April 2014 by Toronto Kids & Families

april 2014

TORONTO

KIDS &

BIRCHMOUNT GYMNASTICS CENTRE Register on-line at:

www.birchmountgymnastics.com Classes walking to teens

Summer Camp July 2-August 22 Half & Full Days Gymnastics Classes all year round. Summer camps and more.

1800 Birchmount Rd. Toronto

or Call us at: 416 292-4110 Room to Grow in TO pg 3

Green Reads

Hoppy Easter!

pg 4

Celebrate Earth Day pg 5

Making More than Music pg 6

April Events pg 8-9

Easter Fun in the City pg 10-11

Fun Foods: Sloppy Joes pg 12

Game on! pg 13

Time for Preschool? Ages 1-5 Years Flexible Scheduling Extended Hours HOUSES OPEN E SDAY WEDN5 PM 9

Northwood Montessori Plus!

• Parent & Tot • Nursery • Kindergarten The Academic Advantages of Montessori plus the Fun of Bilingual E.C.E. Enrichment plus the Helpful Conveniences of Day Care.

Finch Campus 1080 Finch Avenue East, 416-492-9495

Join us for Summer Camp too!

Madawaska Campus 53 Madawaska Avenue, 416-250-8302

www.northwoodmontessori.ca

2 | TORONTO KIDS - April 2014

TORONTO KIDS - April 2014 | 3 TORONTO

KIDS &

publisher IAN PROUDFOOT

feature > get growing

Room to

GROW in T.O.

general manager MARG MIDDLETON regional director of advertising WARREN ELDER director of advertising ROB FALBO sales team lead GEORGE AGELOPOULOS regional director of operations BARRY BLACK director of circulation MIKE BANVILLE regional director of creative services KATHERINE PORCHERON senior advertising features coordinator NICOLE LARKIN 175 GORDON BAKER ROAD, TORONTO, ONTARIO M2H 0A2 TELEPHONE & ADVERTISING INQUIRIES 416.493.4400 Toronto Kids & Families is published monthly. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may by reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher. Toronto Kids is in full compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. Call 416-493-4400 for more information.

In a city like Toronto, wether you’re an apartment or condo dweller, or own a home - your outdoor space is likely at a premium. Especially in the core’s Victorian homes and their notorious postagestamp backyards. And if you’re unwilling to sacrifice what little outdoor space you have to a vegetable garden instead of flowers or a lush lawn, it becomes a near impossibility to grow foods at home. Thankfully, the City of Toronto is fully aware of the itchy green thumbs of its citizens, and provides eleven allotment garden spaces across the city for personal use. While the process can be a lengthy one, it’s worth it in the long run to secure a space you and your kids can enjoy for years to come. It’s worth noting that you may not get the exact spot you desire, and that the wait list for each garden starts anew every year. So, just because you were on a waiting list one year, doesn’t mean you stay on the list and move up the following spring. You need to call in again if you didn’t get a garden the year before. The first step is to decide which garden

you’d like to be listed for. They are located in all parts of the city: Bishop Avenue, Daventry, Four Winds, Givendale, High Park, Jonesville, Leslie Street, Marie Baldwin Park, Silverthorn, Stoffel Drive, West Deane, and the indoor Riverlea Greenhouse. Once you figure out which garden(s) you would like to be wait-listed for, you need to phone the city at 416-392-8188, or visit your local permit office - a list of which can be found on the City’s website. You can place you and your family on waiting lists for as many gardens as you’d like, in order to up the odds of receiving and allotment sooner, but it’s a good idea to do your research beforehand and make sure the allotment you’re listed for meets the growing conditions of your desired veggies. The City normally notifies those granted allotments in early-to-mid April. New permits will be issued the first working day in May. For Indoor Garden Allotments, the waitlist starts the first working day in August, and new permits are issued on the first working day in October. – Nicole Larkin

T.O. Tip! Allotments at the city’s most popular parks, like High Park and the Leslie Spit, are notoriously hard to come by. Waiting lists are long, and it can take years to clinch a spot at one of these high-profile parks. A better idea is to look for allotments in smaller parks and green spaces close to home. In previous seasons, spots like West Deane and Stoffel gardens had spots available long after others were gobbled up. It’s a good idea to get on the list early, and check back often. You never know when your name will hit the top of the list!

��

4 | TORONTO KIDS - April 2014

learning > book nook

Don’t Throw That Away!

The Lorax

By Lara Bergen Age Level: 3-6 Reading Level: Beginner

By Dr. Seuss Age Level: 6-9 Reading Level: Independent

Follow an eco-conscious super hero as he teaches kids how to recycle and reuse common household items! The six large flaps throughout show that oridinary trash is really a treasure. From turning old clothes into fun costumes or an old box into a brand new car, kids will learn that saving the environment is super cool!

Long before saving the earth became a global concern, Dr. Seuss, speaking through his character the Lorax, warned against mindless progress and the danger it posed to the earth’s natural beauty. Published in 1971, and perhaps inspired by the “save our planet” mindset of the 1960s, The Lorax is an ecological warning that still rings true today amidst the dangers of clear-cutting, pollution, and disregard for the earth’s environment.

Boo

World Without Fish

Nook!

By: Mark Kurlansky Age Level: 11 and up Reading Level: Independent

Arthur Turns Green

by Marc Brown Age Level: 6-9 Reading Level: Independent

Arthur comes home from school and begins sneaking around the house, taking notes and talking about a Big Green Machine. D.W. is suspicious of her brother’s weird behavior, but when Arthur shows up late for dinner with green hands, she really gets the creeps! But it turns out Arthur is making a poster listing all the ways to save energy at home--and go green!

EARTH DAY Reads!

World Without Fish connects all the dots—biology, economics, evolution, politics, climate, history, culture, food, and nutrition—in a way that kids can really understand. It describes the back-and-forth dynamic of fishermen and scientists.

It’s Earth Day (Little Critter) By Mercer Mayer Age Level: 4-8 Reading Level: Beginner

After watching a film about climate changes at school, Little Critter decides to do his part to slow down global warming. With the help of his family and friends, Little Critter begins to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Together they learn about the importance of not wasting water or energy.

Get S.M.A.R.T. this

SUMMER!!! Sports, Math and Rec Training: Co-Ed 3.5-14 year olds Toronto’s only 3-in-1 community program integrating fun, fitness and positive attitudes toward games, sports, arts & crafts and math concepts.

Enrolling NOW for SUMMER CAMPS! Early Stages (4-6 yrs) & Main School (6-16 yrs)

FOR MORE INFO VISIT:

Mary Long

Toronto West

416-255-2511

Tosha Doiron Cadence Allen Crawley Oakville

905-808-0669

Toronto East

416-844-2162

www.stagecoachschools.ca

Friday morning classes for 3-4 year olds starting in March at Play Cafe on Bayview! www.playcreativecafe.com

Early Bird cost of $230/week until April 15th, 2014 with this ad only 3 Toronto Locations (Buses available)

416.491.8408

www.smartcamp.org

TORONTO KIDS - April 2014 | 5

holidays > earth day

Kids dig Earth Day Learning about the planet can be a fun, interactive experience. Celebrate Earth Day with the kids and teach them how to save the planet and protect the environment, while getting their hands dirty. 1. Recycle Materials for Art. Save items like egg cartons, cereal and food boxes, and newspapers (for paper mache) for your craft projects at home or school. Buy eco-friendly craft glues and paints. 2. Start a Green Project. Clean up your local park with the help of your friends and neighbours. Donate an afternoon to pick up litter and make your park a great place to play for kids. 3. Plant a Tree or Garden. Plant a tree, shrub, or start your own garden. 4. Organize a Swap. Recycle old toys, clothes, and household items by organizing a swap at your home, school, or community centre where everyone can trade their used items. 5. Bike or Walk to School. Have the kids bike or walk to school (if it’s safe) a few days a week instead of taking the bus. Set up a buddy system so you have a group walking together. 5. Get your Family to Recycle. Teach the entire family the importance of recycling by learning about the types of materials that can be put in the recycle box. Collect glass, plastics, cardboard, paper, and tin items for recycling. For more inspiring ideas, visit the EcoKids Canada website (www.ecokids.ca) - an interactive environmental web site for children and their families. It offers topical information about the environment through interactive, fun, educational games, and activities that utilize participants’ willingness to learn.

-Toronto4kids.com

CB P

onnect, to be a etter

T.O. Tips! Earth Day at Todmorden Mills takes place on Apr 19 from 12:00 pm until 4:00 pm. Discover what you can do to help the planet! Participate in creating collaborative, environmentally-friendly artwork. Tour the Wildflower Preserve to discover the natural habitats of the Don Valley. Learn about the impact of industrialization on our landscape through a special guided tour of the site. Admission is FREE. Located at 67 Pottery Road. www.toronto.ca/ museum-events Toronto Botanical Garden Earth Day Celebration takes place on Apr 19 from 12:00 pm until 4:00 pm. Kick off the growing season with the TBG’s Earth Day celebration! Guided hikes, a nature play and woodland crafts with DiscoverAbility and planting in the Teaching Garden. Admission is FREE. Located at 777 Lawrence Avenue East. www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca

John Sorensen Family Owner: Couples (Only) Resort, Muskoka-Algonquin Park. www.CouplesResort.ca

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Cool-sport Summer Camp Boys & Girls 5 - 12

Golf, Rock Climbing, Soccer, Beach Volleyball ... AND MORE! Bussing available. Polson Pier WEEKLY CLASSES • KICK SOCCER • BIRTHDAYS

www.sportplay.ca

6 | TORONTO KIDS - April 2014

education > extracurricular

Making more than music Students seeking private music lessons have educational advantages Time and again research has proven the benefits of music education. Children who study music typically score better on standardized testing and exhibit improved language and reasoning skills, and music education helps students with advanced math-

ematics lessons by improving their spatial and temporal reasoning. Involvement in music and the arts can improve a student's test scores and make the student well-rounded. Despite these benefits, music and art education is slowly disappearing from the classroom. At many schools, stages are dark and band and chorus rooms are empty. Budget cuts have been unkind to music education programs. To keep up with the demand for technology in the classroom, certain school programs have to be scaled back, and art and music are generally the first to go. This leaves it up to parents to involve their kids in music education. Private lessons have long been a great way for kids to learn music, and many such music coaches are former music teachers. With private lessons, kids get to benefit from working with certified instructors, and parents are happy to make music a part of their youngsters'

lives. The following are a handful of ways parents can find private lessons for their kids.

WORD OF MOUTH Begin by asking neighbors or friends in the community if they know of any reliable music teachers. Someone is bound to know a person or have a connection to a music teacher. Speak with members of a community music ensemble, such as a church choir, or even amateur or professional musicians you see playing at a restaurant or bar. There's a good chance you can get a referral. You may also have a friend or neighbor who is a talented musician and will agree to offer lessons on the side.

COMMUNITY MUSIC PROGRAMS While schools may not have music classes, community centers offer programs for both adults and children. A community arts center may offer instrument training and/or vocal lessons, so look into such organizations in your community. A community YMCA or a similar organization also may have after-school music programs.

NEARBY COLLEGES Music students at local colleges may want to make extra money by offering music lessons. They may be able either to meet at your home or use the music room on campus to conduct lessons.

NEWSPAPER CLASSIFIEDS Tutors frequently advertise their services in the newspaper. Look in the classified section to see if anyone is offering music lessons. Many newspapers now offer their classifieds both online and in print, so utilize both options! Music education is important, but those seeking instruction may have to look outside of school. Private instructors are available to help foster a love of the arts and mold creative, well-rounded children. – MS

T.O. Tip! If you’ve got a mini-Mozart in the house, consider checking out this month’s Music and Truffles on Apr 27. Canadian Brass, the world’s foremost horn players, are known for their fun and energetic shows. Young audiences 6-15 will be tapping their feet, dancing in their seats and having an hour of fun. Adults are also welcome. Bonus! Everyone receives a chocolate truffle at the end. 416-922-3714x103, mooredaleconcerts.com

NTIM Offers Music Instruction for All Ages and Levels! Private lessons in Piano, Guitar, Violin, Viola, Cello, Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Accordion, Percussion & more!

The NTIM Advantage • Highly qualified teaching faculty • Easy access by TTC • Well established in Toronto since 1995

North Toronto Institute of Music

550 Eglinton Ave, East (at Bayview) Toronto Tel: 416-488-2588 | www.ntimusic.com

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto Keep the Connections… Consider being a Foster, Adopt or Customary Care Parent Foster Care Hotline

416-969-8510 ext. 7788

TORONTO KIDS - April 2014 | 7

BCS Summer Language Camp

A residential summer camp for boys and girls ages 11–16

June 29 – July 26, 2014

Classroom instruction in English or French Bilingual sports and recreational programmes Small classes with students from around the world

rs 53 yeam er of sum ! fun

Summer@BishopsCollegeSchool.com • (819) 566-0227 ext. 210 • Sherbrooke, QC

8 | TORONTO KIDS - April 2014

upcomingevents Family Sundays at the AGO Sundays in April - 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm 416-979-6648 www.ago.net/family-sunday-programming April Weekends Sample fresh baked treats, join in a scavenger hunt and try out a simple craft. Scarborough Museum 416-338-8807 www.toronto.ca/museum-events Good Food Festival & Market Apr 4 to Apr 6 Explore what’s new in the world of ethnic cuisine, gourmet fare, natural foods, cooking ingredients, and expert advice. Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place www.goodfoodanddrinkfestival.com

Polish Heritage Day at the ROM Apr 5 - 10:00 am until 5:00 pm Royal Ontario Museum www.rom.on.ca Toronto Marlies vs. Rochester Americans Apr 5 - 3:00 pm until 5:30 pm Be sure to get your Family 4 Pack for great savings! Cost: $10-$50. Ricoh Coliseum www.marlies.ca Kortright by Twilight Apr 5 - 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm Guided evening animal hike. Roast marshmallows around a campfire. Kortright Centre www.kortright.org Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Apr 5 to Apr 6 Living Arts Centre

Hammerson Hall 905-306-6000 www.livingartscentre.ca Peter Pan at Solar Stage Apr 5 to Apr 6 - 11am & 2pm Solar Stage - The Madison Centre 416-368-8031 www.solarstage.on.ca Toronto Marlies v Utica Comets Apr 6 Ricoh Coliseum www.marlies.ca TIFF Kids International Film Festival Apr 8 to Apr 21 A slate full of premieres of some of the best films from around the world for children aged 3 to 13. TIFF Bell Lightbox www.tiff.net The Sound of Music Apr 10 to May 3 Randolph Theatre www.lowerossingtontheatre.com The Harlem Globetrotters 2014 FANS RULE World Tour at Ricoh Coliseum Apr 11 to Apr 12 Ricoh Coliseum www.ricohcoliseum.com Chinese Cultural Heritage Weekend Apr 12 -13, - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm A rare opportunity to get hands-on with real artifacts from the ROM’s teaching collections. Royal Ontario Museum 416-586-8000, www.rom.on.ca Dora The Explorer LIVE! Dora’s Pirate Adventure Apr 12 to May 4 Randolph Theatre www.lowerossingtontheatre.com

Hands-On

Sports

Outdoor

Food

Arts

The Lion King

Presented by Mirvish Productions Apr 30 - Jun 15 Experience the phenomenon of Disney’s THE LION KING. Marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by award-winning director Julie Taymor, whose visual images for this show you’ll remember forever. Thrill to the pulsating rhythms of the African Pridelands and an unforgettable score including Elton John and Tim Rice’s Oscar®-winning song “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life.” Let your imagination run wild at the Tony® Award-winning Broadway sensation Newsweek calls “a landmark event in entertainment.” Toronto’s most eagerly awaited return will leap onto the Princess of Wales stage this April.

Princess of Wales Theatre 416-872-1212, www.mirvish.com Chicken Little at Solar Stage Apr 12 to Apr 27 Solar Stage/The Madison Centre 416-368-8031 www.solarstage.on.ca Build a Birdbath (Rio 2 Movie) Apr 12 - 10:00 am until 12:00 pm Kids will learn how to build a birdbath inspired by the movie Rio 2. The Home Depot, Various Locations homedepot.ca/workshops/build-abirdbath Build and Grow at Lowes: Recycling Truck Apr 12 Lowe’s - Mulitple Locations www.lowes.ca Great Birds of Prey Ongoing - 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm Meet a variety of live birds of prey, build nests and play bird-themed games! Toronto Botanical Garden 416-397-1341 www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca

All About Pets Show Apr 18 to Apr 20 There is something for everyone; cats, dogs, small animals, birds, reptiles, fish, exotics & horses. International Centre 877-340-7387 www.allaboutpetsshow.com The Backyardigans Live: Sea Deep in Adventure Apr 19, - 1:00 pm Sony Centre For The Performing Arts, 855-872-7669 www.sonycentre.ca Toronto Marlies Fan Appreciation Day Apr 19 Ricoh Coliseum, www.marlies.ca The Babytime Show Apr 25 - 27 - 10:00 am until 6:00 pm International Centre www.babytimeshows.ca

Yamaha Music School FREE PREVIEW CLASSES FOR BEGINNERS

5075 Yonge St. 10th Floor Toronto M2N 6C6

www.yamahamusicschool.ca

416-224-5590

TORONTO KIDS - April 2014 | 9

upcomingevents 2014 Green Living Show Apr 25 to Apr 27 Showcasing more than 450 of the best products, services, innovation and more to help promote a healthy lifestyle. Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place www.greenlivingonline.com SLEEPOVER Apr 26 An unforgettable family outing and a unique indoor camping experience. 416-696-3256 ontariosciencecentre.ca Commemoration of the Battle of York Apr 27 Fort York www.toronto.ca/museum-events Sultans of the Street Apr 28 to May 15 Young People’s Theatre 416-862-2222 www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca Paper Song Apr 29 to May 11 A Japanese folktale, large-scale origami and a little mouse with big ideas. Young People’s Theatre 416-862-2222 www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca The AstraZeneca Human Edge Until Dec 31 The new exhibition at the Ontario Science Centre that explores the wonders and possibilities of the human body. 416-696-3256 www.ontariosciencecentre.ca Doodle 4 Google Canada at the ROM Until Apr 27

Doodle 4 Google Canada is a national competition that invites students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 in Canada to redesign the logo for the Google.ca homepage. www.rom.on.ca Family Sundays at McMichael Gallery Sundays in April Join us on select Sundays each month for Family Sundays. Enjoy hands-on art activities and live entertainment, along with seasonal nature walks, and Discovery Space. McMichael Canadian Art Collection 10365 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg 905-893-1121 www.mcmichael.com The Forbidden City: Inside the Court of China’s Emperors Until Sep 1 Royal Ontario Museum 416-586-8000 www.rom.on.ca Jerusalem New IMAX® Film Ongoing Jerusalem takes audiences on an inspiring and eye-opening tour of one of the world’s oldest and most enigmatic cities. Ontario Science Centre 416-696-1000 www.ontariosciencecentre.ca Pinkalicious The Musical Until Apr 27 Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis. Due to the popularity of this show, advance tickets are suggested. Lower Ossington Theatre 416-915-6747 www.lowerossingtontheatre.com TIFF Kids digiPlaySpace

Until Apr 21 Take your kids on an interactive adventure where they will laugh and learn with new media technologies, learning-centric games, and handson production activities. TIFF Bell Lightbox www.tiff.net/tiffkidsdigiplayspace Sesame Street Presents: The Body Until May 5, 2014 Ontario Science Center 416-696-3256 www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/sesame/ Hands in the Bowl at Evergreen Brick Works Saturdays in April Caregivers and children aged 4 to 7 are invited to come roll up their sleeves and learn how to mix, grate, mash, and eat their delicious creations! $5 suggested donation. Evergreen Brick Works 416-596-1495 http://ebw.evergreen.ca/whats-on/ kids-families/hands-in-the-bowl Hockey Hall of Fame - Stanley’s Game Seven (3D) Until Dec 31 Hockey Hall of Fame, Brookfield Place, 416-933-8215 www.hhof.com The Kids’ Gallery Just Like Me: Explore, Imagine, Create Ongoing Exhibition-inspired costumes and props are available for visitors to design, dress up and pose for their own portraits. The Kids’ Gallery activity centre also includes art books and a drawing stations. Art Gallery of Ontario 416-979-6648

www.ago.net Minotaur at YPT Mar 24 to Apr 13 The award-winning playwright of The Monster Under the Bed has fused Greek mythology and modern themes to create a high-stakes adventure story. Young People’s Theatre 165 Front Street East 416-862-2222 www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca Half Price Fridays at Gardiner Museum Fridays in April Gardiner Museum

416-586-8080 www.gardinermuseum.com Flight of the Butterflies Ongoing Follow the story and year-long, multi-generational migration cycle of hundreds of millions of monarchs from their remote overwintering sanctuaries in Mexico, across the U.S. to Canada. Ontario Science Centre 416-696-3127 www.ontariosciencecentre.ca For more events, visit www.toronto4kids.com/calendar.

OPEN GOOD FRIDAY EASTER SUNDAY & MONDAY EASTER BUNNY ARRIVES APRIL 5! Refreshing your favourite place to play. NEW... ROCK

‘n’ CLIMB! NEW... DROP & HOP! NEW... XD SIMULATOR! LOCATED INSIDE THE WOODBINE CENTRE

Plus Ferris Wheel, Train, Carousel, Arcade, Bumper Cars, and more!

Check us out at fantasyfair.ca • 500 Rexdale Blvd at Hwy 27 • 416-674-5437

10 | TORONTO KIDS - April 2014

Hoppy Easter!

holidays > easter

Easter in the Greater Toronto Area promises family fun for all ages, with a wide range of Egg-citing events and activities taking place across the city. Find Easter egg hunts, Easter parades, Egg decorating, Scavenger hunts with the Easter Bunny, Easter Crafts, and more great stuff for families!

Easter Traditions at Colborne Lodge Apr 5 - 20, - 12:00 pm until 4:00 pm Visit inside Colborne Lodge and learn about 19th-century Easter traditions. Families will tour the museum and spot eggs hidden in the restored rooms. Children dye their own eggs using natural dyes. 416-392-6916, www.toronto.ca/museum-events Easter Egg Painting Workshop: A Family Workshop Apr 12 - 13 Create your own personalized pysanky (Easter eggs) using traditional wax resist techniques. Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum and Arts Centre 416-396-2819, www.toronto.ca/museum-events High Park Easter Egg Hunt Apr 13, 12:00 pm until 3:00 pm Children enjoy egg hunts and colour eggs using natural dyes inside historic Colborne Lodge.

Colborne Lodge - High Park 416-392-6916, www.toronto.ca/museum-events Crocs at the Zoo! Apr 18, 9:30 am until 5:00 pm Feeling tired of chasing a bunny for the same ol' eggs? Well, why not join us and Duke, the friendly Crocs mascot, and go on the search for all kinds of our furry, scaly and feathery friends' eggs! Toronto Zoo 416-392-5929, www.torontozoo.com The Easter Egg-stravaganza Apr 18 - 20 Join Beasley Bear and the Easter Bunny at Centreville Amusement Park and Far Enough Farm for Toronto's LARGEST Easter egg hunt! Centreville Amusement Park 216-203-0405, centreisland.ca/egg-stravaganza.html

M ntessori Village & Education Centre

Easter In The Kingsway Apr 19, 11:00 am until 3:00 pm Easter Bunnies will be giving away free chocolates. Bouncing Castle, Crafts, Live Music Show, Clowns, Face Painters and so much more. BRING YOUR OWN CAMERA and have your Picture taken with the Giant Easter Rabbit! Cost : Free. Willingdon Blvd. & Bloor Street West 416-239-8243, www.kingswaybia.ca

Toronto Beaches Lions Club Easter Parade Apr 20, 2:00 pm Over the years the Toronto Beaches Lions Club Easter Parade has grown into an event that the entire city enjoys. It begins at 2:00 pm sharp and runs for approximately two hours. We will begin the parade -as we always do- On Queen Street at Munro Park and proceed west. www.beacheslions.com

Olivet School

Complete Education: 18 mths to 13yrs Open 7am to 6:30 pm 416. 266. 0424 • www.gvmontessori.ca Open House Wednesdays @ 7:00pm

OPEN TO ALL … French Immersion Art Classes – from age 6 to 14 yrs STARTING NOW...Saturday 2 hour classes --- Call or Visit to enroll Summer Programs from age 2 and up Tutoring from age 6 and up

Give your child the love of learning…

GTSC’s 5-day camp with former professional soccer player Pedro Dias as their mentor, aims at developing soccer skills, building confidence, learning leadership skills along with team building, all while creating new friendships! Boys and girls ages 5 to 13 can register for any or all of our 10 weekly sessions in June, July & August. Limited space is available so please call 416-449-2409 to ensure a spot! www.greatertorontosoccer.com

TER TORON EA

YOUTH SOCCER CAMP...ENROLL NOW!

297 Old Kingston Rd @Morrish

GTSC SO

CC E R C LU B

Full & Half Day Soccer Camps! Mornings 9am – 12pm $90.00/week Afternoons 1pm – 4pm $90.00/week Full Days 9am – 4pm $150.00/week

At Olivet New Church School we believe that the best education happens when a child's love for learning is fully engaged. Stimulating academics and meaningful social interactions combined with a caring spiritual atmosphere provides the foundation for a fulﬁlling and useful life. Our curriculum, including French, art, music and scripture studies, is enhanced by learning opportunities such as frequent ﬁeld trips and thoughtful conversations that are only possible in a small class environment.

Olivet School 279 Burnhamthorpe Rd. Etobicoke olivetschool.ca

TORONTO KIDS - April 2014 | 11

holidays > easter

Have a greener Easter I’m calling CAS... Easter egg dyeing kits emerge in early spring, however, consumers have a variety of alternatives to these kits at their disposal. There are some people who desire more environmentally friendly Easter eggs, so here are some creative and greener ideas for coloring eggs this year. Wooden eggs: Visit a craft store and purchase wooden eggs that can be painted and decorated however you desire. The wooden eggs will be durable and can be stored away for use each and every year. Because they are made of wood, a naturally recyclable material, they are easy on the environment. Consider natural dyes. Use different food items to create all-natural dyes for the eggs. Tea, fruit and vegetable juices -- even packaged drink mixes -- can be used to tint Easter eggs in various colors. Because you’re controlling the materials you use, you can ensure they are safe to use. Experiment with papier mache. This ancient paper crafting technique uses recycled paper and

HUMBER ARBORETUM

CENTER FOR URBAN ECOLOGY

@HumberArb

a paste to create a hardened mold. Turn excess scraps of paper into delightful eggs put on display for the holiday. Make edible eggs. Traditional Easter eggs can be wasteful if the eggs are boiled and used entirely for display. Rather, make eggs that will be enjoyed and are not at risk of spoiling too soon after being on display. Gelatin-dessert eggs is one way to use the eggs after Easter, and creative people can try crafting eggs out of meringue as well. Dough eggs: Have the children get out their favorite modeling dough and craft multi-colored eggs as a fun, rainy-day project. Those who want the eggs to last can purchase actual clay from the craft store or whip up their own medium at home. After drying, the eggs should be ready to paint. Drained eggs: Those interested in using the yolks and albumen from the eggs for cooking can poke small holes into the eggs and drain them. Then the remaining eggshells can be decorated and put on display. – MS

because sometimes parenting is difﬁcult

Being a parent is a wonderful experience, but the stresses and pressures of life combined with the responsibilities of parenting sometimes become too much even to the most patient of us. If you are a parent or know of parents in need of parenting advice or support call the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto. We have programs and information designed to help parents be better at the most important role they will ever have.

For more information call 416-924-4646 or email us at inquiries@torontocas.ca

SUMMER CAMP 2014 We welcome all 5-13 year olds!

/HumberArb

We Want You!

Camp begins July 2nd, 2014. 8:45am-4:15pm Before and after care available.

Cost $205.00 for one week During camp, the activities include: Canoeing Ecology Games Bird watching Forest exploration Camper Organic Vegetable Garden and much more!

arboretum@humber.ca

416-675-5009

www.humberarboretum.on.ca

12 | TORONTO KIDS - April 2014

Say hello to

good foods > recipe

Sloppy Joes! Revisit your childhood with the flavours of a retro classic made more nutritious with whole foods including mushrooms. Serves four.

Prep Time: 20 mins. Cook Time: 15 mins. Ingredients: 2 cups coleslaw blend – 500 mL ¼ cup chopped green onion – 60 mL ¼ cup coleslaw dressing – 60 mL 8 oz fresh button mushrooms – 250 g 1 onion chopped – 1 ¾ lb lean ground beef – 375 g 1 tbsp canola oil – 15 mL 1 pkt Mushroom Seasoning Blend – 5 g ¾ tsp salt – 4 mL ½ tsp pepper – 2 mL 1 cup tomato sauce – 250 mL 3 tbsp brown sugar – 45 mL 3 tbsp cider vinegar – 30 mL 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – 30 mL 4 whole-wheat hamburger rolls -4

Method: 1. Toss the coleslaw with the green onion and dressing until well combined; set aside. 2. Place the mushrooms and onion in a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Pulse until finely chopped. 3. Add the ground beef and pulse until well combined. 4. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet set over medium heat. 5. Add the mushroom mixture and seasoning blend. Cook for 10 minutes or until browned and the liquid has evaporated. 6. Stir in the tomato sauce, brown sugar, vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes or until thickened. 7. Serve on rolls topped with coleslaw.

Nutrition facts – per serving: Calories: 408 Sodium: 457 mg Protein: 26 g

Fat: 15 g Carbohydrates: 44 g Dietary Fibre: 5.5 g – www.newscanada.com

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Downsview Park

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