Family & Kids Magazine August 2023

AUGUST 2023

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

Timeless Memories by Jessica

A holistic approach to dance from childhood to career. Cover

©

Back to School = Back to Routines & Schedules

by Amanda Merrill, Family & Kids

Summertime has been an adventure, full of camps and playdates. But this is the month that we start to get back into the routines of the school year as we plan our schedule full of sports and after-school activities.

For kids, there is comfort in a routine and schedule. Routines are tasks that are done frequently and keep consistency in a household. An example of a nightly routine for a child may be: brush teeth, take a bath, read a few books and then go to bed. A schedule on the other hand, looks a bit different. A weekly schedule may include soccer on Tuesday, library on Wednesday, dance on Thursday and a soccer game to play on Saturday.

Sharing the schedule and routine of the week with your children is important because they can start to predict the expectations and goals of the school week. Encouraging your children throughout the week to follow their routines and help plan their schedules will show kids that they are included in the process. Sharing positive thoughts and encouragement is important to show your children how grateful you are for them and all that they do.

Ideas for Your ROUTINES:

u Morning ideas: Brush hair, brush teeth, get dressed and then make bed.

u Afternoon ideas: Do homework, play outside and then eat dinner.

u Evening ideas: Brush teeth, put pajamas on, wash face, bath time and then book reading time.

u After dinner ideas: Help clear the table, put dishes in the dishwasher and sweep the floor.

u Weekend ideas: Make breakfast together, watch your favorite movie and order pizza on Friday night & Saturday is game night.

u Many schools require monthly book reading minutes, so seize the opportunity to routinely read each night before bed.

u Create a ‘routine’ calendar for the refrigerator, include chores such as putting toys away, brushing teeth, making bed etc.

u Check out library books and read all about routines.

u Every morning, listen to upbeat music before school.

u Set out backpacks, clothes and pack the kids’ lunches the night before a school day.

u Routinely talk with your children about their day.

u Create a reward spinner with all the possible rewards for a good job. Pizza day, movie night, camping inside night, Play-Doh, etc.

Ideas for Your SCHEDULES:

u Create a kids’ calendar for your kids to keep track of their school schedule and sports. Elementary-aged kids love tracking events and learning all about the calendar.

u Use markers to color coordinate your calendar, using a different color for each child. Have your children select stickers that show the task to be completed at that time of day.

u Schedule TV time during each week to be used as an incentive for good behavior.

u To practice using ‘time-telling’ skills, write out a schedule for each day of the week with the time listed for each activity.

Ideas for Scheduling APPS:

u Cozi is an organizer APP for families. It’s great for large families because you can color-code for each child to help keep up with their activities. Cozi even has an area to keep a shopping and to-do list.

u Greenlight is a scheduling APP for kids that allows parents to schedule chores and reward them with an allowance. Kids can choose to spend, save, invest or give their hard-earned money.

u Busy Kid is another great scheduling APP for kids. Chores and allowance can be put in their bank account from the APP.

My Child Needs 'Special Ed.' What’s Next?

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

Special education services at your child’s school are intended to provide children with disabilities equal access to education. If your child is eligible for special education services, you may be wondering how this will affect her daily routine at school. Here is some insight into the special education process that may help you and your child become accustomed to her new routine.

How does placement in Special Education work?

You have a right to be involved in the process of developing your child’s IEP (Individualized Education Plan). During the IEP meeting, if needed, ask questions about the data that the IEP team is using to develop your child’s plan. If you think the IEP needs modification, work with the IEP team to make improvements to the plan. The plan includes information about how the special education services will be delivered in the classroom.

When asked how placement works, Cathy Russell, a special education teacher with Muscogee County Schools, said, “When it is decided that a student needs special education services and all of the team agree to this decision, then we place them in the least restrictive environment based on test results and data that has been gathered. This could be in the general education room with support from a special education teacher, in a resource room where they get more specific lessons based on their needs for a few hours, or they can be placed in a classroom for the whole day.” You, as the parent, are a key part of the team. Ms. Russell says, ‘Nothing can be done without the permission of the parent.”

How does a Special Education classroom work?

Ms. Russell teaches in an inclusion classroom, which is a general education classroom where she works side-by-side with the homeroom teacher. When asked about the process for teaching in an inclusion classroom, Ms. Russell says, “My co-teacher and I differentiate our lessons based on the students’ needs. Stronger learners get activities that reinforce their learning while struggling learners have different activities that help them develop the skills we are working on. My groups are fluid and at no time during regular teaching, will you (or any onlooker) be able to distinguish between the students with an IEP and without one.”

We asked Taylor Bone, a special education teacher with Muscogee County Schools, how her Moderately Intellectually Disabled (MOID) classroom works, where the students spend the whole school day. Ms. Bone said, “I use station rotations and group the students based on ability levels. Each student is unique and has different abilities. The students tend to learn from each other as we go along.” Ms. Taylor spoke about the training teachers receive by saying, ‘The class I teach (MOID- for students with moderate intellectual disabilities) requires a different curriculum than that of a general education classroom. So the trainings I need are specific to the class I teach, and can vary depending on the students’ needs in that classroom.”

How can I help my child be successful?

Ms. Russell emphasized that the biggest help parents can give their special education teachers, “is to get their students to school on time. Often students fall behind because of a lack of instruction due to being absent and/or being tardy regularly. Most instruction takes place in the morning.” Ms Bone adds, “If my parents understand we are working as a team for their child, and are responsive to calls and messages, that’s all I can ask for! I’m here for the child and the parent- I’m on their side.”

Little Sprouts

This

Budding Naturalists

This program ignites their curiosity

interest

the natural world through exploration, observation and hands-on activities. Each month, we will explore a different nature topic For

HOO’s HELPFUL

– Kids and First Responders

How to Handle EMERGENCIES

–How to Handle EMERGENCIES

By Jade Lewis, Autism Relationship Manager, Invo Behavior & Therapy Services

Emergencies can be scary for anyone, especially when you’re little. Lots of commotion and strangers in uniform can make for a confusing situation. First responders work with people from all walks of life and usually have experience interacting with small children, but you know your kid best. Here are a few tips to ease your child’s anxiety in an emergency and promote more positive interactions between them and first responders.

Informing responders in advance

Make them aware of your child’s ability to verbally communicate with others and understand instructions. Communicate the possibility of your child engaging in difficult behaviors, such as meltdowns, that might make intervention tricky. If time permits during a less severe situation, encourage them to build rapport with your child before any hands-on assessments.

Helping your child cope

Encourage everyone to use simple language and speak in a calm, firm tone. Reduce external stimuli if possible...like noise, lights, and non-crucial people. Prepare for possible escalation of difficult behaviors. Even the most easy-going child can have a hard time in an emergency. Wait for first responders to give instructions and then help facilitate the interactions.

Facilitate proactive engagement

The more positive exposure your child has to first responders, the more comfortable they may feel during emergency situations. Schedule a visit with your child to your local police or fire station where they can have hands-on experiences interacting with emergency vehicles and equipment. If you see an on-duty first responder in the community, ask them if your child can meet them. Ask your child’s school principal or daycare director about setting up a meet-and-greet with first responders.

HOMEMADE DISH TABLETS

You only need 3 ingredients to make these! They will leave your dishes clean and sparkly and will help save you time and money!

DIRECTIONS

1. Add one cup of baking soda to a large bowl.

2. Add 1/4 cup of citric acid.

3. Add 1 tablespoon of dish liquid.

4. Mix well using a whisk or by hand.

5. Push the mixture into silicone ice cube molds.

6. Wait 10 minutes and level them off with your hand, as they will expand a bit.

7. Let sit for 4 hours or overnight. They will harden like store-bought dish tablets.

8. Now just flip your molds over and push the tabs out.

9. They are ready to use directly in your dishwasher on a normal cycle.

10. Store them in an airtight container and keep them dry until time to use them.

SUPPLIES

• 1 cup baking soda

• 1/4 cup citric acid

• 1 tbsp dish liquid

• Silicone ice molds

COURTESY OF: mom4real.com

BEWARE OF SOCIAL MEDIA CHALLENGES

Providing your preteen with a phone for the first time is a big milestone. A smartphone opens the world of social media to your child through social media apps. One concerning trend that parents should be aware of is the presence of dangerous social media challenges that kids may view and attempt.

What is a social media challenge?

In a social media challenge, someone creates a video of themselves doing something funny, risky or even extremely dangerous and then challenges others to do the same thing. Some social media challenges are intended as a positive influence, like the ‘ALS Ice Bucket’ challenge, and are done as a part of community-building. However, others involve taking extreme risks and can be downright deadly. Some dangerous challenges from recent years include:

aEating salt. Your body needs salt but too much salt can make you very sick and can even be fatal.

aAlcohol use posts, which do not show the consequences of extreme alcohol consumption such as injury or death from alcohol poisoning. aMilk crate challenge, in which participants climb a pyramid of milk crates, then climb back down. aBenadryl challenge, in which participants overdose on this antihistamine and may suffer serious health consequences.

Why are teens attracted to social media challenges?

The brains of preteens and teens are still developing and the areas of the brain that control decision-making are not fully developed at this stage. Acceptance of peers and popularity is important to kids at this age. They sometimes act impulsively when they spot what they perceive as an opportunity to gain the approval of their peers and ‘likes’ on social media. All preteens and teens may see is the opportunity to ‘go viral,’ but not the extreme harm the challenge may cause.

What can parents do to keep kids safe?

aWhen providing your child with a smartphone, draw up a family media plan. This plan helps your family take control over the amount of screen time each day and sets an agreed-upon time when your child must be off his phone for the night.

aSet parental controls on your child’s phone to help block unwanted content and help track what he views.

aKeep up with what your child enjoys viewing online and who he enjoys meeting up with online. Have a conversation with him about it and ask him to show you how to play his favorite game or to set up your own social media account. This will help you become familiar with what your child is doing online and allows you to see if the content is age-appropriate.

aSpend time with your child and keep the lines of communication open. The more in-tune you are with your child, the sooner you may be able to spot trouble.

aKeep up with the latest trends so you are informed about what types of dangerous social media challenges are out there.

aTalk to your child about a current dangerous challenge and ask him to tell you why it is risky and what the consequences might be. This exercise can help him in the future when he comes across a new challenge and is tempted to try it.

Even if you install an app on your child’s phone that blocks inappropriate content and limits screen time, kids may find a way around it. If you think your child may have become involved in a risky challenge, do not hesitate to take action to block dangerous content and report it so that it can be removed.

WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERY AGE!

BIRTH - 4 YEARS OLD

CASCADE KIDS PRESCHOOL

SAT 5PM & SUN 9+11AM | cascadehills.com/preschool

Your child will have a blast during our weekend services!

K - 5TH GRADE

CASCADE KIDS

SAT 5PM & SUN 9+11AM | cascadehills.com/cascade-kids

Your child will have a blast during our weekend services!

CELEBRATION PLACE

TUE 6:30PM | cascadehills.com/celebrate-recovery Children will learn how to process emotions and build healthy relationships.

6 - 12TH GRADE

THE HILLS MIDDLE STUDENT MINISTRY

WED 6:30PM | cascadehills.com/middle-school

Our mid-week service combines music, encouragement from the Bible, games, and monthly event nights.

THE HILLS HIGH STUDENT MINISTRY

TUE 6:30PM | cascadehills.com/high-school

Mid-week services exist to show students God’s love and help them develop a faith of their own.

THE LANDING

TUE 6:30PM | cascadehills.com/celebrate-recovery Teens will be able to heal from life’s struggles in a safe environment.

Convenient Quality Medical Care ...Just

A Call Away

Telemedicine services for Urgent Needs (Cough, Cold, URI, Bronchitis, UTI, Earache, Rash, Minor Illness)

Urgent Care Calls

Weight Loss Treatment Adipex (GA only), Semaglutide-Compounded Ozempic and Tirzepatide-Compounded Mounjaro (both available by shipping)

Affordable cash-based pricing No insurance required, or accepted

HOO’s HEALTHY

Scarlet Fever is a condition triggered by the toxin produced by a type of bacteria called group A streptococci. Before the development of the antibiotics used to treat it, Scarlet Fever was one of the deadliest childhood diseases. Strep throat is also caused by this type of bacteria but only some patients infected with the Group A Strep bacteria develop Scarlet Fever. Scarlet Fever is most common in children from ages 5 to 15.

A fever and a sore throat are usually the first symptoms to appear. Other symptoms include: Red, sandpaper-like rash that is brighter red in the skin creases, such as the armpits and elbows; flushed face with a pale area around the mouth; red, bumpy tongue; swollen lymph nodes; white coating on the tongue; red and swollen tonsils; red bumps on the roof of the mouth; headaches and body aches; and nausea and vomiting.

The red rash usually lasts about a week and as it fades, the skin may start to peel.

Scarlet Fever is spread by the droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Scarlet Fever can also

What is: SCARLET FEVER

spread through contact with the fluid from Impetigo sores. (Impetigo is a skin infection). Group A Strep, the bacteria that causes Scarlet Fever, can be spread by an infected person who has no symptoms, though someone who has Strep Throat is more contagious than someone with no symptoms. There is no vaccine to prevent Scarlet Fever. The best prevention is teaching your kids good hand hygiene and to not drink after others.

A rapid strep test or a throat culture is used to diagnose Scarlet Fever. Most of the time, Scarlet Fever is a mild infection and is treated successfully without complications after antibiotics. However, even though this condition is treatable, parents should not hesitate to seek treatment for it. A patient with untreated Scarlet Fever is more at risk for complications such as Rheumatic Fever and Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis (a kidney disease).

Seek emergency care for a child who has difficulty breathing, chest pain, shows signs of dehydration or becomes lethargic.

RESOURCES: https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/scarlet-fever.html

Why Do...

oysters make pearls?

Pearl oysters live on sandy bottom tropical seas. The filter the water to attract food. Any foreign matter (bits of sand or parasites) that invade their bodies can cause irritation. As a defense mechanism, oysters will coat a grain of sand with nacre, or mother-of-pearl, a silvery calcium carbonate substance that the oyster usually exudes to line its shell. After several years of coating, pearls are formed. The pigments in the nacre will determine the color of the pearls.

In the early 1900s, the Japanese learned how to grow pearls, which created a boom in the industry because naturally-occurring pearls are rare. It takes about a ton of oysters to find one good, natural pearl. By having their shells carefully opened and small bits of shell inserted as "seeds," oysters can be stimulated to produce pearls in three years. Using different shaped "seeds," creates different shaped pearls. The exact Japanese techniques are closely guarded secrets.

Resource: “The Book of Totally Useless Information" by Don Voorhees

1 Little Sprouts. 10am. Ages 0-5. $5/member child, $7 non-member child, 1 free entry for carertaker. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706327-8400

1 Harry Potter Night. 6:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-2432782

1 Summer Swing Concert & Back to School Bash. 7pm. Municipal Park, Opelika; 334-705-5136

3 Painting ‘Rocks.' Families. 10:30am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

4 Food Truck Friday. 5pm-Midnight. Downtown Opelika; facebook.com

9 MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support Meeting (Part 2).

12:30-1:30pm. Columbus Pediatric Assoc; 706-221-4602

10 Budding Naturalists. 10am. 1st-5th grade. Topic: Pollinators. $5/member child, $7 non-member child. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400

10 Farmers Market. 3-6pm. Ag Heritage Park, Auburn; 334752-0849

11 Left Handers’ Day. Ages 5-12yrs. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

12 Princess for a Day. 9amNoon. $15-$25. Columbus Trade Center; eventbright.com

12 Middle GA STEM City Expo. 9am-2pm. Free. Museum of Aviation; Robins Airforce Base; 478-826-6870

16 MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support Meeting. 5:307pm. Columbus Pediatric Assoc; 706-221-4602

19 Pollinator Palooza - a bee, bird and butterfly-themed educational event with tours, census and crafts for all. Columbus Botanical Garden. 9-12pm. Free for members, $10 adults, $5 4-17, 0-3 free.

19 Great GA Pollinator Count. Oxbow Meadows; 706-507-8550

23 MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breast feeding Support Meeting (Part 2). 12:30-1:30pm. Columbus Pediatric Assoc; 706-221-4602

26 Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse in Concert. 7:30pm. The motion picture film will be accompanied by a live orchestra, band, and turntables with a scratch DJ playing music from the score and soundtrack. $41-$51. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612

26 Young Eagles Flight Day. 8:30-11:30am. Weather permitting. RSVP. Ages 8-17. Flightways Columbus; 706-615-6964 or https://chapters.eaa.org/eaa677/ young-eagles

26 Ride & Seek: A Bike Safety Adventure. 8:30-11am. (Ages K-8) $10. Chewacla State Park, Auburn; 334-501-2930

27 Columbus Toy & Comic Book Show. 11am-4pm. $6. Coca-Cola Space Science Center; 706649-1477

Weekly Events

MONDAY

Simple Steps Storytime: Babies & Toddlers (Ages 0-36mo.) 10am; Preschoolers (Ages 3-5yrs.) 11am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

TUESDAY

O Growsf Farmers Market. 3-6pm. 1103 Glenn St, Opelika; 334-7052215

WEDNESDAY

Preschool Story Hour. 10am. PCRC Library, Phenix City; 334-197-1139

Simple Steps Storytime. 3-5 yrs. at 10am; 0-36 mon. at 11:15am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

Discovery Hub. Ages 3-5yrs. 11am. Columbus Public Library; 706-2432813

THURSDAY

Toddler Tales. 10am. Barnes & Noble, Columbus; 706-653-7880

Simple Steps Storytime: Family. Ages 0-5yrs. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

Sight Words Support. Families. 3-5pm. 30-minute 1-on-1 practice. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

FRIDAY

Simple Steps Storytime: Rhythm & Rhyme. Ages 0-5yrs. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

SATURDAY

Market Days on Broadway. 9amNoon. Uptown Columbus; uptowncolumbusga.com

Toddler Time. 10am-Noon. $10. Ages 5 and under. Launch Trampoline Park; 706-221-8680

Eye Spy Scavenger Hunt. 9am4pm. F. D. Roosevelt State Park; 706-663-4858

Please call ahead to confirm dates, times and age-appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained.

BEST WISHES FOR A GREAT New School Year! FROM

Sleep Issues & Toddlers Sleep Issues & Toddlers

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

Just when you thought your baby was sleep-trained, he reaches toddlerhood and starts resisting naps and waking up at night long before you are ready to get started for the day. Your toddler needs about 11 to 14 hours of sleep a day, which includes both naps and sleeping at night. Sleep supports healthy growth and development and helps maintain a strong immune system.

Toddler teething and illnesses

such as ear infections and colds can disrupt your toddler’s sleep pattern. Cool mist humidifiers can help when your child has a cold. Check with your child’s pediatrician if you think the pain from teething or an illness is keeping your child awake. In some cases, the doctor may approve the administration of ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help ease the pain. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by the doctor. Not all health issues that disrupt sleep are immediately obvious, so if your toddler suddenly starts having sleep issues, a visit to the pediatrician can help rule out unseen health problems.

Big changes such as moving, getting a new sibling or starting a daycare can disrupt your toddler’s sleep pattern. Excitement and even some anxiety associated with the big change can keep your toddler up at night. Do your best to spend extra time with your toddler during the day to help her adjust to big changes. The change to and from daylight savings time each year can pose some sleep challenges for toddlers. Your toddler may not understand why he had to go to bed when it is still daylight outside.

Creating a consistent, soothing bedtime routine as best you can during a time of transition will help your toddler ease back into his sleep pattern. Even though a big change can cause a temporary disruption to your family’s daily routine, resist the temptation to let your toddler stay up late. A couple of hours before bedtime, start creating an environment that helps your toddler wind down for the day. Use blinds and shades to darken your toddler’s sleep environment if he has trouble falling asleep while it is still daylight outside.

If your toddler is so far off his schedule that he just is not sleepy at bedtime, ease him back into his schedule gradually by making bedtime 30 minutes earlier each day until his bedtime is back to where it should be.

Too much screen time

Allowing your toddler to use a tablet or watch TV too close to bedtime can be stimulating and keep your toddler awake. Spending time watching TV or on tablets can be overwhelming to children under the age of 18 months. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend any sort of screen time for children under the age of 18 months and recommends limiting screen time for toddlers to a total of about 1 hour a day. Do not let your toddler have screen time within a couple of hours before bedtime.

Nightmares

Toddler nightmares can be frightening to your child. Nightmares tend to occur in the second half of sleep, in what is called REM sleep, when your toddler is dreaming. A nightmare may cause him to wake up screaming and crying. Reassure your toddler and comfort him but help him ease back to sleep instead of allowing him to get in your bed. Keeping a relaxing, consistent bedtime routine and limiting the amount of scary material your child sees during screentime can help reduce toddler nightmares. Consult your child’s doctor if, despite everything you try, your toddler’s sleep is severely disrupted by nightmares.

Conflict Resolution

for kids

As your child grows and becomes more independent, knowing how to successfully resolve conflict with others on her own is a vital ‘soft skill’ that will keep her friendships strong. Kids often turn to social media to try to work out a disagreement, thinking it will be faster and easier than having an in-person discussion. However, as I’m sure we’ve all experienced, written responses sent through phones or social media are often misinterpreted since they are missing the non-verbal cues, emotions and tones that come with in-person communication. Such misinterpretations can add fuel to the fire versus working more effectively with oral discussions towards putting it out.

Here are some tips for teaching your child how to successfully resolve conflicts and avoid unnecessary drama. However, these tips do not apply to intentionally hurtful, bullish behavior, which should be addressed by adults.

HOO’s parenting

Discuss why social media and texting is not the place to communicate a complaint or respond to one. Encourage her to address disagreements in person, quickly after they arise. Coach her to make contact with them to schedule a meeting in person. If that’s not possible, then a call or preferably a video chat.

Help your child practice expressing her feelings using statements that explain the issue in a friendly way, such as starting statements with “I feel.” The objective is not to attack the other person with accusations. This approach is much less likely to put them on the defensive.

Teach your child to listen carefully to her friend’s response and to make an effort to understand her friend’s feelings on the issue when trying to work out a resolution.

Teach her to apologize for any negative feelings that may have resulted from her action or inaction and then offer to leave it all behind and move on or offer a workable compromise.

Explain that it is acceptable to leave the conversation if the other person becomes hostile and is not interested in collaborating to find a resolution at that time.

Dining Deals for Kids

With deals this good, save the mess and dine out!

MONDAY

Barberitos

Free kid’s meal with adult entrée after 4pm

Sapo’s

5-8pm: Free kid’s meal with adult entrée

The Office

4-9pm: Kids 12 and under get a free kid’s meal with each adult entrée. Dine in only.

Tuesday

Chicken Salad Chick

Free Little Chick Meal with purchase of adult meal

Denny’s

4-10pm: Up to two free kids entrées with adult entrée for kids 10 and under

Jason’s Deli

5-9pm: Free kid’s meal for kids 12 and under with each adult entrée; dine-in only

Ruby Tuesday

5-10pm: Kids 12 and under eat free with adult entrée

Wednesday Your Pie

Kid’s meal $1.99 (pizza, drink & gelato) w/ adult meal

Red Robin

Kid’s meal $1.99 w/ adult meal for kids 11 and under

THURSday

Tuesday's Street Tacos & Burritos

Free kids meal with adult purchase; dine-in only

Saturday

Denny’s 4-10pm: Up to two free kids entrées with adult entrée for kids 10 and under

sunday

The Simple Greek

Kids 12 & under get half-off kids bowl with purchase of regular size bowl. Not to be combined

Multiple days

219 On The Lake

5-9pm: Kids eat for $2.19 on kids menu (M-TH)

Bruster’s Ice Cream

Kids under 40” get free baby cone

McAlister’s Kid’s meals are $1.99 with dine-in order

The Food Mill

Kids receive half off a breakfast egg and cheese biscuit with the purchase of one full price breakfast item (M-F, 9-11am)

All locations are Columbus, GA unless noted. Specials are subject to change without notice, so please verify them directly before dining. Send kids deals to Tammy@FamilyAndKidsGA.com.

Flour-less

PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY SANDWICH

INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat 1 cup peanut butter with 1/2 cup honey until smooth. Beat in the egg until well combined. Add the oats and baking soda and beat on low speed to combine.

• Using a 1/2 ounce cookie scoop, drop heaping one-tablespoon sized portions of dough a few inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten the top of each scoop of dough with the top of your hand.

• Bake cookies for 7-8 minutes or until they are set and just start to crack a bit on top. Let cool on cookie sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

• Cool cookies then turn them over and spread the bottoms of half with a little over a teaspoon of peanut butter and the bottoms of the other halves with a little over a teaspoon of fruit spread. Then combine to create your sandwich.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1 large egg

• 3 cups oatmeal

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

FILLING:

• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1/3 cup jam of choice

by Sanquinn Jackson, South Columbus Public Library

Physical & Digital Resources@Your Local Library

The long summer break will soon come to an end, and thousands of children will be headed back to school. We know it can be overwhelming, but fortunately for you, the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries has a variety of physical and digital resources to help! All you need is your Library Card!

Start the school year strong with Brainfuse! Brainfuse is a free online resource that pairs professional tutors with students eager to get assistance with challenging school work of any kind. Tutoring sessions are available from 2pm-11pm daily for K-12 and includes the subjects of Writing, Math, Science, English and Social Studies.

Live online tutoring through Brainfuse is also available for college students seeking help in areas like algebra, foreign languages, skill building, and writing. Brainfuse can even assist you with filling out your child’s FASFA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Tutoring and homework help is also provided in Spanish for all subjects. To use this resource, simply visit cvlga.org and enter your library card information to log in or download the free Brainfuse app available for Android and iOS devices. Don’t have a card? No worries! Sign up for an eCard online for instant digital access.

You can also learn a new language with Mango using self-paced tutorials in dozens of languages. Don’t forget to take advantage of a variety of online databases such as Newsbank and Access Video On Demand for research and school assignments.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to encourage reading, then try a Book Bundle! Choose a genre, theme, and reading level or let us surprise you! Short on time? Grab a pre-made book bundle and enjoy reading time at home with a variety of fun titles.

Last, but not least, don’t forget to utilize your local Libraries! Stop by your favorite branch to browse the shelves, use a computer or attend a wildly popular program! We look forward to seeing you in person or online soon!

SELECTING LEARNING APPS FOR

There are a large variety of math apps that provide a fun way to practice and improve your child’s math skills. Here are some traits to look for when selecting one:

1. The math app presents the math fact using a three-step process. The student is first asked to answer the problem, then if the incorrect answer is given, the correct answer is displayed, and then the student is asked to try the problem again.

2. The lessons build upon one another and the student must master a math fact before moving on to the next one.

3. The app is able to identify points of trouble for your child that need review.

Here are some math apps that may be helpful: PRODIGY

This makes math fun by turning it into a fantasy-based game. Students can learn at their own pace and you can access a report that will identify any weaknesses in their math skills.

Grades 1 – 8

Free (Android, iOS, Chromebook)

HOO’s learning

DOODLEMATHS:

This app targets the areas of math where your child needs extra practice, provides a customized lesson for him, and tracks his progress. Parents can view a report of these strengths and weaknesses and review progress.

Grades Pre-K – 8 Free, with in-app purchases (Android, iOS)

ROCKET MATH APP

The space travel theme of this game makes the review of math facts fun. The game has 10 tracks to choose from, and within each track, there are 26 levels (A – Z). When your child does not know the answer, Mission Control will assist with the answer and then ask your child to answer it again on his own. Parents can monitor the progress their child is making in the learning track selected.

Grades 1 – 5

Can register for free trial before purchasing (iOS)

Delivering joy to ColumbUS.

Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most joyous events. We know that compassionate quality care for you and your baby is one of the most important parts of your family’s journey. We’re here for your first step and all the possibilities after.

To learn more about our childbirth services or to schedule a tour call us at 706-320-8001 or visit online at MyStFrancis.com