas, blue spruce
TOLEDO TREE FARM What: U-cut Nordmann fir, Norway and blue spruce and limited Douglas and grand fir 4 to 9 feet. A few smaller nobles. Directions: 2.7 miles northeast of Toledo or 4.7 miles south of Mary’s Corner on Jackson Highway, then 1.3 miles on Tucker Road, or about 4 miles southwest of Ethel on Tucker. Watch for signs. Hours: Starts Sunday Nov. 27 and then weekends and weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 22. Saws available. Contact: (360) 864-6938 or (360) 431-5847.
and Norways! Long lasting Nordmann Fir and fragrant Grand Fir! Trees 4' to 15'! Holly & Wreaths. Directions: 1 mile west of Rochester on U.S. Highway 12. Hours: Open November 19-December 19, 9-5 p.m. Contact: (360) 273-6196. JENSEN'S U-CUT What: Gift Shop! Free cocoa, cookies & candy canes.
Wreaths & swags. Hours: Open daily! Directions: 2840 184th Ave SE, Tenino, WA. Contact: Rb-ranch.com. (360) 359-1970. CHRISTMAS TREES
What: A big bushy Douglas, Noble, Nordmann, Grand
or Spruce, $25 any tree.
Directions: 749 Independence Road., Rochester. Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m. -dark.
TANNENBAUM TREES What: Pre-cut Tree Lot.
Directions: 4th Ave., Olympia, WA, East Side of Big Tom’s parking. Contact: (360) 789-1911.
SWWF
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December 2016 • Southwest Washington Family • 7
by Alexis Hardy of Centralia Timberland Library December is my favorite time of year to cuddle up with a beautifully illustrated book. There is nothing better than a book that looks good and makes you feel good, and these new picture books do just that! There is not a better book about books than The Good Little Book by Kyo Maclear. This is your classic story of boy loves book, book gets lost, book has adventures and book is found and loved. This sweet story has many book puns, which are highly enjoyable. When a beloved book becomes lost, the little boy imagines all the terrible things that could befall it. Luckily our little book hero is much more industrious than the boy thinks and is able to get itself out of trouble. The fun part about this book is that the book in the book is the book you are actually reading (and I promise it’s less confusing than that). I love the bright and colorful abstract art by Marion Arbona. It is definitely not your garden-variety realistic picture book art but it will give your child something new to see and the colors are rich and earth-toned. This is such a fun story that if your child loves books, they will definitely love this one. The Good Little Book is best for preschool through 5th grade.
Sometimes there are picture books that appeal more to adults than to children but should nevertheless be read to all ages. One of these books is The Story of Snowflake and Inkdrop by Pierdomenico Baccalario. I am not being dramatic when I say this is my favorite picture book to come out in 2016, purely because the story is simple but so beautiful. This is one of those unique books that requires reading one side and then flipping it over to read the other side. It tells the story of a lonely snowflake that is falling from the sky trying to find the perfect place to land and a lonely inkdrop that longs to be a piece of art but accidentally falls out a window instead. These two meet up in the air with a tremendously sweet outcome that has made many of my fellow librarians say “awwwww” and more than a few tear up. Not only does this book have beautiful artwork but there are also cutouts of snowflakes (and inkdrops on the other side) so that you can catch a glimpse of the next page. The cutouts are unique and pretty but it also serves an important part of the story. I am always impressed with art techniques that are successfully used to tell a story. I cannot recommend this book enough. The Story of Snowflake and Inkdrop is best for preschool through 4th grade. 8 • December 2016 • Southwest Washington Family
Now, for the exact opposite of the last two books is Super Happy Magic Forest by Matty Long. If your child loves everything to do with bright colors, rainbows, unicorns and very silly books then they will love this one. Someone has stolen the “Mystical Crystals of Life” from the “Super Happy Magic Forest” and it is up to a team to reluctant heroes to find and save them! Our very brave faun, gnome, fairy, unicorn and mushroom go on many adventures through frozen lands, the Super Creepy Haunted Forest (where no picnics are allowed) and many more places before they discover what happened to their crystals. Both adults and children will find this book hilarious. The art style and humor is very much like a comic book, while also reminding me of Where’s Waldo? in that there is a lot to search for on the adventure pages. Overall this book is a huge win if you want something really fun and entertaining. Super Happy Magic Forest is best for preschool through 4th grade.
If you want a truly beautiful book to share with your child, then look no further than The Only Child by Guojing. This is a wordless picture book about a young girl who is left home alone but decides to leave and visit her grandmother. Along the way, she gets lost and meets wondrous friends who take her on a little adventure in the sky before returning her safely home. The illustrations appear to be done with graphite on sepia toned pages, which gives the entire book a dreamy quality that works seamlessly with the lovely story. It is wordless, but the story is conveyed through panels like a comic so it’s very easy to follow. You’ll want to read this book over and over again, especially at bedtime. The Only Child is best for kindergarten through 5th grade.
Come down to the library this winter to find these books or get suggestions for other great cold weather reads. Library books are available in multiple formats: traditional books, audio books (both downloadable and on CD), and e-books. You’ll also find DVDs, downloadable music and music CDs, and magazines for both you and your children. Don’t forget to check the library events calendar at www.TRL.org for fun activities for all ages. As always, library programs are free. See you soon at the library!
SWWF Alexis Hardy is a youth services librarian at Centralia Timberland Library and lives in Olympia. She is often found trekking through the forest with big boots and a camera. She, of course, reads more than is necessary and can be seen in her natural habitat (the library) reading books to children and singing songs with her puppet, Pierre. December 2016 • Southwest Washington Family • 9
Taste Buds: The Taste Detectors
The sense of taste starts with the thousands of tiny taste buds on your tongue. Taste buds are the tiny bumps you can see if you look in the mirror while holding a magnifying glass to your tongue.
Taste really is “on the tip of your tongue.” It is also on the sides and the back of the tongue. These are the parts of the tongue that send taste information to your brain. Follow the instructions to color the tongue and find out where we taste different flavors.
Salt: Color
E
I
the spaces with a triangle in blue.
the spaces with a square in green.
Bitter: Color
Sweet: Color
the spaces with a circle in orange.
P
F
P E M F O T I M E R P I H L C N E P S E C
Sour: Color
the spaces with a diamond in red.
Communication Central
When a taste bud senses the kind of taste it is able to detect, such as sweet or sour, it sends a message to the brain. Some flavors are actually a combination of several tastes. For example, the taste of chocolate is a combination of the bitter taste of chocolate and the sweet taste of sugar. The brain takes messages from the bitter taste buds and the sweet taste buds, puts them together and thinks, “Chocolate!” Standards Link: Life Science/Health: Students recognize that body systems are interrelated.
What kind of candy is William eating? To find out, unscramble the letters in the “sweet” taste buds to spell the answer. 10 • December 2016 • Southwest Washington Family
Smell and Taste Together
Taste is our weakest sense. In fact, our sense of taste needs the help of our sense of smell. Hold your nose tight next time you eat something. What can you taste? Then let go of your nose and try the same food again. Food doesn’t have much taste when your nose is closed or you have a cold.
Mouth-watering Experiment
When you are hungry and you smell something cooking, your mouth begins to get wet with saliva. That’s why we call something that smells good mouth-watering. In fact, your tongue must be wet for the taste buds to work. Here is an experiment that shows this fact: Wipe your tongue dry with a clean towel. Now put a little sugar on the driest part. Can you taste it? Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Follow simple written directions.
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December 2016 • Southwest Washington Family • 11
Snow line: (509) 672.3100 Business office: (509) 672.3101 skiwhitepass.com 48935 U.S. Highway 12, White Naches White Pass offers adventures in skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding and more the whole family can enjoy. Terrain suitable for all levels and ages and rental gear make the trip easy for anyone.
Nordic Center
Thursday-Sunday and holidays, 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. The center offers 18k trails that wander through both the Wenatchee and Gifford Pinchot national forests. Ski, skate or snowshoe fun for all ages. Lessons are held 10 a.m. to noon and rental skis and snowshoes are available.
Kid Clinic
9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Full day of skiing or snowboarding for ages 5-12. The clinic includes specialized children’s instructors. Lunch, snacks and lift tickets included. Equipment rental opens daily at 8 a.m.. Coats, pants, helmets and goggles are available.
Don’t forget to bring: • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Goggles Hat Long underwear shirt and/or tights Fleece pants Water resistant ski pants Long-sleeved overshirt Fleece pullover A few pairs of gloves or mittens A few pairs of wool or synthetic knee-high socks Winter snow boots Sunscreen Chapstick Snacks
Dining
There are a lot of options, including the cafeteria, Sitzmark Bistro, Nordic Yurt and more. Please see website for availability of dates and times.
SWWF *Please arrive a few minutes early for lessons and a half hour to an hour early if renting equipment to allow time for proper fitting. 12 • December 2016 • Southwest Washington Family
DECEMBER Find the packages that are wrapped the same. Not every package will have a match.
Tick the box on each day when you have completed 20 minutes of reading. Children who develop a love of reading will become better students and build a better future.
Bake a batch of cookies and share with an elderly neighbor or friend.
Ask your friends to recommend a book that you haven’t read. Then go to your local library and get the book. Read a New Book Month
Look in The Chronicle to find the season’s concerts and holiday activities.
It’s Family Movie Night! Pop some popcorn and enjoy a movie at home.
The first Christmas card was created in 1843. Today would be a good day to write and then send your Christmas cards.
Go for an evening walk downtown and admire the holiday lights and decorations.
In Northern Europe, gifts are left in children’s shoes on this day.
Turn off the TV tonight and spend an hour sharing favorite holiday memories with your family.
Merry Christmas — count your blessings today! Christmas
Write thank you notes to everyone who gave you gifts. Tell them what you liked most about their gift.
Give thanks for your home and donate a blanket to a local homeless shelter.
Get your own strand of Christmas lights and hang them in your room as a sparkly night light.
The South Pole was discovered on this day in 1911. Draw a picture of penguins at the pole.
Read a classic holiday story with your family. Take turns reading aloud before bedtime.
This the first night of the 9-night Las Posadas festival. Find out more about this Mexican Christmas tradition.
Help make breakfast and enjoy some real maple syrup. Maple Syrup Day
Celebrate the first day of winter by looking for symbols of winter around you.
This day marks the anniversary of the invention of the thermometer. A thermometer measures the temperature. What is the temperature today?
Read the story or watch the movie of A Christmas Carol. Who is your favorite character?
Sundown marks the beginning of Hanukkah, the 8-day Jewish holiday. And go to bed early because it’s Christmas Eve!
St. Nicholas Day
With an adult, make hot cocoa. Plop a dollop of whipped cream on top and stir with a candy cane.
Christmas Seals were created to raise money in the fight against lung disease. They were first issued in 1907. Visit christmasseals.org.
Do you like to get letters? Then mail a letter to a friend or family member telling them what’s new with you.
Winter Begins Design a flag using green, red and black crayons. Visit the library to find a book about an AfricanAmerican hero.
Pretend you are a reporter interviewing Rosa Parks. Write a list of questions you would ask.
2016
Name an animal for every letter of the alphabet. If you get stuck, look in books or online.
Set up a bowling alley with empty water bottles.
Find a sports story in The Chronicle to share with your family at dinner.
Make room for new toys by giving away some of your used ones to a shelter for needy moms and children.
31 Have a snowball fight with balled-up sheets of The Chronicle. (Make sure to get your parent’s permission!)
Make a list of five things you want to accomplish in 2017. Seal the list in an envelope to be opened on 12/31/17. New Year’s Eve
©Vicki Whiting
From Your Friends at
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Subscribe Now and Save! 12 Months + (1 Month Free) = $95 6 Months + (1 Month Free) = $49 CALL 360-807-8203 today! Subscriptions are non-refundable and must be prepaid for this offer. Offer expires December 24, 2016.
December 2016 • Southwest Washington Family • 13
Homemad Christmas
by Tiffany Venters of Salkum
If you are one of those smart people who buys gifts throughout the year and are already prepared for the holidays ahead, you have my respect and admiration. If, however, you fall into the group of people who wait until December before you start planning, you are not alone. Either way, if you are looking for something different to give to friends and family this year, try some of these homemade ideas we’ve rounded up! You might find that making homemade gifts becomes a tradition!
Baked and Canned Goods
Cookies, cakes and pies are sure to bring smiles to recipients young and old. My sister makes me a cheesecake almost every year because she knows it is my favorite all-time dessert. My mother-in-law loves pickled beets, so my girls and I pickle some for her using local beets if we don’t grow them ourselves. Baking and canning takes time and patience, what better gift to give to someone you care about?
Art Kits
Try piecing together one of these kits for your budding artists and crafters! Watercolor Kit: Spiral bound watercolor paper, brushes, water color paints and an instruction book. Needle Felting Kit: Wool roving, needles, foam block and an instructional book. Kindergarten Kit: Foam shapes, glue sticks, crayons, construction paper, stencils, stickers, kid scissors, wood sticks, etc. 14 • December 2016 • Southwest Washington Family
Coupon Book
This is a fun one for anyone to receive. You can include coupons for household duties you don’t normally do, foot and back massages, breakfast in bed, cleaning the garage, free babysitting, making dinner or other things you know the recipient will enjoy.
Essential O and Scru
These are easy t and wonderful to u mix essential oils w coconut oil and put a wide mouthed ma jar. To turn the oil i scrub, add coarse s sugar. Make a cute hang around the jar you’re done.
Gifts in a Mason Jar
My girls make hot cocoa mix, cookies and homemade marshmallows and put them in mason jars as gifts for family and friends. We use computer software to make our own picture labels to decorate the tops of the jars, but you can just as easily make your own tags and tie around the neck of the jar. Make sure to include any cooking instructions necessary to enjoy the gift! And, as an added bonus, we use a nail to punch a hole in the Mason jar lid and turn the label into an ornament!
Orna a joy to made t painted
de s
Oil ub
to make use! We with t in ason into a salt or e tag to r and
Toys
We’ve made many toys out of felt and wood. They are quick to make, taking no more than a couple of days to complete, and the kids adore them, not to mention I saved a bundle making them versus buying them online. Play food: Felt turkeys (with velcro wings and drumsticks), pantyhose potatoes, painted wooden avocados (made from the large wooden goose eggs at Michaels), painted wood petit fours, wooden olives and cherries, etc. These are easy enough for kids to help make for siblings or friends. Wooden Puzzles: I’ve bought 12-inch wide oak boards and drawn out puzzle patterns for my husband to cut with his skill saw. After they are sanded, I paint them with water colors and use food grade wood wax to seal it in. Or, you can easily use acrylic paints. Rice or Bean Bags: These cute little rice bags are so easy to make and are very versatile! I made them originally to use with a bean bag toss game my husband made (similar to the game corn hole). We also use them to play balancing games using different parts of our body, but this time of year we pop them into the microwave for 30-45 seconds (per pair) to put in our pockets on cold days. You can use any fabric scraps to make them.
Blankets
Quilts take time but they are worth their weight in the love they exude. Baby quilts are easier to accomplish in the time you have left between now and Christmas, if you know how to sew. If you don’t sew, but can use a pair of scissors, you can still make a fun and cozy knotted fleece blanket using only a few supplies and material.
Share your ideas and pictures with us on our Facebook page!
I hope these ideas have helped to inspire you to make your own gifts this year. When buying supplies think local first, and if you are lucky enough to receive something homemade this year, take a moment to appreciate the thought and love that was put into making it.
Ornaments
aments are fun for kids to make and are o hang on the tree year after year. We’ve them from clay, wool roving and even d razor clam shells.
Tiffany Venters loves the great outdoors! Tiffany and her family currently live in Salkum.
SWWF December 2016 • Southwest Washington Family • 15
Stretchy Snow What can be more fun than snow? Stretchy Snow of course. Grab a handful of toy animals and have fun making footprints, “sledding” and wintery pretend play.
What you need:
• Liquid starch • Elmer’s white school glue • Artificial snow for Christmas crafts
Stir together 1/4 of the bag of snow and 1/2 cup white glue. Then stir in 1/2 cup liquid starch. Stir and mix with your hands. If the mixture sticks to your hands, add a little more starch. If it is too stringy or won't hold together, knead in a little more glue. After the mixture is done to the consistency you want, add more snow until it has the look you want.
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16 • December 2016 • Southwest Washington Family
Call to arrange a tour of our facility 1315 S. Tower Ave. Centralia • 360.736.7657 Centralia Christian School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
Fun Variations
Use clear glue and silver glitter instead of white school glue for a clear “icy” look. Use clear glue and a drop or two of blue food coloring for “arctic water”
Adding white snow flake confetti during play is a fun addition too!
SWWF
December 2016 • Southwest Washington Family • 17
Happy Birthday! Teresa W. turns 10 on Angelle O. turns 11 on Kayden C. turns 6 on December 28! December 17! December 6!
Abby F. turns 11 on December 3!
Isabella B. turns 9 on December 14!
Lexi E. turns 15 on December 22!
Jackie C. turns 8 on December 9!
Avery S. turns 6 on December 5!
Olivia H. turns 11 on December 15!
Travis H. turns 11 on December 15!
Submit your January birthdays online
at swwfamily.com by Dec.9. If you had a birthday on one of this month’s birthday pages, stop in to our office at 321 N. Pearl St., Centralia, for a birthday prize! 18 • December 2016 • Southwest Washington Family
December
Happy Birthday! Madison C. turns 10 on December 16!
Aliya M. turns 7 on December 21!
Coe L. turns 2 on December 24!
BELATED
Ashlee V. turns 10 on December 27!
Noel O. turns 10 on December 12!
BELATED
BELATED
BELATED
Julia J. turned 5 on November 30!
Raina J. turned 8 on November 8!
Olivia A. turned 6 on November 17!
December
Gabriel W. turns 2 on December 31!
Jenna J. turns 8 on December 14!
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Julian R. turned 7 on Quetzy T. turned 8 on Hailey S. turned 6 on November 11! November 4! November 1!
SWWF December 2016 • Southwest Washington Family • 19
Packing Around a Backpack Safely Trips and falls on the playground might account for the majority of injuries that send school children to the nurse's office, but backpacks cause their fair share of injuries as well. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates there are more than 7,300 backpackrelated injuries per year. Children routinely carry more than the recommended weight in school backpacks and, compounding the problem, also carry their bags incorrectly. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical agencies recommend that a child's backpack should weigh no more than 10 to 20 percent of the child's body weight. However, this figure should be adjusted based on a child's fitness level and strength. That means that the average 7-year-old second-grader who weighs between 55 and 60 pounds should be carrying no more than 11 to 12 pounds in his or her backpack. 20 • December 2016 • Southwest Washington Family
A backpack that is too heavy may cause ◆ Red marks on the shoulders or back from the straps. ◆ Tingling or numbness in the arms and back. ◆ Changes in posture when wearing the backpack, and pain anywhere in the back.
There are some safety features parents can look for when purchasing backpacks ◆ Compression straps make the backpack more sturdy. A padded back reduces pressure on the muscles and can be more comfortable. ◆ Compression straps make the backpack more sturdy. ◆ Reflective material on the backpack can make the child more visible to motorists. To address problems, which also may include nerve damage resulting from pressure on nerves in the shoulders, children should lighten their loads and carry backpacks correctly. The following tips are some additional ways youngsters can prevent backpack-related injuries. Carry Only Necessary Items Children should only carry what is required for that particular school day in their backpacks. Distribute Weight Evenly Items in the backpack should be spread out to distribute the weight across the entire back. Heavier items should be at the bottom of the pack. Use Both Straps Using only one strap shifts the backpack weight to one side, causing the back and shoulders to strain. Many orthopedists have reported treating children with back or shoulder pain as the result of carrying backpacks incorrectly. Choose The Correct Backpack Size The size of the backpack should match the scale of the child and should rest evenly in the middle of the child's back. Lift Safely Children should lift their backpacks by bending their knees and lifting to protect their backs. SWWF December 2016 • Southwest Washington Family • 21
Early Learning Coalition Banners! SWW Family is proud to be a part of this great project! These banners were created with the hope to help parents and their children have fun together and interact by looking for shapes, colors and words, as well as creating discussions and active engagement. Thank you to the following for allowing banners to be hung for families to enjoy together. • Cascade Mental Health • DSHS Child and Family Services • Community Mediation Center of Lewis County • WIC
If you would like to participate, please call Donna Burkhart at (360) 736-939, ext. 697 or Teresa Schneider at (360) 736-9391, ext. 532.
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Try our Summer specials! Washington Family 22 • December 2016 • Southwest
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Congratulations to this year’s winners: e5 g a , . B h Set
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We hope you had fun at the City of Centralia’s Tree Lighting Ceremony! SWWF December 2016 • Southwest Washington Family • 23
DeLynne Dietz
Edison Elementary School, 1st grade Mrs. Dietz was chosen for a Teacher Feature because of her obvious pride and love she has for her students and the evident joy she has as they succeed.
How long have you been teaching?
I taught six years at a private school, and subbed for several years. This is my 16th year working at Edison Elementary in Centralia. I was a Success For All (Reading Program) facilitator for 12 years and a curriculum specialist for three years. I am currently a first grade teacher.
What inspires you/what is your favorite part of teaching?
It is very rewarding to see a child learn a new concept/idea. My favorite part is when a child that once said, “I can’t read,” says, “I can read now!”
What hobbies interests do you enjoy outside the classroom?
Old movies, bike riding, sign language, and x-stich.
What made you decide to be a teacher?
When I was a child I played school with my little sister and three neighbor girls. Of course, I was the teacher! It never really occurred to me that I could actually be a teacher as an adult. When I decided to attend college, elementary education seemed to be a natural fit.
What is your favorite teaching memory?
I was told that during her senior presentation, when asked why she wanted to be a teacher, a former student stated “Because of Mrs. Dietz.” There is nothing more satisfying than feeling you have made an impact on someone’s life.
Do you have a quote you tell students?
Make me proud!
When you were little what did you want to be when you grew up?
Neither of my parents went to college. When I was a child I wanted to be a wife and mother. I never considered attending college until I was in high school.
Send in nominations for your favorite teacher, student, class or coach.
Mail to 321 N. Pearl, Centralia, WA 98531 or email jviall@swwfamily.com. If you email us and we don’t reply we haven’t received your message. Please give us a call at 807-8217.
Name of teacher/school or coach/team & sport:
St u de n t Fe at & u r
i l y Te a c h
W
F am
SW
24 • December 2016 • Southwest Washington Family
or
Please include a few sentences on why you think your teacher, student, class, or coach should be featured. If you have a picture of your teacher, student, class, or coach, please send it in too! We may contact you to learn more.
ie Sp o n s
Email: ______________________________________________________________________________
&N
Name of parent & phone #: ___________________________________________________________
re
Name of child nominating: ___________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________________
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December 2016 • Southwest Washington Family • 25
Imaginary Friends
By Donna Burkhart of Cenrtralia College Children’s Lab School
The world of young children is the world of make believe, where their imagination can take them anywhere they want to be. We adults encourage and delight in this when we talk about Santa Claus and read books about animals that talk and give voices to machines. If you have ever observed a young child playing when they are alone, you know that their imagination is the most powerful tool they possess. While it is not always readily evident what their goal is, it is clear to see they are completely immersed in the experience of thinking through what they want and need. Some young children will take an additional step into this world of make believe when they create their own imaginary friends. Imagine a friend who is always there when you need them, can take the blame for mistakes you made and helps you understand what is happening in your world. We as adults don’t always understand this, but if you think about it, we often do the same thing in our heads when we call upon the voices of our parent, friend, former teacher or coach to help us to cope with a difficult challenge or situation. The use of imaginary friends is a powerful resource that helps children understand the world around them and often appears when children are in need of assistance to
26 • December 2016 • Southwest Washington Family
understand what is happening in their lives. For children, imaginary friends can take on any role assigned, don’t question their role and don’t have opinions of their own. I remember very clearly the first day I became aware of my daughter’s imaginary friend. It was a cold winter day and we needed to go shopping. My daughter was in the yard playing on the swing. I called to her and said we needed to go to the store. My daughter reluctantly stopped swinging and started talking. As I watched I could see that there was a debate happening, and when she slowly came into the house, she informed me that Lucy didn’t what to go to shopping. With a quizzical look on my face I asked “Well, what does Lucy want?” My daughter informed me that Lucy wanted to keep playing in the yard and then have lunch. At that point, I realized that if I wanted my daughter to cooperate I would have to get Lucy’s help. I suggested that Lucy join us as we played a game in the car, then shopped and when we got home we could make lunch together. After talking it over with her friend my daughter, Lucy and I went about or shopping and lunch happily. Lucy is one such imaginary friend in my daughter’s life. My daughter at times struggles to keep up with the pace of her day. While I don’t know where Lucy came from or what she looks like, I know that she has been instrumental in making transitions easier, has always laughed at my daughter’s jokes and is there to comfort my daughter when I am not available. She is a best friend in the true sense of the word. I cherish Lucy. She has given me another glimpse into my child’s personality and she has made it possible to avoid power struggles on those occasions where I need my daughter to cooperate. Allowing, and in some cases encouraging, the use of imaginary friends can be helpful to both the child and the caregiver as it gives the child the opportunity to process information at their own pace and gives adults the ability to encourage children to practice problem solving with a trusted friend. SWWF Donna Burkhart is the mother of two children, one with special needs. She has worked in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 25 years. She has a Master’s degree in Social Work and has worked with children in the child welfare system, children with special needs and children with neurotypical development. She loves spending time with family, riding bikes and enjoy hanging out at the beach. December 2016 • Southwest Washington Family • 27
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DANVILLE, Calif. – Have you ever wondered what happens to the crayons you get in restaurants to color while you are waiting for your food? One day when Bryan Ware was at a restaurant with his children, he picked up one of their crayons and asked, “I wonder what happens to these crayons after we leave, if we don’t take them home?” Bryan asked his server and was shocked and saddened to find out that the crayons were thrown away. He took the crayons home that night. He thought the life of a crayon should not end after just one meal. He thought about the thousands of children that would enjoy these barely used crayons. That’s when he came up with the idea of recycling unwanted crayons for children.
Brand new crayons arrive at a restaurant.
Read the article on this page. Then answer the questions below! Who is this article about?
Bryan started a non-profit called The Crayon Initiative. His organization collects unwanted or broken crayons and melts them down to make new crayons which are donated to children in hospitals.
What is this article about?
More than 500,000 pounds of crayons end up in landfills every year. To date, The Crayon Initiative has donated over 15,000 packs of crayons to children’s hospitals.
When did this happen? Where did it happen?
The crayons are made in Bryan’s kitchen. His wife, kids and a lot of friends help sort crayons into color groups in their backyard. And volunteers from around the community as well as big corporations help sort crayons, too!
Crayons are Drop crayons used by from table kids at into special tables. collection box.
Used crayons melted down and made into new crayons.
Why did they do it?
Crayons shipped to children’s hospitals.
The Crayon initiative helps the environment and kids at the same time! Learn more at: thecrayoninitiative.org ©Vicki Whiting
SWWF
December 2016 • Southwest Washington Family • 29
TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HOLIDAYS As the holidays approach, here’s some practical advice to help you and your family reduce stress and make the most of the season. Start by getting plenty of the following: sleep, laughter, sunshine and exercise. Be realistic about what you can do, and don’t over schedule. Try to maintain your regular OUR CLINICS meal and bedtime routines. In short, do Capital Eastside less but enjoy more. And stay healthy!
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