© Timeless Memories by Jessica
A tour of the Little White House historic site in Warm Springs, GA is like traveling back in time to the first half of the 20th century. This location was the second home of Franklin D Roosevelt. FDR suffered from polio and stayed at this residence to spend time in pools filled with warm spring water. The residence has been preserved close to the condition it was left in when FDR died suddenly in April 1945 while he was having his portrait painted. The ‘Unfinished Portrait’ is included as an exhibit in the museum that visitors can tour at this location. The Little White House is a state of Georgia historic site and is a National Historic Landmark. gastateparks.org/LittleWhiteHouse
A trip to the Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center at 5335 South Lumpkin Road in Columbus is a fun way to learn about the local ecosystems of the Chattahoochee Valley. The center offers indoor and outdoor exhibits and walking trails where kids can enjoy a nature walk. The exhibits include living reptiles and fish. Admission to the center is free but donations are encouraged. They offer a five-week homeschool program called "At Home in Nature" for kids ages 6 to 10 years. The fee per student is $45 and registration is available online on the center’s website. oxbow.columbusstate.edu.
Explore the world of aviation with your child by taking a tour of the Columbus Airport. The tour is hosted by Flightways Columbus. Your child will learn about aircraft, airport firefighting and tour the airport. The tour is provided at no cost from March to September. flightwayscolumbus.com/field-trips-tours
Visitors to the historic village of Westville can spend the day in the 19th century. This village is composed of historic buildings that have been preserved and moved to the current site of the Westville village at 3557 South Lumpkin Road in Columbus. The staff is dressed in period costumes and provides tours of the historic buildings along with demonstrating crafts and trades that were key parts of daily living during the 19th century. Historic Westville is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9am to 4pm. Programs are available for home school groups upon request. westville.org
If you are looking for a fun way to help kids learn about geology, the Chattahoochee Valley offers several excellent learning opportunities. In Columbus’ Flat Rock Park, kids can observe metamorphic rock formations and a small waterfall. The location is a good opportunity to learn about the Fall Line, the division between the Piedmont region and the Coastal Plain region. Access to the park is free. The park is open daily during daylight hours. 6106 Warms Springs Road, Columbus, GA
Take a hike on the Pine Mountain Trail in FDR State Park to view one of the southernmost mountains in the eastern United States. Pine Mountain consists of a metamorphic rock called Hollis quartzite that formed about 250 million years ago when sandstone on the ocean floor was subjected to immense pressure. Hollis quartzite rock formations are visible along the Pine Mountain trail. Another unique feature of Pine Mountain is the mixture of plants and animals from the Piedmont and Coastal Plains ecosystems. A daily parking fee of $5 is required. gastateparks.org/FDRoosevelt
From the minute you see two lines on your pregnancy test, parents must start making decisions. What’s the best car seat? Should you use a crib? What names are you considering?
One of the most important decisions a mother must make is whether she will breastfeed her child. Breastfeeding provides many benefits, including protection against common childhood illnesses, decreased rates of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and reduction of cancer risks and cardiovascular disease for mothers. However, like all parts of parenting, it also comes with its own challenges.
Some common challenges mothers face during their breastfeeding journey are painful latches, low milk supply, clogged milk ducts, pumping, poor family and community support, exhaustion, depression and transitioning back to work. It may not feel like it, but most mothers experience one or more of these challenges. All of these obstacles may be difficult to navigate alone, but with lactation support, you can conquer these and feel empowered while breastfeeding.
Seeing a lactation specialist is an important part of your breastfeeding journey. They can educate you and support your feeding goals from birth through the first years. In addition, many specialists can assess your baby breastfeeding and help you solve any problems. Often times during these assessments, infant and maternal disorders affecting breastfeeding are discovered and addressed.
Often, your pediatrician will offer these breastfeeding services. A lactation counselor will provide a thorough feeding assessment in which ‘pre’ and ‘post’ weights are obtained, a comprehensive and evidence-based plan that is customized for you and your baby and continued follow-ups and encouragement. Partnering with your child’s pediatrician ensures you are not alone on the journey to provide for your baby.
If you are pregnant and breastfeeding is a part of your parenting plan, reach out to your pediatrician’s office. They can direct you to a lactation consultant on staff or point you in the right direction. Your pediatrician can also give you more information on why breastfeeding is a beneficial choice for your child.
1. Draw or print out a copy of a snowflake pattern. There are plenty online, or see a few here.
2. (See bottom image) 1.) Build the three long lines in the snowflake. 2). Lay out the star in the center. 3.) Cut 6 popsicle sticks in half. 4.) Add the small pieces at the ends.
3. Glue all the popsicle sticks together: Start at the center of the snowflake. Overlap the sticks at the center and glue well. Then glue the rest of the sticks together as you have it laid out.You can add circles at the intersections and the ends. 4. Paint or stain the snowflake your color of choice. 5. Add a ribbon and hang it up - inside or outside!
Exercising the imagination by engaging in pretend play is an important part of your preschooler’s development. Many preschoolers enjoy interacting with invisible companions, and parents find themselves suddenly having to set a place at the dinner table for the new friend or being reminded to make space on the sofa for the new companion.
Research studies have shown that children with imaginary friends have stronger social skills than children who do not. In June 2022, researchers at York St. John University published a study that found having an imaginary friend also helps autistic children, who sometimes struggle to understand the emotions and feelings of others, develop their social skills.
Even though it may become annoying to constantly accommodate 'Lilly' the imaginary friend, playing along can help you gain insight into your child’s thoughts and feelings. Participating in her pretend play, if done correctly, is beneficial. Allow your child to take the lead so that she does not start to feel like you are trying to take over and control her interactions with her imaginary playmate. However, it is important to set boundaries, especially if your child decides to test the household rules by breaking them and then trying to blame her actions on her imaginary friend. Let your child know the household rules apply to her imaginary friend also. As your child grows, she will
For some preschoolers, an imaginary friend can provide a way to communicate with parents. Your child may not want to tell you how she is feeling directly and instead finds it easier to express her thoughts and feelings through her imaginary friend. For example, your child may feel sad because one of her (real) friends at school hurt her feelings and she tells you that her (imaginary) friend Lilly is sad because someone would not share a toy at preschool.
transition towards developing friendships with her peers and the imaginary friend will slowly become forgotten and become another phase of childhood that has come and gone. There is no set age when kids start transitioning away from interacting with an imaginary friend, but most kids outgrow their imaginary friends by age 12. There is a chance that you may not know that your schoolage child still has an imaginary friend. Older kids are more reluctant to openly interact with an imaginary friend due to fears of being teased about it.
According to child development experts, having an imaginary friend does not mean your child has lost touch with reality and is experiencing a mental health condition. Most kids are aware that their imaginary friends are not real and engaging in pretend play with an imaginary friend is not the same as experiencing hallucinations or psychosis. However, if your child’s overall behavior changes drastically from her baseline or your child seems frightened of her imaginary friend, consult the pediatrician.
Interacting with an imaginary friend helps your child exercise her creativity and is also fun. Her imaginary friend is available for her to play with when she is bored and needs a buddy. Playing with an imaginary friend can also be a chance for her to lead play and make decisions, something that she may not always get to do when she plays with her siblings and peers. Interacting with an imaginary friend also helps your child practice viewing situations from the perspective of others, an important skill essential for developing empathy. Resources: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/imaginary-friends https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/news/2022/imaginary-friends/
The Exhausted Mom’s Guide to Menu Planning. Perfect for busy parents struggling to find time to plan and make nutritious meals for the family. Get tips and templates to help make the process of organizing weekly meals more manageable.
Understanding the Principles of Montessori Education. You’ve probably heard about Montessori education, but what is it all about? This class gives you an overview of the teaching method that emphasizes fundamental world skills and fosters a self-motivated attitude in children.
Make Your Own Baby Clothes. Learn to create unique baby clothes with an individualized touch. This class includes step-by-step instructions and patterns for shoes, a dungaree, trousers and a sweater.
Homeschooling a Preschooler. Suppose you’re thinking about starting to homeschool, this course provides a guide to getting started
and how to incorporate all the essential elements to give your child a holistic education. Go over lesson planning and setting a schedule, how to decide which subjects to teach, outdoor activities and more.
7 Powerful Tools to Manage Tantrums and Meltdowns. Focusing on childhood development and psychology, this class teaches you why your child has meltdowns. You’ll learn how our brains respond to overwhelming fear and anger and how to redirect these feelings to more constructive channels. This will enable you to prevent tantrums and learn how to teach emotional literacy effectively.
The Chattahoochee Valley Libraries also offers live online homework help powered by Brainfuse. Expert tutors are available from 2pm11pm daily to assist students in grades K-12 with Math, Science, Social Studies, English, SAT/ACT Test Prep & more.
cvlga.org
It’s that time of the school year again – report card time. While many students will come home with good grades, others would rather stuff their report cards deep into their backpacks than show them to their parents. As parents, you want your child to do well in school, so what do you do when your child’s report card doesn’t reflect his or her academic potential? Children get frustrated and upset when their report card shows they are not reaching their potential.
Understanding your child’s personal ability and determining if your expectations are too high will allow you and your child to set appropriate goals for each class before report cards are distributed again. It will also help establish an environment in which your child is not apprehensive about sharing his or her report card with you.
Set expectations.
Not every child will earn all A’s, but that doesn’t mean your child should strive for less. Talk with your child before the next semester starts and explain that you won’t be upset if he doesn’t bring home all A’s - but that you will be upset if he doesn’t try his hardest and doesn’t ask for help.
Communicate with your child.
Don’t wait until report cards are issued to talk with your child about school and grades. Talk with her every night and every week about homework. Ask how she is doing in school and what subjects she finds challenging.
Discuss your child’s performance with his teacher/ counselor
Your child’s teacher and/or guidance counselor are the best sources for information about your child’s scholastic performance. Your child’s teacher can recommend ways to help your child or point out difficulties he is having. His guidance counselor can provide progress reports between reports cards or help set up additional parent-teacher conferences when necessary.
Set goals for improvement with your child.
If your child is currently a C student -- then setting a goal of getting all A’s may not be reasonable. However, creating an improvement goal for each subject will help her work toward an attainable level for each class.
Establish a personalized study plan with your child.
Your child should keep a schedule of all classes, assignments and key dates (e.g., project deadlines, big exams, etc). As part of that schedule, he should include specific times for studying, projects and extracurricular activities. The more comprehensive the schedule, the more efficient your child will be in completing his homework and the better he’ll do in school.
Seek outside help.
Some children may need additional attention that can’t be provided in school. Speak with your child’s teacher about tutoring or supplemental education providers to help your child work towards better grades in school.
Praise your child’s successes.
Praise your child for what she is doing well, whether it’s a specific academic subject or an extracurricular activity. If your child is not doing well in English, but loves to read the latest Twilight book, show her the connection between the two.
To download a free parents guide from Sylvan Learning called “You and Your Child’s Report Card,” or for more educational resources for children in grades pre-K through 12, visit SylvanLearning.com or call the Columbus center at 706-563-9850.
1 First of the Year Hike: Overlook Loop. 9am-Noon. $5 parking. F.D. Roosevelt State Park; 706-663-4858
1 River Dragons Hockey Game. 4:30pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706-653-4460
1-2 Fantasy in Lights. 6pm. Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain; 855-923-7299
3 STEAMpunks-Stories & Science. 3pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805
5 Teen Crafternoon: Take & Makes. 3pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
5 Legos® in the Library. Ages 5-12yrs. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
6 Teen Takeover: Fandom Club. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
6-7 River Dragons Hockey. 7:30pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706-653-4460
7 Artful Babies. 10:30am. Ages 6-24mo. RSVP required. 1327 Wynnton Rd; 706748-2562 ext 6520
7 CSO: Beethoven’s Eighth. 7:30pm. $20$40. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612
10 Artful Babies. 10:30am. Ages 6-24mo. RSVP required. 1327 Wynnton Rd; 706-748-2562 ext 6520
10 Whimsical Watercolors. Ages 5-12yrs. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-2432813
10 Teen Takeover. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
11 MOPS. 6pm. First Baptist Church. 212 12th St. Columbus; 706-322-4468
12 Family Fun-Nights at the Library: Movie Night. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706243-2813
12 Aquila Theatre: Julius Caesar. 10am. Call for tickets. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612
13 Aquila Theatre: Pride and Prejudice. 7:30pm. $39. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612
14 Mini Makers. 10:30am. Ages 2-4. RZ RSVP required. 1327 Wynnton Rd; 706748-2562 ext 6520
14
AutoNation’s Rodeo Columbus. 7:30pm. Columbus Civic Center; ticketmaster.com
20 TBR: Teens Be Reading. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
20 Chinese New Year. Ages 5-12yrs. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
20-21 River Dragons Hockey Game. 7:30pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706-6534460
21 Mardi Gras Pop Up Market. 10am. Columbus Trade Center; facebook.com
21
Uno, Dos, Tres Craft! Ages 5-12yrs. 3pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-2432782
23 Code Club: Videogames. Ages 5-12yrs. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-2432813
24 Picture Book Playdates. 3pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805
17
Mini Makers. 10:30am. Ages 2-4. RSVP required. 1327 Wynnton Rd; 706748-2562 ext 6520
24 Teen Takeover. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
17
Shen Yun. 7:30pm. $90-$180. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612
17
Legos® in the Library. Ages 5-12yrs. 3pm. South Columbus Library; 706-6838805
19
Legos® in the Library. Ages 5-12yrs. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
24 Neighborhood Game Night. 6:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782
24 Junie B. Jones Essential Survival Guide to School. 9:30am & 11:30AM. Call for tickets. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612
25 MOPS. 6pm. First Baptist Church. 212 12th St. Columbus; 706-322-4468
26 Riverdance. 7:30pm. $64-$69. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612
26-28 The Play that Goes Wrong. 7:30pm. The Springer ; 706-327-3688
27 My Mad Science Lab: Habitats. Ages 7-12yrs. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-2432813
27-28 River Dragons Hockey. 7:30pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706-653-4460
28 Get Your Game ON! - Unplugged. 3pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
28 Crafternoon: Chuncky Bracelets. 3pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-281
29 The Play that Goes Wrong. 2:30pm. $29-$50. The Springer; 706-327-3688
31 My Fair Lady. 7:30pm. $42-$69. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612
MONDAY
Simple Steps Storytime. Babies & Toddlers (Ages 0-36mo.) 10am; Preschoolers (Ages 3-5yrs.) 11am. Columbus Library; 706243-2813
Teen Takeover: Merry Pop-Ins. 3pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
Simple Steps Storytime. Babies (Ages 0-24 mo.) 10am; Preschoolers (Ages 2-5 yrs.) 11am. North Columbus Library; 706-7482855
Simple Steps Storytime. Families. 10:30am. South Columbus Library; 706683-8805
Unplug…For Chess’ Sake! Families. 4:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-2432782
Simple Steps Storytime. Preschoolers (Ages 3-5 yrs.) 10am; Babies (Ages 0-36 mo.) 11:15am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782
Discovery Hub. Ages 3-5yrs. 11am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
Teen Takeover. Teens. 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805
Library Games. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
Simple Steps Storytime. Ages 0-5yrs. and Families. 10am. Columbus Library; 706243-2813
Discovery Hub. Ages 3-5yrs. 1pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855
Sight Words Support. 3-5pm. 30-minute one-on-one practice session. K-3rd grade students. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706243-2782
Get Your Game ON! 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805
Teen Takeover. 6pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855
Simple Steps Storytime: Rhythm & Rhyme. Ages 0-5yrs. and Families. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
Fun Friday. Ages 5-12yrs. and Families. 3pm. North Columbus Library; 706-7482855 (Not 7th)
Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained. For more events, visit our website at: familyandkidsga.com
by Kimberly Blaker
There’s no doubt; team sports offer kids an array of benefits. Team sports provide opportunities for kids to develop friendships, work as a team, problem-solve, learn good sportsmanship and much more. But team sports aren’t for everyone. Many kids, particularly those who are introverted or shy, struggle with or lack interest in team sports. When kids aren’t into team sports, parents often get caught in an endless struggle with them to get them to every practice and game.
Encouraging kids to participate in some form of extracurricular activity is undoubtedly a good idea. Such activities can provide kids valuable learning opportunities while also keeping them fit. But if your child is introverted, social or group experiences can be particularly stressful and mentally exhausting. There are plenty of sports and physical activities that aren’t as mentally taxing, yet they provide kids plenty of benefits.
Martial arts. This sport is divided into the categories of wrestling, striking, grappling and weaponry. Many disciplines use a combination of these categories, so it's a good idea to investigate several disciplines. Then let your child decide which style to try. Some of the most popular forms include judo, Tai-Chi, karate, kickboxing, wrestling, Taekwondo, Aikido and Jiu-Jitsu. Through martial arts, in addition to learning self-defense, kids learn self-discipline and fine-tune their motor skills.
Bicycling. This is an excellent form of exercise that improves strength, coordination and flexibility. There are several forms of bicycling that might appeal to your kids, such as distance endurance cycling, mountain biking and stunt riding.
Dance. Dance offers many of the same benefits as sports. It builds self-confidence, provides exercise and develops balance, stamina and strength. Forms of dance include tap, ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop, swing, Latin, aerial, Irish step dance and more.
Gymnastics. The most popular form of gymnastics is artistic, which includes floor exercise, balance beam, vault, uneven bars, still rings, and parallel bars. There’s also rhythmic, which combines dance and gymnastics moves to music. Aerobic gymnastics is yet another form. Gymnastics improves strength, flexibility, balance and cognitive functioning, among other benefits.
Ice Skating. Figure skating includes single skating, pair skating, ice dancing, and synchronized skating. This sport provides a cardiovascular workout while improving flexibility, balance, and endurance. It’s also a great way to develop leg muscles.
Running. As straightforward as running may sound, there are several forms from which your kid can choose. There’s adventure running, cross country, road, mountain, track and field, races, and marathon. Whatever the form, it’s an excellent cardiovascular workout. It also builds endurance, releases stress and is a powerful antidepressant.
Climbing. If you have a tree climber on your hands, rock climbing might be the perfect sport. Climbing is an excellent cardiovascular workout, tones and strengthens muscles and improves mental focus.
Swimming and diving. Either of these might appeal to your introverted child. Swimming builds strength and endurance while improving cardiovascular fitness. Diving improves agility, strengthens the upper body, particularly the arms and improves mental focus. Golf. For those who walk the course and carry their bag, golf is an excellent form of exercise. It also reduces stress and stimulates the brain.
Archery. Although archery might appear to be a passive sport, it offers several benefits, including improving balance, coordination, upper body strength and mental focus.
Skateboarding. This solo sport has numerous forms, including, but not limited to, slalom, freestyle, street, off-road, vert and park. Skateboarding offers many benefits including overall fitness, endurance, precision, and as many a skateboarder will attest, increased pain tolerance.
Did you know that all snowflakes are unique and one of a kind? It is true, no two snowflakes are exactly the same. As water molecules freeze in the air, they bond to each other and create extraordinary additions to winter landscapes that truly make this time of year magical.
When the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit and water droplets form in the air, that is when the magic happens! These are the perfect conditions for an ice crystal to form. At below freezing temperatures, when droplets fall onto dust or pollen in the air, they create ice crystals. It just takes one ice crystal to create a snowflake, but usually snowflakes are made of many crystals. As the ice crystal falls through the sky, other crystals attach themselves. This natural phenomenon is the very start of what we call a snowflake. Miraculously, each of the six arms of the snowflake are exactly the same. Although the arms are identical, the over-all shape of the snowflake can change as they fall because the temperature outside is always changing.
Although snowflakes look alike, each one is a little different from all the others. This shows us the true beauty of the snowflake is truly a treasure of nature.
References: http://bit.ly/3EWWyQ4
SNOWFLAKE SALT PAINTING: Watch the salt crystallize over the glue for a snowflake effect with this cool craft and watercolor painting at http://bit.ly/3UAP8I3.
SNOWFLAKE SLIME: Make a fun and glittery snowflake slime with this simple recipe at http://bit.ly/3iwuCLp
VIRTUAL: Create a digital snowflake at http://bit.ly/3VDOafw. Choose a background color. Then click and draw on the paper to create a bunch of shapes. Click ‘make snowflake’ and be amazed at your creation!
PAPER: With paper, scissors and an optional protractor you can create your own beautiful snowflakes. Learn how at http://bit.ly/3P3lOJf.
DÉCOR: Make a giant popsicle stick wreath to decorate your front door for winter. See craft instructions on page 7.
RECIPE: Make a delicious puff pastry snowflake with simple ingredients. See the recipe on page 25.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that involves extreme changes in mood and activity levels. A patient with bipolar disorder experiences periods of euphoria and high energy (a ‘manic’ episode) and episodes of depression that are characterized by feelings of hopelessness and sadness. Sometimes a person with bipolar disorder will experience a less severe manic phase and this is referred to as a hypomanic episode. Symptoms of bipolar disorder usually start to appear in the teen years or young adulthood but can sometimes appear in childhood. There are three types of bipolar disorder:
1) Bipolar I: A patient with Bipolar I disorder experiences a period of mania that lasts for 7 days for almost every day or experiences manic symptoms severe enough to require emergency treatment in the hospital. Depressive episodes typically last about 2 weeks. Some patients experience ‘mixed’ episodes that include both manic and depressive behavior.
2) Bipolar II: A patient with Bipolar II disorder has episodes of mania that are less severe (hypomania) than Bipolar I manic episodes and experiences episodes of depression.
3) Cyclothymic disorder: It is characterized by hypomanic and depressive symptoms that are not severe enough to be classified as hypomanic and depressive episodes.
Mood swings that include periods of hyperactivity followed by periods of irritable, ‘grouchy’ behavior are a normal part of childhood. However, if parents note a pattern of unusual mood swings that include manic or depressive symptoms, a healthcare provider that specializes in pediatric mental health should be consulted.
Symptoms of bipolar manic episodes in kids include unusually hyperactive, aggressive or socially inappropriate behavior; an inflated sense of capabilities; reckless, impulsive behavior that is out of character; and insomnia.
Symptoms of a depressive episode in kids include moody behavior most of the day nearly every day, increased need for sleep and in older kids and teens, thoughts of suicide. When a child with bipolar disorder is in between the manic and depressive episodes, his behavior returns to his normal baseline.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the serious mental health consequences that may develop if bipolar disorder is left untreated.
RESOURCES: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/expert-answers/bipolar-disorder-in-children/faq-20058227
Transform four simple ingredients into a festive dessert recipe for an easy puff pastry snowflake made with chocolate or jam.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface then unfold both sheets of puff pastry. Using a rolling pin, lightly roll each sheet to seal together any perforations. Cut each sheet of puff pastry into a 9-inch circle. The easiest way to do this is to trace around a large bowl. Place one of the circles on the lined baking sheet. Spread the Nutella or alternate spread of your choice in the center of the puff pastry circle on the baking sheet, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges of the circle. Place the second puff pastry circle on top the first, pressing the two pieces of puff pastry together lightly to seal them together. Place a 2 or 3-inch glass or bowl in the center of the circle. Using a sharp knife or pizza wheel, cut from the edge of the glass outward to make 16 wedges around the circle. Remove the glass then brush the pastry all over with the egg wash. Twist two of the wedges in toward each other then pinch them together to seal them shut. Repeat the twisting and sealing process with the remaining wedges to form 8 points to the snowflake. Sprinkle the sanding sugar (optional) all over the top of the snowflake then bake it until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the pastry snowflake from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly before dusting it with Confectioners sugar and serving.
Courtesy of justataste.com
• All-purpose flour for dusting work surface
• 1 (17.3-oz.) package frozen puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
• 1/3 cup Nutella or jam filling of choice
• 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water
• Crystal sanding sugar for topping (optional)
• Confectioners sugar for dusting
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.
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
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
4-10pm: Up to two free kids entrées with adult entrée for kids 10 and under
The Simple Greek Kids 12 & under get half-off kids bowl with purchase of regular size bowl. Not to be combined MOE’s Southwest Grill Free kid’s meal with purchase of adult entrée
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
Do you offer a Kids’ Dining Deal, or know a restaurant that does? Let us know at tammy@ familyandkidsga.com
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.
Academically gifted children are often identified by their parents and their educators by their ability to ask complex questions and have unique original ideas. They are creative, have advanced cognitive abilities, and often have an opinionated personality. These qualities paired with an extensive vocabulary make ‘gifted’ children an extraordinary energy to be around.
Scientists that have studied gifted education recognize that a common identifier of a ‘gifted’ child is asynchronous development, an ability to be gifted in one area but perform poorly in another. For example, a ‘gifted’ child may be above-level in science but struggle with reading. Another quality of a ‘gifted’ child is they often perform at higher levels than other children their same age in a few of the measured areas.
The areas measured between 'gifted' and baseline students are: intellect, creativity, artistic expression, academics and/or leadership abilities. Identifying academic giftedness in children helps to understand behaviors at home and in their classrooms. Recognizing academic giftedness early allows for children to be challenged to their full potential and recognized for their “gifts” throughout their educational career.
If children are identified by a teacher or parent to have gifted qualities, students are evaluated with IQ assessments. Students are evaluated in four categories: mental ability, achievement, creativity and motivation. If your child attends a Muscogee County school and you think that they are academically gifted, you can apply for an evaluation at https:// www.muscogee.k12.ga.us/. Click on the 'families' tab and select 'gifted application.'
Applications are accepted in the fall for 1st-12th grades and again in the spring for K-12th grades. E-mails are sent out to all Muscogee County parents and teachers when the application window opens. Typically, there are pull-out options for ‘gifted’ students during the class-day where they work in a group setting with their ‘gifted’ peers. The public schools in Georgia offers additional educational support for gifted learners with in the school day.
• Recognize your child’s gifts, special interests and where they struggle.
• Engage your child in topics that are of interest to them.
• Support your child to reach their full potential.
• Find creative activities that challenge your child and keep them actively learning.
• Relate interesting topics to school, such as calculating the speed of a racehorse.
• Participate in enrichment and gifted programs with other gifted children.
In Muscogee County, middle and high school gifted programs are located directly inside of the schools. For elementary ages, the Saint Elmo Center for the Gifted offers gifted programs for grades K-5th from thirty public elementary schools with the county. Students are bussed to and from their schools once a week to participate in classes specially designed for ‘gifted’ students that are taught by ‘gifted’ certified teachers. Saint Elmo currently serves over 900 students and growing.
• Assess your child yearly to see where they are academically.
• Discuss with your child their preferences to determine changes needed to their education plan.
• Remember, ‘gifted’ students may lose interest in the typical classroom environment. Work as a team with your child’s school to provide an engaging learning environment.
• Determine where you may need to add supplemental educational materials within your child’s curriculum.
Gifted educational programs vary from state to state and county to county, but one thing that they all have in common is a desire to enrich the lives of academically gifted children around the country.
References: bit.ly/3OXHDtJ, bit.ly/3gQ1nmx and bit.
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