Piedmont Parent February 2014

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February 2014

10

creative ways to say ‘I love you’ Valentine’s Day activities in the Triad Arts-based summer camps in N.C.

Making music builds brain power in kids

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february Features

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10

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kid! o. 1 N my ’re You

17

Play, Dance and Act

Cognitive and social benefits of arts-based camps

Music Brain Power

Learning to play an instrument can have a lasting impact

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Unique Summer Camps

5 options for a non-traditional overnight experience

in every issue 2 4

10

8 9

10

Is My Kid OK? Executive function skills

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Family Fyi Family Health 4 Ask the Teacher 4 Community News 5 Fab Finds 6 Craft Corner 7 Top 5 7

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Editor’s Note

Growing Up First crushes

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Family Fun

10 creative ideas to celebrate Valentine’s Day

24 32

Calendar of Events Piedmont Palette

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piedmont

editor’s note

The Power of Music, Arts

B

eing a parent is challenging, overwhelming and oftentimes scary, but it is also rewarding and filled with joy.

It’s easy to forget that joy when I’m in the fog of the workweek and shuffling the kids to school, from school, to gymnastics and piano lessons all the while trying to balance the demands of work, home and life. But I’m thankful for the moments of clarity when the fog lifts, and I can see my children and my life clearly. The seconds are brief, but they give me pause. I take a deep breath and try to record the memories in my mind.

Parents, you know what I mean. It’s the feeling you get when you arrive home from work, and your child’s face lights up when she sees you.

For me, it’s when my 13-year-old son leans in and hugs me unexpectedly, or when my youngest recently commented, “You look really nice in your pajamas, Mommy,” after an exceptionally long and tiring day.

Sometimes the moments are ordinary such as my daughter wanting to tell me about the latest chapter in a book she is reading, or the youngest asking me to sing him a song when I’m driving him to preschool.

Music is often a theme. I know it sounds sappy, but I get teary-eyed listening to the oldest practice “Für Elise” on piano for his upcoming recital. It isn’t perfect, and he hits his fair share of wrong notes, but there’s something about the song and his trying to play it that pulls on my heart strings.

Music is almost always playing in our house, and I welcome the sound of tiny fingers on our old and out-of-tune piano. Turns out, learning to play an instrument has a long-lasting impact, writes Kara Martinez Bachman (Making Music Builds Brain Power in Kids, page 17). Even a small amount of music instruction during childhood has benefits that last into adulthood.

With many schools cutting arts-based education classes such as music, many parents are turning to summer camps to fill the void, and there are many arts-based camp options locally and in the state (Paint, Act or Dance Through Summer, page 10). Writer Carol McGarrahan outlines the benefits of the camps and why they are important even if you are raising a mathematician or athlete.

And finally, this month brings Valentine’s Day, a favorite holiday for kids, and we have several ideas on how to celebrate the holiday including how to make a Valentine’s Day chandelier in Craft Corner (page 7) and a roundup on Valentine-related activities and events in our Calendar of Events (page 29).

However you spend the month, I hope you several moments of clarity to cherish with your kids, too. As always, please send story ideas, comments and suggestions to mwright@piedmontparent.com.

parent VO LUME

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NUMBE R

GROUP PUBLISHER | Sharon Havranek shavranek@charlotteparent.com PUBLISHER/EDITOR | Myra Wright Phone: 336-983-4789 • Fax: 336-983-2378 editor@piedmontparent.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR | Eleanor-Scott Davis esdavis@piedmontparent.com ASSISTANT EDITOR/WEB EDITOR | Judy Caldwell-Midero jcmidero@piedmontparent.com ART DIRECTOR | Renée Canada artdirector@piedmontparent.com COPY EDITOR | Tammy Holoman SALES 336-983-4789 • advertising@piedmontparent.com MEDIA CONSULTANTS Amanda Kirk | akirk@piedmontparent.com Jackie Wolf | jwolf@piedmontparent.com NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT REPRESENTATIVE Tyler Beyea | tbeyea@piedmontparent.com BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER | Kara Lynn Mann 704-248-5210 • Toll Free: 866-932-6459 karalynn@charlotteparent.com DISTRIBUTION Phone: 336-983-4789 • Fax: 336-983-2378 Piedmont Parent reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the publication’s standard. Submissions are welcome, but the publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited material. Piedmont Parent does not endorse or assume responsibility for information, products, services or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Copyright 2014 by Carolina Parenting, Inc.

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Celebrate Valentine’s Day

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Visit PiedmontParent. com to find crafts, recipes and more to celebrate Cupid’s favorite day of the year. You’ll also find a comprehensive calendar of Valentine-related activities.

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PiedmontParent.com > Things to Do > Calendar

Online Camp Fair It’s still winter, but now is the time to register for summer camp.

Visit our Online Camp Fair to find the perfect camp for your child. We have more than 120 overnight camps and more than 150 day camps in our directories!

Dr. Janet Dees Dr. Preston Lentz Dr. Jennifer Summer Dr. Kate Vapne Rachel Mills, PNP Donna Brandon, PA-C Accepting New Patients

PiedmontParent.com > Things to Do > Camps

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2835 Horsepen Creek Rd., Suite 101 Greensboro, NC 27410 (336) 605-0190 www.northwestpeds.com

Has your child experienced a concussion or a serious blow or fall?

Contests This month, we’re giving away a DVD of “FreeBirds,” the hilarious animated adventure about two turkeys from opposite sides of the tracks who travel back in time in order to keep their species off the Thanksgiving menu. “FreeBirds” will be released Feb. 4, and you can enter for your chance to win!

PiedmontParent.com > Community > Contests

Recent Winners In December we gave away tickets to Disney on Ice. Winners were: Jennifer Matheny, April Kappler, Denette Bailey, Tina Pratt, Cheryl Gaskins, Stephanie Bartels, Sara Stubblefield, Jennifer Fair, Janet Guin and Cyndi Shrewsbury.

Have grades or behavior changed recently?

Blows to the head often impair communication between different parts of the brain.

Neurofeedback can assist in reconnecting these areas and improving brain function.

Neurofeedback Associates Inc. Gail S. Durgin, Ph.D., BCN West Cone Blvd. Suite 210, Gboro

336-540-1972 • enhancedbrain.org

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family fyi

advice

Q A

Teaching children to deal with failure How can you teach kids to deal with failure? When my child brings home a bad grade, she freaks out. What can I do to help this situation?

Everyone likes to succeed. Who doesn’t want to get the promotion, ace the quiz or be on the winning team? It is natural to be disappointed when you fail. Nevertheless, children have to learn to cope with failure, from losing a board game to failing a test.

This does not mean accepting that they won’t do well in an endeavor, but rather learning how to turn things around so ask the they are successful most of the time. teacher When children get bad grades, it’s usually because they simply have not mastered the material. For the most part, children need to improve their study skills.

This can mean paying closer attention to what is said in class, reading and re-reading textbook materials, and consistently doing homework.

When your child brings home a bad grade, make it a habit to go over the paper or test with her after she has calmed down.

Help her explore where she made mistakes and how she could have done better. Be sure to talk long and hard about the material that she handled correctly and why

17%

of children and adolescents ages 2-19 are obese.

this happened. This is important. Also, it is essential that she correct all of the material that was incorrect so she can say: “Now I understand what the right answers are.” By doing this, she will be able to handle the material when she sees it again, as usually happens.

School just gets harder and harder every year, so you want your child to begin to develop a “can do” attitude. You do not want her to become a child who gives up easily and expects to fail. Should there be an area in which your child is truly in over her head, get her help as soon as possible.

— CDC.gov

Parents should send questions and comments to dearteacher@dearteacher. com or go to dearteacher.com.

— Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts

Know the signs of whooping cough Whooping cough, or pertussis, has occurred in outbreaks across U.S. in recent years, especially where clusters of children have not been vaccinated against the disease.

Whooping cough starts like health the common cold, with a runny nose or congestion, sneezing, and a mild cough or fever. After 1–2 weeks, severe coughing can begin and become a series of coughing fits that continues for weeks. Whooping cough can cause violent and rapid coughing

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until the air is gone from the lungs and one inhales with a “whooping” sound.

In babies, the cough can be minimal or nonexistent. They may instead have life-threatening pauses in breathing or apnea.

The recommended whooping cough vaccine for children is called DTaP. This is a safe and effective vaccine that protects children against three diseases: diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough. The CDC is now recommending one dose of DTaP for

pregnant women between 27 and 36 weeks. For best protection against whooping cough, children need five doses of DTaP — one dose at each of the following ages: • • • • •

2 months 4 months 6 months 15 through 18 months 4 through 6 years — Katherine Kopp

community news family fyi

Compiled by Myra Wright

High Point Youth Council holding prom dress drive The High Point Youth Council is accepting donations of new and gently used prom dresses through March 22. The dresses will be distributed to high-school girls in need on Saturday, April 5 at Deep River Recreation Center, 1529 Skeet Club Road from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until all dresses are gone.

There is a limit of one dress per student, and the student must be present. Donations are being accepted at any High Point Recreation Center, Washington Terrace Park & Community Center, and the Parks & Recreation administration office.

For more information, call Nicole Hale at 883-3407 or Victoria Garrett at 883-8599.

Research study for new moms Have a baby between 4 and 15 months old? You might qualify for a research study conducted by Meggan Hartman, a parent educator. Participants must be able to attend two group meetings in WinstonSalem and will receive a $75 gift card after the completion of the study.

If interested, please call Hartman at 415-425-4550 or email motherhoodientity @gmail.com. The deadline is Feb. 22.

N.C. Transportation Museum to highlight African-American achievements during Black History Month Award recognizes Guilford County students who have overcome obstacles to succeed to school For more than 30 years, Summit Rotary has partnered with the Greensboro Parks and Recreation to award students who have demonstrated significant personal and academic growth despite obstacles. The Student Improvement Award is a monthly award designed to recognize these students. Each month, the review committee meets to select two winners who are then honored at a luncheon at Starmount Country Club.

Students who are eligible for nomination must be Guilford County residents and middle- or high-school students. Winners receive a personalized Student Improvement Award plaque, a $20 gift card and will be eligible for the Student of the Year Award, which is given out in May at a celebration for all winners and their families.

For more information, call 336-373-4588.

The N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer will offer several exhibits and stories that focus on black history as it relates to transportation history during February’s Black History Month. The museum will highlight these exhibits with a special Hands On History map directing visitors to the exhibits that tell the stories of African-American struggles and achievements.

For example, visitors can learn about Eli H. Janney, an inventor, who in 1873 patented a knuckle-style coupler for freight cars. The invention became an industry standard and is still used today.

The maps will be offered at the Barber Junction Visitor Center. For more information, go to nctrans.org.

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family fyi

fab finds

Crayon necklace Hang a Kikkerland’s crayon necklace around your child’s neck for Valentine’s Day to encourage artistic expression. This replica of the candy necklaces you may have worn as a child features tiny crayons your child can use to create art wherever she might be. $11, kikkerland.com.

Sparkly feet Lace love up for Valentine’s Day with Vans Sparkle Hearts Authentic canvas shoes for toddlers. These durable shoes feature a low top with laces and pink and purple sparkling hearts splashed across a black background. $32, vans.com.

Compiled by Beth Shugg

PARENTING TOOLBOX “When Parents Worry” by Henry Anderson, M.D. (Adams Media, $$12.95), includes real phone calls to doctors from moms and dads who ask quirky questions about their children, such as: “I was changing my child’s diaper, and he peed in his own eye.

I’m panicking. Is he going to go blind?” “My 18-year-old does not want to get a flu shot.

Please text her to tell her she needs it.” This book will make you laugh — and feel better about any parenting shortcomings you may have thought you had!

For the bookshelf

5 ways to write your child a love note Valentine’s Day isn’t just for parents. Here are five ways to write your child a love note from “21 Ways to Connect With Your Kids” by Kathi Lipp (Harvest House Publishers, $11.99).

1. Start a family mailbox. Set up a basket, pad of paper and pen and put it in a central location. Start with notes of encouragement and end with questions to encourage responses.

2. Welcome your child home with a note. Use dry-erase markers to write “Welcome home! I love you!” on a dry erase board or china plate.

3. Send a note in your child’s lunch. Your child is never too old for this and will appreciate you taking the time to write it — whether he admits it or not.

4. Write an acrostic using the letters of your child’s name.

Hang it on her door or the refrigerator so your child can see how great you think she is.

5. Write a list. Jot down the “top three reasons I love you” or the “top five reasons our family is the greatest.”

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“The Runaway Hug” by Nick Bland and Freya Blackwood (Random House, $16.99) follows Lucy through her bedtime routine after she asks for her mother’s “last” hug. Mom loans this special hug out and Lucy shares it with the other members of her family, taking care to return it to her mother at bedtime. Ages 3-8. Hardcover.

“I Haiku You” by Betsy Snyder (Random House, $9.99) is filled with sweet haiku messages of love and colorful illustrations you can share with your child, mate or other loved one. Ages 3-8. Hardcover.

craft corner | top 5 family fyi

Valentine’s Day Chandelier 4. Tie each tiny heart string equally spaced

SUPPLIES:

around the hoop circle, hanging at about the same length. Don’t worry if the hearts hang unevenly, because that’s part of this project’s charm. You can also add more hearts if desired, either on separate lines, or use multiple hearts attaching down each piece of fishing line.

• 12- or 14-inch embroidery hoop • Fishing line • 12+ small heart shapes (paper, craft foam, stickers) • Coordinating ribbon, lace or tulle • 2 pipe cleaners • Craft foam • Child’s photo(s) craft • Craft glue corner • Scissors

5. Cut a 5-inch heart from craft foam. Glue

1. Cross the two pipe cleaners in the center

of your embroidery hoop base so that they overlap in the middle of the circle and attach to opposite sides of the hoop. This will create a cross in the circle where you can attach your heart photo frame.

2. Tie ribbons in knots around circle base

to help cover up the ring. The closer your ribbons are, the more ribbon you will need, but the fuller it will be.

3. Cut 12 pieces of fishing line to about 12

inches and attach a heart shape to the end of each.

top 5

a photo to front (and back if desired).

Attach this to center of pipe cleaners where they cross the hoop circle and allow to hang down further than the tiny hearts on the outside of circle.

6. Tie two long lengths of ribbon, lace or

tulle to opposite sides of the embroidery hoop to create a hanger for your chandelier.

This project can work for a variety of ages and also be adapted for a larger family by adding multiple photo hearts tied to the pipe cleaners.

— Renee Canada

Valentine’s Day Gifts

1 Jewelry ($4.1 billion) 2 Evening Out ($3.5 billion) 3 Flowers ($1.8 billion) 4 Candy ($1.5 billion) 5 Clothing ($1.4 billion) — “Time for Kids: Top 5 of Everything”

Teach children to turn off the water while brushing their teeth. Leaving the tap running during the recommended two minutes of brushing can waste up to five gallons of water a day.

— GoodHousekeeping.com

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is my kid ok?

What are executive function skills and how do they relate to ADHD?

Q

By Susan Michels

My son is 10 years old and has ADHD. His fifth-grade teacher mentioned that he struggles with executive function skills, but I’m not sure I fully understand what that means. Can you explain?

A

Imagine being the head of a large organization, the principal of a high school or being in charge of three small children as a stay-at home mom. We are all executives of our lives, and we rely heavily on executive function skills to carry out our daily responsibilities.

Students diagnosed with ADHD often have executive function deficits.

Executive function skills are those based on our ability to receive information, remember that information, and then ultimately organize it and integrate it into a current set of circumstances, which can rapidly change without warning. Sound complex? It is. The human brain, specifically the frontal lobe of the cerebral cortex, has the amazing ability to handle all of these functions and more. However, when there are delays or disruptions in the flow of information, executive function becomes compromised and certain skills become difficult to carry out.

For example, I am reminded of all the tasks involved in preparing a large meal for family and friends. To begin, we create a list of ingredients necessary to make everyone’s favorites. Next, we plan the steps and the timing so that everything is hot and ready at the same time. We then adapt as necessary when Aunt Jean shows up with her greatgrandmother’s special cranberry sauce.

Quick, someone hide the jellied stuff from the can! All of these steps require perception, memory, decision-making

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and adaptation. This is an example of executive function in its finest hour.

In an academic setting, these skills are not only necessary for the success of the individual student, but for the general function of the classroom as a whole. In addition to affecting the ability to carry out plans, executive function is also responsible for the regulation of one’s emotions and impulsivity. These are areas where impaired perception of social cues and poor judgment can cause students to become labeled as disruptive or “hard to manage.”

Long-term projects such as book reports and term papers, which are challenging for most students, can be perceived as nearly insurmountable by students with this deficit. The steps of estimating the length of a project, reading an entire book, doing research and organizing its contents in such a way that it can be “re-presented,” is an

enormous undertaking. A very special educator once showed my son (who struggles with ADHD and executive function) a system for organizing his first term paper. She provided him with a large office mailing envelope. Listed on the back was a time line of tasks and completion dates to help him manage him time while meeting “mini-goals.”

The timeline included steps such as: gather research, organize cards, rough draft, edit and final copy. The envelope provided him a place to keep all of his cards and papers until it was time to assemble the content.

These and other interventions such as scheduling once or twice a week to go through your student’s backpack can be invaluable in locating completed work and following up to see that the work is turned in. The goal, of course, is to teach your student these skills as he or she will not always have the benefit of your oversight.

Keep in mind that needs change as a student’s brain matures. Some skills that are difficult one school year may not pose a problem with another year of growth and development.

Affirming your child’s innate value is so very important during these years of learning. Offering children the skills to stay organized while undergirding them with love and acceptance regardless of their accomplishments will no doubt be of significant benefit over their lifetime.

Susan Michels, a registered nurse, works with children and adolescents at Cone Health Behavioral Health Hospital. Please submit your questions to “Is My Kid OK?” by emailing sherri.mcmillen@conehealth.com.

growing up

First crushes teach important lessons about love, relationships

By Malia Jacobson | Freelance writer and mother of two

When cupid’s arrow strikes, it can be fun and exciting, but for young children just learning how to navigate social interactions, crushes can also be intense, puzzling and disappointing. Early crushes start sooner than parents think, sometimes in preschool, and experts say they can lay the groundwork for a child’s future romantic relationships.

Read on for age-appropriate tactics to help parents turn crushes into lessons about life and love.

Ages 3-5

Ages 6-12

Fast focus

Does your child spend every waking minute talking about a special friend or favorite teacher? You’re in the crush zone. A child’s first “crush” may take the form of an intense interest in a new friend, preschool teacher or another non-family adult. It’s normal for a young child to fixate on someone he likes, or even declare that he wants to marry his friend or teacher. Use these statements as bridges to discussions about concepts such as marriage, friendship, living together and love.

“Remember, children this age are still learning how to interact in social situations,” says Jenell Kelly, family and human development specialist at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro. Give your child simple instructions for expressing and receiving affection, being a good friend and respecting others’ personal space to help them navigate strong feelings and budding friendships.

Sticks and stones

It’s normal for gradeschoolers to develop crushes as they become more social and interact with a wider circle of friends and peers. Often, though, crushes appear anything but affectionate. Kids may show interest by targeting their crush for negative attention, from name-calling to schoolyard chasing. And most have no idea how to deflect unwanted attention from a peer with a crush on them.

It’s all part of learning about boundaries and group dynamics, says Kelly.

“Getting along with peers — those they are interested in and those they may not be interested in — is an important component of normative development.”

But kids should understand that healthy relationships don’t involve rough physical interactions, name-calling or other negative attention. Parents can help children interact positively with others by adopting a zero tolerance for bullying policy at home, and using games and role play to help children identify ways to express their interest in a positive way, like offering a compliment or striking up a conversation about music.

Ages 13-18

Dating game

What’s the right age for teens to begin dating? There’s no onesize-fits-all approach, says Kelly. While some may go on first “dates”— possibly chaperoned trips to the mall or movies — around age 13, others may not date at all as teens. “Chronological age is not always the best way to determine when teens are ready to date,” she says.

A child’s social and emotional maturity and a family’s value system should also factor in. If “real” dates are still a few years off, group dates, movie nights at home or parent-chaperoned outings can help pave the way for more dating autonomy later on.

Before dating begins, start talking with teens about boundaries — things like responsibility, accountability, communication guidelines, dating curfews, how the family screens potential dates and what to do if she feels uncomfortable on a date. “And before your teen dates, take him or her on a date!” says Carolyn AlRoy, a psychologist in New York City. Use the time to talk about healthy dating and appropriate behavior, and brainstorm fun date activities.

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camps

Paint, Act or Dance Through Summer New studies show the benefits of arts-based camps

By Carol McGarrahan

Is your child more of a Picasso than Archimedes or Usain Bolt? Maybe you’ve heard of the cognitive and social benefits arts-based camps offer and you’d like your child to experience them. Whether you’re raising an artist, mathematician or athlete, an arts-based camp may be just what your child needs to balance out, or further enrich, his developing brain.

Arts-based camp options abound in North Carolina. Your student can train with musical masters at UNCGreensboro and UNC School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, or participate in summer acting programs at the North Carolina Theatre Conservatory in Raleigh, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte or East Carolina University in Greenville. If your child likes to dance, internationally acclaimed instructors offer summer programs as part of the American Dance Festival in Durham.

Whether you’re enriching an already-artistic-child’s journey or just making an introduction, North Carolina claims a variety of exceptional arts programs to choose from. Deciding which dream to chase may be the toughest decision your young artist has to make.

More than music Music’s benefits have long been obvious to parents who have crooned soft melodies to soothe agitated babies and later observed the positive effects of an arts education on their growing children. Now, recent studies document the benefits of music on a child’s cognitive and social development, particularly when experienced at a young age and over a long period of time.

Research presented at the 2013 meeting of the Society for Neuroscience reported positive changes to the

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Children’s Theatre of Charlotte

brain and sensorimotor capabilities of subjects who participate in musical training. Lead author Julie Roy of the University of Montreal presented research suggesting that musical training improves the nervous system’s ability to integrate information from all senses into an understandable whole.

Dr. Gottfried Schlaug, M.D., Ph.D, of Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, says music stimulates reward systems in the brain. An expert on music, neuroimaging and brain plasticity, Schlaug wrote the following in a conference statement from the 2013 meeting of the Society for Neuroscience: “Playing a musical instrument is a multisensory and motor experience that creates emotions and motions — from finger tapping to dancing — and engages pleasure and reward systems in the brain. It has the potential to change brain function and structure when done over a long period of time.”

Another study presented by Yunxin Wang of the State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning at Beijing Normal University in China suggests that musical training

at an early age yields positive affects on brain development. Wang and colleagues investigated the effects of musical training on the brain’s structure in 48 Han Chinese subjects between the ages of 19 and 21 who had formal musical training for at least one year between the ages of 3 and 15.

Researchers found that the volume of brain regions related to hearing and self-awareness were larger in those adults who began taking music lessons before age 7.

The advantages of music education on cognitive function have been well documented by previous studies as well. These studies show that children who have experienced musical education often score higher on IQ and standardized tests. A study published in 2007 by Christopher Johnson, professor of music education and music therapy at the University of Kansas, showed that students in elementary schools with high-quality music education programs scored approximately 22 percent higher in English and 20 percent higher in math scores on standardized tests, compared to students attending schools with lowquality music programs, regardless of

camps socioeconomic disparities between the schools.

Shirley Brice Heath, a Margery Bailey Professor of English and Dramatic Literature, Emeritus; and Professor of Linguistics and Anthropology at Stanford University, discovered that young people who participate in the arts for at least three hours, three days each week for one full year are:

Ray Walker, artistic director for the conservatory who made his Broadway debut as “Marius” in To find arts-based the hit musical Les Miserables and who played “Annas” in Jesus Christ camps in the Triad, Superstar and “Doody” in Grease!, visit PiedmontParent. says the conservatory originated as com/camps. an offshoot from the popular summer theater camp run by North Carolina Theatre in the 1980s.

“What we are trying to do [at the conservatory], our goal, is to create working actors, dancers and performers who can • Four times more likely to be recognized for get jobs and have viable careers, and we have had some sucacademic achievement. cess with that,” he says.

• Four times more likely to participate in a One current conservatory student, 12-year-old Reed math and science fair.

Shannon, who has been with the conservatory since age 4, • Three times more likely to win an award recently booked a national tour starring as a young Michael for school attendance.

Jackson in Motown.

• Four times more likely to win an award Other programs across the state, such as the Charlotte for writing an essay or poem.

Children’s Theater, also provide unique art experiences that foster creativity and confidence in children of all ages.

Social perks In partnership with the Imaginon library, the Charlotte The California Alliance for Arts Education recently Children’s Theater offers summer camps for children ages asserted that arts education helps students become globally 3-18. The program also operates two satellite sites — Charcompetitive by developing their ability to innovate, comlotte Latin School and UNC Charlotte. municate and collaborate. Lauren Richardson of Raleigh has These half-day, themed early childhood camps focus on witnessed the academic benefits of music and arts on her stories, drama, art and creative play. One popular program four children, but values the social benefits most. called “Podium” encourages children to introduce themHer son, a participant in the North Carolina Conservaselves and share a few facts, such as their favorite color. tory for the Performing Arts’ Summer Theater Arts School, “These children may be hugging their mom’s legs on day recently scored his first paid professional gig with a role in one at the beginning, and it’s really exciting to watch them Frosty the Snowman by Broadway Series South in Raleigh. transform and gain some confidence,” says Michelle Long, Richardson says she saw dramatic improvement in his matu- director of education for the Charlotte Children’s Theater. rity as a consequence.

“It was a complete turnaround as far as his focus and Carol McGarrahan is a freematurity this year in school after doing [Summer Theater lance writer in the Triangle.

Arts School at the conservatory],” she says.

Her three daughters have also benefited from studies in music and arts. Her oldest daughter is a successful UNCG Summer playwright in New York City and her 18-year-old daughter Music Camp studies musical theater at American University. Richardson’s youngest daughter transformed from a reticent 4-year-old to a confident young woman because of her experiences at the conservatory.

“She experienced tremendous growth in just one week of improv,” Richardson says.

The conservatory directors have a Broadway background, which creates a high level of professionalism and authentic theater experiences. “The kids learn a lot about working together with other people and what it takes to collaborate on a project,” Richardson says.

“They are doing very grown-up work.”

Photo by Brad McMillan

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OPEN HOUSE February 21 9-10:30 am A unique preschool and kindergarten created by experienced teachers and involved parents where children’s interests and talents guide their education

336-202-2121 greensboronewschool.org GNS welcomes diversity and doesn’t discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, class or sexual orientation

Something Strange is Happening at

Accepting applications for the 2014-15 school year Please call Admissions for more information 336-235- 4248

Explore the fascinating world of Materials Science and uncover the surprising science behind Everyday Stuff!

Serving preschool-12th grade 2013.2.8_DateNight_PiedmontParent_bin33_MECH.pdf

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336-665-1161 • caldwellacademy.org • Greensboro

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Presented by the Materials Research Society. This exhibition and its tour are made possible by the generous support of the National Science Foundation, Dow, Ford Motor Company PM Fund, Intel® Innovation in Education, Rio Tinto Alcan, and 3M. This Local Presentation is made possible by Vulcan Materials Company.

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400 W. Hanes Mill Rd. | Winston-Salem | (336) 767-6730 | www.sciworks.org

www.SeeDoShare.com

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An evening at the theater

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Visit SeeDoShare.com to create your perfect evening out.

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downtowngreensboro.net

SkiSugar .com

Sugar Mountain Resort 1009 Sugar Mountain Drive Sugar Mountain, NC 28604 800-SUGAR-MT

special advertising section

Residential Camps It’s time to start planning your camper’s summer adventures! Below are a few overnight camp options. For a comprehensive directory of summer camps, visit our Online Camp Fair at PiedmontParent.com/camps.

All-Arts, Sciences + Technology Camp

Woodberry Forest Summer Camps

Camps held at NC State, UNCG and Virginia Tech 866-334-2255 | allarts.uncg.edu Day camps and residential options for ages 7-15

378 Woodberry Station, Woodberry Forest, Va. 540-672-3900 | woodberry.org/summer Sports, lacrosse, father-son, basketball, squash and football camps

Camp Motorsport 8144 Mount Laurel Road, Clover, Va. 855-508-9382 | campmotorsport.com A race car and kart driving resident camp

Camp Thunderbird 1 Thunderbird Lane, Lake Wylie, S.C. 704-716-4119 | campthunderbird.org Day camps and residential options for ages 6-16

Id Tech Camps Held at NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill, and 80+ universities nationwide 888-709-8324 | iDTech.com Create apps, video games, C++/Java programs, movies, and more. Day and overnight summer programs for ages 7-17

YMCA Camp Hanes 1225 Camp Hanes Road, King 336-983-3131 | camphanes.org Day and overnight camp for ages 6-15

YMCA Camp Harrison 7901 S NC Hwy 18, Boomer, N.C. 800-514-1417 | campharrison.org Traditional resident camp for ages 6-16

YMCA Camp Weaver 4924 Tapawingo Trail, Greensboro 336-697-0525 | campweaver.org Day and overnight camp for ages rising second through 11th grades

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special advertising section

LET’S GO TO SUMMER CAMP!

Race Cars

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Driving!

Camp Motorsport ™ www.campmotorsport.com

Summer Camp • Ages 8-16 Co-Ed

Clover, Virginia

(855) 508-9382 14

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Sign up now for Summer Camp

ykidscamp.org

YmCa of northwest north Carolina.

special advertising section

NUMBER OF DAY AND RESIDENT CAMPS IN THE U.S.: 12,000+ — AMERICAN CAMP ASSOCIATION

SUMMER UNPLUGGED Carolina Parent.AASTC 2014.pdf

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YMCA Camp Thunderbird

Since 1991

Camp Thunderbird’s 1.7-mile shoreline provides the ideal backdrop for life-changing experiences. For more than seventy five years, Thunderbird’s pristine 100-acre campus on the shores of Lake Wylie has welcomed campers wanting to escape the buzz of city life.

Register online at

www.campthunderbird.org

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Boys & Girls • Ages 7–15 Overnight Options Boys & Girls& DayAges 7–15 Overnight & Day Options July 13-18 Fun, exciting classes in arts, NC State

Raleigh, NC July 13-18 NC State July 20-25 Raleigh, NC

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, July 20-25VA Virginia Tech July 27-August 1 Blacksburg, VA

UNC Greensboro

Greensboro, NC July 27-August 1

UNC Greensboro Greensboro, NC

sciences, and technology Classes divided by grade Fun, exciting classes in arts, levels sciences, and technology Recreation, citizenship, Classes divided by grade and evening entertainment levels College campus settings Recreation, citizenship, and evening entertainment College campus experience

Go online for camp details a downloadable brochure 2014 course sampler video

Download brochure at

allarts.uncg.edu 866.334.2255

YMCA Camp Harrison Nestled in the Brushy Mountains ninety miles northwest of Charlotte, Camp Harrison offers campers exploration and adventure in a nurturing, God-centered environment that sits on two thousand acres of land.

Register online at

www.campharrison.org

Learn more at one of our Open Houses!

Camp Thunderbird | April 13 Camp Harrison | May 4

YMCA Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

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special advertising section

The Ultimate Overnight Adventure and Greensboro’s Premier Day Camp SINCE 1980, THE NUMBER OF DAY CAMPS HAS INCREASED 90 PERCENT. — AMERICAN CAMP ASSOCIATION

• April 13, May 4, May 18 • from 2-4 PM campweaver.org • 336.697.0525

SeriouS Fun. summer camps woodberry forest’s 2014

Since 1967, Woodberry Forest’s summer camps have been getting boys outside to play their favorite sports — or try new ones. Visit www.woodberry.org/summer or call 540-672-6044 to register!

sports camp June 15–July 5 • Ages 10–13

father–son weekend June 6–8 • Ages 5–10 football camp July 9–12 • Ages 12–16 basketball camp July 13–16 • Ages 9–16 squash camp July 13–17 • Ages 10–16 lacrosse camp July 17–20 • Ages 10–16 woodberry forest school woodberry forest, virginia | www.woodberry.org

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Ready for summer fun?

Plan now for summer camp! Whether you are looking for an overnight camp or day camp, we’re the Triad’s most comprehensive resource for summer camps!

piedmontparent.com/camps

piedmont

parent CAMP FAIR

enrichment

Making music builds brain power in kids

By Kara Martinez Bachman

Many parents in the Triad naturally turn to sports as the first option when lining up after-school activities for their children.

However, always putting the arts on the back burner may be a mistake, especially for children who are in the early years of preschool through elementary. Music instruction, in particular, is something that parents may want to explore a bit more. Even if a child is not musically inclined, many benefits are gained from a brief introduction to the fundamentals of voice training or learning to play a musical instrument.

Increasingly, researchers are finding that just a short period of music instruction can have lasting positive effects that can change a child forever. Last year, researchers at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., conducted studies showing that those who were exposed to even a small amount of music education in early childhood showed significantly better responses to sound all the way through middle age. Even if those children did not continue to play the instrument afterward and participated in no musical activity as adults, the benefits still remained as part of their overall brain function.

In an article written by Katie Moisse for ABC News, Nina Kraus, the director for the Auditory Neuroscience Lab at Northwestern, says, “We know from previous studies that if you have a robust response to sound, you’re generally a better learner … you’re better able to hear conversations in noisy places, your reading ability tends to be better and your auditory memory seems to benefit. Those skills are important.”

In other words, the “take home” message from this study is that a small bit of music instruction in early childhood can lead to a better grasp of sound, and this appreciation for sound can make your child’s brain stronger into adulthood. These surprising results show that investing a little time in early music exposure is something that can later pay great dividends.

Cecilia Myhres, the director of the Myhres School of Music in Biloxi, Miss., describes her results in teaching

a 3-year-old who was virtually nonverbal when he began lessons. Myhres said that after several semesters, he “was forming complete sentences and was able to communicate with his grandparents.”

As a music instructor, Myhres is well aware that the work she does is not simply fun, it is serious business in making kids better thinkers as well as more capable of understanding and relating to other people. “Researchers have found that the effect of music on the brain improves cognitive development, verbal skills and emotional intelligence,” says Myhres. Even in Myhres’ South Mississippi — where most extra-curricular activities center primarily on sports — most all young children will willingly grab onto music training and find it enjoyable and rewarding.

There are other reasons for older children to consider musical training as well, even though the critical period of early childhood may have already passed. “Every day we see shy introvert young adults walk in and progress into confident, outgoing musicians. It’s a joy to watch the progress and how music does give them that vehicle for self-expression,” says Myhres.

Parents may wonder: “What if my child is not musically inclined?” Well, most researchers agree that any child can experience learning, as well as joy, from taking on a music program of any sort.

“I believe that all children are musical and can achieve basic music competence,” says Myhres. “Just as young children have the innate ability to learn the language of their environment, they can also learn music. … I would suggest to parents that say their child is not musically inclined: Please do your own research. Try music and give [your child] the benefit.”

When you introduce your child to music, you not only create lasting memories, but you begin to build a skill set that they can proudly share with others. And if recent studies are correct, those few months or years in a music studio may pay dividends in increased brain power for a lifetime.

Kara Martinez Bachman is a freelance writer and editor. She enjoys making music with her kids, ages 10 and 13. piedmontparent.com

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camps

Not Your Mom’s Summer Camp Camps offer unique overnight experiences

By Marty Minchin

Shadow Hill’s Summer Camp for Kids and Their Dogs

Looking for something different for your camper this summer? Parents know that not all children fit into the formula of traditional overnight camps, and they may not find singing around a campfire or playing Capture the Flag appealing. Several unusual camps around the Carolinas and Virginia offer an overnight experience unlike any other. This list highlights a few overnight camp experiences that mix fun with out-of-the-ordinary learning experiences. If your child is more likely to be interested in CSI or life at sea, then this is the list for you.

Shadow Hill’s Summer Camp for Kids and Their Dogs shadowhillshelties.com Jackson Springs Kids can bring their best furry friends to camp with them at Shadow Hill Farm’s summer camp on its 134acre property in Jackson Springs. Jane Hammett-Bright, who has decades of experience raising and showing Shelties, works with kids and their dogs on everything from agility courses to grooming. “Parents are floored that their child and the dog learned all that they did,” she says. All dogs are welcome as long as they are kid- and dog-friendly. Dog-and-child pairs stay together in a large building that Hammett-Bright recently constructed using the proceeds from winning Fan Favorite on the television show “Survivor: Nicaragua.” Campers are up early to work dogs on agility courses, and Hammett-Bright also takes them swimming and camping in the Uwharrie Mountains. She shares her “Survivor” experience by teaching campers how to build fires and constructing “Survivor”-inspired games. All meals

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are homemade from scratch, and if the timing is right, campers may get to see a litter of newborn puppies.

Appalachian State University Forensic Science Camp conferences-camps.appstate.edu/ youth-camps • Boone Forget campfires and s’mores. At Appalachian State University’s forensic science camp, campers may spend an evening detonating explosives or making a DNA necklace. Designed for high-school students, the camp offers a real-life look at what happens to evidence after it’s collected from a crime scene. Students attend learn from forensic professionals from all areas of law enforcement, which could include talks from bomb squads or digital evidence examiners. CSI comes to life in the lab where students can look for clues trying out chemical development of latex fingerprints and basic blood typing. The university opens up its high-tech equipment for campers, allowing them to use scanning electron microscopes and polarized

light microscopes to examine fusion methods of explosives such as TNT. The camp is staffed by ASU chemistry faculty members, and students stay on-campus (with staff supervision) at ASU for the three-and-a-half-day camp sessions.

RV Sea Lab Summer Camp rvsealab.com • Wilmington Summer camp hits the water at RV Sea Lab, where campers spend up to five days sailing a research vessel up and down the Intercoastal Waterway.

Students have likened the trip to living on a Discovery Channel. “The kids get an adventure,” says Matt Perkins, owner, founder and captain of RV Sea Lab. “We are overseeing them, but they live on the boat and crew it.” Perkins packs in plenty of adventure, including exploring islands that only are accessible by boat, using an overboard camera to inventory ocean species and plenty of surfing. The camp is heavy on science that can benefit future chemistry and oceanography study, but Perkins says that many students come on board

for the thrill and freedom of the trip. “It’s sort of like a literary experience, like they’re Tom Sawyer,” he says. Popular stops include Beaufort and Shackleford Banks, where campers likely will encounter wild ponies.

Friends Support

Camp Motorsport campmotorsport.com • Clover, Va. No driver’s license is needed at Camp Motorsport, where kids ages 9-16 can spend a week driving dirt karts, half-scale stock cars and racing go-karts. Campers get behind the wheel at least twice every day, taking a vehicle off-road or around a paved track. Drivers of all levels are welcome, from newbies to kids considering a career in motorsports. Teenagers who are closer to legal driving age can receive extra training in defensive driving and skills needed to get a learner’s permit or license. The Go Kart Racing Challenge offers a week of competitive go-kart racing. Between driving sessions, campers stay busy with paintball and daily swims. They come home with more than just improved driving skills — the camp’s activities teach kids math, science, technology and engineering related to motorsports.

Camp Woodie wildlifeedcenter.org/camp-woodie • Pinewood, S.C. An evening at Camp Woodie could involve anything from tug-of-war over a tractor tire to learning how to navigate a night sky. The weeklong camp, which was established in 1995 and is overseen by the South Carolina Waterfowl Association, mixes fun and games with hands-on education about wildlife, hunting and the outdoors. “[We teach kids] about how beautiful it is to step outside in God’s creation and to love, respect and use natural resources wisely,” says Ed Paul, Camp Woodie camp director. Campers learn how to operate in the outdoors, whether they practicing hunting safety with firearms or figuring out where the best fishing is on a body of water. Outdoor survival classes teach campers everything from how to build a fire to how to navigate by the stars. Many campers arrive with little experience with the outdoors, and they leave with increased confidence and appreciation for nature, says Paul. “They learn just how small we are when we step outside, but also how large of a role we can have in keeping the outdoors a place for the next generation.”

While specialty overnight camps can be expensive, costing up to $1,200 for five days, the experience can be life-changing. Kids who follow up with skills they learn at camp, whether it’ s marine biology or showing dogs, can earn everything from college scholarships to counselor jobs at the camp when they are older.

Marty Minchin is a freelance writer based in Charlotte.

She has two elementary-school-age children.

New Garden Friends School The Triad’s only preschool – 12th grade Quaker school, honoring a tradition of 300 years of excellence in education. www.ngfs.org

iDTech.com

1-888-709-TECH (8324)

336-299-0964

Tech Camps held at NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill, and 80+ Universities Ages 7-18

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family fun

10

creative Valentine’s Day ideas

By Heidi Smith Luedtke

Pass up the overpriced greeting cards at the grocery store and show your affection with one of these crafty Valentine’s Day ideas. They’re easy, inexpensive and fun for cherubs of all ages.

1. Color Their World. Make your own Valentine’s Day crayons by melting rainbow-colored remnants in a heartshaped silicone muffin pan. Find detailed directions at Sheknows.com. Wrap in clear cellophane and attach handmade gift cards that say “You Color My World.”

2. Word Up. Make customized word clouds for each of your kids using the free tools at Wordle.net. Capture their favorite sports, hobbies and sayings. Put their nicknames in big bold letters. Frame each child’s personalized word art in a sassy red frame to make it extra special.

3. Sweet Somethings. Bake fortune cookies stuffed with personalized messages to remind kids how lucky you are to have them in your life. Find easy recipes at AllRecipes. com and print your own fortunes on pink paper. Got bakers block? Order custom cookies from the delicious lineup at FancyFortuneCookies.com.

4. Make a Love Shack. Have a unused gingerbread house kit? You might also be able to find one at your local craft store, where holiday merchandise is priced to sell. Toss the stale red and green decorations and let the kids use icing to attach red hots, candy hearts, pink marshmallows and licorice whips instead. Display their love shack as a centerpiece or mantel topper.

5. Tell Silly Stories. Give your kids the gift of giggles with a book of “Mad Libs in Love” by Roger Price and Leonard Stern ($3.99 for 24 wacky fill-in-the-blank stories). Better yet, create your own Mad Libs using the free printable template from DollarStoreMom.com. Laugh together until your cheeks hurt.

6. Popping with Pride. Write affirmations on small strips of paper and slip each strip into a balloon. Inflate and tie the knots. Let your child hop and pop on the balloons to access your loving messages. Make sure to keep popped balloons away from little mouths — they can be a choking hazard.

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7. Wet and Wild. Make bath time extra special with homemade bath tub finger paints. Bottled baby shampoo and corn starch are quickly (and easily) transformed into your own clean creations using the detailed instructions at OurSevenDwarfs.com. Let kids paint the walls of the tub or each other for some foamy fun.

8. Lunchtime Love. Put a silly Valentine’s Day token in your child’s lunch box. Need inspiration? Find a flat rock in the yard and write “You Rock My World” on it. Or tag a lollipop with the words “I’m a sucker for you, Valentine!” And don’t forget to pack a heart-shaped sandwich while you’re at it.

9. Love You to Pieces. Make your own heart-shaped puzzles by mounting photos and messages on heavy card stock or foam-core board with spray adhesive.

Cut into pieces. Decorate a special box or envelope to hold the pieces of your heart.

Your little Valentine will reassemble this crafty creation over and over again.

10. Family Date Night. Host a special Valentine’s event for the whole family instead of going out for a grownup date with your spouse. Order heart-shaped pizza and watch an age-appropriate romantic comedy such as Alvin and the Chipmunks’ “A Chipmunk Valentine.” Spending time together is the best way to show your love.

Heidi Smith Luedtke, Ph.D., is a personality psychologist and mom of two. Get psychology lessons for real life at heidiluedtke.com/blog.

It’s a Great Day EvEry day !

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SPRING SPORTS AT THE Y ENROll TOdAY!

YMCAs of Greensboro offer a variety of Spring sports at our branches including soccer, baseball, t-ball, and girls volleyball.

Sign up today at ymcagreensboro.org!

“Quenching the thirst of students who learn differently”

Come see for yourself!

OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, February 9th 2:00—4:00 pm

Drop in tours every Friday! 9:00 am—11:00 815 Old Mill Road High Point NC 336-883-0992 www.thepiedmontschool.com

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Smile Guide special advertising section

Parent tips to keep baby teeth healthy ■ Before the teeth erupt, clean the baby’s mouth and gums

with a soft cloth or infant toothbrush at bath time. This helps ready the baby for the teeth cleaning to come.

■ When the teeth erupt, clean the child’s teeth at least twice a

day with a toothbrush designed for small children.

■ Take the baby to see a pediatric dentist by the baby’s first

birthday. The earlier the visit, the better. It is important to establish a dental home to ensure that the child’s oral health care is delivered in a comprehensive, ongoing, accessible, coordinated and family — centered way by the dentist.

■ If the baby is placed to sleep with a bottle, use nothing but

water. When a child is given a bottle containing sugary liquids such as milk, formula or fruit juice, the teeth are under attack by bacterial acid for extended periods. This can cause

cavities in babies called “early childhood caries,” formerly known as baby bottle tooth decay.

■ Breastfeeding has been shown to be beneficial for a baby’s

health and development. However, if the child prefers to be breastfed often or for long periods once a tooth appears and other foods/beverages have been introduced into her diet, she is at risk for severe tooth decay. Clean the baby’s mouth with a wet washcloth after breastfeeding, and encourage a bottle with plain water during the nighttime.

■ Never dip a pacifier in anything sweet; it can lead to serious

tooth decay.

■ Wean the infant from the bottle by 1 year of age.

For more information, visit the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website at aapd.org.

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february events 24

FEB. 1-28 Metabolic Effect for Moms. Bring your kids to the playground to get some energy out while you exercise with an intense 30-minute workout.

Bring a mat, hand weights if you have them, and water. $10 per class; discount available for multiple classes. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. Tanglewood Shelter 4 by the playground, Clemmons. projectmomsanity. com.

FEB. 5-9 Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus: LEGENDS. The Greatest Show on Earth comes to Greensboro for nine performances. $15-$50. Allaccess preshow included with ticket. See website for showtimes. Greensboro Coliseum Complex, 1921 W. Lee St., GSO. greensborocoliseum.com.

FEB. 7-23 “North Star.” Set in North Carolina in 1960, “North Star” is the story of Relia, an African-American girl, searching for her place to shine in society and her personal life. The joyous innocence of Relia’s summer is transformed by the rising tensions of the growing civil rights movement.

Relia’s parents are hotly divided between letting her participate in the demonstrations and shielding her from the harsh realities of the civil rights struggle and their community’s battle for freedom. See website for dates and showtimes. Adults, $15; students and seniors, $10. Stained Glass Playhouse, 4401 Indiana Ave.,

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W-S. 499-1010. stainedglassplayhouse.org.

FEB. 27-MARCH 1 “Romeo & Juliet.” This Shakespeare classic tells the tale of a boy and a girl from warring families who meet and fall in love. Fate is not on their side, however, and they made a tragic choice rather than live without each other. The Jabberwacky Players bring this timeless tale to life in a condensed version perfect for young audiences. $9-$14. Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. and noon; Saturday 7 p.m. The Children’s Theater of Winston-Salem, 610 Coliseum Drive, W-S. 7480857 ext. 20. childrenstheatrews.org. ❤❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

1 SATURDAY

Kids’ Saturday Movie Matinee at Central Library: “The Smurfs 2.” Rated PG. Free.

2-3:30 p.m. Central Library, 219 N. Church St., GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Read With Peekaboo. Young readers up to fifth grade can read to Peekaboo, a certified therapy dog. Peekaboo loves to listen to children read.

Call 373-2923 or register at the front desk for a 15-minute session with this gentle listener.

Registration required. Free. 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Kathleen Clay Edwards Library, 1420 Price Park Road, GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Saturday Children’s Story Hour. Join dynamic leaders from the community as they conduct a story hour every Saturday. After the stories,

children will complete a make-and-take arts activity. For ages 5-12. Does not include museum admission. Adults, $6; ages 6-12, $4; under 6, free. 11 a.m. International Civil Rights Center and Museum, 134 S. Elm St., GSO. 274-9199. sitinmovement.org.

Super Heroes in Training. Participants and a parent will work together to create super hero masks, capes and super powers. On March 1, we’ll have a play and show off what we’ve made and learned. For ages 5-12. $10 per child.

10-11:30 a.m. Deep River Recreation Center, 1529 Skeet Club Road, HP. 883-3407.

“The Tales of Beatrix Potter-A New Ballet.”

Winston-Salem Festival Ballet will bring these classic stories to life. From the adventures of Jeremy Fisher and Pigling Bland to the playful antics of the Two Bad Mice, artistic director Gary Taylor has created an endearing and lovable ballet. For all ages. $18.50. Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m.

Hanesbrands Theatre, 209 N. Spruce St., W-S. hanesbrandstheatre.org.

WFMY News 2 Piedmont Winterfest.

Outdoor ice skating on the largest rink in the area $10 (includes skate and saucer rental for two hours). Monday-Thursday 4-9 p.m.; Friday 4-10 p.m.; Saturday and school holidays 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday noon-7 p.m. Festival Park, 200 N. Davie St., GSO. 207-5216. piedmontwinterfest.com.

calendar

2 SUNDAY | GROUNDHOG DAY

Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus: LEGENDS Feb. 5-9

2nd Annual Hooper Bowl. Everyone is invited to enjoy hula-hooping, a mini Hoopdio class, music and fun with Monkey Hooper. There will also be hula-hooping contests and prizes. Admission is free, canned food donations for the Maple Springs Food Pantry will be collected. 1-2 p.m.

Maple Springs United Methodist Church, 2569 Reynolda Road, W-S. 722-7563. maplesprings.org.

“The Tales of Beatrix Potter-A New Ballet.” See Feb. 1 listing.

3 MONDAY

Burlington Youth Council. The Burlington Youth Council (BYC) is a community-service organization that meets the needs of the Alamance/Burlington middle- and highschool students. This active group of teens volunteer for various events and assists with local programs in the Alamance County area as well as offering activities for themselves. To become a member of BYC, students must be enrolled in an Alamance County school and maintain satisfactory grades. Members must attend BYC meetings and events on a regular basis. For more information or an application, call 222-5134. Ninth-12th grade (Junior Members: sixth through eighth grade). Free to join. 6-7 p.m. Thataways Youth Center, 1334 Overbrook Road, Burlington. burlingtonnc.gov.

4 TUESDAY

Rosa Parks Night at Glenwood Library. Get on the bus with the Glenwood Library and Greensboro Transit Authority to honor Rosa Parks’ birthday. Hear stories of her part in the Montgomery Alabama Bus Boycott and learn more about Greensboro’s transit system and why it is such a great part of our city. This is a Family Night program for all ages. Free. 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Glenwood Branch Library, 1901 W. Florida St., GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Busy Bees. For Greensboro Children’s Museum members only. This program is best suited for preschool-aged children (12 months-4 years) and their caregivers. Dance, sing, create, explore and discover the world in which we live. 10-11 a.m. Greensboro Children’s Museum, 220 N. Church St., GSO. 574-2898. gcmuseum.com.

Family Movie at Hemphill Library: “Planes.” Rated PG. Free. 6:30-8 p.m. Hemphill Branch Library, 2301 W. Vandalia Road, GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Sheep Storytime at Kathleen Clay Edwards Library.

Stories, finger plays and short movies for ages 1-5 at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Free. Kathleen Clay Edwards Library, 1420 Price Park Road, GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Family Storytime at Central Library. Families are encouraged to join us as we enjoy books, rhymes, felt-board stories and fun-filled learning. Free.

6:15-6:45 p.m. Central Library, 219 N. Church St., GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

The Circus is Coming. Enjoy pre-K stories, felt board activities, songs, crafts and more. Free. 10-11 a.m. McGirt-Horton Library, 2501 Phillips Ave., GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

5 WEDNESDAY

Teen to Teen Theatre. Explores difficult issues that affect adolescents through the creation and presentation of dramatic skits and workshops. Teens perform original and scripted works including plays, musicals and videos. Participants receive training in acting and character development, plus helpful information about community-based assistance and learning to make healthy life choices. Free. 7-8:45 p.m. Thataways Youth Center, 1334 Overbrook Road, Burlington. 570-6516. burlingtonNC.gov/teen2teen.

African-American Inventors. Learn about AfricanAmerican inventors past and present and discuss how their inventions came to be. All ages. Free. 4-5 p.m.

McGirt-Horton Branch Library, 2501 Phillips Ave., GSO. 373-5810.

Groundhog Preschool Storytime. Enjoy stories, songs, a short film and a craft about Groundhog Day. Free. 11 a.m. Vance Chavis Library, 900 Benbow Road, GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Wild About Weather. Do storms and wild weather interest you? Families can discover more about weather forecasting during a visit with WXII-TV meteorologist Austin Caviness. Free. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Kathleen Clay Library, 1420 Price Park Road, GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Kids’ Art Event at Hemphill Library. Create cool pictures with this child-safe spray-painting technique.

Children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an

adult. Free. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Hemphill Branch Library, 2301 W. Vandalia Road, GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Kids’ Football After Party. Enjoy some football-themed fun even if your team didn’t win. Join us for games, crafts and snacks. Free. 3:30 p.m. Vance Chavis Branch, 900 S. Benbow Road, GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

La Leche League of Winston-Salem. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are welcome for breastfeeding information and support. Babies and toddlers welcome. Free. 10 a.m. Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 1046 Miller St., W-S. 462-5782. lllofnc.org.

Music & Movement. Come move and groove through songs,d finger plays and a read aloud. Your child will gain meaningful skills to build upon his or her language, listening and physical abilities. 11 a.m. Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem. 390 S. Liberty St., W-S. 723-9111. childrensmuseumofws.org.

Pregnancy Yoga. A one-hour class incorporating gentle and relaxing yoga postures suitable for any fitness level or stage of pregnancy. Light refreshments provided after class on Wednesdays, giving each woman an opportunity to meet other soon-to-be mothers. $12 for a single rate; can also purchase monthly passes at reduced rates.

Wednesday 6:30-7:30 p.m. Forsyth Medical Center: Maya Angelou Center Community Room 2 (first floor) 3333 Silas Creek Parkway, W-S. 414-5942. forsythmedicalcenter.org.

Teen Game Night. Join us to play board and card games.

Free. 7 p.m. Vance Chavis Branch, 900 S. Benbow Road, GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

6 THURSDAY

Book and Cook at GCM. Each week, we will meet in the Edible Schoolyard kitchen classroom to combine piedmontparent.com

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literature and food. Using a story as inspiration, your kids will use fresh ingredients to create kid-friendly cuisine they’ll love making and eating. This week’s book is “Bee-bim-Bop” by Linda Sue Park. On the menu: Bee-bim-Bop, a delicious and colorful Korean favorite of mixed up rice and vegetables. Drop-off program for ages 3-5 years. $8-$12 per class. 10-11 a.m. Registration required.

Greensboro Children’s Museum, 220 N. Church St., GSO. 574-2898. gcmuseum.com.

Elephant Storytime at Hemphill Library. Join us for a toddler and preschool story time with books, rhymes and a fun art activity. 10 a.m.

Free. Hemphill Branch Library, 2301 W. Vandalia Road, GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Kids’ Building Event at Hemphill Library. Release your inner architect with a different building material each week. Explore Tinker Toys, Legos, Kapla Blocks and more. All ages. Free. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Hemphill Branch Library, 2301 W. Vandalia Road, GSO. greensboro-nc. gov.

Mocha Moms. Mocha Moms is a support group for mothers of color who have chosen not to work full time outside of the home to devote more time to their families and communities. Mocha Moms serves as an advocate for mothers and encourages the spirit of community and activism within its membership. Free.

9:30 a.m. Georgia E. Taylor Recreation Center, 471 W. Clemmonsville Road, W-S. 650-7695. mochamoms-winston. tripod.com.

Storytelling Program at High Point Public Library. Storyteller and author Donna Washington will perform in the story room at 6 p.m. Free. 901 N. Main St., HP. 883-3660.

7 FRIDAY

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1530 Benjamin Branch Parkway, GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Family Flick Friday (Kernersville). A free family-friendly movie the first Friday of the month. Plenty of popcorn and drinks too! All ages. Free. 4 p.m.

Kernersville Library Room 1 (lower level), 130 E. Mountain St., Kernersville. 7032930. forsyth.cc/library.

Greensboro Ballet Performs “Warm Up.” A comic ballet with a sports theme, danced to the William Tell Overture. Free.

7 and 8 p.m. Greensboro Ballet Studio, Cultural Arts Center, 200 N. Davie St., GSO. 333-7480. greensboroballet.org.

Groundhogs! High Point Public Library. Piedmont Wildlife Rehab will bring groundhogs to the library for children to learn about and meet. Free.

3 p.m. 901 N. Main St., HP. 883-3660.

La Leche League of Greensboro Monthly Meeting. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are welcome for breastfeeding information and support. Babies and toddlers also welcome. Free. 10 a.m. Leonard Recreational Center, 6324 Ballinger Road, Greensboro. lllofnc.org.

Movie at Glenwood Library: “Percy Jackson Sea of Monsters.” Rated PG. Free. 2-4 p.m. Glenwood Branch Library, 1901 W. Florida St., GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Preschool Art Event at Hemphill Library. Enjoy painting, Play-Doh and more at this art exploration for preschoolers and their caregivers.

Offered in partnership with ArtQuest of GreenHill Center. Free. 10-11 a.m.

Hemphill Branch Library, 2301 W. Vandalia Road, GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Studio Plus Painting. Exercise your creativity with a variety of painting techniques. Free. 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Hemphill Branch Library, 2301 W. Vandalia Road, GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

$2 First Friday Nights. Experience fun for a thrifty price. 5-8 p.m. Greensboro Children’s Museum, 220 N. Church St., GSO. 574-2898. gcmuseum.com.

8 SATURDAY

Dog-Gone Great Program. Schoolage children will meet adoptable pets, learn how volunteers teach them basic obedience and put the pooches through their paces at this program in honor of National Dog Training Month. Free.

2:30-3:15 p.m. Benjamin Branch Library,

Discovery Concerts for Kids — Red, White and Blue. Celebrate America

Black History Month Celebration at GCM. Various activities throughout the museum. Greensboro Children’s Museum, 220 N. Church St., GSO. 574-2898. gcmuseum.com.

calendar with the Winston-Salem Symphony.

Patriotic favorites and more, just in time for Presidents Day. Adults, $16; ages 3-13, $5; 2 and under, free. Pre-concert activities at 2 p.m. Concert 3 p.m. R.J. Reynolds Memorial Auditorium. 301 Hawthorne Road, W-S. wssymphony.org.

Historic Soap Making. What role did ashes play in making soap during the 18th century? Find out while you watch our costumed interpreters make homemade lye soap. Free. All ages. Free.

10 a.m.- 4 p.m. High Point Museum, 1859 E. Lexington Ave., HP. 885-1859. highpointmuseum.org.

Kids’ Saturday Movie Matinee: “Lady and the Tramp.” Rated G. Free. 2-3:30 p.m. Central Library, 219 N. Church St., GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Lifted Voices: Bringing AfricanAmerican History Makers to Life.

As you walk through the museum galleries, meet and talk with costumed interpreters portraying people of African-American descent who have made a difference in Greensboro and beyond. All ages. Free. Noon-3 p.m. Greensboro Historical Museum, 130 Summit Ave., GSO. 373-2043. greensborohistory.org.

Saturday Children’s Story Hour.

See Feb. 1 listing.

Saturday Morning Lego Club.

Children in grades 1-5 will work in groups to create robots. Free. 10 a.m.

Central Library, 219 N. Church St., GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Winston-Salem Symphony-Kicked Back Classics Series. Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Robert Moody, music director; Orli Shaham, piano.

All ages. $25-$62. 7:30 p.m. Stevens Center, 405 Fourth St. NW, W-S. 461-0145.

9 SUNDAY

Bookmarks presents: 2nd Annual Book Club Movable Feast. Featuring more than 20 authors from across the country. 3-5 p.m. (Doors open at 2:15 p.m.) Every attendee will have a chance to hear from eight authors for 10 minutes each. Book sales and book signings. The Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, 251 N. Spruce St., W-S. 7471471. bookmarksnc.org.

Girls Only Movie With Cinderella.

Come dressed as your favorite princess and join as we watch “Cinderella” with Cinderella. Snacks and juice included.

3-5 p.m. $25 per guest. A perfect Valentine’s gift for your little princess.

Space is limited. Girls Only. 310-B E. Sycamore St. Downtown Greensboro.

255-2739. girlsonlygso.com.

10 MONDAY

Busy Bees. See Feb. 3 listing.

Family Story Time at Central Library.

See Feb. 3 listing.

Nature Crafts & Games: Mammals.

Through the use of crafts and games, children will learn about mammals and where they live, what they eat and how you can observe them in your own backyard. Register by Feb. 7. For ages 6-12. $10. 6-7:30 p.m. Oakview Recreation Center, 503 James Road, HP. 883-3508.

SAT/ACT Reading Strategies. Discover strategies to prepare for the reading comprehension sections of the SAT and ACT exams. 6:15-8:30 p.m. Central Library Auitorium, 660 W. Fifth St., W-S. forsyth.cc/library.

Simply Circle with Simply Therapy. A community-based circle-time program, led by a speech-language pathologist that offers age-appropriate and language-based songs and activities for children ages 2-5 of all ability levels. Accommodations will be made to include all children and their unique needs and abilities. Classes will be Feb. 10, 17, 24 and March 3. 11-11:30 a.m.

Registration required for the four-week series: $32/member child, $40/nonmember child. Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem. 390 S. Liberty St., W-S. 723-9111. childrensmuseumofws.org.

Teen to Teen Theatre. See Feb. 3 listing.

11 TUESDAY

Mary Time Music. A bonding experience filled with joyful songs, percussion and parachute play, chants, and lap rides. Your child will learn basics such as fast and slow, loud and soft, and high and low. Take home memories that will last a lifetime and tools that will keep them smiling. 11 a.m. Children’s

INVEST IN YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE! For over 60 years, OLG School has prepared students for success by providing a well-rounded & academicallychallenging education in a faith-filled environment.

The result?

Students who excel!

Pre-k/TK to 8th Grade Open House Feb. 11 ~ 9:30 a.m.

Middle School Open House Feb. 20 ~ 6:30 p.m.

• Pre-K through 8th grade • Grade-level and accelerated learning • Spanish instruction • All faiths welcome!

2205 W. Market St., Greensboro | olgsch.org | 336.275.1522 piedmontparent.com

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calendar Groundhogs! High Point Public Library Feb. 7

Come over to Glenwood Library and watch “Turbo,” the tale of a streetwise snail and his crew working together to overcome challenges and reach their goals. Free. 3-5 p.m. Rated PG. 96 minutes. Glenwood Branch Library, 1901 W. Florida St., GSO.

17 MONDAY | PRESIDENTS DAY Burlington Youth Council. See Feb. 3 listing.

Busy Bees. See Feb. 10 listing.

Family Art Event at Hemphill Library. Learn about this famous stained-glass artist and make a faux Tiffany lamp of your own. 6:30 p.m. Free. Hemphill Library, 2301W. Vandalia Road, GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Family Story Time at Central Library. See Feb. 3 listing.

Simply Circle with Simply Therapy. See Feb. 11 listing.

Teen to Teen Theatre. See Feb. 3 listing.

Museum of Winston-Salem, 390 S. Liberty St., W-S. 723-9111. childrensmuseumofws.org.

Open House (Pre-k to 8th Grade). Join us for an open house and learn more about Our Lady of Grace School.

We welcome students of all faiths who are ready to reach their full potential. All ages. Free. 9:30 a.m. Our Lady of Grace School, 2205 W. Market St., GSO. 275-1522. olgsch.org.

12 WEDNESDAY

Kids’ Afternoon Movie. Enjoy a kid-friendly film. Free 3:30 p.m. Vance Chavis Branch Library, 900 S. Benbow Road, GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Pregnancy Yoga. See Feb. 5 listing.

13 THURSDAY

Book and Cook at GCM. Each week, we will meet in the Edible Schoolyard kitchen classroom to combine literature and food. Using a story as inspiration, your kids will use fresh ingredients to create kid-friendly cuisine they’ll love making and eating. This week’s book is “Pumpkin Soup” by Helen Cooper. On the menu: pumpkin soup with roasted pumpkin seeds. $8-$12 per class. 10-11 a.m. Drop-off program for ages 3-5 years. Greensboro Children’s Museum, 220 N. Church St., GSO. 574-2898. gcmuseum.com.

Kids’ Building Event at Hemphill Library. See Feb. 6 listing.

Mocha Moms. See Feb. 6 listing.

Movie Date. Bring your little princess to watch “Tangled” with Rapunzel. Snacks and juice included. All ages.

Registration required. $20. 3-5 p.m. Girls Only-Play Palace and Dress Up Parties, 310 B E. Sycamore St., GSO. 255-2739. Girlsonlygso.com.

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14 FRIDAY | VALENTINE’S DAY

$4 Fun Friday Nights. Explore the Greensboro Children’s Museum with the whole family when admission is discounted to $4 per person. 5-8 p.m. Greensboro Children’s Museum, 220 N. Church St., GSO. 574-2898. gcmuseum.com.

Preschool Art Event at Hemphill Library. See Feb. 7 listing.

15 SATURDAY

Clay Animal Adult/Child Workshop. Adults and children (age 5+) will work together to create an animal from clay. In first class, choose an animal from SciWorks’ collection and make sketches. In the second class Feb. 22, learn basic hand-building techniques and form your animal from clay as a team. Your sculpture will be glazed and fired for later pick-up. 68/pair for SciWorks or Sawtooth members; $82/pair for nonmembers. Registration required by calling 714-7105. 1-3 p.m. SciWorks, 400 W. Hanes Mill Road, W-S. 767-6730. sciworks.org.

Kids’ Saturday Movie Matinee: “Planes.” Rated PG. Free. 2-3:30 p.m. Central Library, 219 N. Church St., GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Planetarium Laser Shows. “Metallica” at 6:30 p.m. and “Modern Hard Rock” at 8 p.m. $6/person per show or see both for $10/person. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and seating is first-come, first-served. No advance ticket sales. SciWorks, 400 W. Hanes Mill Road, W-S. 767-6730. sciworks.org.

Saturday Children’s Story Hour. See Feb. 1 listing.

16 SUNDAY

Weekend Matinee at Glenwood Library: “Turbo.”

The Healing Force. This performance is a rousing celebration of culture. 11 a.m. Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem. 390 S. Liberty St. W-S. 723-9111. childrensmuseumofws.org.

18 TUESDAY

Cash Lovell Stables & Riding Academies Storytime Meet a real pony! 11-11:30 a.m. Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem. 390 S. Liberty St., W-S. 723-9111. childrensmuseumofws.org.

Family Game Night. Bring the whole family for Board Game Night. Glenwood has all your favorites, or bring your own games to share. This is a Family Night Event for all ages. Free. 6:30-7:30p.m. Glenwood Branch Library, 1901 W. Florida St., GSO. Healthy Me, Healthy You. Enjoy pre-K stories, felt board activities, songs, crafts and more. Free. 10-11 a.m. McGirt-Horton Library, 2501 Phillips Ave., GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

La Leche League of Kernersville. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are welcome for breastfeeding information and support. Babies and toddlers also welcome. Free. 7 p.m. Fountain of Life Lutheran Church, 323 Hopkins Road, Kernersville. lllofnc.org.

Mad Science. Mad Science will perform amazing science tricks for the whole family on the third Tuesday of each month until May. Seating is limited so arrive early. Carver School Road Branch Library, 4915 Lansing Drive, W-S. 703-2910. forsyth.cc/library.

Teen Game Night. Teens, grades 6-12, join us for your favorite video games. Free. 6:30-8 p.m. Central Library, 219 N. Church St., GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

19 WEDNESDAY

Art Storytime. Stories, finger plays and short movies for ages 1-5 at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Free. 9:30-10:30

calendar a.m. Kathleen Clay Edwards Library, 1420 Price Park Road, GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Family Star Party at Benjamin Branch. Join the Greensboro Astronomy Club for starry night stories, night-sky gazing, hot chocolate and a craft. If the weather does not cooperate, we will still enjoy stories, cocoa and a craft. Free. 6:15-7:15 p.m. Benjamin Branch Library, 1530 Benjamin Parkway, GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Kids’ Art Event: Woven Bookmarks.

Learn to weave your own bookmark.

Children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Free. 3:305:30 p.m. Hemphill Branch Library, 2301 W. Vandalia Road, GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Pet Storytime. A parade of pet stories for preschoolers ages 2 to 5 and their siblings, with songs, finger plays and art. Free. 10:30-11:15 a.m. Glenwood Branch Library, 1901 W. Florida St., GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Pregnancy Yoga. See Feb. 5 listing.

School’s Out Special Event: African Folktales. Enjoy Anansi’s trickster tales and make a spider craft to take home. Free. 2:30-3:30 p.m. Hemphill Branch Library, 2301 W. Vandalia Road, GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Teen Art at Glenwood Library. Are you a doodler? Do you like to tag all your stuff? Bring a friend and come for this time of free expression. You each will be able to create your own masterpiece with whatever art medium you choose. This event is for middleand high-school students. Free. 4-5:30 p.m. Glenwood Branch Library, 1901 W. Florida St., GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Valentine’s Day Activities in the Triad

FEB. 2

Family First Sunday: Valentine Workshop. These twohour workshops begin at 2 p.m. the first Sunday of each month for children in grades 1 through 6 accompanied by an adult. $8 members/$10 non-members per person; art materials are provided. Registration required as class enrollment is limited; please call 758-5599. Reynolda House Museum of American Art, 2250 Reynolda Road, W-S. reynoldahouse.org.

FEB. 4 Angel Bear Yoga: Valentine’s Day! Join Angel Bear for a class full of hugs and kisses. We will bring the book “A Book of Hugs” to life, while exploring positive character traits of sharing love and celebrating Valentine’s Day. Come ready to do cupid, and a bow and arrow pose as we send love to our family. Meet a special furry friend, too. 11 a.m.

Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem. 390 S. Liberty St. W-S. 723-9111. childrensmuseumofws.org.

FEB. 8 Valentine’s Day Tea. Please join us for tea and scones and all you would expect from a traditional English Tea, catered by JH Adams Inn. Make your reservations by contacting Teresa Loflin at 885-1859 or teresa.loflin@highpointnc.gov. Tickets are $18 per person or $30 for two. For all ages. Registration required. $18 per person or $30 for two. 1-4 p.m. High Point Museum, 1859 E. Lexington Ave., HP. 885-1859. highpointmuseum.org.

FEB. 10 Family Valentine’s Event at Hemphill Library. Enjoy Valentine’s Day stories and make some cards for those you love. Free. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Hemphill Library, 2301 W. Vandalia Road, GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

FEB. 11 Get Ready for Valentine’s Day. Enjoy pre-K stories, felt board activities, songs, crafts and more. Free. 10-11 a.m.

McGirt-Horton Library, 2501 Phillips Ave., GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Valentine’s Day Story Time. Stories, finger plays and short movies for ages 1-5 at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Repeats at 1:30 p.m. for ages 3-5. Free. Kathleen Clay Edwards Library, 1420 Price Park Road, GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Teen Movie: “42.” Watch the story of Jackie Robinson, the first AfricanAmerican in Major League Baseball.

Rated PG-13. Free. 6:30 p.m. Vance Chavis Branch, 900 S. Benbow Road, GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

FEB. 12

20 THURSDAY

From My Heart to Yours. Listen to a story and create a gift to give on Valentine’s Day. Free. 4-5 p.m. McGirt-Horton

Library, 2501 Phillips Ave., GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Kids’ Art Event at Hemphill Library. Create a card for your special Valentine. Children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Free. 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Hemphill Branch Library, 2301 W. Vandalia Road, GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

FEB. 14 Cupid Shuffle. Make this Valentine’s Day special for you and your child. Drop them off for a fun night of dance contests, games and snacks. 5-12 years. Registration required. $5 per child. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Deep River Recreation Center, 1529 Skeet Club Road, HP. 883-3407.

Greensboro Big Band OPUS Concert. Bring your dancing shoes and join the Greensboro Big Band for its annual Sweet Sounds Valentine’s Dance. Enjoy some of your favorite jazz along with desserts and drinks. Admission is free; desserts and drinks are available for purchase. 6-7 p.m. Free.

Bur-Mil Park Clubhouse, 5834 Bur-Mil Club Road, GSO. burmilpark.org.

Lil’ Cupid’s Fun & Crafts Night. Glitter and hearts, what more can you ask for on Valentine’s Day? Participants will create a personalized gift for a special person. Pizza and juice will be served. 5-10 years. Registration required. $5 per child. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Allen Jay Recreation Center, 1073 E. Springfield Road, HP. 883-3509.

Valentine’s Day Craft. For ages 11 and under. Free. 4:30 p.m. Registration is required. Kernersville Library, 130 E. Mountain St. 703-2930. forsyth.cc/library.

FEB. 15 Cooking Together: Edible Valentine. Bring your little Valentine and learn to make edible treats to celebrate this special day. Sponsored by Whole Foods Market Greensboro.

1-2:30 p.m. 5 years and up with caregiver. Adult and one child, $35. Each additional child, $8. Greensboro Children’s Museum, 220 N. Church St., GSO. 574-2898. gcmuseum.com.

Daddy/Daughter Valentine’s Dance. Enjoy a pizza dinner, craft, cookie decorating, story time and dancing. Hearts & Arrows Photography will photograph you and your little girl, a keepsake that will be emailed to you after the event. $10/ member, $12/nonmember. All ages. Registration required. $10/member $12/non-member. 6-8 p.m. Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem, 390 S. Liberty St., W-S. 723-9111. childrensmuseumofws.org.

Book and Cook at GCM. Each week, we will meet in the Edible Schoolyard kitchen classroom to combine literature and food. Using a story as inspiration, your kids will use fresh ingredients

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calendar to create kid-friendly cuisine they’ll love making and eating. This week’s book is “The Empandas That Abuela Made.” On the menu: pumpkin empanadas. $8-$12 per class. 10-11 a.m. Drop-off program for ages 3-5 years.

Greensboro Children’s Museum, 220 N. Church St., GSO. 574-2898. gcmuseum.com.

Circus & Magic. Join Dikki Ellis of New York’s Big Apple Circus and UNCSA high-school students for an exciting performance featuring circus magic and improv. 11-11:30 a.m. Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem. 390 S. Liberty St., W-S. 723-9111. childrensmuseumofws.org.

Greensboro Astronomy Club meeting at NSC. Learn about the stars and our universe at these free meetings held at the NSC every third Friday of the month. Open to the public. Visit greensboroastronomyclub.org for more info. GAC membership is open to anyone and the yearly dues are $20 for a family membership. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Natural Science Center of Greensboro, 4301 Lawndale Drive, GSO. 288-3769. natsci.org.

Kids’ Building Event at Hemphill Library. See Feb. 6 listing.

Mocha Moms. See Feb. 6 listing.

21 FRIDAY

$4 Fun Friday Nights. See Feb. 14 listing.

Name That Tune! Benefitting the Greensboro Symphony. Join us at the Greensboro Country Club for a silent auction, Name That Tune game and gala, all with a Motown twist. Purchase tickets here, or call Daniel Crupi, director of development & PR, at 335-5456, ext. 239 for more information. For adults. Registration required. $. 6:30 p.m. V.I.P reception 7 p.m. general admission. Greensboro Country Club, 410 Sunset Drive, GSO. greensborosymphony.org.

Parents’ Night Out at Sawtooth. Third Friday of each month. Drop the children off and go enjoy a night out.

They will explore types of art and design, from drawing and painting to collage, mosaics, paper crafting, printmaking, sculpture, clay, and more. Register in advance to save your child’s spot. $45. 5:45-9 p.m.

Sawtooth School for Visual Art, 226 N. Marshall St., W-S. 723-7395. sawtooth.org.

Preschool Art Event at Hemphill Library. See Feb. 7 listing.

Souped Up Grilled Cheese: A Whole Foods Cooking Class at The Edible Schoolyard. We’ll learn to make stock, cover knife skills and a make a seasonal soup. Then, design your own personalized sandwich at our “design and build” grilled cheese bar.

Vegetarians and carnivores welcome. On the menu: hearty vegetable soup and DYO grilled cheese. $30. For

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ages 11-15. 5-6:30 p.m. Greensboro Children’s Museum, 220 N. Church St., GSO. 574-2898. gcmuseum.com.

22 SATURDAY

Clay Animal Adult/Child Workshop. See Feb. 15 listing.

Historian for a Day! In celebration of Black History Month, join us for story time, arts and crafts, and the unique opportunity to dress up as a significant figure in black history. More information: 883-3509. 4-11 years. Free. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Allen Jay Recreation Center, 1073 E. Springfield Road, HP. 883-3509.

Kids’ Saturday Movie Matinee: “Dear Dumb Diary.” Rated PG. Free. 2-3:30 p.m. Central Library, 219 N. Church St., GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Monkey Hooper Fitness. With Monkey Hooper kids learn early that fitness should be fun. Join us as we enjoy activities like dancing, games, parachute play, obstacle courses and more. Children are also encouraged to eat the rainbow to fuel a healthy body and mind. Dress comfortably and get ready to play.

11 a.m. Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem. 390 S. Liberty St., W-S. 723-9111. childrensmuseumofws.org.

Saturday Children’s Story Hour. See Feb. 1 listing.

Star Party at Pilot Mountain. Join Forsyth Astronomical Society and SciWorks Planetarium staff at the summit parking lot of Pilot Mountain State Park for an astronomy observation. Admission is free, and telescopes will be provided. In case of bad weather, call SciWorks after 5:30 p.m. for an update. Rain/snow date is March 1. Pilot Mountain State Park, 1792 Pilot Knob Park, Pinnacle. Sciworks.org.

Stemville Saturday of Science. Whether you want to learn about animal adaptations, robotics or meteorology, Stemville Saturday of Science has something for everyone. Spend your morning engaged in fun science activities created with the whole family in mind. Sponsored by the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Free, but registration is required. 10:3011:15 a.m. Benjamin Branch Library, 1530 Benjamin Parkway, GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

23 SUNDAY

Family Fun Sunday at Four Seasons Town Centre.

Four Seasons Town Centre presents Family Fun Sunday on the fourth Sunday of every month. 3-5 p.m.

Center Court at Four Seasons Town Centre, 410 Four Seasons Town Centre, Greensboro. 292-0171. shopfourseasons.com.

24 MONDAY

Busy Bees. See Feb. 3 listing.

Family Game Night at Hemphill Library. Enjoy board games, puzzles and more for all ages. Free.

6:30-7:30 p.m. Hemphill Branch Library, 2301 W. Vandalia Road, GSO. greensboro-nc.gov.

Family Story Time at Central Library. See Feb. 3 listing.

Simply Circle with Simply Therapy. See Feb. 10 listing.

Teen to Teen Theatre. See Feb. 3 listing.

25 TUESDAY

Readerobics. Energize your mind and body with your child. We begin each program with fun action rhymes and storyctime. Then, as the music starts rockin’, we act out the story doing fun aerobic and dance moves.

Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers as everyone (caregivers too) will be on the move. 11 a.m. Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem. 390 S. Liberty St., W-S. 723-9111. childrensmuseumofws.org.

26 WEDNESDAY

Girls With a Purpose. This teen girl group is for ages 11-17 and will meet the fourth Wednesday of each month. Come hear informative speakers and make new friends. Carver School Road Branch Library, 4915 Lansing Drive, W-S. 703-2910. forsyth.cc/ library.

Pregnancy Yoga. See Feb. 5 listing.

Preschool Story Time: Celebrating AfricanAmerican Authors. Enjoy stories by AfricanAmerican children’s book authors in honor of Black History Month. We’ll also sing songs, watch a short film and do a craft. Free. 11 a.m.-noon. Vance Chavis Branch Library, 900 S. Benbow Road, GSO. 373-5838.

27 THURSDAY

Kids’ Building Event at Hemphill Library. See Feb. 6 listing.

Mocha Moms. See Feb. 6 listing.

28 FRIDAY

$4 Fun Friday Nights. See Feb. 14 listing.

Preschool Art Event at Hemphill Library.

See Feb. 7 listing.

Calendar compiled by Judy Caldwell-Midero Send your organization’s events to calendar@piedmontparent.com.

The deadline is the 1st of the preceding month.

For more events, including story times, visit our website at piedmontparent.com.

business directory instruction

ART CLASSES

Reading is key to school success!

F O R E V E R YO N E

Angie Cilluffo ~ Orton-Gillingham Trained Reading Tutor Specializing in Grades K-8

— WINTER-SPRING SESSION 2 — begins the week of March 2

Your child’s tutoring costs shouldn’t rival your mortgage payment

Learn a Global Language

Youth 6-Week Classes!

• Pottery • Drawing and Painting • Homeschool Classes Adult 8-Week Classes!

• Pottery • Drawing and Painting • Sculpting the Human Figure Art Alliance is co-sponsored by City Arts • And more!

Register online at artalliancegso.org

Peak Performance Learning Center

Lessons, Classes and Workshops

1400 Battleground Ave, Ste 202F, Greensboro NC 27408

336-721-2636 • www.salem.edu/CMESC

(336) 549-6212 • pplc2004@gmail.com

artalliancegso@gmail.com | 373-2725 Greensboro Cultural Center | 200 N. Davie Street

A program of University of North Carolina School of the Arts

Music lessons for all ages!

Offering the finest in DANCE EDUCATION!

(336) 734-2950

Convenient Downtown location at the Stevens Center

NOW REGISTERING

405 W. 4th Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101

AGES 3 & up

uncsa.edu/communitymusic

336-333-7480 GREENSBOROBALLET.ORG

child care

preschools

St. Andrews Presbyterian Church

Day Care Center

A Preschool Enriched in the Cultural Arts

● Community & family

oriented facility

● Fun, energetic, reli-

5 days per week 2-5 years old Lunch bunch until 2 Classes from 9-12 with early drop off starting at 7:30

able & affordable

● Qualified staff ● Government

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● Subsidy available

NEVER TOO EARLY TO TOUR FOR FALL 2014

Our teachers have an average of 18 years delighting children at St. Andrews Day Care!

400 W. Radiance Dr. • 655-9536 jaimelovesed@yahoo.com

357 Old Hollow Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27105 336-377-2968 ● standrewsnc.org/day-care

Register now for Summer & Fall!

and

present FREE workshops on issues concerning birth-kindergarten children’s education and well-being for parents and early educators Visit myearlyeducator.com @myearlyeducator or FB myearlyeducator for more info piedmontparent.com

| FEBRUARY 2014

31

piedmont palette

COLORFUL BUTTERFLY Kelly Carrick Age 7

Say cheese!

We love seeing your kids’ smiles! We’re excited about our new column starting next month! Say Cheese will feature snapshots of Triad kids. Send your photos to esdavis@piedmontparent.com.

Include the child’s first and last name, city and age. Non-professional photos only. Only highresolution images will be accepted.

Need help locating QUALIT Y CHILD CARE ?

Child Care Centers • Family Child Care Homes Preschool Programs • After School Programs • Summer Camps Guilford • Rockingham Randolph 800-289-5098 Ashe • Alleghany Davidson • Davie Forsyth • Stokes Surry • Wilkes • Yadkin 800-937-7610

g rowachild.org

Program is an equal opportunit y provider.

32

FEBRUARY 2014

| piedmontparent.com

Children’s Theatre of Winston-Salem

ROMEO & JULIET Thursday, February 27 @ 10 am & noon

1/6 H

Friday, February 28 @ 10 am & noon Saturday, March 1 @ 7 pm

336.748.0857 x 203 childrenstheatrews.org Tickets: Thur. & Fri. $9 general; Sat. $10 general & $14 reserved

GIANTLEGOEXPO LEGOEXPO LEGO EXPO ®

FEB 28 – MARCH 2 • RALEIGH CONVENTION CENTER

KIDS II KIDS WORK IWORK LIFE I LIFE I

Does your your Does company help company help working parents parents working juggle all? juggle it all?

We are looking for We are looking for employers employers who are who are leaders in family-friendly leaders in family-friendly company policies. policies. company Go Go to to NCFamilyFriendly.com NCFamilyFriendly.com the to find find out out more aboutabout the 2014 2013 NC Family-Friendly 50 NC Family-Friendly 50 search process. search process.

Submission March Submissiondeadline: deadline April 15.25 To qualify, a company To qualify, a company rep must representative must answer submit a nomination form and our workplace questionnaire. answer our workplace questionnaire.

KIDS WORK LIFE Does your company help working parents juggle it all?

We are looking for employers who are leaders in family-friendly company policies.

Go to NCFamilyFriendly.com to find out about the 2013 NC Family-Friendly 50 search process.

Submission deadline April 15.

To qualify, a company representative must answer our workplace questionnaire.

Questions? Call Piedmont Parent at 336-983-4789.

Returning to North Carolina!

parent CAROLINA

The popular LEGO® KidsFest tour returns with an exciting, interactive experience — packed with activities & creative fun for the entire family! Attend again, or come for the first time — there will be lots of new things to see and do!

SCAN THIS CODE & E N SEE WHAT EVERYOT! OU IS TALKING AB

Questions?

Questions?

Call Piedmont Parent at Call Piedmont Parent 336-983-4789. at 336-983-4789.

parent CAROLINA

6

NOVEMBER 2012 |

carolinaparent.com

@ LEGOkidsfest

Tickets on sale at www.LEGOkidsfest.com LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick & Knob configurations and the Minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group.

LEGO KidsFest is produced by LIFE Marketing & Events. © 2014

focus on Forsyth More than 350,000 people call Forsyth County home, and the county has a variety of attractions and activities for families. Here are just a few of the many events taking place this month. You’ll find more information in our comprehensive Calendar of Events on page 24. ts for Discovery Concer

‘The Tales of Beat rix

te and Blue

Kids — Red, Whi

The concert mphony on Feb. 8.

Winston-Salem Sy s, $16; ages the ult th Ad y. wi ca Da ts eri en Am sid Celebrate just in time for Pre , ncert 3 p.m. tes Co ori . fav p.m tic 2 at trio gin will feature pa ncert activities be -co ormation, Pre inf e. re fre mo r, r de Fo 3-13, $5; 2 and un in Winston-Salem. um ori dit Au l ria mo at R.J. Reynolds Me rg. visit wssymphony.o

nce

Valentine’s Da Daddy/Daughter

Potter — A New

Ballet’

This Winston-Salem Festival Ballet pro duction, coming to Handsbrands Thea tre on Feb. 1-2, fol lows the adventures Jeremy Fisher and Pigling Bland to the of playful antics of the Two Bad Mice. For all ages. Tickets are $18.50 with perfo mances Saturday rat 11 a.m. and 2 p.m .; more information , visit hanesbrands Sunday at 2 p.m. For theatre.org.

2nd Annu

Bowl

Photo by Hearts

& Arrows Photo

graphy

al Hooper

rating, story time r, craft, cookie deco Enjoy a pizza dinne ildren’s Museum of Winston-Salem’s Ch . and dancing at the b. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m ghter Dance on Fe au d y/D an dd u Da yo al ph nu an otogra otography will ph you after Hearts & Arrows Ph t will be emailed to tha e sak ep ke a l, er. The mb me on your little gir 2/n $1 r, is $10/membe For St. y ert Lib the event. The cost S. 0 at the museum, 39 fws.org. event will be held mo eu us sm ren ild , visit ch more information

Everyone is invited to enjoy hula music and -h fu Bowl on Fe n with Monkey Hoo ooping, a mini Hoop per d b 2 from 1 to 2 p.m. Th at the 2nd Annual io class, contests an Hooper ere will also d prizes. A d for the Map mission is be hula-ho fr le Springs Food Pantr ee, but canned food oping will be hel d at Maple y will be co donations Sp lle Winston-S alem. For m rings United Metho cted. The event dist Churc ore inform h in ation, visit maplespri ngs.org.

FOCUS ON FORSYTH

| FEBRUARY 2014

focus on Forsyth 5 crafty shortcuts for busy parents

By Michelle Shirk

While it can be fun to admire elaborate craft ideas posted online, family art projects don’t need to be complicated or expensive. If you find yourself lacking the time, money or artistic ability to prepare and assemble Pinterest-worthy crafts with your kids, stock up on these easy and affordable alternatives instead.

1. “Plussed” Coloring Books If your kids are tired of their basic coloring books, try one of the enhanced versions currently on the market. Some books now come with stickers, allowing your little artist to add a special touch to her finished works. Paint-with-water books combine paper, paint and often even a brush all in one convenient package. For older kids (or adults!) looking for a unique coloring experience, check out Dover Publication’s (store. doverpublications.com) line of gorgeous stained glass coloring books.

2. Preassembled Craft Kits Purchasing the materials needed for a complicated craft project can be both costly and time-consuming. Alex Toys (alextoys.com) takes the prep work out of crafting with its extensive line of craft kits for a wide range of ages. Each kit contains all the necessary components to make the crafts pictured on the box. For preschoolers, choose from themes like “My Sticker Art,” “My First Mosaic,” “Clothespin Farm” and more.

Older kids can create jewelry, origami and room décor.

3. Play-Doh Ahhh, Play-Doh, the craft material that keeps on giving. Turn your kids loose with a few colors and a hard surface and see what kind of sculptures emerge. While Play-Doh is reusable, it’s

FEBRUARY 2014

| FOCUS ON FORSYTH

Kiwi Crate Kaleidoscope

also relatively inexpensive — around $6.50 for a case of 10 colors on Amazon.com. That means if your child can’t bear to part with his multi-building model of downtown Chicago, it’s not that big of a deal to let it sit around to be admired for a few days.

4. Community Crafting Events Enjoy a fun, free morning or afternoon of crafting with absolutely no preparation or cleanup! Sound too good to be true? Many libraries offer regular or occasional crafting events geared toward families, often in conjunction with a story time. You can also check with your local parks department, community center or public garden for similar offerings. Even some home improvement stores offer kids an opportunity to create in a safe environment. Learn about Lowe’s Kids Clinics at lowesbuildandgrow.com and Home Depot’s Kids Workshops at workshops.

homedepot.com/workshops/kidsworkshops.

5. Kiwi Crate These days, there are delivery services for everything from food to fashion, and crafts are no exception!

Signing up for a Kiwi Crate (kiwicrate. com) subscription brings a themed box of art supplies to your door each month. Past themes have included “Dig Into Dinosaurs,” “Colorful Inspiration” and “Growing Gardens.”

The crates are designed for children ages 3-7 and provide enough materials for two or three activities, many of which involve art. Single child subscriptions cost between $16.95 and $19.95 per month, with shipping included in the price.

Michelle Shirk is an attorney, freelance writer and proud mother of one.

She loves writing about family, travel, seasonal events and more for a number of regional parenting publications.

The education you’ve been looking for!

Celebrating 40 Years of Montessori Education 18 months-6th grade

wsmontessori.org

OPEN HOUSE tours every Wednesday, 9 a.m.

Pinterest.com/ PiedmontParent

Click on us today!

Twitter.com/ PiedmontParent

Facebook.com/ PiedmontParent

6050 Holder Road, Clemmons, NC 27012 • 336.766.5550

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parent

There are so many NEW ways to keep up with Piedmont Parent on the web and social media. Keep up with local events, activities, giveaways and more!

gymnastics, dance-nastics, fit-nastics, martial arts & more!

Did you know...

We love to move – and you will too!

Salem Gymnastics Sports Center since 1980

...that the first 2,000 days of a child’s life is when 90% of critical brain development takes place?

Visit www.smartstart-fc.org and see how the benefits of an early childhood education can build a strong foundation for your child that will last a lifetime.

SalemGym.com • 336.765.4668

programs for boys and girls ages 1 and up

smartstart-fc.org • (336) 725-6011 FOCUS ON FORSYTH

| FEBRUARY 2014

PiedmontParent.com ■ Parenting advice 24/7 ■ Articles about baby development ■ Comprehensive Triad family event calendar ■ Find our other publications online: G.P.S. (Great Parenting Source), Exceptional Child and Baby Guide

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