Winter Issue 2022

OUR CHILDREN FOR OVER 27 YEARS!

by Weslie, age

For Children

S. Sherman St., Longmont

Swim.com

Winter is here, Boulder County, and we are ready for flakes to fall and lights to glitter from Longmont’s Main Street to beyond the cozy pocket of Nederland. There is no place more magical to be in the winter months than right here in Boulder County!

Although it’s the smallest, the Winter Is sue of Boulder County Kids is our favorite to put together. This season is packed with fun and activities for kids and adults alike!

Among the usual features and columns, this issue holds recipes made from snow, fun games to play around the holiday ta ble, and a list of places throughout Boulder in need of your love this winter—be that in the form of donating, volunteering, or spreading the word.

So light the fire, bundle up, and practice your snow day dances; Happy Winter!

Isabella & Annie (and our mascot Junie)

Follow

Contact

(303) 728-4798

WHAT’S INSIDE

FRONT COVER SUPERSTAR

The Winter Issue’s colorful cover art was painted with watercolor by three-year-old Weslie—who was only two at the time! The painting’s colors reflect Weslie’s favorite col or: rainbow. After discussing her favorite col or on our call, Weslie broke out in song, sing ing the rainbow song she learned at school:

Weslie is the youngest in her family with three older brothers. Although she doesn’t have a pet at home, her Montessori preschool has a class guinea pig named Whisperer.

While on the zoom call, Weslie shows us her favorite stuffed animal, her tiger, along with all of his friends, the hungry caterpillar included. Her favorite food is “chippy chippy” (chocolate chip) pancakes. Weslie is also a big fan of fruit, particularly blueberries with marshmallow fluff. Yum!

Thank you Weslie for letting us use your beautiful artwork on the cover of our Winter Issue and to her mom, Tanna for submitting the piece. We hope you have a happy winter season full of painting rainbows and singing songs!

The cover sponsor, Premier Members Credit Union, pays competitive dividends on federally insured sav ings accounts. Your family can also enjoy low-cost loans and the credit union gives money to the school of your choice at no cost to you. For more information and to find a location near you, visit www.pmcu.org or call (303) 657-4558.

“RED, ORANGE, YELLOW, GREEN, BLUE, INDIGO, AND VIOLET TOO.”

HONORABLE MENTIONS

ARE YOU OUR NEXT FRONT COVER SUPERSTAR?

Send your art to info@bouldercountykids.com by December 10th to be considered for our Spring 2023 Issue. The winner will recieve a $50 cash prize from our cover sponsor, Premier Members Credit Union, and will win bragging rights to all of his/her/their friends for the whole Spring season!

by Serena, age 6 by Addy, age 7

by Natalie, age 7

by Corban, age 9

by Harper, age 11

by Emily, age 8 by Brynn, age 8

SNOWWW YUMMYYYY

What you need:

Truffle Filling:

• 3 cups Chex cereal

• 1 cup nut butter of choice (we used peanut butter)

• 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp powdered sugar

• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

For Chocolate Layer:

• 2 cups Chocolate, dark or milk (for melting)

For Powdered Sugar Layer:

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

What you do:

SNOWBALL PUPPY CHOW TRUFFLES

• Pour the Chex cereal into a medium mixing bowl. Mash the cereal until you have crumbs instead of full pieces. You can get the same result by adding the cereal to a Ziploc bag and crushing it with a rolling pin!

• Add powdered sugar, nut butter, and vanilla extract to cereal crumbs. Mix until combined.

*Pro Tip: Lightly coat your hands in a thin layer of butter and use your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients. You’ll be getting your hands sticky in the next step, anyway!*

• Use hands to make 1.5 inch balls out of the mixture. Place the little balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and store in fridge during next steps.

• In a microwave-safe bowl, melt your chocolate of choice in 30-second increments, stirring in To achieve a more silky consistency, add 1 tsp of coco

Take the truffle balls out of the fridge and use a fork to dip each ball in the melted chocolate. Return chocolate-covered balls to baking sheet and store in fridge for at least 30 minutes until

In a separate bowl, pour powdered sugar. Once your chocolate-covered truffles are ready, roll

Creamy Snow Ice Cream

What you need:

• 1 cup milk of your choice (whole milk or whipping cream works best. For dairy free, try rice milk for sweetness and thickness!)

• 1/2 cup white granulated sugar

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 8 cups of clean snow

• Topping of choice: sprinkles, caramel drizzle, choco late syrup, chocolate chips, gummy bears, cherries,

What you do:

•

In a medium-large bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, and vanilla until sugar is dissolved.

• Collect clean snow. Pour mixture from step 1 and whisk until well combined with the snow.

• Place your mixture in the freez er for at least 1 hour to manage consistency and avoid soupy ice cream!

• Scoop ice cream into bowls, add toppings, and enjoy!

Inspired by julieblanner.com

• 1/4 cup of maple syrup

• Candy thermometer, not necessary but handy!

What you do:

• Pour syrup into a small saucepan and heat on medium-low until boiling. Heat until the temperature reaches 235 degrees on a candy thermome ter (this shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes).

• While you wait for syrup to boil, add a thick layer of snow to a baking sheet. Pack the snow tightly and make sure that it’s 2 inches thick. The boiling candy will melt through the snow, and you don’t want it to melt all the way to the bottom of the pan and stick.

• Use a spoon to drizzle pools of hot syrup onto the snow (about 1-2 tsp of syrup per “pool”). Let the candy set and cool for 2-3 minutes.

• Enjoy!

Inspired by wonderlandrecipes.com

PIONEER SNOW CANDY

MINUTE-TO-WIN-IT

GAMES for GATHERING

Snow Shovel Race

What you need:

• An even number of bowls

• Plastic spoons (each person should have their own, these will be going in your mouth!)

• Mini marshmallows

• Timer (we use a phone!)

What you do:

• Each player gets 2 bowls, one is empty and one holds 15 mini marshmallows and a plastic spoon.

• Have someone set the timer for 1 minute. When the clock starts, players must transfer as many mini marshmallows (“snowballs”) into the empty bowl us ing only their mouth to hold the plastic spoon (“shov el”).

• Whoever moves the most marshmallows to the other bowl within the minute wins!

• *Pro Tip 1: This game can be played in teams or as indi viduals!

Inspired by thepragmaticparent.com

This holiday season, help the kids to avoid relying on technology as entertainment when gathering with friends and family. Inspire them with these easy, inexpensive games and activites that are sure to spark up some laughter and make memories!

Face the Gingerbread Man

What you need:

• Gingerbread man cookies, enough for each player to have their own

• Timer (we use a phone!)

What you do:

• Set the timer for 1 minute!

• Players must move the gingerbread man cookie from their forehead down to their mouth without using their hands. Whoever gets the cookie to their mouth first is the winner!

• *Pro Tip 1: This game can be played in teams or as indi viduals!

Inspired by thechaosandtheclutter.com

Shake Your Tail Feathers

What you need:

• Several empty, rectangle tissue boxes

• Several packs of pantyhose

• Feathers - These ones from Amazon are perfect!

• Pen and paper to keep score

• Timer (we use a phone!)

What you do:

• Empty a tissue box for each player and replace the tissues with equal amounts of craft feathers.

• Tape a pair of pantyhose onto the back of each box, making sure the box is in the middle of the pantyhose.

• Have each player tie the pantyhose around their waist, so that the box of feathers rests on their lower back/ backside.

• Set a timer for 1 minute, turn on some dancing music while players move around and shake to try and make all the feathers fall out of the tissue box!

• Whoever has the least feathers left in their box after 1 minute wins a point! Use a pen and paper to keep score! Make sure to take pictures and videos of friends and family shaking their tail feathers!

*Pro Tip 1: This game can be played in teams or as indi viduals!

• *Pro Tip 2: Store the unused tissues in a Ziploc bag to use later. We found this refillable tissue box on Ama zon for under $10!

Inspired by playpartyplan.com

thechaosandtheclutter.com

playpartyplan.com

Lights of Winter illus trates winter celebrations around the world such as Solstice, Yule, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Teng Chieh, Diwali, Soyal, Las Posadas, Zagmuk, and Saturnalia.

Written by Heather Conrad, illustrations by DeForest Walker.

Latke, the Lucky Dog fol lows a shelter dog who is adopted on the first night of Hanukkah and struggles to learn the house rules!

Written by Ellen Fischer, illustrations by Tiphanie Beeke.

PICTURE BOOKS ABOUT

HOLIDAYS & TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD

For some, the “Holiday Season” is during winter time. For many others, important holidays are scattered across the calendar year! Teach your kiddo about the different reasons and ways people celebrate holidays around the world!

Shubh Diwali vividly illustrates the colorful celebrations of the Hindu festival, Diwali. Learn about the ringing of the bells, lighting the lamps, and wel coming the New Year with friends and family as you enjoy detailed illustrations!

Written by Chitra Soundar, illustrations by Charlene Chua.

Kevin’s Kwanzaa explores the holiday’s traditions with Kevin’s family, from lighting candles with his family, decorating the Kwanzaa table, and enjoy ing food and dance on the sixth day!

Written by Lisa Bullard, illustrations by Constanza Basaluzzo.

Lailah’s Lunchbox follows Lailah as she gets adjusted to her new school and navi gates her first Ramadan that she is now old enough fast for, but she’s worried that her classmates won’t under stand why she doesn’t join them for lunch.

Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas is a spin-off from the classic Goldilocks and the Three Bears, following Goldy on her adventure during Chinese New Year.

Written by Natasha Yim, illustrations by Grace Zong.

Shanté Keys and the New Year’s Peas follows Shanté as she helps her grandma fix traditional dishes to ring-in the New Year.

Written by Gail Pier nas-Davenport, illustra tions by Marion Eldridge.

Written by Reem Faruqi, illustrations by Lea Lyon.

The Night of Las Posadas showcases the tradition in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where townspeople reenact the story of Christmas Eve.

Written and illustrated by Tomie dePaola.

WILD

The history of wild horses in America is fascinating and controversial. There was an early kind of wild horse that lived in North America many thousands of years ago and spread to South America and even to Europe, Asia, and Africa but became extinct about 10,000 years ago. The reason for this extinction is still un known, although there are many theories.

In the late 1400s, the Conquistadors (the Spanish word for “Conquerors”) came from Spain and brought horses with them to Mexico. When some of these escaped and moved north around 1550, Native Amer icans began to capture and ride them. These wild horses that had escaped from the Conquistadors were called “Mustangs.”

Over the years these wild Mustangs multiplied and spread over much of

what is now the United States and Cana da. Today it is estimated that we have over 100,000 wild horses in our country. About half of these are in Nevada, but they are also found in Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Washington, California, and even Vir ginia, among other places. The U. S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is the Federal Agency that was assigned to manage their numbers throughout the country. Helicop ters and land vehicles were used to round up the horses. About 50,000 wild horses were captured by the BLM to be kept in holding facilities, such as Palomino Valley in Neva da and Susanville in northern California.

Wild horses can be adopted from the BLM for $125 each. In fact, the BLM has had an incentive program where they paid $1,000 per horse, with a limit of four hors

HORSES

by Dr. Oakleigh Thorne II

es allowed per person. Some families had mothers, fathers, and children each adopt four horses in order to collect more dollars!

There are ranchers and hunters who are avidly against all wild horses, which they claim overgraze the land and chase other wildlife from sources of water, such as water holes. They would like to see all wild horses eliminated completely. On the other hand, there are many citizens who simply enjoy seeing them in the wild and feel that, properly controlled, these hors es are good for the range by their graz ing, and that their activities help press seeds into the soil and encourage grass es to grow better. There are many sides to this controversy and the circumstanc es are indeed complex and complicated.

In the 1950s, many of the wild horses that were captured by the BLM were shipped off to factories where they were killed to make dog food. A woman named Velma John son, who became known as “Wild Horse Annie,” was very upset about this treatment of wild horses. She started a campaign to get school children to write members of the U.S. Congress to do something about what she felt was a “cruelty.” So in 1959, Congress passed what was called the “Wild Horse Annie Act.” It banned the use of air and land vehicles in hunting and capturing free-roaming horses for sale or slaughter. Then in 1971, the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act was passed that pro hibited their capture, injury, or disturbance.

Most Americans have never even seen a wild horse. They don’t have any opinions about them. There are some who feel that

it is wonderful just to know that these wild horses are out there and that they should always be protected. It’s up to you to hear all the arguments from all sides and then make your own opinion. I believe, how ever, that wild horses are here to stay!

Dr. Thorne is founder and hon orary president of Thorne Nature Experience (formerly Thorne Ecological Institute), a nonprofit organization headquartered in Boulder. For 68 years they have helped “connect youth to nature!” For information about their programs, please check their website at www.thornenature.org or email info@thornenature.org or call (303)499-3647, ext. 100.

Cultural Care Au Pair

Affordable, flexible childcare with the added element of a cultural exchange. These young foreigners have childcare backgrounds and are eager to be a part of your family. They care for your children in exchange for the opportunity to live with an American family and have a unique experience. These relationships can last for years and bring depth to your child’s vision of the world. Up to 45 hours per week of childcare.

P: (303) 956-6189 - Jen Rodehaver

E: jen.rodehaver@lcc.culturalcare.com

W: www.culturalcare.com/jrodehaver

Boulder Public Library

Home to amazing resources both in-person and online. Check out the website for storytimes, book lists, staff picks, audiobooks, homework help, and more.

P: (303) 441-3100

W: https://research.boulderlibrary.org/youth/ kids-family

Premier Members Credit Union 5505 Arapahoe, Boulder Banking and savings, for all your banking needs.

P: (303) 442-8850

W: www.pmcu.org

Boulder Valley School District

The only BVSD Youth and Family Resource Guide. Find services and activities your family needs. Tutoring, counseling, the arts, child care, support services, college planning, cooking, birthday parties, and more.

P: (720) 561-5977

W: https://connections.bvsd.org/

directoryChildcare services, tutoring, online education services, and other great recommendations from within the community.

HELPFUL SERVICES

Drawing by Fritz Scholder

ROMONA? What do I do now,

Romona Scholder, M.A., RNCS Psychotherapist

Q: We don’t agree with the explicit music our teenager listens to. Actually, we hate it. We like to think that it’s irrational to assume that a genre of music will mold your child, but how can we be sure? We’ve given up on parental controls to monitor her listening, but how do we/can we divert her interest to ‘better’ music?

Signed, Frustrated Parents

A: Music, beloved music, is a language and one of the many things it conveys is generational identity. Music of the ‘60s and ‘70s is my generational identity and I imagine yours is much later. Clothing and slang and dance stylees mark who we are in our younger years. What role does music play in your family? Does anyone sing in a choir or play a musical instrument? Do you attend concerts or the symphony or play mu

sic in your home? Perhaps the era of shared music is over, with everyone’s earbuds in place and each with their individual playlist downloaded. Her music is a way she has of setting herself apart, of establishing her own identity and those of her friends. “I am who I am. I am not you.” It’s called Separation/Individuation and it’s an ongoing developmental process that start ed in infancy.

I want to be the type of parent that makes the holi days magical for their kids but the end of the year and the celebrations that come with it bring me so much anxiety that I just focus on getting through the sea son. How do I change my mindset and make sure I don’t pass this seasonal anxiety down to my children?

Q: Signed, Not the Jolliest Parent

A:

The thing I remember most about the Christmas celebrations of my childhood was my mom’s hard work to make it the “best Christmas ever.” This felt like a burden to me as I had to act like it was the “best Christmas ever.” I had to be extra joyful and happy and grateful and excited for her sake, so she wouldn’t be disappointed. Your demands on yourself are also demands on those around you, your children, and family. Make it easier on all of you. Lower your ex pectations, pare down the cooking and decorating, spend time with your children and family, maybe go skiing on Christmas morning or go on a walk with ev eryone in tow. Don’t forget to sing, songs stay with you throughout your life, much longer than toys. Let the children help decorate the tree and hang the wreath or peel the potatoes. Remember, perfection is boring! I remember helping to stuff the turkey and setting the table. But my mom worked too hard and left me with the expectation that I must work too hard as well. You’re wise to not want to inflict that on your children.

Q:

Most parents I’m surrounded by lately are taking their children to therapy. Unpopular opinion, but I do not want to put my child through therapy. She is only 10 years old and I don’t believe she needs it, I think she’s just going through growing pains and I strongly believe we are good at communicating if something is bothering her. How can I ensure her wellbeing without paying for therapy sessions?

Signed, Mother of Pre-teen

A s we look at the past few years of the pandemic, it was the children who suffered most from isolation and lack of socialization. Learning on a computer was difficult for most if not all of them. It’s not surprising that many of the children of your friends are in therapy. Therapy for children offers them a chance to explore thoughts and feelings in a new way that’s not offered in a normal family setting. They are naturally protec tive of their parent’s feelings and unaware of the im portance of sharing what’s happening in their lives. Some of the signs one should watch for are chang es in behavior, temper tantrums, separation anxiety and clinginess. Is your child more fearful or does she worry a lot and is sad? Withdrawal from friends and family is also a red flag to which you should pay at tention. Being in therapy is not a sign of weakness or failed parenting, but rather a sign of willingness to use every opportunity available to combat the curves life throws your way. It’s another level of education, an education of the self, to better understand our inner workings and its effect on our health and happiness. A last thought, your daughter’s school system might have a plan in place where your daughter could get therapy as a student.

A:

info@bouldercountykids.com

GIVE

Spread the love locally this season through these trusted organizations!

Bridge House

boulderbridgehouse.org

Bridge House is on a mission to end home lessness - one person at a time. We offer adults experiencing homelessness a contin uum of programming, called the Bridge of Opportunity, spanning from low-barrier ba sic needs services to robust programs with access to paid work, housing, and support services. Bridge House accepts cash dona tions and items such as toiletries, blankets, and socks. They also are in need of volunteers and run a Kids Give Back program, where kids aged 5-16 can volunteer to help out with their parents.

There With Care therewithcare.org

There With Care provides a wide range of thoughtful and fundamental services to fam ilies and children during the critical phase of a medical crisis. We serve families referred by medical agencies, by building a network of services and people who ease the burden of life’s day-to-day obligations with compassion and care. There With Care accepts donations and also offers volunteer and partnership op portunities.

Share-a-Gift shareagift.org

Share–A–Gift provides toys, books, and bicy cles for children of low-income families in the area of Colorado’s Boulder Valley School Dis trict. They are asking for new and gently-used children’s (0—14) toys and bicycles. Toy drives start around Thanksgiving each year, so be on the lookout on their website for more information! Along with toys, Share-a-Gift also accepts cash donations and offers many volunteer opportunities.

The Family-To-Family Holiday Program (303) 441-1430

The Family-to-Family Holiday Program serves financially struggling families and individuals who are involved with our child protection, foster care, adolescent and adult protection (later life and disabled adults) programs, and basic needs families. We hope you will join our effort to brighten the lives of county resi dents who will otherwise do without this hol iday season. Last year we served about 500 families (totaling more than 1,550 individuals). The Family-To-Family Holiday Program is now accepting donations.

Trading for Trails tradingfortrails.org

Although not local to Boulder County, Trad ing for Trails resonates with the values of families across Colorado: experience nature as often as possible. Trading for Trails relies on gear donations to stock their inventory of equipment that families can rent for FREE or trade-out their own gear. Outdoor equip ment is not cheap and the inaccessibility prevents lower-income families and children to properly enjoy classic Colorado adventures such as hiking, biking, backpacking, camp ing, and more. Donate lightly-used gear to the organization or simply connect with the families building the community to enjoy nature all year long!

Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA) efaa.org

As many of us return to “life as normal,”our low-income neighbors will feel the financial aftershocks of the pandemic for much longer. Families who are working to get back on their feet need help to make the holidays special for their children. We invite YOU to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors this holiday season by giving back to EFAA. Check out the EFAA website for more information on food donations, volunteer opportunities, and EFAA’s gift room.

AFTER SCHOOL directory

Rockclimbing, performing arts, nature and science clubs—that’s just the beginning!

The best lineup of after school activities to keep your kids busy this winter.

ABC Kids Climbing

1960 32nd Street Ages: All Hours & Days: M-Sun. Hours varied. ABC Kids Climbing offers classes, teams, clubs, open gyms, private lessons, indoor and out door camps for climbers of all ages and abili ties. Our programs are thoughtfully designed

by experienced climbers.

C: Staff P: (303) 443-5437

E: info@abckidsclimbing.com W: www.abckidsclimbing.com

Boulder Performing Arts Company

4847 Pearl St. Unit B4

Ages: 5 - 13 years

Fun classes for your star. Meeting every student at their skill level for success. After school one time weekly with big productions on stage. Star Performers for the serious actor Auditions for Spring please contact us. Ages 7-13 The Addams Family & Legally Blonde Jr.

Classes for everyone starting January 9th ages 5-10 No audition. 101 Dalmations and Harry Potter.

Check our website for show themes and class times. All performances are live. Classes and Performances at the Spark theater. Summer camp schedule will be posted Feb ruary 1st 2023.

C: Pollyanna Demitro P: (303) 859-4195

E: boulderperformingarts2@gmail.com W: www.boulderperformingarts.com

BVSD Lifelong Learning

Ages: K - 8th grade

Program days: Monday through Thursdays Offering high-quality enrichment classes before and after school at 24 BVSD schools. Let your kids get creative, get active and get smart with classes in cooking, chess, soccer, robotics, filmmaking, Spanish, hula hooping

B.A.S.E.—Lafayette

111 W. Baseline Road

Ages: 5 - 12 years

Hours & Days: M-F from dismissal to 6pm, and on BVSD no-school days, full-day care 7:30am - 6pm. August-May.

Jump into fun in our Colorado State Licensed BASE child care programs that meet the needs of every child. We offer a wide range of activities including arts and crafts, STEM, active play, sports and games, swimming, and much more. Children will have time for homework assistance and a few snacks along the way. Safety is our top priority, including

and more! Please visit our website for com plete class listings and to register online.

P: (720) 561-5968

E: lifelong.learning@bvsd.org W: LLL.BVSD.org

following all COVID-19 guidelines in effect at program time. Children from Ryan, Lafayette, and Peak to Peak elementary schools are provided transportation at dismissal to the Bob L. Burger Recreation Center. Pioneer Elementary students will walk with staff from the school to the BBRC.

C: Jordan Walker

E: jordan.walker@lafayetteco.gov

W: www.lafayetteco.gov/200/After-SchoolCare-BASE

P: (303)-661-1288

Kinesis Dance class by calling 720-525-6268. P: (720) 525-6268 W: www.KinesisDance.com

Kinesis offers dance classes for preschool ers, youth, teens, and adults. We host after school dance classes, summer dance camps, school day off programs, concerts, and birthday parties. Join us for a free trial

Miss Joanie Drama to Oz, 6 weeks in October and November. W: www.missjoaniedrama.com

Melody Kids Music Together®

Miss Joanie Drama offers full-day camps for Summer, Winter Break, Spring Break, School Day Off Workshops, Holiday enter tainment, and MORE! Check out NEW AF TER SCHOOL PROGRAM: Dorothy’s Return

2015 Ionosphere Street, Longmont Ages: Birth - 5 years In-person classes available.

C: Xan Fischer P: (720) 773-0742 E: xan@melodykids.com W: www.melodykids.com

Music Together of Boulder

Ages: Birth - age 5 Sing, dance, play, and learn! All children are musical, and our classes teach the way children learn, through experiences and play. Discover for yourself why we are the best family music class for toddlers, babies, preschoolers, and their grownups. Classes are offered Monday-Saturday mornings

and select afternoons.

C: Laura Nordson P: (720) 440-2775 (text friendly) E: musictogetherboulder@gmail.com W: linktr.ee/MusicTogetherofBoulder

Music Together® with Jane Smolens/Mountain Song Music Studio, Inc.

Ages: Birth and up (Music Together ® Mixed Age and Private Piano)

Music Together ® OUTDOORS in Boulder. Have fun planting the seeds of musical growth through singing, movement, in strument play. Mixed Ages (0-4) and their caregivers. Small Groups, siblings welcome. Central Boulder Private Location. Find out about Free Demo Opportunities. Also

Individual Private Piano Lessons indoors In-Person or Online (ages 5 and up). Fol lowing Covid Safety Protocol.

C: Jane Smolens, Director P: (303) 413-1120 W: www.mountainsongmusic.com E: jsmolens@mountainsongmusic.com

Open Window Studio and program for teens. We are located on a small family farm just west of Longmont.

7873 St. Vrain Road Longmont, CO 80503

Open Window Studio offers small group and private art classes for ages 5-7, 8-12, and teens. In addition to teaching drawing, painting, and clay skills, all of our classes are designed to spark imagination, experi mentation, and creative fun. Check out our after school classes, homeschool offerings,

C: Page Zekonis P: (720) 400-1319 W: www.openwindowstudio.org E: page.ows@gmail.com

Parlando School of Musical Arts

Pursue your musical and theatrical pas sions with Parlando School of Musical Arts! Our talented faculty teach all ages, all abil ities, and all instruments, including piano, voice/singing, musical theater, and acting. Try a starter pack, online or limited in-per son, or dive into a full semester or school year of lessons! With 50 faculty members, over 700 lessons occurring every week, and

classes, performances, and workshops held throughout the year, we have something for everyone. Join our musical community and ignite your inner artist!

P: (303) 442-0006 E: info@parlando.org W: www.parlando.org Facebook: Parlando School of Musical Arts Instagram: @parlandoboulder

Rocky Mountain Theatre For Kids

Our afterschool classes focus on teaching basic acting, vocal, and dance techniques to students ages 5-16. These classes are geared towards beginner to intermedi ate skilled performers alike. We create work along with our students in a creative process style to nurture imaginative play. All classes end with a final presentation

on the last day of class, which is focused on the actors, though we may use simple costume accessories and set pieces to en hance the presentation!

W: www.theaterforkids.net

Sandy Burrell Music Studio —Niwot

Ages: 3 years to adult Hours & Days: Call for current class times and availability.

Individual private lessons in flute, violin, or piano. Small group lessons available: a) Introduction to Music- explore flute, violin, or piano to see which instrument is right

for your child. b) Penny Whistle Program- a first music class ideal for ages 3 to 6. Learn listening skills, rhythm, and simple songs on the penny whistle. Fees: Pay by semes ter/session.

C: Sandy Burrell P: (303) 652-3287

CU Science Discovery

4001 Discovery Drive Ages: K - 12th grade

Choose school year enrichment that’s so engrossing and entertaining your child will want to return time and time again!

CU Science Discovery offers a variety of school year enrichment programs includ ing afterschool, homeschool, BVSD day-off, and holiday classes for K-12 participants. All classes explore a variety of STEM topics

using a hands-on, experiential learning approach designed to complement what your child is learning in school while encouraging them to further explore and expand their knowledge. Register online or by phone.

P: (303) 492-7188 W: www.colorado.edu/sciencediscovery

Studio Arts Boulder

Studio Arts Boulder is offering after-school pottery programs for kids of all ages! Stu dents of all skill levels will have plenty of time to create and learn new techniques. Wheel-throwing and hand-building classes meet weekly. Each instructor is back

ground checked, CPR certified, and health screened before each day.

P: (720) 379-6033

E: contact@studioartsboulder.org W: www.studioartsboulder.org

SWIM•FLOAT•SWIM! Home of Infant Aquatics—Longmont

795 S. Sherman Street Ages: 2 months - 4 years

Hours & Days: M-Th: 8am - 7pm, F: 8amnoon.

WE ARE OPEN! At Swim•Float•Swim! Your child will learn to swim safely in weeks, not years. We have decades of experience teaching aquatic survival and swimming skills. Our aquatic academy features two 90-degree indoor pools with a UV water

purification system which ensures the safest and most comfortable water experi ence. Stop by our child-friendly facility and discover the difference.

C: Judy Heumann

P: (303) 499-2229

E: judy@infantaquatics.com W: www.swimfloatswim.com

The Arts Hub

—Lafayette

420 Courtney Way

The Arts HUB is a 501(c)3 community arts center offering after-school programs in theater, music, dance, art, and more, for kids of all ages. Come make memories with

us in Lafayette!

P: (303) 229-1127

W: www.artshub.org

The Spot Gym

Ages: 4 - 17 years

Climbing skills, confidence, and friend ships. When your climber joins a camp, club, or team at The Spot, they’ll learn age-appropriate skills, taught by our expert coaches in a supportive environment.

E: Programs@TheSpotGym.com

W: https://www.thespotgym.com/boulder

693B S. Broadway, in the shops at Table Mesa.

Ages: All Hours & Days: M-F, daytime and after school programs available.

Tinker Art Studio classes you’ll find at Tinker. Want to join us this fall? Select School Day Off Camps and Youth Workshops still have room! Book a table in our Make & Take Studio to drop in and create, or visit our shop online or in person to purchase at-home art kits and supplies — perfect for gifting and shop ping small!

Join us in the studio for art making and community! Spring semester classes for kids, teens, and adults will open for regis tration in October. (Pro Tip: Sign up for our email newsletter to be the first to know when classes open!) Wheel throwing classes, teen paint & draw, art lab for ele mentary ages, and Tinker Time Art & Play for our youngest tinkerers are just a few

P: (303) 503-1902 E: tinker@tinkerartstudio.com W: tinkerartstudio.com

Integrated Love

by Ms. Katie Buckley

Winter can be hard for some families. Organized sports and activities have usually come to an end, unpredictable weather can preclude many outdoor excursions and it gets dark so early!!! Luckily, this quarter’s issue comes full of different places and resources so family’s have more to choose from while providing opportunities to learn about inclusion.

explore boulder county

Ignite Adaptive Sports at Eldora Ignite offers services to participate in winter sports for people of all ages, ability levels, and financial circum stances. Activities include alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ski-biking, and snowshoeing les sons along with lessons and adaptive equipment. They also provide openings for volunteers, which makes it the perfect learning opportunity for meaningful inclusion and gives everyone a chance to participate in winter sports!

Jack’s & Steamer’s

A little bit off the beaten path is Jack’s & Steamer’s restaurant. This restaurant is located in Arvada and a perfect excuse to take a winter day trip. This is an inclusive dining restaurant which means they provide employment and training opportunities to people with disabilities. Head to Jack’s for a hearty winter meal, hot drink, and have a learning conversation with your family over some great food.

learn more about inclusion

Special Olympics Colorado

Celebrate Edu

Located in Louisville , this non-profit seeks to empow er self-advocates with developmental disabilities to create happy and purposeful lives by providing entre preneurial education that builds on their interests and strengths. Check out their website to support these young business owners and to learn more!

The cold doesn’t mean you have to stay home. Explore these places and resources and keep your kids learning even over winter break! See you next time for more books and apps!

Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olym pic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experi ence joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Check them out to see how to get involved and learn more!

Katie Buckley is a high school special education teacher who teaches in a program for students with cognitive disabilities. She was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, before going to Texas to get her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Special Education from Texas Christian University.

“Our au pair is terrific—a thoughtful communicator, reliable, responsible and the kids love her.”

“Everything she does, it is with such enthusiasm. Plus she is an amazing cook!”

“The program brings joy, mentorship, companionship, and cultural awareness in ways we haven’t been able to provide before. We highly recommend it.”

What is an au pair?

An au pair is an educated young person from abroad who lives with you in your home for up to two years, cares for your children and becomes a part of your family.

To find out if hosting is right for your family: Contact Local Childcare Consultant: Jen Rodehaver, 303-956-6189 Jen.rodehaver@lcc.culturalcare.com Facebook: @LCCJenRodehaver

CHILD CARE directory& PRESCHOOL

Half-day care, full-day care, music-focused, nature-focused, and more! Scout out the best child care organizations and early education programs in the Boulder area.

Bixby School Ages: Preschool - 5th grade Bixby School was founded in 1970. Our school is organized around the belief that children are unique individuals, each with their own abilities, interests, and needs. Our school design provides students with opportunities for healthy risk-taking and responsibility for choices, feeds children’s natural curiosity and intrinsic joy of learn ing, and cultivates critical thinking skills and mastery of concepts. Our shared core values are respect, responsibility, and empathy. Preschool-5th Grade, 3-acre campus, Student: Faculty ratio 7:1, Average

class size of 7-10, Extended Day Available: 7:45 am - 5:45 pm daily, Hot lunch prepared daily (included), Indoor pool, weekly swim lessons, Progressive Education, Hands-On, Experiential Learning, 1st-5th Grade Follow Middle School Schedule. Our Teachers are masters of their subject and passionate about what they teach. Tuition Assistance is available for Kindergarten-5th Grade.

W: www.bixbyschool.org

E: admissions@bixbyschool.org

Blossom International Preschool, LLC—Boulder

5001 Pennsylvania Avenue Boulder, CO 80303 Ages: 2.5 - 6 years Hours & Days: 8am - 5pm. M-F. Year round. Blossom International Preschool, LLC is a member of WECAN, CAEYC, CAFCC and AATF. We are a FARM to ECE preschool and the recipient of a 2020 Grant from Early Childhood Council of Boulder County (EC CBC). Blossom International Preschool is a Waldorf-inspired, play- and nature-based Licensed Child Care Center in operation since 2015. We follow a multicultural Wal dorf inspired curriculum all year round and French language is integrated into our

daily rhythm and circle/songs. We create a safe, nurturing and supportive environ ment, empowering children to explore and expand during their early years. We celebrate U.S. and International festivals and holidays. We host mixed-age groups in a beautiful Waldorf-inspired environment. At Blossom, we celebrate diversity and we welcome families with children ages 2.5 to 5 years old.

C: Marie-Pierre Nicoletti P: (303) 819-4084

E: info@blossombilingualpreschool.com W: blossominternationalpreschool.com

Boulder Country Day School —Preschool

4820 Nautilus Ct. North Ages: 2.5 years - 8th grade

Hours & Days: M-F, 3-day and 5-day op tions for Preschool. 8am to 3pm, middle school until 3:15pm. Licensed June-August/Camp. After school care and enrichment class es available. Open House: November 3 & 5, 2022. Accreditations: NAIS, ACIS, and Approved Middle Years International Bac calaureate School. Boulder Country Day School, where academic distinction meets education with character. BCD is a top rated, accredited private school in Boul der, Colorado where every child has the

Children’s House Preschool—Boulder 9147 Fleetwood Ave. Ages: 3 to 5 1/2 yrs. Licensed Program Days: M-Th, 8:30 – 3pm Summer hours are 9 am to 1 pm. M-Th. Children’s House has been providing high quality preschool experiences to fami lies in Boulder since 1970. Our dynamic preschool program brings children of all ages, abilities, and cultures together for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The four cornerstones of our program are Creativ ity, Nature and Science, Multiculturalism, and Service. Our program is inspired by Reggio-Emilia and we use the Storybook Journey approach to teach children using

Fairy Ring Garden— Longmont 9147 Fleetwood Ave.

Ages: 1 - 5 years

Hours & Days: 8:30am - 3:30pm. Full-days and part-time. M-F. Year round. Licensed. Lifeways (Waldorf) Certified.

A small, play-based, outdoor-focused home school for children ages one to five in North Longmont. We see every child as unique and beautiful with unlimited potential. They are seeds to be nurtured with love, guidance, and grace so that they might blossom into the fullest expression of who they are meant to be. Outdoor

2040 Miller Drive, Longmont 80501

Ages: 3 - 5 years

Hours & Days: Full-Time: M-F, 8:30 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. Part-Time: M-Th; 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. or 12:203:15 p.m.

Now enrolling for the 23/24 school year. Flagstaff Academy offers both full-time and part-time preschool options for children ages 3 - 5. Founded in 2009, our preschool incorporates the Core Knowl edge Preschool Sequence Curriculum and

opportunity to discover their own unique excellence. BCD Preschool is a unique learning environment where teachers can build meaningful relationships with each student, nurture their strengths, and help them meet goals through focused, individ ualized attention. Every child deserves to be known and loved, and our small class sizes and low student/teacher ratios em power us to live this value every day.

C: Susan Boyle P: (303)-527-4931 x 248 E: info@bouldercountryday.org W: www.bouldercountryday.org

literature in the classroom. Children learn lifelong skills and learn to care deeply about themselves, each other, and the Earth. We are a leading Boulder County Health’s “Farm to ECE” program and have 5 large garden beds and onsite growing planters that are cared for by our children and families. Children plant, water, harvest, wash and prepare our fresh-grown pro duce for their snacks. Our bus enables us to go on regular field trips to local creeks, ponds, pools, gardens, forest trails and ex ploring different parks. Join us today

W: www.childrenshousepreschool.org E: info@childrenshousepreschool.org

learning with gardening and farm ani mals. Master’s degree teachers. Chemical free, eco-friendly environment. Based on Waldorf/Lifeways philosophy. Organic, all natural foods, many taken from our own garden. A non-profit school welcoming diverse families, regardless of race, so cio-economic status, or gender orientation.

C: Ginger Johnson, M.Ed.

P: (303) 507-7331

E: fairyringschool@gmail.com W: www.fairyringschool.org

Early Learning Developmental Guidelines. Children in the preschool program develop both socially and academically, and discov er that learning is fun through play-based activities. Unique learning opportunities include regular visits to our greenhouse/ geo-conservatory classroom and teaching garden, and school library time.

C: Natalie Martin, Preschool Director P: (303) 651-7900 W: www.flagstaffacademy.org

Flagstaff Academy Preschool—Longmont

Friends School —Boulder 5465 Pennsylvania Ages: 3-5 yrs. Preschool/Pre-K 3-5 year olds. Hours & Days: Full-day: 9am - 3pm M-Th; 9am - 1pm F; Half-day: 9am - 12pm M-F. August - May/Summer Camp. Licensed & Accredited. A supportive community, committed to educating the whole child--head, hand, and heart. Outdoor-oriented classrooms connected to nature encourage learn ing through play and exploration with a focus on relationships, communication, art, nature immersion, and a foundation

for pre-academic skills. Small classes, low student teacher ratios, wide variety of high-quality materials and experienc es. Specials including music, art and PE. Award-winning, master-level teachers with over 20 years of experience in each class room. Personalized Affordable Tuition. ACIS accredited, NAIS member.

C: Taylor Replane P: (303) 499-1999 W: www.FriendsSchoolBoulder.org E: admissions@FriendsSchoolBoulder.org

Miss Joanie Drama Miss Joanie Drama offers full-day camps for Summer, Winter Break, Spring Break, School Day Off Workshops, Holiday enter tainment, and MORE! Check out NEW AF TER SCHOOL PROGRAM: Dorothy’s Return to Oz, 6 weeks in October and November.

Montessori Academy— Lafayette

801 N 111th Street

Ages: 1 - 6 years

Hours & Days: M-F. 8:30 am - 3 pm. Fulland half-day and partial week programs, with some before- & after-school care.

August - May school year, June - midAugust Summer Camp Program. Licensed. Montessori Academy provides a challenging and nurturing environment that leads children toward confidence, in dependence, and a life of learning through discovery, observation, and positive, helpful friendships. We offer toddler, preschool, and kindergarten programs in a nurturing environment that respects each individual

W: www.missjoaniedrama.com

Off Broadway Preschool 1235 Pine Street

Ages: 3 - 5 years

Hours & Days: M-F. Full- or half-days from 8:30am - 12:30 or 3:30pm. Extended care 8am - 5:30pm. Year-round.

At Off Broadway Preschool, we aim to inspire curiosity, creativity, and compas sion in children and families through the arts. Our daily schedule balances child-di rected play experiences with structured group classes in music, yoga, visual art, and integrated arts. We employ professional educators to guide children through the school day, and keep low teacher to stu dent ratios (1:5) to ensure that children and families are given personalized attention.

child. Montessori Academy has been an American Montessori Society full-member school since 2002. Our lead teachers are certified. Preschool classroom currently bilingual with a Spanish teacher. Multiple Covid-safety precautions. See our Face book page for a short virtual tour! Please call if you would like more information or to enroll.

C: Beth Weekley

P: (303) 926-8321

W: www.montessoriacademylafayette.com

E: montessori.academy@mac.com

Meals are prepared in-house using high quality organic ingredients. Our recently updated facility is conveniently located in downtown Boulder which allows us to take walking field trips to the Farmers Market, library and Museum of Boulder. Adjust ments have been made to the facility and daily program to adhere to state, city and Early Childhood Council COVID-19 guide lines.

E: info@offbroadwaypreschool.org W: www.offbroadwaypreschool.org P: (303) 800-0324

C: Bethany

Persimmon Early Learning Persimmon Early Learning offers high-quality, affordable child care, serving Boulder County children and families for 40 years. We’re a Level 4 Colorado Shines Rated Early Childhood Program, offer low teacher-to-child ratios in all classrooms, and provide a nurturing, creative space for children to learn and grow in newly rede signed and expanded indoor and outdoor learning areas. Persimmon Early Learning provides a nutritious meal program with a full-time nutritionist and chef on site, as

Promise Christian Preschool 76th St Boulder, CO 80303

Located on the border of Boulder and Louisville, Promise Christian Preschool strives for academic excellence in all areas while achieving our mission of teaching every child that they are personally known and loved by God and created in His image. Through small class sizes and age appro priate curriculum, each child is encouraged

Sacred Heart of Jesus School Early Learning Center. 1317 Mapleton Ave. Boulder, CO 80304 Ages: 3 - 5 years

Hours & Days: 8am - 3pm. 3, 4, & 5-day schedule; full & half day options. The transition from home life to school is an important milestone in a child’s early development. At SHJ, love, and care for each student helps to ensure a smooth transition. Our Preschool program for 3-year-olds develops social-emotional and early learning skills through hands-on, play-based activities. Children practice

well as active play, yoga, gardening, and cooking and nutrition lessons. Tuition includes all meals, snacks and activities. Persimmon Early Learning provides enroll ment opportunities for low-income fam ilies through Boulder County CCAP and emergency care options for families with no other immediate child care options.

P: (303) 449-1951

E: persimmon@ywcaboulder.org

W: persimmonearlylearning.org

to grow spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Promise is entering its 30th year of educating children in Boulder County. Contact us today for a personalized tour!

P: (303) 666-9874

W: promisechristianpreschool.org

E: promisechristianpreschool@gmail.com

independence, patience, sharing, and listening—the building blocks for a lifetime of success. Our Pre-K class for 4-yearolds is filled with the discovery and jots of learning through play. Children engage in creative lessons to develop early literacy and math proficiency and prepare them for Kindergarten.

C: Heather Elhardt

P: (303) 447-2362

W: school.shjboulder.org

E: admissions@shjboulder.org

Sunflower Farm Preschool and School Aged Program —Longmont

Sunflower Farm School-Aged Program School-Aged School Year Program from 8/15/22-5/26/23, Ages 5-8, 9-3:45, choose 1, 2 or more days. Please visit our SchoolAged Program Page: https://www.sunflow erfarminfo.com/schoolage

Preschool SproutHouse Program Ages 3-5 & Pre-Kindergarten Program ages 4-6, from 8/15/22-5/26/22, Half Day Program 8:30-12:30 or Full Day Program 8:30-4:00. Choose Mon/Weds, Tues/Thurs, 3 days, 4

TLC Learning Center —Longmont 611 Korte Pkwy, Longmont 80501

Hours & Days: M-F. 7:30am -5:30pm (fulland half-day options available)

About TLC: We’ve been nurturing success in all kids for over 65 years! Our childcare, preschool and therapy center focuses on helping kids of all abilities develop the cog nitive, physical and social-emotional skills

days or 1 Full Friday. For registration for the SproutHouse Preschool Program, prices, and more detailed information, please visit our SproutHouse Preschool webpage: https://www.sunflowerfarminfo.com/ sprouthouse-preschool

W: www.sunflowerfarminfo.com P: (303) 774-8001

they need to thrive in school and beyond.

E: lstratton@learningwithtlc.org

W: LearningWithTLC.org

P: (303) 776-7417

C: Lisa Stratton, Educational Services Manager

Sunflower Preschool —Boulder 3340 Dartmouth Ages: 2.5 - 6 years

Hours & Days: Year-round. Call for hours. NOW ENROLLING. Licensed. Celebrating 40 years, Sunflower Preschool is now a certified Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom, National Wildlife Federation certified wildlife habitat, as well as PACE certified since 2008. Sunflower Preschool, which opened its doors in 1981, offers a small, eco-friendly, play-based, hands-on, nurturing environment, where children learn through exploration and discovery.

At Sunflower, our classrooms are Mon tessori-based with a science and nature emphasis. The teachers are well-paid professional ECE teachers who have been a part of the Sunflower staff for years. Please come and take a look at our unique children’s science museum as well as the multisensory outdoor environment.

E: sunflowerpreschoolboulder@gmail.com W: www.sunflowerpreschoolboulder.com P: (303) 494-2012

C: Marisa Ellman

Thorne Nature Preschool —Boulder & Lafayette

Ages: 3 -6 years

Hours & Days: August – May school year, June – August Summer Camp. Days: M-F, 2/3/5-day options. Hours: 9am - 1:30pm, extended care available. Licensed.

Thorne Nature Preschool is built on the simple belief that kids grow better in na ture. Our preschool offers a unique early childhood education experience where young children go to learn, grow, and reach their full potential through daily immersion

Treehouse Learning 175 N. 96th St, Louisville, CO 80027

Ages: 2 months- Kindergarten

Hours & Days: Full-Time: M-F, 7:30am5:30pm.

Treehouse Learning provides quality care and intentional, respectful, and optimal experiences that lead to learning. Now in its 25th year of operation as a fami ly-owned-and-operated business, Tree house Learning helps people thrive by building belonging and community in order to co-create the world we want to be part of. Our play-based curriculum inte grates research-based, responsive prac tices for high-quality early childhood care along with enrichment specials such as art,

in nature with caring, attentive mentors. With dual goals of nature connection and fostering the development of the wholechild, Thorne Nature Preschool prepares young children to succeed in school and in life.

E: info@thornenaturepreschool.org W: www.ThorneNaturePreschool.org P: (303) 499-3647 ext. 106

C: Lorene Wapotich

music, language, movement, social-emo tional learning, and brain integration via Brain Gym. Our Whole Child approach supports the integration of academic, in tellectual, emotional, and physical growth and development through intentional invitations to engage and explore the world through play. Our in-house nourishment and nutrition program provides chef-pre pared meals and snacks with vegetable gardens throughout our campus.

C: Amy Carr, Program Director P: (303) 666-1950 W: treehouselearning.com E: admissions@treehouselearning.com

Wee Folk Forest Kindergarten Boulder Ages: 2.5 - 6 years.

Flexible Scheduling: Mornings, After noons, or Full Days. 8:30am - 3:30pm. Mon-Fri.

Wee Folk Forest Kindergarten is a “rain or shine” outdoor preschool/kindergarten in the greater Boulder area for children ages 2 1/2 to 6, and children 0 to 2 1/2 in our Par ent/Tot program..

E: info@livingartsschool.com W: www.weefolkforestkindergarten.com P: (720) 383-4406

C: Elizabeth

Toys that encourage exploration and experimentation can go a long way in supporting each stage of a child’s devel opment. Think of toys that can be used in a variety of ways without ever feeling “old.” Toys that don’t need a list of instructions, but rather promote open-ended, limitless play possibilities include blocks, animal fig urines, play dough, and dress-up clothes. According to Carrie Shrier of Michigan State University’s Extension Office, open-ended play materials foster independence, while allowing children to make their own choic es and express their creativity. From birth to age five, Shrier argues, “Children’s brains are literally forming the complex web of syn apses that last throughout their lives, [great ly impacting] their social, emotional, phys ical, and cognitive performance as adults.”

confidence. She adds that as the adults in their lives, while this is happening we don’t want to tell them, “That’s good, that picture is ‘good,’” she continues, “instead, we want to applaud their creativity, the boldness of their color choices, the uniqueness of their perspective.”

Magnetic tiles are another example of this type of durable toy, and parents have come into Grandrabbit’s to tell us their kids use Magna-Tiles for Hexbug races (small robotic “bugs” that run on batteries). But they also use them to make barns and gas stations for their Breyer horses and Matchbox cars. It’s these kinds of toys that Milot says she likes to see in a child’s toy box— choices that also provide exceptional value.

“Kids don’t need a lot of toys,” Milot contin ues, “they need sturdy props for play that can grow with their developmental needs. Blocks can be ships, or cereal boxes, or dolls’ beds, and by changing their uses, kids learn to problem solve, while feeling supported in their social and emotional needs. These are the best toys.”

Founder of Grandrabbit’s Toys Shoppes, Lynne Milot, explains that when a child is en couraged to explore the world in their own way and according to their own rules, they grow in

Books, too, are important in developing lan guage skills and learning empathy, while en hancing a child’s creativity. Just think how the best authors leave room for readers to fill in gaps in the descriptions with their own imagi nations—a phenomenon author Jerry Jenkins

Kids don’t need a lot of toys...they need sturdy props for play that can grow with their developmental needs.

Cottonbro

by Pam Martin

The Importance of Open-Ended Play

calls the Theater of the Mind. If you’re someone lucky enough to have read any of the Harry Potter books before seeing the movies, you’ll know what I mean, because you’ll remem ber how you’d imagined Dumbledore’s face, or the grounds at Hogwarts School of Witch craft and Wizardry, before the movies’ ac tors and sets supplanted your mind-pictures.

Another example of this author-reader con nection can be found in the modern-era pic ture book, where images and text form a kind of dance, inviting readers to participate in the story as it unfolds. “[When] words are left out… the picture says it,” according to author Maurice Sendak, “[or when the] pictures are left out… the words say it.” Finding the mouse among the collection of mittens and kittens, and bears and chairs in Margaret Wise Brown’s Goodnight Moon, provided my kids with endless fun, and is one example of this author-reader relationship.

Some newer picture book releases seem to have upped the interactive element and in clude Corey R. Tabor’s Mel Fell and Ryan T. Hig gins’ Hey, Bruce. A trend pioneered by Herve Tullet’s classic, Press Here, these books often amp up the humor, too, so if you’re looking for a read-aloud that tickles your child’s fun ny bone, these two make for great choices.

Pam Martin is one of the book specialists at Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe in Boulder. To browse the store’s curated collection of books, toys, and games, please visit grtoys.com.

PRIVATE SCHOOL directory

Expand your search for an educational institution by exploring the private school options in the Boulder County Area.

Bixby School Ages: Preschool - 5th grade

Bixby School was founded in 1970. Our school is organized around the belief that children are unique individuals, each with their own abilities, interests, and needs. Our school design provides students with opportunities for healthy risk-taking and responsibility for choices, feeds children’s natural curiosity and intrinsic joy of learning, and cultivates critical thinking skills and mastery of concepts. Our shared core values are respect, responsibility, and empathy. Preschool-5th Grade, 3-acre campus, Student: Faculty ratio 7:1, Average

class size of 7-10, Extended Day Available: 7:45am - 5:45pm daily, Hot lunch prepared daily (included), Indoor pool, weekly swim lessons, Progressive Education, Hands-On, Experiential Learning, 1st-5th Grade Follow Middle School Schedule. Our Teachers are masters of their subject and passionate about what they teach. Tuition Assistance is avail able for Kindergarten-5th Grade.

W: www.bixbyschool.org

E: admissions@bixbyschool.org

Boulder Country Day School

4820 Nautilus Ct. North

Ages: 2.5 years - 8th grade

Hours & Days: 8am - 3pm, middle school un til 3:15 pm. After school care and enrichment classes available. Open House: November 3 & 5, 2022.

Accreditations: NAIS, ACIS, and Approved Middle Years International Baccalaureate School.

Boulder Country Day School, where academ ic distinction meets education with character. BCD is a top rated, accredited private school in Boulder, Colorado where every child has the opportunity to discover their own unique

excellence. Distinguished by small class sizes, outstanding faculty, engaging academics and a focus on community, our preschool, elementary and IB middle school teachers strive to create a well-rounded educational environment that balances traditional sub jects with the arts, world languages, athletics and project-based learning.

C: Susan Boyle P: (303)-527-4931 x 248 E: info@bouldercountryday.org W: www.bouldercountryday.org

B.A.S.E. —Lafayette

111 W. Baseline Road

Ages: 5 - 12 years

Hours & Days: M-F from dismissal to 6pm, and on BVSD no-school days, full-day care 7:30am - 6pm. August-May.

Jump into fun in our Colorado State Licensed BASE child care programs that meet the needs of every child. We offer a wide range of activities including arts and crafts, STEM, active play, sports and games, swimming, and much more. Children will have time for homework assistance and a few snacks along the way. Safety is our top priority, including

following all COVID-19 guidelines in effect at program time. Children from Ryan, Lafayette, and Peak to Peak elementary schools are provided transportation at dismissal to the Bob L. Burger Recreation Center. Pioneer Elementary students will walk with staff from the school to the BBRC.

C: Jordan Walker

E: jordan.walker@lafayetteco.gov

W: www.lafayetteco.gov/200/After-SchoolCare-BASE

P: (303)-661-1288

Thirdman

PRIVATE

Dawson School

—Lafayette

10455 Dawson Drive, Lafayette Ages: K-12th grade

Days & Hours: M-F, 175 days. 8am - 3:30pm, plus free after-school care. September-June / Camp. Licensed & Accredited. Boulder County region’s leading indepen dent, college-preparatory school, Dawson offers challenging academics, robust arts and athletics programs, and renowned outdoor and experiential education to students K-12. Small class sizes (average 15, with student/teacher ratio of 7/1); individual attention from experienced faculty; daily enrichment (art, music, PE, technology, language, library). The 107-acre campus

Friends School —Boulder South Campus: 5465 Pennsylvania (Pre school and Elementary), North Campus: 3800 Kalmia Ave. (Middle School/Teacher Prep Program) Ages: Preschool-8th Grade. Days & Hours: M-F. Hours: Preschool 9:00am-3:00pm (optional half day), Ele mentary 8:30am-3:15 pm, Middle School 8:45am-3:45 pm. AfterCare and enrich ment classes. August-May/Camp Program.

A supportive community committed to ed ucating the whole child--head, hand, and heart. Social-emotional curriculum catered to each individual grade level. Experiential

features a new 25,000 sqft Center for Inno vation, two full-size gyms and numerous athletic fields, separate K-5 playground, an Arts Center with 20+ offerings, and a Dining Commons with daily homemade hot lunch at no charge. The school is com mitted to the development of character, emphasizing respect, compassion, cour age, and integrity, and to social-emotional wellbeing. Engaged parent community. Preparing students to bring their best to the world for over 50 years.

W: www.dawsonschool.org E: admissions@dawsonschool.org P: (303) 665-6679

and integrated curriculum, emphasizing academics, problem-solving, creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility. Exceptional specials including art, music, Spanish, library, technology, and PE pro grams. Small classes, low student/teacher ratios. Personalized Affordable Tuition. ACIS accredited, NAIS member.

C: Taylor Replane P: (303)-499-1999

E: admissions@FriendsSchoolBoulder.org W: www.FriendsSchoolBoulder.org

Mackintosh Academy —Boulder

6717 South Boulder Road Ages: K - 8th Grade

For over 40 years Mackintosh Academy has been pioneering next-generation gifted education. Mackintosh Academy nurtures the keen minds and compassionate hearts of gifted and creative students in a caring community of learners so that they contrib ute to a world that needs them. Authorized IB World School, social-emotional learning,

gifted and creative students, design/inno vation, service & global action, $26,150 (LS) and $27,140 (MS) with tuition assistance available. Maximum 10:1 student to teacher ratio.

C: Jenny Strode P: (303) 554-2011 E: jstrode@mackboulder.com W: www.mackboulder.com

North Star Microschool 813 Nelson Park Drive, Longmont, CO Ages: Pre-K - 6th grade

At North Star Microschool, your child will experience an enriched environment catering to their unique learning style. It is modeled after the “one-room schoolhouse” with the aim of providing an educational experience that enriches children academi cally as well as socio-emotionally. Fran is an

experienced homeschool parent, Colora do State certified educator, and daycare provider who hand tailors her instructional plans according to her students’ levels and abilities.

C: Fran Stuart P: (505) 629-9985

E: northstarmicroschool@gmail.com W: northstarmicroschool.com

PRIVATE SCHOOL DIRECTORY

Sacred Heart of Jesus School 1317 Mapleton Ave. Boulder, CO 80304

Ages: Preschool - 8th grade Hours & Days: 8am - 3pm. After-Care from 3pm - 6pm.

Providing nurturing, values-based educa tion for over 120 years. Our innovative pro grams are designed to promote intellectual curiosity, develop character and help each child reach their full potential. SHJ offers small class sizes, instruction in the arts, music, PE and Spanish, experiential learn

ing through class trips to destinations like the Catalina Island Marine Institute, aca demic enrichment and learning interven tion support, social-emotional curriculum, community service opportunities, on-site tutoring and 3 seasons of league athletics.

C: Heather Elhardt

P: (303) 447-2362

E: admissions@shjboulder.org W: school.shjboulder.org

Treehouse Learning 175 N. 96th St, Louisville, CO 80027

Ages: Kindergarten

Days & Hours: Full-Time: M-F, 8:30 - 3:30pm, Before/after care available 7:30am - 5:30pm Treehouse Learning provides quality care and intentional, respectful, and optimal experiences that lead to learning. Now in its 25th year of operation as a fami ly-owned-and-operated business, Tree house Learning helps people thrive by building belonging and community in order to co-create the world we want to be part of. Our play-based curriculum inte grates research-based, responsive prac tices for high-quality learning experiences along with enrichment specials such as art, music, language, movement, social emotional learning, and brain integration

via Brain Gym. Our Whole Child approach supports the integration of academic, in tellectual, emotional, and physical growth and development through intentional invitations to engage and explore the world through play. Both our indoor/outdoor environments provide classroom and cur riculum through intentional environmental design as a guided invitation to explore. We offer full-day kindergarten with before/ after care for a distinct group of distin guished learners.

C: Amy Carr, Program Director

P: (303) 666-1950

E: admissions@treehouselearning.com W: treehouselearning.com

birthday party directory

Find the best, most creative, and most accommodating places and programs to host your kiddos’ birthday parties.

ABC BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Ages: 3 - 18 years 1960 32nd Street

Climbing Parties! Fun, low-stress, quality parties with ABC Kids Climbing. Includes games, activities, and climbing for kids of all ages and abilities.

Hours: Monday-Sunday. Call to make a reservation.

C: Staff

P: (303) 443-5437

E: info@abckidsclimbing.com W: www.abckidsclimbing.com

Birthday pARTies at Tinker Art Studio

Ages: 3-15 years 693B S. Broadway, in the shops at Table Mesa. Celebrate your child with a Tinker Birthday Party! Book your party today and get ready for a party full of fun, art, and laughter. Visit us online to pick your project from our party menu, then get ready to cre ate together in the studio! We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

E: tinker@tinkerartstudio.com W: www.tinkerartstudio.com

P: (303) 503-1902

Birthday Party at The Carousel of Happiness

Ages: All

What better place to celebrate your birthday than at the Carousel of Happiness! Enjoy the Carousel’s fun atmosphere with upbeat music from our Wurlitzer band organ and creative playtime in our do-it-yourself Puppet Theatre. Fees: During our regular open hours, $75/hour for the Party Room, option to reserve the Puppet The ater for an additional $40/hour ($25 deposit required). Party room rental includes 10 ride tickets per hour, tables, chairs, and a tablecloth. Maximum of 12 people. You are welcome to bring food and drinks and decorate the room as you wish. Additional tickets may be purchased at the front desk. The Carousel is also available to rent after hours. Call to discuss your particular needs and re serve your date for one of the best party venues around. P: (303) 258-3457

E: info@carouselofhappiness.org W: www.carouselofhappiness.org

The Spot Gym Ages: 4 - 17 years

Give your kid the adventure of a lifetime with our climbing birthday parties! We work with families to create unique and exciting parties that are filled with challenge, fun, and accomplishment. E: Programs@TheSpotGym.com W: www.thespotgym.com/boulder

gift giving directory

Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe

2525 Arapahoe Ave. Boulder, CO

We are an independently-owned, specialty toy store with three locations in the Front Range of Colorado. We carry a wide range of hand-chosen, educational and fun toys for gifts, holidays, birth days or any special occasion. We’ve been voted The Best Children’s Store in Boulder for over 40 years.

E: webmedia@grtoys.com

P: (303) 443-0780

Once Upon a Child

700 Ken Pratt Blvd. Longmont, CO

Once Upon A Child® buys and sells gently used kids’ clothing, shoes, toys, and baby gear. We pay you cash on the spot and pro vide a convenient way to recycle the items your children have out grown, giving those items a second life. Every day you’ll find an ev er-changing selection of top name brands at up to 70% off regular retail prices. Get paid and save for being eco-friendly!

P: (303) 772-5437

720 Front St. Louisville, CO

A family-owned boutique where childhood is cherished one mile stone at a time. We’re located in Historic Downtown Louisville, not too far from Denver and not too far from Boulder. Our carefully curated collection of products celebrate the innocence and play fulness of childhood. Our handpicked selection of clothing is de signed for size newborn to size 8 for boys and size 16 for girls. Take a look at our newly expanded shop and see what all the fuss is about!

P: (720) 485-3129

Skoy Cloth

Skoy is a woman-owned business that started 10 years ago with a single product sold in local stores and has grown to a recog nized brand with a product line sold in North America and grow ing globally. We are proud to offer products that are superior to existing ones in the market. We always have the environment and the community in mind. Our products are packaged in the USA by people with disabilities. Skoy offers sustainable cleaning products that will revolutionize your home.

W: www.skoycloth.com/

E: info@skoycloth.com P: (800) 990-4757

Sweet Ruckus

Sweet Ruckus is proud to be celebrating our 4th year in the South Boulder neighborhood and in The Shops at Table Mesa! We offer a thoughtfully curated collection of wonderful gifts, phenomenal greeting cards, and paper goods. Please come vis it us soon to browse, laugh, and enjoy!

W: www.sweetruckusgifts.com

E: SweetRuckusGifts@gmail.com

P: (303) 494-5131

Support local businesses while shopping for unique gifts, everyday items, and more!

Pitter Patter

kids zone

PRESS PLAY

Dig into the science of touchscreens, and find out the difference between the two most common types: capacitive and resistive.

What happens to your brain during adoles cence that changes how you value, understand, and connect to friends?

The chemistry of cookiesStephanie Warren

You stick cookie dough into an oven, and magically, you get a plate of warm, gooey cookies. Except it’s not magic; it’s science.

The science of spiciness - Rose Eveleth

When you take a bite of a hot pepper, your body reacts as if your mouth is on fire -- because that’s essentially what you’ve told your brain!

Scan the QR Code to access Kids Zone on line and watch more!

Why a sausage can do what your gloves cannot - Charles Wallace & Sajan Saini

How friendship affects your brainShannon Odell

Some thought-provoking content from our favorite YouTube channel, TEDEd!

ACROSS DOWN

3. Filled with food for Thanksgiving

4. For when the snow covers the driveway

6. A wooden toy you spin

8. Water that freezes off the roof

9. The Grinch’s dog

10. A crusted dessert that comes in many flavors

12. A man who checks his list twice

13. Lit 8 nights in a row

15. To keep your fingers warm

1. The yummiest warm drink

Drops on New Years

Big Christmas socks

The flavor of winter candy

What tiny houses are made of

A downhill activity

14. Put on the roads when it’s icy

EVERYDAY CLEANING MADE SIMPLE …with the environment in mind.

Cloth

Visit Skoycloth.com for product info and uses

Find us on:

ScrubTowel Our Fun Founders Karen and Miche e