Dayton Parent -- January & February 2019

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2019

inside:

Find Your Child’s

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School

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QUIZ: Pick the Perfect Enrichment Program

SNOW SAFETY

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02 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM January/February 2019

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IN EVERY ISSUE

contents

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

departments IN EVERY ISSUE

06 Editor's Note 07 Our Cover Kid 22 To Do With Your Crew 23 Wacky Calendar TRAVEL

08 Let's Go to the Beach!

SPONSORED CONTENT

17 When Your Child Needs Extra Help

CHILDREN'S HEALTH

20 Snow Safety

AROUND TOWN

21 Nature Fun, Indoors and Out

features

10

Choose Your Own Adventure

14

A School for Everyone

18

Which enrichment activity best suits your child?

Find the school that serves the needs of your student

Work It!

6 tips for parents to fit in fitness

14

10 20

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January/February 2019 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM 05

EDITOR'S NOTE

WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE

PUBLISHER Mary Wynne Cox mary@daytonparentmagazine.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Hannah Mohler hannah@daytonparentmagazine.com EDITOR Nicole Sipe nicolesipe@daytonparentmagazine.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Katie Clark katie@daytonparentmagazine.com Brooke Litherland brooke@daytonparentmagazine.com PRODUCTION MANAGER Karen Ring karen@daytonparentmagazine.com

Welcome, 2019!

There’s something about the new year that’s oh-so appealing. It’s like cracking open a new book: There’s so much adventure and potential that’s just about to begin.

As much as I like the holidays, it can be a relief when they’re over. January signifies renewal and a return to normal in my house. It means the kids are back in school and back on a routine. It also means looking ahead to the rest of the year – making plans and setting goals.

One of my “ducks” this year is to offer my children opportunities to learn new things and practice their social skills. Enrichment activities are great for this, so we’ll try some new classes and programs in our community. If you’re looking to do the same but don’t know where to start, take our “Choose Your Own Adventure” quiz on page 10. It’ll help you narrow down the options and pick an activity your child will enjoy.

Here’s to a great new year!

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Katie Clark katie@daytonparentmagazine.com DIGITAL PUBLISHER Wendy Hasser wendy@daytonparentmagazine.com DIGITAL EDITOR Brooke Litherland brooke@daytonparentmagazine.com BILLING billing@daytonparentmagazine.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kim Dinan, Lauren Lemons, Sarah McCosham CALENDAR OF EVENTS calendar@daytonparentmagazine.com CONTACT US daytonparent@daytonparentmagazine.com

The beginning of the year is a good time to get your ducks in a row, so to speak. If one of your “ducks” for 2019 includes finding a new school for your child, then you’re in luck. In “A School for Everyone” on page 14, we discuss the multiple options that are out there. We live in a great time for educational options: There really is a school out there for every little learner.

06 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM January/February 2019

Dayton Parent Magazine is published bi-monthly. Copyright 2018 by Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of products, commentary or services herein.

OUR COVER KID

MEET HAILEE Age: 10 Grade: 4th Favorite Subject: Science Favorite color: Green Hobbies: Gymnastics Dream Job: Professional dancer Fun fact/ interesting fact: I love to act and was in the play Alice in Wonderland through a local theatre last year!

COVER PHOTO BY:

Flash Photography www.flashphotographystudios.com facebook.com/flashphoto

January/February 2019 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM 07

TRAVEL

WORDS BY KAREN RING

Let’s Go to the Beach!

Our top 3 favorite places for sand, sun and fun Do the cold weather and gray skies of winter have you longing for a day at the beach? There’s no time like the present to plan your next beach vacation. We’ve rounded up our top three favorite family-friendly beach destinations – each with its own unique appeal.

CLEARWATER BEACH, FLORIDA Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Clearwater Beach is 2.5-miles of crystal blue water and soft, powderwhite sand. The area is also home to a vibrant entertainment scene. Hop aboard a dolphin cruise or set sail on Captain Memo’s Pirate Boat. Visit world-famous Winter the dolphin at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Settle in to watch the sunset at one of the many beachside restaurants and be sure to check out the nightly entertainment along Pier 60.

TOP COLIGNY BEACH, HILTON HEAD

Amenities: Cabana rentals, water sport/beach gear rental, lifeguards, restrooms, beach showers, a covered playground, fishing pier, marina and plentiful restaurants and souvenir shops.

BOTTOM PIER 60, CLEARWATER BEACH OPPOSITE PAGE DUNE CLIMB, SLEEPING BEAR DUNES

Accommodations: The beach is lined with accommodations that range from classic Florida beachside motels to five-star resorts. Condo rentals are plentiful on nearby Sand Key Beach, which is just a short drive south across Clearwater Pass.

When to go: Year-round sunshine and warm temps mean you can head to Clearwater Beach any time of year; however, May and October are great months to skip both the rainy season and the crowds.

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SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE, MICHIGAN HILTON HEAD, SOUTH CAROLINA This pristine island off the coast of South Carolina boasts a laid-back, lowcountry vibe perfect for relaxing. There are 12 miles of white sand beach that line the island, with six public access points.

Coligny Beach Park offers tons of family-friendly amenities and is also just across the street from a number of shops and restaurants.

After a day at the beach, be sure to take advantage of the island’s numerous kid-friendly activities. Take a cruise on the Black Dagger Pirate Ship. Go for a horseback ride. Explore all the hands-on fun at the Sandbox, an Interactive Children’s Museum. And discover the island’s rich nature at the 68-acre Coastal Discovery Museum.

Amenities: Coligny Beach Park offers outdoor showers, changing rooms, restrooms, seasonal life guards, beach matting for wheelchair access, and beach chair and umbrella rentals.

Accommodations: From vacation homes and quaint inns to oceanfront resorts, there are accommodations for any budget.

Full-service resorts like Palmetto Dunes are great for families who prefer to have all of their amenities and activities in one place, including a private stretch of beach.

When to go: The summer months are prime time in Hilton Head. Go in late April/early May or October for gorgeous weather and smaller crowds.

If it’s sand you seek – lots and lots of sand – head to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, home to 35 miles of unspoiled Lake Michigan shoreline dotted with a number of swimming beaches. North Bar Lake Beach features shallow, clear water over a sandy bottom, making for a warmer and safer swimming experience for little ones. For those who prefer refreshingly cool water and waves, Lake Michigan is just a short walk across the low dunes.

Kids will love tackling the Dune Climb just north of Empire – the reward is breathtaking views of Glen Lake. At the Maritime Museum in Glen Haven, kids can take part in Heroes of the Storm, a re-enactment of a turn-of-the-century shipwreck rescue designed especially for children. There is also ample opportunity for hiking, biking, tubing and canoeing throughout the park.

For a slower pace, take a drive along the seven-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.

Amenities: Facilities throughout the park are minimal. This area focuses more on a love of the great outdoors than modern amenities.

Accommodations: There are no overnight accommodations or restaurants in the national park; however, there are plenty of options in nearby communities like Glen Lake and Empire. Visit www.nps.gov/slbe/ planyourvisit/nearbyattractions.htm for more information. There are two campgrounds within the park that are available on a first come, first served basis.

When to go: The summer months are the best time if you have swimming in mind. Go in late June to get ahead of the crowds.

September and October are great months for hiking and leaf peeping.

January/February 2019 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM 09

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WHICH ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY BEST SUITS YOUR CHILD? WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE

Take our quiz and find out!

You don't have to search too hard to discover a wide array of enrichment activities in Dayton. In fact, there are so many fun, interesting and educational activities available for kids in this city, that choosing one can seem a little overwhelming. So, how can a parent determine which activity is right for their child, or if they're even ready for enrichment activities?

Kristin Bailey, classroom manager and resident instructor at Decoy Art Center in Beavercreek, says that it’s never too early to introduce your child to enrichment activities.

“At 6 months, a child’s world is one big colorful, noisy, tasty, tactile, multisensory canvas ready to be explored,” Bailey says.

“It's also a wonderful age to socialize with other children and grow their fine and gross motor skills together.”

Fortunately, you really can’t go wrong when it comes to choosing an enrichment activity for your kid. If you try something and it and doesn’t seem to be the right fit, you can always try a different activity.

What’s important is getting out there and exploring the possibilities. By doing so, you’re helping your child develop confidence and social skills, and exposing their rapidly growing brains to new experiences.

“Through enrichment activities, children can try their hand at many new mediums within one space, and are encouraged to explore their own creative process,” Bailey says. “Enrichment activities are inclusive and for everyone.”

1. If I let my kid plan the day, we’d most likely end up spending a lot of time:

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paper clip and rubber band

E. lint fuzz balls

A. Running, climbing, jumping, playing,

swimming or playing a sport. He loves to be active.

B. Pulling out the craft supplies and creating works of art

C. Getting our groove on while dancing and making music

D. Coming up with various experiments to learn how things work

E. I can’t pick just one! He likes to do so

3. Your child’s favorite class or activity at school is: A. Gym B. Art C. Music D. Math or science E. Lunch

many different things.

4. When you think about your child’s future career, you can see her being: 2. If you checked your child’s jacket pockets right now, you’d probably find: A. rocks, twigs and other treasures from nature

If you’re still wondering what kind of enrichment activities would best suit your child, take our fun quiz to find out!

D. some creation that he made from a

B. broken crayons and glitter C. a plastic kazoo that he got at a friend’s birthday party

A. An athletic coach B. An artist C. A professional musician D. An engineer E. I have no idea! She has so many talents.

5. Pick a word that best describes your child.

A. Adventurous B. Artistic C. Musical

MOSTLY Bs: The Little Artist. Your child loves to craft, paint, create – anything that allows her to use her hands and imagination.

Enrichment activities to try: * Decoy Art Center (www.decoy-art.com)

D. Analytical E. Eclectic

MOSTLY Cs: Tiny Dancer (or Musician).

Your kid moves to the beat of his own drum – sometimes literally!

6. Where is your child’s “happy place”?

Enrichment activities to try:

A. Outdoors or someplace where he has

* McCutcheon Music (mccutcheonmusic.com)

B. In an art studio or museum

* Music Together of South Dayton (www.musictogetherofsouthdayton.com)

freedom to move

C. Anywhere that has music and/or dancing

* South Dayton School of Dance (www. sdsdonline.com)

D. The LEGO store E. At home

7. You take your child to the dollar store and let her pick out one item.

What does she choose?

A. A ball or hula hoop B. A watercolor paint set C. A play microphone D. A DIY paper airplane kit E. A sweet treat

SCORE MOSTLY As: The Mover and Shaker. It sounds like your child would thrive outdoors or somewhere where he can move his body! Try seeking out enrichment activities where your child can get out in nature and explore, as well as places where he can discover different sports and athletic activities.

MOSTLY Ds: The STEAM Machine. Your little engineer or budding scientist thrives when he’s solving problems and exploring how his world works.

Enrichment activities to try: * Boonshoft Museum of Discovery (boonshoftmuseum.org) * Champions (www.discoverchampions. com)

MOSTLY Es: The Eclectic Kid. Your child likes a little bit of everything, and that’s great! Seek out places that offer a wide range of enrichment activities.

Enrichment activities to try: * Five Rivers MetroParks (www.metro parks.org) * YMCA of Greater Dayton (www.dayton ymca.org)

Enrichment activities to try: * Boy Scouts (www.miamivalleybsa.org) * Girl Scouts of Western Ohio (www.gswo.org)

January/February 2019 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM 11

A SCHOOL FOR

E V E RYO NE Find the school that serves the needs of your student

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WORDS BY KIM DINAN

In today’s world, parents have an overwhelming number of decisions to make for their children. Chief among them is the type of school that will be the right fit for their child. From public school programs to language immersion, Montessori, online and parochial schools, just to name a few, parents may wonder what the benefits of each teaching philosophy are and how each might serve their child. Dayton Parent has rounded up a list of schooling options to help parents make an informed decision.

TRADITIONAL PUBLIC SCHOOL Traditional public schools are divided into grades and governed by school districts. Generally, there is a teacherdriven delivery of instruction covering core subjects such as math, reading, writing, science and social students. But public schools today aren’t quite the public schools of your youth. Today’s public schools offer a wide variety of teaching methods and philosophies, from virtual to language immersion.

MAGNET SCHOOLS Magnet schools are public schools that offer specialized instruction and programs such as content focusing on STEM, languages, arts, college prep or programs designed for gifted students.

Schools draw from students across the traditional districts to attract a diverse student body.

CHARTER SCHOOLS Around since the 1990s, charter schools are independently operated public schools formed by parents, teachers, community organizations or for-profit companies. Charter schools receive tax dollars but may also fundraise on their own, and they operate with freedom from some of the regulations of traditional public schools. Charter schools are open to all students and are free to attend.

LANGUAGE IMMERSION SCHOOLS In the United States, there are two common types of immersion education: one-way foreign language immersion and two-way (dual) foreign language immersion. One-way programs consist of a majority of students that have little to no proficiency in the immersion language, and exposure to the immersion language takes place primarily in the school and classroom. In two-way immersion programs, the student population consists of both majority and minority language speakers (for example, a two-way program in the U.S. may consist of half English speakers and half Spanish speakers). In two-way classrooms, a 1:1 ratio is ideal and students learn from and with each other in an integrated setting.

PAIDEIA SCHOOLS A Paideia school is committed to the Paideia approach to learning, which stems from ancient Greece. The approach is holistic and prepares kids to live full lives in a democracy by using open, intellectual and collaborative dialogue. With the Paideia approach, also called the Socratic Method, the teacher acts as the facilitator and guides students into meaningful dialogue. The Paideia philosophy may be taught in a public school or in a private school that focuses on the Paideia approach.

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RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS

WALDORF SCHOOLS

Religious education has either a religious component to its curriculum or exists to teach students about a certain religion.

“The primary difference between a Catholic school and public school is that in Catholic schools, our students learn about our faith and we help them develop a personal relationship with God,” says Dr. Theodore Wallace, principal of Bishop Leibold School.

Waldorf education is based on the insights, teachings and principles of education outlined by Rudolf Steiner.

Waldorf education is independent and inclusive, and integrates the arts into all academic disciplines. Waldorf teachers aim to inspire an enthusiasm for learning in their students. The Waldorf philosophy does not use competitive testing, academic placement or reward to motivate learning, instead allowing motivation to rise within each child.

“One of the advantages we have as a Christian school is that we are focused on character development,” says Dr. John Gredy, head of school for Dayton Christian School. “We are constantly promoting character development through the biblical values we teach, whether through our chapel or bible curriculum, one-on-one discipleship and mentoring, or mission trips.”

MONTESSORI SCHOOLS The Montessori method of education is a child-based and hands-on method of learning that also incorporates collaborative play. Because Montessori schools value community, classrooms may be a bit larger than at traditional schools and include children within a three-year

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age span. The older children act as models to the younger students. Montessori schools teach the same basic skills as traditional schools but they are presented in an integrated way, bringing the subjects together into one curriculum. The Montessori method was developed by Maria Montessori and is based on her scientific observations of children.

ONLINE SCHOOLS Online (virtual) schools allow students to receive an education entirely or primarily through the Internet. Public schools, charter schools and other state agencies often provide online schools, but private online schools also exist. Online schools serve all kinds of students, including those with limited mobility, students traveling overseas, or students who just work best in a home environment.

REGGIO EMILIA SCHOOLS Focusing on preschool and primary school students, Reggio Emilia schools provide a self-directed and experiential learning environment that is relationshipdriven. The physical environment of the classroom is very important in Reggio Emilia schools. Schools generally incorporate natural light, indoor plants, organic materials and beautiful décor.

Another important piece of Reggio Emilia schooling is recorded student progress.

Teachers methodically record the large and small accomplishments of each child.

When Your Child Needs Extra Help Tips for helping your child with a learning difference WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE

At some point, almost all children will struggle in school, whether it’s with math, reading or some other subject. But when your child has a learning difference, the struggle can be real… and real frustrating, for both parent and child. So, what can you do to help your struggling child who has a unique way of learning?

Be Patient and Adjust Your Outlook

First, try to relax. Your child is already frustrated, and adding your own frustrations won’t help the situation. Then, look at the situation from your child’s perspective.

“Remember that your child’s brain may perceive information differently than your brain,” says Jennifer Jaynes, center director of Brain Balance Center of Centerville. “So, what is easy for you or a sibling may be a very different experience for your child.”

Get the Right Information

Next, assess your child’s areas of strength and weakness. You want to find out what is complicating the learning process so you can best help your child learn. Finding out this information will allow you (and/or your child’s school) to create a plan specific to your child. This will allow you to address the root of the problem, rather than just practicing the areas where they struggle.

“The traditional approach is to spend more time practicing the difficult task,” Jaynes says.

“If reading is a challenge, often the child is pulled from the classroom and reads one on

one with an aide. While this can certainly be helpful, it doesn’t always help to identify what is complicating the learning process for your child, as it can vary from child to child.”

Celebrate the Effort, Not the Outcome

It’s hard not to focus on results, but don’t get so hung up on them that you ignore the everyday efforts that your child puts forth.

Like the old Confucius quote goes, “The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” Small steps and continued effort should be celebrated.

Get Active

Physical activity is one of largest drivers of brain growth and development, and it can help your child learn. Studies have even shown that being active right before learning can help enhance a child’s memory.

“Encouraging kids to put down the technology and run and play is so important for a developing brain,” Jaynes says. “Experts recommend no more than one to two hours of screen time per day, and at least 60 minutes of active play per day.”

Make a Plan

The sooner you can identify your child’s specific challenge and create an action plan for change, the better. Learning more about your child’s development and the unique way that they learn will help you set them up for greater success in the future. Brain Balance can help identify the root cause of your child’s challenges, and create a plan for success.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY January/February 2019 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM 17

work it!

6 tips for parents to fit in fitness WORDS BY SARAH MCCOSHAM

Sticking with an exercise routine can be a struggle for anyone. But for parents, squeezing in workouts can feel impossible. Between caring for kids, workplace demands, household chores, appointments, school and everything else, there is precious little time for parents to sweat (unless you count that 400-yard dash to the bus stop). So, we asked local experts how to make the impossible possible. Here are six tips for parents to fit in fitness in 2019!

Start your day a little early Work out before the day gets away from you.

Scheduling your workout first thing in the morning is a great option for parents. Mindy B., a mom of three in Dayton who works from home, says that getting up early has been key to finding her workout groove.

“I take a class at the Y a couple days a week before my husband goes to work,” Mindy says. She also has a babysitter watch her

kids a few hours each week so

she can take a yoga class.

18 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM January/February 2019

Start small Set yourself up for success with small, reachable goals. To stick to a new workout routine, “you need to take it slow,” says Darlene Reid, health and wellness director at the Coffman YMCA. “It is a gradual process that requires patience, dedication, discipline and consistency.” Melinda Grigorian, a mom of four and owner of The Little Gym of Dayton, suggests that parents start with simple and achievable goals – even a walk around the block is something to celebrate.

Include your kids No sitter? No problem! “Include your child when trying to start or stick with a routine,” Grigorian says. “Too often, we allow our kids to be the reason we don't work out. It's so easy to do – and yes, it's so much easier to do anything without our kids. [But] if you include them, you and your kids will get in the habit.”

For parents with littles, invest in a jogging stroller (check Craigslist for deals) and take your kids with you on a power walk. Got older kids? Let them bike while you run after them!

Take advantage of your gym membership We get a gym membership with the best of intentions… and then never use it. Take advantage of everything your gym membership offers, Reid says. The YMCA of Greater Dayton offers opportunities for families to work out together – with more than 100 group fitness classes each week – and free childcare, so parents can work out alone. Visit www.daytonymca.org to see which of the 10 locations is closest to you and browse the branch-specific offerings.

Working parent?

Work in those workouts! Go for a walk during your 9 a.m. phone call, or find a fitness studio near your office and make it a “working” lunch. Schedule your workout the same way you’d schedule a meeting, and treat it with the same attitude. Or follow Mindy’s lead and hire a sitter so you can sneak in a pre-work workout. (And ditch the guilt about your “me” time: If you take care of yourself, you’ll be a much happier parent to your kids, Reid says.)

Make your family a #fitfam On the weekends, hit up the local bike trail or spend a day at Five Rivers MetroParks. And who says that you’re too old to play outside? On the next trip to the playground, chase your kids around!

“Your child wants to emulate you – they look to you to be their guide in this world from the moment they are born,” says Grigorian. “When parents set the stage to being active, their child will follow. Being active doesn't mean running marathons; it could be as small as parking at the back of a parking lot so that you have to walk a greater distance to the door.”

Fitting fitness into a busy schedule is hard and exercise is often the first thing to go. But the benefits of exercise are great, starting with your own well-being. So in 2019, make fitness a priority, because when Mom and Dad are happy, chances are the kids will be, too.

Local Gyms with Free Childcare EVERYBODY FITNESS www.everybodyfitness centerville.com

FITWORKS www.fitworks.com

YMCA OF GREATER DAYTON www.daytonymca.org

MAY 2016 // INDYSCHILD.COM 19 January/February 2019 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM 19

CHILDREN'S HEALTH

BROUGHT TO YOU BY DAYTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

Snow Safety Winter-weather tips for keeping outdoor play fun and safe When the weather gets colder, kids can’t wait to head outside and play in the snow.

However, they might not be thinking of the risks that come with being out in the cold. Follow these tips to protect your child from hypothermia and frostbite, while still allowing them to have winter fun outdoors.

Dress your child in multiple layers. Add extra warmth with insulated boots, and double up on socks and mittens. Avoid cotton clothing – stick with wool or similar fabrics to trap in heat.

Waterproof pants and jackets are a great top layer.

Keep their clothes dry. Wet, cold clothing puts your child at risk for illness or hypothermia. Change their socks and mittens when they are wet.

Give your child a snack before going outside. This will give your child energy and body heat while playing in the cold weather.

Cover at-risk areas. Ears, cheeks, fingers and toes are the most susceptible to frostbite.

Have your child wear a hat. Most of the body’s heat escapes through the head. This also helps cover your child’s ears.

Dress your child in bright-colored clothing. Especially in deep snow, this is a good precautionary step to take so your child can be seen among snow drifts.

Check on your child every 15 to 20 minutes. Check to make sure your child isn’t too cold and isn’t wearing any wet clothing. Bring your child in for breaks periodically to have them warm up and change into dry clothing.

Don’t forget the sunscreen! Even in the winter, harmful UV rays reflect off the snow and can cause sunburn. Remember to reapply as needed.

Dayton Children’s Hospital recommends these tips for treating areas of the body that have been affected by the cold: 1. Replace wet clothing on your child with warm, dry clothes.

2. Soak the area in warm, not hot, water that is 104 to 108 degrees until they can feel sensation.

3. Avoid rubbing the area, which could cause tissue damage.

4. Cover the area loosely with a non-stick, sterile dressing or dry blanket.

5. Don’t warm the area by a fire or space heater because this could cause burns.

Watch for frostnip, frostbite’s early warning sign. Frostnip can occur on any exposed area where skin is red or tingly.

6. Have your child drink warm beverages, such as hot cocoa, tea or milk.

“Along with these preventative steps, make sure to know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite,” says Lisa Schwing, RN, trauma program coordinator at Dayton Children’s Hospital. “Frostbite is characterized by numb fingers, ears and noses, and can eventually lead to redness and pain. The skin can sometimes feel hard and look waxy.” Hypothermia is a dangerous decrease in body temperature that can affect brain and muscle functions. These conditions need immediate emergency medical attention.

If your child’s skin looks discolored, or they have continued sensation loss after rewarming, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.

20 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM January/February 2019

AROUND TOWN

BROUGHT TO YOU BY LAUREN LEMONS, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR, FIVE RIVERS METROPARKS

Nature Fun, Indoors and Out While chilly temperatures might drive families indoors during the winter, there are plenty of reasons to explore the outdoors — and then keep the fun going at home!

“Kids don’t spend enough time outside during the warm weather months, so you can imagine how little time is spent outdoors during the winter,” says Lizzy Barnett, MetroParks outdoor education apprentice. “Our biological need for rejuvenation, exercise and fresh air doesn’t change during the winter. You just have to bundle up and go for it. However, if you can only spend short spurts of time outside, there are plenty of activities that bring nature indoors.”

Try one of these outdoor activities this winter, and then keep the adventure going indoors while you cozy up with your family.

Outdoor Inspection Leaf buds on tree branches form during the summer, and their hard shells protect them from the wind, ice and snow during the winter. Inspect the variety of buds on different trees while they are bare and compare what they look like.

Take It Indoors Find fallen branches or twigs in your backyard and bring them indoors. Grab a magnifying glass and look, touch and feel the texture of the hard shells that protect the tree buds.

Grab a few fallen branches from different trees and compare. Which branches have smaller shells? Which are harder? What color are they?

What’s Growing?

Bird Buddies Winter’s bare trees make for some great birding opportunities.

Lots of beautiful birds are migrating from Canada, such as snowy owls, northern harriers and much more. Download the eBird app to see what sightings have been made in your area, and then visit the trails in your favorite MetroPark to see what you can discover!

Take It Indoors Want to attract more birds to your backyard? Consider making a bird feeder at home using some fallen pine cones from your yard. Roll the pine cones in shortening or peanut butter, and then in bird seed, and then hang the pine cone in your yard for all the birds to enjoy.

Head to your backyard or favorite MetroPark and inspect the ground.

What is growing? What color is it?

Are there vegetables and flowers growing? This is a great opportunity to talk to your little one about what happens outdoors during the changing seasons.

Sweet Snow After a day of sledding at Taylorsville, Englewood or Germantown MetroPark, your family might need a sweet treat. Head to your backyard to find some clean snow and examine it.

Is it fluffy or icy? What does it taste like?

Take It Indoors Take It Indoors A great way to encourage your children to try new foods is to help them grow their own. This is challenging in the winter, but creating a seed necklace is fun and allows you to explore teachable moments with your curious kiddos. Grab radish, bean, okra, yellow squash or bell pepper seeds; a cotton ball; Ziploc bag; hole puncher; and a piece of yarn.

Wet your child’s cotton ball and squeeze out the excess water.

Insert the wet cotton ball into the Ziploc bag with their seed.

Make sure the bag is sealed, and then punch a hole in the bag’s closure. Thread the yarn to make it into a necklace. Over time, body heat will help the seed sprout, at which point you can experiment by eating the spouts, examining the sprouts or replanting them in a cup and watching them continue to grow.

Take some pure maple syrup and pour it in a pot set to medium-high heat. While you are waiting for the syrup to boil, find a few cups of clean snow, bring it inside and place it in a bowl. Once the syrup has boiled down, drizzle it onto the snow and watch it crystalize. Enjoy snacking on the sweet snow while you get cozy and watch a movie with your family.

To learn more about all the fun things to enjoy in your MetroParks during the winter, visit metroparks.org/winter.

PHOTO CREDITS FIVE RIVERS METROPARKS

January/February 2019 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM 21

to do with your crew JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

FAMILY DAY: ROBOTS AMONG US Family Days at the National Museum of U.S Air Force are held one Saturday each month of the year (besides December).

The programs are designed for children and adults of all ages and offer several hands-on opportunities for all to enjoy.

Aerospace demonstration stations are located throughout the museum's galleries to teach fun aerospace principles. Each month features a new theme, include engineering, meteorology, gravity and space.

On January 19, Family Day will feature the exciting field of robotics through fun demonstrations and hands-on activities. Free admission. www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/ Education/Family-Day

FROZEN ON ICE Bring the family out for a magical evening of ice skating! Glide the night away as the DJ plays your favorite Disney songs on January 25 from 7-9 pm. The ice rink is located within RiverScape MetroPark and features sweeping views of both the Great Miami River and the downtown Dayton skyline. It measures 70 feet by 150 feet and is sheltered under a pavilion. The rink has something for everyone, including beginners’ lessons, open skating, broomball and curling, as well as hot chocolate and music. Admission is $7 and includes skate rental. www.metroparks.org/things-todo/ice-skating

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DAYTON PHILHARMONIC: CIRQUE MUSICA’S CRESCENDO The Vistas will come from all angles as Maestro Neal Gittleman and the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra collaborate with Cirque Musica for an evening like no other on January 25 and 26 at the Schuster Center. Cirque Musica’s Crescendo is a symphonic theatrical production combining a stirring musical performance from the DPO with the physical feats of international cirque artists. Cirque Musica has traveled the world blending the majesty of two wonderful artistic traditions: cirque artistry and symphonic music. These renowned physical artists interpret the music as no one else can. daytonperformingarts. org/1819/philharmonicsuperpops/cirque-musicacrescendo

SHEN YUN AT THE SCHUSTER CENTER

MIAMI COUNTY HOME & GARDEN SHOW

Head to the Schuster Center January 30 and 31 to experience Shen Yun and travel back to ancient China. Experience a lost culture through the breathtaking art of classical Chinese dance, and see legends come to life. The show pushes the boundaries of the performing arts to make this possible, with a unique blend of colorful costuming, high-tech backdrops, and live orchestra.

Shen Yun is now the world’s premier classical Chinese dance company. Some people fly from other countries or drive hundreds of miles to see it. Others see the same performance five or six times. Why? There’s only one way to find out, and that’s to experience Shen Yun yourself. www.shenyun.com/dayton/ schuster-performing-arts-center

As spring approaches, so do home improvement projects. If you are searching for the newest and best in local home improvement ideas and businesses, look no further than the Miami County Home Show, taking place February 22-24 at the Hobart Arena. Get advice on selling your home and find out the key to increasing its value and marketability. See homeimprovement demonstrations, shop the multiple vendors and get a head start on your home’s spring needs. www.miamicounty homeshow.com

WACKY FUN & calendar DAY TON PARENT

J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 9

Did you know that there is an official holiday for just about anything you can think of?

Here are a few fun days worth celebrating!

JANUARY 1/3 FESTIVAL OF SLEEP DAY

Zzzzzz…

1/6 CUDDLE UP DAY

1/17

FEBRUARY

KID INVENTORS’ DAY

2/1

1/19

Blow big bubbles!

Create something original

POPCORN DAY

Extra butter, please

Savor some snuggles

HOT SAUCE DAY

Get out your Mr. Bubble

1/13 RUBBER DUCKIE DAY

Quack!

1/14 DRESS UP YOUR PET DAY

BUBBLEGUM DAY

Do something nice!

2/20

2/2 ICE CREAM FOR BREAKFAST DAY

2/4

Can you handle the heat?

BUBBLE BATH DAY

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY

LOVE YOUR PET DAY

Show him how you feel

Go ahead: Live the dream

1/22

1/8

2/17

1/28 PUZZLE DAY

Jigsaw, crossword or Rubik’s Cube?

1/31

BACKWARD DAY

Yad Drawkcab!

SWEATER DAY

2/23

Get cozy

2/7

BALLET DAY

Practice your plies

PLAY TENNIS DAY Game, set, match

2/26 TELL A FAIRY TALE DAY

Once upon a time…

2/9 PIZZA DAY

Extra anchovies, anyone?

2/12 LOST PENNY DAY

Find some good luck

Unleash her inner diva

Source: www.daysoftheyear.com

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