September 2014 Our Kids Magazine by Our Kids Magazine

The Go-To Resource for San Antonio Families

FREE September 2014

IGNITING KIDS

Magazine

INTERESTS IN

LEARNING

WHAT DID YOU SAY? PREVENTING HEARING LOSS

Magazine

TEACHING THE WHYS, HOWS OF

APOLOGIZING FIELD TRIP DIRECTORY

Magazine

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September 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

table of

CONTENTS September 2014

8 10 12 15 18 24

volume 30 • number 9

EDITOR’S NOTE

School Bells Ringing Once Again

TEACHING KIDS THE ART OF APOLOGIZING

Sharing the hows and whys of apologizing with your children

WHAT DID YOU SAY?

Tips for preventing hearing loss

IGNITING KIDS’ INTEREST IN LEARNING

One mom’s successful attempt to get her kids to enjoy learning

FIELD TRIP DIRECTORY

• Funding Field Trips: How Parents Can Pitch In • Field Trip Directory

BABY

Get The Poop On Potty Training

6 ON THE WEB Giveaways: Little Twig and Sparrow Pajamas and Billy Beats Dancing

9 FYI

24 26 CALENDAR 39 YOUR KIDS

• My Favorite Teacher • Highlights Is ?????? • Back-to-School Stressful • Ongoing Exhibits for Children Who Stutter • Family Theater

On the Cover

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Our Kids Magazine | September 2014

IN OUR KIDS

Back to School & Summer Fun

Next month Tween ’Tudes: Five We Could Do Without

Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy

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Our Kids Magazine | September 2014

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editor’s

NOTE

Magazine

School Bells Ringing Once Again

Magazine

Note: A few years ago I published these back to school tips in my Editor’s Note. I thought it was appropriate to do so again. Magazine

School is back in session and for most parents and kids that means back to the old routine – early to bed and early to rise. Besides ensuring both you and your child get enough rest at night, what else can parents do to help their kids kick off the new school year on a high note? Magazine

Here are a few things that come to mind: • Make sure you start the day off with a good healthy breakfast rich in essential nutrients. This will go a long way in ensuring your kid’s energy level isn’t zapped before lunchtime. Most area schools serve free breakfast to students whose families’ income fall below a certain level. Parents should check with the school to see if their family qualifies. • Pack fun, but nutritious foods your kids like for lunch. If they like it, they will most likely eat it and not trade it or give it away to other kids for something not as good for them. • Establish a routine, and like the little engine that could, repeat the mantra: “I think I can, I think I can” daily. Stick to the routine until it becomes a habit. The rule of thumb is we must do things at least 30 times before it becomes a habit. For some of us, it takes a bit longer. Do whatever works best for you and don’t forget your daily mantra.

In This Issue Apologizing is not always easy for adults, let alone kids. Read “The Art of Apologizing” for tips on helping your child understand the hows and whys of apologizing. Also, check out “Igniting Kids Interests in Learning,” one mom’s successful attempt to stimulate learning in her kids. This is just a sampling of what is inside this month’s issue of Our Kids Magazine. Happy reading!

Cynthia Ladson Our Kids Editor 8

Our Kids Magazine | September 2014

Magazine P.O. Box 1809 Castroville, TX 78009 210-305-4181 Toll Free Number, 866-465-6936 Magazine Visit us online at OurKidsMagazine.com PUBLISHER Pat Ramotowski, Ext. 101 Magazine EDITORIAL Editor: Cynthia Ladson, Ext.102 Calendar: Kelley Ramotowski, Ext. 105 Proofreader: April Lynn Newell PHOTOGRAPHY: Magazine Kelley Ramotowski, Ext. 105 ADVERTISING SALES Account Executives: Mary Anne Jones, Ext. 103 Pat Ramotowski, Ext. 101 Magazine PRODUCTION Graphic/Web Designer: Rudy Riojas, Ext. 104 DISTRIBUTION Distribution Manager: Tony Smith, Ext. 106

OUR KIDS MAGAZINE LLC is a locally owned magazine published monthly. Advertisements in this magazine are paid for by the advertisers, which allows this magazine to be free to the consumer. Limit of one free copy per reader. Call 210-305-4181 ext. 106 to request additional copies. Unless specifically noted, no advertisers, products or services are endorsed by the publisher. All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertising are available on an equal opportunity basis. OUR KIDS MAGAZINE LLC copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

ed he er. to rs, te ct, n, p, ch ly he ng NE or

family F.Y.I.

Back-to-School Time Stressful for Children Who Stutter Memphis, TN – Heading back to school can be a stressful time for all youngsters, but it can be even more so for kids who stutter. Anxiety can also be an issue for parents of kids who struggle to speak. “New school, new classroom, new teacher, new classmates coupled with old fears are big issues for kids who stutter,” says Jane Fraser, president of the Stuttering Foundation. Fraser says her organization wants kids and their parents to know there are resources available to help them. The Stuttering Foundation, a nonprofit organization offers the following free materials, produced by leading

experts in the field: ■■ “7 Tips for Talking with the Child Who Stutters” (DVD) ■■ “8 Tips for Teachers” ■■ “Sometimes I Just Stutter” ■■ “Stuttering: For Kids, By Kids” (DVD)

These resources and more can be found at www. StutteringHelp.org/school. Other resources such as books, brochures, newsletters and referrals are available through the foundation by calling 800-992-9392 or at this same website.

Tell Us About Your Favorite Teacher Impressions are lasting especially those made by teachers, parents and other role models. Recently a few of us at Our Kids were reflecting on our own educational experiences and being 30+ somethings we were amazed at how much we could recall often in vivid detail about our favorite teachers and even those for whom we did not have much affection. With kids heading back to school, we thought now would be a great opportunity to ask them to post comments about their favorite teacher on the Our Kids Magazine Facebook page. Since the current school year is so fresh, the teacher does not have to be from this year. Go to https://www.facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210 and tell us the name of the teacher, the subject taught and why she or he is a favorite. Your child’s response may be one of those selected for publication in the October issue of Our Kids Magazine.

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feature

Teaching Kids the Art of Apologizing By April Lynn Newell

PHOTO CREDIT: © BBEVREN/ISTOCK

Apologizing can mend and heal relationships or it can add fuel to the flame. Teaching children, and ourselves, how to genuinely apologize lends to self-growth and strong, healthy relationships. Following are tips on how to teach the art of apologizing to children: Illustrate it as parents – Let’s face it, there are times even parents need to apologize and ask for forgiveness from their kids. One of the most important ways to teach the art of apologizing is to model it. Do not be afraid to apologize for yelling or blowing up in a time of stress or frustration. Your children will learn that everybody makes mistakes and the importance of an apology as a recipient. Include the why – As you teach your child how to apologize, include the reason for each apology. Instead of letting them off with a simple “sorry,” require an, “I’m 10

Our Kids Magazine | September 2014

sorry I took the toy from you” or “I’m sorry I did suchand-such after you told me not to.” This will especially help pre-schoolers understand what they did to warrant the apology. Talk it through with them if they still don’t seem to understand completely. Forgiveness follows – Apologies are about more than saying “sorry.” To teach genuine and sincere apologies, model and teach forgiveness as well. Don’t hold that tantrum from yesterday against them and remind your child to make peace with their friends. Making peace in relationships is one purpose of an apology. Redo – While you cannot turn back time and let your child make the right decision, you can ask them what they think they should have done and what they would do if they are in the same situation again. Correct them if they don’t know. Walk through the scenario so they will be ready to share a toy or express their feelings verbally next time.

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Act of kindness – Kids often learn by doing, so to make an apology more than just words they say from obligation have them clean the mess they made or create something for the friend they hurt. Clean up their mess – For older children who may be experiencing bigger mistakes, have them clean or fix up what they have done. For example, if they break something of someone else’s, have them earn the money to replace it or spend the time it takes to fix it. Help them out – According to parents.com, as kids grow older, they are increasingly more aware of relationships and acceptance, making it more difficult to humble themselves in apology. Parents.com gives these steps to help your older children (6 and up) in the art of apology: Stay neutral – have all children involved apologize Do it together – go with your child in support Keep your own anger in check Beware if it is too easy – remind them that an apology needs to be sincere Cool off time – If your child is just too upset to apologize, allow them some time to cool off and apologize later. This can look like time out or a cool down walk that helps them calm down from the incident and gain some personal perspective to be able to deliver a sincere and genuine apology later.

will be learned through illustration and parent modeling is the fact that an apology for the same offense again and again can quickly lose its meaning and sincerity. Remind your children, and model it in your own apologies to them, that learning from their mistakes means learning from their mistakes – sharing with friends, not hitting others when they get upset, not throwing a tantrum when they do not get their way, etc. Include feelings – When talking to your child about an incident include how you think they must have felt, “It probably made you mad when Tommy took your toy,” then remind them that Tommy also has feelings, “It hurt Tommy and probably made him sad when you hit him.” Including feelings of both your child and any others involved in the incident can help them understand the situation and the need for a sincere apology. The art of an apology is indeed an art and therefore will take time and practice for your children to learn. Have patience with them and continue to teach through each situation and incident. What they learn about apologies and forgiveness can help them greatly all the way into adulthood. Sources: parents.com, parenting.com, askdrsears.com, positiveparentingsolutions.com April Lynn Newell, a San Antonio based freelance writer, is expecting her first child.

Change the behavior – One part of an apology that

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feature

What Did You Say? Preventing Hearing Loss in Kids

By April Lynn Newell

Music, movies, cell phones, computers and tablets – what does this technology have in common? Ear buds and ear phones that, if not used properly, can cause significant hearing loss in children and teens. The digital age today has great opportunities for progress and communication like no other generation before. However, with such technology comes necessary recommendations for the protection of children’s and teen’s ears. “The big thing we’re dealing with now is noise exposure, especially when kids are old enough to wear headphones,” says Dr. Amberly Nye, Au.D., audiologist at Ear Institute of Texas. “Be careful about the volume set on the headphones for children of any age.” Lisa Lopez, Parent Infant Program Director of Sunshine Cottage in San Antonio, gives a good rule of thumb for parents concerning device volume. “You shouldn’t be able to hear the sound coming out of headphones and ear buds. If you can hear it as a parent, your child is listening way too loud,” Lopez says. Parents can also install apps that limit volume on devices automatically. In addition to caution with electronic devices, Nye advises using proper ear protection when attending loud events. “Anytime they [kids] attend an event that has a lot of noise like a concert or monster truck rally, regardless of age, have them wear some kind of protective device like ear plugs. That goes for older kids who may be shooting as well,” says Nye. Another way to prevent hearing loss in children is to manage ear infections immediately, says Lopez. “We have to medically manage when our children have middle ear fluid, such as an ear infection,” says Lopez. 12

Our Kids Magazine | September 2014

PHOTO CREDIT: © TATYANAGL/ISTOCK

“Parents need to be diligent in going to their pediatrician or ear, nose and throat doctor for children who have chronic middle ear problems. While they have fluid in that middle ear cavity they can have up to a moderate hearing loss, although it is a temporary hearing loss while the fluid is present, it can still be significant.” According to the American Speech-LanguageHearing Association, this middle ear fluid is called otitis media and can present without fever or pain that, if left untreated can leave children behind in speech due to the temporary hearing loss. If otitis media occurs multiple times, permanent damage to the eardrum and hearing loss may result. To catch even this temporary hearing loss, hearing screenings should be conducted regularly FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210

beginning at the newborn stage, before children reach 1 month. “As far as when a child should be checked: at birth, with a newborn hearing screening, and then typically again when they do checks in the school in kindergarten and those younger ages,” says Nye. If parents suspect hearing loss in a child, their pediatrician should be able to conduct a hearing test or refer them to an audiologist.

At Sunshine Cottage, children with hearing loss and normal hearing grow and learn together in a nurturing and fun environment. All students experience the finest education available in South Texas with a low student-to-teacher ratio (6:1) and a hands-on approach to learning, encompassing all State standards.

According to Nye and Lopez, signs of hearing loss can include: In infants and toddlers: ■■No startles at loud noises ■■Does not turn head when name is called ■■Language delay ■■Trouble with articulation

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Children and teens: ■■Favoring one ear while talking on the phone ■■Turning up the TV too loud ■■Complaints of not being able to hear the teacher at school When it comes to speech delays in toddlers, Lopez says it is important to have hearing checked before beginning speech therapies. “So many children get put into speech and language therapy and then later on find out they have a hearing impairment,” says Lopez. “We have about five years to hardwire the ear to the brain, to establish those neural pathways and, if we want [hearing-impaired] childrenMay to 2014.indd have listening and spoken language, early identification is the key.” Lopez says that by 12 months a child should be able to follow one-step commands and know about 20 words. At 15 to 18 months, they should know 50 words, and after 18 months they should have greater understanding and a good use of nouns. “Forty percent of all hearing loss is progressive, so if a young child between the ages of 2 and 5 is not talking or has a significant speech or language delay, even though they passed the newborn hearing screening, they should undergo an audiological diagnostic evaluation. We need to rule out that the language delay is not due to progressive hearing loss,” says Lopez. There are a variety of resources for parents who suspect hearing loss in their child or who have a child diagnosed with hearing loss. Nye recommends Sunshine Cottage as a great local resource for parents who have children diagnosed with hearing loss. Sunshine Cottage, while a private school, also offers non-sedated infant screening and other resources for families. “If a baby has failed newborn hearing screening, the parent must be diligent in getting a diagnostic ABR LIKE US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA

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September 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

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and that’s where, nationally, we are having trouble. Babies are failing the hearing screening at the hospital and then we’re missing these children due to lack of follow up,” says Lopez. “They’re not receiving the next step – the definitive evaluation that will tell us if they have hearing loss. Sometimes that’s due to fear, or not knowing where to go. Sometimes there is no place where they live.” There are several places in the San Antonio area to follow up should a child fail their newborn hearing screening including Sunshine Cottage, University Hospital in San Antonio and Dell Children’s Hospital in Austin. For more information and local resources see below. April Lynn Newell, a San Antonio based freelance writer, is expecting her first child.

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Our Kids Magazine | September 2014

Apple: Volume limit can be found under general settings and restrictions of IOS6. For information on newborn screenings, ABR tests and education visit www.sunshinecottage.org or call (210) 824-0579. Informative websites: www.cdc.gov www.kidshealth.org www.boystownhospital.org For Early Childhood Intervention Services visit http://www.dars.state.tx.us/ecis/searchalpha. asp?letter=b to find a program near you.

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feature

Making the Most of Museum Visits with Children By Denise Yearian

PHOTO CREDIT: © SAN ANTONIO WITTE MUSEUM

I will never forget the first time I took my kids to an art museum. They tore through the place like it was in an indoor playground. In fact, the only thing they did stop to see was a statue of a naked lady! Forget seeing the exhibits myself. All I did was chase my kids around hollering, “Wait! Don’t you want to see this?” Climbing into the car that afternoon, I realized if I ever wanted to give my children a cultural education, I would have to think ahead and be creative. One week later we entered the same museum, and instead of tearing through the galleries like they were madmen from Borneo, my children actually stopped to look at and observe the exhibits. If you think your kids have to be a certain age to enjoy a trip to the museum, think again! With a little prior planning and creative thinking, a trip to a museum can be a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone. Here’s how.

Plan in Advance Before you go, call and ask questions. What are the current exhibits? Are any of them geared for children? LIKE US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA

What about hands-on activities? Many museums today have a host of interactive areas so kids can learn by doing, not just by seeing. Ask about special attractions, such as presentations, shows and movies. These can be a real treat if you plan it right, but there are several things you need to find out first. How long does the event run? What times during the day is it scheduled? Does it involve audience participation? Is there an additional cost for the attraction? If possible, plan to see special attractions after you have visited a few exhibits. This will break up the day and give you a chance to get off your feet. When you call, remember to ask about the facility. Where are the bathrooms? Is there a lunchroom and/or restaurant? Does the restaurant offer kids meals? What about strollers? Can you rent them or take your own? Is there a children’s play area? Are cameras permitted? If the facility has a brochure, ask them to send you one. This way you’ll know what to expect before you go.

Consider Timing The best time to visit a museum with your children is September 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

when they are well fed and well rested. For most kids this means early in the morning--after a good night’s rest and a nutritious (not heavy or sugary) breakfast. Another benefit to visiting early in the morning is that most museums aren’t too crowded then. And the less crowded the facility is, the more freedom you have to roam.

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Our Kids Magazine | September 2014

Make Visits Short and Often When visiting a museum, keep in mind your children’s attention span. If the museum is fairly large, don’t try to see it all in one day. Instead, focus on the exhibits that really interest you and plan to return. Another reason to plan a second visit is that some exhibits change every so often. Find out which ones are temporary and which ones are permanent, so you can see the temporary exhibits before leaving the museum. If you plan to visit more than once, ask about a family membership. Most often, an annual membership is less than or equal to what it would cost to visit twice. Depending upon the museum, you may even get a subscription to their monthly newsletter and/ or a discount toward purchases in the gift shop. Stimulate Thinking The best way for children to enjoy a museum is to get them involved. This can be done by asking questions and playing games. Questions such as, “What do you see?” “What does it feel like?” and “What does this remind you of?” will help children relate what they are seeing and doing to their own experiences. Also, remember that kids love to play games. Here are a few to get you started: • Twenty questions. As you walk into a gallery, pick out one item or painting and give your child three clues about it. For example, “I see something that’s big, has four legs, and is brown.” Have your FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210

child guess what it is by asking “yes” or “no” questions. “Is it square?” “Is it alive?” etc. When he has figured it out, let him choose an item for you to guess. • The Memory Game. Have your child stand in front of an exhibit or painting for several minutes. Tell him to look at everything he sees. Then have him turn around. Can he name the items on display or in the picture? Did he forget anything? Have him turn around again and look. Reverse roles and you play. • The Imagination Game. Find an exhibit or painting with a scene. Ask your child: “If you could jump into this scene, what would it be like? Would you hear birds singing? Rain falling? Guns firing? What would it smell like? Fresh rain? Smoke? Trees? How about taste? Did someone make stew? Has fresh bread just been pulled from the oven? What is the weather like? Hot? Cold? Wet? Dry? How does this scene make you feel? Happy? Sad? Tired?” • Tell stories. If you already know the story behind the exhibit or painting, explain it to your child in words he can understand. Be brief giving just an overview unless he asks more questions. “This is the cot the soldiers slept on” or “This is how the artist pictured a spring day.” If you don’t have much information, try making up a story. Choose one object, such as a drinking cup, and focus on it. Who drank from it? Was he young or old, rich or poor? What was in the cup? Remember, the point of these games is to get your child involved in experience. In this way, he will begin to love visiting museums.

Take it Home The best way to extend the museum experience is to check out the facility’s gift shop for related books, games and kits you can take home with you. At the very least, pick up a few postcards. Over the days and weeks that follow, talk with your child about what he saw, and encourage him to listen to, play with, or explore one of the items you brought home. Another idea is to help him create a journal about his visit to the museum by drawing pictures with related captions. This can be done with construction paper, crayons and yarn for binding the pages together. Above all when taking children to a museum, remember that kids sometimes look at things from a different perspective. By seeing the museum from your child’s point of view, you can help him gain an appreciation for these cultural facilities and you will get a glimpse of life through your child’s eyes. Denise Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children.

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September 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

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FIELD TRIP DIRECTORY

Harlandale Middle School students take a field trip to San Antonio’s McNay Art Museum. PHOTO CREDIT: HARLANDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Funding School Field Trips How Parents Can Pitch In By Renee Haines

Tight school budgets can make it difficult to pencil in field trips for students during the academic year, but parents and kids can pitch in with fundraising campaigns to help literally expand the horizons of a student’s education. “By going on field trips, kids get to see the real world. A lot of students don’t otherwise get the chance to go to unique, really great places,” says Matthew Simonds, a former teacher who is now science curriculum coordinator for San Antonio’s Harlandale School District. “Many years ago there was the perception that teachers took kids on field trips just for the fun of it. Now field trips are more rigorous learning experiences,” he says. However, today’s larger average classroom sizes mean field trips can be more expensive when factoring in the cost per student. “Elementary schools have so much more funding available. In middle school, there’s a little less. I was a teacher at high school, where money is even tighter,” he says. Simonds’ school district has created a “Field Trip

Our Kids Magazine | September 2014

Resources” page on the district’s website dedicated to several local and national sources of funding. Parents with grant writing experience or strong writing skills can volunteer to help teachers or administrators craft grant proposals or letters. The San Antonio Water System, for example, offers a mini-grant program that funds school field trips (saws. org/education/grants). The water system will begin accepting proposals in December for grants for field trips in 2015. San Antonio Missions National Park (nps. gov/saan) charges no money for school field trips. Transportation costs can be reimbursed to Title I schools and need-based private schools with a donation from Los Compadres, a group of local park supporters. Target Corp. awards Target Field Trip Grants each year to K-12 schools around the country. The Valero Chip In For Schools program (valerotexasopen.com/ chipin) helps local schools raise money by letting them keep the proceeds from sales of one-day tickets to the San FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210

Antonio-based Valero Energy’s annual Valero Texas Open golf tournament. The PTA at Will Davis Elementary School in Austin has raised funds with Box Tops For Education (boxtops4education.com) campaigns. Kids and parents save box tops from products sold by local companies, earning 10 cents per box top for their school. Kids at Justiss Elementary Schools in Paris, Texas, painted faces at a fall festival at school last spring to raise money for a field trip to a Dallas museum. Shellie Cecchini, a mother of two and former president of the North East School District Council of PTAs, said one successful fundraiser was to send “greenback” letters home with the kids asking parents to donate what they can for a specific outing. “The parents in my community would rather write a check than sell items,” she says. “Families that can give more do so, and families that can’t give at all feel no pressure to donate.” Local San Antonio schools have also raised funds with “fun runs,” at which a donation is made for each lap run by a student at the school track. Local businesses can be approached for a donation in exchange for “logo recognition,” Cecchini says. They can also be asked to donate items for auctions to help schools raise money. “The Texas PTA encourages all local unit PTAs to incorporate a healthy lifestyle component into their fundraising,” Cecchini says, citing mixedbagdesigns.com as one fundraising source that fits that goal. The website allows schools to keep up to 50 percent of the profits from selling eco-friendly handbags, reusable lunch sacks, laptop bags and tote bags. “Some things that can go for a lot of money are free things such as homework passes, at the teacher’s discretion, reserved seats at a school event, lunch with the principal or front-of-the-lunch line passes,” Cecchini says. Paulette Mallard, a former art teacher in the South San Antonio School District, says local foundations helped fund field trips to McNay Art Museum. “These field trips are important because it teaches the kids about culture and fine art from around the world,” Mallard says. Parents can help reduce the cost of field trips by volunteering to be chaperones, she says. When parents start planning a fundraising campaign for a school field trip, one expense they should keep in mind is the cost of transportation. “You’d be surprised how much a lot of buses charge,” Mallard adds. Mallard explains that one of best fundraisers she experienced was selling Wash Tub coupons. Students sold coupon books good for multiple car washes at a local Wash Tub facility. Renee Haines is a San Antonio freelance writer. LIKE US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA

ARTIST SEAN KENNEY

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FIELD TRIP DIRECTORY

Fresh Fundraising Ideas For School Field Trips Bake sales and car washes are tried-and-true ways to raise money for school field trips, but fresher approaches are also available. For example, parents who don’t like selling or buying can start a non-fundraising campaign. Send a letter to parents asking for a donation that will grant them immunity from fundraising campaigns for a semester. For a big donation, a parent can be let off the hook for an entire school year. Here are other fresh twists on fundraising for field trips.

Family Art Play Butterflies and Bugs Sunday, September 28 1:00 & 3:00 pm

Winged creatures take flight in Burst: An Installation by Paul Villinski. Meet critters from the San Antonio Zoo; then use recycled materials to create airborne animals. Free with museum admission. McNay members reserve space by calling 210.805.1768 by noon on September 26. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Target donors. If you’re planning a field trip to an art museum, ask local art galleries for a donation. If the field trip is to the zoo or other popular tourism destinations, ask tourism industry companies for a donation. Publicize their donations through school newsletters. Follow the lead of professional fundraisers by writing thank you letters to donors describing how students benefited from the field trip.

This program is made possible by generous support from the Jack H. and William M. Light Charitable Trust.

6000 North New Braunfels | PO Box 6069 San Antonio, Texas 78209-0069 mcnayart.org

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Our Kids Magazine | September 2014

Hold a raffle for services, not products. Parents can enlist each other’s skills or services to raffle off to fund a school field trip. A gardener can offer an hour’s lesson on how to help plants thrive in South Texas. A kennel can offer a weekend of pet sitting. A teacher can be enlisted to donate one hour of tutoring not for a kid, but for a grown-up who wants to learn more about science, math or history.

Garage sales are tried-and-true moneymakers for schools. However, instead of just relying on what parents can donate, ask local businesses, community centers and even the local university to pitch in items no longer in use. Parents can divide up the work to collect, price and sell the items. Let parents, kids, alumni and companies leave their mark for a good cause. Local engraving companies can engrave names of those who donate on bricks or ceramic tiles. First, get permission to find a wall or piece of ground at the school where the bricks or tiles can be displayed. Sell each brick or tile for a set price. One way to reach out to school alumni is through a Facebook page set up just for the campaign. Send letters to parents that also ask them to forward those letters to graduates and grandparents. Use the Internet. Create a Facebook page just for the upcoming field trip, and post information on that page letting people know how to donate to the cause. Then enlist web-savvy kids and parents to help spread the word on Twitter and through other social media sites. You might get a big donation from someone named Anonymous if you list a future field trip on fundraising websites such as crowdrise.com or gofundme.com. Start early, and spread the word through notes, Facebook pages and e-mails that donations can be made through the website. Consider an online marketplace such as swopboard.com. For more online options, conduct an Internet search for other fundraising websites. – Renee Haines

OK9.14

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An Immersive Experience There’s just so much to see and do in and out of the water. Check out our interactive exhibits, play in our H-E-B Splash Park – you can even reach out and touch a stingray or shark! Don’t go to the beach and miss out on all the wildlife; it’s all here at the Texas State Aquarium. Bring your family and come soak it all in today!

texasstateaquarium.org LIKE US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA

Corpus Christi | North Beach September 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

FIELD TRIP DIRECTORY ANIMALS Animal Defense League 11300 Nacogdoches Rd. San Antonio, TX 78217 655-1481 www.aldtexas.org No-kill, non-profit organization dedicated to providing shelter, medical care, food and safety to abandoned and abused dogs and cats while searching for loving homes for them. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch 26515 Natural Bridge Cavern Rd. San Antonio, TX 78266 830-438-7400 groupsales@WildlifeRanchTexas.com www.WildlifeRanchTexas.com Cost: call for rates. Hours: call for schedule. Visit Africa – in the picturesque Texas Hill Country. View our 50 different species, from addax antelope to zebras, llamas to ostriches. With the animal feed provided at the entrance you may entice many of these animals to come near for a morsel. See, feed and photograph many of our animals, including the friendly Sicilian donkey, the majestic greater kudu, the inquisitive Oryx, and the always hungry buffalo. SeaWorld San Antonio Field Experiences 10500 SeaWorld Drive San Antonio, TX 78251 800-700-7786 www.seaworld.org Cost: Call for rates. Ages: Call for rates and scheduling. Bring your school group, including home school groups, to SeaWorld for our special groupsonly hours. Visit with our dolphins, sharks, seals and sea lions. You’ll also attend special animal presentations designed specifically for education groups. Bring your own lunch and your group can enjoy a picnic right here in the park. Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo (formerly Snake Farm) 830-608-9270 5640 IH 35 South, New Braunfels TX www.Exoticanimalworld.com Are you looking for the perfect outing for your group or family? Animal World and Snake Farm can create the perfect event for any size group. We can provide catering, guided tours and more to make any event a special occasion. Visit our website for more information. COMMERCIAL San Antonio Fire Museum 801 E. Houston San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 390-7236 www.sanantoniofiremuseum.org We invite you to the visit the San Antonio Fire Museum, located downtown at the Old Fire Station # 1, to learn about the history of the SA Fire Department. Through the use of displays and exhibits of apparatus, equipment and photos, the Museum presents San Antonio’s firefighting past to visitors in an informative and historically distinctive atmosphere. Field trips to the SAFM are for groups of 30 students or less, from PreK to 12th grade. At least one chaperone must accompany every 10 students. Hours are Tuesday –Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Reservations must be made in advance.. Via Metropolitan Transit Education Programs 800 W. Myrtle San Antonio TX 78207 362-2370 www.viainfo.net Learn about public transportation. VIA can bring our special bus to your school to teach riding safety or take a tour of our facilities. We also help teacher plan field trips using the bus system. Call for details. Whole Foods Market The Quarry - 255 East Basse, #130 826-4676 The Vineyards - 18403 Blanco Road 408-3110 www.wholefoodsmarket.com Whole Foods Market offers tours to the community to teach children about important

concepts including organic and natural food, fruits, vegetables, no growth hormones, no food coloring, no preservative, no additives and no hydrogenated oils. Whole people, Whole planet and Whole Earth. Call for more information. ENTERTAINMENT/ART Artworks 210-826-2787 1840 Nacogdoches -78209 7715 Mainland #103 – 78250 www.artworksartstudio.com Bring your class or group to Artworks. Our studio is set up in centers, we take children on a tour and let them explore on their own. There are twelve art centers children can play in. Chaperones may pick the art center before the scheduled field trip. Perfect outing for sport teams, scout troops, day care centers and playgroups. We have art centers/stations for older children and teens too. $5 per child for the basic field trip package. Three locations in the San Antonio! www. artworksartstudio.com IMAX Theatre Rivercenter Rivercenter Mall, Downtown San Antonio 247-4629 www.imax-sa.com Cost: call for rates. Hours: call for schedule. Where “Education and Adventure Meet.” A vast film library open to educators including the following: Alamo, Price of Freedom, Amazon, Born to be Wild 3D, Flight of the Butterflies, Flying Monsters 3D, The Human Body, Amazing Caves, Lewis & Clark just to name a few. Ideal field trip for all ages with discounts for groups, advance reservations and assigned seating. The Magik Theatre 420 South Alamo San Antonio, TX 78205 Call 210-227-2751 www.Magiktheatre.org Find out what over half a million children representing more than 400 schools throughout central and South Texas have experienced! All of our productions are based on books children are reading in school, and are accompanied by a comprehensive study guide packed with standards-based activities. Group rates available. Call 210-227-2751 for reservations. The Royal Canvas Painting Parlor 5005 Broadway Alamo Heights, TX 78209 826-7246 www.theroyalcanvas.com At The Royal Canvas, where you come to us or we go to you, children love exploring their creative talents! Learn different painting techniques with non-toxic acrylic paints and have fun with mixed media selections too! Regardless of your skill or motivation, The Royal Canvas Painting Parlor has just the right class for you. We strive to offer diversity, and hope that we are achieving that goal. We always welcome your ideas. And most of all, we want to assist you in “Fulfilling your arts desire”! Group rates are available. Call or visit our website for more information. The Tower of Americas 210-223-3101 600 Hemisfair Plaza Way San Antonio, TX 78205 www.toweroftheamericas.com For more than 35 years, the 750-foot-tall Tower of the Americas has offered the most breathtaking views of the Alamo City. Bring your school group or scout group to the Tower of the Americas and learn about the history of Texas. Also experience our Skies Over Texas 4D Theater ride! Special group packages available. HISTORICAL SITES The Alamo 300 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 210- 225-1391 www.thealamo.org Cost: Free, donations are always accepted. On February 23, 1836 the arrival of General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna’s army outside San Antonio nearly caught the Texians and Tejanos, who defended the Old Spanish Mission turned

Our Kids Magazine | September 2014

fort, by surprise. See where the defenders held out for 13 days against Santa Anna’s Army. Walk along the same paths that were walked by Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie, Col. Travis, Juan Seguin. History talks, for children 4th grade & up, are given every 30 minutes. Please check our website for more details. Casa Navarro State Historic Site 228 S. Laredo San Antonio, TX 78207 226-4801 http://www.thc.state.tx.us/hsites/ hs_casa_navarro.shtml Cost: Adults, $4; Ages 6-18/Students with I.D, $3 per person; Group rates are available. Hours: Tues. – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 12 – 5pm. Casa Navarro State Historic Site, in downtown San Antonio, is the restored home of Tejano patriot José Antonio Navarro. Navarro was an influential figure in Texas during the momentous fifty-five year period (1810-1865) when the state’s destiny was forged. A leading advocate of Tejano rights, he is best known as “The Strongest Defender of the Rights of His People.” Today, visitors tour Navarro’s adobe home furnished with period antiques, read copies of his writing and discuss questions of history with informed park interpreters. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Exit IH-10 at Probrandt, follow signs 534-8833 www.nps.gov/saan Cost: Free. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Reservations are not required for entry or activities. Education groups and youth groups are required to make a reservation even if planning to self-guide. In 1718 Franciscans and Spanish representatives established the first mission. Within 13 years San Jose, Espada, and San Juan Capistrano were located along the San Antonio River. Today visitors can retrace the footsteps of the mission Indians and friars. Run by the National Park Service. Handicap accessible. Southwest School of Art 300 Augusta San Antonio, TX 78201 224-1848 www.swschool.org We invite you to visit our campus to learn the story of the Southwest School of Art & Craft and its historic site in the Ursuline History Center. Docent tours of the historic main building, old copper kitchen and grounds are available, but please call for hours, free parking. Arrangements for other times or for groups larger than 15, can be made by calling ahead. Come learn about the history of early San Antonio as well as contemporary art. Spanish Governor’s Palace 105 Military Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 224-0601 http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/ American_Latino_Heritage/Spanish_ Governors_Palace.html Call for Tour information Originally built in 1722 to protect the mission (Alamo) and its surrounding colony, this tenroom aristocratic Spanish House was home to 32 Spanish governors and is complete with furnishing from the early 18th century. The Governor’s Palace is the only remaining example in Texas of an aristocratic early Spanish house. For an added educational experience at the Palace, visitors are encouraged to visit on the last Sunday of the month when La Compania de Cavalleria del Real Presidio de Bexar visits. Mostly handicap accessible. Steves Homestead 509 King William St. San Antonio, TX 78204 225-5924 www.saconservation.org Group rates are available. Hours: 10 a.m. – 3:30p.m. This elegant three-story mansion, located in the King William Historic District on the east bank of the San Antonio River was built in 1876 for Edward Steves. In 1952 the homestead was donated to the San Antonio Conservation Society. The property once boasted about having San Antonio’s first indoor pool, now a meeting facility, also included on the grounds are The Carriage House, River House and the Servant’s

Quarters which is now the visitor’s center. Now offering self guided tours and the latest tour: From Root to Rafters – A behind the Scenes Look at the Hidden Homestead. Call for more information.

Yturri-Edmunds House and Mill Historic Site 128 Mission Road 534-8237 www.saconservation.org

We’re sorry - We will be closed until 2014 due to construction on Mission Road. When we reopen, we will be part of the Mission Trail, a nine mile route connecting the Alamo to Mission Espada. MUSEUMS Institute of Texan Cultures 801 S. Bowie Street San Antonio, TX 78205 458-2291 wwww.texancultures.utsa.edu Call for cost and schedule. School tours and field trips are available at the Institute of Texan Cultures. Louis Tussaud’s Plaza Wax Museum & Ripley’s Believe It or Not! 301 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 224-9299 www.plazawaxmuseum.com Two museums under one roof. Fun for all ages! 250 wax figures – Ripley’s contains over 500 unique exhibits. Fun, historical, educational, discounted group rates available for 12 or more. McNay Art Museum 6000 N New Braunfels Ave San Antonio, TX 78209-4618 (210) 824-5368 www.mcnayart.org Bring your students for McNay tours at 9:30 am, 10:45 am, or noon on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Fridays. On Thursdays, come at 10:15 and 11:30 am (October through May; students may visit after 10 a.m. between June and September). Ask about other times if these do not work for your group. Review the Student Tour Playlist for a listing of current exhibition, curriculum-related tours, and other options for your student tour. Student groups under age 18 must bring one (1) adult for every ten (10) students. All docent-led student tours are free. Cost for adults exceeding the required number is $5 per person; an added charge may be required during select exhibitions. The McNay receives funding from the George W. Brackenridge Foundation to cover the cost of school buses for San Antonio area schools that come for docent-led tours. The Buckhorn Museum 318 E. Houston Street San Antonio, TX 78205 210-247-4004 www.buckhornmuseum.com More than just a normal museum, we’re five museums in one! We have Horns, Fins, Feathers, The Hall of Texas History Wax Museum, and regular special exhibits unlike anything seen in any other museums in the world . We don’t like the idea that museums have to be stuffy, quiet places. How are you going to get excited about that! Ooh and ahh at the sites, get close to our world record holding trophy mounts, see our collection of oddities! The San Antonio Children’s Museum 305 E. Houston Street San Antonio, TX 78205 212-4453 www.sakids.org The Focused Field Trip Program at the San Antonio Children’s Museum takes learning beyond the classroom by giving children the opportunity to make connections and apply their classroom learning. Educational programs are aligned with the TEKS. To schedule a Field Trip, contact the School & Groups Coordinator at fieldtrips@sakids. org or 210.212.4453 ext. 1310. www.sakids.org/ beyondtheclassroom. Texas Transportation Museum 11731 Wetmore Rd. San Antonio, TX 78217 490-3554 www.txtransportationmuseum.org Hours: Thurs. & Fri., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Thursday is

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group day, reservations must be made in advance. Train rides start at noon and end at 4:30, every 45 minutes. For many youngsters, this will be their very first train ride. Reading about railroads in books or on the internet cannot compare with the real live experience of riding the rails or seeing a genuine traditional depot and walking through old fashioned passenger cars that became sleepers at night as even what we consider to be relatively short journeys today sometimes took days in days gone by.

San Antonio Botanical Garden 555 Funston @ N. New Braunfels San Antonio, TX 78209 207-3255 www.sabot.org Groups of 15 students (pre-K-High school; public/ private/home school) are eligible for a school group rate. Call 207-3255 for more information and reservations.

US Army Medical Department Museum Ft. Sam Houston 226-0265 www.ameddmuseumfoundation.org

Carver Community Cultural Center 226 N. Hackberry St. San Antonio, TX 78202 207-7211 www.thecarver.org The Carver Community Cultural Center is composed of two historic theaters. We offer African American and multicultural presentations in music, dance, theater and visual arts as well as student performances, docent led gallery tours, workshops and classes in the visual and performing arts.

History of Army Medicine from 1775 to the present including uniforms, equipment, vehicles, and aircraft used by the army medical department. Goals of the Foundation are to sustain the legacy and heritage of the Army Medical Dept.; to educating the civilian and military communities on the significant contributors of the Army Medical Dept. to the nation’s health care. Witte Museum 3801 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209 357-1910 www.wittemuseum.org A field trip to the Witte Museum is available to groups from schools (including home schools), day care centers, or professional groups and organizations. Self- guided visits must be scheduled at least eight days in advance. Group rates are available with fifteen people per groups. At least one adult chaperone must accompany every 10 students. Call Witte Museum guest reservations to schedule a self-guided group visit. NATURE Cave Without a Name 325 Kreutzberg Rd. Boerne, TX 78006 830-537-4212 or 888-TEX-CAVE www.cavewithoutaname.com Well-informed guides lead you through a one hour educational tour of this masterpiece of natures’ art. The Cave is filled with spectacular formations of Stalactites, Stalagmites, delicate Soda Straws, Cave Drapery, magnificent Flowstones, Rimstone Dams, and more. Enjoy a tour of the six major rooms in comfort; 66º year-round, easy walkways, brilliant lighting Gift shop and hiking trails on the surface. To protect the beauty of the cave and the safety of our visitors, the size of each tour is limited to 25 people. Cibolo Nature Center 140 City Park Rd. Boerne, TX 78006 830-249-4616 education@cibolo.org www.cibolo.org Cost: call for rates. Hours: call for scheduling. Outdoor classroom in 100-acre park with woodland, marsh, prairie and Cibolo Creek. Offers TEKS aligned programs for K-6 school groups. Come have fun while you learn! COSA Parks & Recreation – Natural Areas 21395 Milsa San Antonio, TX 78256 698-1057

www.sanaturalareas.org

Meet the plants, animals and rocks of the San Antonio Natural Areas! Guided trips last 1 to1-1/2 hours. Appropriate for all ages. Natural Bridge Caverns 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road San Antonio, TX 78266 210-651-6101 tickets@naturalbridgecaverns.com www.naturalbridgecaverns.com Experience an incredible underground world of natural beauty. An exciting and educational 75-minute guided tour takes you 180 feet underground. Lesson plans available. Group rates available with reservation (please call for availability and pricing). Located between San Antonio and New Braunfels, 8 miles west of I-35 at exit #175.

PERFORMING ARTS

Jensen’s Yamaha Music School 2241 NW Military Hwy. San Antonio, TX 78213 366-5048 www.jensensyamahamusic.com Music appreciation, introduction to instruments, keyboard playing, large motor muscle developmental skills at your school or our studio. Handicapped accessible. Limit 15 students. The San Antonio Symphony 222 E. Houston San Antonio, TX 78205 554-1010 www.sasymphony.org Education is central to the mission of the San Antonio Symphony. The San Antonio Symphony has been working to bring music educational programs to the schoolchildren of Bexar County for 75 years. One important reason that the Symphony reaches out to almost 40,000 students annually is because of the statistics collected proving a correlation between music instruction and increased academic ability.

We are now offering special times, dates and activities for Home Schoolers! The South Texas Maize has picnic areas, porta-potties with hand washing facilities. Field trips can be scheduled from September 30 - November 26, 2014 . Texas Agricultural Education & Heritage Center 390 Cordova Rd. Seguin, TX 78155 830-379-1122 or 830-379-0933 www.texagedu.org Visit our center, a working farm, to learn about food, fiber, animals and the heritage of farming and ranching. A great learning experience. Texas State Capitol Tours Austin, TX 512-463-0063 http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/SPB/Plan/Tours.htm The Capitol Complex makes a perfect complement to a visit to the city. Our various facilities are designed to serve visitors to the Capitol, whether

observing the legislative process, strolling the grounds, buying a unique gift, learning about Texas history, or simply enjoying the magnificent architecture of the complex buildings. Groups of 10 or more should make advanced reservations. LITERATURE

Central Library Children’s Department

600 Soledad Street San Antonio, TX 78205 207-2500 ask for Children’s Department www.mysapl.org The “Enchilada Experience” tour highlights the Central Library’s architecture and art. Browse our extensive collection and settle in for stories. Groups may make advance reservations.

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ROAD TRIPS Aquarena Center 921 Aquarena Springs Dr. San Marcos, TX 78666 512-245-7570 www.aquarena.txstate.edu Cost: call for rates. Hours: open daily, call for scheduling. Aquarena Center’s educational mission is to provide people of all ages with the ability to recognize Spring Lake as an unique freshwater ecosystem through interpretative interactive experiences that engages the audience in an exploration of interconnections between all living things and water. Glass bottom boats view the amazing San Marcos Springs. Wetlands walk, public aquariums and native trails provide the perfect outdoor adventure for all ages. Devine Acres 944 FM 2200 W Devine, TX 78016 830-665-9730 www.devineacresfarm.com Field trips are geared for Pre-K through 3rd grade students. The cost is $7.00 per student (Teachers and Teacher Aides are FREE) and they last approximately 3 hours (10-1:00). Each field trip includes an informative learning session about parts of a plant and the plant growth cycle, with a focus on pumpkins, Christmas trees, and flowers. Find out more about the science to be learned from nature and how it aligns with your curriculum! Elementary Science TEKS - See more at: www.devineacresfarm.com South Texas Maize Hondo, TX 830-741-3968 fun@southtexasmaize.com www.southtexasmaize.com Your maize admission includes our 7-acre maze, the barrel train, children’s play area, a hayride, the hay jump and the mini “mind” maze. Field trips are available by RESERVATION ONLY Tuesday - Friday from 9-2 p.m. Allow 2-4 hours. One chaperone/Teacher is required per 3-5 students.

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September 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

baby

Get the Poop on Potty Training By Heidi Smith Luedtke

Parents are bombarded by ads claiming kids can be toilet trained in just 24 hours. But most tots take longer to achieve potty prowess. That can leave everyone feeling frustrated. We asked child psychologist Heather Wittenberg, Ph.D., mom of four and author of “Let’s Get This Potty Started!,” and Dana Obleman, mom of three and author of “No-Sweat Potty Training,” to address parents’ questions head-on. Here’s what they had to say. Give it to us straight. How long will toilet training take?

Q. A.

Unless you have a crystal ball, it’s impossible to know the timeline. “It is a unique experience for each child. While one can learn in two or three days, others can take weeks or months to master the skills,” Obelman says. Experts at the University of Michigan Health System say it takes an average of three to six months to achieve consistent success. Bottom line: Think of potty training as a process, not an event. “In addition to asking whether your child is ready, you should ask yourself whether you’re up to the parenting task,” Obelman says. “Potty training is a commitment and you need to be able and willing to take it on fully and not give up.” Delay starting the process if you are too busy to see it through or if your schedule will create a sense of urgency. The week before your holiday trip to Grandma’s house is probably not the best time to ditch the diapers.

Signs of potty-training readiness • Interested in the bathroom and going potty • Imitates grown-up potty behavior • Desires independence • Able to walk to the bathroom • Able to pull down pants and pull them back up • Can express needs with words or signals • Follows simple instructions • Keeps pants dry for periods of two hours or more

Our Kids Magazine | September 2014

PHOTO CREDIT: © STEFANOLUNARDI/ISTOCK

Q. A.

Should I make a big deal about potty training or keep it casual?

“Milestones should be celebrated,” Obelman says. The key is finding a way to reward success without adding too much stress. Give hugs and high-fives when your child tries to use the potty, even if she doesn’t succeed. Tell her you’re proud that she’s becoming a big girl. You may also keep a few small prizes on hand to give out the first time your child pees or poops in the toilet or when he keeps his pants dry for a significant period of time. “Just wait to mention the prize until after your child is successful,” Obelman says. This reinforces desired behavior and minimizes performance pressure. Poop is just poop. Why are kids so emotional about it?

Q. A.

Using the toilet seems straightforward, but it is actually quite complex. “The physical skills are the easy part. Cognitively kids need to be able to anticipate, plan and have patience,” Wittenberg says, in addition to holding their pee or poop until they reach the restroom. The emotional component is huge. “At this stage your child is learning that she is in charge of her own body. This is a big shift from the stage of infancy where parents provide for every need,” Wittenberg says. Independence is exciting and a little scary. Offer lots of encouragement and affection. FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210

Q. A.

How can I remind my child to use the potty without nagging her all day long?

Encouraging independence means taking a step back and letting kids learn. “Following kids around all day is counterproductive,” Obelman says, because it doesn’t teach them to notice their body’s gotta-go signals. If your child really needs a reminder, set a timer – on your digital watch, an alarm clock, or your cell phone – to beep at a specified interval. Then, let your child decide whether she wants to use the bathroom. Kids should control the process as much as possible. Is it better to let kids go au naturel, move directly to underwear, or trade diapers for pull-up training pants?

Q. A.

Going naked makes it easy for kids to use the toilet when nature calls. Switching to big-girl panties puts the happy (and not-so-happy) consequences of potty training front and center. “But these can be messy approaches, figuratively and literally,” Wittenberg says. They may also be hard to maintain in public or over the long haul. “A gradual process using pull-up training pants

can make potty training more relaxed for everyone,” Wittenberg says. There isn’t a single right answer. Choose a strategy that fits your child’s personality and is sustainable for several weeks or months. It is confusing and counterproductive to do naked toilet training at home on the weekend if your child must wear diapers at daycare. How should I handle an accident?

Q. A.

Accidents can be upsetting for everyone, but an angry or punishing response is never helpful, Wittenberg says. Kids who feel ashamed of accidents may begin withholding poop to get back in control. This can lead to constipation and other digestive problems. Try to keep calm and “get your child involved in the cleanup process as much as possible,” Obelman says. This emphasizes the natural consequences of not using the toilet and motivates kids to do their business in the bathroom. Learn about toilet training for kids with special needs. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers pointers for parents of kids with physical challenges and learning disabilities. Heidi Smith Luedtke is a personality psychologist and the author of “Detachment Parenting.”

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September 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

calendar

OF EVENTS /

SEPTEMBER

Diez y Seis Parade and Fiesta / Sept. 13 The Avenida Guadalupe Association’s 16 de Septiembre celebration is an all-day celebration commemorating the Mexican Independence Day with an annual parade and festival rich in tradition, culture and family fun. This fiesta is packed with activities for all ages including an annual grito, charros, marching bands, drill team competitions, live music, food and folklore. The parade begins at the intersection of Zarzamora and Guadalupe Streets and continues until it reaches the Plaza Guadalupe. Free. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Parade begins at 11 a.m. 210-223-3151. www.avenidaguadalupe.org/events-2/#

“I Spy Scavenger Hunt” / Sept. 20 Do you think you would make a good detective? Can you solve puzzles using clues? If so, then take part in the free “I Spy Scavenger Hunt” in the King William neighborhood Sept. 20. “Detectives” receive a pair of binoculars to use for finding the photo clue on their “hunter’s map.” Find all the clues, fill out the puzzle to find a hidden message and you could be the #1 Detective of the Day! Detectives will be awarded special medals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. All detectives will be treated to refreshments at the finish line. A parent or guardian must accompany children and sign a release form. The program is designed for two age categories: kids 5-8, and 9-12 (each group receives age-appropriate activities). Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. at Villa Finale at 401 King William. The scavenger hunt ends at the Steves Homestead, 509 King William. Space is limited so pre-registration is recommended. Also, pre-registered children will receive a “goody bag.” To register, call Villa Finale Visitor Services at 210-223-9800 no later than noon Sept. 19.

get listed Do you have a family-friendly event? Submit your event online at www.ourkidsmagazine.com or e-mail your calendar items and photographs to ourkidssacalendar@gmail.com. The deadline for the October issue is Sept. 5. Information cannot be accepted by phone.

Our Kids Magazine | September 2014

Our Kids e ee Eat at Fre

Romes Pizza

EVERYDAY Acadiana Cafe

Kids eat free with every adult entree purchased 1289 S.W. Loop 410 www.acadianacafe.com

1 Monday

Helotes Ballet Folklorico Classes: Catherine Rodriguez will provide free ballet/folklorico dance instruction to area children on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. Children and parents should report to the Helotes Police Department Building, where you will be escorted to the training room for classes. Free. 5:30 p.m. Helotes Police Department, 12951 Bandera Road. 210-416-1498. www.helotes-tx.gov Art Pavilion: Visitors can try new, fun art and crafts every Sunday. Free with museum admission. 3 to 4 p.m. Admission is $8 for persons 2 years and older, children under 2 are free. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org Tinker-N-Tales: Museum staff leads kids ages 0 to 3 years in activities that build upon their fine and gross motor skills. Activities may include reading, music and exploration of hands-on materials.11 a.m. to noon. Free with museum admission. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210212-4453. www.sakids.org

2 Tuesday

210|West Gallery Talk – Politics of Portraiture: Art historian and director of The Wittliff Collections at Texas State University, David Coleman, explores the complex legacy of Edward S. Curtis and his quest to document American Indians in the early 1900s. Free with Museum admission. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St. 210-2994499. www.briscoemuseum.org Pint-Sized Science: This program introduces budding scientists to basic science concepts. Each month kids will explore a different theme such as weather, animals, water, reactions, nutrition and more. 10 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and 2 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays in the Jungle Adventure classroom. Free with museum admission. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org Toddler Time: Museum staff members lead activities designed to build your child’s fine and gross motor skills. Weekly activities may include reading, music and exploration of handson materials. Toddler Time is held in the Tot Spot exhibit

Kids eat free 4pm - 8pm with every adult entree purchase 3 Locations - see website www.romespizza.com

WEDNESDAY Lubys

MONDAY Free Ballet Folklorico classes are available in Helotes on the first and third Monday of each month.

Looking for a great place to eat that is fun for the entire family? below is a list of restaurants that offer Kids Eat Free.

Buffalo Wings & Rings Kids eat free with every adult entree purchase 203 North Loop 1604 www.buffalowingsandrings.com

Babes Old Fashion Burgers Mon - Thurs from 4pm - 7pm kids 9 and under eat free with every adult entree purchase 3 Locations - see website www.babeshamburgers.com

Earl Abels Mon - Thurs from 5pm - 8pm kids eat free with every adult entree purchase 1201 Austin Hwy #175 www.earlabelssa.com

TUESDAY

Hurricane Grill & Wings

Kids eat free with every adult entree purchase. 2611 SE Military Dr #108 www.hurricanewings.com

The Black-eyed Pea Kids eat free after 5pm with every adult entree purchase 7959 Fredericksburg Rd., #103 www.theblackeyedpea.com

Marie Callendars Kids eat free with every adult entree purchase 4788 NW Interstate 410 Loop www.mariecallenders.com

Kids eat free after 4 pm with every adult entree purchase* All Locations *Excludes 5307 Walzem Road, San Antonio 78218 www.lubys.com

Romes Pizza

Kids eat free 4pm - 8pm with every adult entree purchase

THURSDAY The Black-eyed Pea

Kids eat free with every adult entree purchase.

SATURDAY Lubys

Kids eat free 11-close with adult purchase* All Locations *Excludes 5307 Walzem Road, San Antonio 78218 www.lubys.com

Del Fuego’s Chargril

Kids eat free with every adult entree purchase. 2318 North Loop 1604 www.delfuegostx.com

Marie Callendars Kids eat free with every adult entree purchase

SUNDAY ztejas

Kids eat free with every adult entree purchase 15900 La Cantera Pkwy #25100 www.ztejas.com

September 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

dedicated to infants and toddlers up to 36 months. 10:30 a.m. Free with museum admission. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org

What’s Inside 32 Family Theater 34 Ongoing Exhibits

Library Offers a Variety of Family Programming Throughout the Year San Antonio’s Public Library system offers a variety of entertaining and educational programs for children every month. For example, two San Antonio Public Library branches present “Come and Go Crafts” program on Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Central Library (600 Soledad) and the Tobin Branch Library (4134 Harry Wurzbach) will offer children and families the chance to drop in and take part in creative, self-directed craft activities. Young children will need adult assistance with these projects. In addition, the Central Library will present a Family Fun Day on Sept. 20. Children and their grown-ups can listen to stories and enjoy simple, shared activities in the Story Room. All ages are welcome. These and other child and family-oriented programs are available year-round at various SAPL branches. For a complete list of SAPL programs in September, go to www.mysapl.org/calendar.aspx#/?i=1

Fit Pass 2.0 Challenge Passports Due by Sept. 20

If you have been taking part in Fit Pass 2.0 S.A. since June, it is time to turn in your passport! Deadline is Sept. 20 for the June 14-Sept. 13 fitness challenge entries. To be eligible for prizes, participants must turn in their Fit Pass Passports. Call 210-207-3000 or visit www.sanantonio.gov/parksandrec/ FitPassCalendar.

Deco Mercado Days Offer Farmer’s Market

Centro Cultural Aztlan is presenting Deco Mercado Days every third Saturday of the month through December. Deco Mercado Days offer a broad range of fresh produce from nearby farmers and other homemade products like honey, baked goods and eggs. In addition, flowers, bedding plants and other vendors such as artisans, designers and makers of rare specialty items will be on hand. The Deco Mercado Days is 100 percent producer only, meaning there will be no products that have been purchased elsewhere to be resold. All products and produce are from within a 75 mile radius of Bexar County. Network for Young Artists will also be a participating partner highlighting local musicians and performers. The event includes a wellness component with monthly health screenings for blood pressure and diabetes as well as blood drives. Also, fitness demos in yoga, tai chi, karate and zumba will be provided. Nonprofit organizations will offer community services such as pet adoptions, vaccinations and spay and neuter programs. Centro Cultural Aztlan is at 1800 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 103 and the Deco Mercado Days will take place both in the building and the parking lot. Call 210-432-1896 or e-mail ccaztlan@swbell.net or centroaztlan@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Our Kids Magazine | September 2014

Free Tuesdays at the Witte Museum: Admission is free on Tuesdays from 3 to 8 p.m. The Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. 210357-1900. www.wittemuseum.org SAMA Free Admission: No charge for admission from 4 to 9 p.m. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www. samuseum.org

3 Wednesday

Story Adventures: Kids will enjoy an imagination adventure that strengthens language and listening skills through story time and dramatic play. Children of all ages will love taking average story time to the next level. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free with museum admission. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org Astronomy in the Park: Join astronomers and other stargazers as you observe the sky through large telescopes in an informational program with the San Antonio Astronomical Association. Sundown to 10 p.m. every Wednesday. Free. Lower Bee Tree soccer field parking lot of McAllister Park, 13102 Jones Maltsberger Road. 210-710-4786. www.sanantonioastronomy.org SAMA Playdates: Toddlers can enjoy stories, gallery activities, hands-on art, movement and music during this event designed to cultivate, nurture and inspire creativity while developing an appreciation of art and world cultures. Participants should meet at the front desk. 10 to 11 a.m. Free with museum admission. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8183. www.samuseum.org Weed Wednesdays – Volunteer at PHP: Hardberger Park’s diversity of flora and fauna is being threatened by exotic invasive weeds and volunteers are needed to combat these weeds every Wednesday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. E-mail wendy.leonard@sanantonio.gov or call 210-207-3292 for directions to each week’s location. Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Road (East Side). 210-207-3106. www. philhardbergerpark.org Pint-Sized Science: see Sept. 2

4 Thursday

Sensory Art: Kids use their senses and create unique pieces of art each Thursday throughout the summer. 2 to 2:30 p.m. Free with museum admission. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org The West 1:01 Drop-in Tours: The West 1:01 drop-in tours are every Thursday at 1:01 p.m. sharp. Tours do not require reservations. Tours are open and cover three or four of the museum’s most popular art and artifacts.

Free with museum admission. 1:01 to 1:31 p.m. Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St. 210-299-4499. www.briscoemuseum.org Toddler Time: see Sept. 2

5 Friday

30th Annual “Animal” Zoo Run Relay: The San Antonio Zoo presents an 8-mile fundraising relay run with four-member teams running 2 miles per runner. The course will take the runners through the zoo grounds and Brackenridge Park. Cost per runner is $35. Signup is available online or on-site the day of the run from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. The run starts at 6 p.m. $35. There will be a mini “Kids’ Zoo Run” the following day inside the zoo. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www. sazoo.org Tots Nature Playdate at the Zoo: Bring your San Antonio Zoo presents its 30th Annual “Animal” Kids Zoo Run at 8:30 a.m. energetic and inquisitive young explorers Sept. 6 for children 11 years old and younger. to the zoo for fun nature playtime digging, collecting, questioning, climbing, squawking, pretend playing and looking for nature critters. Parkway, Ste. 106. 210-826-6411. www.thetwig.indiebound.com Each session includes a visit from a fun animal ambassador. Designed for 2- to 3-year-olds. Cost per person Dots & Squiggles: Designed for ages 1-3, this is an early childis $7 for members; $15 for nonmembers. 10 to 10:45 a.m. San hood program created and taught by experienced early childAntonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo. hood educators. Fun and engaging lessons encourage children org to experience a variety of activities that incorporate art, sensory Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: Miss Anastasia combines story time and a delightful craft every Friday. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free. Twig Book Shop in the Can Plant Building, 306 Pearl

BALLOONS WITH A TWIST!

Balloon Artists Face Painters • Clowns

exploration, movement, music, story time and dramatic play. 10:30 a.m. Free with museum admission. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org

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calendar

childcare at www.summitsa.com at least 24 hours prior to the event. Free. 1 to 4 p.m. Summit Christian Center, 2575 Marshall Road. 210-402-0565. sharkey@summitsa Komodo Dragon Day: Celebrate Reptile Day in the Nature Spot. Kids will enjoy games, activities and presentations throughout the zoo where they can learn all about our favorite scaly friends. This event is free with zoo admission. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. Earth Science- Rocks & Fossils of Texas: David Turner of St. Mary’s University presents an earth science program for families with children. Find out what rocks can be found in Texas and how they were formed. Kid-friendly craft is included. Suggested donation is $3 per child or $5 per family. 9:30 to 11 a.m. Phil Hardberger Park, 8400 N.W. Military Highway – PHP Urban Ecology Center Classroom (West Side). 210-207-3106. www. philhardbergerpark.org Nature Walk With Crafts for Families With Young Children: This walk proceeds at a leisurely pace on the paved trails of the park with plenty of time for up-close inspection of nature. Make a nature craft after the hike. Participants are limited to 15 per hike. A donation of $2 per person with a maximum of $6 per family is suggested. 9 to 10:30 a.m. E-mail peggy.spring@sanantonio.gov or call 210-207-5320 to make reservations as space is limited. Meet near the restrooms. Eisenhower Park, 19399 N.W. Military Highway. 210-207-5320. www. sanaturalareas.org

“Bravo! Mi Cultura” celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with an evening of dance performances from 8 to 10 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Arneson River Theater. Investigation Station: Kids put critical thinking skills to the test while working with interactive stations designed to encourage them to investigate the world around them. Hours vary by date. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $8 for 2-year-olds and older and free to children younger than 2. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org Mom’s Coffee and Conversation: Enjoy complimentary coffee and conversation with other moms while giving your children a place to play and explore. This event is an opportunity for parents and children to foster new friendships. Concessions are available, but outside food is allowed in the park’s shaded picnic area. 9 to 10 a.m. Morgan’s Wonderland, 5223 David Edwards Drive. 210-495-5888. info@morganswonderland.com

6 Saturday

30th Annual “Animal” Kids’ Zoo Run: Gather your friends to compete in the Kids’ Zoo Run benefiting the San Antonio Zoo. There will be a 1/4-mile course for children 5 years and younger and a 1/2-mile course for those ages 6-11. Both courses run within the confines of the zoo. The run is divided into five age categories. Cost is $25 per runner. All runners will receive a T-shirt and a ribbon. Medals will go to the top three boys and girls finishing in each age group. Run starts at 8:30 a.m. Visit www.kidsrun.kintera.org to sign up online. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Parenting Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them: This seminar will teach parents how to avoid common parenting mistakes and add to their Parenting Toolbox. Presented by Suzi Harkey, M.Ed., Summit Christian Center’s Counseling Coordinator, this event is designed for families with children in all age groups, from toddlers through teens. Handouts and age-group specific parenting tips will be provided. Register online and request

Our Kids Magazine | September 2014

Art Studio: Children create sensory rich pieces inspired by famous artists during this event. Art Studio allows kids to practice tactile artistry as they create kaleidoscopes, watercolor flowers and more. Open to all ages. 2 p.m. Free with admission. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-2124453. www.sakids.org First Saturday at the Alamo: Enjoy First Saturday, an interactive living history event, designed to give visitors a glimpse of life in early Texas. Includes live demonstrations, living history and history talks. 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Alamo. 210-225-1391. www.thealamo.org MarketPlace at Old Town Helotes: Music, food and a good time are served up at this event. Local craftsmen offer treasures from across South Texas. The MarketPlace is held in the heart of Old Town Helotes near the historic Floore Country Store and scenic Helotes Creek. Jewelry, arts and crafts, fresh produce and one-of-a-kind pieces are on display. Additionally, local boutiques open their doors and offer visitors a taste of Old Town Helotes. Gates open at 10 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. 210-695-5964. www.helotes-tx.gov/marketplace Kids Fun Day with Trains: Kids Fun Day is the first and third Saturday of every month. Kids of all ages run the train and become a junior engineer. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. New Braunfels Railroad Museum. 830-627-2447. newbraunfelsrailroadmuseum. org Investigation Station: see Sept. 5

7 Sunday

Zootennial Celebration Series: This educational program series is geared for ages 2-5, encourages child and caregiver interactions with stories, songs and animal close-ups. This month’s theme is “Celebrating Monkeys and Trees!” Series is divided into two age categories: 2-3 (Wild Beginnings) and 4-5 (Zoo Explorers). Program for ages 2-3 is from 9 to 10 a.m. and ages 4-5 is 11 a.m. to noon. $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers. Register online. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org SAMA Free Admission: No charge for admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art from 10 a.m. to noon. San Antonio

Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www.samuseum.org Free Public Tour – Highlights of the Museum: McNay docents offer a free public tour of the permanent collection on the first Sunday of the month. Meet in the AT&T Lobby. 3 p.m. McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-8051768. www.mcnayart.org

BILINGUAL IMMERSION

First Sundays for Families: Share Sundays with the family and say farewell to the Matisse exhibit with live music, art-making, French-inspired activities and a special family film. Noon to 4 p.m. Free for children ages 12 years and younger. Great Hall, San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www.samuseum.org

We are BILINGUAL a educa)onal center with bilingual IMMERSION We are a educational center bilingual English-‐Spanish program to help with your child English-Spanish program to help your compete in our new global environment. child

Investigation Station: see Sept. 5 Art Pavilion: see Sept. 1

8 Monday

Little Zootennial Buddies: Take your smallest animal lover to a zoo class where he or she can meet an animal friend, sing animal songs, read books about animals and make new friends. Attending all six classes is recommended. Program is for ages 6-15 months. 10 to 10:45 a.m. Cost per person is $7 for members and $15 for nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Little Sprout Mondays: Program for ages 3-4 includes storytelling, kids’ crafts and hands-on explorations at the child’s pace. No registration necessary. 10 a.m. $3 per child, plus garden admission. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-207-3250. www.sabot.org Art Pavilion: see Sept. 1 Tinker-N-Tales: see Sept. 1

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Family Theater

calendar

10 Wednesday

Tiny Tots Classes: One-day class on “Celebrating Leaves and Insects” provides an opportunity for 2- to 5-year-olds and their caregivers to experience animals at the zoo through stories, crafts and animal presentations. 10 to 11 a.m. $7 for members and $17 for nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Story Adventures: see Sept. 3 Pint-Sized Science: see Sept. 2 Astronomy in the Park: see Sept. 3 SAMA Playdates: see Sept. 3 Weed Wednesdays – Volunteer at PHP: see Sept. 3

11 Thursday

Toddler Time: see Sept. 2 Sensory Art: see Sept. 4 The West 1:01 Drop-in Tours: see Sept. 4

12 Friday

“Beauty and the Beast” runs Sept. 30 through Oct. 5 at the Majestic Theatre. “Shrek the Musical” – Based on the DreamWorks film, this story of everyone’s favorite ogre comes to life on the Magik stage. Full of all-new songs, dancing and breathtaking scenery, “Shrek the Musical” is part romance, part twisted fairy tale and fun for everyone. $10 admission and children under 2 years old are free. Runs Aug. 15 through Sep. 27. 10:30 a.m. Wednesday and Friday, 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday. Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St. 210227-2751. www.magiktheatre.org “Disney’s Beauty and The Beast” – The classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. This award-winning hit Broadway musical, is returning to the Majestic Theatre for eight performances. Tickets start at $30. Runs Sep.30 through Oct. 5. Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St. 210-226-3333.

9 Tuesday

Run With SAMA: Join the San Antonio Museum of Art and Run Wild Sports at the museum on the second Tuesday of every month for a leisurely run. Runners of all levels are welcome. Enjoy a 5-10 minute talk on fitness. Run and walk with professional coaches and runners from Run Wild Sports and stretch with yoga instructors from The Synergy Studio. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free. Runners can enjoy free admission to the museum. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www. samuseum.org Pint-Sized Science: see Sept. 2 Toddler Time: see Sept. 2 Free Tuesdays at the Witte Museum: see Sept. 2 SAMA Free Admission: see Sept. 2

Our Kids Magazine | September 2014

BRAVO! MI Cultura: In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department presents BRAVO! MI CULTURA! The event is an evening of dance celebrating the Hispanic Heritage in San Antonio and showcasing young dancers from the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department’s Dance Programs. The performance will include dance numbers with influences from Spanish Flamenco and Mexican Folklorico. Free, however donations will be accepted. 8 to 10 p.m. Arneson River Theater in La Villita, 418 Villita St. 210-207-3132. www.events.getcreativesanantonio.com Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: see Sept. 5 Dots & Squiggles: see Sept. 5 Investigation Station: see Sept. 5

13 Saturday

Diez y Seis Parade and Fiesta: see Page 26 International Accordion Festival: Celebrating its 13th anniversary at La Villita Historic Arts Village, the International Accordion Festival will showcase musical traditions from worldwide ethnic, national and regional cultures. The festival will also present young ensembles that fuse old traditions with current sounds. Free. Noon to 11 p.m. La Villita Historic Arts Village, 418 Villita St. 210-20- 6968. www.internationalaccordionfestival.org Moondance Concert – One Minute To Midnight: Enjoy the Moondance concert under the oaks and evening stars as One Minute to Midnight serves up an eclectic mix of jazz, soul and contemporary rock: “From Cole to Soul, from Swing to Sting.” Take lawn chairs, blankets, picnic and the entire family, including friendly dogs on leashes for live music, dancing and fun at the Cibolo Nature Center. $7.50 for members; $10 for nonmembers; $5 for senior citizens 65 +; free for kids 12 years and younger. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. and music begins at 8 p.m. Cibolo Nature Center & Farm, 140 City Park Road, Boerne. 830-2494616. www.cibolo.org MRNA Second Saturday Program – Water Conservation: Greg Wukasch, San Antonio Water Systems Education Coordinator, presents information on how to conserve water. Find out how water travels from rain to drain. Suggested for families with children of elementary ages. No registration required. 9 to 11 a.m. Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Texas 16 South. 210207-3280. www.sanaturalareas.org SA Urban Pet Market: This family-friendly event includes vendors for all pet products and services, food trucks, pet adoptions,

dog agility and training demonstrations. Proceeds from the event are donated to the local animal rescue groups in attendance. Free. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Travis Park, 301 E. Travis St. 210-722-8601. www. sa-UrbanPetMarket.com Hill Country Geology – Family Program: Retired geologist Bob Hixon shares how rocks are formed, what rocks and minerals are and how the local geology developed. 10 a.m. to noon. E-mail peggy.spring@ sanantonio.gov or call 210-207-5320 for reservations. Eisenhower Park, 19399 N.W. Military Highway. 210-207-5320. www. sanaturalareas.org Plant Sale: Choose from an abundant selection of the adapted and native plants that are important for droughttolerant landscaping. Garden volunteers guide visitors to the best water-saving performers and the plants they can enjoy year-round. Admission to the garden is $10 for adults; $8 for students, seniors, military; $7 for children ages 3-13; free for children younger than 3 and all members. The 13th Annual International Accordion Festival is set for LaVillita from noon to 11 Admission to the Plant Sale is included p.m. Sept. 13. This event is free and open to all ages. with garden admission. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 p.m. Inspire Community Fine Art Center, 200 Queen Anne Court. Funston Place. 210-207-3250. www.sabot.org 210-829-5592. www.inspirefineart.org Evening Adventure Tour: Find out what really happens at the Boerne Market Days: This family event has become synonymous San Antonio Zoo after hours at the Evening Adventure Tour. with shopping in an outdoor setting with artists, craftsmen During this program, you’ll find out which animals are “night vendors showing their creative talents and wares. Live music, owls” and which animals are “early nappers.” Visitors get to food, kids’ activities and more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and meet an animal ambassador up close. Admission is $20 for adult Sunday. Free. Main Plaza in Boerne. www.boernemarketdays. members, $15 for children who are members; $24 for adult com. 210-884-8193. nonmembers; and $19 for children who are nonmembers. 6:30 Investigation Station: see Sept. 5 to 8 p.m. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. Art Studio: see Sept. 6 www.sazoo.org Beginners’ Bird Walk: To participate in this activity, visitors are asked to meet the San Antonio Audubon Society (SAAS) trip leader at the Judson Nature Trail in Alamo Heights at 8 a.m. Nonmembers are welcome and binoculars with instructions can be provided. There is no charge for this event. 246 Viesca St. in Alamo Heights. 210-308-6788. saaudubon.org Scouting the Zoo: Scouts have the chance to discover more about animals and the zoo in this fun-filled program that complements badge or pin requirements. Scheduled workshops make it convenient to earn a Scout the Zoo patch while also making new friends from other scout groups. Each month workshops geared toward a different division features varying topics at separate times for girls and boys. The girls’ workshop is open to Daisies and Brownies and will focus on “Butterflies.” It runs from 9:30 to 11 a.m. The boys’ workshop is for Tigers and Wolves and is titled “Wildlife Conservation” and runs from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Cost per workshop is $16 for members, $21 for nonmembers and $13 for parents. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Story Time Stampede-Campfire Cookin’: Explore the American West through story and art as part of this collaboration between the Briscoe Western Art Museum and the San Antonio Public Library. This event is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on second Saturdays. Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St. 210-299-4118. www.briscoemuseum.org Free Family Art Day: Enjoy creating various art projects and have a snack – all from the country represented that day. 10 a.m. to 1

14 Sunday

Sunday Jazz at the Witte: Take the family and enjoy a relaxing afternoon with “Primetime- The Music of Count Basie” in the Witte’s new riverfront Will Smith Amphitheater; blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged. Museum galleries close at 5 p.m. Food and drink are available for purchase. Sunday Jazz at the Witte is included with museum general admission. 3 to 6 p.m. Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. 210-357-1910. www.wittemuseum.org Zootennial Celebration Series: see Sept. 7 Investigation Station: see Sept. 5 Art Pavilion: see Sept. 1 SAMA Free Admission: see Sept. 7 Boerne Market Days: see Sept. 13

15 Monday

S.A.fari Kids: Come join the wildest club in town and explore animals around the zoo while building new relationships and skills. This month’s focus is “In the Air!” and we strongly encourage children to attend monthly to insure continuous learning. Drop off program; parents not required to stay. Ages 5-7. 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. $12 for members and $18 for nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo. org. Art Pavilion: see Sept. 1 September 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

calendar

Ongoing Exhibits

San Antonio Botanical Garden

“Nature Connects – Art with LEGO Bricks” presents 27 sculptures that make up 14 displays created from nearly 500,000 LEGO bricks! Placed throughout the garden, the displays range in size from 6 inches to nearly 8 feet. The largest sculpture is of a mother bison, made from 45,143 bricks. Each sculpture has an internal structure built with steel rods and plates, which provide support and balance for the large works. Surrounding the support structure, each sculpture is constructed entirely from LEGO bricks, glued together using only the connections of the bricks, one at a time placed by artist Sean Kenney. Nature Connects is open during regular garden operating hours beginning Sept. 6. Exhibit is free for garden members, and included in regular garden admission for non-members. Exhibit runs through Jan. 4, 2015. “Scarecrow Trail” Exhibit is back. Scattered throughout the paths and garden beds, visitors can explore and enjoy more than 20 different scarecrows. Using everyday materials like old milk jugs, gourds, flowerpots, wood, burlap, yarn, moss and other found or recycled items, each scarecrow is one of a kind. Exhibit is free for garden members and included in regular garden admission for non-members. Exhibit runs Sept. 22 through Nov. 16. Daily admission to the San Antonio Botanical Garden is $10 for adults; $8 for students, seniors and military; $7 for children ages 3-13. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-207-3250. www.sabot.org

Institute of Texan Cultures

“Modern Masterpieces by Texas Quilters, 1989-2010” and “Texas Art Quilts, 1993-2011,” two exhibits from the Texas Quilt Museum, showcases more than 40 contemporary Texas art quilts. With bold interpretations of old favorites, the featured quilters push the boundaries of Texas quiltmaking. Themes of the two exhibits include science, fantasy, political causes, natural beauty, gardens, fishing and heavenly stars. Employing color and pattern in painterly fashion, the artists in this exhibition demonstrate that contemporary quilt art in the Lone Star state represents a vital aspect of Texas’ visual culture. Exhibit runs Sept. 5 through Jan. 11, 2015.

A Lego exhibit by artist Sean Kinney begins Sept. 6 at the San Antonio Botanical Garden with special opening day activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. of 12 homegrown artists. During the past five years, the Texas Contemporary Artists series has featured local and regional artistic talent. The state has been noted as an emerging scene for progressive and exciting art. Curator Arturo Infante Almeida described a unifying element to the series: each artist expresses a bold vision and unbridled exuberance that are the quintessence of Texan culture. This joint exhibition marks the completion of the series and will include two pieces from each artist. Runs through Oct. 26.

“Converging Texan Cultures” explores the topics of Texas architecture, food and clothing in a unique and contemporary fashion. The installation at the Institute of Texan Cultures uses innovative technological display interfaces that allow patrons to view cultures in a new light. Displays include an array of high-definition digital video, projection mapping and nontraditional video productions. Exhibit runs through Oct. 5.

Admission: $8 for adults 12-64; $7 for seniors 65+; $6 for children 3-11; free with membership, UTSA or Alamo Colleges identification. Regular hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Institute of Texan Cultures, UTSA HemisFair Park Campus, 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd. 210-4582300. www.TexanCultures.com

“Texas Contemporary Artists Series” Final Exhibition wraps up a five-year exhibition showcasing the talents

“Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body” exhibit is based on the best-selling book

Our Kids Magazine | September 2014

The Witte

“Grossology” and uses animatronics and imaginative exhibits to tell the good, bad and downright ugly about runny noses, body odor and more. Sometimes it’s stinky, sometimes it’s crusty and sometimes it’s slimy. Explore why your body produces mushy, oozy, crusty, scaly and stinky gunk. Exhibit runs through Nov. 3. H-E-B Body Adventure at the Witte is under way and visitors to the Witte can explore a state-of-theart interactive adventure focused on getting the body up and moving and inspiring a balanced life. Visitors begin by selecting a buddy as their virtual guide throughout the exhibit. They will also receive a special POWERpass card to swipe at each activity station in order to create a custom POWERprofile of their adventure. Four floors of fun activities feature themes relating to Health IQ, Empowerment and Wellness including: South Texas Trailblaze, Pick Up Your Pace, You Are What You Drink, Demonstration Kitchen, Toddler Discovery Garden, Eat the Rainbow and Bare Bones. Each themed area features hands-on activities that are both fun and educational. Additionally, there are interactive cart demonstrations and student workshops that explore wellness, empowerment, anatomy and physiology. Exhibit runs through May 31, 2015. Admission: $10 for adults 12-64; $9 for seniors 65+ and active duty military; $7 for children 4-11; and free for children ages 3 and younger and to all museum members. Regular hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. 210-3571900. www.wittemuseum.org

“Wiggly Worms” will be the focus of Mother Nature’s Storytime on Sept. 16 at the Cibolo Nature Center in Boerne. Tinker-N-Tales: see Sept. 1 Helotes Ballet Folklorico Classes: see Sept. 1

16 Tuesday

Mother Nature’s Storytime – Wiggly Worms: We find them in the ground helping to make our dirt healthy. They are also fun to watch and hold. Kids ages 3-6 can visit the Nature Center to learn all about these wiggly guys and even take one home. $5 per family. Cibolo Nature Center and Farm, 140 City Park Road, Boerne. 830-249-4616. www.cibolo.org Free Family Night: Adults and children are admitted free the third Tuesday of the month. The H-E-B Free Family Night coincides with the city’s free parking after 5 p.m. initiative. 6 to 8 p.m. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org Pint-Sized Science: see Sept. 2 Toddler Time: see Sept. 2 Free Tuesdays at the Witte Museum: see Sept. 2 SAMA Free Admission: see Sept. 2

17 Wednesday

Home School Programs: This month’s focus is “Elephant Conservation” and is geared to home-schooled children grades K-4 (ages 6 and older). Students will be separated by age (6-8 and 9-11). Cost is $15 for adult member and child; $25 for adult nonmember and child; and $10 for additional participants. Two sessions – one from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and another from 1 to 2:30 p.m. – will be offered. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210734-7184. www.sazoo.org

Story Adventures: see Sept. 3 Pint-Sized Science: see Sept. 2 Astronomy in the Park: see Sept. 3 SAMA Playdates: see Sept. 3 Weed Wednesdays – Volunteer at PHP: see Sept. 3

18 Thursday

Toddler Time: see Sept. 2 Sensory Art: see Sept. 4 The West 1:01 Drop-in Tours: see Sept. 4

19 Friday

Diez y Seis Performances: The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department presents its annual performance series in celebration of Diez y Seis. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Arneson River Theater in La Villita. 418 Villita St. 210-2078614. www.lavillita.com Movie Night at the Park: Tonight’s feature is Disney’s “Frozen.” Take chairs, blankets and food. A moon bounce, children’s playground and music from the Helotes Area Community Band will perform prior to the movie. Local vendors will also serve food and drinks. Free. 6 p.m. Helotes Municipal Complex, 12951 Bandera Rd., Helotes. www.helotes-tx.gov/ events/movie-night-at-the-park/ Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: see Sept. 5 Dots & Squiggles: see Sept. 5 Investigation Station: see Sept. 5 Mom’s Coffee and Conversation: see Sept. 4

20 Saturday

Scavenger Hunt in King William: see Page 26 September 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

calendar Dia De los Ninos- Culture, Health, And Fitness Event: An allday event celebrating the historical significance of Mexico’s Independence from Spain through culture, health and fitness endeavors. Also known as Dia de los Niños, the event promotes the vibrancy and wellness of children, families and youth. Enjoy a variety of healthy activities such as zumba, basketball and soccer; or participate in a family-friendly artistic workshop. There will be art vendors, health and wellness informational tables, food demonstrations and more. Free. 10 a.m. La Villita Historic Arts Village, 418 Villita St. 210-2075951. www.getcreativesanantonio.com NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Competition: Youth, ages 6 to 15, can participate in this event that allows them to experience the fun of learning football fundamentals in an engaging and supportive non-contact environment. Registration is at 9 a.m. and the competition begins at 10 a.m. Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 200 Noblewood Drive. 210-207-3114. www. sanantonio.gov/Parksandrec/calendar.aspx Knit Out & Crochet, Too: Participants learn the basics of knitting and crocheting or can get help from members of the Alamo Rows Crochet Guild. No experience necessary. All ages are welcome to this free event. All materials are free. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central Library, 600 Soledad St. 210-207-2500. www. mysapl.org/calendar.aspx#/?i=3 Mariachi Concert: This evening event features middle and high school mariachi groups from San Antonio and surrounding Texas cities. Groups include Ben Bolt High School Mariachi Azul y Plata, Ben Bolt Middle School Mariachi Juvenil Azul y Plata, Somerset High School Mariachi Azul Real and Middle School Mariachi Azul del Cielo from South Texas and local groups such as Austin Academy Mariachi Los Tigres and Brackenridge High School Mariachi Aguila. The Mariachi Concert includes special dance performances from the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center Dance Company. Free. 5:30 p.m. Arneson River Theater in La Villita, 418 Villita St. 210-271-3151. www.events.getcreativesanantonio.com/event/ detail/441864338/Mariachi_Concert Tiny Tot Family Campouts: The San Antonio Zoo presents an overnight campout for families with children ages 3-5 years old. The campout features an open fire, sleeping outside in a tent, animal encounters and an evening zoo tour. The event begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Cost per person is $45 for adult members; $22 for child members; $55 for adult nonmembers; and $27 for child nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www. sazoo.org Tiny Tots Classes: One-day class on “Celebrating Squirrels and Nuts” provides an opportunity for 2- to 5-year-olds and their caregivers to experience animals at the zoo through stories, crafts and animal presentations. 10 to 11 a.m. $7 for members and $17 for nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Diez y Seis Performances: see Sept. 19 Kids Fun Day with Trains: see Sept. 6 Investigation Station: see Sept. 5 Art Studio: see Sept. 6

21 Sunday

Diez y Seis Performances: see Sept. 19 Zootennial Celebration Series: see Sept. 7 Investigation Station: see Sept. 5 Art Pavilion: see Sept. 1

Our Kids Magazine | September 2014

“Bravo! Latino!” runs from 8 to 10 p.m. Sept. 26 through 28 at the Arneson River Theater.

SAMA Free Admission: see Sept. 7

22 Monday

23 Tuesday

Pint-Sized Science: see Sept. 2 Toddler Time: see Sept. 2 Free Tuesdays at the Witte Museum: see Sept. 2 SAMA Free Admission: see Sept. 2

24 Wednesday

Story Adventures: see Sept. 3 Pint-Sized Science: see Sept. 2 Astronomy in the Park: see Sept. 3

SAMA Playdates: see Sept. 3 Weed Wednesdays - Volunteer at PHP: see Sept. 3

25 Thursday

Toddler Time: see Sept. 2 Sensory Art: see Sept. 4 The West 1:01 Drop-in Tours: see Sept. 4

26 Friday

BRAVO! Latino: In celebration of Fiestas Patrias, the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department presents BRAVO! Latino! The event is an evening of music featuring local teen talent from the Take Note Band as well as guest artists and music students. The performance will include songs and compositions of Latin jazz and rock with influences from Spanish and African indigenous sources. Suggested donation is $10. 8 to 10 p.m. Arneson River Theater in La Villita, 418 Villita St. 210-207-3132. www. events.getcreativesanantonio.com Tiny Tots Classes: One-day class on “Celebrating Birds and Feathers” provides an opportunity for 2- to 5-year-olds and their caregivers to experience The McNay will offer a Family Art Play Day at 1 and 3 p.m. Sept. 28. animals at the zoo through stories, crafts and animal presentations. 10 to 11 a.m. $7 for members and $17 for nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s so parents are not required to stay. Designed for ages 8-12. 1:30 St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org to 3 p.m. Cost is $12 for members and $18 for nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo. Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: see Sept. 5 org Dots & Squiggles: see Sept. 5 Investigation Station: see Sept. 5 Bravo! Latino: see Sept. 26 Investigation Station: see Sept. 5 Art Studio: see Sept. 6

27 Saturday

Sensory-Friendly Films: Partnering with the Autism Society, AMC Theaters brings Sensory- Friendly Films to families affected by autism in the San Antonio area. The program provides an opportunity for families to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment. The auditoriums dedicated to the program have their lights up, the sound turned down and audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing. 10 a.m. This month’s feature is “Dolphin Tale 2.” Dates and films are subject to change so moviegoers should verify in advance. $4 per person. AMC Rivercenter 9. 849 E. Commerce St. http://www. autism-society.org/get-involved/events/sensory-friendly-films Tiny Tot Family Campouts: The San Antonio Zoo presents an overnight campout for families with children ages 6-8 years old. Campout theme is “Night Fliers.” The campout includes an open fire, sleeping outside in a tent, animal encounters and an evening zoo tour. The event begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Cost per person is $45 for adult members; $22 for child members; $55 for adult nonmembers; and $27 for child nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-7347184. www.sazoo.org Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots – Australian Expedition: Join the zoo’s chapter of Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots, and get involved in fun conservation activities each month. Program includes natural history of the animals, issues relating to their conservation, techniques used to study animals and ways kids can help with wildlife conservation. This is a drop-off program

28 Sunday

Family Art Play at The McNay – Butterflies and Bugs: Meet critters from the San Antonio Zoo then use recycled materials to create airborne animals. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free with museum admission. 1 and 3 p.m. McNay members should make reservations by calling 210-805-1768 by noon Sep 26. McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-805-1768. www.mcnayart.org Zootennial Celebration Series: see Sept. 7 Bravo! Latino: see Sept. 26 Investigation Station: see Sept. 5 Art Pavilion: see Sept. 1 SAMA Free Admission: see Sept. 7

29 Monday

Art Pavilion: see Sept. 1 Tinker-N-Tales: see Sept. 1

30 Tuesday

Pint-Sized Science: see Sept. 2 Toddler Time: see Sept. 2 Free Tuesdays at the Witte Museum: see Sept. 2 SAMA Free Admission: see Sept. 2

looking ahead The Medina River Natural Area presents its 10th Annual Fall Fest on Oct. 11 at 15890 Texas 16 South. And don’t miss the Zoo Boo from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 30 and 31 at the San Antonio Zoo.

September 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

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Parents this is your chance to have your child on the cover of Our Kids Magazine. More details in next months issue.

Magazine 38

Our Kids 2014

Our Kids Magazine | September 2014

Magazine

Your Kids In Our Kids (Left to right starting from the top left)

October Theme is Halloween Visit OurKidsMagazine.com and Submit Your Kids Photos The deadline to submit photos is September 15. By uploading photos to Your Kids in Our Kids, you give us permission to publish your photos in Our Kids Magazine and online on our website. FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210 LIKE US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA