December 2018

’cause

parenting is a trip!

WIN BIG!

Big Gift Giveaway SEE PAGE 9

Winter

Don’t Miss These Family Outings: Take a peek at the annual December arts guide 27 Advice from a sleep expert on getting some rest and staying healthy 10

HAVE A GOOD-ENOUGH HOLIDAY Ditch the stress and enjoy the holiday instead 14

DONE WITH ALL THE CRAZY STUFF?

How to avoid all those gifts this season 18

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Winter Break Camp YMCA OF PIERCE AND KITSAP COUNTIES At day camp, children make friendships, gain self-confidence, and are encouraged to model the Y values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. From swimming to sports, small group games to large group activities, kids learn and play through activities that teach teamwork, sportsmanship, and skill development.

4 • December 2018 • parentmap.com

inside

, cause parenting is a trip!

DECEMBER 2018

Parenting

6 DEAR READER

Our future is in great hands

8 NEWS AROUND TOWN

What’s happening this month

10 CRIB NOTES

Ready for baby?

Expectant and new parents, this is for you

12 TEENS TAKE ACTION

Yubi Mamiya steps up and makes a difference

39 AGES + STAGES: 5–18

Why these families opted for faith-based education

45 SOMEONE YOU

Feature

14 T HIS YEAR, LET’S HAVE A

GOOD-ENOUGH HOLIDAY The best gift of all? Sanity

Out + About

27

18 G IFT GUIDE

Enough Stuff!

This season, give the gift of experience

24 D ECEMBER CALENDAR

What to do around the Sound

27 H OLIDAY ARTS

Holiday Shows for Every Family Take a peek at our annual holiday arts guide

Advertising Sections

19–23 G ift Guide 29–31 A rts + Activities 36–38 S chools + Preschools 39–41 F aith-Based Schools 42–43 F oreign Language 46 N WAIS Schools

SHOULD KNOW

Nichelle Hilton of Backpack Brigade

COVER PHOTO BY MEGAN LEE

Correction: In the November 2018 print issue’s Someone You Should Know, ParentMap mistakenly wrote that the United States has one of the lowest infant mortality rates in all of the developed world markets.

This should have been “highest.”

ParentMap also misquoted Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. The quote should have been attributed to Brad Smith, Microsoft’s president and chief legal officer.

18

39

parentmap.com • December 2018 • 5

note

Looking ahead

O

Parties

Hands-on Exhibits

Camps & Classes

Art Studio

Field Trips

Pre-School Program

Scholarships

Special Events

... and more!

Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm & Sun 12pm-5pm Toddler Tuesday 8:30am-10am Community Free Days on the 2nd Tuesday of each month The Children’s Museum will remain open at the Cascade Mall until construction of the new space at The Outlet Shoppes is completed.

Located in Burlington, WA :: Tel: 360.757.8888 To learn more about the Museum, programs & our 2019 relocation

www.SkagitChildrensMuseum.net

VisitBurlingtonWA.com 6 • December 2018 • parentmap.com

VisitSkagitValley.com

WILL AUSTIN

11,000 Square Feet

ur future is in great hands.

I promise you (with fingers crossed behind my back) that every publisher’s note moving forward will not be about my greatest gift of 2018: a new precious grandson Levi William Atkins.

Levi’s had four fast miraculous weeks on planet Earth. We can’t seem to get enough of his sweet-smelling head and enchantingly soft skin. He mesmerizes us with his facial gyrations that only a newborn can make. Our gregarious and large family is constantly present with hearts and arms wide open to love this baby up. I wish that every baby who enters this world would be so blessed, from the big love surrounding Levi to his fabulous parents.

Stunning is the massive tectonic shift in roles, and how differently I view the world since 2:13 p.m. on October 21. My first baby daughter Ari is now a parent, and I’m “Bubbie”(Yiddish for “grandmother”). My mother before me gave a new definition to being a Bubbie, as Ari has already given to her role as a devoted mommy.

Levi’s presence, be it angelic, kvetchy or needing four rapid-fire diaper changes, brings out the most magnificent Ari — notwithstanding sleep deprivation. Her historically anxious temperament appears to have vanished.

She seems instantaneously transformed by Levi’s birth and solidly tapped into her zen, imperturbable and unconditionally loving self.

And just as my husband and I did our very best to impart the strong values of our families, we are already starting to see how Adam and Arielle will impart theirs to Levi.

All our family values and customs will continue on with the next generation. The Jewish holidays and traditions that we’ve instilled in our daughter over the years will mean even more to her now that she’ll get to share them with her child. (And our grandson will probably also find them annoying as a teenager — like his mom! — and then embrace them as part of the fabric of their family as an adult. It is all part of life.)

And so I raise my glass to toast all of you as we enter the blessed and stressful holiday season. Like your parents before you, and theirs before them, you will strive and likely succeed at surpassing our skills as parents.

You can’t surpass our love, but do try!

You give us no greater gift than the joy we experience seeing you raise our blessed grandchildren, taking the best and leaving the worst behind, as you invent your own parenting pathway.

ParentMap

December 2018, Vol. 16, No. 12 PUBLISHER/EDITOR Alayne Sulkin

EDITORIAL

MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Kramer OUT + ABOUT EDITOR Nancy Chaney DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR Vicky McDonald PUBLISHING ASSISTANT Nicole Persun CALENDAR ASSISTANT Dora Heideman COPY EDITOR Sunny Parsons CONTRIBUTORS

Gemma Alexander, Nancy Schatz Alton, Will Austin, Jen Betterley, Allison Holm, Megan Lee, Elisa Murray, Ruchika Tulshyan

Welcome to early childhood learning and play by Home Learning Company!

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DIGITAL MARKETING DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER

Lindsey Carter

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MARKETING AND OPERATIONS ASSISTANT

Maureen Taasin

ADVERTISING SALES + PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER, ADVERTISING SALES AND PARTNERSHIPS

Ben Demar, Ida Wicklund

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Angela Goodwin

MARKETING/EVENTS EVENT OPERATIONS Brenna McCowen EVENT + MARKETING COORDINATOR

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PARENTMAP EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Benjamin Danielson, M.D.

ODESSA BROWN CHILDREN’S CLINIC

Joan Duffell COMMITTEE FOR CHILDREN John Gottman, Ph.D.

THE GOTTMAN INSTITUTE PROFESSOR EMERITUS, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

Laura Kastner, Ph.D.

PSYCHIATRY + BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

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VICE PRESIDENT AT DOVETAILING, LLC

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news

News Around Town

World’s first children’s museum on a military base to open

New academy for neurodiverse children opens The Lumen Academy opened its doors in

Education recently received a $3 million

world’s first children’s museum on a military

Woodinville to neurodiverse students, from

gift from the Bezos Family Foundation.

base. The museum will open on Joint Base

kindergarten through fifth grade. “Lumen

Among other ventures, the gift will fund

Lewis-McChord in spring 2020 and will be a

Academy will address our children’s challenges,

the distinguished professorship of Dr. Gail

satellite museum of the museum’s main location

but also highlight their gifts and empower their

Joseph, the founding director of the UW

in Tacoma. Learn more about the More Than a

strengths,” the academy’s co-founder Dr. Angela

early childhood education initiative Cultivate

Museum Project. playtacoma.org

Calhoun said in a press release. lumenacademy.org

Learning. cultivatelearning.uw.edu

The Children’s Museum of Tacoma will open the

Giving Together 2018 Please join us each month as we promote, support and learn about an extraordinary local organization. We will highlight the good works of organizations that strive to improve the lives of families and invite you to join us in giving precious time or money.

8 • December 2018 • parentmap.com

UW educator gets major support The University of Washington College of

THE NONPROFIT Treehouse

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Treehouse works with foster youth across Washington state. This year, they’re hosting a holiday donation drive to support foster youth throughout the holiday season, treehouseforkids.org/holiday.

The goal: Give foster kids a childhood and a future Support: Learn more at treehouseforkids.org

Big Gift Giveaway Our gift to you!

12 days of prizes

from shopping to food to family fun!

Join the fun at ParentMap.com/big Sponsored by

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parentmap.com • December 2018 • 9

all about baby Find Your Village Being a new parent can be really isolating, but baby, we’ve got your back.

ALLI ARNOLD

Sign up for our weekly eNews for the best in

Notes

outings and advice, ’cause parenting is a trip!

h

parentmap.com/enews

From Recent Research to Gaga Gear

Worried About Sleep Schedules?

Q: All my friends with babies

Then, put your child down for a nap around two hours after they first wake up. A 5-month-old can comfortably stay

talk about sleep schedules. Should my 5-month-old have one too?

awake for about two hours at a time, but you may need to adjust this interval to suit your child.

A: Between 4 and 6 months of

age, babies start falling into more predictable sleep patterns. By 6 months, many develop a predictable nap pattern: one nap in the midmorning, one nap after lunch and another short nap around dinnertime.

After their first nap, enjoy their next awake period of around two hours (again, adjusting the interval to her unique needs). It’s important to wake them from any nap lasting longer than two hours, in order to protect nighttime sleep. Put them down for another nap and repeat the sequence.

The final “dinnertime” nap is a brief siesta of 30 to 45

While some babies fall into this pattern

minutes. Your child will likely be ready for bedtime

naturally, others need a little help.

around one to two hours after waking from their brief

First, spend a few days noting how much your

dinnertime nap.

child sleeps in a 24-hour period. (At 5 months,

After following these steps for a few days, you’ll find

the total may be somewhere around 14 to 16

ways to fine-tune the routine to your child’s own

hours per day, but it can vary widely.) Next,

needs. But this is a great way to get started.

choose an appropriate wake-up time for your child. When establishing a sleep routine, always start with the wake-up

Malia Jacobson, author of “Ready, Set, Sleep” (parentmap.com/

time, as this time programs the body’s schedule for the rest of the day.

parentmap-books)

Raising a Feminist

your baby a role model for the future.

Want to teach your baby about

introduce tots to trailblazing

gender equality from the get-

female icons like Ruth Bader

Books are available now

go? Check out these board

Ginsburg, Mae Jemison and Frida

from Amazon, Barnes &

books from Baby Feminists

Kahlo. Lift the flap to see these

Noble, IndieBound and

(babyfeministsbook.com). They

heroic women as babies to give

Books-A-Million.

10 • December 2018 • parentmap.com

Trying to Figure Out Your Maternity Leave?

JERIEL CALAMAYAN

Connecting parents to build a loving community of families of color

When Anna Steffeney was working for a large technology company, she was astounded by the amount of time and effort it took to figure

JOIN our FOCS Parent Groups, monthly events and resource sharing

out her maternity leave entitlements and then fill out all the forms. In fact, she estimates that

Register and Info at focseattle.org

it takes an employee an average of 43 hours to navigate and apply for leave.

She wanted to find a solution, so she created

Do you know a girl who LOVES to sing?

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a technology platform called Leave Logic (leavelogic.com).

Using this software employees can input the leave they’re taking, the

6/1/15 1218_foc_1-16.indd 10:14 PM 1

SEATTLE GIRLS CHOIR has a non-audition prep choir for

10/8/18 4:35 PM

girls in K-1 which provides a foundation for choral singing!

Learn more and register at seattlegirlschoir.org/Piccolini

Let her voice be heard!

city and state they live in and get a clear idea of exactly what they need to register for, what forms to fill out and in what order. This process makes it easier for everyone, both the employee and the employer. It also gives those new mothers back an extra 43 hours to catch up on some sleep or spend some precious time with their new baby.

Find Your Mom Tribe Being a mom can be tough.

Between minding kids and busy work schedules, it can be hard to find time to meet friends or have any “me time.”

If this sounds like you, Om Mama (ommamaco.com) might just be the community you need.

Om Mama is a Seattle-based website where moms can connect with each other and attend workshops and exercise classes.

Every month, Om Mama hosts meet-ups so you can get out of the house, meet and chat with other mamas. Upcoming events feature a fitness class for pregnant moms, a letterpress workshop and a positive discipline parenting workshop. parentmap.com • December 2018 • 11

teens take action

Meet Yubi Mamiya Step up and make a difference, says this teen

By Elisabeth Kramer

T Improving Lives Around the World

here’s a lot to learn from Yubi Mamiya.

At 14 years old, the freshman at Shoreline’s Shorewood High School volunteers at Hope Place Shelter in Kent and Teen Feed in Northeast Seattle. She’s a tutor and a member of her school’s student government. Oh, and she’s also teaching herself how to code.

“I want to lift other people up,” Mamiya says. “So many people have lifted me up [in my life] and I want to do the same.”

That passion to help others initially attracted Mamiya to a summer program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Over the course of several weeks, she heard from local leaders about their work to improve their communities.

“It was really inspiring,” she says. “Here were organizations that weren’t massive but that had humongous impact. They showed me that change can come from motivation and people — not just from power.”

Inspired, Mamiya joined the Youth Ambassadors Program (YAP) at the Gates Foundation. “[The YAP members] really listened to me and my ideas,” she says of meeting YAP teen members over the summer. That kind of positive

“ I’ve found that the community of changemakers is really supportive.

It can be a bit hard but it’s worth it.”

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12 • December 2018 • parentmap.com

interaction left an impression. “As a young person, you’re not always recognized,” she says.

One of those ideas: a website to help preschool-aged children get easier access to early learning resources. Parents who might be busy working could use the website to give their young learners games and puzzles that teach math, reading and writing, Mamiya says.

“So much learning happens before school even starts,” she adds. “I know people would succeed more if they had the same access to resources. That kind of inequality shouldn’t be ignored.”

While Maimya isn’t sure of what life looks like after high school quite yet — she does, after all, have three years ahead — she’s sure of one thing: Whatever she does, she wants to help people. And she knows other young people can do the same.

“Even if you’re a bit shy, stepping forward is definitely worth it,” she says. “I’ve found that the community of changemakers is really supportive. It can be a bit hard but it’s worth it.” n Elisabeth Kramer is managing editor at ParentMap.

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Discounted tickets available at Fred Meyer and pdza.org parentmap.com • December 2018 • 13

feature

This Year, Let’s Have a Good-Enough Holiday

14 • December 2018 • parentmap.com

The best gift of all?

Sanity

By Nancy Schatz Alton

W

hen I was pregnant with my first daughter, my midwife told me that kids love rituals. In fact, she said, they create them out of activities that you’d never imagine as being ritual-worthy.

For her family, that meant always buying socks the day after Thanksgiving. I couldn’t help but wonder what holiday magic my own family would make.

What I didn’t imagine: the pressure. Make memories that will brightly color your children’s memory banks forever! Attend holiday open houses hosted by friends and family — three in one day! Allocate hours upon hours for sprinkles and frosting! Tack up lights to match your neighbors’ efforts! See the awe-inspiring displays, near and far, at the zoo and in the city!

Take it all in until you’re up late, wrapping gifts and crying, after a day of making merry that ended in a fight.

Turns out that my midwife forgot to whisper the wisdom I really needed to hear: how to make a calm center for my family during the whirlwind holiday season. So this year, I’ve asked fellow parents how they keep their sanity between now and New Year’s.

Make your list Our frantic holiday culture will sweep you up unless you decide what you want to do, says Meghan Leahy, a mom of three and a parenting columnist for The Washington Post.

“The way to have better holidays with your family is to really accept who you are. There are messages of more, more, more and less, less, less,” says Leahy. “If you love decorating the house and the cookies and the parties, then do it. If you hate the

parentmap.com • December 2018 • 15

feature This Year, Let’s Have a Good-Enough Holiday continued from page 15 consumerist struggle but love the essence of the season, focus on doing that part of it.”

Jot down a quick list of what your ideal holiday includes, from events and activities to the people you actually want to see. Then, compare lists with your family, suggests Leahy. She always wants to see holiday light displays, yet her family hasn’t done this for the past few years (but, schedules permitting, hopes to this year).

“That would be on my list: the oohing and aahing and connection we feel while taking in beauty. My whole list probably won’t come to fruition, but setting and discussing intentions with my husband means one or two might happen,” says Leahy.

Know that rituals change Kids love tradition and routine, but it’s worthwhile to ask how your family has changed, says Leahy. “Do we have to drive seven hours to Uncle Jimmy’s house and sleep on air mattresses every year? If you put your needs out there with integrity and kindness, people can feel how they are going to feel. Then you can

“ It’s a temporary time with expectations of bliss while the reality is your kids are wiped from sugar overload and three late nights in a row.

”

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skip one year at Uncle Jimmy’s house in favor of a new tradition,” says Leahy.

Setting boundaries to maintain your own sanity is a path worth walking, too.

Parent coach Sarina Behar Natkin changed a family ritual by deciding to stay at home while her husband and two daughters visit her in-laws.

“When my youngest was 1 and my oldest was 4, I decided to never fly east during winter break again,” says Natkin. “For five days, they get time together and I get a break. Even if part of the eight days of Hanukkah happens then, we have three more days to celebrate together.”

Rituals are only good if we are meeting ourselves where we are right now, says Natkin. Kids will remember the year you played four hours of Monopoly because it was pouring rain on the day earmarked for downtown sightseeing.

Make a renewal routine The problem with self-care is that we think of it as optional. Rather, consider it necessary and nonnegotiable for maintaining your health and well-being, says Jennifer Keeler, mom of one and owner of Yoga Momma studio in North Seattle.

“So much of being a parent is about constantly looking outside of yourself to take care of others,” Keeler says. “To access that calm, balanced space inside of ourselves, we need to be intentional about making time to nourish, rest and restore.”

Create a daily, weekly and monthly renewal routine, suggests Keeler. She 16 • December 2018 • parentmap.com

believes this routine is about creating loving kindness for yourself, so it’s time best spent alone and unplugged. What that looks like is up to you: meditation, taking a walk, hiking, drawing a bath, reading a book, drinking coffee — it all counts.

“If you feel like you really don’t have the time, think about taking three deep breaths when you turn the car on and later, off. Ask how you are in this moment.

Be free of judgment about your answer, accepting your own human experience,” says Keeler. “The more space we make for tuning in and nourishing ourselves, the more we can be forgiving of ourselves and our family members.”

Our kids can learn something good from this, too.

“Instead of giving in to the scarcity of energy that can happen during this season, show your kids how to prioritize health and balance by doing that yourself,” says Keeler.

Add humor At this time of year, it goes without saying that there will be a moment (or 12) when stress wins. That’s when we can stop hating on YouTube and ask our kids to show us the videos that make them laugh.

“Anything that brings laughter necessarily releases hormones that make us feel really good,” says Leahy. “Laughing can turn moods around.”

So, google your favorite old-school “Saturday Night Live” skits and blow off some steam, for five minutes or a few hours. Laughing over hot chocolate can be a saving grace during a season that can be full of triggers, Leahy adds.

Explore expectations and feelings When Natkin hears the word “holiday,” she thinks about the second week of winter break. Without fail, she sees a spike in calls from parents in need of support.

“It’s a temporary time with expectations of bliss while the reality is your kids are wiped from sugar overload and three late nights in a row,” says Natkin. “Have conversations and family meetings about what everyone wants to do during this season.”

If family meetings aren’t part of the regular program, add in a dinnertime conversation about the upcoming week’s overloaded schedule.

“I call family meetings and say, ‘Guys! Here’s our calendar. Is anyone feeling overwhelmed?’ I raise my hand and my 11-year-old raises her hand,” says Leahy. “Then I say, ‘Well, that’s a normal feeling.’ Sometimes we come up with solutions, but often we just acknowledge that we’re in a very busy period, so we’re going to feel stressed out.”

Leahy says this idea comes from a phrase coined by developmental psychologist Gordon Neufeld: The more space you give a feeling, the less room it takes up.

“If you’re miserable, I invite you to ask yourself right now what that misery is about,” Leahy says. “There’s a time to reframe and watch funny videos, and there’s a time to explore why we feel this way. Both will help you let yourself off the hook and be okay with feeling overwhelmed.”

Being intentional means there’s a time to decorate 50 cookies and a time to buy gorgeous store-made treats. To unwind in a bath or to laugh at the movie “Elf ” together with your young — and then no-longer young — kids. To ooh and aah at the neighbor’s holiday lights next to your own home, which is sweet and unlit, full of memories, all true. ■ Nancy Schatz Alton is a writer, teacher and poet. Read her work at withinthewords.com.

December 7-9, 2018 at The Outlet Shoppes at Burlington

New Winter Wonderland location for 2018!

Join our Facebook event for regular Winter Wonderland updates!

Stay for the weekend!

Candlewood Suites, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn & Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites or Cocusa Motel

The Children’s Museum will remain open at the Cascade Mall until construction of the new space at The Outlet Shoppes is completed.

Located in Burlington, WA :: Tel: 360.757.8888 To learn more about the Museum, programs & our 2019 relocation

www.SkagitChildrensMuseum.net

VisitBurlingtonWA.com

VisitSkagitValley.com

parentmap.com • December 2018 • 17

gift guide

ENOUGH STUFF!

25 Activity-Packed Presents This season, give the gift of experience

By Allison Holm

’T

is the season for festive gatherings, holiday cheer and, for some families, extra-long wish lists. According to one survey of more than 6,000 parents, U.S. parents spend an average of more than $270 on each of their little elves. prompting parents to find ways to replace some of those “must-have” toys with experiential gifts.

In the spirit of creating meaningful memories this holiday, we’ve rounded up more than 25 experiences that will be sure to inspire, thrill and excite your little ones for this year and, we hope, for many years to come.

If your kid loves animals…

Lions, tigers and bears have stood the test of time when it comes to classic kid favorites. Surprise your animal lover JEREMY DWYER-LINDGREN/ WOODLAND PARK ZOO with a zoo membership or aquarium pass. For roughly the cost of a few mediumsize Lego sets, you can purchase an annual family membership to the Woodland Park Zoo and visit as often as your little zoologists desire.

Farther south, the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s 29 acres are home to zoo animals, including sharks and even a polar bear. Combo memberships include admission to its sister zoo, 18 • December 2018 • parentmap.com

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville. This uniquely Northwest park features a free-roaming area that allows for close-up viewing of elk, bison, moose and other critters via a narrated tram tour. And don’t miss animal walking tours, keeper chats and the COURTESY PACIFIC awesome Kids’ Trek playground.

SCIENCE CENTER Cougar-crazy kiddos will love a trip to Issaquah’s Cougar Mountain Zoo, where they can see the big cats along with wolves, wallabies and other creatures.

If your kid loves the great outdoors…

Take advantage of our region’s diverse beauty and surprise your family with an outdoor-themed experience. Grab a gift box and fill it with a Washington State Parks Discover Pass, some kidfriendly hiking books and a pair of binoculars for your aspiring young ranger.

Go the extra mile and reserve a campsite.

Orcas Island’s Moran State Park and Salt Creek Recreation Area near Port Angeles are can’t-bebeat summer spots, or grab your warmest gear and plan an off-season trip. The cabins at Cama Beach Historical State Park on Camano Island are popular year-round, and nearby Warm Beach Camp hosts the amazing Lights of Christmas show.

If your kid loves history and STEM… Sprinkle some STEM into their gifts with a pass to one of Seattle’s many museums.

A yearly Pacific Science Center membership includes free IMAX and planetarium shows, and the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) features the summertime favorite miniMOHAI plus Maker Days for your budding tinkerers. Seattle’s Burke Museum is known for its Dino Days, and the preschool-andyounger crowd love the Seattle Children’s Museum and KidsQuest in Bellevue.

If your kid loves planes, trains and automobiles…

Transportation is often a surefire hit, so consider crafting an experience around “things that go.”

The Museum of Flight is a must-see for any mini aviator, or head north to the Future of Flight in Mukilteo and learn how Boeing’s enormous jets

COURTESY MUSEUM OF FLIGHT

g

i

f

t

g

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Add tabletop games to your holiday traditions!

20 an

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25 Activity-Packed Presents continued from page 18

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holiday tradition, or check its schedule for harbor cruises along the Seattle waterfront.

If your kid loves adventure…

For kiddos who can’t get enough action, thrill them with an adrenaline rush. Catch some air and skydive with the pros at iFLY Indoor Skydiving. Try it once or sign up for flight school for one-on-one coaching.

Or teach them the ropes and take your thrill seekers rock climbing. Seattle Bouldering Project offers camps for youth ages 4 and older, and other

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fave climbing facilities, such as Stone Gardens and Vertical World, will keep even the most energetic of kids on their toes.

And if the zip lines at the neighborhood park have lost their luster, check out Canopy Tours NW on Camano Island. Family-owned and -operated, it provides family-friendly forest adventures via six zip lines.

If your kid loves learning something new…

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For your Thomas the Tank Engine–loving tots, book an Amtrak train to Portland or Bellingham. For a shorter (but just as exciting) excursion, check out the Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie. Special rides include a Day Out With Thomas and the Santa Train.

For your seafaring child, set sail with Argosy.

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ghost-hunting quests, there are plenty of ways to experience Seattle.

Seattle Kid’s Tours offers family tours by foot around Seattle, hitting points of interest like Pike Place Market, Seattle1218_red_gate_farm_1-8h.indd Art Museum and other must-sees. Founded by two Seattle moms, this tour is a wonderful way to experience Seattle from your little one’s point of view.

Other options: a Theo Chocolate factory tour for your tiny one’s sweet tooth, Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour for your budding history buff or a Safeco Field tour for your true-to-the-blue Mariners fan.

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If your kid loves cooking…

Inspire your kiddo’s inner chef with a cooking class or culinary camp. From in-home classes to storefront workshops, there are a ton of options for sharpening their (and your) cooking skills. FrogLegs Culinary Academy recently opened a second location in University Village, where kids and parents can whip up anything from pizza to macarons.

Sign up for a class at the much-loved PCC Kids Cook, in various locations.

Its hands-on classes range from holiday-themed cookie cutouts to colorful DIY bento boxes.

Or check out the brand-new L’eau Pastry Cuisine Studio in Kirkland, which offers, among other options, skills workshops and culinary camps.

Focusing on world cuisine, your tiny chefs will come away with an appreciation for new tastes (and possibly an expanded palate).

When it comes to giving experiences, the sky is the limit — and that includes presentation! There’s no need to limit yourself to sticking a gift card in an envelope and calling it good. Get creative!

Include a new catcher’s mitt with a pair of Mariners tickets, or tuck a cooking class registration form into a ready-to-fill recipe box. A small toy plane goes well with a Museum of Flight membership, and a Seattle guidebook is the perfect companion for any chocolate, ghost or market tour.

When all is said and done, your littles will be delighted to have something to open, and even more excited to create special memories through a meaningful and intentional experience. ■ Allison Holm lives in Kirkland with her family.

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Santa Train, Dec. 1–2, 8–9, 14–16

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Ivar’s Clam Lights. Stroll a one-mile path with thousands of lights decorating trees and shrubs in fanciful shapes. Daily through Jan. 1, 5–9 p.m. FREE. Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, Renton. rentonwa.gov Lacey Parade of Lights. This holiday parade is truly “lit” with awesome vehicles and performers. 6:30 p.m., tree lighting to follow. FREE. Huntamer Park and surrounding area, Lacey. ci.lacey.wa.us

Toddler Time at the Aquarium. Stop by for fishy fun and marine-themed activities for little kids. Sunday–Tuesday, Dec. 2–4 and 9–11; 9:30 a.m.–noon. Included with admission. Ages 0–5 with caregiver. Seattle Aquarium. seattleaquarium.org ONGOING EVENT Snowflake Lane. Catch this nightly holiday parade with lights, drummers, dancers and more. Daily through Dec. 24, 7 p.m. FREE. Bellevue Way and N.E. 8th St., Bellevue. snowflakelane.com

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Hanukkah Rocks Family Dance Party. Enjoy crafts and games, then dance to the tunes of indie pop band The LeeVees, performing Hanukkah songs such as “Gelt Melts.” Noon–2 p.m. $5; ages 1 and under free. Stroum Jewish Community Center, Mercer Island. sjcc.org Santa at the Mansion. Skip the mall lines and enjoy free cookies, cider and kids’ activities while meeting Santa in a real Victorian mansion. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. FREE entry; photos for fee. Stimson-Green Mansion, Seattle. preservewa.org

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Issaquah Reindeer Festival, Dec. 1–23

2 Hands On Hanukkah. Families of all backgrounds welcome to celebrate at two locations with crafts, photos, face painting, prizes and more. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Northgate Mall, Seattle and Crossroads Bellevue. sjcc.org Light Up the Night. Lighted procession and holiday beach party with live entertainment, food, and fun. 4:30–6 p.m. (rain will reschedule to Dec. 9). FREE. Lake Sammamish State Park, Issaquah. lakesammamishfriends.org

SEATTLE PARKS & RECREATION

Skansie Visitor and Interpretive Center activities, Dec. 6–8

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Santa Train. Last day to ride a vintage train to visit Santa and have a treat. Saturday– Sunday, Dec. 1–2, 8–9 and 14–16. Special Victorian Santa train Friday Dec. 14. $27; under age 2 free. Northwest Railway Museum North Bend Depot. trainmuseum.org The Nutcracker & the Tale of the Hard Nut. Tacoma City Ballet’s holiday production includes Nutcracker backstory. Dec. 15–23. $21–$95. Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center. fwpaec.org

Christmas Ship Viewing. See the lighted parade of ships and hear the Pacific Sound Chorus tonight, departing Kirkland City Dock at 7 p.m., with stops at Tracy Owen Station (7:50 p.m.) and Juanita Beach Park (8:50 p.m.). FREE. argosycruises.com Center Ice Spectacle. Marvel as teams of ice carvers create sparkling sculptures accompanied by music and fire performances. Noon–6 p.m. FREE. Seattle Center. seattlecenter.com

Polar Express. Forest train excursion to visit Santa. Through Dec. 31 (closed Dec. 25). $27–$75; under 2 free. Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad and Museum, Elbe. mtrainierrailroad.com Holiday Train and Horse Carousel. Take a spin on the sparkling seasonal carousel or holiday train. Daily through Jan. 6 (closed Dec. 25). $4 for train; $4 suggested donation (cash/check only) for carousel.

Redmond Town Center. redmondtowncenter.com

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Meet Live Reindeer. Stop by for holiday shopping, activities and lights, plus visit Santa and two of his reindeer pals. Daily through Dec. 24. FREE. Country Village, Bothell. countryvillage.com Garden d’Lights. Plant and critter shapes created from over half a million lights sparkle and amaze. Daily through Dec. 30, 4:30–9 p.m. $5; ages 10 and under free (check online for free admission nights).

Bellevue Botanical Garden. gardendlights.org

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Model Train Festival. Amazing array of model trains. Dec. 21–Jan. 1 (closed Dec. 24–25). $11–$14; ages 5 and under free.

Washington State History Museum, Tacoma. washingtonhistory.org

Green Lake Pathway of Lights, Dec. 8

Diving Santa. Snap a photo in front of underwater Santa; musical performances on select dates. Friday–Monday through Dec. 24; check website for times. Included with admission. Seattle Aquarium. seattleaquarium.org Magic Monday. Local magicians perform in the cozy quarters of the bookstore the second Monday of the month, 7–8 p.m.

FREE. Third Place Book – Ravenna, Seattle. thirdplacebooks.com ONGOING EVENT

NANDA: Acrobaticalist Ninja Theater.

It’s all in the name! Catch this lively troop of comedic daredevils for FREE as part of the Winterfest entertainment series. 3 p.m.

Seattle Center Armory. seattlecenter.com

Jingle Bell Run. Ring your bells on this festive family run or walk. $10–$20. Wright Park, Tacoma. metroparkstacoma.org

31 Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink. Get skating! Check website for Stroller Skate Thursdays. Daily through Jan. 13. $10–$15.

Bellevue. bellevueicerink.com

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Fiddler on the Roof Sing Along. Sing your heart out with Tevye and his family. Chinese food buffet included. Noon. $24–$25. SIFF Cinema at Uptown, Seattle. siff.net Teddy Bear Suite. Check out the bears’ fanciful hotel room, a downtown holiday tradition. Daily through Dec. 26, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. FREE; donations encouraged for Seattle Children’s Hospital. Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle. seattlefestivaloftrees.com

@ART KUNIYUKI

Hands On Hanukkah, Seattle and Bellevue, Dec. 2

The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Compeition, Dec. 7

FRIDAY

SATURDAY 1

GEORGE WHITE PHOTOGRAPHYW

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

Snowflake Lane, Dec. 1–24

19th Century Christmas. Get a taste of an old-fashioned, gadget-free holiday with stories, music, crafts and more. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $8–$10; ages 3 and under free. Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, Tacoma. metroparkstacoma.org Redmond Lights. Celebrate a diversity of holiday traditions including the lighting of City Hall followed by fireworks (Saturday), and a luminary walk (Sunday). Saturday– Sunday, Dec. 1–2. FREE. City Hall, Redmond. redmondlights.com

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The Gingerbread Man. Olympia Family Theater offers preschoolers the perfect introduction to live theater with short, fun, morning shows. Dec. 5–9, 10 a.m. $5; cash or check only. Ages 0–5 with caregiver.

Olympia. olyft.org WildLights. Experience the zoo after dark, illuminated in a wonder of holiday sparkle.

Daily, Nov. 23–Jan. 5, 5:30–8:30 p.m. (closed Dec. 12, 24–25). $9.95–$14.95; ages 2 and under free. Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle. zoo.org

Skansie Visitor and Interpretive Center.

Stop by to explore exhibits and partake in hands-on science activities plus touch the critters in the touch tanks. Thursday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. FREE. Gig Harbor. harborwildwatch.org Late Play Date: Santa Visit. Hurry and finish homework, then head to the museum to meet Santa and enjoy winter crafts. 6–8 p.m. FREE. Ages 3–12 with families. White River Valley Museum, Auburn. wrvmuseum.org

The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition. Bundle up and listen to festive caroling teams compete on downtown street corners. 6–8:30 p.m. FREE; donations encouraged to Pike Market Senior Center and Food Bank. Downtown Seattle. pikemarketseniorcenter.org Mercer Slough Night Walk. Venture out after dark. 7–9 p.m. $15; preregister.

Ages 6 and up with adult. Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center, Bellevue. pacificsciencecenter.org

Santa Visit. Santa and Mrs. Claus cruise in for photos in a 1906 Cadillac, plus kids receive a free slot car voucher for the speed zone. Saturday–Sunday, Dec. 8–9 and 15–16; 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Included with admission. LeMay – America’s Car Museum, Tacoma. americascarmuseum.org Green Lake Pathway of Lights. Stroll the path around Green Lake, beautifully lit with luminaria. 4:30–7:30 p.m. FREE; food drive donations requested. Green Lake Park, Seattle. facebook.com/greenlakepathwayoflights

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Winter Wonderland. Redmond Town Center goes all out for the holidays; no ice needed at its nifty synthetic skating rink ($7); also hop on the carousel ($4) or holiday train ($4). Daily through Jan. 6 (closed Dec. 25). redmondtowncenter.com Annie. Follow Annie on her journey to find her forever family in this dazzling production of the hit Broadway musical. Through Dec. 30. $36 and up. The 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle. 5thavenue.org

Gingerbread House Workshop. Build and decorate your own gingerbread house; supplies provided. 2–6 p.m. FREE; preregister. All ages. Pierce County Library South Hill branch, Puyallup (check online for more dates and locations). piercecountylibrary.org Holiday in the Park. Celebrate the season with a luminaria walk, choirs singing, cookies, cocoa and crafts for kids. 6–8 p.m.

FREE. Volunteer Park, Seattle. volunteerparktrust.org

Kruckeberg Solstice Stroll. Wander the trails of this hidden garden awash in sparkling lights. Dec. 13–15 and 20–22; 4:30–8:30 p.m. $10 suggested donation.

Kruckeberg Botanic Garden, Shoreline. kruckeberg.org The Nutcracker. International Ballet Theatre puts on a fabulous performance of this holiday classic, perfect for families. Dec. 14–23. $25–$53. Theatre at Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue. meydenbauer.com

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The Lights of Christmas. See a million lights illuminating Warm Beach Camp, plus listen to live music and partake in kids’ activities. Select dates through Dec. 29, 5–10 p.m. $12–$16; ages 3 and under free.

Stanwood. thelightsofchristmas.com Issaquah Reindeer Festival. Meet Santa, try out his sleigh, feed his reindeer and enjoy story time with an elf. Daily, Dec. 1–23, 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. $12.50–$15.50; under age 2 free. Cougar Mountain Zoo, Issaquah. cougarmountainzoo.org

Solstice Walk for Families. Join an LED candle-lit walk, especially for families with young children, to mark the shortest days of the year. Dec. 20 or 22; 5:30–7 p.m. $5–$17; ages 5 and under free; preregister. Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island. bloedelreserve.org A Charlie Brown Christmas. Learn the true meaning of Christmas along with Charlie Brown and friends in this holiday story for all ages. Select dates through Dec. 27. $5–$25. Taproot Theatre, Seattle. taproottheatre.org

Lantern Light Festival. Celebrate Chinese culture with amazing performances, huge, hand-crafted lanterns, delectable cuisine and much more. Through Jan. 13. Washington State Fair Events Center, Puyallup. lanternlightfestival.com Gingerbread Hack. Kids go beyond the basics of gingerbread house building — we’re talking houses that light up and move!

5:30–7 p.m. $20. Ages 5 and up. KidsQuest Children’s Museum, Bellevue. kidsquestmuseum.org

Zoolights. Revel in the dazzling light creations — hammerhead sharks, a polar bear family and more. Nov. 23–Jan. 6, 5–9 p.m. (closed Dec. 24). $10–$12; ages 2 and under free. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma. pdza.org/zoolights Get Crafty Saturday: Gingerbread Houses. Little architects have the opportunity to craft a sweet masterpiece. Saturdays, Dec. 1–22, 1–3 p.m. $8 materials fee. Ages 4–10.

Bellevue Arts Museum. bellevuearts.org

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Winterfest. Marvel at the massive model trains display (control trains during special hours with $2 suggested donation) and enjoy the seasonal skating rink. Performances on select dates. Daily through Dec. 31 (closed Dec. 25); skating open until Jan. 6. Train viewing FREE; skating requires fee.

Seattle Center. seattlecenter.com Festivals of Light. Explore Kwanzaa, Loi Krathong, Las Posadas and more. Through Dec. 31. Ages 3–10 with families. Seattle Children’s Museum. thechildrensmuseum.org/fol

Fantasy Lights. Load everyone into the car for this 2-mile drive lined with sparkling light displays. Daily through Jan. 1, 5:30–9 p.m. $14/car; half-price nights listed on website. Spanaway Park. co.pierce.wa.us Winter Fishtival. Dive into local marine life with hands-on activities and special talks. Dec. 26–Jan. 6. Included with admission. Seattle Aquarium. seattleaquarium.org

Frozen Fountain Ice Skating Rink. Enjoy this festive, pop-up ice rink in Tacoma.

Daily through Feb. 2. $12.50–$14 with skate rental. Point Ruston Plaza, Tacoma. pointruston.com Tots Welcoming Shabbat. All are welcome to share singing, prayer, challah and juice in a joyful environment. Fridays, 11:15 a.m.–noon. FREE. Ages 0–5 with caregiver.

Temple B’Nai Torah, Bellevue. templebnaitorah.org ONGOING EVENT

Winter Wildland. Northwest Trek’s resident animals enjoy special winter-time enrichments such as fruit, ornament treats and snowmen. Saturday–Sunday, Dec. 29–30, 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Included with admission. Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Eatonville. nwtrek.org Matilda the Musical. Delightful and empowering musical. In Issaquah through Dec. 30; Everett Jan. 4–Feb. 3. $37–$82.

Ages 8 and up. Village Theatre. villagetheatre.org

Santa’s Landing Party. Greet Santa and Mrs. Claus’s airplane (9:45 a.m.), enjoy live music, then head inside for festive family workshops. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Included with admission (outdoor portion free). Museum of Flight, Tukwila. museumofflight.org Gingerbread Village. This year’s theme is “Inspired by Whoville” so expect amazing Seuss-ian creations. Daily through Jan. 1.

FREE; donations appreciated for the JDRF Northwest Chapter. Sheraton Grand Seattle. sheratonseattle.com

parentmap.com • December 2018 • 25

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HOLIDAY SHOWS Take a peek at our annual holiday arts guide

By Gemma Alexander

FOR EVERY FAMILY

W

hether your family has a taste for the classics or prefers a little irreverence and innovation; is building new traditions or celebrating old ones; or is on a budget or up for a splurge, this is your go-to list for all the holiday art happenings in the Puget Sound area. NOTE: Shows with regular adult ticket prices of $15 or less are marked BARGAIN.

‘Nutcrackers’ and ‘Christmas Carols’ ‘George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker’ Pacific Northwest Ballet’s staging of the 1952 classic “George Balanchine’s Nutcracker” is the local production that sets the standard. Ian Falconer, creator of the kids’ book character Olivia the Pig, designed the fanciful sets. Throughout the

run, PNB hosts special holiday events for families ranging from free mini dance lessons in the lobby to an extravagant cocoa bar during intermission (separate ticket required). Nov. 23–Dec. 28. $25–$178. McCaw Hall, Seattle.

‘The Nutcracker’ by Evergreen City Ballet SPLURGE: Evergreen City Ballet is celebrating its 25th-anniversary season with a period production of the classic ballet. Choose the traditional, full-length production or attend one of the select one-hour shows for young children at each venue. Nov. 30–Dec. 16. $40–$55. Venues in Bellevue, Auburn and Renton.

‘Nutcracker Sweets’ A favorite among Seattle families, all Ballard performances of “Nutcracker Sweets”

continued on page 31 parentmap.com • December 2018 • 27

HOLIDAY MAGIC FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

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Mark your calendars for the upcoming 2019 events— get ready for a year of song, dance, play, and discovery!

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NOV 23–DEC 28

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Holiday Gifts the Kids Can Make What’s better than a fun holiday with family? A fun holiday with a cute homemade gift or two!

These fun ideas are as adorable as they are easy to make, and the best part: They’ll keep the little ones busy while the adults are busy with the holidays. Oh, and the fact that they’re not another pricy toy helps, too.

On the to-make list: bookmarks, magnets and more delightfully crafty (but still easy) DIY projects for your little gift-givers. So, let’s celebrate the season with these festive (and fun!) ideas.

Find decorations, photos and more inspiration at parentmap.com/ holiday-crafts —Jen Betterley

parentmap.com • December 2018 • 29

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Learn more at: academy.digipen.edu 30 • December 2018 • parentmap.com

out + about Holiday Shows for Every Family continued from page 27

‘The Nutcracker & The Tale of the Hard Nut’ Presented alongside the original Russian version of “The Nutcracker,” Tacoma City Ballet’s annual production of “The Tale of the Hard Nut” includes the obscure Nutcracker backstory of the magical Krakatuk nut. Performances are accompanied by the Tacoma City Ballet Orchestra. Consider buying a ticket to attend the Sugar Plum Tea before your matinee performance. Note: There will be two performances of “The Nutcracker Suite” (a one-hour version; Dec. 8–9) only at Pantages Theater in Tacoma.

Dec. 15–23. $25–$95. Federal Way Performing Arts and Events Center, Federal Way. ‘The Nutcracker’ by Olympic Ballet Theatre Olympic Ballet Theatre presents its annual, full-length performance of the holiday favorite. Abridged performances on Dec. 13 and 21 are perfect for younger viewers and include a special behind-the-scenes demonstration of scenery, costumes and technique. Dec. 13–23. $24–$48. Venues in Everett, Lynnwood and Edmonds.

‘The Nutcracker’ by International Ballet Theatre International Ballet Theatre puts on the Eastside’s biggest production of the beloved ballet in traditional Russian style with elaborate sets and costumes from Ukraine, plus Arabian dancers and a fierce battle scene. Dec. 14–23. $25–$53. Theatre at Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue.

‘The Nutcracker’ by Ballet Northwest Last year, Ballet Northwest premiered all-new sets for its production, which has been a South Sound tradition for more than 30 years. More than 200 dancers, including guest artists from New York City, join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on their magical journey. Dec. 7–16. $14–$35. Washington Center for the Performing Arts, Olympia.

‘A Christmas Carol’ This is ACT’s 43rd annual production of Gregory A. Falls’ adaptation of Dickens’ classic holiday tale. Join the curmudgeonly businessman and his spectral guides on

a journey to understand the true meaning of Christmas and life. Note: This show has proven too scary for some kids; consider the age and sensitivity of yours before attending this show. Nov. 23–Dec. 28. $27–$87. Ages 5 and older; no babes in arms.

ACT – A Contemporary Theatre, Seattle.

‘Christmas Carol Junior’ BARGAIN: This original adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is presented as story time at the North Pole. Mrs. Claus and her zany kittens bring the story of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge to life, replacing scary ghosts with play-acting cats. Dec. 2–22. $12. Ages 5–12 with families (Sunday shows are all ages, with halfprice toddler tickets). SecondStory Repertory, Redmond.

Holiday Theater ‘Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus’ More than 100 years ago, 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of the New York Sun and received a timeless editorial response printed on the front page of the respected newspaper.

Lakewood’s poignant production will share the exchange with the whole family.

Nov. 23–Dec. 16. $20–$26. All ages.

Lakewood Playhouse, Lakewood.

MARC KITAOKA

have sold out for the past 13 years. ARC Dance brings the magic of “The Nutcracker” alive for families in this hour-long version of the holiday classic ballet specifically designed to appeal to young audiences. “Nutcracker Sweets” showcases ARC School of Ballet students along with members of the professional company, ARC Dance.

Dec. 7–9. $18–$28. Venues in Seattle and Shoreline.

‘Annie’ The 5th is putting on an all-new production of the classic show, but you’ll still get to see all the characters you love — and those you love to hate — as well as hear the unforgettable songs that made “Annie” so beloved in the first place. Nov. 23–Dec. 30. $29– $120. Ages 4 and older; no babes in arms.

The 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle. >>

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out + about Holiday Shows for Every Family continued from page 31

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Adapted from Frank Capra’s beloved film, the musical follows George Bailey’s life in Bedford Falls as he discovers what the world would be like if he had never been born.

The story is familiar, but all the seats are new this year at the refurbished Renton Civic Theatre. Dec. 7–22. $10–$26. All ages. Renton Civic Theatre, Renton.

‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, The Musical’ See the Christmas story through new eyes — specifically, the eyes of the Herdmans, the worst kids in the history of the world (according to their neighbors). A buoyant musical adaptation of the modern holiday classic. Dec. 7–16. $14–$22. Auburn Avenue Theater, Auburn.

‘Scrooge, The Musical’ Heavier Than Air Family Theatre presents “Scrooge, The Musical,” adapted from the 1970 musical film based on the plot of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Dec. 14–22. $16–$20. Ages 5 and older; no babes in arms. Green River College, Auburn.

‘Clara and the Nutcracker’ BARGAIN: Before “The Nutcracker” was a ballet, there was a book. Now see the story that inspired “The Nutcracker” performed by local youth in this theatrical production.

Dec. 7–16. $15. All ages. Bellevue Youth Theatre – Crossroads, Bellevue.

‘Christmastown’: A Holiday Thriller In this film-noir-inspired thriller, hard-boiled detective Nick Holiday investigates the truth about Big Red. A glamorous elf, a used-Christmas-tree salesman, a muckraking reporter and a quick-thinking cab driver round out this nontraditional holiday mystery. Nov. 23–Dec. 24. $17–$34. All ages. Seattle Public Theater, Bathhouse Theater at Green Lake, Seattle.

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‘A Christmas Story’ Based on the classic 1983 movie and presented by Manestage Theatre Company, the story takes place in 1940s Indiana, where a kooky leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a cranky department store Santa and a triple dog dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the obstacles to Ralphie’s Christmas dream. Nov. 30–Dec. 16. $25. Ages 3 and older.

Liberty Theatre, Puyallup.

Irving Berlin’s ‘White Christmas’ This classic features 17 Irving Berlin songs, including “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano” and the perennial favorite “White Christmas.” Based on the movie “White Christmas,” Bob and Phil have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. When they follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, romance and high jinks ensue. Nov. 23–Dec. 16. $22–$31. Tacoma Musical Playhouse, Tacoma.

‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ BARGAIN: Camp TMP’s Honor Camp program presents the award-winning 1965 CBS special adapted for the stage. After Charlie Brown complains about the overwhelming materialism he sees during the Christmas season, he gets Linus’ help in discovering the real meaning of Christmas. Warning: May inspire a lifelong love of scraggly Christmas trees in your child.

Dec. 15–23. All ages. $10. Tacoma Musical Playhouse, Tacoma.

‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ Taproot Theatre’s musical production of the cartoon

classic is perfect for all ages. Only 40 minutes long with no intermission, this show also has two sensory-friendly performances. If you have older kids (12 and older) and are looking for something a bit more sophisticated, consider Taproot’s other holiday production, “Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberley,” about the plain middle sister from “Pride and Prejudice.” $5 “lap child” ticket for children ages 2 or younger. Nov. 30–Dec. 27. $5–$25. Taproot Theatre’s Isaac Studio Theatre, Seattle. ‘’Twas the Night ...’

Belly laughs are in order for Studio East’s 18th annual spin on the classic Christmas Eve poem. This year, the infamous mother-in-law, Vera, is back as the Big family awaits the arrival of St. Nick. Dec. 1–23. $20. Ages 4 and older. Studio East Mainstage Theater, Kirkland.

Comic Romps and Nut-Free Fun ‘Rapunzel’ In a beloved annual tradition, Centerstage turns a well-known fairy tale on its head with English panto twists. Expect corny songs and a few surprises. Nov. 30–Dec. 23. $12–$35. Ages 5 and older. Centerstage Theatre, Federal Way. ‘Puss in Boots’ BARGAIN: The Fremont Players and Fremont Philharmonic return with their annual panto production, full of outrageous characters, original songs and jokes aimed at young and old. Expect audience participation, slapstick, innuendo and more from this wacky fairy tale. Dec. 8–Jan. 6. $7–$15. All ages. Hale’s Palladium, Seattle.

a luminous evening amidst iconic sculptures

‘Syd the Solstice Kid’ Travel around the world and connect cultures with the ever-curious Syd the Solstice Kid. Why are the days so short in December? Where does the sun go? Join Syd, courtesy of StoryBook Theater, and explore a collection of solstice legends and celebrations from around the world. Dec. 2–22. $18. Ages 3–10 with families. Venues in Renton, Seattle, Shoreline and Kirkland.

‘The Gift of Dance’ Kaleidoscope Dance Company presents its family-friendly holiday performance featuring dancers ages 7–16 who helped choreograph this showcase of imaginative modern dance. Sharing a message of peace and cooperation rather than celebrating any particular holiday tradition, Kaleidoscope dancers impress audiences with their talent and professionalism, despite their young ages. Dec. 2, 3:30 p.m. $7–$12.

Shorewood Performing Arts Center, Shoreline.

Kung Pao Xmas: ‘Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas’ Enjoy Chinese food and watch the documentary film “Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas,” about the immigrant Jewish musicians who composed the indelible, mainstream pop-culture soundtrack to Christmas. Dec. 25, 5 p.m. $20–$25 dinner and movie, $10–$15 film only. Stroum Jewish Community Center, Mercer Island.

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Orchestras, Singers and Choirs Sing-Along With Santa and Mrs. Claus BARGAIN: Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Tacoma Musical Playhouse elves will kick off the holiday season with favorite holiday carols, live accompaniment, and a special storytime read by St. Nick himself. After the sing-along, children can meet Santa and give him their holiday wishes, with professional photography available. Dec. 8. $10. All ages.

Tacoma Musical Playhouse, Tacoma. >> parentmap.com • December 2018 • 33

2019

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Holiday Shows for Every Family continued from page 33 ‘A Big Band Christmas’ Celebrate the holiday season with the Swing Reunion Orchestra. This 18-piece big band will play traditional standards and swing hits from Christmases past. Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m. $25. All ages. Tacoma Musical Playhouse, Tacoma.

Seattle Men’s Chorus: ‘Jingle All the Way’ The Seattle Men’s Chorus offers fresh takes on the classics in this year’s “Jingle All the Way” show, featuring “Silver Bells,” “Do You Hear What I Hear?” and “Jingle Bell Rock.” Dec. 9–23. $15–$81. Venues in Seattle, Tacoma and Everett.

Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition BARGAIN: On the evening of Dec. 7, revel in the holiday spirit while dozens of caroling teams try to outsing one another on street corners around Westlake Center in downtown Seattle in an effort to raise money for the Pike Place Market Foundation. All ages. Listening is free, forming a team costs $75.

The Coats: ‘Let’s Light Up the Night’ SPLURGE: An all-ages Christmas tradition, the Coats quartet’s annual Christmas concerts display an awe-inspiring vocal range with harmonies and catchy, danceable music. Dec. 21–23. $42.50. Benaroya Hall, Seattle.

Magical Strings: ‘A Celtic Yuletide’ Three generations of the Boulding family join the Tara Academy Irish Dancers, fiddler Jocelyn Pettit, Dublin guitarist Colm MacCárthaigh and others to present vocals and sing-alongs accompanied by Celtic harp, hammered dulcimer, cello, violin, whistles, accordions and concertinas. This is a festive gala of music, dance, storytelling, juggling, a colorful costumed processional and songs of the season.

Nov. 25–Dec. 29. $12–$32. Venues in Kent, Bellevue, Tacoma, Seattle and beyond.

‘Holiday Magic: Joys and Dreams’ Sno-King Community Chorale presents “Dreamweaver” by Ola Gjeilo, a holiday tale of adventure and redemption. The chorale will also present fun, festive selections for your enjoyment. Dec. 8, 3 and 7 p.m. $15–$25. Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds.

‘The Snowman’ BARGAIN: Enjoy Raymond Briggs’ classic children’s film “The Snowman” at Seattle Symphony’s Family Concert designed for ages 6–12. Arrive one hour before the performance for pre-concert activities, including an instrument zoo and a craft. Dec. 1. $15–$20. Ages 6–12 with families. Benaroya Hall, Seattle.

Handel’s ‘Messiah’ The Seattle Symphony, along with its chorale and talented soloists, presents this annual tradition that includes the magnificent “Hallelujah” chorus. This year’s performers include conductor, violinist and countertenor Dmitry Sinkovsky, with soprano Yulia Van Doren, tenor Colin Balzer and baritone Michael Kelly. Dec. 14–16. $24–$89. Benaroya Hall, Seattle.

Geoffrey Castle’s Celtic Christmas Celebration SPLURGE: Geoffrey Castle’s virtuoso violin performances are not what you expect from a fiddler. This year, besides his electric six-string violin, the show features the Seattle Irish Dance Company, the All-Star Celtic Night Band, special guests from the Seattle Opera and singer-songwriter Dan Connolly. Dec. 13–14. $44. Kirkland Performance Center, Kirkland. >> parentmap.com • December 2018 • 35

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36 • December 2018 • parentmap.com

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SCHOOLS & PRESCHOOLS

NOW ENROLLING!

Holiday Shows for Every Family continued from page 35

As Unique as Your Family

‘An Inspirational Christmas With Elvis’ Danny Vernon presents classic Elvis and traditional Christmas selections in his own “Illusion of Elvis” show. Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m. $22–$25. Auburn Avenue Theater, Auburn. ■ Gemma Alexander is a Seattle-based freelance writer with two daughters. She blogs about the arts and spends too much time on Twitter (@gemmadeetweet).

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‘Holidays on Ice’ BARGAIN: Beginning Nov. 23, see some of cinema’s best and most beloved classics on ice. From the family-friendly “The Mighty Ducks” and the outrageous hockey goonery of “Slap Shot” to the star-crossed lovers in “Cutting Edge”, these films will make you want to lace up your skates! Keep an eye out as well for SIFF’s long-running holiday tradition of a sing-along screening of “Fiddler on the Roof.” $11–$25, depending on the show. SIFF Film Center, Seattle.

Learning Academy

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‘A Drag Queen Christmas’ A “Drag Queen Christmas: The Naughty Tour” is a hilarious performance featuring contestants from the VH1 reality TV show “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” As you would expect, there will be adult humor, but the show is open to all ages. Dec. 12, 8 p.m. $21.50–$160.50. Moore Theatre, Seattle.

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(425) 861-6274 or aquaticsinfo@proclub.com parentmap.com • December 2018 • 37

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ages+ +stages stages ages

5–18

Why These Families Picked Faith-Based Education How and why they made the choice

By Nancy Schatz Alton

S

ome parents send their children to faith-based schools because of their own religious practices. Other families do it to meet their children’s specific needs — or, at least, that was the case for the Dart family of Northeast Seattle.

Stephen Dart first arranged a tour at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic K–8 School after a conversation with his older daughter’s therapist. “[The therapist] explained what our daughter’s stress level would feel like to her when she began kindergarten,” he says. How stressed would she feel? “Imagine sitting in a stadium 15 minutes before a Seahawks game [and being told to explain] investment management to the entire crowd before kickoff.”

This in mind, the Darts visited several nearby public and private schools.

At each, they asked about possible accommodations to help their daughter.

Could they meet the teacher before the year began? Could they get the contact information of future classmates before school started? continued on page 42

parentmap.com • December 2018 • 39

Faith-Based Schools

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Faith-Based Schools

ages + stages Faith-Based Education continued from page 39

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www.stpx.org 42 • December 2018 • parentmap.com

The responses were mixed, which made their tour of Our Lady of the Lake so notable.

“The principal basically asked us what we needed to make school work for our daughter,” Dart says.

Despite initial hesitations — Dart hasn’t identified with an organized religion since he was a teen — he says the experience has been a positive one: “We’ve become part of a close, inclusive community.”

What they considered

A small student body isn’t the only reason why families choose faith-based schools, says educational consultant Anoo Padte. Among other reasons, families might want religious education for their children, community with other families who share their same faith or a more affordable private education.

Yes, you read that correctly. A faith-based school can cost 25 to 50 percent less than other private schools, says Padte.

During the 2011–12 school year, the average cost of a private, nonreligious secondary school cost $25,180, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. That same year, the average cost of a Catholic secondary school was $9,790 (other religious schools averaged $16,520 that year).

A local example? Tuition at the private, secular Lakeside School was $34,940 for the 2018–2019 school year compared to $16,992 at the private, religious Holy Names Academy.

Proponents of religious schools also say that there are benefits to teaching religion alongside academics, regardless of if the family observes that particular religion.

“There’s something about teaching to the whole child,” says Vince McGovern, middle school director at St. Joseph’s K–8 Catholic School on Capitol Hill.

“Attending to the soul is important work and we can do that in faith-based schools.”

McGovern says he’s known students who begin attending each other’s religious rites of passage, like first communions and bar mitzvahs. These services, he says, provide students with a sense of reverence and awe.

“We seek to instill a mindfulness of God’s presence in our lives and in the lives of others,” he adds.

What families say

The Mehlman family of Northeast Seattle choose Seattle Hebrew Academy in Capitol Hill for a number of reasons.

“Given the current state of affairs in our society, I’m glad to know my kids are learning solid values they can always fall back on,” says Ira Mehlman of his elementary-aged children.

“These good, solid values have stood the test of time.”

Fellow Seattle parent Don Doering picked North Seattle’s Seattle Jewish Community School for the support he says it provides his children.

“I like that my kids are in an environment where they are unambiguously loved,” says Doering. “Learning is all about being in your comfort zone and then taking risks. It takes a secure environment for children to stretch themselves.”

The Darts believe it was this sense of community that led their eldest daughter to choose to continue her Catholic education at Holy Names Catholic School in Capitol Hill. Her younger sister made the same choice; they’re currently in their junior and freshman years, respectively.

“It takes my older shy daughter a long time to make friends,” says Lisa Dart. “She’s found that [at Holy Names]. It’s her place.” ■

“Attending to

the soul is important work and we can do that in faith-based schools.

”

Nancy Schatz Alton is a writer, teacher and poet. Read her work at withinthewords.com.

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• 21/2 Years Old Through Grade 8 Bilingual Education • No French Language Experience Required Through Kindergarten • Small Classes and International Student Body • Daily Bus and Hot Lunches • Tuition Assistance • Accredited by NWAIS and the French Ministry of Education

French classes grades 6-8 French national curriculum Native speaking teachers Established in 2003

FrenchBilingual.org fbainfo@frenchbilingual.org

Sign up for a Tour Today!

Inquire@FASPS.org www.FASPS.org Mercer Island, WA

2019 PRESCHOOL

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Previews

Preschool Planning Made Simple

11/14/18 9:35 AM

On Raising a Bilingual Child When I became pregnant, my husband and I consciously decided to speak our mother tongue — Hindi — more frequently and to eventually make it our primary language at home.

We have many reasons for the switch. New research shows that language lessons start in the womb. Naturally, we wanted our child to feel connected with our roots in India, and to get a jumpstart on acquiring native proficiency before he learns English outside our home (as I know he will).

Explore the best preschools in your area at our FREE Preschool Previews.

There’s also the ubiquity of our language; some estimates claim Hindi is the fourth most widely spoken language in the world (Mandarin being the most widely spoken). Plus, being bilingual can make people smarter, have better job prospects and could even delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

ParentMap.com/preschoolpreviews

But in my own experience, being a bilingual child creates identity challenges.

Learn how the author navigates them at parentmap.com/ bilingual-parenting —Ruchika Tulshyan

parentmap.com • December 2018 • 43

Dream big. Plan ahead.

Washington College Savings Plans can help you start saving towards a brighter future.

Learn more at wastate529.wa.gov

GET and DreamAhead are qualified tuition programs sponsored and distributed by the State of Washington. The Committee on Advanced Tuition Payment and College Savings administers and the Washington Student Achievement Council supports the plans. DreamAhead investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. If in-state tuition decreases in the future, GET tuition units may lose value.

Explore Make !

Tinker

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Celebrate the Holidays at Hands On Children’s Museum!

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• Create a Handmade Holiday Gift • Make a Wreath with Natural Materials • Silkscreen a Special Gift • Craft a Holiday Card • Explore “Ice Adventures” Jan. 19-21 • Celebrate “Noon Year’s” with Storybook Characters on Dec. 31

All Activities are FREE with Admission!

Come play with us!

Full Schedule of Events:

hocm.org

OPEN 7 DAYS aw

8/20/18 7:44 PM

eek!

Hands On

Children’s Museum

$5 OFF ADMISSION

Dec. 1, 2018 - JUNE 30, 2019 Limit one coupon per customer.

For general admission only. PLU 450

*450* 414 Jefferson St. NE Olympia, WA 98501 (360) 956-0818 Facebook “f ” Logo

INSPIRED LEARNING

44 • December 2018 • parentmap.com

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someone you should know

Nichelle Hilton of Backpack Brigade ‘Set up. Pack. Drive. Repeat until all the kids are fed.’

Meet more heroes: parentmap.com /sysk

By Elisa Murray • Photograph by Will Austin

T

o call Backpack Brigade ’s one employee a dynamo doesn’t come close to capturing the “get ’er done” attitude of Nichelle Hilton.

As executive director, chief food buyer, fundraiser and volunteer wrangler for the 3-year-old Seattle nonprofit, Hilton has a list of tasks that changes minute by minute, but she has a single-minded focus: Make sure no Seattle school kid goes hungry over the weekend. (And did we mention that she does this all part-time?)

From Backpack Brigade’s 3,000-square-foot warehouse in Seattle’s Chinatown–International District, Hilton helms an energetic group of volunteers and a six-person board in a weekly cycle of buying, bundling and delivering weekend bags of food to 880 Seattle kids who might not eat otherwise.

With music playing and jokes flying, volunteers organize the food and pack it into bags. Volunteer drivers then load the bags into their cars and drive them to 23 Seattle schools, where family-support workers at the schools make sure the bags get to those kids most in need. Each bag — there’s a “cook” version and a “no-cook” version, for kids who might be living in a hotel — includes food and snacks that add up to seven healthy, easy-to-prepare meals.

Founded in 2013 and achieving nonprofit status in 2015, Backpack Brigade has become the biggest player in the Food for Schools coalition, a group of organizations that together serve more than 3,000 students in Seattle. But this is still only about 17 percent of the estimated 18,000 students (out of a school population of 54,000) who receive free and reduced-price lunches, according to Hilton.

How did you get interested in this issue?

Since I was old enough to work, I have worked in nonprofits that make a difference to children. My most recent job was running a food bank. I went to a training at Northwest Harvest and saw [the documentary] “A Place at the Table” [about hunger in America]. It talked to hungry children and profiled them. It talked about what kids had to go through to get food and talked about the impact in the classroom.

One of the things that struck me was a little girl who said it’s really hard to focus on the times tables when you can see your teacher as a banana. To hear a student at that young age acknowledging the impact of her hunger was devastating.

Can you speak to the issue of weekend hunger and why it is often unrecognized?

A lot of times the most at-risk kids are only eating at school. They are relying on the free breakfast and the free lunch. While there are meal programs over the weekend, they lose the support system within the school to get to them.

Perhaps they’re unaccompanied minors.

Perhaps their parents are working over the weekend. Perhaps there’s some neglect, and they have to feed themselves. There is also an entire population who is afraid of ICE

[Immigration and Customs Enforcement]; they won’t fill out any paperwork, so they’re not being tracked anywhere.

How did Backpack Brigade start up to fill this need?

I started the program with one volunteer from the food bank who was a champion with me. We started [as a program of the food bank] … to serve our local school. It was eight bags. That’s all we thought we were going to do. By 2014, we were in [more] schools delivering bags. By 2015, we were a nonprofit. We have grown by, like, 500,000 percent.

What do you hear about the impact of your program?

[We hear stories from the] family-support workers in each school; one of the things we have heard is that attendance on Fridays has increased substantially because kids show up to get the food. We also hear that their ability to pay attention on Mondays has increased because they haven’t gone all weekend hungry.

We also hear the negative stuff, like “If we see one more box of chicken noodle soup, they’re going to throw it at us.” So we’re not having chicken noodle soup this year! n Elisa Murray is a Seattle-based freelance writer and editor. parentmap.com • December 2018 • 45

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Inspiring Gifted Students K-8

206. 691 . 2625

Giving Foster Kids a Childhood and a Future We envision – and strive to create – a world where every child that has experienced foster care has the opportunities and support they need to pursue their dreams and launch successfully into adulthood.

seattlecountryday. org

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5/31/18 8:55 PM

JOIN US EACH MONTH as we promote the good works of organizations that strive to improve the lives of families in our community.

Giving Together 2018

6 New Findings About Early Education

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We’re for heading outside to discover what’s inside.

10/12/18 9:33 PM

Here’s your parenting fact for the week: 90 percent of a child’s brain develops by age 5.

Gives a whole new meaning to why early learning matters, right?

Early learning — and how to ensure every child in Washington state gets a strong start in life — took center stage at the University of Washington’s (UW) College of Education’s EDU Talks in early 2018.

UW faculty members and the director of education at Seattle Children’s Museum each gave five-minute TED-style talks about their research on early learning education at the event, which was cohosted by the Seattle Children’s Museum.

Learn more about each presentation and how it applies to your young learner: parentmap.com/edu-talks

—Nancy Schatz Alton

Ask about our new program for 3-year-olds!

cwa.is/foryourchild (253) 620-8373 Coeducational // Age 3 - Grade 12 // South Sound Bus Service

46 • December 2018 • parentmap.com

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

Visit Day January 25

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Meet, Greet, & Eat Please Join us at Lincoln South Food Hall for an Unforgettable Experience for the Whole Family with Characters from Snowflake Lane!

Meet the Snowflake Lane characters at the Lincoln South Food Hall every Monday–Thursday from 5:30– 6:30 pm during Snowflake Lane: November 23–December 24, 2018. Food + drink specials + fun activities For more information about this one-of-a kind experience, visit lincolnsfh.com/events or find us on social @lincolnsfh. For more information about Snowflake Lane visit snowflakelane.com.