Northeast Ohio Parent | January 2023

January insiDE

PRESCHOOL

Easy games and tips for making math fun for your little learner. 12

PRESCHOOL GUIDE

If you’re researching the first step in your child’s education, check out this guide to nearby schools. 20

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Helping your schoolage child build skills for independence. 22

MIDDLE SCHOOL

We talk to educators on how to help students with learning loss. 32

STEM SHOWCASE Schools in the region offer unique makerspaces.

Find sledding snacks pg.38

28

LOOKING UP: STEM AND SPACE

Learn about space with activities inside and outside the home, and how it relates to STEM education. 36

SNOWY ADVENTURES

Want to test out the winter sleds or snowshoes? We provide the ins and outs of these outings.

Plus, check out winter fun listings on pg. 35

departments

5 Editor’s Note 6

Worth Noting How lead is impacting Ohio kids, give back to food banks and Reading Room.

24 Open Houses Get information about area schools by attending one of these upcoming events. 39

Camp We talk to camp experts about parents’ fears of sending kids to camp and why that anxiety is normal 44

Calendar Family-friendly events around the region including special sections: Martin Luther King Jr. Day and homeschool events. 50

#CLEMAMA

Sara Carnes, mom columnist, shares some ways you can spread joy in the New Year.

Let’s Keep It Simple

When parenting young kids, life seemed hard. There was always something to do, whether picking up Legos just dropped on the floor, fixing their water cup or bottle or telling them a bedtime story.

As they grow, I thought it would get easier, — but it isn’t — sorry to break the news to everyone.

Yes, some things are better, they are more independent and you are not chasing them around the house to make sure they don’t slip on the floor. However, it’s more difficult to see if they will fall when they are older.

And, you don't "see" them as much — well, when they do come out of their rooms, it is usually to ask for snacks (so that’s the same, but they are not easily pleased like before with puffs and fruit snacks), complain the Wi-Fi is out or what’s for dinner and if they can go to their, fill in blank, (friends, sports or store for more snacks).

In the rare moments of siblings, my boys were playing Fortnite together, in separate rooms of course. I went in and asked each about their “skin” and the “axe” they were using.

They know I’m not into gaming, but just the simple gesture of Mom talking to them about their interests, it’s important.

I don’t know about you, but I am glad it’s 2023, as last year was tough for me personally for so many reasons. While there were good things that happened, I felt I was too busy catching up and adding more activities and commitments to my life.

With the boys growing into young men, I have to enjoy this time with them while still making sure to help navigate so they are headed into the right direction. To do that, I have to be present, a little more, which means I have to get some stuff off my plate.

So, this is the year to “keep it simple” in all aspects.

In the magazine and our digital platforms, we will be doing the same, giving a little more space to breathe and really hone in on the issues parents are facing in this post-Covid era.

I just wanted to say how much we appreciate you, the readers. I know, I am excited for this fresh start and knowing the future has to be a little brighter.

January 2023

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Worth NOTING

Lead Poisoning Impact on Ohio Kids

EXPOSURE CAN AFFECT EVERYONE, HERE’S HOW.

By Ginny McCabe

Community leaders have been taking steps to combat lead poisoning in the region, however, it's not an easy fix.

“We know that Ohio has the third highest percentage of elevated blood levels in the country,” says Dr. Roopa Thakur, medical director for the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics Lead-Free Ohio Program and medical director for Cleveland Clinic, Community Care Youth Strategies and Community Health and Partnerships. “We know that about 41 percent of those are children who live in Cuyahoga County, and that’s why there’s such a huge focus on lead poisoning in the past couple of years, because as that data came out, we were starting to realize just how many of our kids are affected.”

When the paint deteriorates, it can chip and peel, which can cause a danger of children accidentally ingesting it. Also, when families are renovating or remodeling, it can create an increase in lead dust.

“It is a silent problem, because when kids are acutely affected, or acutely poisoned, we are typically looking at the ages 1 to 2, because that’s when they are crawling around on the floor, getting their hands in all that dust that has lead contamination in it, putting their hands in their mouths, so they are actively ingesting all of that,” Thakur says.

According to the Ohio Department of Health, even small amounts of lead can cause learning and behavior problems in children. Lead affects many parts of the body, especially the nervous system. Lead is most harmful to children under the age 6 because a child’s growing body can absorb lead easily. Lead can also be dangerous to a baby during pregnancy. Problems related to lead poisoning can last the child’s entire life,

even when kids are exposed to lower levels of lead.

LEAD PAINT IN LOCAL HOMES

Lead exposure is a nationwide issue. Recent research conducted by Princeton University found that half of the U.S. population is exposed to adverse levels of lead early in childhood.

“Eighty percent of Ohio’s lead poisoning cases can be attributed to our housing stock, and that’s because over two-thirds of Ohio’s housing was built before 1978," Thakur says. “If you look at Cleveland, specifically, 90 percent of Cleveland’s housing stock was built during the lead paint era. So, you can see that there’s a huge risk. But we know even outside of Cleveland, every single county in the state is affected, both with rural and urban housing, and a lot of this has to do with the lead paint that was used, and it’s starting to deteriorate now in a lot of these older homes."

In July 2019, Cleveland City Council passed the Lead Safe Certification law to address childhood lead poisoning and Cleveland’s aging housing stock. The law requires that all residential rental units constructed before 1978 be proactively certified as lead safe by no later than March 1, 2023.

Also, the Cleveland Clinic has made a pledge to provide funding to The Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition to help with the issue.

SCREENING AND TESTING FOR LEAD POISONING

“There is a difference between screening and testing,” Thakur explains. “We use the Ohio Department of Health’s screening questionnaire at every single well visit from ages 1-6.”

In lead screening, parents are asked

questions to see if there are risk factors for lead exposure, and if anything comes back positive, doctors do a test to see the child’s blood level.

“If we do have a child that’s lead poisoned, long-term effects we might see are impaired academic performance, decreased IQ, or growth problems,” Thacker says. “We know that lead deposits into every single tissue in the body. There’s not one organ system that isn’t affected. So, we can see bone problems, or kidney problems.”

Physicians also see an increased risk of ADHD and other mental health disorders.

RAISING AWARENESS

Better Health Partnership, a nonprofit, regional health collaborative, which is collecting data on lead testing and screening as well as other quality metrics from all of the healthcare systems in Northeast Ohio, identified that in the past year, in Cuyahoga County, at least 11,400 children required lead testing. About 33 percent of the children had lead testing done at ages 1 and 2.

There are multiple initiatives, locally and nationally to help reduce the risk factors and eliminate lead poisoning.

Robin Brown serves as the executive director of Concerned Citizens Organized Against Lead (CCOAL). Her daughter, Charmayne, was diagnosed with lead poisoning in 1999 at age 4. Brown started the organization so she could share her story and raise awareness about the dangers of lead poisoning.

“My daughter didn’t show any signs of lead poisoning,” she says. “One of the main concerns about lead is that the symptoms mimic other things.”

When they discovered her daughter’s lead poisoning it was in an “emergency state.”

Brown says, at the time, it was the first time she had heard of lead poisoning. Her experience prompted her to start CCOAL to educate and help other people.

“A lot of people feel like it’s not an issue for them,” Thakur says. “That it’s an urban problem, or that their home may have been built more recently, or that it’s already been renovated. So, a lot of people don’t recognize the dangers in their own homes. I think it’s important to realize, though, that the questions we ask are designed to capture all risks. One of the pitfalls we see, though, is that a child’s own home may be safe, but grandma’s home may be old, or the daycare may be old. So, there are potential risks in other environments in a child’s life that need to be accounted for.”

KEEP THE LEAD OUT

PARENTS CAN KEEP THESE IN MIND TO AVOID LEAD POISONING IN AND AROUND THE HOME:

1. Window sills and doors are at high risk because of the movement. We are opening and closing the doors and windows, and that can lead to more deterioration of the paint. It can cause more chipping, flaking and dust, which can lead to lead poisoning in children living in the home. So, parents should keep children away from those areas, letting children play in areas that are more in the center of the room.

2. It’s also important to clean frequently. So, parents should wet mop rather than sweep, or use a Hepa vacuum, which could be borrowed from most County Board of Health departments

3

. In the winter months, when kids are playing inside the home more, there might be a spike, because they are not playing outside like they normally would. So, they might have a slightly increased risk of exposures in the home during the winter.

4. For the summer months, there can be outside lead contaminations. So, if kids are playing in contaminated soil around the home, they are at an increased risk for lead exposure. Keeping grass or mulch spread over those areas can be helpful in reducing soil contamination.

5. Leaving your shoes at the door when you come into the house is helpful. That way, you’re not tracking leadcontaminated soil through your home.

6. Parents might have an occupational exposure, which means if they work at any occupation that involves lead handling. They could shower at work, if possible, before leaving and change their clothes. If they don’t have facilities at work, then they should come home, shower immediately, and wash their clothing separate from the rest of the family to prevent cross contamination. As best as they can, they should keep shoes and other items outside of the house or main traffic areas.

- Dr. Roopa Thakur, MD

READING ROOM

Here are some recommended reads from Annisha Jeffries, Cleveland Public Library’s Youth Services Manager.

A Polar Bear in the Snow by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Shawn Harris

A polar bear, at first invisible as he blends in with the surrounding whiteness of snow, takes readers on a mysterious journey —past seals, a cave, and even a human. With a burst of blue, readers discover he has arrived at the sea where he takes the plunge for a playful swim.

The Old Truck by Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey

The delightful spreads were created by using over 250 handmade stamps with digital assembly and color from the Pumphrey brothers. The illustrations are deceptively simple, but upon closer examination readers see that the Pumphreys’ created much more complicated, detailed scenes, the illustrations impressively carry three separate stories: the truck, the farm, and the little girl.

And We Rise: The Civil Rights Movement in Poems by

Erica Martin

Short poems use negative space and concrete poetry elements to tell the history of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. The impact of the poems in this powerful, necessary book is strengthened by the layout of the text and drives home the struggle for equality.

Join the Challenge! Cleveland Reads, a citywide reading initiative, is now underway. The goal is for Cleveland residents to collectively read one million books and/or one million minutes in 2023. Sign up at clevelandreads.com.

Helping Others

Give Back in 2023 to Your

Local Food Bank

Families can give back to their communities for people in need throughout 2023. Make it a family habit to support your local food bank to help fight food insecurity in our communities. Here are some ways you can help from the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank:

1. Volunteer! The Foodbank relies on volunteers every day. Sorting food donations, event support, working in the pantry – there are many ways to get involved. 2. Donate! Every dollar counts to help families in need.

Collect food and funds on behalf of the Foodbank.

Host a virtual food drive by creating a personalized online fundraising page and sharing the link with your social networks.

— Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, visit akroncantonfoodbank.org to learn more or see the Foodbank in action by touring the Main Campus in Akron or the Stark County Campus in Canton. Call 330-535-6900 to schedule a tour.

Events and Sensory-Fun for Families

PICK-A-DAY

MONDAY & THURSDAY

Victory Athletics Fitness Program. Provides coaching, training and guidance to children and young adults dealing with mental, physical and emotional disorders. Through 3/27. 5 p.m. Victory Gallop, 1745 N. Hametown Road, Akron, victorygallop.org

WEDNESDAYS

Therapeutic Art Series. A board certified art therapist will lead you through art experiences that focus on using art media for expression and self awareness. Grades 7-12. Through 3/15. 9-10 a.m. North Canton Public Library, 185 N. Main St., ncantonlibrary.com

SATURDAYS

Parent/Child Yoga. Introductory class that incorporates music, story-telling and games in a relaxing, fun environment. Ages 5-8. 1/14-3/4. 9:30-10:15 a.m. Beyond Words, 6048 Royalton Road, N. Royalton, beyondwordscenter.org

SUNDAYS

Sunday Circle. Children gain positive experiences in group activities while receiving one-on-one attention. 12:30-2:30 p.m. Friendship Circle, 27900 Gates Mills Blvd., Pepper Pike, friendscleveland.com

ONGOING

Therapeutic Riding. Horseback riding lessons for individuals with special needs. Chasing Hope Equestrian Center, 17393 Whitehead Road, Lagrange, chasinghopeequestriancenter.org

1/7

Adapted: Become a Master Bubble Maker. Ages 8 and over with disabilities create your own bubble mixture and bubble wands. 1-2:30 p.m. Jordan Creek Park, 7250 Alexander Road, Concord Twp., lakemetroparks.com

I Can Hear You In Many Ways. Grades 2-4 learn about new advances in hearing technology and communication skills for the hearing impaired. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Rocky River Public Library, 1600 Hampton Road, rrpl.org

1/14

Adapted Story Time. For you and your 3-7 year old where children with varying learning styles and abilities learn in a safe, supportive environment. 2 p.m. Lakewood Library, Main Branch, 15425 Detroit Ave., lakewoodpubliclibrary.org

1/16

School’s Out Respite for Children with Special Needs. A safe place for campers to go when school’s out. 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Akron Rotary Camp, 4460 Rex Lake Dr., Akron, gotcamp.org

1/25

Family ECHO Autism Series: Irritability and Challenging Behavior. Learn how to rule out medical conditions that may impact behavior and identify best practices at this virtual program. 4-5:15 p.m. autismcarenetwork@ nationwidechildrens.org

Math Count On in Preschool

By Shana O’Malley-Smith

Preschool establishes the first building blocks for your child’s educational path.

There are many important concepts and subjects that are taught in the early years, including math. While your little one is still many years away from trigonometry and calculus, they are learning basic math skills through games, toys and everyday activities in the preschool classroom.

Carla Kelly, kindergarten teacher, Marcia Seketa, preschool teacher and Paula Weizer, preschool teacher at The Music Settlement share some of the ways children are learning early fundamentals of math.

“Math concepts are mixed into everything we do from counting children standing in line, counting how many crackers we’re eating for a snack, or counting for 20 seconds while

Early arithmetic skills are important in the classroom and at home.

washing our hands,” according to the teachers.

During circle time students might sing songs or read books about numbers, and in science they’ll count, measure and chart objects. During play time children might stack blocks, play with 2D and 3D shapes or string beads together in a pattern.

One of the earliest math skills children learn is counting and recognizing numbers through 10.

Once kids learn to count and identify 1 to 10 numbers, they can begin to learn addition and doubledigit numbers. Counting past 10 and identifying teen numbers can be more challenging for preschoolers.

Other early concepts include learning shapes, sorting objects and recognizing quantities (more/less).

MATH AT HOME

If you’re looking to build your preschooler’s math skills at home, there are some quick and easy activities and games you can try.

Kids love to help, especially in the kitchen. The next time you’re putting a recipe together, find a few ingredients that your child can help with.

“Cooking is another way to include math into each day,” according to Kelly, Seketa and Weizer. “Reading a recipe together and learning about measurement and sequence are math concepts. Even setting the table for a meal: how many forks will we need? All math.”

Encouraging counting at home and asking questions about numbers (how many cars, dinosaurs, etc. do you have, how many plates do we need for the table) are also good ways to build your little one’s number confidence.

It’s important to establish a positive relationship with math early on so children feel confident as they start to learn more advanced math problems. Many people struggle with math or feel intimidated by hard math problems.

“Parents’ attitude and comfort with math or “math -phobia” can impact children,” according to Kelly, Seketa and Weizer. “While we all use math each day, many adults are “fearful” or intimidated by math and consider this an area they are less confident in. In truth, we are all using math, geometry, and number sense all daywhether cooking, driving, shopping or organizing our homes.”

Easy Preschool Math Games

Fill Up:

The child rolls the dice, and counts the dots. Then they fill up the cup with that number of items that matches the number of dots. You can use M&M’s or small erasers or checkers- whatever you have plenty of around the house. You play until your cup is full.

Sensory Bin Number Hunt:

You’ll need a small storage container, about 2 pounds of uncooked rice, construction paper and playing cards.

Go through the deck of cards and take out numbers 2-10. Pour the rice into the storage container and bury the cards. Write numbers 2-10 on the construction paper. As your child pulls out the numbers, have them match the cards to the construction paper. busytoddler.com

Number Hide & Seek:

Grab a few different colors of sticky notes. Write the numbers 1-10 on sticky notes and make a few sets. Place the sticky notes at the child’s eye level around your house. Ask your child to find a certain number. For example, “find all the 3’s,” and have your child grab all the sticky notes that have that number. Repeat until they’ve retrieved all of the sticky notes.

i m p l e m e n t , i s b e i n g f o r m e d ” - D r M a r i a M o n t e s s o r i

PRESCHOOL GUIDEListings

BRIGHT FUTURES PRESCHOOL

Bright Futures

Preschool staff believe learning isn’t one-size-fits-all. The team of passionate and highly educated specialists use a curriculum that provides an individualized educational experience for each student and their unique interests and needs. Bright Futures Preschool, located within Cleveland Sight Center, is open to children age 3-5 and is enriched with technology and equipment that is readily designed and available for those who have low or no vision. Enrollment is open year-round. 216-791-8118 or clevelandsightcenter.org

CANTON COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

Preschool years are transformative years for children, and help to build a child’s emotional, social and personal growth and development during that time. Canton Country Day School, Canton’s premier private school, has provided award-winning, accredited preschool programming for decades to area families. CCDS combines the qualities of community — knowing, loving, and appreciating each and every student for his or her unique gifts.. cantoncountryday.org

CLEVELAND MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Cleveland Montessori has been serving the Little Italy and Greater Cleveland Community for over 25 years, providing an education for life, which celebrates diversity, growth and joy. Students from preschool through eighth grade are met with respect and compassion as they strive to meet their individual potential in prepared classrooms that offer social, emotional and academic experiences in a unique urban setting. Apply now for 2023-24.216-421-0700, info@clevelandmontessori.org, clevelandmontessori.org

CREATIVE PLAYROOMS

Creative Playrooms

Montessori and Child Care Centers

give children a leg up as they begin to climb the ladder of lifetime learning. Their gifted educators help kids fall in love with learning, and their centers focus on enriching the whole child — physically, emotionally, and cognitively — through their traditional and play-based Montessori approach An award-winning childcare provider with six locations and 50+ years of experience in the Greater Cleveland area, they offer multiple programs for infants through school-age. Also, a choice of traditional or montessori programs. creativeplayrooms.com

FIT BY FIVE

“We love getting children ready for kindergarten. It’s our mission!” At Fit by Five, academics & school readiness skills are presented through group activities, relays, concept obstacles, table time and station time. It’s the most all-inclusive-curriculum you’ll find in the area. And they have a lot of fast-paced fun. You will also find plenty of pre-math concepts, numbers, letters, colors, associations, and reading readiness. Please visit this Cuyahoga County’s family owned preschool, since 1969. 440-835-8558, fitbyfive.com

HAWKEN

Hawken’s Early Childhood program

allows your child to experience the joys of childhood while developing foundational knowledge, creative and critical thinking skills, citizenship, and the habits of mind to support lifelong learning. Highlights include introduction to Spanish and Chinese in kindergarten and afternoon enrichment classes in science, movement, visual and dramatic arts, language and culture, and music. Applications are now being accepted for 2023-24. Applicants must be 18 months by Sept. 30. hawken.edu.

LAKE ERIE NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER

As one of the first and largest naturebased preschool programs in the region, Lake Erie Nature & Science Center serves children ages 1 to 6 with age-appropriate activities to support social, physical and academic development. Children explore the wonders of science and nature with hands-on activities, crafts, music, live animal encounters, and planetarium shows. The surrounding 100-acre parkland and access to Lake Erie serve as an extended classroom for outdoor adventures. Learn more at lensc.org/preschool-programs

MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS

Established in 1968, they are a a pre-primary school dedicated to helping each child become the unique person his/her creator intended in a Christian atmosphere of peace, love and respect. Children enter at age 3 and remain through their kindergarten year. The Montessori approach involves: providing comprehensive, individualized opportunities for growth; engaging children in a caring, supportive community; and developing concentration, independence, self-discipline, compassion, confidence, and joy in learning. 216-381-8388, ms-uh.org

THE MUSIC SETTLEMENT

Early Childhood at TMS offers high quality morning & full-day preschool and kindergarten with a creative curriculum that includes music, drama, social-emotional learning, and more. A full foundation for learning, TMS nurtures individuals, fosters brain and social development, builds confidence, encourages expression, and promotes play. Offering generous financial aid options and an inclusive community at campuses in University Circle and Ohio City. Music instruction and music therapy options for all ages are also available at TMS. themusicsettlement.org

OUR LADY OF THE ELMS

For 100 years, Elms students have been encouraged

to explore through play-based learning and hands-on activities. Preschoolers develop kindergarten readiness skills with a focus on pre-literacy through the Scholastic curriculum. Their co-ed preschool program is designed for ages 3-5. Small class sizes allow for personalized instruction. On their 33-acre campus in West Akron students enjoy STEAM projects, music, library time, and urban farming. 1375 West Exchange St., Akron, 330-8369384, theelms.org

Preschool Guide Continued

RUFFING MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Ruffing Montessori School in Cleveland Heights is a vibrant school community

for children ages 18 months through eighth grade. Join them for an admissions event or personal tour to explore Ruffing’s beautiful classrooms and spacious outdoor play spaces, meet our Montessori-trained teachers, and learn about Ruffing’s rigorous curriculum that prepares students to lead and excel academically. Schedule a tour today by calling Julie or Rosie at 216-3217571 or visit ruffingmontessori.net.

SETON CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Seton Catholic School (Full Day PreKindergarten through eighth grade) is a community of educators and families committed to the common goal of providing a rich, faith-filled school experience for students. Their comprehensive curriculum engages students in active, personal learning with an emphasis on problem solving, creativity, and discovery that fosters a lifelong love of learning. The school provides a faith-based education in which academic excellence, citizenship, and service define the experience for every student. setoncatholicschool.org

ST. BARNABAS SCHOOL

St. Barnabas Catholic School is a National Blue Ribbon School of excellence ranging from preschool through eighth grade. Their preschool and full-day pre-kindergarten provides many options for ages 3, 4 and 5. They offer before and after care in their early learning center as well as summer childcare for enrolled students. The school is dedicated to the spiritual, academic, physical and emotional development of students. Apply today for the 2023-2024 school year! 330-467-7921, sbcatholicschool.com

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI SCHOOL

St. Francis of Assisi School, a 3 year old preschool - eighth grade school, is centered on their faith. Students learn about God’s world and what we can do to make it an even better place. While academics are their core, they see their mission as serving the individual students and their God-given gifts and talents. As a result, their students help drive their programs such as the broadcast studio, aquaponics area and service projects. sfaschoolgm.org

ST. SEBASTIAN PARISH CENTER FOR EARLY LEARNING

Established in 2001, the St. Sebastian Parish Center for Early Learning, a Catholic preschool in West Akron, provides a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for the enhancement of each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, spiritual and physical potential. Offering full day and half day programs ages 3 to 5. All classes taught by degreed teachers. 500 Mull Avenue, Akron, 330-836-9107, stsebastian.org/school

STEP FORWARD

Step Forward helps ensure every child has the opportunity to begin their education right and develops a love of learning from the start. Head Start serves preschoolers from ages 3-5. Head Start combines classroom instruction, learning through play and field trips for a rich educational environment that engages children. This early childhood education is available at 10 sites throughout Cuyahoga County or offered at home, and is at no cost to income-eligible families. stepforwardtoday.org

THE TUTTI MUSIC PROGRAM

The Tutti Music Program is a bilingual (English/ Spanish) music school that offers customized early childhood music sessions and educational concerts for preschools, child care institutions, libraries, and schools as well as private cello lessons for children. “Serving and honoring childhood every step of the way.” Instructor: Carolina Borja, M.Mus., Fulbright Scholar, Certified Suzuki Cello and Early Childhood Music Educator. tuttiprogram@gmail.com, 216-816-0164, tuttimusicprogram.com

6Ways to Help Kids Be Independent

By: Alexandria Lacay

You’re running late for morning drop-off, and your son yells, “Mom, did you pack my lunch?” No, it slipped your mind when the puppy ran out the front door and darted down the street. A moment of panic, a few figure-skating moves through the kitchen, and that crisis is averted. As you drive, you think  he’s 8-yearsold now. Should he pack his own lunch? There is a good chance the answer is yes.

We want our children to be independent, right? However, we don’t always set them up for it. Jessica Ontko Freeman, a licensed therapist and Northeast Ohio native, provides some ways to encourage selfdirection in our elementary-aged children.

1. Give it time. Creating a more independent child doesn’t happen overnight. There may be some pushback or regression, which is okay—talk it through with them and consider their circumstances. Maybe they are tired or sick or overstimulated. Taking a moment to listen to their concerns can go a long way toward building communication and trust.

2. Set routines and schedules. As adults, we are more productive when we have an agenda—kids are the same. Meals, school, and bedtime routines are great places to start. A child could help by setting up or clearing the table after a meal. This chore will teach them that they are a valued asset to the family while increasing their self-confidence, an essential component on the path to independence.

3. Use checklists and visual aids. Lists keep us parents on track, and no doubt one will help your kiddo, too.

If your child is a visual learner, consider a visual schedule with pictures of the task, such as a lunch box for packing lunch. Maybe your child prefers to check a box instead. Either way, incorporate your child in the process by making one together. If that isn’t an option, many free, editable templates are online.

4. Don’t overwhelm them. As parents, we never mean to overload our children, but sometimes we forget they are still learning. Freeman says we can prevent this “by keeping things simple and working our way up to more complex tasks as we meet the child where they are.” Yes, it may take more effort on your part, but you’ll instill habits that last a lifetime while accompanying them on their journey to independence.

5. Model the expected behavior. Routines and schedules are great, but to set our children up for success, we may need to teach them how to complete a task. If you want your seven-year-old to put her laundry away, show her how you do it; it is helpful for our youngsters to see us practicing what we preach. You can turn this into an opportunity for bonding and sharing your childhood experience with the chore.

6. Provide praise. Be your child’s cheerleader. Maybe your son is still struggling to tie his shoes, but he put them on the correct feet today. “Following up with positive words of encouragement is equally as important as picking out the small positives,” Freeman adds. Kind words help our children feel loved and accepted and build their self-esteem and self-efficacy—more foundational stones on the path to independence.

Combat Learning Loss A t -Home

As students come back to school from winter break, many students lose skills they developed from the first semester. We discuss how teachers are combating learning loss and how parents can help.

Dr. Michelle Harris, director of middle school at Hawken School says most teachers

By Georgia Lattas

begin the school year by reviewing what was taught in the previous grade.

“They’re looking back and building on those foundational skills, whether it’s literacy or writing, or quantitative analysis in terms of mathematics," she says.

Harris says it is important for teachers to take note of what skills students may lose over winter break or any other extended peri-

od of time away from school.

“If schools have the flexibility and agency to take stock of where their students are in terms of potential learning loss and then address those skills or potential skill deficits, that’s key,” Harris says. “Also, not all students suffer learning loss in the same way. Teachers should be mindful of that and should be mindful

of the students that are more on point or have kept up, and honor where they are as well.”

“We build that bridge by having content that reflects what they’ve already learned,” Harris adds. “We want the material to look familiar. We want kids to feel competent and good. The content then grows in complexity. So it’s about engaging students in different ways with the material, starting with material that’s very accessible because it’s familiar and ending with material that is an introduction to what’s coming the following year.”

There are many ways that parents can help combat learning loss. Find ways that will effectively engage your child — for example, if your child loves video games, try finding an educational online game that will help your child retain their reading and math skills.

“If you have a child who’s a voracious reader, then a trip to Barnes and Noble is heaven,” Harris says. “A bookstore for them is a space where they feel comfortable, where they feel capable, and where they feel confident. Taking them to the bookstore will be a great opportunity to advance their reading skills. If your child loves testing themselves, go on to Khan Academy and do math games. Maybe

a parent and a child can have a little contest about who gets through the most problems. Find something that is interesting. Go outside on a hike and come back and just talk about what they saw.”

For parents who feel like their child is falling behind, Harris says it is best to first bring up your concerns to their teacher.

“Reach out to the teacher first to find out what is happening, because

sometimes it might be a reflection of low skills,” Harris says. “The teacher may have their specific suggestions for how to catch up. It might be not so much that they’re struggling in math or reading, but that they’re struggling with organizational skills, study skills, etc. They may be a strong math student, but they’re not submitting their homework in a timely manner, or they’re not studying effectively so they perform poorly on the test but they really do understand the concepts.”

1. ENCOURAGE READING FOR FUN

Encourage your child to choose books that they are interested in. Students can read mystery books, science books, history books — any subject that they are interested in. Set a goal with your child. Have your child finish one book in a certain amount of time and reward them with something they like (video games, a new toy, etc) if they complete their goal.

2. FIND A READING PROGRAM

Many libraries offer reading programs. This is a great way for your child to engage with reading while also enhancing their social skills. Most libraries offer prizes or rewards for hitting a certain reading goal.

3. ENGAGE WITH READING WHILE ON VACATION

If you are planning on visiting a new city or state, find books set in that city/ state. If you are visiting a museum or zoo or aquarium, have children read each info marker and ask them what they learned about in each exhibit.

4. HEAD OUTDOORS

Go outside —take a walk, do a fun winter activity like a hike or go sledding. Count how many steps you take, count how many people are sledding —incorporate fun ways to practice your math skills. Write down everything you see – and write a story about the objects you saw outside.

Here are four ways parents can help reduce learning loss when at home:

Winter & Spring Open Houses

Open house events are an ideal way for parents and students to ask questions, meet faculty and see if a particular school is the right fit. Private and other schools across Northeast Ohio offer families many opportunities to visit their campuses. Check the following schools in the Greater Cleveland area for open houses and private tours during the 2022-23 school year.

Before attending an open house, please check the school’s website for event registration or RSVP requirements and to verify times and dates of in-person open houses. Also, any health guidelines for visitors.

Submit your open house to openhouse@northeastohioparent.com

BENEDICTINE

HIGH SCHOOL

2900 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Cleveland 216-421-2080, cbhs.net April 23: 11 a.m.

CLEVELAND

MONTESSORI SCHOOL

12510 Mayfield Road, Cleveland 216-421-0700, clevelandmontessori.org Jan. 18: 5:30-7 p.m.

CHAPEL HILL

CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

South Campus 1639 Killian Road, Akron 330-583-4922,

chapelhillchristianschool.org

Jan. 21: 10 a.m.-noon

Jan. 24: 6-7:30 p.m.

North Campus 1090 Howe Ave., Cuyahoga Falls 330-583-1949, chapelhillchristianschool.org Jan. 21: 10 a.m.-noon Jan. 24: 6-7:30 p.m.

GLOBAL AMBASSADORS LANGUAGE ACADEMY (GALA)

13442 Lorain Ave., Cleveland 216-315-7942, gala-prek8.org

Jan. 7, Feb. 4, March 4, April 15, May 13, June 3: 10-11:30 a.m. Jan. 10, Feb. 7, March 7, April 18, May 9, June 6: 5-6:30 p.m.

HAWKEN SCHOOL

Lower & Middle Schools 5000 Clubside Road, Lyndhurst 440-423-4446, hawken.edu

April 16: 1 p.m.

Upper School 12465 County Line Road, Gates Mills 440-423-4446, hawken.edu

April 23: 1 p.m.

Birchwood School of Hawken 4400 W. 140th St., Cleveland 216-251-2321, birchwoodschool.org Jan. 23: 2 p.m.

Mastery School 11025 Magnolia Dr., Cleveland 440-423-4446, hawken.edu April 30: 1 p.m.

HERSHEY

MONTESSORI

Upper School - Huntsburg Campus

11530 Madison Road, Huntsburg Twp. 440-636-6290, hersheymontessori.org Feb. 13, April 10, May 8: 9-11 a.m.

Lower School - Concord Campus 10229 Prouty Road, Concord Twp. 440-357-0918, hersheymontessori.org Feb. 8, March 8, April 12, May 10: 9-11 a.m. - CONTINUED ON PAGE 26-

Winter & Spring Open Houses Continued

LAKEWOOD

CATHOLIC ACADEMY

14808 Lake Ave., Lakewood 216-521-0559, lcasaints.com

Jan. 29: Noon-1 p.m.

LAUREL SCHOOL

Lyman Campus

1 Lyman Circle, Shaker Hts. 216-464-1441, laurelschool.org

From: Jan 7: 9-11 a.m. (Early Learners-PreK)

To: Jan 7: 9-11 a.m. (Early Learners-PreK)

April 15: 9-11 a.m. (All-School Open House)

Butler Campus 7420 Fairmount Road, Novelty 216-464-1441, laurelschool.org

April 15: 9-11 a.m. (All-School Open House)

THE MUSIC SETTLEMENT’S CENTER

FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD University Circle Campus 11125 Magnolia Dr., Cleveland 216-421-5806, themusicsettlement.org Jan 22: 1-2:30 p.m.

Ohio City Campus 2610 Detroit Ave., Cleveland 216-377-1410, themusicsettlement.org Jan 22: 1-2:30 p.m.

OLD TRAIL SCHOOL

2315 Ira Road, Bath 330-666-1118, oldtrail.org April 13: 5-7 p.m.

OUR LADY OF THE ELMS

1375 W. Exchange St., Akron 330-836-9384, theelms.org Jan. 29: Noon-2 p.m.

OUR SHEPHERD LUTHERAN SCHOOL

508 Mentor Ave., Painesville 440-357-7776, oslpainesville.org Feb 4: 10 a.m-1 p.m. (Kindergarten information meeting and whole school open house)

PARMA HEIGHTS

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

8971 West Ridgewood Dr., Parma Heights 440-845-8668, phcawarriors.com Feb 4: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

RUFFING

MONTESSORI SCHOOL

3380 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights 216-321-7571, ruffingmontessori.net Jan. 21: Noon- 2 p.m. (Open House) Jan. 9: 1 p.m. (Toddler Parent Preview)

SETON CATHOLIC SCHOOL

6923 Stow Road, Hudson 330-342-4200, setoncatholicschool.org Jan. 29: 2-4 p.m.

ST. BERNADETTE SCHOOL 2300 Clague Road, Westlake 440-734-7717, stbern.net Jan. 29: 1-3 p.m.

ST. FRANCIS

OF ASSISI SCHOOL

6850 Mayfield Road, Gates Mills 440-442-7450, sfaschoolgm.org Jan. 29: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

ST. SEBASTIAN PARISH SCHOOL Day School (K-8)

500 Mull Avenue, West Akron 330-836-9107, stsebastian.org/school Jan. 29: 10 a.m.-noon

St. Sebastian Center for Early Learning 500 Mull Avenue, West Akron 330-836-9107, stsebastian.org/school Jan. 29: 10 a.m.-noon

ST. HILARY SCHOOL

645 Moorfield Road, Fairlawn 330-867-8720, st-hilaryschool.org Jan. 29: Noon-2 p.m.

VILLA ANGELA-ST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL

18491 Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland 216-481-8414, vasj.com March 8, check website for info.

LOOKING UP

By Georgia Lattas

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? Chances are, you said an astronaut. Space is fascinating to kids and adults alike, and it’s a great way to introduce kids to science, technology, engineering and math – better known as STEM.

While the space world is constantly developing new technology and scheduling new missions, kids and families here on Earth can partake in space-related activities to get a taste of the STEM world.

With space exploration on the rise, help kids discover STEM with these activities.

EXplore at-home

There are lots of space activities kids and families can do. NASA’s website (nasa.gov/stem) has a whole list for kids in kindergarten through 12. Here’s a few to try.

MAKE ASTEROIDS YOU CAN EAT:

INGREDIENTS:

• Potatoes - enough to make 4 to 8 cups of mashed potatoes. You can use frozen mashed potatoes or you can use fresh mashed potatoes (takes about 5 pounds to make 6 cups of mashed potatoes). Or you can use instant mashed potatoes. (Just don’t make them too soft.)

• 1 cup grated cheddar (or other kind) cheese

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) of butter or margarine

• Salt and pepper, as you like it

• Extra butter or margarine to grease the cookie sheet and, if you like, to melt over the hot asteroids before you eat them

UTENSILS:

Depending on how you make your mashed potatoes, you might need a pot and a potato masher or electric mixer

Mixing bowl and spoon Oven mitt or pot holders

Cookie sheet

DIRECTIONS:

1. Turn on your oven to 375° Fahrenheit

2. Take a little slice of the butter or margarine and rub it evenly on the cookie sheet so the asteroids won’t stick. (You might want to use a paper towel for this so your fingers don’t get all messy—yet!)

3. Make the mashed potatoes. Make a lot (8 cups) or a little (4 cups).

4. Add the cheese (if you want), butter, salt and pepper to the potatoes and mix well. The mixture should stick together. If it’s too dry, add a little milk. If it’s too moist, add a little flour (start with 2 tablespoons).

5. Take a handful of potatoes (about 1/2 cup or more) and shape it into your own idea of an interesting asteroid shape. Use your fingers to poke dents in it for craters.

6. Set the asteroid on the greased cookie sheet.

7. Use all the potatoes to make asteroids. (If you have lots of asteroids, you may need another cookie sheet. Or bake the first ones, then re-grease the cookie sheet and make some more).

8. Put the cookie sheet full of asteroids in the hot oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are brown. Using the hot pads or oven mitt, remove the cookie sheet from the oven, and using the large spoon, transfer the asteroids to a serving plate.

9. Enjoy your asteroids.

Red and blue food coloring

• Two bowls • Glitter • Wax paper • Measuring cups: 1/2 cup and 1 cup

1. In one bowl, mix 1/2 cup of glue with 1/2 cup of water. Stir it together; it will mix nicely. 2. Add food coloring to the glue and water mixture. We used 6 drops of blue and 3 drops of red to get a nice, dark purple color.

In the other bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of borax with 1 cup of lukewarm water. 4. Stir until the borax is dissolved. This takes a while, so you have to be patient. If you skip this step, your slime will not come together very well. 5. Stir, stir, stir, until you don’t feel the crunch of the solid bits of borax on the bottom. The water will start to look a little cloudy.

Add the purple glue mixture to your borax water, stirring slowly as you pour it.

You’ll see the slime start to form. Stir as much as you can. Use your hands to get in there and work it around.

Take your glob of slime out of the bowl and put it on your wax paper. It’s okay if there is some water left behind. 9. It’s time to add some glitter galaxies! Flatten out your slime and spread glitter over the top. You can use any color or combination of colors, but lighter ones will work best because they will stand out against the dark purple. 10. Fold your slime in half to seal in the glitter. Then press it out and fold it over again. 11. Keep pressing and folding and watch as the glitter spreads throughout your slime. 12. Play with your handheld universe and watch it stretch and expand.

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES

Take your future astronaut to the Nasa Glenn Visitor Center at the Great Lakes Science Center.

Here, your kids can build a high-powered paper rocket and launch it using an air compressor. They can touch a real rocket engine and see how the parts move, how it moves fuel from the fuel chamber, and how it propels thrust out of the engine. Also, see real spacesuits that were used by astronauts and learn how they eat, sleep, live and work on the International Space Station.

“The Great Lakes Science Center is one of only 11 official NASA visitor centers in the country and the only one that’s in this region in this part of the country,” says JonDarr Bradshaw, a former NASA educator and currently with the Great Lakes Science Center STEM Education team in Cleveland. “Where else can you come and see such extraordinary things? We have amazing videos, photographs, models and movies. We have artifacts that have actually floated in space and we even have an Apollo command module that spent nearly two months in space that flew back in 1973 on the Skylab 2 mission. You can reach out and touch history and that is so cool.”

Visit greatscience.com

WHAT’S NEW IN SPACE: FUN FACTS TO SHARE

(WITH ACTIVITY IDEAS TO TRY)

Do you know what's happening with the recent space developments? JonDarr Bradshaw, a former NASA educator and currently with the Great Lakes Science Center STEM Education team in Cleveland shares with us some fun facts to help your kids learn. Also, activities to try.

FACT: The Artemis 1 mission: NASA’s Artemis 1 mission launched on Nov. 16 on a test flight to return astronauts to the moon. Artemis 1 is the first test flight of NASA’s new Space Launch System mega rocket and the Orion spacecraft. Artemis 1 splashed down on Dec. 11. The spacecraft will be traveling at around 25,000 miles an hour.

“The most important test is reentering the Earth’s atmosphere,” Bradshaw says. "With the successful completion of this test, we will refurbish that spacecraft and get it ready to carry our first astronauts back to the moon in more than 50 years.”

ACTIVITY IDEAS: Explore the 1969 moon landing with your kids. Re-create a moon landing, read books about Astronaut Neil Armstrong or draw photos of the moon's surface.

FACT: On January 18, 2022 astronauts were selected to go to the moon and have already begun their training. This is the most diverse group of astronauts selected ever, as half of them are people of color, and half of them are women.

ACTIVITY IDEAS: Have a pretend astronaut training session and discuss what they do and wear. Read books about famous woman astronauts or people of color.

FACT: Currently, six astronauts are living at the International Space Station and crew rotation is expected around February. SpaceX, one of NASA’s commercial partners, will be launching the Crew-6 mission and there will be four astronauts on this mission, which is scheduled to launch February 19.

SpaceX Crew-6 is planned to be the sixth crewed operational NASA Commercial Crew flight of a Crew Dragon spacecraft, and the tenth overall crewed orbital flight.

ACTIVITY IDEAS: Watch movies about living in space. Watch previous launches and discuss what astronauts do in space. Define gravity and how it impacts the crew. Re-create a space launch with supplies at-home.

Tours, free Workshops, & Contests for Middle & High School Students!

The 15th Annual Stop the Hate: ® Youth Speak Out essay contest and Youth Sing Out song writing contest celebrates students committed to creating a more accepting, inclusive society. Each year, through the generosity of a donor, the Maltz Museum awards $100,000 in scholarships and anti-bias education grants in recognition of 6–12th grade upstanders. Will you or your school be the next winner?

Learn more on our new Stop the Hate Learning Portal plus access free anti-bias education tools

Take a Stop the Hate Digital Tour with optional activities

Book a Classroom Workshop with Roots of American Music (songwriting) or Lake Erie Ink (essay writing)

To learn more about the Stop the Hate program please visit learn.maltzmuseum.org

Enter the Stop the Hate contest as a class (Youth Sing Out) or as an individual (Youth Speak Out)

GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER

The Science Center is home to the NASA Glenn Visitor Center and makes science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) come alive for more than 300,000 visitors a year through hundreds of hands-on exhibits, temporary exhibitions, the Cleveland Clinic DOME Theater, historic Steamship William G. Mather, daily science demonstrations, seasonal camps, and more. The Science Center is Northeast Ohio’s STEM HQ and believes there’s no better way to learn STEM than by doing STEM. Visit greatscience.com

HAWKEN SCHOOL

Hawken’s STEMM program provides guided research in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Medicine. Scientific Research I and II develop scientific reading comprehension, critical thinking and research skills; Scientific Research III develops skills in scientific writing and oral presentation in preparation for

Hawken’s annual STEMM Research Symposium and the Northeast Ohio Science and Engineering Fair (NEOSEF), where they have garnered many accolades. For six of the last 10 years, at least one Hawken student has received a grand prize at the NEOSEF, earning an all-expense paid trip to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Visit hawken.edu.

LAKE RIDGE ACADEMY

Lake Ridge Academy’s K-12 STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts/ design, mathematics) curriculum encourages innovative thinking and problem solving and is augmented by extensive hands-on learning opportunities delivered inside one of the most advanced science and engineering facilities in the area. Its graduates are often sought by leading engineering and research universities. 37501 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville, 440-327-11755. lakeridgeacademy.org

MAGNIFICAT HIGH SCHOOL

Magnificat High School is a girls’ Catholic, collegepreparatory high school that prepares young women to learn, lead, and

serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat. Students with diverse backgrounds and aspirations are given the tools to reach their academic goals as well as the flexibility to discover new interests and talents. Hands-on learning, service, faith formation, and leadership opportunities enrich the educational experience, along with engaging advanced electives, myriad clubs, and competitive athletics magnificaths.org

MENLO PARK ACADEMY

Menlo Park Academy’s STEAM program avails benefits of STEM principles enhanced by integration with elements of design, aesthetics, wonder, creativity, inquiry, art, and innovation. They design project based lessons via their art curriculum to their project based mathematics program and incorporate the use of their Maker Space and Design Lab (K-8). Your gifted children can let their imagination and passions find belonging at Ohio’s #1 K-8 community school (niche.com). Visit menloparkacademy.com

Great Lakes Science Center, a top three finisher in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award for Best Science Museum, celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022. The Science Center is home to the NASA Glenn Visitor Center and makes science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) come alive for more than 300,000 visitors a year through hundreds of hands-on exhibits, temporary exhibitions, the Cleveland Clinic DOME Theater, historic Steamship William G. Mather, daily science demonstrations, seasonal camps, and more.

The Science Center is Northeast Ohio’s STEM HQ and believes there’s no better way to learn STEM than by doing STEM. So, if your kids are the type who thrive on the fun of learning new things in an interactive, hands-on environment, then Camp Curiosity is for them! The Science Center’s week-long, day camps for kids in grades K-6 feature new challenges and unforgettable science adventures every summer!

This year’s camp themes include paleontology, biomimicry, marine biology, Minecraft, engineering, LEGOs, space, chemistry, robotics, games and sports!

Camp Curiosity kicks off June 5 and

runs through the week of August 14. Camp activities are scaled for each age group and scholarships are available for those who qualify. Stackable discounts, and before- and after-care are available. Registration opens soon, check the Science Center’s website at GreatScience.com or follow the Science Center on social media for more information. Camp Curiosity is presented by Timken.

And, don’t miss the two latest films in the DOME Theater, “Ireland,” an Emerald Isle travelogue featuring narration by Liam

Neeson, and “Sea Lions — Life by a Whisker” about a family of Australian sea lions and the marine park ranger dedicated to saving the species.

The Science Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit institution, is supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. Plan your visit at GreatScience.com.

WINTER FUN LISTINGS

Lorain County Metro Parks

The Lorain County Metro Parks is the place to be this winter. Hide from the stress of the world and escape to the outdoors to explore the sights of the season. With sledding hills, snowshoe rentals, miles of trails and a chance to see wildlife in winter — there’s something for everyone. Come enjoy nature nearby. For more information on programs, events, opportunities for take-home crafts and virtual programming, visit loraincountymetroparks.com or follow on Facebook.

Beck Center for the Arts

Beck Center for the Arts is a non-profit performing arts and arts education organization in Lakewood. Beck Center combines professional theater productions with comprehensive, curriculum-based arts education to create arts experiences for all ages and abilities. Beck Center houses multiple performance spaces and produces live theater performances for children, teens, and adults. Beck Center offers classes in creative arts therapies, music, theater, dance, and visual art while fostering a diverse, inclusive, and safe environment. Visit beckcenter.org

The Fine Arts Association

Warm Up with The ARTS! Yes, it is a great idea to get your kids to go play out in the snow, but what happens 10 minutes later? They are freezing cold and in their bedrooms on their devices. We have just the thing to get them moving with art, music, theatre, or dance classes at The Fine Arts Association. The Winter/Spring semester begins on January 23, 2023 and is packed with offerings for every age level, in every discipline. fineartsassociation.org

By Denise Koeth

Winter has settled over Northeast Ohio and is here to stay for quite some time. Even if it’s not your favorite season — after all, it’s the one that brings months of slippery roads, shoveling snow and frigid temperatures — it’s still a great time to get outdoors and have fun with your family. Besides, any excursion that ends with hot cocoa by a warm fire is bound to be a crowd-pleaser, right?

With just a few inches of snow, the area’s parks turn into a winter wonderland that abounds with adventure for parents and kids, from toddlers to teens. Take an old family favorite to a new location with our sledding hill suggestions, or try something new and have everyone strap on a pair of snowshoes. Either way, you can plan a fun family outing using this guide as inspiration.

Dress for Success

When it comes to winter comfort, focus on well-fitting, lightweight layers. Climbing a sledding hill repeatedly or snowshoeing across a snowy field are both cardio activities, so it’s important not to overdress (and overheat).

The experts at REI recommend a lightweight, water- and wind-resistant shell jacket to wear over a thermal top. When it comes to pants, ideal options feature a synthetic or wool material that’s brushed on the inside, with a tight water-repelling shell on the outside. Pants should be loose enough to allow movement, but not baggy. Long underwear layers should be lightweight and made of wool or synthetic fabrics that wick moisture and dry quickly (cotton gets cold when wet).

Choose socks made of wool or synthetic fibers and make sure they fit with the child’s boots or shoes. Hiking or ski socks are great options. A lightweight wool or synthetic hat that fits well is best for chilly weather.

Go with a light pair of synthetic or wool gloves. Reinforced palms will help with durability and water resistance. For chilly days, note that mittens are warmer than gloves. For very cold, wet conditions, add insulating, waterproof/ breathable shell gloves.

Sledding Safety

Akron Children’s Hospital stresses that while a family sledding trip is fun, it’s also important to stay safe as there is a risk of injury. It recommends the following tips:

• Use a sled that has brakes and can be steered.

• Wear a helmet (a winter sports helmet is best, but a bike helmet is better than none at all).

• Find a hill that is not too steep and has a long, flat area at the bottom so there is a place to glide to a stop.

• Avoid hills that end near streets, ponds, trees, fences or other hazards.

• Make sure the hill does not have bumps, rocks, poles or trees in the sledding path.

• Children ages 5 and younger should sled with an adult, and kids under 12 should be watched at all times.

• Sit face-forward on the sled with feet facing downhill. Never go down the hill face-first and never stand on a sled.

• Go down the hill one at a time and with only one person per sled (except for adults with young kids).

• Keep arms and legs within the sled at all times.

• Walk up the side of the hill and leave the middle open for other sledders.

Top Sledding Spots

We’re fortunate to have dozens of sledding spots that offer a range of mild hills and steeper thrills to accommodate sledders of all ages. Some are lit after dark, while others offer adjacent picnic shelters, warming fires and other amenities. Here are a few options:

Cleveland Metroparks: clevelandmetroparks.com, Big Creek Reservation — Engle Road sled riding hill and Memphis sledding hill, 5247-5225 Big Creek Pkwy., Parma

Geauga Park District: geaugaparkdistrict.org, Orchard Hills Park, 11340 Caves Road, Chester Twp.

Lake Metroparks: lakemetroparks.com, Chapin Forest Reservation, 10381 Hobart Road, Kirtland

Lorain County Metro Parks: loraincountymetroparks.com, Cascade Park, 387 Furnace St., Elyria

Medina County Park District: medinacountyparks.com, Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park, 4985 Windfall Road, Medina

Portage Park District: portageparkdistrict.org, Towner’s Woods Park, 2264 Ravenna Road, Kent

Stark Parks: starkparks.com, Petros Lake Park, 3519 Perry Drive SW, Canton

Summit Metro Parks: summitmetroparks.org, Sand Run Metro Park, North Hawkins Area, 800 N. Hawkins Ave., Akron

Snowshoeing 101

For a slower-paced winter adventure that allows for greater appreciation of the scenery, consider snowshoeing. Aside from the shoes themselves, all it takes is three or four inches of snow, warm clothes and a good pair of boots to explore the winter wonderland in a new way.

If it’s your family’s first time, consider renting snowshoes from area park districts (more info below). If you’ve moved past the novice stage and your kids enjoy the activity, you may want to consider purchasing snowshoes for each family member. While this does require an investment, you can find a decent pair of snowshoes for roughly the same cost as a quality pair of boots.

The best news is that kids shouldn’t outgrow their snowshoes for many seasons, since fitment is based on weight, not shoe size, and most youth snowshoes are one size fits all.

Snowshoe bindings are easily adjustable and accommodate multiple types of footwear, from sneakers to ski boots.

REI recommends lightweight, insulated winter boots with good ankle flex. When fitting the binding on the shoe or boot, make sure the straps are snug, but not so tight that they interfere with circulation.

Once a child weighs more than 80 or 90 pounds, REI says the best bet is to choose a snowshoe designed for women, since they are lighter, narrower and shorter than standard unisex snowshoes.

When walking, remember that snowshoes don’t go in reverse, so be sure to move forward and make wide U-turns to change direction. For practice, try showshoeing on a level surface like an open field or your own backyard. Consider joining a group or taking a class offered by a local park system. Once everyone in the family has mastered the basics, you’ll be ready for more challenging terrain like short hiking trails and rolling hills.

Snowshoe Rentals

Northeast Ohio offers several options when it comes to renting or borrowing snowshoes. If you’re interested in giving the sport a try, check out one of the following locations:

Cleveland Metroparks: Snowshoe rentals are available at Big Met Golf Course (4811 Valley Pkwy., Fairview Park), Hinckley Lake Boathouse & Store (1 West Drive, Hinckley), and North Chagrin Nature Center (401 Buttermilk Falls Pkwy., Willoughby).

Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Snowshoe rentals are available on weekends at the Winter Sports Center at M.D. Garage (1550 Boston Mills Road, Peninsula) when there is six or more inches of snow. Rentals are available on weekdays at Boston Mill Visitors Center (6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula). Snowshoes may be used on nearby trails. (nps.gov/cuva)

Geauga Park District: Snowshoe borrowing is available at West Woods Nature Center (9465 Kinsman Road, Russell Twp.).

Lake Metroparks: Rentals are available by reservation at the Chapin Forest Pine Lodge Ski Center (10381 Hobart Road, Kirtland), and on a first on a first-come, firstserved basis at the Penitentiary Glen Nature Center (8668 Kirtland Chardon Road, Willoughby).

Stark Parks: Rentals are available at Quail Hollow Park (13480 Congress Lake Ave., Hartville).

Summit Metroparks: Free snowshoe borrowing is offered at Liberty Park Nature Center (9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg).

As any parent knows, no family outing can be successful without snacks. Be sure to bring plenty of water in order to stay hydrated, as well as warm cider or hot chocolate for a sweet treat.

7 Ways to Conquer Fears

(Yes, You Parents) About Sending Kids To Summer Camp

By Ginny McCabe

Whether you’re planning for a day camp or an overnight camp, there are several ways to conquer your fears and minimize the anxiety.

“One of the things we all have to acknowledge

is the fear for your children is real, and the anxiety involved is real, so you have to deal with it and there are a variety of steps you can take to recognize and work through it,” says Dave Devey, director/owner of Falcon Camp in Carrollton.

He says other common fears parents are concerned about include, “Are they going to make friends?” “Are they going to get along?” “What’s the food like?” “What are the camp rules for communication?” If they are younger children, “Who’s going to tuck them in at night?” “What happens if they wet the bed?” or “What happens if they don’t feel well, or they get sick?”

“I often say to parents, use your gut feelings, use your instincts as a parent,” Devey says. “If you’re not comfortable with some answers you’re getting, look somewhere else. There are lots of different programs. Not every program is best suited for your child, so you have to sort some of that out, and you’ll feel better as you do.”

Rhonda Rickelman, director of auxiliary programming at Gilmour Academy says it’s normal to be nervous or anxious but parents shouldn’t dwell on the “what if’s?”

“It’s important to dwell on what is going to happen and focus on what will be there,” she says. “There will be people there that will care for you. There will be safety in the activities children participate in.”

Eric Stinehelfer, executive director at YMCA of Greater Cleveland, French Creek Family YMCA says it’s essential for parents to understand the camp’s policies and procedures, because every camp is a little different.

Read on as these area camp experts offer insight on seven of parents' most common fears about sending kids to camp and why that anxiety is normal.

1. Health and Safety of Your Child is a No. 1 Priority

“As a parent, I can’t imagine anything more important than the health and safety of your child, so, that’s going to be number one on everyone’s list,” Devey says.

Rickelman adds parents often worry that kids will be injured, harmed, or bullied.

“In most camp brochures, it will say we will contact you, or the nurse will take care of cuts, bruises and things like that,” she says. “Anything more than that, we’ll call home for, so you know you’ll be getting a call about those kinds of things.”

2. Calming a Fear of the Unknown

Many parents and their kids often have a fear of the unknown. Parents have questions like, “Who is the camp staff?” “Who are the people that will be caring for my child, and how will they care for my child?”

One way to put a fear of the unknown to rest is communication with the camp director, who is usually a phone call or an

email away. Another helpful tip is to learn more about the camp’s staff.

Another way to face these common fears is to talk with other parents about their camp experiences.

“I just answered an email from a brand-new family who has never been to camp before, and they wanted to know if they can speak with someone else in their child’s age group who went to camp last year, so mom and mom can talk or mom and dad can connect, or whoever,” Devey says. “It was a mom that wrote to me. I wrote back and said absolutely. Here’s 10 names of families who came last year that you can call and talk with them. So, that helps lower the anxiety level when you can talk with other people.”

3. Making New Friends at Camp

“What do I do if my child is new, and they don’t know anyone?” is another top question camp counselors frequently answer. Camps have plans and activities in place to help campers make new friends.

“Here at our branch, at our camp last summer, we had about 130 kids a day in our camps,” Stinehelfer says. “They are going to make new friends. That’s what kids do. So, I’d be pretty confident that kids would come away with at least a couple new friends.”

Rickelman adds the camp staff know what to do if they see kids aren’t making friends or being accepted.

“Parents sometimes worry that kids won’t be liked, they won’t make friends, they’ll be rejected, or they won’t be accepted,” she says. “That’s the camp’s job to make that work, and if there needs to be a conversation about that, the camp should have a conversation with the parent if things are not going well. I know at our camp, we don’t let that go. If in the first four hours we’re finding that this kind of stuff isn’t happening, we will call the parents and say, ‘what can we do to make this better?’”

4.

Camp Rules Provide

Guidance for All

Stinehelfer says that seeking information from each camp and reviewing their policies and procedures is helpful in preparing for camp.

“Almost every camp has a parent handbook that has everything documented from lunches, breaks and swimming procedures to discipline policies, what they can bring to camp and what they can’t bring to camp,” he says.

Then, if parents still have questions, Stinehelfer stresses, they can call the camp director, have a conversation and ask those questions. “Getting that information firsthand, always gives you peace of mind as a parent,” he says.

“Part of the idea of raising children is to raise them to be independent, and to be able to make decisions, and be able to have the selfconfidence to stand on their own two feet,” Devey says. “And going away to camp is wonderful prep work for some of those kinds of things. It’s important for us as parents to recognize that. You want to help your child grow, and be able to make decisions, so they can be independent.”

Going to a camp open house is also beneficial for parents and children alike. This experience will allow families to see what the camp has to offer. Plus, they will have an opportunity to meet camp team members and engage with other kids and families.

5. Communicating with My Child at Camp

Parents often want to know if they will be able to communicate with their child, because most camps encourage kids to put their cell phones and tablets away so they can be present for the experiences at camp.

Devey says camps will often post pictures throughout the week. That’s one of the ways camps can let parents know what’s going on. Another way to keep in touch with your child throughout the week is for parents to write their kids nice notes or letters before they leave for camp that can be placed in a child’s backpack or suitcase.

“Make them positive, so kids will get excited about what they are learning or doing,” Devey says. “You can’t say, Gosh,

I’m writing because I miss you so much. You’re creating anxiety for yourself and for your child.”

Most camp directors feel like camp should be a time where kids can unplug. This allows kids to focus on the camp experience. The benefits of disconnecting can include connecting with other campers, giving kids a break from being in front of a screen, or allowing kids to experience something different, like exploring outdoors, or participating in an activity.

6. Camp Food and What Your Child Will Eat

Going into camp, parents always want to know “What kind of food will they have at camp? Or “What are kids going to do for meals?” To go along with that, personal care is another concern parents wrestle with. They worry about things like if kids are going to brush their teeth, or change their clothes, and who is going to look after them when it comes to things like that, especially with younger children.

Parents should also communicate their child’s needs with the camp, so the camp is aware of them. It could be something as simple as having a conversation or filling out the camp’s paperwork and sharing your child’s needs.

“Some of those are relatively easily alleviated,” Devey says. “We try to communicate as much as we can beforehand. We set up opportunities to have conferences with our health directors, and with our nurses prior to camp, especially if a child takes medicine or has any kind of physical or mental needs, or parents can meet with our kitchen manager if there’s a food issue.”

7. What Will My Child Do At Camp?

When you understand what to expect from a particular camp, your expectations will be identified ahead of time and there won’t be any surprises, come week two or week three of camp. Parents should understand what they are getting into. Find out what the fees include and if they include things like extended care, late pick-up or early drop-off. Camps also fill up, so it’s also important to register early when registration opens up in January or February.

January CA lenDAR

Find more events at NortheastOhioParent.com

1/7

Teen scene

Babysitter Training. Ages 12-16 years old. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Kent Free Library, 312 Main St., Kent, kentparkandrec.com

1/10

Write On-Teen Writing Group. Meet other teen writers and practice your craft. 4-5 p.m. Solon Branch Library, 34125 Portz Pkwy., cuyahogalibrary.org

1/25

Green Your New Year: Teens. Explore sustainability and environmental justice, learn from experts and contribute to positive change. 3:30-5 p.m. Twinsburg Public Library, 10050 Ravenna Road, twinsburglibrary.org

Pick-a-day

MONDAYS

Campus Life: Teens. Food, games, and conversations that matter to teens. 6:30-8:30 p.m. That Place for Teens, 1480 Pearl Road, #10, Brunswick, thatplace4teens.com

Middle School Makers. A club for middle schoolers who love to create, craft, explore and discover. 7 p.m. Kent Free Library, 312 W. Main St., kentfreelibrary.org

THURSDAYS

Mini Movers & Music. Combination class of creative movement, music and dance games for ages 3-5. 1/12-3/16. 1-1:45 p.m. Orange Community Education & Recreation, 32000 Chagrin Blvd., orangerec.com

FRIDAYS

Friday Night Lights. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History will keep the lights on until 8 p.m. with special programming. 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, cmnh.org

Finger Paint Fridays. Bring your little one to explore their creativity. 10 a.m.-noon. Mentor Headlands Branch Library, 4669 Corduroy Road, Mentor, mentorpl.org

MONDAYS & FRIDAYS

Squeaky Sneakers. Preschool families come for gym play using tumbling mats, sports equipment and a parachute. 1011:30 a.m. Rocky River Recreation Center, rrcity.com

SATURDAYS

Comic Club. All ages work in the company of others to create a page of comics, drawings, or poetry. First Saturday of each month through April. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Community Arts Center, 2937 W. 25th St., Cleveland, clevelandart.org

Poem for Cleveland Workshops. Add your voice to the mosaic of Cleveland voices to tell the story of our city. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Through 2/4. Cleveland Main Library, 325 Superior Ave., 216-623-2800, cpl.org

Mixed Media-Winter Warmup! Beat the winter blues by spending time in the art room creating together. 10 a.m.-noon. 1/14-1/21. Bay Arts, 28795 Lake Road, Bay Village, bayarts.net

SUNDAYS

Family FUNday. Family-friendly games, movement-based activities, art, and more. First Sunday of each month. 1-4 p.m. Community Arts Center, 2937 W. 25th St., Cleveland, clevelandart.org

Mentor Marsh Family Hike. Come explore the forest. 2-3:30 p.m. Cleveland Museum of Natural History, The Carol H. Sweet Nature Center, 5185 Corduroy Road, Mentor, cmnh.org

ongoing Through 1/31

Light and Sound Month. Seeing Sound Science Show, Strong Resonance Cart, Wacky Water Science Show and more. Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland, greatscience.com

day by day

1/7

Super Saturday at Beck Center for the Arts. You and your young aspiring artists explore music, dance theater and visual arts.

Ages 2-7. 10 a.m. 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, beckcenter.org

Life-Sized Candyland. A lifesized walk-through Candyland game for children of all ages. Noon-2 p.m. Randolph Branch Library, 1639 State Route 44, Randolph, portagelibrary.org

1/10

Be a Paleontologist. Learn how a paleontologist evaluates fossils and create one of your own.

Grades 3-5. 6-7 p.m. Buckeye Library, 6625 Wolff Road, Medina, mcdl.info

1/12

Family Art Night. Be creative and get a little messy together. 6-7 p.m. Ellet Branch Library, 2470 E. Market St., Akron, akronlibrary.org

Family Engineering Night. Families with school-age children will enjoy this fun, friendly engineering competition that challenges their STEM skills. 6:30-7:30 p.m. North Ridgeville Branch Library, 37500 Bainbridge Road, lorainpubliclibrary.org

1/14

Nerf Night. Are you experiencing cabin fever? Come and join a Nerf Night Battle. Ages 8-11. 6-7 p.m. Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library, smfpl.org

1/17

Family Traditions Recipe. Exchange. A fun event to share family treasured recipes and get ideas for new ones. 2:30-3:30 p.m. Reed Memorial Library, 167 E. Main St., Ravenna, reedlibrary.org

1/17

Little Scientists: Wild Weather. Become a scientist at this STEAM-based program. For kids 2-5 with a caregiver. 6-6:30 p.m. Twinsburg Public Library, twinsburglibrary.org

1/20

Mess Makers. Wander over to learn, play and explore creation stations designed with the messiest kids in mind. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., akronartmuseum.org

January Jamboree. Bring your party shoes and enjoy a story, dancing and instrument making. 10-11 a.m. Wickliffe Public Library, 1713 Lincoln Road, wickliffepl.org

1/21

Nature Story Time. Play and create together at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes. 4:30 p.m. 2600 S. Park Blvd., shakerlakes.org

ACT Readiness Workshop. Learn how to prepare by doing practice questions and receiving score projections. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Geauga West Library, divi.geaugalibrary.net

Celebrate the Lunar New Year. Kids ages 3-10 learn tradition that honors ancestors and welcomes the new year. 1 p.m. Mentor Public Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., mentorpl.org

1/22

Hand Sewing for Literacy. Grades 3-5 learn basic sewing skills and create a project while listening to a sewing-themed story. 2-4 p.m. Westlake Porter Public Library, westlakelibrary.org

1/25

Signing with your Baby Learn basic American sign language to use with your baby and toddler. 10 a.m. Mentor Headlands Branch Library, Mentor, mentorpl.org

1/31

Rapunzel Engineers An Escape. Help Rapunzel escape by building a zipline, a ladder, a pulley, a slide, and a catapult. Ages 3-10. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., wadsworthlibrary.com

2/1

All About Anatomy. Build anatomical models of the brain, heart, body and skeleton and learn about how your amazing body works. 4-5 p.m. Glenville Branch Library, 11900 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, cpl.org

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day

1/15

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Recital. Celebrating the life and mission of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 3 p.m. BOP STOP at The Music Settlement, 2920 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, themusicsettlement.org

1/16

Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Akron Zoo. Enjoy free admission for all guests. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, akronzoo.org

“Hear Our Voices” Annual MLK Day Celebration. An all-day celebration. Free admission, hands-on activities, and more. Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, maltzmuseum.org

Discovery Day at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Free general admission, connect with scientists, hands-on activities and more. 10 a.m. 1 Wade Oval Dr., Cleveland, cmnh.org

Youth Day Camp. Kids ages 5-14 are invited to spend their day off school enjoying gym games, swimming, rock climbing and more. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cleveland Clinic Akron General LifeStyles, 1940 Town Park Blvd., my.clevelandclinic.org

Drop-By: MLK Nature Day. Try your hand at snowflake science, meet a live turtle or snake, solve a scavenger hunt, and more. 1-4 p.m. West Creek Reservation, Watershed Stewardship Center, 2277 W. Ridgewood Dr., Parma, clevelandmetroparks.com

Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Akron Art Museum. Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with free admission. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 1 S. High St., akronartmuseum.org

School’s Out Free Monday: Color Lab. Enjoy a day off school and experiment with feel-good color. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N., Canton, cantonart.org

Homeschool Fun Events

PICK-A-DAY

MONDAYS

Simply Science: Financial Planning. Learn about banking, budgeting, cash flow and more. 1/19-4/24. Grades 7-12. 1-2:30 p.m. Akron Fossils & Science Center, , Copley, akronfossils.com

TUESDAYS

Homeschool Book Club. Homeschoolers ages 8-12 join weekly meetings to read together, have a discussion 1/10-5/2. Barberton Public Library, 602 W. Park Ave., barberton.lib.oh.us

WEDNESDAYS

Community Connections

Homeschool Program: MultiArts. Explore dance, music, and visual arts with other homeschoolers. Ages 5-12. 1/11-3/1. Fairmount Center for the Arts, 8400 Fairmount Road, Novelty, fairmountcenter.org

FRIDAYS

Homeschool Hops. 90-minute jump just for homeschool students. 4-6 p.m. SkyZone, 6217 Chittenden Road, Boston Hts., skyzone.com

Homeschool Skate. Exciting and beneficial form of recreation for home school children. 10:30 a.m.-Noon. Mentor Ice Area, 8600 Munson Road, mentoricearena. com

DAY-BY-DAY

1/10

Homeschool - Science of Sauerkraut. Students will help make a batch of sauerkraut and sample fermented foods. 9:3011:30 a.m. Lehman’s, 4779 Kidron Road, Dalton, lehmans.com

1/11

Hybrid Homeschool: What’s Inside a Squid? Explore the world of invertebrates and discover what adaptations make them unique. Grades 4-8. Greater Cleveland Aquarium, 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, greaterclevelandaquarium.com

1/12

Creative Writing for

Homeschoolers. Nature will serve as the inspiration for homeschoolers who want to improve their writing skills. Ages 8-12. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Sharon Ctr., medinacountyparks.com

Homeschool Day: Climbing and Fitness. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. High Point Climbing and Fitness, 2499 Keith St. NW, Cleveland, highpointclimbing.com

1/16

Homeschool STEM. Learn about simple machines and use the materials provided to create a contraption. Ages 11-14. 1-2 p.m. West River Library, 1194 W. River Rd. N., Elyria, elyrialibrary.org

1/17

Homeschool Explorers:Animal Habitats. Learn the three most common habitats found in Ohio and the animals that live there. 1:30-3 p.m. Carlisle Reservation, Lagrange, loraincountymetroparks.com

1/25

HomeSchool Readers. Read "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle. Book discussion and activities. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Richfield Branch Library, 3761 S. Grant St., akronlibrary.org

Make your Wish Come True with Disney Cruise Line

By Tricia Scott owner of Visit Mickey Vacations

Close your eyes. Make a Wish. The Disney Wish is the newest ship to join the Disney Cruise Line family. Disney has designed the Wish with Enchantment in mind. Fantastical worlds and beloved stories from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar are brought to life like never before.

Right from the beginning of the voyage, you are part of the story when the Fairy Godmother invites you to use your Wishing Wand to wish for the most magical voyage. Enchantment surrounds you everywhere you turn, especially during your dinners.

Disney Cruise Line offers rotational dining rooms. There are

three main dining rooms aboard the Wish and you will automatically be booked to experience each one, as part of the sailing.

Arendelle — For the First Time in Forever Dinner Show — A theatrical dining experience as you’re magically transported to the enchanting Kingdom of Arendelle. Queen Anna and Kristoff are celebrating their engagement and have invited you. Behold festive musical performances from Elsa and Olaf as you devour hearty Norwegian-inspired cuisine

Avengers: Quantum Encounter Join Ant-Man and the Wasp during a demonstration of powerful

SuperHero technologies. Leap into your own heroic role using an interactive Quantum Core at your table to shrink and grow objects at the push of a button as you take part in an action-packed Avengers mission that unfolds around you.

1923 — Combining classic Hollywood glamor with a dash of Disney whimsy, 1923 features two lavishly appointed dining rooms, aptly named for the men behind the magic of the original film studio — Walt and Roy Disney. The rooms are adorned with more than 1,000 drawings, props and other tools of the trade, providing an inside look at the evolution of Disney animation from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” to “Frozen 2.”

LOOKING FOR FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY? HERE’S SOME ADVENTURES TO EXPLORE:

• The AquaMouse is the firstever Disney attraction at sea. Join Mickey and Minnie on an exhilarating 760-feet of twisting tubes. A water adventure into a colorful cartoon world inspired

by the famous Mickey Mouse animated shorts.

• Go head to head at the Hero’s Zone. A sports themed area where you can play basketball or race each other in the “Incredibles” themed inflatable obstacle course.

• Take in a Broadway style show in the Walt Disney theater.

• And, don’t forget about all the character fun

• For the Star Wars fans especially, then ‘This Is the Place You’re Looking For’ – HyperSpace Lounge. Watch worlds drift by at this stylish space bar boasting stellar views, where you can sit back and sip on some out-of-thisworld concoctions while being transported throughout the Star Wars galaxy.

• The Bayou is a nightclub themed after Disney’s Princess

and the Frog and is brimming with southern hospitality, jazz and beignets… Tiana’s recipe of course.

• Nightingale’s is a piano bar that is inspired by the song “Sing Sweet Nightingale” (Cinderella). You can stop in for a specialty cocktail and a song, sung by one of the wonderful performers at the piano.

The Disney Wish offers 3 & 4 Night

Cruises out of Port Canaveral. The 3 Night Cruise stops at Castaway Cay, Disney’s Private Island (where there’s tons for Family Fun plus an Adult Only beach too). 4 Night cruises offer a stop at Nassau, in the Bahamas and Castaway Cay.

Let Visit Mickey Vacations help you with your next Magical Vacation. Proud Partner since 2018.

DON’T THINK THAT DISNEY IS JUST FOR THE KIDDOS, BECAUSE THERE’S SO MUCH FOR THE ADULTS ABOARD THE DISNEY WISH.

• Facebook = Sara Carnes

•

Spread Joy in the New Year

Do you remember going to school on your birthday when you were in grade school?

The teacher always allowed you to bring it a treat. It was always a highlight for me because it meant we were allowed to bring in some kind of candy, cookies, or cupcakes to share with the class. I always loved doing this. And, of course I loved when my classmates brought in treats too.

For multiple reasons, I know bringing in treats doesn’t work quite the same these days with our kids, who have food allergies or for other reasons. I get that. (In fact, I myself am gluten-free now.) But what I did love thinking back to when I was younger was the idea of sharing our birthday and gratitude with our friends on our special day. As a kid, I think it taught me a little about gratitude —and giving something to others even on my special day.

Recently, my friend, for her birthday, brought in a self-addressed stamped envelope and note card for all of us at my workout class. She asked

that we write a note to a loved one and mail it to them to spread joy.

How cool is that? I loved it. What a great idea. It made me feel so good that someone would do this on their birthday. It brought me back to those days when we used to “bring in cupcakes for the class” and all the nostalgic feelings started flowing into place.

I guess it kind of felt like a “grown up version” of that. And after thinking about it, I feel like we can even share this idea with our bigger kids too. Could they do this with kids on their sports teams, youth groups, etc? This idea can remind us to spread love on our special day to others. Of course it’s our day, and that is amazing and wonderful. We should celebrate for sure, but life is a gift, and giving back to others on our special day is a great way to remember that. And great to teach our kids while they’re young too.

Just a little “birthday” thought for the new year.

SARA CARNES

PHOTO COURTESY OF SARA CARNES