BigAppleParent JANUARY 2017
NYMETROPARENTS.COM
Is
Homework
Helpful?
Welcoming Everyone
Inside the debate Plus: Find the right school for your child
The surprising religious diversity at Catholic schools
Good Failure Teaching kids grit and resilience
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NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions
Contents
January 2017 ››
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Features
16 The Benefits of Failure Why teaching kids to handle setbacks with grit and perseverance is important 18 Finding Summer Fun in the Depths of Winter Six ways to bring warm-weather fun to the coldest season
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20 Is Homework Necessary? Inside the debate about whether kids really need homework—and what one school is doing instead 24 Not of the Faith How local Catholic schools have integrated students from all types of religious backgrounds 48 Great for Leftovers Three recipes, plus a leftover twist for each
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52 Why Are Boys Failing? How current norms are contributing to boys falling behind—in school and life
Connections
6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Quotables 14 NYMP Q&A: Ilana Wiles, creator of MommyShorts.com, talks average parenting 58 Voices: Is My Babysitter Doing a Better Job Than Me?
Fun & Activities
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12 DIY Corner: Make your own bird feeders 13 Media Matters: What Your Kids Should Watch 32 Outing: Queens Museum 35 Family Activities Calendar 46 Where-To Guide: Ski & Snowboard
Family Activities CALENDAR ››
Directories
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26 54 55 56 56 56 57
Schools and Educational Services Meet the Director Open Houses Party Central Professional Services Party Planner and Family Resource Guide Advertisers’ Index
ON THE COVER ›› 16 Good Failure 18 Summer Activities in Wintertime 20 Is Homework Helpful? facebook.com/nymetroparents
@NYMetroParents
24 Welcoming Everyone 46 Where to Go Skiing Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!
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©2017 Success Academy Charter Schools.
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CLIENT: Success Academy
JANUARY 2017 • Vol32• No.1
EDITOR’S NOTE
Education in the Classroom & Beyond
I
remember when my oldest child started getting homework. It was a shock to the system, hers and ours, intruding on her post-school play time and, to the extent we needed to help her, on our quiet time with the kids. Since then, as the volume and difficulty of her homework has increased, I’ve become so grateful and proud to see how diligent and responsible she is at it. Still, there are nights where she remembers well past bedtime about a forgotten assignment or is flummoxed by a particularly difficult task. I sometimes wonder what worth there is in this, and as Katelin Walling reports (p. 20), I am not alone in asking that question. There is a hot debate in education circles about whether to ditch homework altogether, and some schools, including some in our region, have done exactly that. Speaking of frustration, I am sure you’re familiar with this scene: A child melts into tears and anger, unable to be consoled, because of his inability to complete a task, whether it’s getting that ball into the basket or building a block tower taller than he is. It breaks our hearts to see our kids so angry and hurt, and we naturally try to assure them of their skills and worth. But setbacks can be useful to children, especially if we help channel their feelings in a productive direction, helping them see failures as motivation to try again and harder and conquer the task. We spoke with experts who offer advice on how to teach kids this sort of grit and resilience (p. 16), skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. If you want to get your kids to pick themselves up again after they fall down—literally and metaphorically—you could bring them to a ski slope and teach them the sport. Find great spots for skiing and snowboarding around the Northeast (p. 46). And for winter fun closer to home, get great tips on recapturing the joys of summer even when the weather is freezing (p. 18). For my family, dead-of-winter visits to the Bronx zoo are a cherished tradition. For many of us, January is the time to think of September—specifically, where our kids will go to school next year. For some parents, the right choice might sound surprising on the surface: choosing a Catholic school even though they are not Catholic. Samantha Neudorf investigates this phenomenon and explains what’s behind the decision to send kids to a religious school when they are not of the faith (p. 24). And if you are seeking a school for your child, check out our education directory to find tons of great choices (p. 26). Stay warm, and have a great January! Michael Kress Editorial Director
NYMetroParents Publications EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Michael Kress MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling DEPUTY EDITOR: Caitlin Berens SENIOR EDITOR: Bethany Braun-Silva ASSISTANT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf REGIONAL EDITORS: Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Karen Demeter (Suffolk); Rosalind Muggeridge (Brooklyn); Jamie McGillian (Westchester); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Emma Steven (Manhattan); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERNS: Jonathan Perry, Kathryn Sheridan
ADVERTISING SALES Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239 Jeunesse Jackson, Linda Pierce Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Ellen Klein Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Randi Shulman, Merrill Sugarman, Mary Wender Brooklyn Parent 718-878-4860 Phyllis Crupi, Ellen Klein, Selene Rodriguez Rockland Parent 845-848-8021 Cara Roteman, Jim Russo Long Island Parent, Nassau 516-883-4543 Joan Bergman, Manager, Dani Pollack Long Island Parent, Suffolk 631-472-5437 Lisa Herlihy, Karen Shapiro To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com DIR. OF OPERATIONS -- EVENTS: Rebecca Stolcz DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Ray Winn OPERATIONS COORDINATORS: Ray C. Guédez, Leonard Porter DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC: Heather Gambaro ADMINISTRATION MANAGER: Erin Jordan
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Join us for an afternoon of family fun at the first-ever Westchester Parents Day! We’re putting together a program sure to put a smile on your kids’ faces—while helping you learn valuable information. Kids will enjoy entertainment, tasty treats, crafts, a dance party, and raffles and giveaways, while parents can get to know local child-focused businesses, including camps, after-school activities, and birthday party venues. Westchester Parents Day will be held 12-3pm on Sunday, Feb. 5, at the Crown Plaza, 66 Hale Ave., White Plains. Go to westchesterparentsday.com to learn more and register. 6
January 2017 | nymetroparents.com
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NEW PLACES, NEW PROGRAMS
nymetroparents.com/np-bap
Who: Dance Workshop What’s New: The location on the Upper East Side, which is housed in a brownstone and includes two dance studios and a waiting room for parents. Dance Workshop offers lessons for boys and girls, children to adults. Tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, modern, lyrical, contemporary, and acro classes are offered and capped at eight to 10 students with rolling registration throughout the year. Dance Workshop also offers birthday parties for children and customizable wedding dance classes for the couple or wedding party to learn a classic dance or an original choreographed piece. Want More Info: 154 E. 64th St., Upper East Side; 917-388-2013; danceworkshopny.com
Courtesy Dance Workshop
Dance Studio Opens Upper East Side Location
Dance Workshop offers a range of classes for children and adults.
Who: swim swim swim I SAY What’s New: Swim classes and programs, including water aerobics, plus parent and tot classes. Swim swim swim I SAY offers classes year-round for children and adults on Saturdays and Sundays, including group and private classes, fear-ofwater classes, and classes for children with special needs. “Not many companies cater to children with special needs,” says founder Agnes Davis. “I became attuned with what works and what doesn’t work for children so we can give them the attention and development they need.” Want More Info: Hostos Community College, 450 Grand Concourse (at 149th Street), Bronx; 917-902-3184; swimswimswimisay.com
Courtesy swim swim swim I SAY
Swimming Company Offers New Classes and Programs
Agnes Davis (right) teaches children how to swim.
Who: The Bridge Golf Learning Center What’s New: The startup golf center in Harlem, which provides services for golfers of all skill levels and ages. “TrackMan Golf Simulators teach students about attack angles, spin rates, and anything you can learn about the golf swing,” says program and events coordinator Meghan Costello. Through the center, The Bridge Golf Foundation is a nonprofit focused on improving the lives of young men of color. It provides an after-school program for students at The Eagle Academy for Young Men of Harlem that includes golf instruction, a golf-focused STEM program, character education, and mentoring. Want More Info: 40 W. 117th St., Harlem; 646-453-7488; bridgegolffoundation.org
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January 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Courtesy The Bridge Golf Learning Center
Golf Startup Opens in Harlem
Walk-in golfers can hone their skills through instruction and simulation using state-of-the-art technology.
BigAppleParent
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UOTABLES I was going to be a perfect stay-athome mom and enjoy every single moment teaching and encouraging my children. Then, I actually had my own kids, three of them, and that is when I fell off my unicorn and tumbled straight back to reality. —Barrie Bismark, in a post entitled “I’m Not the Mom I Thought (and Hoped) I Would Be,” on The Huffington Post: Parents.
in an instagram in an instagram Cal. Several days ago. In front of a nova that’s he’s completely enamored with. It has been parked on our block since the dawn of time. The owner is a complete mystery, but it does move for alternate side. (Posted by @megankellicraig, aka Megan C., who blogs at thebrooklyndoll.blogspot.com)
“He won’t do these things forever. These (nearly) three years of waking up every night or changing what feels like millions of diapers, will feel like a short moment in time come 30 years from now. And it’s then that I’ll miss the moments of walking into his dark room with me squinting my eyes half asleep to pick him up out of his crib and have him lay his head on my shoulder and fall quietly back to sleep. Or the funny faces we make to each other as I lay him on the ground to keep him occupied while I’m changing his diaper.” —Lauren Jimeson, in a post entitled “No Rush,” on her blog, SincerelyLauren.com.
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January 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Having the time of their life! Letting go is scary but they both did plenty of times. #iceskating indoor is definitely the way to go! @chelseapiersnyc @kamikofficial #stepoutside (Posted by @gothamlove, aka Suzanne C., who blogs at gothamlove.com)
WORKING OUT AS A BUSY MOM “You can still move on to your kid’s theatrical debut at school if your lipstick, say, doesn’t make it through Pilates. But if your deodorant gives out? Yikes. You may miss the curtain call.” —Christina Vercelletto, in an article entitled “Hit the Gym Moms—and Look Great.” Read the whole thing at nymetroparents.com/mom-fitness.
MORE NYMetroParents.com HIGHLIGHTS: GET OUTTA TOWN: Get great winter day trip suggestions at nymetroparents.com/winter-trips. GLIDE AND SLIDE: Find ice-skating rinks near you at nymetroparents.com/ice-skating. MORE WINTER FUN: See the top 100 winter activities in the New York metro area at nymetroparents.com/winter-activities. CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR: How to make resolutions kids can keep (nymetroparents.com/kid-resolutions)
BigAppleParent 11
DIY CORNER WINTER CRAFT
Feed the Birds
Invite winged friends to your yard this winter by making one of these bird feeders. Position the feeder in front of a window, and your kids will have an opportunity to become winter bird watchers, especially if they want to stay cozy inside with a cup of cocoa instead of braving the cold.
Bird Seed Ornaments These goodies are so pretty they’d brighten a tree even without the snow. Use walnuts, cranberries, and kumquats to form a garland to add a little extra cheer. Ingredients ¾ cup flour ½ cup water 1 packet unflavored gelatin 3 Tbsp. corn syrup 4 cup birdseed Directions 1. Mix ingredients together in a large bowl. 2. U se vegetable oil on a paper towel to coat the insides of the cookie cutters (or use vegetable spray); this will allow you to remove the ornaments from the cookie cutters more easily. 3. S pread waxed paper over your work area, then fill the insides of the cookie cutters with birdseed mixture, packing tightly. (We used circle and heart shapes.) 4. P oke a drinking straw through each ornament near the top to make a hole for hanging. 5. C arefully remove each ornament from the cookie cutter and set on waxed paper. Let dry for several hours.
6. Once the ornaments are dry, you can use peanut butter to decorate the rims and insides with other seeds. For example, spread a line of peanut butter around an outside rim, then press thistle onto the peanut butter. Or use peanut butter to create a heart shape atop a circle, and press in thistle and corn kernels. 7. Thread ribbon through the hole, and hang on a tree.
Bird Seed Wreath
Ground Bird Seed Feeder
Trace a bird outline in the snow, then fill the shape with different types of seed.
Bake bread dough in a doughnut shape, slather on peanut butter, and coat with seeds. A yummy dinner for the birds! Add a pretty bow to make it a decoration for the yard.
Projects and photos courtesy Lowe’s; for two more ways to feed the birds this winter, visit nymetroparents.com/birds.
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January 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Media Matters: TV
Splash and Bubbles (PBS Kids)
Recommended Age: 3+
What Your Kids Should Watch
HHHH
Friendly fish introduce preschooler
Dot. (Sprout)
s to ocean science
Recommended Age: 5+
HHHHH
Recommended Age: 6+
HHHH
This charming series strikes the perf ect balance between life and tech . Milo Murphy’s Law (Disney XD)
An unlucky teen’s fortune lies in frien
dship and a positive outlook
MARS (National Geographic Channel)
Recommended Age: 12+
HHHHH
This outstanding Mars mission serie
s has suspenseful moments.
In Theaters Jan. 27: A Dog’s Purpose
Our Partner: Common Sense Media An independent nonprof it that helps families make smart media choices. Check out thousands of ratings and reviews at commonsensemedia.org
Parents need to know that A Dog’s Purpose provides a bit of a twist on the standard talkinganimal movie. The story is narrated by a dog (voiced by Josh Gad), who begins his life as a golden retriever named Bailey whose best friend is a young boy named Ethan (Bryce Gheisar). Bailey remains loyally by Ethan’s side through his teenage years, even through Ethan’s first love (so expect some kissing and romance), until Bailey dies of old age—only to be reincarnated as a (female) German shepherd police dog. The dog continues to come back, living many lives as many different breeds. With each new human he—or she—lives with, the dog learns a little more about his purpose, until, years later, he returns to a familiar home and a familiar friend (Dennis Quaid). Although this movie will likely have emotional moments that might be too intense for sensitive younger kids—including the recurring death of a pet—for the most part it looks like a heartfelt family dramedy for all dog lovers.
See more at NYMetroParents.com/media
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NYMP Q&A
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Here’s to the Average Parent ›› By Bethany Braun-Silva
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Ilana Wiles is the creator of the successful parenting blog, MommyShorts.com. She recently wrote The Mommy Shorts Guide to Remarkably Average Parenting. What is an average parent? I think everyone is an average parent. And the reason I say remarkably average parenting, in my book, is because I think it should be an aspirational thing. The people who are striving to be a perfect parent or to do everything correctly are never going to get there. So once you accept there is no one correct way to do things, I think we can all feel much better about the parenting job we’re doing, which ultimately is much better for ourselves and our children. I think everybody is having the same experience, no matter what kind of parent you are. There are helicopter parents, attachment parents, free-range parents, and they all have children who are developing and going through the same things. They have tantrums, they need to be potty trained, they have accidents, they’re tough on a long road trip. Where does the pressure of being a perfect parent come from? I think a lot of it is due to social media. Even on Instagram, everybody posts these beautiful pictures of motherhood, and everybody is putting up their highlight reel and the reality is you’re taking, like, 50 pictures of your kids not being able to stand still and then the one where they’re both smiling is the one you’re posting. Which is totally normal and fine, but as we’re looking through our feeds and we’re seeing all these pictures of kids in these perfect scenarios and smiling, you make your own assumptions about what the rest of that person’s life or day looks like and you forget that you’re only seeing a very small piece of it. We can’t look at what people are posting on social media and think that represents real life, because people are posting the best versions of their life. It’s very healthy to talk about the realities of parenting so we don’t think that we’re alone in this and we’re the only ones who can’t get our kids to stand still for a picture. How do you incorporate humor into your everyday life? I think my kids are hilarious, and I think a lot of how you enjoy parenthood is using your pain as entertainment. If everything went according to plan, you wouldn’t have any good stories to tell. If you go on the plane and everything goes smoothly, that’s wonderful. If you go on the plane and everything goes awry, you have a really good story to tell.
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How do you determine how much to share on social media? I never want my kids to be embarrassed about anything I’m putting out there about them. I’m very cognizant of how things might make them look or if something is too personal. At the moment, I still feel like I’m able to talk about the struggles of parenthood or some of the things I’m dealing with and I feel like it’s all universal. So I have to figure out how to walk a line with being honest but not saying anything that might upset them or might be too personal.
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The Benefits of Failure
››
Teaching kids to handle setbacks with grit and perseverance is more valuable than trying to help them avoid ever failing at anything. By Madeleine Burry
A
re you raising kids who can cope with setbacks? Does your child respond to obstacles by persevering—or by calling it quits? Lately, it may seem as if the concepts of grit and failure—specifically, how to have more of the former and deal productively with the latter—are everywhere, making them the buzzy parenting concepts of the moment. It’s hard to escape the headlines and books about the perils of allowing kids to grow up without failing. But as these ideas have entered the zeitgeist, it’s easy for them to assume a bumper sticker-like simplicity (Failure is great! Go grit!), cautions Richard Rende, Ph.D., and co-author of Raising Can-Do Kids: Giving Kids the Tools to Thrive in a Fast-Changing World. The reality is a bit more complicated. It’s not that failure is good; there is no need to root for your children to flounder and fail to achieve goals. But failure is inevitable; if you’ve lived, you’ve experienced setbacks and disappointments. That goes for everyone: Even our century’s big success stories, such as J.K. Rowling, Simone Biles, and Steve Jobs, have histories littered with rejection letters, torpedoed projects, bad reviews, and missed medals. And because failure is ever present, it’s important for your child to be able to respond appropriately. “Kids need practice failing so they can learn how to deal with it in both a practical and emotional way, and know how to move on from 16
January 2017 | nymetroparents.com
failures,” says Ami Schwab, Ph.D., who specializes in child psychology and teaches parenting classes.
Help Kids Focus on Feedback—Not Failure
Carol Dweck, Ph.D., the author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, is known for her groundbreaking research into what she calls “fixed” and “growth” mindsets. In a fixed mindset, abilities and intelligence are set: Tanisha is so smart; Abby has a natural talent for math; Arjun is better at music than writing; Sean is a real artist! In this framework, failure becomes an endpoint. If you see yourself as “good” at math, a poor grade on an algebra test can feel devastating, as though you’ve reached the end of your abilities in math. Or, if you’ve always thought of yourself as “bad at math,” a poor grade acts as reinforcement. In a growth mindset, on the other hand, abilities are framed as something that can, well, grow—this transforms failure from debilitating to a “what’s next” moment. In this mindset, a poor grade indicates the need to study more or to seek tutoring. To foster a growth concept, align feedback toward effort: Tanisha studied hard for her math test; Connor’s not good at drawing realistic people yet; Abby’s practice before the piano recital paid off— she went from three missed notes last year to just two this year. Dr. Dweck believes mindset plays a powerful role in relationships, personality, and how a person’s life unfolds. “In one
world, failure is about having a setback. Getting a bad grade. Losing a tournament. Getting fired. Getting rejected. It means you’re not smart or talented,” Dr. Dweck writes. “In the other world, failure is about not growing. Not reaching for the things you value. It means you’re not fulfilling your potential. In one world, effort is a bad thing. It, like failure, means you’re not smart or talented. If you were, you wouldn’t need effort. In the other world, effort is what makes you smart or talented.”
Focusing on Your Own Response
Throughout your child’s life, there will be setbacks. Many times, the scale may seem small, especially for young kids—a missed goal; a broken toy; a poor grade in a topic that doesn’t come naturally—but from a developmental perspective, these moments are hugely important. The way you respond to these events, and, in turn, how your child processes them, will play an outsized role in your child’s personality and response to setbacks over a lifetime. Try these strategies to raise kids who can persevere past obstacles and process failures as feedback (and not dead ends): Phrase feedback right (and be cautious with your compliments). Given Dr. Dweck’s research, it’s clear that the way we speak to kids about their successes and failures has a huge impact in whether they view themselves as having core abilities, or whether they’re focused on effort and improvement. “Compliments can be negative for your child’s internal motivation and self-esteem,” says Dr. Schwab, a Bronx resident. Praise feels good, but when it’s for fixed qualities, it doesn’t foster your child’s esteem or sense of worth. Instead of saying, “Good job!” Dr. Schwab advises, ask your child, “Are you proud of yourself?” This allows kids to think through how they feel— proud or determined to do even better next time. Resist the temptation to smooth things over. Here’s a classic scene: A wheel has fallen off your child’s small truck, and she is wailing in dismay as a result. For parents, it can be tempting to fix the truck. After all, for us, that’s easy (and stops the tears handily). But doing so might not be doing your child any favors. “Remember who owns the problem, and try to avoid bailing your child out,” Dr. Schwab says. Instead, offer empathy (Isn’t it frustrating that the wheel fell off!) and ask helpful questions geared toward your child’s age and understanding (What do you want to do? How can we fix this? Do you think that wheel can be reattached?) “This strategy gives kids the confidence and ability to fix problems on their own and encourages them to think for themselves,” Dr. Schwab says.
Don’t keep your own failures hidden. Think about how you share stories of your own life with your children. Do you talk only about your successes? Here, as in every other area of your life, be a role model to your children: Share your triumphs in work and life, but don’t shield your child from the process—the successful meeting that was the result of devoting a full weekend to creating and practicing a presentation, for instance. Share the negative feedback and disappointments as well, along with how you overcame those challenges. Encourage kids to be intelligent risk takers. Dr. Rende recommends parents “let kids do things where they might not be the stars” and encourage kids to take risks. Doing this helps inculcate a growth mindset in your child—and encourages them to not settle for only doing tasks where they’ll perform well. “Failure is an important part of the learning process,” Dr. Schwab says. He recommends parents get in the habit of tacking on the word “yet” to negative statements. If your child is crying that he can’t fix that truck’s wheel, you might subtly inspire him by responding, “You can’t fix that truck’s wheel— yet!” Practice and perseverance alone can’t make a person run as fast as Usain Bolt, Dr. Schwab points out, but that doesn’t mean it won’t lead to improvements. In everyday life—unlike the Olympics—there’s more value to trying and improving than to chasing after the gold medal. Separate out external markers. In a child’s world, there are a lot of definitive moments of evaluation: grades, competitions, sports victories, and defeats. Perhaps more than adults, children have to deal with rankings and concrete feedback. Dr. Rende describes all of these evaluations as being a statement in a moment of time, and encourages parents to keep kids focused on the process, instead of the result. “We really want to eliminate the word failure, but we also want to eliminate the word success. It’s best for kids to focus on process and being in control of their learning,” he says. Ask children to think about what they learned from the experience, and encourage them to be open to feedback beyond the grade. As parents, it can be painful to think of your child experiencing pain, frustration, or failure. But research tells us allowing your child to fail—and then helping them think through how to respond to this setback—allows kids to build the framework they need to learn from the moment, and get insight into how to move on from failure in the future. Madeleine Burry is a Brooklyn-based freelance writer and editor, covering everything from parenting to open data to workplace productivity. She’s held staff positions at Parents.com, Scholastic, and About.com. You can follow her on Twitter @lovelanewest.
Music & creative movement | Yoga, swimming & field trips | Bilingual staff, full-day & full-year
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Finding Summer Fun in the Depths of Winter ››
Ignore the cold and the snow, and bring some of the joys of summertime to your kids year round. By Bethany Braun-Silva
T
here are so many fun summer activities we must forgo when the weather is too cold. But in fact, you don’t have to wait for warmer weather to enjoy some summer fun. Gather the family and check out these great summer activities you can do in winter, swimsuits required—seriously!
Get Wet at an Indoor Water Park
If a day at the waterpark is your child’s idea of a great time, it’s guaranteed to be even more fun in the winter. Who says you have to wait until Memorial Day to throw on your swimsuit? Family resorts such as Great Wolf Lodge and Camelback Resort in the Poconos region of Pennsylvania have huge indoor water parks that are a great way to get your summer fix in the winter. Your kids will love being allowed to put on their swimsuits in freezing temps, and there is nothing cooler than watching the snowfall from a heated pool!
Watch the Waves at the Beach
While beaches are closed for swimming during the winter, most of the boardwalks remain open. Take a stroll and watch the ocean, where the waves are usually huge in the colder months, making for a really great sight. Or hop on a bike on a boardwalk and grab a hot dog for lunch. 18
January 2017 | nymetroparents.com
At some beaches, you may be able to even play in the sand, if there’s no snow on the ground—just be careful to stay a safe distance from the water. If you get cold, plan a trip to a nearby venue to warm up. You don’t have to wait until June or July to pay a visit to fantastic sea life: In Coney Island, Brooklyn, Nathan’s hotdogs and the New York Aquarium are open nearly every day of the year.
Visit the Animals at the Zoo
While temps may be low, lots of local zoos remain open all year long. Bundle up and take a trip to visit the animals, or at least
those that remain on display in the winter. You and the family can pop into an indoor exhibit when it gets too cold. There are some great ones happening this winter, including the 96 Elephants Global Origami Tribute at the Bronx Zoo. You can also pay a visit to the beloved seals and penguins at the Central Park Zoo, or take a spin (or several) on the carousel at many area zoos. Added bonus: No crowds. Be sure to pack a thermos of hot chocolate or cider. The animals are waiting!
Pitch a Tent and Camp Inside
Enjoy summer fun without leaving your home. You and your family can plan a camping trip right in your living room. If space allows, pitch a tent and throw in someEVENTS sleeping bags. If ACTIVITIES MORE space is tight, any kind of makeshift fort will do. Roast some marshmallows on the stove or break out the grill for a wintertime cookout. Tell some ghost stories, blast the summertime jams, or throw on a favorite summer-themed movie. The kids will love the feeling of camping in their own house!
Star Gaze at a Planetarium
Lay (or, at least, sit back) under the stars at a local planetarium. While it may be too overcast in January and February to get a good look at the galaxies, a planetarium is a great way to take in some of the outdoors without actually being outside. The best part, you’ll be nice and warm! The Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side is a classic and offers various show times throughout the week; there are several other options around the region, many of which include kid-focused shows. A virtual trip under the stars should hold your family over until you can see the real thing.
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Get Active at an Indoor Sports Facility
Take your kids to an indoor sports center or a batting cage. While Astroturf is not quite the same as fresh grass, it will do advance notice onsoccer activities, until Get the weather warms up. A family or softball game is sure to get the blood flowing just enough to bear the cold. participate in group discussions Indoor sport centers such as A-Game Sports in Westchester or and receive notices. Chelsea Piers in Chelseaspecial have plenty of opportunities for some great family fun. Get all the benefits of being outdoors without having to face frigid temperatures.
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Courtesy Oliver Stockhammer
Jovan Stockhammer, a third-grader at P.S. 118: The Maurice Sendak Community School in Park Slope, Brooklyn, works on creating a 3-D model of the Titanic as part of the school’s Exercise Your Brain program (left), and presents it in class (right).
Is Homework Necessary?
›› Inside the debate about whether kids really need homework—and what one elementary school is doing instead By Katelin Walling
H
“
omework is one of the most stressful parts of a family’s day,” says Elizabeth Garraway, principal at P.S. 118: The Maurice Sendak Community School in Park Slope, Brooklyn. “Families argue about homework and instead of being something that kids enjoy or something they learn from, it becomes a source of stress for parents and for kids.” At School Leadership Team meetings last year, parents kept bringing up concerns regarding homework. “A lot of families were feeling like the homework was kind of making their children feel under pressure or frustrated after school,” says Alexis Hernandez, a first-grade teacher at P.S. 118. These sentiments about homework are not unique to P.S. 118. Homework has been “a part of the discussion around education throughout the 20th century as people debated what should kids be doing in school and what should kids be doing outside of school,” says Thomas Hatch, Ed.D., co-director of the National Center for Restructuring Education, Schools, and Teaching. “I think the latest incarnation of the concerns about homework has come along with the concerns of the proliferation of testing. So, I think, right now concerns about homework, concerns about testing, concerns about academic pressure on kids are all kind of coming to the forefront.” While those concerns are being voiced, there is a huge divide in this country among parents. There are “parents who are very focused on high academic achievement and really push their kids. Those are the parents who want homework,” says Etta Kralovec, Ed.D., author of The End of Homework: How Homework Disrupts Families, Overburdens Children, and Limits Learning. “And then
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January 2017 | nymetroparents.com
there’s another group of parents who want their kids to have well-rounded lives, who want their kids to be involved in church activities, or they want their kids to be in Scouting.” With the regular school day, extracurricular clubs and activities, and sports teams, many parents and students are lamenting how much time homework takes, and parents and educators are questioning whether it really benefits the kids.
Finding a Balance
Hatch doesn’t think teachers should stop assigning homework altogether, but should work to find a balance between activities that support academic development and activities that support other aspects of development. “My take on that is really to look at it in the broader perspective. It’s not just about homework per se, it’s about how much time and focus do we want to see kids having on academic activities,” says Hatch, who is also a professor at Teachers College, Columbia University. “It’s really about how do we create a balance between a focus on academics and activities to embrace a wider set of abilities.” The question of balance isn’t just a hot topic in the U.S.; there are debates going on in many countries, including Korea, China, and Singapore, according to Hatch. The concern is kids are spending too much time in tutoring centers. “It’s kind of like an educational arms race where the parents are concerned about kids spending too much time outside of school cramming for tests…but at the same time they’re worried that if they don’t put their kids into those centers or don’t support continuing their academic focus after school,
then those kids are going to fall behind,” Hatch says. “That’s in part what you see in the U.S. as well.” It’s possible to find that balance with and without homework, Hatch says. If students are spending their entire school day on reading, math, writing—the basic academic skills—and going home with worksheets, “that’s a problem,” he says. If, on the other hand, students have time for recess, play, music, and art during the school day, it’s okay, developmentally, for them to have some homework relating to their academic work.
Ending Homework
“I don’t see any benefit to keeping homework,” says Kralovec, who is also an associate professor of Teacher Education and the program director of Graduate Teacher Education at the University of Arizona South. “There’s just no research that says it develops any kind of abilities or characteristics in student behavior that they actually need in life.” At the elementary level, there is no research that shows homework increases academic achievement. “In fact, most of the research says that it’s detrimental to kids because they’ve been in school all day and they need to exercise other parts of themselves other than just their school self,” Kralovec says. “I think that’s why a lot of elementary schools are really looking at getting rid of it.” At the middle- and high-school levels, though, the research is less clear that homework doesn’t support academic achievement. “There’s a correlation between homework and grades, but the correlation is very weak. Homework may be part of a good student practice by the time you get to high school, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that the homework is actually effective,” she says. With the proliferation of articles in the past few years about
school-induced stress, we know today’s students feel significant pressure to achieve—especially kids who want to go to college and think they have to be involved in various activities and in the community. Kralovec says homework, in some way, impedes high school students’ ability to become involved in their communities and develop interests that don’t grow out of school experiences. “I know some people say [homework] teaches kids responsibility, it teaches kids discipline, but there are just no studies that show it does any of that,” she says. “So for me, I like to think that there’s almost a firewall between the school and the child’s family life.”
Homework Alternatives
Back at P.S. 118’s SLT meetings, “parents were asking the teachers what they were doing with the homework,” Hernandez says. Not much, as it turns out. Rather than grading the homework and using it to plan future instruction, the teachers at P.S. 118 were mostly just checking to make sure the students completed and turned in their homework packets, Hernandez says. “So we really just kind of sat back and we thought what kind of program can we implement that would be more beneficial to our students, to our families, and to the teachers,” Hernandez says. “At P.S. 118, we really try to put a lot of play and hands-on learning in our curriculum, and so we thought why don’t we extend that into our after-school homework program as well and try to make it more interactive, more play-based, and more hands-on?” The result of that brainstorm session was Exercise Your Brain, which Hernandez created with Matt Weeks and Laura Willeford, both third-grade teachers at P.S. 118. The three teachers looked to the program P.S. 11: The William T. Harris School in Chelsea uses, continued on next page ››
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‹‹ continued from previous page
the Home-Based Optional Practice. With HOP, teachers provide families with a list of optional activities (with individual and family approaches to each activity) for every grade level. “We put together a menu of activities that would hit on a lot of different profiles of learning,” Willeford says. “We wanted to create an opportunity where kids could express their learning and their engagement in school in a variety of modalities. EYB is a menu of activities that changes monthly from which kids can choose an activity to complete. While participation in EYB is not required, Weeks has found that “100-percent of students participate, and they’ve participated a handful of times so far,” he says. Exercise Your Brain was implemented at the beginning of the school year, and though it met with some hesitation from the parents, the feedback now is positive. “I remember having mixed feelings, because while I support innovation in education, this no homework idea was foreign to me,” says Debbie Farrell, a mother of first- and second-grade boys at P.S. 118. “My 7-year-old son used to delay starting his homework, or skip it altogether. Now he and his brother both start talking about which EYB activity they can do, even before we are home from school. They are also able to do some EYB activities together, like the science experiment making invisible ink. They seem more patient with each other as well.” Oliver Stockhammer, father of third-grade Jovan, says, “Maria [Jovan’s mother] and I feel that this program has engaged the children on such a higher level than simple homework worksheets, getting them ownership of the projects, selecting and following through.” “I’m also seeing [increased engagement] in the classroom,” Willeford says. “My class is probably the most engaged class I’ve
had, and I think a lot of that is attributed to the fact that they have been able to be creative and have self-initiated learning.” The kids are loving EYB, too. “You have fun with EYB because you’re making something and learning a lot about different things,” Jovan says. “You don’t have to do homework all night long, and you get to present to the class and get to show what you did. With normal homework you just hand it in.”
Making Changes in Your School
The one resounding piece of advice everyone gave: Changing the homework policy at your children’s school should be a major discussion within the school community. Each school “needs to deal with the issue from the context of that school community. It really requires all parents to get involved to try to shape the work at the school so there’s a balance between school life and family life,” Kralovec says. “You do really have to look at your population, and you need to talk to the stakeholders. Talk to the principal, go to the SLT and make a presentation,” Garraway says. “We talked about it in SLT all last year, and we implemented [Exercise Your Brain] this year because homework just kept coming up” as an issue. It’s also important to look at how scaling back or ending homework will affect all kids in terms of their performance at school. “Those who love academics may thrive when there’s more to do. Those who are already disengaged from school may find it even more problematic if there’s too much activity, and then they respond when the homework is cut back, but it may not benefit them unless they’re also given alternate ways to improve their educational performance or to get engaged in academic activities,” Hatch says. “It’s about finding that right balance that allows every student to get the kind of academic support they need.”
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staff-child ratio Operates year round, 8 am to 6 pm, Monday – Friday Facility features library, large dining room, and private outdoor playground (hot lunch prepared daily on-site) Montessori approach to children’s individual early developmental needs Diverse classrooms – HRA vouchers accepted
SPACES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR 2 yr. olds – 6 yr. olds Please contact Terrye Morgan or Susan Pomilla at:
212-369-9626
245 E. 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128 https://www.nyfoundling.org/program/seton/ 22
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John Raiola
Not of the Faith
Students at Iona Prep’s Upper School work on a class assignment.
›› How local Catholic schools have integrated—and accommodated—students from all types of religious backgrounds By Samantha Neudorf
A
rthur Tobias is the father of three kids in New Rochelle and was brought up in an Italian-Catholic family. His wife is Jewish and his kids identify as Jewish, yet his two sons attend Iona Preparatory School—an all-boys Catholic school in New Rochelle. Tobias says that when it was time for his older son to consider high schools, he was either going to continue attending public school or enroll in Iona Prep, where the elder Tobias had gone himself years earlier. But he did not know if the school would accept non-Catholic students until he had a conversation with a colleague who had been in the same situation: his wife and kids were Jewish, yet he sent his kids to Iona Prep. The colleague was a member of the school’s board and said that at one point board members had asked, “Who do we admit into the school?” They decided that being Catholic was not required, opening the school to kids with different religious backgrounds. Tobias and his wife then discussed sending their son to Iona Prep. They were concerned he might be teased or experience prejudice because he is Jewish. “She understood that I went there and that I valued my four years there and still do,” Tobias says. They came to an understanding and agreed to enroll him. Four years later, Tobias’ son graduated from Iona Prep and thanked his parents for allowing him to go there.
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January 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Catholic School Policies
Edward O’Neill, the principal of the Upper School at Iona Prep, says that out of the 750 boys in ninth through 12th grades, 171 identify as not Catholic, which is approximately 23 percent of the student population. That number includes students who are Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu, as well as non-Catholic Christians. O’Neill says he believes non-Catholic students apply to Iona Prep because of the school’s values. “Our values system is fairly clear, so people can identify with that,” O’Neill says. “We’re able to project a set of values of right and wrong, why we think kids should pursue their values and a good life.” The school requires all students to take four years of a course in Catholic religion and to attend school Mass once per month. The class is just like any other course in that the students receive a grade and have homework, and while Mass attendance is mandatory, participation is not. “The guys don’t have to actively participate, but we do want them to be familiar with our liturgies and how we celebrate our religion,” O’Neill says. Many other Catholic schools have similar policies, in which non-Catholic students can enroll and must go to Mass, but are not forced to participate or share the same beliefs. Maria Ljubich, the advancement director of St. Bernadette Catholic Academy in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, says 4 percent of the
400 students in pre-K through eighth grades are non-Catholic, but all participate in prayer and school Mass. “Religion is taught as a subject on a daily basis and prayer permeates our day,” Ljubich says. Catholic students may prepare sacraments and non-Catholic students are welcome to help, but they do not have to receive them. Ljubich says no problems have come up from nonCatholic students and their families. Jane Harrigan, the principal at Our Lady of Mercy School in Hicksville, says approximately 31 students out of the 300 in pre-K through eighth grades identify as non-Catholic. She says some parents have asked questions about what it will mean for their child to receive an education in a Catholic school. “We talk about…what the child would be experiencing because especially with the little ones, they’re learning ABCs, numbers, and also prayer,” Harrigan says. Students at Our Lady of Mercy School take a religion class, and though they are learning about the faith, they do not have to agree with it, Harrigan says. “If there are any places where perhaps our [religion] and theirs is not exactly the same, then the parents take it upon themselves to say [to their kids], ‘This is what you’re learning in the Catholic school, this is what we believe in. We’re respectful of both,’” Harrigan says. Unlike Iona Prep and St. Bernadette Catholic School, tuition prices vary at Our Lady of Mercy School: Tuition is slightly cheaper for a Catholic student whose family attends a church in the diocese in Rockville Centre. The reasoning behind the difference is these families are already making monetary contributions to their Catholic church along with tuition, and some of that goes toward Our Lady of Mercy church, which is adjacent to the school.
Misconceptions, Debunked
In the beginning, Tobias’s eldest son was unsure about Mass and did not want to attend. “He was anxious about it because any time he had been to church, it was with me and it was a family setting,” Tobias says. At the school, all students are expected to get up and stand in line for communion, but they do not have to receive it. “It removes the stigma of, ‘Well, why aren’t you going up and going to communion?’” Tobias says. If his son did not like Iona Prep, Tobias says he would not have enrolled his kids in any other Catholic school. His daughter is currently a senior at a public high school because she did not like the private school she and her parents considered. It’s a matter of researching the school and constantly checking in with your child, Tobias says. “[See] if there are any anxieties or concerns they may be having around the idea that they’re in a school different from their religion,” he advises. “A lot of kids are adjusting to high school life and religious differences may be just another part of that adjustment.” O’Neill has been an educator at Catholic schools for 44 years and attended one as a student 50 years ago. Catholic schools used to be viewed as extremely rigid, he admits, with an emphasis on discipline and order. But, he says, educators’ mindsets have changed in the past 20 years because a lot of them are modernizing and adapting to the times. “The older approach was ‘Here’s a group of kids and everybody is going to conform,’” O’Neill says. “At some point, Catholic schools got it that they needed to treat people as individuals and adjust to their learning styles.”
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Academic Enrichment & Educational Services Art of Mandarin Chinese Tutors
812 W. 181st St. 917-698-6250 artofmandarin.com info@artofmandarin.com. Learn Chinese at home with Art of Mandarin Tutors L.L.C. We match students and early learners with New York City’s best Chinese tutors, and provide expert guidance throughout the learning experience. Our tutors are all locally based and willing to travel to your neighborhood. Lessons are structured to be fun and engaging while working toward clearly established goals. And with discounts and incentives included in our lesson packages, your Mandarin Chinese language journey has never been more convenient or affordable. Visit artofmandarin. com and get started today.
Collina Italiana
1556 Third Ave. (at 87th Street), Suite 603 212-427-7770 collinaitaliana.com info@collinaitaliana.com Set on the Upper East Side and in the Financial District, our Italian classes allow children to benefit from a comprehensive approach to learning in an age-appropriate and inviting atmosphere. Classes for kids include Giardino dei Bambini (drop-off on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, ages 2-4); Girotondo Giallo, Rosso, Blu, and Viola (Italian playgroup, ages 2-9 and older); painting and music workshops; private or semi-private classes; and Italian Summer Mini Camp. For all the bellissimi details on Collina Italiana, call the Italian instructors today!
ConstructionKids
The British International School Of New York, 20 Waterside Plaza Corlears School, 324 W. 15th St. Avenues: The World School, 259 Tenth Ave. Bard Graduate Center, 38 W. 86th St. Dwight School,
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291 Central Park West Brooklyn Navy Yard, BLDG92, 63 Flushing Ave., Brooklyn The Co-Op School, 40 Brevoort Place, Brooklyn constructionkids.com info@constructionkids.com Old School Tools, New School Learning. Holiday programs, birthday parties, and field trips. Kids love to make things and be creative. It’s how they learn about the world around them. They just need their imagination, some great materials, and a safe, encouraging environment. Our kids work on projects adapted for small hands, using real tools. Surrounded by other kids and great instructors, we see their creativity come alive. And most of all, they have fun!
Einstein Blueprint
888-639-5512 einsteinblueprint.com dan@einsteinblueprint.com I coach the most ambitious parents on how they can unlock their kids’ full potential. Whether you want to accelerate your toddler, drastically improve your child’s grades, set them up to ace the SATs, or raise an entrepreneur, I can most certainly help you. I especially work with parents who educate their kids completely outside of schools via private tutoring or homeschooling. Call me for a free consultation and I’ll reveal how I accelerate my students three, four, five, and even six years above grade level.
Huntington Learning Center
237 W. 72nd St. huntingtonhelps.com Huntington Learning Center’s tips for parents at mid-year report card time: The new year is upon us, which means it’s time for midyear report cards, which can stir up stress for children struggling with school. Huntington Learning Center reminds parents that the mid-year report card should be used as a tool to identify issues and seek help to address them during the remainder of the school year. Since 1977, Hunting-
January 2017 | nymetroparents.com
ton has helped students develop the skills, confidence, and motivation they need to succeed. Call 1-800-CAN-LEARN (226-5327) or visit huntingtonhelps.com for more information.
swim swim swim I SAY
Agnes Davis, President, CEO at Hostos Community College, 450 Grand Concourse Building C, Bronx 917-902 -3184 swimswimswimisay.com swim swim swim I SAY is your upper Manhattan-Bronx-based home for swimming lessons and water aerobics. We teach tots, children, adults, fear-of-water students, and students with special needs (including individuals with autism) how to swim, and water safety. Home pool instruction, pool parties, stroke correction, and water aerobic classes are also available. swim swim swim I SAY is located 2-5 minutes from Manhattan by train or bus at Hostos Community College in the Bronx.
Tribeca Language
22 Harrison St., ground floor 212-219-9893 tribecalanguage.com admin@tribecalanguage.com Tribeca Language has uncovered the secret to making language fun and immediately gratifying for students of all ages. We offer Baby and Me, Preschool Prep, as well as drop-off private and group children’s classes for ages 2-13. Come to a trial class and see why hundreds of private and public schools are now using our brilliant QTALK Method! See our website for videos, class schedule, and online registration.
Preschools All My Children Daycare and Nursery School
Various locations; call for information or check us online Manhattan: 212-419-5416 Brooklyn: 347-708-7827 Queens: 347-708-7827 allmychildrendaycare.com
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OO CH L
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Schools & Educational Services Guide
A directory of top area schools, tutors, and other academic services to help you make the best decisions for your child
info@allmychildrendaycare.com All My Children Daycare is the eco-friendly choice for your infant or young child. We have various locations throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens to accommodate your needs. AMC offers a holistic approach to education inspired by nature, and our staff is highly trained. Growth and development of the child as a whole is our No. 1 goal. We also offer a broad range of content on our website for parents. Call to inquire about registration or schedule a tour of a facility near you: 212-466-6262, or email info@ allmychildrendaycare.com.
Book Nook
167 W. 81st St. (at Amsterdam Avenue) 212-873-BOOK (2665) booknooknyc.com Book Nook is an early childhood program that focuses on preparing children ages 6 months to 7 years for the next steps in their academic and social development. We work to foster literacy development, handwriting, reading, inference, and comprehension skills while also aiming to build a child’s confidence and comfort in an educational setting. Classes take place during and after school. Our UWS program will be expanding to Tribeca in the fall, bringing with it all the fun and joy of books, learning, and play.
Elizabeth Seton Day Care and Preschool
245 E. 92nd St. 212-369-9626 nyfoundling.org Elizabeth Seton Day Care and Preschool consists of a Montessori-based, developmental program for young infants of 2 months to 5 years. Established in 1972 by The Foundling, Seton was one of the first centers of its kind in the New York area: a place where working families from diverse backgrounds could come for quality all-day child care in a group setting. Our continued on page 28 ››
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Incredible things happen when children love to
Learn. Foster a love of learning from the start! Preschool beginning at 2 years, 8 months
An IBO World School For boys and girls ACCEPTING ages 3Ͳ14 APPLICATIONS www.bisͲny.org FOR 2017/2018 212Ͳ481Ͳ2700
Celebrating 10 years of academic excellence this fall, it is our pleasure to invite you for a private tour at our stunning waterfront campus on East 23rd St. On your visit spend some time with our remarkable students and staff, explore our impressive facilities, and discover a worldͲclass, balanced education where there is space for both rigor and recess. We know a happy child is best positioned for success and believe passionately in supporting and stretching our students to meet their highest potential. We look forward to welcoming you!
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Looking for an Alternative? Come meet Blue Rock faculty and hear how our vibrant and creative learning environment stimulates children’s natural curiosity with its hands-on approach. In small class settings, students engage in a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and discovery-based curriculum infused with the arts, nature, and play. Encouraging critical thinking, collaboration and creativity—Blue Rock is a great alternative for grades K-8.
Winter Information Session & Campus Tour Saturday, January 28, 10am
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247 West 24th Street, New York, NY 10011
(212) 229-9340 www.thekidskornerpreschool.com
Nursery & Pre K Programs Open year round
Now Accepting 2017 Admissions Applications School Tours by appointment only. Call or email for a January 2017 appointment. 212-229- 9340. jennifer@kidskorner.nyc Applications are online at www.thekidskornerpreschool.com/forms. REGISTER NOW! Toddler gentle separation class 16-22 months. Registration form is online at www.kidskorner.nyc
September - June 8:30 am - 5:30 pm July & August 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
‹‹ continued from page 26
mission is to support the development of each child in a warm and nurturing atmosphere and to assist families by providing consistent and responsive child care in an enriching and educational environment.
Evolution Enrichment Preschool
38 Delancey St., 2nd Floor (enter from Forsyth Street) 212-375-9500 evolutionenrichment.com evolutionenrichment@gmail.com Looking for a preschool for your toddler? We offer a unique opportunity to enroll children ages 2-3 in our exceptional private program on the Lower East Side. Our 15,000-square-foot early education center features bright and spacious classrooms with natural light, an outdoor playground, dance studio, and an air-conditioned gym. Pre-K (for ages 4-5) and after-school program includes options with Mandarin Explorers, G&T Test Prep, Music Explorers, and Yoga. For 18-month toddlers, we offer Come Play Preschool three times a week. Full-time, part-time, and half-day schedules available. Contact online: evolutionenrichment. com/contact or call 212-3759500 to schedule a tour.
The Kid’s Korner Preschool Where children ages 5-14 with learning differences become skilled, strategic learners Gateway’s language-focused curriculum teaches the skills, strategies, and content that each student needs to achieve academic success, while boosting self-confidence and instilling a love of learning.
www.gatewayschool.org 211 West 61st Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10023
247 W. 24th St. 212-229-9340 thekidskornerpreschool.com kidskornernyc@gmail.com Chelsea’s best-kept secret, The Kid’s Korner Preschool, is a NAEYC-accredited preschool and nursery school, whose intimate, small classrooms are designed to provide a sense of warmth and acceptance for children. A backyard brings the country to the city, “paved” with fake grass so that children can take off their shoes, lie down, and look at the clouds. The calm, quiet space is decorated with birds, butterflies, and sunflowers.
Morningside Montessori School Pusteblume International Preschool provides children with a fun and community-oriented multicultural environment where instruction in the German and Spanish language serves as a catalyst for the development of each child’s unique cultural identity.
Ask about our NEW afternoon program for 2-3 year olds. Tours are available every Friday between the hours of 9:30AM to 11:30AM, please contact us to book your date and time. Pusteblume International Preschool is directed by Friends of the German International School of New York, Inc., a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation.
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January 2017 | nymetroparents.com
251 W. 100th St. 212-316-1555 morningsidemontessori.org Morningside Montessori School is a blended Montessori school on the Upper West Side for children ages 2-6. Founded in 1971, MMS is celebrating its 50th year of love and learning. Our Mission: Guided by the Montessori philosophy and
best practices in early childhood education, together we nurture children into compassionate, independent, lifelong learners. Online application at morningsidemontessori. org. School tours now through February. Email admissions@ morningsidemontessori.org. 212316-1555.
Preschool of America
2109 Broadway at 73rd Street 212-877-1388 101 West End Ave. at 64th Street 212-362-0135 25 Tudor City Place at 41st Street 212-681-4671 1190 Park Ave. at 93rd Street 212-410-1100 1501 Lexington Ave. at 97th Street 212-987-3700 345 W. 42nd St. at Eighth Avenue 212-262-4545 600 Sixth Ave. at 18th Street 212-255-6911 39 Eldridge St. at Canal Street 212-925-0998 25 Market St. at Henry Street 212-577-2710 46 Market St. at Madison Street 212-346-9868 2 South End Ave. at W. Thames 212-786-1688 Preschool of America provides an exciting and safe learning environment for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children. We value the multicultural and diverse neighborhoods we serve. With hands-on experiences and manipulatives, our students are learning social skills as they interact, and cognitive skills as they problem-solve. Our playgrounds and gyms allow an abundance of gross motor opportunities. Nutritious meals are provided daily for the growth of the body and mind. We are learning every day and having fun every minute.
Pusteblume International Preschool and Afterschool Programs 244 W. 14th St. 212-206-1137 pusteblumenyc.org carola.grundmann@pusteblumenyc.org Pusteblume International Preschool provides children with a fun and community-oriented multicultural environment. Our preschool program welcomes families with children from ages 2-5 of all international backgrounds who are interested in having their child learn
SCHOOL MARKETPLACE German, Spanish, or both in a language immersion classroom. Our after-school programs and holiday camps welcome children from other schools and also offer activities for school-age children (age 6-12). Pusteblume International Preschool is directed by Friends of the German International School of New York Inc., a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) corporation.
Private Schools Book Nook
167 W. 81st St. (at Amsterdam Avenue) 212-873-BOOK (2665) booknooknyc.com Book Nook is an early childhood program that focuses on preparing children ages 6 months to 7 years for the next steps in their academic and social development. We work to foster literacy development, handwriting, reading, inference, and comprehension skills while also aiming to build a child’s confidence and comfort in an educational setting. Classes take place during and after school. Our UWS program will be expanding to Tribeca in the fall, bringing with it all the fun and joy of books, learning, and play.
The British International School of New York
20 Waterside Plaza 212-481-2700 x204 bis-ny.org; info@bis-ny.org BIS-NY is proud to offer children ages 3-14 a challenging curriculum, which combines the inquiry-based, child-centered philosophy of the International Baccalaureate Program with the rigor of the English National Curriculum; a powerful combination that sets it apart from other New York City schools. BIS-NY’s curriculum has been chosen for its high standards of excellence, its balance, and its portability, preparing children for their next stage of schooling. BISNY graduates have enjoyed great success at many of the leading private schools in Manhattan, Europe, and worldwide. More than a school; it’s an education.
Buckley Country Day School
2 I.U. Willets Road, Roslyn 516-472-2702 buckleycountryday.com Buckley Country Day School is an independent, coeducational day school providing a superior elementary education to an
intellectually capable and diverse student body. Buckley provides the foundation that enables our students to achieve their full potential and excel as educated, ethical, and self-confident individuals. Our graduates are well prepared for secondary schools and beyond.
The Calhoun School
433 West End Ave. and 160 W. 74th St. 212-497-6500 Lower School: 160 W. 74th St. calhoun.org The Calhoun School is a co-educational, progressive independent school on Manhattan’s Upper West Side serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Calhoun inspires a passion for learning through a progressive approach to education that values intellectual pursuit, creativity, diversity, and community involvement.
Nursery through 8th grade (ages 3-13) French and American curricula with an international perspective
OPEN HOUSE DATES Thursday, January 12 - 6:00 PM Wednesday, January 25 - 8:15 AM TO SCHEDULE A PRIVATE TOUR, VISIT EINY.ORG 111 East 22nd Street, New York , NY 10010 | 646.410.2238
École Internationale de New York (EINY)
111 E. 22nd St. 646-410-2238 einy.org EINY is an independent, international French-American school located in the Madison Square and Gramercy Park neighborhood. EINY offers an academic bilingual program in French and English from nursery to eighth grade offering Mandarin and Spanish as a foreign language. EINY is fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education and is affiliated with the Mission Laïque Française. A faculty of certified teachers from France and the United States work to instill the rigor of the French curriculum and the American emphasis on independent thinking.
Toddler Twos – Grade 8 School Tours Available October – January Located on 3 campuses in Manhattan’s Gramercy & Murray Hill neighborhoods, The Epiphany School consistently and cohesively provides an educational environment rooted in the value-centered Catholic tradition and community with a rigorous academic program. Religious Instruction • iPads for All Students • Real Touch Displays Fully Equipped Computer Labs • Foreign Language • Library • Science Lab Sports Teams • Art • Music • Physical Education • Free Breakfast Early Drop Off & After School Programs • Wellness in the Schools Lunch Program
www.theepiphanyschool.org admissions@theepiphanyschool.org
Elizabeth Seton Day Care and Preschool
245 E. 92nd St. 212-369-9626 nyfoundling.org Elizabeth Seton Day Care and Preschool consists of a Montessori-based, developmental program for young infants of 2 months to 5 years. Established in 1972 by The Foundling, Seton was one of the first centers of its kind in the New York area: a place where working families from diverse backgrounds could come for quality all-day child care in a group setting. Our mission is to support the development of
Blended Montessori curricula with emphasis on cultivating a lifelong love for learning. Spanish & Mandarin language classes Kindergarten Prep Program Parent Partner Program 2,000 sq. ft. playground
To schedule a school tour, visit morningsidemontessori.org
continued on next page ››
BigAppleParent 29
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each child in a warm and nurturing atmosphere and to assist families by providing consistent and responsive child care in an enriching and educational environment.
The Gateway School
211 W. 61st St., 6th Floor 212-777-5966 gatewayschool.org admissions@gatewayschool.org Founded in 1965, The Gateway School is an independent, coed day school for children ages 5-14 with language-based learning disabilities or attention deficit. It was among the first schools in the country to recognize that bright children who had difficulty learning simply had to be taught differently. Gateway teaches the skills, strategies, and content necessary for students to realize their potential in school and in life. In a language-rich setting, students experience academic success, recognize their strengths, and develop self-advocacy skills.
Parochial Schools The Epiphany School
Early Childhood Center:
152 E. 29th St. 212-725-7220 Lower School: 234 E. 22nd St. 212-473-4128 Upper School: 141 E. 28th St. 212-725-7220 theepiphanyschool.org admissions@theepiphanyschool.org The Epiphany School prides itself on a tradition of excellence. The school enjoys three campuses, that consistently and cohesively provide an educational environment rooted in community with a rigorous academic program. The school follows New York State and Archdiocese of New York Guidelines, offers early drop-off, free breakfast program, Wellness in the School lunch program, two-three classes per grade, and religious instruction. Enrichment programs include art, music, physical education, and Spanish. We offer a library, science lab, and computer labs. After-school program for kindergarten to eighth grade available until 5:30pm.
Saint Ignatius Loyola School
48 E. 84th St. 212-861-3820 saintignatiusloyolaschool.com In 2011, Saint Ignatius Loyola
School was named as a Blue Ribbon School. Since 1854, the school has provided an academically challenging environment rooted in the Catholic faith and tradition for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Every student is given the opportunity to learn in an environment that celebrates personal potential through individual and collaborative efforts. Students maintain a healthy balance between academics and extracurricular activities. Whether it is through the fine arts, a sports team, or an academic team, the school continually looks for ways for students to discover and refine their individual talents.
Special Education Bakshi Law
Offices in the Financial District, Long Island, and Westchester 917-244-6133 lawbakshi.com lara.bakshi@gmail.com Bakshi Law specializes in special education law. We represent parents and children with disabilities, acquire correct classification under IDEA, ensure proper implementation of IEP, ascertain correct
SCHOOL MARKETPLACE
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January 2017 | nymetroparents.com
placement for children, and tuition reimbursement. We attend CSE meetings, resolution meetings, and suspension hearings, and all disciplinary hearings for special needs and general education students. Bakshi Law’s attorneys are passionate about your child’s education and offer assistance on a sliding scale for parents experiencing financial difficulties.
The Gateway School
211 W. 61st St., 6th Floor 212-777-5966 gatewayschool.org admissions@gatewayschool.org Founded in 1965, The Gateway School is an independent, coed day school for children ages 5-14 with language-based learning disabilities or attention deficit. It was among the first schools in the country to recognize that bright children who had difficulty learning simply had to be taught differently. Gateway teaches the skills, strategies, and content necessary for students to realize their potential in school and in life. In a language-rich setting, students experience academic success, recognize their strengths, and develop self-advocacy skills.
Year Round swimming lessons (Private & Group) for Special Needs • Tots • Children • Teens • Adults
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In Autistic & Special Needs • Fear of Water Swim Team Prep • Stroke Correction Classes
As featured in/on: WABC, WNBC, PIX11 Morning News, USA Today, Washington Post & Associated Press
Hostos Community College 450 Grand Concourse, Building C, Bronx www.swimswimswimisay.com • 917-902- 3184
Located 2-5 minutes from Manhattan at Hostos Community College
Does Your Kid need a haircut? ResouRces ARticles
Hi! My name is Jennifer Hines and I hold 3 degrees from The Juiiliard School and am a soloist with the Metropolitan Opera as well as many others in the U.S. and abroad. I love teaching children of all ages. I started voice and piano lessons when I was five and I feel that starting at a young age a child can begin with learning and understanding a healthy technique. Developing bad habits are extremely difficult to rid themselves of. Music brings so much to a child no matter what they choose to do in life. I would love to be a tiny part in bringing music into your child’s life.
646-863-3005
Birthday Parties at the Galli Theater Experience the magic of live theater for your child's special event. For our different birthday packages please contact us at galliny@gmail.com or 212-731-0668
Find everything you need, faster at
We are also offering a Kids' Acting Camp Monday, Feb 20th - Friday, Feb 24th, 9am-1pm For more information please visit us at gallitheaternyc.com BigAppleParent 31
OUTINGS: Queens Museum
nymetroparents.com/outings
Queens’ Most Versatile Museum The 4-in-1 institute is an art museum, classroom, community center, and historical site. ››
Courtesy Queens Museum
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Courtesy Queens Museum
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Max Touhey
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Courtesy Queens Museum
The Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass
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By Lauren Diaz
1 A peacock lamp from The Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass, a collection that fosters a better understanding and appreciation of the artwork of Louis C. Tiffany. 2 Families can snap a photo in the phosphorescent photo booth at the museum’s annual Spooktacular event in January. 3 Circus Amok!, a New York City-based circus-theater company, provides musical entertainment as guests dance at the museum’s Spooktacular. 4 The museum’s west façade is covered in glass panels spanning the length of the building, which are backlit by programmable LED lighting. 5 The Panorama of the City of New York is a 9,335-squarefoot model of the entire city, which was planned using aerial photographs, fire insurance maps, and other city materials.
The New York City Building was originally built with the purpose of housing the New York City Pavilion at the 1939 World’s Fair. After hosting another World’s Fair in 1964, it finally became home to The Queens Museum. Within this building you will find a host of unique and educational exhibits, galleries, and fun and interactive programming for your family.
Year-Round Fun
Billed as an indoor helicopter tour and often referred to as the “jewel of the crown of the collection” by staff, The Panorama of the City of New York was one of the most successful attractions at the 1964 World’s Fair. Each of the city’s 895,000 buildings constructed prior to 1992 and every street, park, and some 100 bridges are represented. Other permanent exhibits include The Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass, an extraordinary array of colorful lamps and windows, a 540-square-foot Relief Map of the New York City Water Supply System, and a World’s Fair Visible Storage collection. The Queens Museum prides itself on educa32
January 2017 | nymetroparents.com
tional programming and offers weekly Dropin Family Art Workshops. Families with children ages 5-12 are invited to take part in a number of diverse art projects ranging from designing city blocks to making puppets. Each year, the museum also offers a number of programs for children and adults with varying abilities through its ArtAccess initiative. The Museum Explorers Club specifically aims to aid families affected by autism. Families participate in creating art inspired by the work in the galleries while exploration and play help bridge connections and build literacy.
for Queens residents who are entering seventh to ninth grades.
Annual Events
Details
The Queens Museum hosts Queens International, a biannual exhibition of artists living or working in Queens. The exhibit aims to highlight and contextualize the vibrancy of the borough through cultural productions in all media. The museum also offers a number of summer programs including two-week summer camps for children ages 7-11 and a six-week Summer Youth Arts program
January Highlights
Each year, with the help of Circus Amok!, the Queens Museum turns into a spooky wonderland for its Spooktacular event. The afternoon is full of exciting performances, face painting, art making, and scavenger hunts. This event is ticketed with proceeds benefitting the museum’s Education Department, which provides arts programs for students and adults of all abilities. Spooktacular will be held Jan. 21, 2-4pm. Address: New York City Building, Meridian Road, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens Directions: Approximately a 50-minute subway ride from Midtown Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-5pm Admission: $8; $4 seniors; free for children 18 and younger For more information: queensmuseum.org or 718-592-9700
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DOES YOUR 7-11 YEAR-OLD CHILD: Have a hard time sitting still? Have difficulty paying attention? Have trouble listening and following instructions? Have difficulty focusing? Constantly go, go, go? The free treatment research study is evaluating whether a computerized brain training program will improve academic achievement, social skills, family functioning, and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Parent and child must be fluent in English, the family must have a computer with internet access at home, and the child must be diagnosed with ADHD through the assessment conducted at our lab.
If you are interested, contact the FACES Lab (Families and Children Experiencing Success) Call: 212-992-7699 Email: faceslab@nyu.edu IRB#15-10524
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BigAppleParent 33
Mitzvah Market magazine Your Source for Ideas & Inspiration
2016-2017
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Davler Media Group Fax: 212.271.2239 • Call: 914.290.4716 Email: Distributon@davlermedia.com 498 Seventh Ave., 10th Floor New York, NY 10018
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Sign up for our FREE newsletter & never hear “I’m bored!” again. We email the top kids’ events every Thursday—just in time to make weekend plans!
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Turn the page for details on Three Kings Day Parade (No. 1 on our list).
y-day day-b : r u o t ou line ar Check alendar on alend c ood, hborh cost. g i e n h by and Searc type, age, t n eve ily! ted da a d p U
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JANUARY CALENDAR
36 Editor’s Hot Tickets
41 Smarty Pants
38 We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!, Mini Musicians
42 Crafty Kids, Once Upon a Time
39 Holiday Fun
43 On Screen
40 Fun Fairs & Festivals, Special Needs
44 Show Time! 45 Movers & Shakers
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EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS
Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the nine events we consider can’t-miss—the ones we’re taking our own kids to. Consider it your cheat sheet to the best of what’s great this month!
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Three Kings Day Parade FREE
WHEN: Friday, Jan. 6, 11am-2pm WHERE: El Museo del Barrio, 1230 Fifth Ave., East Harlem AGES: All WHAT: This famous parade is celebrating its 40th year in 2017 and will honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the Latino community. The parade route begins on 106th Street and Lexington Avenue and ends on 115th Street and Park Avenue, and there will be activities at the museum following the parade. WHY WE LOVE IT: This parade features live camels, puppets, and parrandas! WANT TO GO? 212-660-7176. elmuseo.org.
‘Pip’s Island’
WHEN: Through Jan. 8: Wednesday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: Skylight Modern, 537 W. 27th St., Chelsea AGES: 3-8 WHAT: A unique theater experience in which kids become part of the show as it develops around them. WHY WE LOVE IT: Each show plays out differently, taking a lead from the young participants and featuring animation, live actors, sensory stimulation, and a fun narrative. WANT TO GO? $50. 212-736-6200. pipsisland.com.
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‘Stam-Pede’
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WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 8, 3pm WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: An annual showcase featuring the best of percussive dance by several celebrated companies. From lively Irish
January 2017 | nymetroparents.com
dancing to body percussion and tap dance; an exhilerating show for all ages. WHY WE LOVE IT: You’ll be tap dancing all the way home. WANT TO GO? $17. 503-293-9498. symphonyspace.org.
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Firecracker Ceremony & Cultural Festival FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 28, 10am-3pm WHERE: Sara D Roosevelt Park, Grand and Chrystie streets, Chinatown AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a bang at this annual festival. Thousands of firecrackers are set off to celebrate the start of the Year of the Rooster. WHY WE LOVE IT: Take part in one of NYC’s famous (and loudest!) Chinese celebrations. WANT TO GO? betterchinatown.com.
Progressive Insurance New York Boat Show
WHEN: Jan. 25-29, Wednesday-Friday, 12-9pm; Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Javits Center, 655 W. 34th St., Hell’s Kitchen AGES: All WHAT: The world’s first and longest-running boat show offers fun for the whole family. Take the helm and try out boats of all sizes, from luxury motor yachts and sport fishers to performance boats and sailboats. WHY WE LOVE IT: Family activities include a toy workshop, balloon workshop, and a photo workshop with a pirate. WANT TO GO? $16; free for children younger than 16. 718-707-0711. nyboatshow.com.
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Japan’s New Year’s Celebration: Oshogatsu
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 29, 1-4pm WHERE: Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the New Year holiday with taiko drumming, lion dancing, and other traditional activities. WHY WE LOVE IT: Ring in the New Year with Japanese fun for all ages. WANT TO GO? $18; free for children younger than 2. 212-715-1258. japansociety.org.
Hot Peas ‘N’ Butter
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 29, 11:30am WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Enjoy multicultural rhythms, from vibrant Puerto Rican folk music to soulful American blues. WHY WE LOVE IT: They are People’s Choice winners and Nick Jr. stars! WANT TO GO? $16. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.
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yrs. of Fun, Frien ds, & Fitness !
WHEN: Jan. 28-Feb. 5, Saturdays, 11am, 3pm, and 7pm; Sundays, 11am WHERE: New Victory Theatre, 229 W. 42nd St., Theater District AGES: 3-12 WHAT: A musical adaptation of Mo Willems’ bestselling children’s books, Elephant and Piggie. They dance across the stage and tackle questions such as What you wear to a fancy costume pool party? How can two friends play with one toy? WHY WE LOVE IT: Everyone’s favorite BFFs inject some fun into January. WANT TO GO? $25. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.
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WHEN: Through Feb. 19: Monday-Thursday, 12-6pm; Friday, 10am7pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: The Seaport District, 19 Fulton St., South Street Seaport AGES: All WHAT: On tour from L.A. this exhibition gives an in-depth look at the multi platinum-selling artist. See photographs and home videos, interactive experiences, handwritten lyrics, and iconic performance outfits. WHY WE LOVE IT: A must-see for Swifties! WANT TO GO? $9; free for children 5 and younger. southstreetseaport.com. ››
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718-230-4600
www.HuntingtonHelps.com
‘Elephant and Piggie’
The Grammy Museum: Taylor Swift Experience
718-491-0900
Flexible MP SUMMER CA scheduling se oo ch u Yo the days! You choose the weeks!
G re at Pe rk s Fo r M em be rs
V is it O u r To ta Awe s o mll y e Ne w ly Re n ova te Fa c il ity d !
Fo r K id s 9 mos to 12 yrs
Nothing Else Even Comes Close! Gymnastics • Music • Playtime • Camp • Sports Ninja Challenge • Jodi’s To Go • Best Birthdays Ever
www.jodisgym.com 25 Hubbels Dr. Mt. Kisko • 914.244.8811 244 E. 84th St. NYC • 212.772.7633 BigAppleParent 37
MINI
MUSICIANS LC Kids Presents Artists At The Atrium: Jo Jo and The Pinecones FREE
WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE
Think a freebie has to be ho-hum? Don’t let the price tag (or lack of one) fool you. Here are the five no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome.
Discovery Walks for Families: Balto’s Winter Wonderland FREE
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 16, 11am and 1pm WHERE: Central Park, Dairy Visitor Center & Gift Shop, mid-park between 64th and 65th streets, Central Park AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Be inspired by Balto (the famous sled dog and Central Park statue) and explore the winter wonderland of the park on this guided walk. WANT TO GO? 212-794-6564. centralparknyc.org.
Three Kings Day Celebration with Orlando Marin: The Last Mambo King
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 7, 2pm and 3pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Internationally renowned Orlando Marin and his band bring their own unique, Nuyorican celebration of the Three Kings Holiday. WANT TO GO? $12; $8 seniors; free for children younger than 1. 212721-1223. cmom.org.
12th Annual ‘A Shared Dream’ Concert FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 22, 12pm and 2pm WHERE: Carnegie Hall, Resnick Education Wing, 881 Seventh Ave., Midtown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Inspire your children’s imaginations and creativity with a piece of immersive music theater, combining humor, storytelling, and vocal improvisation. WANT TO GO? 212-247-7800. carnegiehall.org.
WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 18, 6-9pm WHERE: Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts, 2900 Campus Road, Flatbush, Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Join the 12th annual “A Shared Dream” tribute and concert in honor of the late, great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; Ricky Dillard and New G, the Brooklyn United Marching Band, Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy, and IET Band will be performing live. WANT TO GO? 718-629-6401. brooklyncenter.org.
Winter Jam FREE
Broadway Playhouse: George & Ira Gershwin
Carnegie Kids: OTOYOTOY! FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 28, 11am-3pm WHERE: Central Park Bandshell, Central Park at 72nd Street, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: You don’t have to leave the city to get into winter sports! This free festival gives New Yorkers the chance to try activities such as crosscountry skiiing, showshoeing, and more. WANT TO GO? 212-254-1109. nycgovparks.org.
The Luminaries FREE
WHEN: Through Jan. 29: see website for times WHERE: Brookfield Place Winter Garden, 220 Vesey St., Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: A light installation of hanging, glowing lanterns which constantly change color and intensity. The public can interact with the art work by making wishes on special stations, changing the color of the lights above their heads (until Jan. 8 only). WANT TO GO? 212-417-7000. brookfieldplaceny.com.
Yippee Skippy Puppet Theater Presents ‘Fractured Fables’ FREE WHEN: Through Feb. 26: Sundays, 1pm WHERE: Bank Street Bookstore, 2780 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: An improvisational, audience-participation puppet show with live music. WANT TO GO? 212-678-1654. bankstreetbooks.com. 38
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 7, 11am WHERE: David Rubenstein Atrium, 61 W. 62nd St., Upper West Side AGES: 3-5 WHAT: JoJo and the Pinecones combine kid-friendly jazz favorites and clever original songs. WANT TO GO? 212-875-5000. kids.lincolncenter.org.
January 2017 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 22, 11am WHERE: Kaufman Music Center’s Merkin Concert Hall, 129 W. 67th St., Upper West Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Broadway Playhouse introduces kids to classic Broadway musicals with songs, stories, sing-alongs, and audience participation games. This Gershwin special features classic songs such as “I Got Rhythm” and “Our Love Is Here to Stay.” WANT TO GO? $20. 212-501-3330. kaufmanmusiccenter.org.
Alex and the Kaleidoscope Band
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 28, 11am WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Alex and his lively band take kids on a musical journey around the world for toe tapping and feel-good tunes for the whole family. WANT TO GO? $17. 503-293-9498. symphonyspace.org.
Many Tunes, One Melody: Muslim Arts Series
WHEN: Jan. 14-Feb. 11, Saturdays, see website for times WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West SIde AGES: 5 and older WHAT: A showcase of music and instruments representing a range of Muslim communities and geographical locations every other week. WANT TO GO? $12; $8 seniors; free for children younger than 1. 212721-1223. cmom.org.
HOLIDAY FUN ‘Come Calling’ on New Year’s Day
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 1, 2-5pm WHERE: Merchants House Museum, 29 E. 4th St., Noho AGES: All WHAT: Paying calls on friends and family on New Year’s Day was one of Old New York’s most cherished customs. Take part in tours of the house, 19th-century readings about New Year’s Day celebrations, and punch and confectionery, as you continue the 19th-century tradition of renewing, reviving, and reaffirming friendships. WANT TO GO? $20. 212-777-1089. merchantshouse.org.
Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. FREE
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 16, 10:30am WHERE: BAM, Howard Gilman Opera House, 30 Lafayette Ave., Fort Greene, Brooklyn AGES: 5 and older WHAT: BAM’s annual tribute to iconic civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. returns for the 31st year. This free event brings worldrenowned activists, intellectuals, and civic leaders together with musicians, poets, and other performers to honor King’s legacy and keep his message alive. WANT TO GO? 718-636-4100. bam.org.
Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative March FREE
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 16, 10am WHERE: Manhattan Country School, 150 W. 85th St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Every year, Manhattan Country School eighth-graders honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by taking to the streets of Manhattan to speak out about what they consider to be the most pressing civil rights issues of their time. With the inaugaration at the end of this week, find out what impact this is having on the next generation. WANT TO GO? 212-348-0952. manhattancountryschool.org.
MLK Day: Dreamscapes
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 16, 11am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village AGES: 5-8 WHAT: To celebrate MLK day, kids will create their own dreamscapes of what they want to see in a better tomorrow. WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 1; seniors pay as you wish. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Historic Harlem
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 16, 11am and 1pm WHERE: Big Onion Tours, 135th Street and Lenox Avenue, Harlem AGES: 5 and older WHAT: At the center of African-American history and culture, Harlem is one of New York’s most significant neighborhoods. This tour explores the history of Harlem, from its origins as a Dutch village in the 1600s, through its transformation into the “Capital of Black America” by the 1920s. WANT TO GO? $25; $20 seniors; $15 students. 212-439-1090. bigonion.com.
Activist New York, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 16, 11am WHERE: The Museum of The City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave., East Harlem AGES: 5-12, adult
WHAT: Learn about civil rights protesting in New York and make your own protest poster, in honor of MLK day. WANT TO GO? $14; $10 seniors and students with ID; free for ages 19 and younger. 347-441-9181. mcny.org.
What’s Your Dream? MLK Event
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 16, 1-2:30pm WHERE: Eldridge Street Synagogue, 12 Eldridge St., Lower East Side AGES: 4-10 WHAT: Celebrate MLK day with a reading of the award-winning story What Do You Do With An Idea? and an art project inspired by dreams. WANT TO GO? Pay-what-you-wish donation. 212-219-0888. eldridgestreet.org.
Lunar New Year Celebration: Year of the Rooster
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 22, 3pm WHERE: Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts, 2900 Campus Road, Flatbush, Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: The prestigious Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company performs an allnew celebration of Chinese arts commemorating the Year of the Rooster, cousin to the mythical Phoenix, whose song awakens the world each morning and whose confidence and loyalty are well regarded. WANT TO GO? $25. 718-951-4500. brooklyncenter.org.
Holiday Express: Toys and Trains from the Jerni Collection
WHEN: Through Feb. 26: Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, 10am-6pm; Friday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: 5-17 WHAT: The moving display will appeal to all age groups, showcasing toys from a bygone era. It may not be the biggest holiday train show, but it will still delight little train lovers thanks to the beautiful detail of the pieces. WANT TO GO? $20; $15 seniors; $12 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.
New York Transit Museum Holiday Train Show FREE
WHEN: Through Feb. 28: Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm; SaturdaySunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: Grand Central Terminal, NY Transit Museum Gallery Annex and Store, 89 E. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Presented by the New York Transit Museum, this popular model railroad features Metro-North, New York Central, and subway trains departing from a miniature Grand Central Terminal on a 34-foot-long layout. WANT TO GO? nytransitmuseum.org. ›› BigAppleParent 39
WHAT: Celebrate Australia Day with art-making workshops and fun. Learn about the Outback, The Great Barrier Reef, beautiful beaches, and more. WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 1; seniors pay as you wish. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.
Thunderbird American Indian Dancers Annual Dance Concert and Pow-Wow
FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS MOCACREATE: Lunar New Year Museum Makeover
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 7, 1-4pm WHERE: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., Chinatown AGES: All WHAT: Help welcome the New Year by making handmade decorations to liven up the museum. Make colorful, food-themed creations, which will be on display through the annual Lunar New Year Family Festival. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 seniors and students; free for children younger than 12. 855-955-4785. mocanyc.org.
Teddy Bear Tea
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 8, 1-2:30pm WHERE: Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden, 421 E. 61st St., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Bring your favorite teddy or doll to learn about what it was like to be a kid in 1830; have tea and cookies; and try out some historic toys. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 for children younger than 12. 212-838-6878. mvhm.org.
Family Sundays at the Rubin Museum: Floral Festivities FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 8, Sundays, 1-4pm WHERE: Rubin Museum of Art, 150 W. 17th St., Chelsea AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Celebrate the Maghe Sankranti Festival, celebrated this month in Nepal. An auspicious time that marks the coming of warmer weather and days of good health and fortune. WANT TO GO? 212-620-5000. rubinmuseum.org.
Donut Fest
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 21, 9am-5pm WHERE: Verboten, 54 N. 11th St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: The best restaurants and bakeries in NYC submit their top cruller, ring, or long-john and compete against each other with only one walking away with the coveted title of “Best Donut.” WANT TO GO? $35-$50. donutfest.com.
Australian Cultural Festival
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 29, 10am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Soho AGES: All 40
January 2017 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Jan. 27-Feb. 5, Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 3pm and 8pm; Sunday, 3pm WHERE: Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave., East Village AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This annual event brings together the ritual and social dances from 17 different tribes throughout the United States. This is the only Native American Dance Concert and Pow-Wow in the East where Native Americans can see the dances of each other’s tribes. All proceeds from this event go to the Native American Scholarship Fund. WANT TO GO? $10; $1 children. 212-254-1109. theaterforthenewcity.net.
R&R Shabbat FREE
WHEN: Through March 18: Saturdays, 2-5pm WHERE: JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Weekly community Shabbat event designed to bring families together. Each week is different with a range of activities that include workshops, art, yoga, meditation, food, music, study, film, creative art projects, and indoor and outdoor play. WANT TO GO? 347-604-3964. jccmanhattan.org.
SPECIAL NEEDS Inclusive Saturdays FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 7, 9:30-10:45am WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., West Village AGES: 7 and older WHAT: These 75-minute structured workshops are specifically designed to help children with autism develop social interaction and communication skills, manual dexterity, and the ability to express themselves through art. WANT TO GO? 212-274-0986. cmany.org/saturdays.
Inclusive Saturdays FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 14, 9:30-10:45am WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., West Village AGES: 7 and younger WHAT: These 75-minute structured workshops are specifically designed to help younger children with autism develop social interaction and communication skills, manual dexterity, and the ability to express themselves through art. WANT TO GO? 212-274-0986. cmany.org/saturdays.
Open Play Community Day FREE
WHEN: Through Aug. 12: Saturdays, 10am-12pm WHERE: ATLAS Foundation for Autism, 252 W. 29th St., Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: Every other week, ATLAS welcomes members of the autism community and their families to drop in, play, gather, and connect in a worry-free environment in which acceptance is the norm. WANT TO GO? 212-256-0846. atlasforautism.org.
SMARTY PANTS Lego Skyline Event FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 5, 7pm WHERE: Barnes & Noble, 2289 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Help build an in-store display of London and Chicago and try out new Skyline blocks. WANT TO GO? 212-721-5282. bn.com.
Watercolor Chemistry
Five Senses FREE
WHEN: Jan. 3-31, Tuesdays, 4pm WHERE: New York Public Library, Grand Central branch, 135 E. 46th St., Midtown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Sensory workshop in which kids will get to explore each of the five senses. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 212-621-0670. nypl.org.
‘I Am King of the World’: Photographs of Muhammad Ali by George Kalinsky
WHEN: Friday, Jan. 6, 12-6pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Learn about the chemistry of watercolors and see what happens when you paint with salt, hydrogen peroxide, and more. WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 1; seniors pay as you wish. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.
WHEN: Through March 12: Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, 10am6pm; Friday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: See Muhammad Ali through the eyes of George Kalinsky, Madison Square Garden’s house photographer. WANT TO GO? $20; $15 seniors; $12 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.
Building Wonderlands
Celebrate Pacific Northwest Cultures
WHEN: Through Jan. 8: Tuesday-Friday and Sunday, 10am-5pm; Saturday, 10am-7pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: A new installation of more than 5,000 Tegu Magnetic Wooden Blocks for kids to go wild with—all you need is some imagination. WANT TO GO? $12; $8 seniors; free for children younger than 1. 212721-1223. cmom.org.
WHEN: Through May 6: first Saturday of the month, 12-4pm WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West and 79th Street, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Visitors are invited to experience the cultures represented in the iconic Hall of Northwest Coast Indians through a series of activities. WANT TO GO? $22; $17 students and seniors; $12.50 children ages 2-12. 212-769-5100. amnh.org. ››
Art Trek
WHEN: Jan. 7-21, Saturdays, 11am-12pm and 2-3pm WHERE: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Travel through time and around the world on a museum adventure. Discover favorite works of art as you look and learn together. WANT TO GO? $25; $17 seniors; $12 students; free for children younger than 12. 212-570-3961. metmuseum.org.
Lego at the Library FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 26, 4pm WHERE: New York Public Library, New Amsterdam branch, 9 Murray St., Tribeca AGES: All WHAT: Design and build unique Lego creations at this free build. All Lego blocks are provided, just bring your imagination. WANT TO GO? 212-732-8186. nypl.org.
MoMath Family Fridays FREE
SPEAK SPANISH, FRENCH, ITALIAN & MANDARIN
with Tribeca Language is the home of QTalk, It is based on a series of visuals interpreted as complex sentences from the very first class and most of all it is fun. QTalk is available in the form of toys, books, interactive games and software in 10 languages.
• BABY & ME CLASSES • PreSchool Prep (2-3.5 years old) 2 Hour Morning & Afternoon Programs
WHEN: Friday, Jan. 27, 6:30pm WHERE: The National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., NoMad AGES: All WHAT: This family Friday is all about puzzles. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 212-542-0566. momath.org/family-fridays.
• AFTER-SCHOOL GROUP CLASSES for KIDS AGES 3-12
Tours for Fours: Get into Shape FREE
• PRIVATE ON OR OFF CLASSES
WHEN: Jan. 7-29, Saturday-Sunday, 10:20-11:15am WHERE: The Museum of Modern Art, 11 W. 53rd St., Midtown AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: Explore shape in modern and contemporary art in this weekly workshop. Tickets are first-come, first-serve. WANT TO GO? 212-708-9805. moma.org/family.
50 Minutes of Learning through Play
• BIRTHDAY PARTIES RENTAL SPACE ON WEEKENDS
or Theme birthday parties (Spanish birthday parties with our favorite teachers, clowns, face painting, games etc...)
• GROUP COURSES FOR ADULTS Lunch & Evening Options
For Kids & Adults at Tribeca Language & at your Home or Office • Day or Evening Options
ASK ABOUT TRIAL CLASSES
CONTACT US & REGISTER NOW 22 HARRISON STREET - NEW YORK NY 10013 Tel: (212) 219 9893 - admin@tribecalanguage.com www.tribecalanguage.com
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China Through the Eyes of the Monkey King FREE
CRAFTY KIDS Hobbit Village
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 2, 12-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Celebrate JRR Tolkien’s birthday by creating a tiny hobbit village out of recyclable materials. WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 1; seniors pay as you wish. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.
Start with Art and Music
WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 5, 3:30-4:30pm WHERE: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Look, move, and sing while exploring art and music together in the galleries. This month’s theme is Frightful Fun. WANT TO GO? $25; $17 seniors; $12 students; free for children younger than 12. 212-570-3961. metmuseum.org.
Second Sunday Family Tours
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 8, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Every second Sunday of every month the Guggenheim runs family-friendly tours that include conversation and creative handson gallery activities. Tours are organized around a single theme and highlight artworks on view from the permanent collection and special exhibitions. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $20 per family. 212-423-3500. guggenheim.org.
Family Tour at Met Breuer
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 14, 11am-12pm, 2-3pm WHERE: The Met Breuer, 945 Madison Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Share ideas and enjoy stories, sketching, and other gallery activities that bring works of art to life. This month, explore the exhibition Kerry James Marshall: Mastry. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $25 adults; $17 seniors; $12 students; free for kids younger than 12. 212-570-3961. metmuseum.org.
Kids Workshop: Model Builders
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 21, 12-3pm WHERE: Bard Graduate Center, 38 W. 86th St., Upper West Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: At this workshop and exhibition tour kids will learn about classical building features such as domes, arches, columns, and pediments, and then create their own geometric masterpieces. WANT TO GO? $20 per family. 646-398-6944. bgc.bard.edu. 42
January 2017 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 21, 3:30pm WHERE: New York Public Library, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Children’s Center, 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue, Midtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Students create animated drawings, paint in traditional Chinese style, make shadow puppets, and learn about modern and ancient Chinese culture. WANT TO GO? 212-621-0208. nypl.org.
Explore This! Family Activity Stations
WHEN: Jan. 21-22, Saturday-Sunday, 1-3pm WHERE: The Museum of Modern Art, 11 W. 53rd St., Midtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Explore MoMA and take part in activities set up in front of select art works. The activity stations will be in the Painting and Sculpture Galleries on the fifth floor. WANT TO GO? $25; $18 seniors; $14 students; free for children ages 16 and younger. 212-708-9805. moma.org/family.
Family Tour and Workshop: Trains, Trains, and Toys!
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 28, 2pm WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a tour of the train show and sketch your favorite objects. Families will create small sculptures in the studio, using their sketches and drawings as guides for their final artwork. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $20; $15 seniors, active military, and educators; $12 students; $6 for children 5-13; free for children ages 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.
A Closer Look For Kids: Modern Materials and Techniques FREE
WHEN: Jan. 7-29, Saturday-Sunday, 10:20-11:15am WHERE: The Museum of Modern Art, 11 W. 53rd St., Midtown AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: Weekly program with fun activities inspired by materials and techniques in modern masterpieces and cutting-edge contemporary art. WANT TO GO? 212-708-9805. moma.org/family.
ONCE UPON A TIME Not Your Typical Story Hour
WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 5, 11:30am WHERE: 92 Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Look at books with your child, listen to stories, create an art project, and dance to fun music. WANT TO GO? $20. 212-415-5500. 92y.org.
‘Clifford’s Good Deeds’ and ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’ Storytime FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 7, 11am WHERE: Barnes & Noble, 2289 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Read favorites Clifford’s Good Deeds and Clifford the Big Red Dog. Activities and coloring to follow. WANT TO GO? 212-721-5282. bn.com.
Saturday Morning Storytelling FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 14, 11am WHERE: Scandinavia House, 58 Park Ave., Murray Hill AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Hans Christian Andersen Storytellers tell fairy tales, folk tales, and fantastic adventures from Scandinavia and the far north. WANT TO GO? 212-779-3587. scandinaviahouse.org.
LC Kids Presents Storytime at the Atrium: ‘Radiant Child’ by Javaka Steptoe FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 21, 11am WHERE: David Rubenstein Atrium, 61 W. 62nd St., Upper West Side AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Story time about Javaka Steptoe’s children’s book about JeanMichael Basquiat, introducing young readers to the powerful message that art doesn’t always have to be neat or clean—and definitely not inside the lines—to be beautiful. WANT TO GO? 212-875-5000. kids.lincolncenter.org.
Read To Chucky the New York Therapy Dog FREE
WHEN: Through Jan. 25: Wednesdays, 4pm WHERE: New York Public Library, Yorkville branch, 222 E. 79th St., Upper East Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Enjoy 1-on-1, no-pressure reading time with a furry friend. Registration required for each 15-minute slot and opens one week in advance. WANT TO GO? 212-744-5824. nypl.org.
Storytime at Books of Wonder FREE
WHEN: Through Jan. 29: Saturdays, 11am; Sundays, 11:30am WHERE: Books of Wonder, 18 W. 18th St., Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: Weekly story time in the children’s book store. WANT TO GO? 212-989-3270. booksofwonder.com.
Baby Storytime for Pre-Walkers FREE
WHEN: Jan. 3-31, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:30am WHERE: New York Public Library, Battery Park City branch, 175 N. End Ave., Battery Park City AGES: 2 and younger, adult WHAT: Babies and their caregivers can enjoy simple stories, lively songs, and rhymes, and meet other babies in the neighborhood. WANT TO GO? 212-790-3499. nypl.org.
Daily Story Hour FREE
WHEN: Through Feb. 25: Tuesday-Saturday, 10:30am WHERE: Bank Street Bookstore, 2780 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: A popular daily storytime for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. WANT TO GO? 212-678-1654. bankstreetbooks.com.
ON SCREEN Family Films: ‘Mixed Up Misunderstandings’ FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 14, 12-1pm WHERE: The Museum of Modern Art, 4 W. 54th St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Every month families can watch great animated films, then take part in gallery activities. This month see two best-selling children’s books on the big screen: Knuffle Bunny and Lost and Found. WANT TO GO? 212-708-9805. moma.org/family.
‘I Am Ali’ Film Screening: Meet Rasheda Ali
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 16, 2pm WHERE: The New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Screening of the film I am Ali with special guest Rasheda Ali, daughter of Muhammad and Khalilah Ali. WANT TO GO? $20; $15 seniors; $12 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.
Preschool Stories and Films FREE
WHEN: Jan. 4-25, Wednesdays, 10:30am WHERE: New York Public Library, 96th Street Branch, 112 E. 96th St., East Harlem AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Reading aloud and short films for preschoolers. WANT TO GO? 646-443-1313. nypl.org.
Neighborhood Movie Nights: ‘Funny Face’ (1957) FREE
WHEN: Friday, Jan. 27, 7pm WHERE: St. Paul’s Chapel, Broadway and Fulton Street, Financial District AGES: All WHAT: Free neighborhood movie night. WANT TO GO? 212-602-0800.
Family Screenings: Toons at Noon FREE
WHEN: Jan. 7-28, Saturdays, 12-4pm WHERE: Paley Center for Media, 25 W. 52nd St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Classic cartoons on the big screen every Saturday. WANT TO GO? 212-621-6600. paleycenter.org.
BAMKids Film Festival
WHEN: Jan. 28-29, Saturday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: Brooklyn Academy of Music, 30 Lafayette Ave., Fort Greene, Brooklyn AGES: 3 and older WHAT: With a total of 58 films from 27 countries, the 19th annual BAMkids Film Festival is a great way to introduce your family to the world of international film. In addition to the movies, this year’s festival will include various free activities in the Opera House lobby, including face painters, balloon artists, walkabout entertainment, and the opportunity to meet and greet the Hip-Hop Juggler, who will provide pre-film entertainment for the festival. WANT TO GO? $14; $10 for children 13 and younger. 718-636-4100. bam.org/kidsfilmfest.
Film Forum Jr. Screenings
WHEN: Through March 19: Sundays, 11am WHERE: Film Forum, 209 W. Houston St., Soho AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Enjoy classic movies at this family screening event. January movies include Jailhouse Rock and The Invisible Man. WANT TO GO? $8. 212-727-8112. filmforum.org. ››
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SHOW TIME! ‘Les Parfaits Inconnus’
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 7, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: This fun troupe combines circus, comedy, and music for great entertainment for all ages. WANT TO GO? $17. 503-293-9498. symphonyspace.org.
‘The Mikado’
WHEN: Through Jan. 8: Wednesday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, 695 Park Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Introduce your kids to the wonderful world of Gilbert and Sullivan in this tale about three little maids from school, a wandering minstrel, a hilariously corrupt public official, and a Lord High Executioner, who may have a list of potential victims but is too tenderhearted to actually perform his duties. There is a special family overture on Saturday, Jan. 7. WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 212-772-4448. kayeplayhouse.hunter.cuny.edu.
‘Playing by Air’
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 8, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: A fun combination of juggling, comedy, and musical instruments from a troupe based in both Nashville and NYC. WANT TO GO? $17. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.
‘Blueprint Specials’
WHEN: Jan. 6-11, Friday-Monday and Wednesday, see website for times WHERE: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue, New York Harbor AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Five performances of musicals from WWII, which were created by the U.S. Army especially to boost troop morale, featuring Tony Award nominees Laura Osnes and Will Swenson. This will be the Blueprints’ first staging since 1945 and their first ever for the American public. WANT TO GO? $25. 212-245-0072. intrepidmuseum.org.
‘Oh Boy!’
WHEN: Jan. 6-15, Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 2pm and 7pm; Sunday, 12pm and 5pm WHERE: The Duke on 42 Street, 229 W. 42nd St., Theater District AGES: 9 and older WHAT: One-man show exploring the life of a 14-year-old boy and the drama that goes with it, covering themes of family, illness, homophobia, and loss. WANT TO GO? $25. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.
Sandglass Theater: ‘Punschi’
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 21, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Put down the iPad for some old-fashioned and brilliant entertainment for kids. Two stories of adventure and circus will engage little ones. First is the story of Kasper, a beloved puppet hero of Germany, and the story of what happens when a cow steals his suitcase.
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The second is a flea circus with Fritzi: a tiny flea with a big personality. WANT TO GO? $17. 503-293-9498. symphonyspace.org.
Galli’s ‘Hansel & Gretel’
WHEN: Jan. 21-29, Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Galli Theater, 151 W. 26th St., 7th Floor, Chelsea AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Classic tale of evil witches, a house made of treats, and some spooky woods. WANT TO GO? $20; $15 children. 212-731-0668. gallitheaternyc.com.
LC Kids Presents ‘Shadow Play’
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 29, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Clark Studio Theater, Rose Building, 165 W. 65th St., 7th Floor, Upper West Side AGES: 3-5 WHAT: The playful story of what happens to your shadow while you sleep. It turns out that some shadows are more mischievous than others. Multidisciplinary work using artists trained in physical theater, puppetry, music, dance, animation, and video projection. WANT TO GO? $25. 212-546-1656. kids.lincolncenter.org.
TADA!’s Original Musical ‘The History Mystery’
WHEN: Jan. 20-Feb. 20, 2pm and 4pm WHERE: TADA! Youth Theater, 15 W. 28th St., 3rd Floor, Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: Three History-haters travel back in time to meet famous and notso-famous kids who changed the world and made it better for us today. WANT TO GO? $10-$25. 212-252-1619. tadatheater.com.
‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’
WHEN: Through March 25: Saturdays at 11am WHERE: St. Luke’s Theatre, 308 W. 46th St., Midtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Two actor show version of the classic children’s tale. WANT TO GO? $35. 212-239-6200. narniaoffbroadway.com.
WHERE: Trump Wollman Rink, 59th Street and Central Park South, Central Park AGES: All WHAT: Don’t miss a skate around the rink with the amazing view of the Manhattan skyline. There is also a carousel to ride on in between skates for a $3 fee. WANT TO GO? Monday-Thursday: $12; $6 children ages 11 and younger; $5 seniors. Friday-Sunday and holidays: $19; $9 seniors; $6 for children 11 and younger. 212-819-8165. wollmanskatingrink.com.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
MOVERS & SHAKERS
WHEN: Through April 1: 8:30am-10pm, see website for session times WHERE: The Rockefeller Center, 600 Fifth Ave., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: The most famous rink in NYC. January is a great time to skate around this landmark as the crowds are much smaller. WANT TO GO? $25-$32; $15 seniors and for children 11 and younger; $12 skate rental. 212-938-0005. therinkatrockcenter.com.
Coney Island Polar Bear Club Annual Ocean Swim
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 1, 1pm WHERE: Riegleman Boardwalk, Stillwell Avenue, Coney Island, Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Help the historic Coney Island Polar Bear Club—the nation’s original winter bathing club—as it embraces 2017 with the annual New Year’s Day Plunge in the Atlantic Ocean in Coney Island. WANT TO GO? $20 suggested donation. 917-533-3568. polarbearclub.org.
J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions, Dunlop Kids Day
WHEN: Jan. 12-19, see website for times WHERE: Grand Central Terminal, 89 E. 42nd St., Grand Central AGES: All WHAT: Global squash tournament feauring all of the world’s top male and female players. Dunlop Kids Day is on Sunday, Jan. 15. WANT TO GO? 718-569-0594. tocsquash.com.
Coming up next month: FEB. 5: Lunar New Year Parade in Chinatown, Lower Manhattan FEB. 11: Ice Festival at Naumburg Bandshell, Central Park FEB. 13-14: 141st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Piers 92/94, Hell’s Kitchen and Madison Square Garden, Midtown FEB. 16-26: Sesame Street Live at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Midtown
Infant Massage with Anne Heckheimer
WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2:30-3:15pm WHERE: Prenatal Yoga Center, 251 W. 72nd St., Upper West Side AGES: 2 and younger, adult WHAT: Sing, massage, and bond with your baby with a massage to stimulate their little brains and relax their muscles and organs. WANT TO GO? $35. 212-362-2985. prenatalyogacenter.com.
Winter Games FREE
WHEN: Through Feb. 27: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 3:30-5:30pm WHERE: Battery Park City Parks Conservancy, BPC Ball Fields, West Street between Murray and Warren streets, Battery Park AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Bundle up and get the blood pumping with sports and activities. WANT TO GO? 212-267-9700. bpcparks.org.
Bank of America Winter Village
WHEN: Through March 5: daily, 8am-10pm WHERE: Bryant Park, 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This rink stays open until March, so now is a great time to take a spin. WANT TO GO? Skate hire starts at $20. wintervillage.org.
Check out DiscNY.org for: HS & MS Winter Season play, borough leagues, tournaments, weekend clinics, coaching courses &more! Teaching New York children Mandarin since 2012
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Wollman Rink Public Skating
WHEN: Through March 10: Monday-Tuesday, 10am-2:30pm; Wednesday-Thursday, 10am-10pm; Friday-Saturday, 10am-11pm; Sunday, 10am-9pm
Wallstreetchinese.net
32 Broadway 1812 NY, NY 10004 212 785 3088 | info@wallstreetchinese.net
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WHERE-TO GUIDE
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Ski & Snowboard
Research by Jonathan Perry
›› and Kathryn Sheridan
Slice across the snowy slopes this winter with the entire family. Whether your little ones are hitting the bunny slope for the first time or you’ve got an experienced snow leopard navigating tricky trails, a mountain getaway offers winter charm, activities to keep you moving through the cold, and fun for the whole bunch. Almost all mountains and resorts offer lessons for skiing and snowboarding, so don’t be shy! Please note: We recommend checking snow conditions before visiting any of the mountains listed here. and Junior Adventure (snowboarding and skiing) for ages 7-12. Snow tubing for those 42 inches and taller on Friday evenings and weekends. Mini Park for those shorter than 42 inches. Day care available for children ages 6 months to 6 years on weekends (Friday-Sunday) and during school holidays. Several bus services offer round-trip transportation from the New York metro area; see website for details. Mount Peter 51 Old Mount Peter Road, Warwick 845-986-4940; mtpeter.com Has nearly a dozen trails, from beginner to black diamond, a terrain park, and tubing. Offers free beginner lessons on weekends and holidays with the purchase of a lift ticket (for ages 5 and older). There’s also a Tiny Tots program for children ages 4 and younger (must be potty trained), which includes a lesson, equipment rental, lift ticket, and hot chocolate. Ski racing program for ages 6-18.
Southeast New York Belleayre Mountain 181 Galli Curci Road, Highmount 845-254-5600; belleayre.com Features 50 trails, parks, and glades. Offers ski and snowboard lessons for kids ages 4-6, 7-12, and 13 and older. Round-trip bus service from NYC via Adirondack Trailways (trailwaysny.com) includes lift ticket and luggage lock-up. Catamount State Route 23 E., Hillsdale 518-325-3200; catamountski.com Has 36 trails, seven lifts including a summit quad chairlift, five terrain parks, and a novice area for beginning boarders. Fourth- and fifth-graders ski free on weekends and holidays with a paying adult (registration and $25 processing fee 46
January 2017 | nymetroparents.com
required). Season passes available: $510 adults; $440 children ages 7-13; $170 for children ages 6 and younger. Holiday Mountain Ski and Fun Park 99 Holiday Mountain Road, Monticello 845-796-3161; holidaymtn.com Boasts seven trails, four lifts, night skiing, snow tubing, and ice-skating. Beginner lessons available. Thursday and Saturday nights (5-8pm) are Family Nights, with reduced lift ticket and rental pricing. Friday night is Family Tubing Night. On Tuesday nights (5-9pm), buy any lift ticket and get another at half price. Hunter Mountain Route 23A, Hunter 518-263-4223; huntermtn.com Spans three mountains and includes 58 trails and 10 lifts. Programs for kids include Mighty Mights (ski only) for ages 5-6
Plattekill Mountain 469 Plattekill Mountain Road, Roxbury 607-326-3500; plattekill.com Features 38 trails and a terrain park. Child care on weekends and holidays for children ages 6 months and older; group ski lessons for kids as young as 4. Lift-serviced snow tubing on weekends and holidays; children must be at least 3 feet tall. Kids younger than 7 ski free. Lift tickets are reduced to $20 from Jan. 29-31, and the first 50 skiers or riders get a $25 lift ticket on the following dates: Jan. 6, Feb. 3, and March 3. Round-trip bus service available from New York metro area locations via Adirondack Trailways (trailwaysny.com) and online via skedaddle.com. Rocking Horse Ranch 600 Route 44/55, Highland GPS address: 13 Pancake Hollow Road, Highland 845-691-2927; rockinghorseranch.com A family resort that includes downhill skiing, snow tubing, horse-drawn sleigh ridges, timber shoots, and ice-skating. Best for the ski
“dabbler.” Offers beginner classes (in the Never Ever Area) and free equipment rentals (snowboards not available) with your stay. All-inclusive packages available. Free pickup service available from the Amtrak train station in Poughkeepsie and Stewart International Airport in Newburgh. Thunder Ridge Ski Area 137 Birch Hill Road, Patterson 845-878-4100 thunderridgeski.com Boasts 22 trails with many slow and gentle slopes for beginners and intermediates. Has a ski racing program for kids ages 6-19. On weekends and holidays through March 12, you can take the Metro-North ski train to Patterson station ($61.50; $44 seniors; $49.50 children ages 12 and older; $25 children ages 6-11; $12 children age 5; $10 for children younger than 5) and a the free shuttle to Thunder Ridge. Ticket includes all-day/all-night lift ticket (night skiing not available on Sundays) and $5 discount on rental equipment. Windham Mountain 19 Resort Drive, Windham 800-754-9463 windhammountain.com Nearly 50 trails and six terrain parks (for beginner to expert riders), plus a Mountaintop Adventure Park with iceskating, snow tubing, two rope tows, and two zip lines. Ski and riding programs for kids ages 4-12 (private lessons for kids as young as 3). Lessons for children with disabilities are offered through the Adaptive Sports Foundation (call 518-734-5070 for more information). Child care is available. Bus service available from NYC via Adirondack Trailways (trailwaysny.com).
New Jersey Campgaw Mountain 200 Campgaw Road, Mahwah 201-327-7800 skicampgaw.com Small ski area with two lifts,
night skiing, and snow tubing (must be at least 42 inches tall). Tiny Tot program offers group ski lessons for ages 4-6; group ski and snowboard lessons for ages 7 and older. Approximately 20 miles north of the George Washington Bridge. Mountain Creek Ski Resort 200 Route 94, Vernon 973-827-2000 mountaincreek.com Features 44 trails, mostly beginner and intermediate, and a large terrain park. Private lessons available. Night skiing and snow tubing for ages 5 and older who are at least 42 inches tall. Kids Camp on half-day school days and racing programs two days a week. Approximately 50 miles from Manhattan.
Connecticut Mohawk Mountain Ski Area 46 Great Hollow Road, Cornwall 860-672-6100 mohawkmtn.com The Parent & Tots program teaches parents (who must be at least intermediate-level skiers) how to ski safely with their 4-year-old children, while the children learn to ski; available Wednesdays at 1:30pm, weekends, and holidays (registration required). Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids as young as 5, as well as adaptive lessons for children with special needs. Ski racing program for ages 6-14. Connecticut fourth-graders get three free lift tickets ($10 processing fee). Discounted tickets for beginners; free lift tickets for children ages 4 and younger (with purchase of accompanying adult ticket). Mount Southington 396 Mount Vernon Road, Plantsville 860-628-0954 mountsouthington.com Features 14 trails, most of which are beginner and intermediate level, and two terrain parks. Ski
Threes, for parents and 3-yearolds, introduces toddlers to skiing while teaching parents to use tip connectors and harnesses while skiing (registration required). Introductory ski lessons for ages 4-10 are offered on weekends and holidays. Private ski and snowboard instruction also available.
eight lanes of snow tubing for all ages, snowshoeing, nearby cross-country skiing, and snowmobile tours. Ski and snowboard lessons for kids as young as 3; available in half-or full-day programs. Child care available for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. Children ages 5 and younger ski for $10.
Powder Ridge Ski 99 Powder Hill Road, Middlefield 866-860-0208 powderridgepark.com Features 19 trails and four terrain parks, plus snowtubing and snow biking. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced lessons for kids and adults, as well as lessons for ages 3-5. Accessible via the Metro-North train to Bridgeport.
Okemo Mountain Resort 77 Okemo Ridge Road, Ludlow 866-706-5366; okemo.com Boasts 121 trails, 20 lifts, and eight terrain parks. Free skiing and riding for children ages 6 and younger. Reduced price lift tickets for ages 13-18. Private lessons for children as young as 2; group ski lessons for children as young as 3; group snowboard lessons for children as young as 4-6. Penguin Playground Day Care Center for ages 6 months to 4 years.
Ski Sundown 126 Ratlum Road, New Hartford 860-379-7669 skisundown.com Has 16 trails, two terrain parks, and night skiing. Group ski lessons for ages 3 and older; snowboarding lessons for ages 7 and older. Registration required for private lessons. Woodbury Ski Area 785 Washington Road, Woodbury 203-263-2203 woodburyskiarea.com Closest Connecticut ski area to NYC with snow tube runs and two tubing parks. Learn to ski and snowboard group lessons and private lessons available. Skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country camps offered during holidays. Discounts available; check the website.
Southern Vermont Mount Snow 39 Mount Snow Road, West Dover 800-245-7669; mountsnow.com Spans 589 acres with 80 named trails, 20 lifts, 10 terrain parks,
Smugglers’ Notch Resort 4323 Vermont Route 108 S., Smugglers’ Notch, Jeffersonville 802-644-8851; smuggs.com As one of the Top 30 resorts in North America and winner of best family programs (SKI Magazine), this resort spans three mountains and has 78 trails, including 13 easy trails and six lifts. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, dog sledding, and snowmobile touring are available. Families enjoy indoor pool and hot tubs, arts and crafts workshops, and kids of all ages can play in the FunZone, the family entertainment and recreation center. Treasures Child Care available for ages 6 weeks to 3 years. Ski lessons for kids as young as 2½ and snowboarding lessons for kids as young as 3. Have fun on the ArborTrek Zip Line canopy tour, the only one of its kind in Vermont, where you can whiz through trees higher than 65 feet off the ground.
Find the full guide at ›› nymetroparents.com/ski
Great for Leftovers
››
Each of these three recipes makes enough for two servings, plus enough for two servings of a leftover twist. By Elana Karp and Suzanne Dumaine Creamy polenta with mushroom ragoût and the polenta cakes with fried eggs that can be made with the leftovers (inset)
Creamy Polenta with Mushroom Ragoût
Using a mix of fresh and dried mushrooms in sauces and soups is ideal; fresh provide meaty texture and heartiness, while dried bring concentrated flavor, released when they’re reconstituted. You could use this ragoût over pasta, but we particularly like the way this dish can became an all-in-one leftover: Mix ragoût into polenta, let it harden, then fry it in olive oil. Enjoy it any time of day. Ingredients 1 cup water ½ cup dried porcini mushrooms 6 sprigs fresh thyme 1½ pounds mixed fresh mushrooms (we like cremini, oyster, and shiitake) 2 shallots ¼ bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter ½ cup white wine 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock 2 cups whole milk 2 cups polenta ¹⁄³ cup grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions 1. In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil over high heat. As soon as it comes to a boil, add the dried mushrooms, remove from heat, and soak for approximately 10 minutes. 2. Meanwhile, strip the thyme leaves from the stems. Cut the fresh mushrooms into ¼-inch slices. Thinly slice the shallots. Roughly chop the parsley leaves. 3. Drain the dried mushrooms, reserving the soaking liquid. Roughly chop and pat dry. 4. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the dried and fresh mushrooms in a single layer and immediately season with salt and pepper. Cook without moving until beginning to crisp, 3-4 minutes. Add the butter, thyme, and shallots. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring, until the mushrooms are tender and browning and the shallots are softened, approximately 5 minutes. 48
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5. Add the wine, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high and simmer until the wine is reduced by half, approximately 3 minutes. Add the reserved mushroom-soaking liquid to the pan and continue to simmer until reduced by half, 3-4 minutes longer. Reduce the heat to low and keep warm until ready to serve. 6. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring the chicken stock, milk, and a large pinch of salt to a boil over high heat. As soon as the liquid is boiling, while whisking, slowly add the polenta. Immediately reduce the heat to as low as possible and whisk slowly and continuously until the polenta is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed (cooking time may vary; check package instructions). Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the cheese. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. 7. Taste the ragoût and add salt and pepper as needed. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the parsley. 8. To serve, divide half the polenta evenly between two bowls and top with half the ragoût. Note: Stir the remaining polenta and ragoût together to save as leftovers. Spread into an even layer in a medium baking dish and store, covered, in the fridge for up to 4 days. Leftovers: Polenta Cakes with Fried Eggs Ingredients Leftover polenta with mushroom ragoût, chilled 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 2 large eggs Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions 1. Cut the chilled polenta into 3-inch squares. In a large nonstick pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the polenta cakes in a single layer and
cook until browned and warmed through, approximately 3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside. 2. Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in the same pan over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and season with salt and pepper. Fry without moving until the whites are set, 2-3 minutes. Slide the fried eggs over the polenta cakes and eat hot. Cheffy Nugget: Polenta has two possible textures: creamy and delicious or totally solid. Make sure you have everything else ready before beginning to cook the polenta; you’ll want to eat it as soon as it comes off the stove.
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Garlicky Shrimp Stir-Fry with Shiitakes and Bok Choy
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Rice is pretty much the perfect leftover—in fact, we love purposely making too much, just so we can repurpose it the next day. The steamed rice in this stir-fry is perfect for mopping up sauce, but once the rice dries out, it’s no longer a moisture sponge. In the leftover fried rice dish, it crisps up, becoming the star feature. Ingredients 1½ cups jasmine or basmati rice 2½ cups water 4 baby bok choy 4 cloves garlic 1 pound shiitake mushrooms 1-inch knob fresh ginger ½ cup chicken or vegetable stock
1 tsp. cornstarch 1 Tbsp. mirin 2 Tbsp. sesame oil ½ tsp. crushed red pepper 1½ pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions 1. In a medium pot, combine the rice, water, and a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over high heat. As soon as the water comes to a boil, stir once, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 12 minutes, covered, then remove from the heat. Keep covered and allow to steam for at least 10 minutes. 2. While the rice cooks, cut the bok choy crosswise into ½-inch slices, keeping the leaves and stalks separate. Mince the garlic. Stem the shiitakes and thinly slice the caps. Peel and mince the ginger. In a small bowl, whisk together the stock, cornstarch, and mirin. 3. In a large pan, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the bok choy stalks and shiitakes, continued on next page ››
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Leftovers: Shrimp Fried Rice with Egg
spreading into a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook without moving until starting to brown on the bottom, 2-3 minutes. Stir and cook until softening, 2-3 minutes. Add the crushed red pepper, garlic, ginger, and bok choy leaves and stir to combine. Cook until fragrant, approximately 1 minute. Season the shrimp on both sides with salt and pepper. Add to the vegetables and cook until just pink, 1-2 minutes per side. 4. Push all the ingredients to the outer edges of the pan. Pour the stock mixture into the center, and simmer until thickened, approximately 2 minutes. Stir everything together to combine and coat, then remove the pan from the heat. Taste the stir-fry and add salt and pepper as needed. 5. Uncover the rice and fluff with a fork. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Note: Before serving, set aside half the rice and half the stir-fry to use as leftovers. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. 6. To serve, top the rice with the stir-fry.
Ingredients Leftover shrimp and vegetable stir-fry 3 Tbsp. sesame oil 2 large eggs
Spaghetti Squash Ragù
Spaghetti squash gets its name from the thin, pasta-like strands that are pulled out of it after roasting. Don’t be fooled by its size; it makes an unexpectedly enormous amount of food—ideal for leftovers! This and the leftovers recipe are two of our favorite preparations, but there’s ample opportunity for you to invent your own. Ingredients 2 small or 1 large spaghetti squash 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1 pound ground beef 2 carrots 1 yellow onion 3 sprigs fresh thyme 3 cloves garlic 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
¼ tsp. crushed red pepper 1 tsp. dried oregano ½ Tbsp. tomato paste ½ cup red wine 1 cup beef or chicken stock ¼ cup grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with foil. 2. Halve the spaghetti squash lengthwise. Using a large spoon,
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Leftover cooked rice ½ tablespoon soy sauce Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions 1. Chop the leftover shrimp into bite-size pieces. 2. In a large nonstick pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the sesame oil over medium heat. Beat the eggs in a medium bowl and season with salt and pepper. When the oil is shimmering, add the eggs and scramble, 2-3 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside. 3. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons sesame oil to the pan and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add all the leftovers—chopped shrimp, vegetables, and rice—and cook, stirring, until warmed through and the rice begins to crisp, approximately 5 minutes. Drizzle with the soy sauce and return the eggs to the pan. Stir to combine, approximately 1 minute.
scoop out and discard the seeds. Drizzle the cut sides with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Arrange cut-side down on the lined baking sheet and roast until browning along the edges and very tender, approximately 35 minutes. 3. Meanwhile, in a large sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until the meat loses its color, 8-10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beef to a medium bowl and discard any liquid from the pan. 4. Meanwhile, halve the carrots lengthwise and slice them crosswise. Dice the onion. Strip the thyme leaves off the stems. Mince the garlic. Drain the tomatoes. 5. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in the same pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the carrots, onion, thyme, garlic, crushed red pepper, and oregano. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Return the meat to the pan. Add the tomato paste and stir to combine. Cook until brick red, approximately 2 minutes. Add the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook until reduced by half, approximately 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and stock. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the ragù is thickened and the flavors are melded, approximately 15 minutes. 6. While the ragù simmers, when the spaghetti squash is cool enough to handle, use a large fork to pull and release the spaghetti-like strands into a large bowl. Note: Set aside half the shredded spaghetti squash to use as leftovers. Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. 7. Add the spaghetti squash to the ragù and stir to combine. Cook until warmed through and beginning to soak up the sauce, 2-3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cheese. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
Leftovers: Spaghetti Squash with Pine Nuts and Parmesan
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Ingredients ¼ cup pine nuts 3 cloves garlic 6 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley 1/ 8 tsp. crushed red pepper ½ tsp. dried oregano ¼ cup chicken or vegetable stock
WINNING Record against DOE & Districts
Leftover shredded spaghetti squash ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions 1. In a medium pan, spread out the pine nuts in a single layer and cook over medium heat, shaking the pan occasionally, until fragrant and toasted, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer the pine nuts to a small bowl. 2. Meanwhile, mince the garlic and roughly chop the parsley leaves. 3. In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the garlic, crushed red pepper, and oregano. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, approximately 1 minute. Stir in the spaghetti squash and stock. Simmer until the pan is almost dry and the squash is warmed through, 3-5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Parmesan. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve garnished with the toasted pine nuts and parsley.
Reprinted from Plated. Copyright © 2016 by Dine in Fresh, Inc., d/b/a Plated. Photographs copyright © 2016 by Robert Bredvad. Published by Clarkson Potter/Publishers, an imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC.
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Why Are Boys Failing?
››
How current societal norms are contributing to boys falling behind—in school and in life By Jaimie Seaton
E
very day after school Peter comes home, drops his backpack and heads to his room to grab his laptop. Before he even gets a snack, he’s logged on and surfing between YouTube and his favorite video games. Unless an adult intervenes, he’ll spend the rest of his afternoon locked in an online trance. Peter is not unlike most 13-year-old boys in this country. Instead of heading to the ball field after school, or hanging out with friends, Peter spends his afternoons online. If he has homework he does exactly what’s required, never more. He gets A’s and B’s but has been conditioned to believe that learning is a means to an end (doing well on tests) and not a means in itself. He’s rare in that he enjoys reading for fun, but views reading as an activity to pursue when he’s not able to get online, not as a pleasurable way to spend his leisure time. In many ways Peter is the quintessential modern boy, and that’s the problem, according to Leonard Sax, M.D., Ph.D., a primary care physician in Maryland, and the author of four books, including Boys Adrift: The Five Factors Driving the Growing Epidemic of Unmotivated Boys and Underachieving Young Men. The 2009 book was updated and re-released this year, and examines why boys are less ambitious and less resilient than they were 20 years ago. Dr. Sax argues that a combination of social, cultural, and biological factors has created a toxic environment that leaves boys disengaged from school, less likely to go to college (and of those
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who do, less likely to earn a degree), and more apt to live with their parents as adults. Currently, one-third of men ages 22-34 are still living at home, which is a nearly 100-percent increase in the past 20 years. Meanwhile, the proportion of girls who are anxious and depressed has at least quadrupled; it’s risen at a much higher rate than the rate for boys. “I need to stress that girls are not the winners here,” Dr. Sax says. Between the book’s initial release and the revision this year, the problem has only got worse, according to Dr. Sax. “We now have a great deal more research showing the growing gender gap in academic achievement—with boys falling further and further behind—not because girls are doing better, but because boys are doing worse,” Dr. Sax says. “If the gender gap was growing because girls were doing better, that wouldn’t be a problem. That would be cause for celebration.” Dr. Sax says the gap is evident in many parameters, both formal and informal. For instance, girls are less likely to read for fun in their spare time than they were 30 years ago. But American boys have practically stopped reading for fun. “The gender gap widened not because girls are reading more but because boys stopped reading,” Dr. Sax says.
Contributions to the Decline
A number of factors have contributed to the situation, including a cultural shift in which political sensibilities have infiltrated the
household, leaving Americans uncomfortable with the notion of authority, the decline of masculine role models, the need to make schools more boy-friendly, misguided parenting, and an over-reliance on pharmaceuticals to control children, according to Dr. Sax. “American parents are now parenting their kids badly, compared to other countries. An American kid is now fourteen times more likely to be on medication for ADD compared to a kid in the U.K. An American kid is forty times more likely to be on medication for bipolar disorder than a kid in Germany. In this country we use schizophrenia medications to keep kids from having temper tantrums. There’s been a collapse of parenting in the United States,” Dr. Sax says. Parents are grappling with challenges not faced by their parents, particularly the proliferation of screens and social media. We learn to parent from our own parents, and if we can’t draw on experience, we look to our peers for guidance. The problem with this approach, according to Dr. Sax, is many parents don’t have a clue what they’re doing. “I encourage parents to turn off the screens,” Dr. Sax says. “We have a great deal of research showing the more time kids spend in front of a screen, the less engaged they are in the real world. We have very substantial evidence that finds that screens actively undermine kids’ ability to concentrate and focus.” The American Academy of Pediatrics recently came out with new guidelines, recommending no more than 40 minutes of screen-time a night during the week and 1 hour on weekends. Even if parents turn off the screens at home, however, a growing number of students are looking at screens in school. “I think a big piece of it is too much technology in their daily lives, there’s such a rush to get the technology into the classrooms,” says Greg Stott, an eighth-grade science teacher at the Francis C. Richmond School in Hanover, NH, where students have individual iPads. “The students look to that for stimulation, and when that’s not provided, they don’t know what to do.” “I’m not a fan of the iPad program. Parents can limit screen time at home, but we’re not thinking that maybe we should limit screen time here at school,” Stott says. He added that students are less willing to solve problems, and that boys in particular either don’t know how to begin or simply give up. Girls tend to be more meticulous, more patient; girls typically do better overall because they do better work. Boys tend to be more impulsive, get it done quickly, and don’t go back and check their work. “This generation of young adults seems to be expecting stuff and when it doesn’t come through, they’re at a loss of what to do, and maybe that’s why a lot of them move back home and don’t have the motivation to get out,” Stott says. Peter Gray, Ph.D., research professor in the department of psychology at Boston College, has seen a profound lack of resilience among college students, which he attributes to the change in parenting and education methods over the past 50 years. Part of the problem, he says, is children are not left to their own devices to play outside, to push their own limits, and to get into situations or conflicts with other children that they must solve. “Children are almost always in the presence of adults. They’re not getting into trouble and out of trouble, and negotiating with their playmates. We’re depriving children of free play, and we’re seeing the consequence of that in college stu-
dents,” says Dr. Gray, author of Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life. Paradoxically, though “helicopter parenting” has turned out kids who are unable to cope with the slightest set back at college (a fight with a roommate or a bad grade, for instance). Parents have ceded their power to their kids because of their own discomfort with authority. Too many parents today are asking their children what they want—from meals to vacations—rather than setting the rules.
Closing the Gap
A look at television shows from the 1950s and ’60s offers a glimpse at an important difference between parenting styles then and now: Children in those shows are free to play on their own (both in and out of school) and often get into sticky situations. Indeed, many plots turn on the child doing something reckless and learning a valuable lesson as a result. In today’s hyper-vigilant world, children have fewer and fewer opportunities to challenge themselves through play. No where is this more evident than at school, where the fear of litigation has turned playgrounds into outdoor gym classes, where adults closely supervise play, and many kids stand idly looking at their phones. “Over the last forty years education changed in multiple ways, and schools became less friendly to boys,” Dr. Sax says. “Are kids allowed to throw snow balls on school grounds during school hours? No. We used to throw snowballs and the teachers would come out and join us. Today if a kid starts throwing snowballs a teacher comes running out to stop him.” Dr. Sax says there is a better way that costs nothing. He suggests making the football field the designated snowball throwing zone, where both boys and girls can choose to participate, or holding a tournament with teachers setting up targets and letting the kids compete. He added that boys’ behavior must be channeled and it extends to the classroom. For instance, he says many boys like to write violent stories. An acceptable story might be a generic depiction of violence that suits the period being written about (Roman gladiators, for example). Writing a story depicting personal or threatening violence is out of bounds. “Boys understand in bounds versus out of bounds very well,” Dr. Sax says. There’s been so much concern about gender parity in schools that we’ve thrown the baby out with the bathwater. Dr. Sax says gender is complicated but it doesn’t mean gender doesn’t matter. “What boys need to get excited about school is different from what girls need, and if you don’t understand that, you end up with what we have, which is a lot of boys who think school is just for girls,” Dr. Sax says. “If we don’t turn the tide we’ll have boys who are less likely to be engaged in the real world and more likely to be looking at their screens, and less likely to fulfill their potential.” Jaimie Seaton has been a journalist for more than 20 years, and is the former Thailand correspondent for Newsweek. Her work on divorce, parenting, dating, and a wide range of topics has been featured in the Washington Post, the Guardian, Glamour, and numerous other publications. Follow her on Twitter @JaimieSeaton.
BigAppleParent 53
Meet The
0
DIRECTOR Deer Mountain Day Camp
63 Call Hollow Road, Pomona 845-354-2727; deermountaindaycamp.com info@deermountaindaycamp.com Explore talents. Unlock creativity. Learn new skills. Find passions. Make true friends. Shine as you! Our story began in 1956, when the Katz family founded the camp, a legacy continued today by second-generation owners and directors, Roberta and Carol Katz. Under our insightful watch, campers (ages 3-15) open up as themselves and have a blast as they enjoy a sleepaway camp’s range of activities, facilities, and staff—each program crafted to meet their ages and developmental levels—in a day camp setting. Activities include swimming, sports, fine and performing arts, outdoor adventure, nature, waterfront, discovery, science, and special events.
Future Stars Summer Camps - Purchase College
Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase 914-273-8500 fscamps.com Jordan is returning for his 25th year as director of Future Stars at Purchase College. He has a B.A. from Rollins College, (where he won the NCAA Tennis Championship), and an M.B.A. from the Stern School of Business, NYU. His education, business, and sports experience make him uniquely qualified to direct the camps for boys and girls, ages 4-16. Handpicked, experienced program directors offer weekly sessions in tennis, soccer, lacrosse, basketball, baseball, circus arts, magic, diving, rising stars, cheerleading, field hockey, football, softball, volleyball, multi-sports, and academic.
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Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts
185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights 844-824-9790 usdan.com In October 2015, Lauren Brandt Schloss became executive director of Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts. With her appointment, she became Usdan’s third leader in a half century. With 20 years of experience in arts education at the Queens Museum, MoMA, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, she is committed to ensuring that Usdan is at the forefront of educational and artistic practices. Ms. Schloss earned a B.A. in art history from Princeton University and an M.A. in arts administration from Columbia University.
Jodi’s Gym
244 E. 84th St. 212-772-7633 25 Hubbels Drive, Mount Kisco 914-244-8811 jodisgym.com As early as Jodi Levine could walk, she was tumbling. Jodi ultimately became a national-level gymnast. In 1982, she started Jodi’s Gym, launching the first gymnastics-based “Mommy & Me classes” in NYC. At Jodi’s Gym, Jodi leverages her more than 40 years of experience in gymnastics to create well-balanced programs that focus on all aspects of a child’s development. Jodi’s Gym offers classes in gymnastics, music, and art, in addition to a variety of camps, birthday parties, and off-site “Jodi’s Gym To Go” programs in Manhattan and Westchester County.
The Little Gym
2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between 74th and 75th streets), Upper West Side 212-799-1225 tlgupperwestsideny.com 207 E. 94th St. (between Second and Third avenues), Upper East Side
212-787-1124 tlguppereastsideny.com 777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072 tlgscarsdaleny.com 28 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, NJ 201-445-4444 tlgwaldwicknj.com
It was a love of fitness and children that led Jeff Freeman and Ian Axelrod to open several The Little Gym locations throughout New York and New Jersey. Jeff’s love of sports shows through his own athleticism as well as his career choices. For nearly two decades, he and The Little Gym have been helping children develop socially and physically while having fun, teaching them that the key to a healthy lifestyle is an active lifestyle.
OPEN HOUSES 2017 The British International School of New York
20 Waterside Plaza 212-481-2700 x204 bis-ny.org info@bis-ny.org We warmly welcome families considering application for the 2017 school year to visit us at our stunning waterside campus on 23rd Street to discover just what makes BIS-NY so special.
Evolution Enrichment Preschool
38 Delancey St., 2nd Floor (enter from Forsyth Street) 212-375-9500 evolutionenrichment.com evolutionenrichment@gmail.com Come Play Preschool Jan. 3 at 9am, 10am, or 11am. Pre-K For All tours and admissions open house Jan 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 9am-5pm.
La Scuola D’Italia Guglielmo Marconi 12 E. 96th St. 212-369-3290 New Location opening in January: 432 W. 58th St. lascuoladitalia.org
admissions@lascuoladitalia.org La Scuola cordially invites you to attend the upcoming open houses on Jan. 18, Feb. 16, and March 9 from 5-7pm.
Oasis Summer Day Camps in Manhattan: Oasis in Central Park
718-596-4900 oasischildren.com centralpark@oasischildren.com Join us for an open house for Oasis Central Park (32 W. 92nd St.), on Jan. 11, Feb. 15, March 15, April 12 and 26, May 10 and 17, and June 6 and 20 from 6:30-8pm at P.S. 84.
Oasis Summer Day Camps in Manhattan: Oasis Downtown
Stacie Soto, camp director 718-596-4900 oasischildren.com downtown@oasischildren.com Join us for an open house for Oasis Downtown at P.S. 110, 285 Delancey St., on Jan. 12, Feb. 8, March 16, April 5 and 27, May 11 and 24, and June 7 and 15 from 6:30-8pm.
Pusteblume International Preschool and Afterschool Programs
244 W. 14th St. 212-206-1137 pusteblumenyc.org We offer tours every Friday between 9:3011:30am, please RSVP with the date and time slot that is convenient for you.
Saint Ignatius Loyola School
48 E. 84th St. 212-861-3820 saintignatiusloyolaschool.com Tour dates available on Thursday, Jan. 5 and Monday, Jan. 9. All tours begin at 9:30am. To schedule a tour, contact the admissions office at 212-861-3820 x106.
Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts
185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights 844-824-9790 usdan.com Young artists flourish at Usdan. Be part of a Usdan visit and information session: Jan. 8, Feb. 5, March 5, April 2, and May 7.
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BigAppleParent 55
PartyCentral Professional services Your local guide to entertainers, party places, activities, and other resources.
PARTY ENTERTAINMENT CLOWNS.COM Proudly Serving Westchester, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx 516-577-0000 718-971-5862 clowns.com We are a family-owned and -operated entertainment company, offering a wide range of party and entertainment services including clowns, inflatable bounce houses, characters, magicians, princesses, magic shows, face painting, and party concession rentals. DAVE’S CAST OF CHARACTERS 914-235-7100 davescast.com Make your party a special one! Dave’s entertainment services include more than 100 costumed characters. From princesses and superheroes to pirates and tea parties, there’s something for everyone.
Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals
PARTY PLACES JODI’S GYM 244 E. 84th St. 212-772-7633 25 Hubbels Drive, Mount Kisco 914-244-8811; jodisgym.com Kids run, jump, climb, tumble, slide, bounce, and giggle to their hearts’ delight at Jodi’s Gym, where action-packed parties and unmatched experience have won children’s hearts for 34 years. THE LITTLE GYM 2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between 74th and 75th streets), Upper West Side 212-799-1225; tlgupperwestsideny.com 207 E. 94th St. (between Second and Third avenues), Upper East Side 212-787-1124 tlguppereastsideny.com 777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072; tlgscarsdaleny.com 28 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, NJ 201-445-4444; tlgwaldwicknj.com A private party at The Little Gym is a perfect way to celebrate your child’s next birthday. Gymnastics, games, obstacle courses, trampoline, sports, and music are tailored to your child’s interests!
LEGAL SERVICES BAKSHI LAW Offices in the Financial District, Long Island, and Westchester 917-244-6133 lawbakshi.com lara.bakshi@gmail.com Bakshi Law specializes in special education law, representing parents and children with disabilities, attending suspension hearings, CSE, and resolution meetings. Our attorneys offer assistance on a sliding scale. SPECIAL NEEDS BAKSHI LAW Offices in the Financial District, Long Island, and Westchester 917-244-6133
lawbakshi.com lara.bakshi@gmail.com Bakshi Law specializes in special education law, representing parents and children with disabilities, attending suspension hearings, CSE, and resolution meetings. Our attorneys offer assistance on a sliding scale. LITTLE OPTICS, INC. 192-07 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, Queens 53-15 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside, Queens 718-468-7500 Hablamos Español littleopticsinc@yahoo.com We provide eyeglasses and professional eye care for children, including infants and young adults. We also alleviate any self-esteem issues associated with the stigma of wearing glasses. When your child leaves Little Optics, rest assured that they will feel confident.
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ACROBATICS / GYMNASTICS
Sportime......................................................................... 33
University Settlement - Early Childcare.......................... 17
Jodi’s Gym................................................................ 37, 54
swim swim swim I SAY................................................... 31
Wall Street Chinese........................................................ 45
Tribeca Language........................................................... 41 BIRTHDAY / PARTY SERVICES
Wall Street Chinese........................................................ 45
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT / EVENTS / OUTINGS
Cirque-tacular Entertainment.......................................... 19
Big Apple Parent Party Planner...................................... 56 Chelsea Piers................................................................... 3
DANCE
Ski Butternut................................................................... 55
Construction Kids........................................................... 31
Chelsea Piers................................................................... 3
Symphony Space........................................................... 14
DEVELOPMENTAL
FITNESS
Dwight School................................................................. 23
Chelsea Piers................................................................... 3
Symphony Space........................................................... 14
Ecole Internationale de New York................................... 29
DiscNY............................................................................ 45
Einstein Blueprint............................................................ 13
Jodi’s Gym................................................................ 37, 54
CAMPS
Epiphany School (The)................................................... 29
swim swim swim I SAY................................................... 31
All My Children Day Care............................................... 23
FACES Lab..................................................................... 33
British International School of New York......................... 27
Huntington Learning Center........................................... 37
Construction Kids........................................................... 31
Morningside Montessori School..................................... 29
Deer Mountain Day Camp.............................................. 54
Pusteblume International School.................................... 28
DiscNY............................................................................ 45
swim swim swim I SAY................................................... 31
Dwight School................................................................. 23
Tribeca Language........................................................... 41
Future Stars.............................................................. 33, 54
University Settlement - Early Childcare.......................... 17
International Ivy.............................................................. 15
Wall Street Chinese........................................................ 45
Galli Theater................................................................... 31 Jodi’s Gym ............................................................... 37, 54 Little Gym ................................................................ 11, 54
Jodi’s Gym ............................................................... 37, 54 Kid’s Korner Preschool................................................... 28 Little Gym ................................................................ 11, 54 Sportime......................................................................... 33
EDUCATION
Academy of St. Joseph................................................... 30 All My Children Day Care............................................... 23
HEALTH
FACES Lab..................................................................... 33 New York Presbyterian Hospital..................................... 60 LEGAL SERVICES
Bakshi Law..................................................................... 51 MUSIC
Hines, Jennifer................................................................ 31 Symphony Space........................................................... 14 Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts.............................. 2, 54
Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts.............................. 2, 54
Avenues The World School.............................................. 7
CHILD CARE / DAY CARE
Blue Rock School........................................................... 27
All My Children Day Care............................................... 23
Book Nook...................................................................... 27
Book Nook...................................................................... 27
Bright Kids Inc................................................................ 15
RELIGIOUS
Elizabeth Seton Preschool............................................. 22
British International School of New York......................... 27
Academy of St. Joseph................................................... 30
Evolution Enrichment Center.......................................... 25
Buckley Country Day School............................................ 9
Epiphany School (The)................................................... 29
Kid’s Korner Preschool................................................... 28
Calhoun School.............................................................. 27
Preschool of America...................................................... 21
Collina Italiana................................................................ 33
University Settlement - Early Childcare.......................... 17
Dwight School................................................................. 23
Bakshi Law..................................................................... 51
Ecole Internationale de New York................................... 29
PERFORMING ARTS / ACTING
Galli Theater................................................................... 31 Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts.............................. 2, 54
SPECIAL NEEDS
Bakshi Law..................................................................... 51 FACES Lab..................................................................... 33 Huntington Learning Center........................................... 37
CLASSES
Einstein Blueprint............................................................ 13
Academy of St. Joseph................................................... 30
Elizabeth Seton Preschool............................................. 22
Art of Mandarin Chinese Tutors...................................... 51
Epiphany School (The)................................................... 29
Book Nook...................................................................... 27
Evolution Enrichment Center.......................................... 25
British International School of New York......................... 27
Gateway School, The..................................................... 28
Chelsea Piers................................................................... 3
Huntington Learning Center........................................... 37
Collina Italiana................................................................ 33
International Ivy.............................................................. 15
Construction Kids........................................................... 31
Kid’s Korner Preschool................................................... 28
Ecole Internationale de New York................................... 29
Morningside Montessori School..................................... 29
Evolution Enrichment Center.......................................... 25
Preschool of America...................................................... 21
Hines, Jennifer................................................................ 31
Pusteblume International School.................................... 28
TUTORS
International Ivy.............................................................. 15
Success Academy............................................................ 5
Art of Mandarin Chinese Tutors...................................... 51
Morningside Montessori School..................................... 29
swim swim swim I SAY................................................... 31
Bright Kids Inc................................................................ 15
Pusteblume International School.................................... 28
Tribeca Language........................................................... 41
Einstein Blueprint............................................................ 13
swim swim swim I SAY................................................... 31 SPORTS
DiscNY............................................................................ 45 Future Stars.............................................................. 33, 54 Sportime......................................................................... 33 THEATER Galli Theater................................................................... 31
BigAppleParent 57
Courtesy Judy Koutsky
VOICES
The author and her children swim with the dolphins on a recent trip.
Is My Babysitter Doing a Better Job Than Me? ›› Though my sons’ caregivers can sometimes seem to be better role models than me, that doesn’t mean I am a bad parent. By Judy Koutsky
W
ork has been super busy lately, so we recently tried out some new babysitters. When I asked my sons afterward what they thought of the new recruits, they said they didn’t like any of them. I was worried: Were the babysitters doing something wrong? Were they being mean? Were they not parenting the way I would parent? I asked my kids to give me examples of why they disliked those babysitters. My older son said that one babysitter “forced” him to eat his dinner. “How?” I asked. “Did she physically force open your mouth?” He thought about it, paused, and said, “Well, no, but she wouldn’t let me watch the rest of my TV show until I promised to finish half my fruit and veggies and eat three more bites of chicken.” Other atrocities? “At bedtime,” my younger son chimed in, “she’s so mean.” Again, I asked for details. “She gave me a fiveminute warning to go to the bathroom, get a glass of water, and find my favorite book. Then at exactly eight o’clock, she said lights out!” he exclaimed. “You always lay with us for a long time and when you tell us just one book you often read many, many more.” So it turns out the “mean” babysitters were making my kids eat healthy, stick to rules I implemented, and were consistent. Hmmm, what does that say about me? I started to feel bad, as if I wasn’t parenting correctly. Why were the babysitters able to get my kids to do things that I let slide? I think one of the biggest changes in parenting today is that we parents are so much more involved in our kids’ lives day to day. I grew up 1 of 6 kids, and my mom made sure we had a family dinner (homemade) each night at 6. But parents didn’t get as involved in every little detail in their kids’ lives. I need a babysitter, because in addition to working, I’m full-on with the kids. That includes being class parent for both of my boys (planning class parties, organizing field trips and volunteers,
and making sure everything runs smoothly). Then there are all of the extras, such as volunteering to be the pizza mom as well as the art appreciation mom at school. Plus, there’s the playdates, and after-school sports and activities. I also try to take my kids outside each day for fresh air and fun, and I need to help them with homework and reading each night. I love my mom and the way she raised me, but she wasn’t nearly as involved. (None of the moms were back then.) I love being a big part of my kids’ lives, but it’s also exhausting. Come dinner and bedtime, I’m beat. So while the babysitter comes in fresh and ready to work, I’m ready to throw in the towel (having been up since 5am). She has the energy to negotiate three more bites, or a spoonful of broccoli, but I feel like I’ve been negotiating for hours. When it comes to bedtime, I admit, I’m terrible about being strict. Truth be told, I love reading stories to my boys. I love the extra snuggle time. I love telling them about when they were a baby, or a story about when I was their age. So while I wish I had the energy to stick to a schedule and keep it consistent and structured, I also feel like I need to cut myself some slack. I don’t always make them finish their dinners (or eat their veggies and fruit), but I do make them three full meals a day. If they skimp on something at dinner, hopefully they make up for it at lunch. If I don’t always have the strong will to enforce bedtime, I hope they have happy memories of their mom telling them lots of bedtime stories about their childhood (and mine) and reading lots of books. Maybe babysitters can be consistent and more structured because they watch my kids at most 20 percent of the time I do. If I had my kids 20 percent of the time, maybe I could strive for perfection or good modeling all that time. But I’m on 24/7, so even though I slip up and bend the rules quite a bit, I like to think it evens out in the end. And that I’m still a good mom.
Judy Koutsky is an award-winning writer and editor whose work has appeared in more than 30 publications, including Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Redbook, Parents, Scholastic, and Prevention. She writes often about travel, parenting, health, and lifestyle. Follow her @JudyKoutsky or visit her website, judykoutsky.com.
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is refusing to give up, even when your organs do. Kylie has a very noticeable scar on her neck and she’s not afraid to show it off. It’s her souvenir from ECMO—a machine that bypasses the heart and lungs to oxygenate and circulate blood. The ECMO Program at NewYork-Presbyterian kept two-year-old Kylie alive while her organs were failing, and gave her pediatric team the precious time they needed to save her life.
See Kylie’s story at nyp.org/kids