The 'Hood Magazine February 2018 by 'hood Magazine

‘hood

February 2018

parent • child • family

thehoodmagazine.com

inside: EDUCATION ON THE GO

Meet our

MOMMY GETS FIT WINNER

2018 Teacher of Mrs.the Year

BEESLEY Sioux Empire’s Parenting Resource

Party special

8 for$88

(8) PIZZA RANCH BUFFE TS (8) $6 PLAY CARDS (8) WRISTBANDS FOR INFLATABLES & PLAY DO ME This special is for kids

ages free table reservation and 4-8. Special includes space for 2 hours.

Each additional child $11 each .

5-582-6322 Reserve a room today! 60

! s U o t Y T R A P Bring your February Winner:

Kinley L. Other Birthdays:

from ‘Hood magazine, County Fair & Brandon pizza ranch We want to spread birthday CHEER all over the Sioux Empire! Each month, County Fair and Pizza Ranch of Brandon will give away six children’s buffets and six wristbands to one special birthday boy or girl. Ask about special pricing for larger parties.

Hours

MondaySunday 11am - 8:30pm

Do you want to WIN? It’s easy…

go to thehoodmagazine.com to register your child’s name, age, birthdate and your contact information.We will announce the winners in the magazine each month.

County Fair Fun Co. • 204 S. Splitrock Blvd, Brandon, SD 605-582-6322 • countyfairbrandon.com

Grant G. Ayden O. Caden S. Brantley S. Katie O. Emily P. Gavin P. Vin S. Elisabeth H. Logan B. Adrian B. Mason B. Kilea M. Bethenny H. Claire G. Lennan S. Kensi S. Marquell W. Coulter T. Leighton G. Casey R.

Evan A. Morgan N. Monte T. Miranda K. Destiny B. Katelyn R. Claire G. Mason B. Cason V. Sameer H. Tristan F. Ayden O. Amelia B. Parker W. Carter J. Sofia H. Maxwell A. Jack S. Joseph K. Aubriella M. Dylan J. Emily P.

Liam M. Gavin P. Willow F. Morgan N. Carter W. Ethan G. Odin H. Brett S. Adelyn S. Vince D. Justyn S. Ian M. Eli H. Maxwell A. Allyssa P. Judah M. Esme M. Milo A. Briley H. Abby D. Jacksyn B.

An ounce of PREVENTION…

increases everyone’s chances for living a longer, healthier life. When you’re healthy, taking care of your loved ones is a whole lot easier. That’s just one reason regular health checkups are so important – for everybody. Schedule annual checkups for yourself and your children, and encourage all family members to visit their doctor regularly. Learn more about checkups for moms and babies at: ForBabySakeSD.com/checkups or for dads and children at: cdc.gov/prevention

Healthier moms

Healthier babies

Brandon Martens Real Estate Professionals Present

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• 11 Game Tickets • 2 Large Hot Stuff Pizzas • 11 Sodas or Waters • 11 Cookies • Ball Toss Packs • Gift Bag including Thunder posters, game programs and more!

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Parents… if you’re struggling with

tobacco addiction we can help.

If you are or were a smoker, you already know it can be a tough habit to kick. It can be even harder given the stress that comes with being a parent. About half of the women who quit using tobacco during pregnancy resume their habit in the first 6 months after delivery. That’s a problem because staying tobacco-free is very important to their health, the health of their babies, and for any other children in the household. Secondhand smoke increases babies’ risk of SIDS, ear infections, and respiratory illness. Thirdhand smoke – the invisible toxic residue that clings to hair, clothing, carpet, and surfaces – is also harmful, especially to babies and young children. clothin We’ve developed a number of QuitLine services to help you quit and stay quit for yourself… and for your family. Give us a call to find out more about: • Individualized counseling and why it works 2X better than going it on your own • Special incentives for pregnant women who enroll in the program To enroll, just give us a call at 1.866.SD-QUITS or visit SDQuitLine.com/enroll

contents baby

‘hood thehoodma

February 2018

ily parent • child • fam

gazine.com

inside: EDUCATION ON THE GO

Meet our

MOMMY GETS FIT WINNER

2017 Teacher of Year

Mrs.the

BEESLEY Sioux Empire’s Parent

ing Resource

21 pregnancy 10 M om Talk

Healthy pregnancy lunch routines.

42 in every issue 14 Craft Corner

Look what I made!

31 Calendar of Events Area events for all ages.

45 Menu Planning

Recipes and insight from Hungry for Truth.

baby 12 W hat is Early Intervention?

Discovering the birth to three program.

child 16 M usic and Brain Development

The latest trends in learning through tunes.

18 B eyond 20/20

Insight into eyesight.

family 26 M useum of Visual Materials

A place for the community to learn, play and celebrate.

28 1 0 Ways to Promote Reading Development Giving your child a strong start.

6 | February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com

February 2018 TM

BEESLEY

on the WEB

on the web

contents

2018 Teacher of Mrs.the Year

cover story 21 2018 Teacher of the Year

Meet Mrs. Beesley from Brandon Elementary School.

Ice Sports are Alive

parent 38 Creative Ways to Learn on the Go Turning car-time into teaching-time.

40 Hidden Vision Problems Can Interfere with Learning

It’s the time of year for all those winter sports, including getting out to the rink. It’s a winter Olympic year and there are ways your family can get involved too. From hockey to ice skating, even curling, find out ways to explore and get out on the ice!

What parents should be watching for.

42 Mommy Gets Fit 2018

What to expect from Koko FitClub Sioux Falls.

43 M eet our 2018 Mommy Gets Fit Winner Chelsea VanLeur’s journey to fitness.

home 50 W here to Buy a Mattress

What to know before you start shopping.

52 S mart Appliances and Smart Homes Appliance education means more efficiency.

54 Q uick and Convenient

Must Sleep! Mattress Giveaway Don’t forget to head to our website to check out the mattress giveaway we’re doing with Beds by Design in Sioux Falls. Find out how you can qualify, or nominate a deserving family! Sign up form available on page 51!

Why consider a touch-free faucet.

February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com

welcome baby

2018 Teacher of the Year

President & Publisher Steffanie Liston-Holtrop 605-366-1479 steff@thehoodmagazine.com Editor Jessica Brovold jessica@thehoodmagazine.com Art & Design Director Ally Vogel ally@thehoodmagazine.com Digital Media Director Jaclyn Small jaclyn@thehoodmagazine.com

I had a blast meeting our 2018 Teacher of the Year Mrs. Beesley, and the Truckenmiller family who nominated her. I was able to spend some time in her classroom and see how much she loves her students. We had lots of nominations come in and it gets harder each year to pick our winner. Our community is blessed with so many amazing teachers. We were also excited this year to present our winner a check for $250 for her classroom to use any way she’d like. Make sure to watch a video on our website to see what Mrs. Beesley’s students think of her and what she thought of winning this award. In our own home, this was our first year having a child at an elementary school for junior kindergarten. We are incredibly blessed to have Mrs. Smith and Mrs. VanDenHoek as our first teachers. The amount of patience and understanding they have amazes me. We know one important factor to a good education is a good night’s sleep. We realized last year that many families in our area need a bed to sleep in at night. We are excited to partner with Beds by Design this year to not only give away one mattress, but three! Make sure to watch our Facebook page for a special announcement from Beds by Design. Lastly, If you didn’t have a chance to meet our 2018 Mommy Gets Fit winner, make sure to follow Chelsea VanLeur. She will be working with Koko FitClub over the next couple of months before a big final reveal in May. Thanks again for reading The ‘Hood Magazine and make sure to follow us on Facebook as we have been doing lots of giveaways!

Steff

and The ‘Hood Team

February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com

Contributing Photographers Julie Prairie Photography Brick Photography Contributing Writers Sarah Carter, Jessyca Conaway, Angela Gulbranson, Shaina Herrmann, Tom Johnson, Erin Rinehart Distribution courtesy of LifeScape: Andy Claflin, Brian Puetz, Brenton Newman, Ben Graff, Mitch Riley ‘Hood Panel Members Christie Aberson, Abir Aware, Sadie Bell, Brandy Fiala, Jillian Lemons, Bobbi Nelson, Ashley Rigge, Jen Rothenbuehler, Lyndsay Seivert, Ashley Thompson, Brooke Wegener, Melissa Williams Reproduction or use of the contents of this magazine is prohibited. ‘Hood Magazine is published 9 times a year by Hoodlum Productions, LLC and strives to publish only accurate information; however, Hoodlum Productions, LLC cannot be held responsible for consequences resulting from errors or omissions. All material in this magazine is the property of Hoodlum Productions, LLC and cannot be reproduced without permission of the publisher. We welcome article proposals, story suggestions and unsolicited articles and will consider all submissions for publication. Please send your thoughts, ideas and submissions to Hoodlums@thehoodmagazine.com. Magazine feedback and advertising and marketing inquiries to steff@thehoodmagazine.com. ©2017 Hoodlum Productions, LLC All Rights Reserved.

happenings

t u o b A & t Ou ‘HOOD HAPPENINGS As always, we enjoy our time with our friends at KDLT-TV. We spent time doing holiday crafts and most recently making homemade snow in the studio! Check out our website for some fun videos of our visits!

THANK YOU for following us on social media! Below is a pic of our more recent giveaway winners enjoying Paw Patrol!

NEXT ISSUE: Summer Camps: Can you believe it? Summer will be here before we know it, which means it’s time for our annual Summer Camp issue! You’ll find everything you need to know when it comes to planning the perfect summer for your child and family. All the latest and greatest camp experiences, all in one place! Be sure to watch for our March issue of The ‘Hood Magazine!

UPCOMING EVENTS: Ag Day

SAVE THE DATE FamilyFest

Saturday, March 17 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Washington Pavilion

Saturday, July 28 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. W. H. Lyon Fairgrounds

‘Hood will be there!

February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com |

pregnancy by Erin Rinehart, Avera Health

Healthy Pregnancy Lunch Routine Mom Talk:

As a first-time expecting mother, I’m very cautious, especially when it comes to what I eat. Don’t get me wrong, I indulge in those typical pregnancy cravings, but it’s all about balance. I am committed to eating healthy lunches, so when those late-night ice cream cravings hit, I don’t feel so bad. My baby’s receiving ample vitamins and minerals from my meal choices earlier in the day. When it comes to healthy meals, I make it a priority to plan ahead. Meal prepping is the key to being successful. Not that many expecting moms want to get up and cook a chicken breast before the 8 a.m. work grind – and I’m certainly in that camp – hence my planning.

Visit

on B the WE

During Exercisingancy n g Pre

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February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com

I have found a lot of success by preparing my grocery list and shopping on late Sunday mornings, followed by meal prep those afternoons. A typical grocery list for my lunch needs will include protein, fruits, vegetables and fats. My favorite protein is chicken, so most of the time I’ll buy bulk frozen chicken breasts, a variety

Her Great Future starts here!

of bananas, strawberries and apples, some carrots, broccoli or celery for my vegetables and then add humus, peanut butter or ranch for dipping as my fat. My prep work consists of washing and cutting the fruits and vegetables and cooking the chicken. Portioning my lunches is also a conscious decision I make when prepping meals. After cooking, I make sure the chicken breast I packaged is roughly the size of my palm. The raw fruits and vegetables are portioned into half, or one-cup servings and the fats are properly portioned into these convenient 2-ounce containers I have. So when meal time strikes during my work day, I simply walk to the break room, heat up my protein and I’m set: I enjoy lunch knowing my meal is properly portioned. I’ve also committed to eating healthy snacks throughout the day, and I can prep those snacks right along with my lunches on Sundays. I typically have mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks of almonds, a protein bar or additional fruits and vegetables. Another way I stay committed to having a healthy pregnancy is by drinking a lot of water, especially between meals. I’ve never had a problem fulfilling the daily water recommendations, so being pregnant and having to drink a little more hasn’t been an issue. Knowing that giving up a few hours every Sunday will help me keep myself and my baby healthy is worthwhile. It’s really rewarding knowing I’m giving my baby the proper nutrition he needs to grow big and strong!

Explore our OPEN HOUSES

Infants Toddlers Twos Preschool Pre-K

5:00 -6:30pm @ All Sites Thursday, February 8th 57th Street Learning Center 5015 S Crossing Place

Tuesday, February 20th Eastside Learning Center 700 S Sneve Avenue

Thursday, February 22nd 14th Street Learning Center 824 E 14th Street

Early Learning Academy

BGCSiouxEmpire.org 605.338.8061 BGCSiouxEmpire.org 605.338.8061 BGCSiouxEmpire.org 605.338.8061

Here are some other quick tips I have learned over the last few months: • P lan ahead by getting your grocery shopping done before the work week starts. • P rep and portion properly every time – consistency counts! • E at a variety of proteins, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats. • P ack healthy snack options to have between meals. • D rink plenty of water throughout the day to keep you and baby hydrated. n February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com |

baby by Sarah Carter, Director, Birth to Three Program

What is Early Intervention? Learning begins at the time of birth, and it is important to make sure your child gets off to a good start. If you’re concerned about the development of your own infant or toddler or another little one, South Dakota provides an early intervention program for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities and their families that can be a wonderful resource. Early Intervention (EI) is a family-focused, in-home service for children from birth to 36 months of age. It provides a system of services and support for families to help understand their child’s development. It also provides specific training to assist the family in addressing these areas of delay. Early Intervention is a voluntary partnership between the child’s parents, caregivers, childcare providers, professionals and others with focus on providing the adults in a child’s life with skills and resources to help the child develop. This family-centered process is customized to the family’s routines and everyday life so that intervention can happen all day, every day – not just when the professional is present.

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February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com

Who is eligible for early intervention? Eligibility is determined by evaluating the child with their parents’ consent. This developmental evaluation is completed by the local school district at no cost. For some children, it is known from the moment the child is born that early intervention will be important in helping that child and family. Often this is for babies who have a specific condition or experience significant prematurity. Others may experience a setback, develop more slowly or in ways that are different from other infants and toddlers.

What to expect if eligible for early intervention. When a child is found eligible for early intervention, a semi-structured interview is conducted asking about the child and family during every day routines. This is a wonderful opportunity for the family to learn about early intervention and the critical role they will play in their child’s development and also to learn about the family’s priorities, goals and needs not only for their child, but for their family. Families along with an Early Intervention team, design an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) based on the family’s priorities and routines previously identified. The early interventionist professional(s) selected to work with the child and family is based on the IFSP family priorities. These professionals serve as a coach showing family members and caregivers strategies for working with your child and helping your child learn. The most common early interventionists are service coordinators, special instruction, occupational therapist, physical therapist and speech and language pathologist. Some areas that focus on helping eligible babies and toddlers learn the skills that typically develop during the first three years, include: • Physical (reaching, rolling, crawling, and walking) • Cognitive (thinking, learning, solving problems) • Communication (talking, listening, understanding) • Social/emotional (playing, feeling secure and happy) • Self-help (eating, dressing) What is the key to success of Early Intervention? Active, engaged families. Families, particularly parents, are vital participants in Early Intervention. You are your child’s most important teacher and caregiver. You know your child better than anyone else. Share your child’s likes and dislikes with your early intervention team. Practice the strategies with your provider’s support and ask questions to ensure you are using the strategies correctly. Provide opportunities for your child to play and practice new skills during routines such as meal times, diaper changes and dressing. During home visits, take an active role and ask your early intervention professional questions about the activities. n

February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com |

craft by Jaclyn Small, The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hood Magazine

MeltingExperiment Hands What happens when you mix salt and ice? During these cold winter days it can sometimes be difficult to get outside, so why not bring some of the winter elements indoors!

Registration Now Open! These melting hands are not only a learning experiment; they’re also fun and colorful. Of course you could freeze some water in anything you have at home, but the rubber gloves make for some extra giggles. The idea behind this is to see how quickly salt can melt ice. To recreate this melting hand experiment all you need to do is freeze some water in a rubber glove. Add some food coloring if you want to make them extra colorful. When the water is frozen solid, carefully cut the gloves off. Gather some tools, like plastic utensils and paintbrushes. You can use whatever you want! Add some salt on the ice. Notice how the ice becomes weak in those spots. It’s also fun to watch the salt turn colors! Use your tools to carve at the ice and take note of how long the salt takes to melt. To add an extra element, freeze some small marbles in the gloves. Use the salt to try and thaw and remove the marbles! n

*Registration deadline is March 1st. Registrations received after March 1st will be on space-available basis.

DAKOTA SPORTS Financial Assistance is available. GO ONLINE AND REGISTER AT SIOUXEMPIREBASEBALL.ORG

www.siouxempirebaseball.org

NOW OPEN!

Learn about food and farming!

5- adults (18+) $ 3- kids (3-17) FREE- infants

2 and under

301 East Falls Park Drive • 605-332-1917 www.stockyardsagexperience.org February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com |

child by Amy Hauff, Apple Tree Children’s Center

Visit

on the WEB

How to Find th Perfect Childcaree for your Family

Music and Brain Development

Fifteen years ago, the rage in child development was classical music. Exposing your child to the great classical composers was a sure way to enhance your child’s development and create a super genius. We would buy the Mozart CD’s and the videos and it was not unheard of to throw a pair of headphones right on your pregnant belly to be sure your baby had the best musical experience possible. Time and research has changed the views on this theory a bit. Experts now say it’s not just the music itself, but the actual learning of music and instruments that actually affect brain development. Giving your child the chance to learn something like piano, for instance, will actually help the brain. The exact benefits range from stronger connections across the corpus callosum, which joins the two hemispheres of the brain, to enhancing the auditory systems and pathways. In easier terms, learning music and having music interaction creates connections with others, strengthens memory and reading skills, builds communication, provides superior multisensory skills and gives an overall feeling of joy. Now you’re thinking “I have a 6-month-old, piano lessons may be out of the question.” You are right.

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Those little chubby hands are not yet suited for piano keys. They’re working on baby things, not Bach and Beethoven. At this point, you can be the tutor and teacher. Listen to music of all kinds, sing, shake rattles, drum, dance and make music an everyday thing in your life. The more you surround your child with music, the more they become aware of rhythm and sound, which is the basis for future music skills. From there, when they’re ready, you can choose to explore other forms of music development. Music programs like band, orchestra, or choir in the school systems are great ways to get your child involved in music. It’s never too late to shake up that corpus callosum, or too early to create a lasting love of music. n

more than meets

the eye

Unfortunately, many people do not know the signs of vision problems that interfere with academic success. Most children rarely report they are having visual difficulties. The majority of the vision problems that interfere with reading and learning are very treatable. Help your child receive the care they deserve and schedule their eye exam today!

Visions Eye Care & Vision Therapy Center 605.271.7100 106th W. 69th St., Sioux Falls www.sdvisions.com

February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com |

child by Jessyca Conaway, LifeScape

Beyond 20/20: Insight into Eyesight

A childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision is one of their most valuable assets. Optimal vision is essential for proper developmental progression in many areas from motor skill development to reading and even behavior. By age four, children have typically attained 20/20 acuity and should have early control over eye movements, meaning they can use their eyes to look around without turning their head. Between four and 10 years old, this ocular motor control will continue to improve as their brain and sensory motor systems develop. While many children may only need glasses to correct acuity issues, other children may suffer from eye movement problems that make it impossible for their eyes to work together and send messages to their brain correctly. It can be difficult to know if your child is having these types of problems as many children have no complaints about their vision because they simply donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realize they are seeing things differently than their peers. Other children may complain of headaches, moving objects, burning eyes, wiggling lines or floating words. Because children may have a difficult time telling you theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re struggling with their vision, you may need to do some detective work. Children with vision problems may be struggling with academics, including learning to read or writing with numerous letter reversals. They may also rub their eyes frequently while reading or tilt their head or cover an eye while completing their homework.

In terms of daily living activities, these children may have difficulty locating their toys when searching their bedroom or become car sick more often than other children. Their motor skills may also be impacted with difficulties with tasks like catching a ball or completing age-appropriate puzzles.

child

Some children with vision problems may even demonstrate highly active or inattentive behavior leading parents and teachers to question the presence of ADHD. While some of the issues can be both frustrating and alarming, often these issues can be explained by impairments in visual skills such as impaired tracking, convergence or accommodation. These problems frequently arise due to weak eye muscles and can be corrected with treatment aimed at strengthening those muscles and improving how the eyes work together. Occupational therapists are trained to provide treatment addressing visual motor deficits. These interventions, often covered by medical insurance, can make significant and lasting impacts in a short period of time, with appropriate carryover of home exercise programs. n

Birthdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at Skate City are as easy as 1 - 2 - 3!

(Package starts at $155. For full package details please call 605-332-7915 or visit us online at www.skatecitysd.com/birthday-parties.) Mention this ad and receive $10 off!

February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com

SUMMER CAMP issue coming in March 2018! List your summer camp in our directory to show the families of the Sioux Empire what you have to offer. Contact Steff at steff@thehoodmagazine.com to reserve your spot!

HURRY – deadline is February 10th, 2017!

thehoodmagazine.com

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February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com

March 2017

parent • child • fam ily thehoodma

gazine.com

annual

Summer C amp DIRECTOR Y

Sioux Empire’s Pare

nting Resource

BEESLEY

cover

2018 Teacher of Mrs.the Year

Brandon Elementary School Meet Mrs. Beesley, a second grade teacher at Brandon Elementary School. When she found out she was the winner of The ‘Hood Magazine’s 2018 Teacher of the Year Award, she says she couldn’t help but feel emotional. continued

Visit

on the WEB

of to see the videosrs. us surprising M Beesley

February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com |

cover

“What an honor,” said Mrs. Beesley. “I had to hold in the tears. I come from a teaching family. It’s an honor for me and for my family. It was quite a day. The kids weren’t sure what to say.”

“I want them to remember things they did with Mrs. Beesley and remember with kindness in their heart,” she said. “That second grade was good and a fun and wonderful place to be and that it was safe.”

The one student who knows exactly what to say is Garrison T. Garrison was the student who nominated Mrs. Beesley for this year’s honor.

Mrs. Beesley has been teaching for the past 37 years. She plans to retire after this year and try out something new.

“She lets me play computer games, gives us treats for good behavior and lets me read books at my reading level,” said Garrison. “She even had to go talk to the librarian, so I could read my favorite books.” “He’s a very special student,” said Mrs. Beesley. “He’s very intelligent, and he’s very good at figuring things out. He thinks outside the box when it comes to learning. It’s fun to see him trying to explain things that wouldn’t be the norm.” Making sure students have a good experience and remember their time in school is very important to this teacher of the year.

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“It’s fun to think about it,” said Mrs. Beesley. “I have some sad moments too, thinking about missing the kids. I’ll truly miss them. It’s time. I need to turn the page and do something a little different.” She’ll be working as a receptionist at her nephew’s business in Brandon. A whole new adventure for this avid teacher, but she knows she’s going out on a high note and has a lot of pride of her time in the classroom. “There’s a lot of times to think about things you’ve done when you’re honored like this,” said Mrs. Beesley.

cover 23

2018 Teacher of the Year ion Garrisonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nominat for Mrs. Beesley.

! Can you believe My teacher is amazing for 30+ years??? er she has been a teach s She plans to retire thi This is her last year. s let e sh enjoyable, year. She makes class es me math. We ch tea e sh me read and t jects and learn abou learn fun science pro it. vis to pe ho y da some fun places that I will cher, especially since tea my k pic u yo I hope she has touched so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s her last year and e pick her! many kids lives. Pleas

cover

2018 Teacher of the Year Mrs. Boyle, 1st Grade Harvey Dunn Elementary School “Mrs. Boyle is very open with communication and aware of the child’s needs. She is very flexible and available to discuss strategies to maximize our child’s academic and emotional growth. Our child loves to be in her class!” Nominated by Mason S. Mrs. Breidenbach, 2nd Grade R. F. Pettigrew Elementary School “Jenn is such a great teacher. She not only is amazing with teaching her kids school subjects, she is also awesome with teaching kids about friendships, manners and self control. I have had more than one child have Mrs. Breidenbach as a teacher and can go on and on about how much she cares about her class!” Nominated by Paige S. Mrs. Dreke, Kindergarten R. F. Pettigrew Elementary School “She goes above and beyond for her students. My child has some special needs and concerns and she always communicates with me and listens to me. The transition to public school has been great because of her. She truly loves what she does and it shows.” Nominated by Reese W.

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ding Other Outstan Mrs Fantroy, Kindergarten Lowell Elementary School “Mrs. Fantroy made sure Ryker was comfortable and gave Ryker so much love and support. She would always keep me informed of how Ryker was doing in her classroom and if I ever needed her she was there. She would go above and beyond to make sure not only was Ryker comfortable but that I was comfortable as well.” Nominated by Ryker R. Mrs. Hansen, 1st Grade Rosa Parks Elementary School “Her experience and expertise are helping our daughter excel and love learning even more! You know you’ve won the absolute jackpot of teachers when your child doesn’t want to miss a single minute of school.” Nominated by Peyton G. Mrs Irsfeld, 5th Grade JFK Elementary School “My son enjoys going to school this year, because she engages her students. She has a classroom forum for parents and we get daily/weekly updates for activities and assignments.” Nominated by Max W. Miss Iverson, K-5 TBC Liberty Elementary School “I write this on behalf of my son Thomas. He is non-verbal. Miss

Nominees

Iverson devotes her life to helping others. Not just in the classroom, but also in the community. If anyone is looking for any resources, she is the go-to. She will go above and beyond to make each person feel special.” Nominated by Thomas W. Mrs. Maxewll, Pre-K Dell Rapids St. Mary “Peggy is amazing because she works so well with the younger children. She had taught my threyear-old child so much, including how to spell his name in just five hours a week since September! She is so patient and understanding and my child loves her!” Nominated by Blake H. Mrs. Metzger, Grades K-2 Home School “Amy is a stay at home mother and teacher. She has three students as of right now. On Mondays she attends a class at one of the churches where they get updated on what other stay at home teachers are doing. She is simply the best because she spends time with her students one-on-one as need.” Nominated by Jayda, Hannah and Isiah M.

Visit TM

o thenWEB

See the entire nominees!list of

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Garrison’s mom Tanya is thankful for Mrs. Beesley’s passion. “She has chosen to make her profession her passion, and it shows in and out of her classroom,” said Tanya. “It is also amazing that it is her retirement year after 30 plus years of teaching and touching numerous children’s lives.”

So while she prepares to wrap up her last year of teaching, she’s doing so with a big honor and a $250 scholarship that will be put to good use. “We’re going to have a pizza party for the classroom and rent inflatables for the whole school,” said Mrs. Beesley. A gesture that sums up her many years of teaching. “It’s not an honor just for me,” said Mrs. Beesley. “I want the people that I love to know that this is truly an honor that I share with them.” n

Other Outst anding Nom inees Ms. Miranda -Blanco, 5th Grade Sonia Sotom ayor Elemen tary “In every way this teacher ha s risen above an d beyond. She has been innovativ e and resource ful and it has paid off in dividend s. I have a child that lived for th e weekend and summer vacatio n that is now wor king and succ ee ding during clas s.” Nominated by Dylan V.

Mrs. Miller, 2n d Grade Harrisburg Ex plorer Elementary S chool “Mrs. Miller ta kes the time to get to know he r children, thei r interests and their stories. Sh e fills their days with learning, fun an d, most of all, ho pe.” Nominated by Cade L.

Ms. Miller, Pre -School Sioux Falls Lu theran Schoo l “She loves me and my friend s and my brother an d always does fun things with me. ” Nominated by Leah F.

February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com |

SPONSORED FEATURE

Summer Camps

Painting, comic book writing, pottery and so much more! We make the summer a fun learning experience for children. Camp ages vary from 5-16, so there is something for everyone! Summer camp registration will open early Spring 2018 on our website.

Adult Classes

Children’s Activities

Join us at the Museum of Visual Materials for free day activities. No registration is required for groups 10 or less. Interested in bringing a group or field trip? Reach out to us to schedule a date and activity. Children’s activities are available Monday – Wednesday from 9:00-4:00. • Imagination Playground • Craft Area • Reading Corner • Barbie House • Lego Creation Station

FIND US: Facebook and Instagram Register for classes on our website at sfmvm.com

Kids are not the only ones who get to have fun – join us for our adult classes! Craft night is held on the 1st Wednesday with a different Pinterestinspired craft each month. Other class offerings vary throughout the year. Visit sfmvm.com to learn about our classes.

family by Sanford Health

Visit

on the WEB

of The Super Powern Communicatio

10 Ways to

Promote Reading Skill Development

Children begin to learn reading skills long before they can actually read printed words. Babies as young as six weeks old can enjoy being read to and looking at pictures. Sometime between the ages of two and three children develop an awareness of printed letters and words. Learning reading skills is closely linked to a child’s earliest interactions with books and stories. The preschool years (ages 3-5 years old) are an important time to set the foundation for a child’s future reading skills. Parents don’t have to be good readers to give their children a strong start in reading. Here are 10 simple ways to encourage your child’s reading development.

Create conversations Don’t just read the words to your child, also talk about the pictures and characters in the story.

Read together Reading books together will help develop your child’s basic reading skills. When reading with your child, track the words with your finger as you read. Try encouraging your child to say stop whenever you come to a period.

Be a role model Be enthusiastic when you spend time reading with your child. This will encourage him to see reading as a fun and rewarding activity.

Choose interesting books Look for books about topics your child has already

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February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com

Have reading materials in your home

to 24 months of age who want to introduce digital media should choose high-quality programming, and watch it with their children to help them understand what they’re seeing.

Have children’s magazines and books easily available to your child. He’ll be more likely to pick up print materials to read when they’re in sight around the house.

Make reading an adventure

Let your child read to you

Pack a book bag for times when you and your child are waiting for appointments or traveling.

Have your child read her favorite story to you. At this age, she can’t read the words but she should be able to narrate the pictures or remember some of the words if you have read the book to her several times before.

Limit TV time Watching less television will open up time for your child to read instead. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents of children 18

Build a reading fort by tossing a sheet over a table and then reading by flashlight.

family

expressed interest in. Explore the children’s section at a bookstore or library and let your child choose some books that grab his or her attention.

Pack a book bag

Relax and get comfortable Make reading time cozy by relaxing someplace where your child can rest into pillows or snuggle his or her favorite stuffed animal. Take time to read to your child today. It’s never too early – or too late – to start reading with your preschooler. n

Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader!

Enrollment for 2018-2019 begins February 26th

Call 605.575.3358 or visit us at www.sfcss.org. February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com

ENRICH YOUR LIFE.

INSPIRE THEIRS. Giving back. Professional development. Community involvement. All great reasons to become a Big Brother. The best reason? Mentoring for just a few hours a month can change a life forever.

BECOME A BIG BROTHER. VISIT BBBSSE.org

I E D A I R O L le u d G e h c S s s a l Preschool C me to Me... co en r d il ch e l tt li Let the

3 Yr Olds $110 per month

4 Yr Olds $145 per month

4&5 Yr Olds $170 per month

5 Yr Olds $185 per month

Monday-Wednesday 9:00 – 11:30

Monday-Wed-Friday 9:00-11:30

Monday-Thursday 9:00-11:30

Monday-Friday 9:00-11:30

Tuesday-Thursday 9:00 – 11:30

Monday-Wed-Friday 12:45-3:15 Tuesday-Thurs-Friday 9:00-11:30

Gloria Dei Lutheran Preschool 5500 E 57th Street Sioux Falls, SD 57108 Sharon.Claude@gloriadei-sd.org

Call 371-3737 or visit gloriadei-sd.org for more info!

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February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com

Want to see YOUR event listed HERE? Visit our website and post your event. For additional information about the events listed, please check our website.‘Hood Magazine publishes the most recent information provided. Please remember to call ahead to confirm event details; some events may require pre-registration.

n Parent

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Thursday, February 1

9:00 AM-12:00 PM Homeschool Science: Junior Detectives Washington Pavilion Varies 10:00 AM-10:50 AM Little All Stars All American Gymnastics Academy 1 Card: $80 or 2 Cards: $130 10:00 AM-11:15 AM Wee Play & Learn Downtown Library Varies 11:00 AM-8:00 PM Inflatables and PlayDome County Fair Brandon $5

7-9

10+

All Ages

9:00 AM-9:50 AM Little All Stars All American Gymnastics Academy 1 Card: $80 or 2 Cards: $130 9:00 AM-10:00 AM Ice Fishing 101 Family Park 9:00 AM-10:00 AM Tai Chi Sertoma Butterfly House Member $5, Non-member $10 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Morning Skate Skate City $5/child + skate rental 10:00 AM-8:00 PM We Finish it For YouValentine’s Day Design Color Me Mine Varies 10:30 AM-12:00 PM Pioneer Day Prairie West Library

1:30 PM-3:30 PM New Baby & Me Sanford Health

1:00 PM-1:30 PM Bookworms Reading Program Great Plains Zoo

3:15 PM-4:00 PM Creative Kids Siouxland Libraries Oak View Branch

2:00 PM-4:30 PM Cookie Decorating Days The Cookie Jar Eatery Pre-Register, $15

3:30 PM-4:15 PM S.T.E.A.M. Baltic Library

6:00 PM-8:00 PM SUPER SATURDAY All American Gymnastics Academy $15/child

Friday, February 2 11:00 AM-8:00 PM Inflatables and PlayDome County Fair Brandon $5 5:00 PM-8:00 PM Free First Friday Washington Pavilion 6:30 PM-7:20 PM Little All Stars All American Gymnastics Academy 1 Card: $80 or 2 Cards: $130 6:30 PM-9:30 PM Diva’s Dish and Design Color Me Mine Pre-Register, Varies 8:00 PM-11:00 PM Teen Night Skate City $6/child + skate rental

Saturday, February 3 8:00 AM-11:30 AM MallWalk Empire Mall Fundraiser

Sunday, February 4 9:00 AM-11:00 AM Sensory Sensitive Chuck E Cheese’s Varies 9:30 AM-10:30 AM Yoga Sertoma Butterfly House Member $10 Non-member $15

Monday, February 5 9:00 AM-9:50 AM Little All Stars All American Gymnastics Academy 1 Card: $80 or 2 Cards: $130 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Toddler Jump Air Madness Trampoline Park $8/child 9:00 AM-4:00 PM Children’s Activities Museum of Visual Materials

11:00 AM-1:00 PM Open Hockey Scheels Ice Plex Member $5, Non-member $10

fun

5:30 AM-10:30 AM Tot Time Midco Aquatic Center Free/ paid admission

Tuesday, February 6

5:30 AM-10:30 AM Tot Time Midco Aquatic Center Free/ paid admission 9:00 AM-4:00 PM Children’s Activities Museum of Visual Materials 6:15 PM-7:15 PM Young Scientists Kuehn Community Center $5/person 7:00 PM-8:00 PM Ginger Bird Houses Nature Art MariCar Community Center $5/person

Wednesday, February 7 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Toddler Jump Air Madness Trampoline Park $8/child 9:00 AM-4:00 PM Children’s Activities Museum of Visual Materials 10:00 AM-11:00 AM Get Ready, Get Set, For Kindergarten! Downtown Library 10:30 AM-11:30 AM Toddler Adventures Launchpad Childen’s Museum $6-$8 11:00 AM-1:00 PM Family Open Ice Skate Scheels Ice Plex Adults $6, Kids (1-12) $4 11:00 AM-8:00 PM Inflatables and PlayDome County Fair Brandon $5 12:30 PM-2:30 PM Homeschool Art: 3D Art Extravaganza Washington Pavilion Varies 3:15 PM-4:00 PM Wii Wednesday Oak View Library 4:00 PM-5:00 PM NASA @ My Library Caille Library

WOW! Check out our online calendar for additional events!

What to Do?

February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com

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Wednesday, February 7 6:00 PM-8:00 PM BUNCO Morningside Community Center 6:00 PM-9:00 PM Discount Night Skate City $3/child + skate rental 6:30 PM-7:30 PM Babywearing Basics Elegant Mommy

Thursday, February 8 5:30 AM-10:30 AM Tot Time Midco Aquatic Center Free/ paid admission 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Stockyards Ag Experience Barn Adults $5, Kids (3-18) $3 11:00 AM-8:00 PM Inflatables and PlayDome County Fair Brandon $5 5:30 PM-7:30 PM Member Appreciation Night Sertoma Butterfly House Free/ paid admission

Friday, February 9 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Stockyards Ag Experience Barn Adults $5, Kids (3-18) $3

WOW! Check out our online calendar for additional events!

10:30 AM-11:30 AM Sky & Fin Story Time Sertoma Butterfly House Free/ paid admission

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11:00 AM-8:00 PM Inflatables and PlayDome County Fair Brandon $5

7-9

10+

All Ages

9:00 AM-3:00 PM The Maker’s Market Westside Christian School

9:00 AM-4:00 PM Children’s Activities Museum of Visual Materials

10:00 AM-12:00 PM Family Skate Skate City $5/child + skate rental

10:00 AM-4:00 PM Stockyards Ag Experience Barn Adults $5, Kids (3-18) $3

10:00 AM-2:00 PM Super 2nd Saturday Washington Pavilion Free/ paid admission 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Stockyards Ag Experience Barn Adults $5, Kids (3-18) $3 10:30 AM-11:30 AM Kid-Venture Class Sertoma Butterfly House Members $8 Non-members- $19 11:00 AM-8:00 PM Inflatables and PlayDome County Fair Brandon $5 12:00 PM-2:00 PM Valentine Crafts Oak View Library 1:00 PM-1:30 PM Bookworms Reading Program Great Plains Zoo 2:00 PM-3:00 PM Young Scientists Kuehn Community Center $5/person 2:00 PM-4:30 PM Cookie Decorating Days The Cookie Jar Eatery Pre-Register, $15 3:00 PM-4:00 PM Babywearing 102 Elegant Mommy

6:00 PM-8:00 PM Daddy/Daughter Date Night Color Me Mine Pre-Register, Varies

6:00 PM-8:00 PM Mother/Son Night of Fun Color Me Mine Pre-Register, Varies

6:30 PM-7:20 PM Little All Stars All American Gymnastics Academy 1 Card: $80 or 2 Cards: $130

6:00 PM-8:00 PM SUPER SATURDAY All American Gymnastics Academy $15/child

8:00 PM-11:00 PM Teen Night Skate City $6/child + skate rental

Saturday, February 10 9:00 AM-9:50 AM Little All Stars All American Gymnastics Academy 1 Card: $80 or 2 Cards: $130 9:00 AM-10:00 AM Tai Chi Sertoma Butterfly House Member $5, Non-member $10

February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com

Sunday, February 11 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Stockyards Ag Experience Barn Adults $5, Kids (3-18) $3 11:00 AM-8:00 PM Inflatables and PlayDome County Fair Brandon $5

Monday, February 12 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Toddler Jump Air Madness Trampoline Park $8/child

11:00 AM-1:00 PM Open Hockey Scheels Ice Plex Member $5, Non-member $10 11:00 AM-8:00 PM Inflatables and PlayDome County Fair Brandon $5

Tuesday, February 13 5:30 AM-10:30 AM Tot Time Midco Aquatic Center Free/ paid admission 9:00 AM-4:00 PM Children’s Activities Museum of Visual Materials 10:30 AM-11:30 AM King/Queen of Hearts Kuehn Community Center $5/person 6:00 PM-9:00 PM Galentine’s Day Color Me Mine Pre-Register, Varies

Wednesday, February 14 8:00 AM-10:00 AM Walking Program Morningside Community Center 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Toddler Jump Air Madness Trampoline Park $8/child 9:00 AM-4:00 PM Children’s Activities Museum of Visual Materials 10:00 AM-4:00 PM VALENTINES DAY PARTY FOR KIDS Museum of Visual Materials 11:00 AM-11:45 AM Snacks, Crafts, and Stories Morningside Community Center $5/person 11:00 AM-1:00 PM Family Open Ice Skate Scheels Ice Plex Adults $6, Kids (1-12) $4 6:00 PM-9:00 PM Couples Painting Color Me Mine Pre-Register, Varies 6:00 PM-9:00 PM Discount Night Skate City $3/child + skate rental

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Thursday, February 15 5:30 AM-10:30 AM Tot Time Midco Aquatic Center Free/ paid admission

5:30 PM-6:30 PM Smart Art Launchpad Childen’s Museum $6-$8 6:30 PM-8:00 PM SHOPKINS LIVE! SHOP IT UP! Washington Pavilion Varies

Friday, February 16 10:15 AM-10:45 AM Music and Movement Downtown Library 6:00 PM-8:00 PM Kid’s Night Out Color Me Mine Varies 6:30 PM-7:20 PM Little All Stars All American Gymnastics Academy 1 Card: $80 or 2 Cards: $130 6:30 PM-8:00 PM Snow Ball Children’s Museum of South Dakota, $5 8:00 PM-11:00 PM Teen Night Skate City $6/child + skate rental

Saturday, February 17 9:00 AM-10:00 AM Babywearing Basics Elegant Mommy 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Family Skate Skate City $5/child + skate rental 10:00 AM-2:00 PM Sea & Sky Saturday Sertoma Butterfly House Varies 1:00 PM-1:30 PM Bookworms Reading Program Great Plains Zoo 2:00 PM-4:30 PM Cookie Decorating Days The Cookie Jar Eatery Pre-Register, $15 6:00 PM-8:00 PM SUPER SATURDAY All American Gymnastics Academy $15/child

7-9

10+

All Ages

Sunday, February 18 9:30 AM-10:30 AM Yoga Sertoma Butterfly House Member $10 Non-member $15

Monday, February 19 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Toddler Jump Air Madness Trampoline Park $8/child 9:00 AM-4:00 PM Children’s Activities Museum of Visual Materials 11:00 AM-1:00 PM Open Hockey Scheels Ice Plex Member $5, Non-member $10

Tuesday, February 20 5:30 AM-10:30 AM Tot Time Midco Aquatic Center Free/ paid admission 9:00 AM-4:00 PM Children’s Activities Museum of Visual Materials

Wednesday, February 21 9:00 AM-9:50 AM Little All Stars All American Gymnastics Academy 1 Card: $80 or 2 Cards: $130 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Toddler Jump Air Madness Trampoline Park $8/child 9:00 AM-4:00 PM Children’s Activities Museum of Visual Materials 11:00 AM-1:00 PM Family Open Ice Skate Scheels Ice Plex Adults $6, Kids (1-12) $4 6:00 PM-9:00 PM Discount Night Skate City $3/child + skate rental 6:30 PM-7:30 PM Simple Cooking with Heart Morningside Community Center

Thursday, February 22 5:30 AM-10:30 AM Tot Time Midco Aquatic Center Free/ paid admission 10:00 AM-10:50 AM Little All Stars All American Gymnastics Academy 1 Card: $80 or 2 Cards: $130

10:00 AM-4:00 PM Stockyards Ag Experience Barn Adults $5, Kids (3-18) $3 10:30 AM-11:30 AM Kid-Venture Class Sertoma Butterfly House Members $8 Non-members- $19 7:30 PM-10:00 PM The Sound of Music Washington Pavilion Varies

Friday, February 23

fun

10:00 AM-10:50 AM Little All Stars All American Gymnastics Academy 1 Card: $80 or 2 Cards: $130

10:00 AM-4:00 PM Stockyards Ag Experience Barn Adults $5, Kids (3-18) $3 10:15 AM-10:45 AM Paint and Pages Downtown Library 6:30 PM-7:20 PM Little All Stars All American Gymnastics Academy 1 Card: $80 or 2 Cards: $130 7:30 PM-10:00 PM The Sound of Music Washington Pavilion Varies 8:00 PM-11:00 PM Teen Night Skate City $6/child + skate rental

Saturday, February 24 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Spectacular Saturdays: Broadway and Beyond Washington Pavilion Varies 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Spectacular Saturdays: Mud Club Washington Pavilion Varies 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Family Skate Skate City $5/child + skate rental 10:00 AM-1:00 PM Sibshops LifeScape 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Stockyards Ag Experience Barn Adults $5, Kids (3-18) $3 10:00 AM-8:00 PM Sioux Empire Home Show Sioux Falls Arena and Convention Center Varies 11:00 AM-8:00 PM Inflatables and PlayDome County Fair Brandon $5

February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com

fun n Parent

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Saturday, February 24 1:00 PM-1:30 PM Bookworms Reading Program Great Plains Zoo 2:00 PM-4:30 PM Cookie Decorating Days The Cookie Jar Eatery Pre-Register, $15 2:00 PM-5:00 PM The Sound of Music Washington Pavilion Varies 6:00 PM-8:00 PM SUPER SATURDAY All American Gymnastics Academy $15/child

Sunday, February 25 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Sensory Friendly Play Children’s Museum of South Dakota $7.50/person 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Stockyards Ag Experience Barn Adults $5, Kids (3-18) $3 11:00 AM-8:00 PM Inflatables and PlayDome County Fair Brandon $5

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February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com

7-9

10+

All Ages

Monday, February 26 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Toddler Jump Air Madness Trampoline Park $8/child 9:00 AM-4:00 PM Children’s Activities Museum of Visual Materials 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Stockyards Ag Experience Barn Adults $5, Kids (3-18) $3 11:00 AM-1:00 PM Family Open Ice Skate Scheels Ice Plex Adults $6, Kids (1-12) $4 11:00 AM-8:00 PM Inflatables and PlayDome County Fair Brandon $5

Tuesday, February 27 5:30 AM-10:30 AM Tot Time Midco Aquatic Center Free/ paid admission 9:00 AM-4:00 PM Children’s Activities Museum of Visual Materials 6:30 PM-7:30 PM Babywearing Basics Elegant Mommy

Wednesday, February 28 9:00 AM-9:50 AM Little All Stars All American Gymnastics Academy 1 Card: $80 or 2 Cards: $130 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Toddler Jump Air Madness Trampoline Park $8/child 9:00 AM-4:00 PM Children’s Activities Museum of Visual Materials 11:00 AM-1:00 PM Open Hockey Scheels Ice Plex Member $5, Non-member $10 1:00 PM-3:00 PM Sensory Jump Air Madness Trampoline Park $8/child 3:15 PM-4:00 PM NASA @ My Library Prairie West Library 6:00 PM-9:00 PM Discount Night Skate City $3/child + skate rental

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Follow along and watch for special giveaways, events and more!

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FEBRUARY 15 • 6:30 P.M. The #1 kids toy in North America is live and on stage in SHOPKINS LIVE! SHOP IT UP! Your beloved Shoppies make their theatrical debut in an original new live show featuring musical performances. SHOPKINS LIVE! SHOP IT UP! immerses audiences in the world of Shopville using custom-designed theatrical costumes, creative onstage characters, state-of-art video and set design, and original pop songs and music.

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Experience Your Washington Pavilion Programs, dates, times and prices subject to change.

301 S. Main Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 605.367.6000 | washingtonpavilion.org

February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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Creative Ways to

Learn on the Go Have you ever wondered how much time you spend in your vehicle? According to AAA, the average American spends approximately 300 hours in the car each year. Consider how much more valuable the time spent in our vehicles would be if we dedicated that time to learning on the go! Whether weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to and from work, school, running errands, or traveling, our time spent in the car can be immensely valuable for both your childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education and your own. Here are some ideas for learning on the go!

QUALITY

EDUCATION

for your preschooler

Our preschool room is one of the first steps in helping your child be prepared for kindergarten. We follow the South Dakota Early Learning Guidelines and we strive to offer the children creative and fun ways of learning.

OW ME TO APPLE TRE E! FOLL

Stop in and check out our programs and teachers anytime! No appointment necessary.

4 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS Apple Tree East 3309 E. 26th Street 605-339-9571

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Apple Tree North 700 N. Sycamore 605-332-5581

February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com

Apple Tree Valhalla 4101 Valhalla Blvd. 605-361-7746

Apple Tree West 6400 W. 43rd Street 605-361-9875

Listen to a wide variety of audiobooks

Make your own flashcards to quiz the kids on any topic they are studying. For every card they get correct, they earn a point. Continue throughout the school year. Set up some fun rewards, coupons, or a prize box available for reaching 100 points, 200 points, and so on. You can add competition between siblings or let them pick a personal goal to aim toward and next year they can try to beat their previous record. Drill math problems, spelling words, vocabulary definitions, states and capitals, and any other memory work your children are learning. Another option is to set a timer to see if they can beat their time the next time around.

Singing in the car is one of the best ways to learn! Children learn extremely well through songs or short chants. If your child needs to learn the definition of an adjective and give some examples, try coming up with a short little song. You could do the same with any language, science, geography, or

history fact. Just be sure to remain consistent with the song over time, and repeat it often.

Practice using maps. Have a map of your town printed out for each kid in the car. Ask them to identify the different directions, streets, bodies of water and landmarks as you drive. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going on a short trip to the store or a piano lesson, take turns giving each kid the opportunity to be the navigator.

parent

throughout the year! Choose biographies, fairy tales, historical fiction and nonfiction, poetry and abridged versions of classics. For access to free audiobooks, check the library.

Encourage daily reading by always keeping books in the car. Encourage your children to read aloud to you or to their siblings.

Practice the skill of asking questions. Some kids have a natural gift for asking questions while many others do not. If your child struggles with finding questions to ask, turn it into a fun exercise to do in the car. Have one person in the car choose a topic, then go around the car giving each person a chance to ask a question about the original topic. See if you can come up with 20+ questions for each topic without going off-topic.

Listen to classical music often. Ask kids to try to identify instruments, patterns, and dynamics that they hear in each song. n

NINJA ZONE New equipment just added! Boys & Girls ages 3-11

February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com

parent by Dr. Angela Gulbranson, Visions Eye Care & Vision Therapy Center

Hidden Vision Problems Can

Interfere with Learning How well your child sees throughout the school day can have a huge impact on academic performance and behavior in the classroom. Typically, most people mistakenly assume that since their child can see things in the distance that “of course” their child can see fine for reading. Vision screenings typically test to see how well your child can see the letters on the eye chart, and if the child passes this test, vision is incorrectly determined to be fine. Most people don’t realize that all 20/20 means is that you are looking at the eye chart from a distance of 20 feet and you are able to see it clearly. That’s it! If you think about it for a minute: Where does a child do most of his or her learning? Most reading, writing, homework and test taking is done up close. One may see well at a distance, but not see properly at 16 inches in front of them, which is the recommended reading distance. In the classroom, we need to be able to look at materials on our desk and quickly focus on the teacher’s writing on the board so we can copy it back to our notes. And, we need to be able to do this all day! If any of these visual skills are missing or deficient, reading and learning will be difficult.

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February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com

Are You Ready for Summer? Children don’t know how they’re supposed to see, and often think that everyone sees the same way they do. Therefore, you need to know the warning signs that your child may have a vision problem.

For example, does your child:

Avoid reading?

Prefer to be read to?

T urn his or her head at an angle when reading?

ave more trouble comprehending what is H read the longer he or she reads?

R ead a paragraph out loud but not remember what was read?

ave a short attention span when reading H or doing schoolwork?

Even one of these examples is a sign of a possible eye coordination or eye movement problem. If your child struggles with reading, is smart in everything but school, or is a bright underachiever, you need to make sure your child has all the visual skills required for academic success. To do this, you need to see a developmental optometrist who can provide an in-depth binocular vision evaluation. n

The Sioux Empire Fastpitch Softball Association (SEFSA) is looking for boys and girls who are interested in learning how to play one of the fastest growing sports—fastpitch softball! We need players ages 4 – 6 years old for our co-ed leagues and girls ages 7– 18 for our girls summer league. The season is 6 weeks long, kids may play up to 12 games, and will start the in the middle of May through the middle of July (no weekend league games). We offer: • 4-5 year old co-ed tee-ball for boys and girls ($55) • 5-6 year old co-ed “coach pitch” for boys and girls ($60) • 8U girls (7 and 8 years old) player and “coach pitch” softball ($60) • 10U– 18U (9-18 years old) player pitch ($90 - $100) • 18 and older Womens fastpitch softball league ($125) Please go to SEFSA.org for more information and to register your child, or call SEFSA at 605-728-1040.

We are looking for umpires between the ages of 12– 70 years old. If you want a fun, great paying, flexible, summer job check us out at www.sefsa.org

February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com |

parent

by Jessica Schaap, Koko FitClub Sioux Falls

Mommy Gets Fit 2018

CHELSEA VANLEUR

It’s another exciting challenge for Mommy Gets Fit! All of us at Koko FitClub are so excited to participate in this for our third year. Last year Heather and Landon had amazing results, and we are equally confident for this year’s new mommy! As usual, it was an incredibly difficult decision.

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We love being the chosen gym for this gift of a transformation to a deserving mom. Our winner this year is Chelsea VanLeur. Chelsea is a mom to three children, as well as a 3rd grade teacher at Brandon’s Fred Assam Elementary School. We love Chelsea’s determination to work hard and her desire to learn more. Not only does she want to lose weight and get fit, but she also wants to be a healthy mom who makes positive changes in her family’s health too. We’ve got her plan in place!

and teacher, because she doesn’t have to make appointments.

Chelsea came into Koko for her orientation and was blown away! She had no idea how amazing this facility was, and she said she loved how she didn’t feel intimidated at all. The atmosphere was very welcoming and non-threatening. The freedom of digital training is perfect for Chelsea. She will be utilizing our digital strength trainer 2-3 times a week for her strength workouts, as well as cardio programs on the state of the art elliptical and treadmill machines. This is perfect for our busy mom

For nutrition, Chelsea is following the Yoli Better Body System. This is a great nutrition program that focuses on reducing body acidity, while burning fat and gaining energy. The nutrition ninja’s at Koko have already been working with Chelsea and are dialing in her eating plan. It’s going to be a great start here at Koko with Chelsea. Cheer her on and follow her journey on Facebook’s 2018 Mommy Gets Fit page. n

February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com

Every Tuesday and Thursday, Chelsea will work with a certified Koko FitCoach after school and have her personal one on one training session. She will get to experience a variety of different workouts from freeweights, TRX resistant bands, to the highly versatile Free Motion cross trainer and throwing those ropes! We leave no muscle left behind or untouched!

Q&A WITH CHELSEA:

skin for some time now. I have known I needed to make a change, but felt confused and frustrated on how start and what to do. Then I saw the advertisement for Mommy Gets Fit in The ‘Hood Magazine. I knew right then this would be the perfect fit for me. I researched KoKo FitClub and thought it sounded like the right place for me. I have followed the Mommy Get Fit Facebook page so knew a little bit about the program. I was finally ready to take the leap.

What are you hoping to accomplish? For my short-term goals, I hope to start feeling better and build confidence. I also hope to make exercising and getting healthy part of my everyday routine. I look forward to challenging myself to new levels. My long-term goals include making fitness a true priority in my life. I understand that exercise is key in keeping weight off long term, which is why I plan to continue to make my health a priority and be a good example for my kids.

What are you most excited about? I am so excited to see the changes that happen with the way I look and feel. It will be so rewarding to see all

the hard work pay off. Also, I’m excited to work with KoKo FitClub and The ‘Hood Magazine through this journey.

What are you most nervous about? I am not good with change. Going to a gym is not in my comfort zone. Time is going to be my worst enemy. Teaching full time with extra work outside of school hours, three kids with extracurricular activities and just everyday life take up a lot of time. Finding the right balance will be key to making this work. Once I find what works, it should all fall into place.

parent

Why did you decide to apply for the challenge? I have felt uncomfortable in my own

What do you hope other moms will take away from following your journey? If I can do it they can do it! Being a mom of three and working full-time takes up a lot of time throughout your day. However, if we don’t take care of ourselves it ultimately can affect our families. I hope I inspire women to feel like they’re worth it. I think we forget that sometimes, because we’re always putting others before ourselves. I always had an excuse about not having enough time, not wanting to spend the money on a gym membership, etc. I just had to stop making the excuses and face reality-that I need to get healthy again. n

Family Gets Fit is sponsored by: KOKO FITCLUB • 3320 S. Sycamore Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 605-271-7149 • siouxfalls.kokofitclub.com

Craft shows . Parties . Fundraisers Showers . Outside orders Jenn Jenson

Mention Hood

magazine for Inwood,IA IA51240 51240 FREE Inwood, shipping! 712-753-4342 712-753-4342 jjenson@alliancecom.net jjenson2@icloud.com

February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com |

SIOUX FALLS

PSYCHOLOGICAL S E R V I C E S

Your Healthy Smile Resolutions.

A year of healthy habits and brighter smiles starts now. The new year is a perfect time to set goals for better oral health and a happier you! We want to help you achieve both. Schedule your next appointment today.

2001 W. 45th Street, Sioux Falls, SD

605 338 9242

familydentalcenter.org

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February February 2018 2018 || thehoodmagazine.com thehoodmagazine.com

good eats

Special section brought to you by:

recipes from the farm to your table

eats

by Hungry for Truth

THE

FARMING / FITBIT CONNECTION

You have one. Your mom has one. Your kids have them. The only one who doesn’t have one yet is the family dog. Fitbit® and other wearable activity trackers are everywhere you look, but what do they do besides count steps? We employ this technology to track our activity, collect data and provide advice about living healthier lives. Similarly, farmers use all types of technology to gather data on the health of their farm and to make improvements for the future. Let’s take a look at how farm technology today is like your Fitbit.

Tracks Activity Activity trackers have the capability to capture movement and categorize it into what it thinks you’re doing. Understanding your level of exercise gives you a more accurate depiction of the calories you burned and lets

you know the types of exercise that give you the most bang for your buck. Pretty cool, huh?

South Dakota in the top 10 soybeanproducing states.

In the same way, soybean farmers use yield data from harvest, along with field maps that monitor soil types and growing conditions, to evaluate which seed varieties performed the best. Once they know which seeds are the most productive and are best at resisting diseases, they can plant more of those during the next growing season and keep

Monitors Rest Activity trackers and even your smartphone track you while you sleep to evaluate the quality of your rest each night. Over time, the data shows when you’re sleeping best, when you’re not and suggests possible factors that may be affecting your sleep.

Brought to you by the South Dakota soybean farmers and their checkoff.

continued page 47

good eats

eats

recipes from the farm to your table

Bourbon GLAZED CHICKEN

Ingredients • • • • • • •

4 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup shallots, chopped 1 medium sized onion, chopped 4 garlic cloves, chopped One 3-4 lb. chicken 1/2 cup raisins 1 teaspoon bourbon smoked paprika • 1 teaspoon bourbon smoked sea salt • 1 teaspoon bourbon smoked pepper

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February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com

•6 -7 baby red potatoes • 2 cups chicken broth • 1 bottle Plum’s sweet bourbon glaze

Directions 1. In cast iron Dutch oven, sauté butter, shallots, onions and garlic until translucent. 2. Sear chicken on top and bottom. Leave breast side up. 3. Add raisins, paprika, sea salt, pepper, potatoes, and pour chicken broth around chicken.

4. Pour half bottle of sweet bourbon glaze over ingredients. 5. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes. 6. Take out and add the rest of the sweet bourbon glaze and finish in the oven for 20 more minutes or until the chicken is at 165 degrees. 7. Once finished, take out of Dutch oven and place potatoes and chicken on a platter. 8. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Soy Milk

HOT CHOCOLATE eats

Ingredients • 3 cups of soy milk or cow’s milk • 3 tablespoons of cocoa • 1/3 cup of sugar

Optional Toppings • Cinnamon stick • Peppermint stick or candy cane • Whipped cream or whipped topping • Chocolate shavings, milk, dark and/or white • Marshmallows • Rolled wafer or holiday cookies

Directions 1. Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.

2. When the milk is hot, stir in the cocoa and sugar. Continue stirring until completely dissolved.

3. Pour into a thermos or other serving vessel and set on your hot chocolate cart. 4. Arrange toppings for guests to customize their beverage.

Homemade WAFFLES Ingredients

Directions

• 3 eggs • 1/3 cup sugar • 3 cups corn flour • 2 cups whole milk • 3/4 cup dairy sour cream • 1 1/3 stick butter

1. Beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.

Optional Toppings • Whipped cream • Blueberries • Cream cheese • Smoked salmon

2. Add wet and dry ingredients alternately. Beat around 3 minutes to make a smooth batter. 3. Melt butter and beat slowly into the batter. 4. Let the batter rest for at least 15 minutes before cooking. 5. Pour batter into waffle iron and cook. 6. Add the sweet or savory toppings listed in the ingredients list, or add your own favorite toppings.

February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com

eats

good eats recipes from the farm to your table

MINI HAM AND CHEESE Egg Bakes Ingredients • • • • • •

8 eggs 1/2 cup soy milk 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 1/4 cup green onions, sliced 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, freshly grated • 5 ounces ham, diced

Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. 2. Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray. 3. Beat eggs, soy milk, salt, pepper and green onions in a medium mixing bowl until smooth.

4. Fill each muffin cup with an evenly distributed amount of ham and cheese. 5. Pour egg mixture on top of ham and cheese, dividing evenly. 6. Bake for about 8-10 minutes. 7. Using a rubber spatula, loosen the egg bakes from the muffin tin and plate. Serve immediately.

THE FARMING As it turns out, people are not the only ones who track times of rest and activity. Dairy farmers utilize activity trackers for their dairy cows. Cows wear activity trackers on their ankles that track steps, how much milk they’ve produced and how much they’ve rested. Cattle, like humans, are creatures of habit, so they generally walk the same amount and rest the same amount every day. If a cow is resting too much, she might be sick or hurt and in need of attention from a vet.

Analyzes Calories Burned Tracking your activity is just the start.

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February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com

/ FITBIT

CONNECTION

A Fitbit can also tell you how many calories you’ve burned. By monitoring your heart rate and analyzing the data you input about the food you eat, you get a good picture of your net caloric intake. This is great for those planning to shed a few pounds without sacrificing nutrition. Just like us, crops need the right nutrition to be healthy. Plants require a steady diet of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for a bountiful harvest. To make sure they get the nutrients they need, trained crop scouts scour fields with iPads and GPS technology to tell farmers what’s missing. Then

farmers sync their equipment with the same software to precisely apply nutrients at the right rates. Bet you didn’t realize today’s farmers are potentially as tech savvy as your kids. The best part is farmers track all that data, year after year, so they can improve how they grow and raise food on their farms, making more food with less. Get a closer look at the precision technology used on today’s farms by visiting hungryfortruthsd.com.

Kid-Friendly

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605-361-0006 • www.minicritters.com

SIOUX FALLS’ HOME REMODELING CENTER

910 E. 10TH ST. SIOUX FALLS, SD 57103 (605) 336-0316 • www.HandyManHome.com

Inspiring Joyful Learning

Mastering Skills

Exploring Nature

Serving Others

A new school for elementary age thinkers, learners and doers. For more information, contact Kent Becker at 605-218-0227 or visit: pathfindersmontessori.org

Enrolling NOW! 5 day or 3 day enrollment

February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com |

home by Beds by Design

Where to Buy a Mattress There are several factors a person should consider when searching for the right mattress. The right mattress is very important considering we spend, on average, a third of our lives sleeping. Less health issues, obtaining a better memory and being more energized throughout the day are just a few major benefits of a good nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rest. While there are many mattress stores to choose from, it becomes difficult to know what you should consider when buying your new mattress. The best thing you can do as a consumer is worry less about the brand name and ask more questions about what materials the mattresses are made up of. Before heading out for a day of mattress shopping, there is one key element to a mattress that will help you find the right bed for you, resulting in a healthier life. Where is it coming from? Throughout the last decade or so there has been a lot of restrictions put on what ingredients can be used in the United States to make foam for mattresses. This had made United States based foams very safe to sleep on. The negative to this is that there are no restrictions on outsourcing to other

countries that do not need to follow these restrictions on certain harmful chemicals. Big box stores benefit from importing these foams because they can get them at a much cheaper price. A great way to avoid these imported foams is to buy from factory direct stores. When shopping at the factory direct stores, there is a good chance most, if not all of their materials are coming from the United States. The reason why is because these stores are saving a lot of money being factory direct by cutting out the middlemen. By saving more money, they can spend more money on materials, insuring safer and longer lasting foams. n

MUST SLEEP!

Mattress Giveaway TM

Courtesy of Did you know you spend a third of your life in bed sleeping? This is why it’s important to make sure you have the best bed to get the best nights sleep. We are partnering with Beds by Design for our annual Must Sleep! Mattress Giveaway. If you know a deserving family who could use a better nights sleep, nominate them below for their chance to win an amazing new mattress made right here in the Sioux Empire!

Parent’s name: Parent’s age: Parent’s email: Parent’s phone: How many children (names and ages): Tell us about yourself and your family (100-300 words):

Tell us about your current mattress (100 words or less):

What does quality sleep mean for you and your family (150 words or less):

Visit TM

What size of matteress do you need (circle one):

Twin

Full

Queen

For more information on Beds by Design, visit bedsbydesign.net or call 605-371-2337

King

o thenWE

to find this giv form onlineaway e

We will be giving 3 beds away! Don’t miss your chance for better sleep! Please submit entries by February 20, 2018 to hoodlums@thehoodmagazine.com or mail to The ‘Hood Magazine, attn: Must Sleep! Mattress Giveaway, P.O. Box 90646, Sioux Falls, SD 57109

home

by Tom Johnson, Karls TV and Appliance

Smart Appliances and Smart Homes

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February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com

This is the key to making your appliances work for you in your home. By educating yourself about your appliances, you’ll be able to use them more efficiently for your family, ultimately making the most of the time you have with your family. tech home gadgets? The more you start to learn, the more you’ll realize all these items can work together to make your life more convenient.

For our purposes we’re looking at the standard home appliances which include, a refrigerator, range, microwave and dishwasher plus the washer and the dryer. Yes there are also TV’s, Google Home and those high tech video camera doorbells. Why so many high

Allow your smart appliance to bring the extra benefits they offer. Look how to build a smart home system that integrates all aspects of all appliances and electronic devices in your world you’ll be glad you did. In the end it can and will ultimately save you time and money. n

The key to all of this is to be able to understand it. As a well-rounded consumer you need to know and trust your source for these The global study which included “Education is learning items. Where are you buying more than 4,000 people, what you didn’t even these items? What help are indicates that most people you getting after you make (94%) say they would replace know you didn’t know.” your purhase? Are the sales a current smart appliance with associates well trained on what another. Why? The reasons – Daniel J. Boorstin they’re selling so they can show come down to the functionality. you how these products work? It’s Today’s consumers aren’t so also a good idea to make sure your quick to give that up. However, provider has delivery and installation they are still challenged to understand people who know how these items work and the definition of what a smart appliance is. can show you (educate you) because if you don’t know A smart appliance is still not well defined, as nearly a how, or why, you will not be getting the benefit of your quarter of those in the survey identify an appliance as purchase. their smart phone or smart TV.

home

Growth in smart appliances and automation and security are all starting to tie together. In a recent report from Future Source Consulting, they identified the single biggest challenge when it comes to smart appliances and automation is consumer confusion.

Control your appliances even when you’re away! Check out the Smart Appliances from

2921 W. 41st Street (605)336-3244 • www.karlsonline.com February 2018 | thehoodmagazine.com

home by Handy Man Home Remodeling Center

Quick and Convenient:

Why Consider a Touch-Free Kitchen Faucet We are all busy, running from one place to another. We’re also trying to think of ways to simplify our lives. One of the most hectic places in the home is the kitchen.You know the morning routine, the hustle and bustle as everyone tries to get out the door. Imagine having a touch-free faucet in your kitchen. If your child forgets to turn off the water, or simply can’t reach, you don’t have to worry. Here are some reasons why you might consider adding a Moen Motion Sense faucet to your home!

It’s responsive: Simply wave your hand over, or under the faucet for it to turn on and off.

Consistency: The handle on the side offers

Clean up is a breeze: The pull down sprayer

familiar manual operation, allowing you to adjust the water temperature and flow.

makes cleaning up tasks easy in your sink!

Availability: Touch-free faucets are always ready to go! A ready-sensor makes it easy to wash your hands, or fill a cup.

Easy cleaning: Because the faucet is touch free, it means less cleaning and will also help prevent the spread of germs in your home.

Touch-free faucets come in variety of stylish designs and color schemes. Be sure to do your research to find out which one will fit your lifestyle and your space the best. n

e m i t e k a M y a l p for

Hours m u e s u pm M 0am-5

t: 1 Tue-Sa 2-5pm n Su : 1 days. st Monsite o m d e Clos k our web Chec ar for more calend rmation. info

A short drive to Brookings

I-29, Exit 132

THINK HEART. THINK US.

Genetic testing confirmed Jessica’s inherited high cholesterol. She then partnered with the experts at Sanford Heart to take the right steps to keep her heart healthy and strong. Call Sanford Heart at (605) 312-2278 to schedule your free consultation with our certified genetic counselor.

I’m being proactive to protect my heart and my family. – Jessica Pickett

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