August 2015

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10 Things to do Before Summer Ends PG 3

Stay Safe at Busy Attractions this Summer PG 4-5

August Events PG 6-7

Smart Back to School Shopping PG 9

Books by your Favourite Celebrities!

PG 10

Time for Preschool?

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...Including Honest Ed’s & North York Sheridan Mall. For a participating store near you, go to www.fabricland.ca/locator/locator.php 2 | TORONTO KIDS - August 2015

TORONTO

KIDS &

summer activities | summer in the city

publisher IAN PROUDFOOT toronto general manager JOHN WILLEMS director of advertising CHERYL PHILLIPS sales team lead GEORGE AGELOPOULOS regional director of operations BARRY BLACK director of circulation MIKE BANVILLE regional director of production and creative services KATHERINE PORCHERON features writers TASHA ZANIN SARAH LENNOX cover design KIMBERLY FONG

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.

10

things to do before summer ends

Summer’s end is fast approaching, but you still have some time to make it unforgettable. You’ll have to hurry if you want to squeeze all of the hottest things about summer into the next few weeks before the kids head back to school, but we’ve got you covered by helping you plan ahead. Here’s a list of ideas for a late summer rally of fun!

1. See a movie under the stars August and the beginning of September are the last opportunities to watch your favourite big screen flicks under the stars on a big inflatable outdoor movie screen. Bring your sleeping bags, lawn chairs, or a favourite blanket. Don’t miss out on the fun!

2. Attend a festival It might as well be mandatory to attend a summer festival before heading back to school. Enjoy free concerts, midways, exhibits and petting zoos too.

Don’t forget to enjoy some great carnival foods that can only be found in the summer time: cotton candy, corn dogs and roasted corn!

3. Have a family picnic Go to the nearest park and have a picnic. Nothing beats hanging out on a blanket with your pals. Have everyone pack his or her favourite foods. Don’t forget the frisbee! August is National Picnic Month and it’s no surprise — the weather is perfect.

4. Walk among the trees Looking for one last adventure before summer ends? Go treetop walking and enjoy exhilarating views! Top off your day by zip lining through the trees.

5. See a movie at the drive-in Pack your kids in their PJs, bring your favourite snacks, and head to a double feature at a drive-in theatre. And talking is allowed!

6. Go to the CNE Go to the Ex! The Canadian National Exhibition is a hot spot for families looking for great entertainment, food and a whole bunch of excitement! The CNE fun continues until September 7.

7. Go camping in your backyard Don’t deny the pleasures of s’mores and the great outdoors, even in your own yard! Sleep under the stars in tents right at home.

8. Go to a conservation park Enjoy Ontario’s Conservation Areas before the summer ends. From waterfalls to beaches, sand dunes to wetlands, Ontario’s Conservation Areas showcase some of the province’s most breathtaking natural features.

9. Have a sleepover A late night, giggles in the dark, lots of yummy snacks - it’s all part of the fun. Sleepovers have always been popular with kids. They’re a great way to reconnect with friends before school starts.

10. Hit the beach Close out the summer with a day at the beach! It will feel like a mini-vacation (especially if you didn’t get away this year). After going to the beach, you know how good it feels to come home sun-bleached and sandy!

— www.Toronto4Kids.com

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TORONTO KIDS - August 2015 | 3

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Nothing says summer like a trip to the zoo, a theme park, the beach or a county fair. But before you go, make sure your family is aware of all the rules for staying together and safe.

Here are eight tips to keep kids safe in a crowd on your summer getaways: Tip #1: Before you head to a theme park, take a digital picture of each of your kids. If one of them ever got lost, you could show a current photo of your child in that day’s clothes to park authorities.

Tip #2: Write your cell phone number on your children’s arms with a Sharpie. It will not wash off for several days, but don’t worry; it will eventually wear off!

Your kids will have the number handy in case they get lost. If you’re concerned about others seeing the information, write in on the underside of the arm. Wristbands are also good. Lovable Labels offers single-use disposable wristbands that you can personalize. They are adjustable, water resistant and tear proof. Perfect to use at the pool, beach, amusement park, or any place where a child might wander

away. Find out more about the handy wristbands at: www.t4k.lovablelabels.ca/product/KID-Bands.

Tip #3: Tell your kids to stay put if they get separated.

They know they can ask a mom with children to wait with them, but they are to stay in one place so you can find them. Remind them to never exit a theme park or attraction and never go to the parking lot.

Tip #4: Consider buying glowstick necklaces and bracelets for the kids. You know you’ll be staying late at an amusement park or other attraction, so these will make your children easy to spot in the dark.

Tip #5: Teach your kids who they can reach out to if you become separated. For example, a mother walking with her children, a security officer, a lifeguard and an employee are all ideal for your kids to talk to if they become lost.

Tip #6: Consider an arm leash or safety harness for tod-

Continued on page 5

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summer in the city | feature Continued from page 4 -dlers. While this might be a controversial topic, it is something tangible that keeps you connected to your little explorer, especially in a large, crowded space. Create a buddy system for your older children.

Tip #7: Shortly after you enter a theme park or beach area, get oriented by identifying landmarks together.

If you feel that your child is mature enough, agree on a designated meeting place in case you get separated. Have him or her repeat it aloud so it sticks.

Never choose the entrance or parking lot. The ideal

meeting place is an information centre or lifeguard station, since the staff members are experienced in dealing with lost children.

Tip #8: Make sure everyone rehearses what each member of the group is wearing. If you ever get separated, it might help everyone locate each other in a crowd.

And your kids will be able to describe you to a park employee or another helpful adult.

This is just the beginning. For more family safety tips, visit: www.toronto4kids.com/Health-Safety. — www.Toronto4Kids.com

YOUTH ART COURSES OFFER 12 WEEKS OF HANDS-ON STUDIO EXPLORATIONS IN A RANGE OF MEDIA TO STRENGTHEN SKILLS, FOSTER INSPIRATION AND DEVELOP A CREATIVE VOICE. Fall 2015 Saturday courses start September 19, registration is open!

Check out Youth Art Studio (Ages 11-13) and Fundamental Drawing for Teens (Ages 14-17). Save $50 on youth courses with promo code TOkids50.

To register, visit tsa-art.com, call, or drop by the office.

980 Dufferin Street, 2nd Floor Toronto, ON M6H 4B4 416.504.7910 | info@tsa-art.com TORONTO KIDS - August 2015 | 5

upcoming events Pirate Life at Centre Island Sail aboard the 45-foot Island Rogue from Centre Island. Come dressed in a pirate costume or use provided costumes. Receive face paint tattoos and a cool new pirate nickname.

Daily in August Centre Island www.piratelife.ca Junior Jays Saturdays Bring your family to the ballpark every Saturday home game for Jr. Jays Saturdays presented by Boston Pizza. Kids can visit the Jr. Jays zones located at sections 127, 237, 239, the 200 level outfield and section 536 to take part in many fun activities. Kids 14 and under can line up at sections 108, 208 and 508 to run the bases just like the pros after the game.

Aug. 15 - New York Yankees and Aug. 29 - Detroit Tigers.

Rogers Centre www.torontobluejays.com Pompeii: In the Shadow of the Volcano at the ROM

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) hosts the Canadian premiere of Pompeii: In the Shadow of the Volcano. The exhibition includes approximately 200 evocative objects that tell the dramatic story of Pompeii, an ancient Roman city captured in time by ash and debris that buried it during a volcanic eruption.

Until Jan. 3 Royal Ontario Museum www.rom.on.ca MythBusters: The Explosive Exhibition Spend a day as a MythBuster at MythBusters: The Explosive Exhibition to uncover the truth. And while you’re at it, watch live demonstrations and check out real props and gadgets from the show.

Until Sep. 13 Ontario Science Centre www.ontariosciencecentre.ca Ontario’s Celebration Zone For families seeking kid-friendly activities, Ontario’s Celebration Zone has a jam-

packed schedule of circus acrobats, children’s theatre, hands-on science adventures, super dog shows and so much more.

Until Aug. 16 Harbourfrount Centre www.ontariotravel.net/en/info/panam

I must have it! I must! I must!

Celebrating 20 years of Booing Ross Petty This exhibition chronicles two decades of fractured fairy tales, featuring costumes, posters and artifacts. It also honours the “notorious evildoer” Ross Petty, who has endured boos and hisses from audiences as the Sheriff of Nottingham to Bertha Von Botox to this year’s incarnation of Captain Hook.

Until Sep. 4 189 Yonge St. www.heritagetrust.on.ca/ewg

6 | TORONTO KIDS - August 2015

Food

Arts

Rogers Cup presented by National Bank is a prestigious professional tennis tournament organized by Tennis Canada.

Since 1881 for the men and 1892 for the women, the best players in the world have showcased their skills on Canadian courts. Look out for Serena and Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova, Caroline Wozniacki, Ana Ivanovic, and Canada’s Genie Bouchard.

Rexall Centre 5 Shoreham Dr.

www.rogerscup.com The Time Travel Trail Discover the hidden secrets of Toronto’s past that you won’t find in any history book on this wacky and interactive adventure through time.

Until Sep. 5 South side of the Hockey Hall of Fame 30 Yonge St. http://timetraveltrail.com/toronto-tours The Beach Village Movie Nights You voted on your favourite movies, now come out and enjoy them with your friends and family! Experience these movies under the stars in our beautiful parks. FREE ADMISSION and FREE popcorn every Wednesday!

Until Aug. 26, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Kew Gardens & Ivan Forrest Gardens www.thebeachvillage.com Free Flicks at Harbourfront If we’re talking about things that endure through the generations, the idea of family is inescapable.

Interested in advertising with us?

Toronto Kids & Family Advertising Team 416-493-4400

Outdoor

August 8 to August 16

KIDS &

To book an ad, contact the

Sports

Tennis Canada Rogers Cup

Vampire Campfire Summertime laughs for all ages!

Through singing, dancing and lots of interactive bits, The Second City cast tells the story of a spooky, silly gang of ghouls forced to spend their summer at a remedial camp for monsters. Matinee performances every Wednesday and Thursday.

Until Sep. 3, 1 p.m.

The Second City Theatre 51 Mercer St. www.secondcity.com

Dancing on the Pier Headed into its fifth year, Dancing on the Pier is a weekly social dance series on Toronto’s favourite, scenic, open-air dance floor. You are sure to find yourself dancing in this warm, welcoming environment that combines fantastic bands with dancing instructions. Free.

Until Sep. 3 Harbourfront Centre www.harbourfrontcentre.com

TORONTO

Hands-On

Education

Culturally and personally, the values and fascinations we pass forward are rooted in the world and the people that have shaped us: a fondness for sports, a flair for mad science, a little patch of land in Hawaii or even literal baggage. These movies explore that concept from the inside out.

Until Sep. 2 Harbourfront Centre w w w. h a r b o u r f ro n tc e n t re. c o m / freeflicks/2015 Tea and Tour Sundays at Gibson House There’s a seat for you at the harvest table in the historic kitchen on Sunday afternoons this summer. Relax and have a chat over tea and homemade cookies. Enjoy a tour of this lovely, 1850s farmhouse. Included with regular admission.

Sundays in August Gibson House 5172 Yonge St. www.toronto.ca/museum-events

upcoming events Marvel Universe LIVE! Watch your favourite Marvel superheroes, including Spider-Man, Iron Man and the Hulk, and threatening villains come to life in an action-packed arena extravaganza!

Aug. 13 to Aug. 16 Air Canada Centre www.marveluniverselive.ca Mary Poppins at Lower Ossington Theatre Everyone’s favourite practicallyperfect nanny takes the stage in this Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical adventure! One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically-perfect musical!

Until Aug. 30 Lower Ossington Theatre 100A Ossington Ave. www.lowerossingtontheatre.com Family Fun Nights At Earl Bales Park As part of the Family Fun series, parents and children can join in free adventures and fun activities an hour before the feature entertainment. The stage performances are for children ages 5 to 12 years.

Until Aug. 27 Earl Bales Park-Barry Zukerman Amphitheatre 4169 Bathurst St. www.toronto.ca TIFF in your Park TIFF partnered with Park People to launch a new series of travelling outdoor screenings taking place in park sites across the GTA this summer.

Movies include KHUMBA, Hugo, Ghostbusters, and more!

Until Sep. 25 Across the GTA www.tiff.net/summer2015-series/tiffin-your-park-map

Education

Toronto Port Authority Presents Sail-In Cinema Recognized as the world’s first twosided floating movie experience and the city’s largest outdoor theatre, Sail-In Cinema™ offers families and film fans alike the chance to watch movies under the open skies in a truly unique setting on the city’s waterfront. This year, watch Ghostbusters, The Goonies or E.T. Aug. 20 to Aug. 22 Sugar Beach 5 Dockside Dr. www.sailincinema.com

Overnight Reef Adventure at Ripley’s Aquarium Spend the evening exploring the aquarium, participating in hands-on educational experiences and learning about the animals that call the aquarium home. After a delicious bedtime snack, tuck into your sleeping bag for sweet dreams in the “Dangerous Lagoon” shark tunnel.

Aug. 8, 15 and 29, 8 p.m. until 9 a.m.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada https://www.ripleyaquariums.com/ canada/

Orangutan Awareness at Toronto Zoo Visitors will learn why the population of wild orangutans is experiencing habitat loss of 80% and get the opportunity to check out the special orangutan enrichment interpretive station, artifacts and even artwork painted by one of our very creative orangutans.

Aug. 22 to Aug. 23, 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Toronto Zoo www.torontozoo.com

Kensington and Chinatown Caper Scavenger Hunt This is a two-in-one adventure: answer the tricky questions found on other Urban Capers’ scavenger hunts while noshing on nibbles to score maximum points. Tickets must be purchased in advance online. Ages 8+ Aug. 15, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Bellevue Square 5 Bellevue Ave. www.urbancapers.com

Disney’s Aladdin Jr. Welcome to Agrabah, City of Enchantment and the fantastic tale of the poor boy who became a prince! Disney’s Aladdin Jr. is a musical adventure filled with magic, mayhem, flying carpet rides, and songs from the Academy Award-winning score!

Aug. 22 to Aug. 30 Randolph Theatre 736 Bathurst St. www.lowerossingtontheatre.com

August Weekends at Scarborough Museum Join the Scarborough Museum Youth Collective on weekends this summer for fun-filled Victorian parlour entertainment and popular 20thcentury board games. Enjoy delicious local delicacies from the Americas.

Family fun is guaranteed. Admission is pay-what-you-can.

Weekends in July Scarborough Museum 1007 Brimley Rd. www.toronto.ca/museum-events

Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions Recent and classic Pokémon video Summer Music in the Garden games are brought to life by a The popular Summer Music in the full orchestra performing all new Garden concert series returns for its arrangements and carefully timed 16th season by the shores of Lake visuals.

Ontario. Treat yourself to 17 free classical Aug. 28, 8flyers p.m.

• View from your local retailers music concerts this summer, featuring Sony Centre for the Performing Arts • Create custom shopping lists www.sonycentre.ca • Earn cash back on groceriesoutstanding artists exploring a diverse

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Hands-On

Sports

Outdoor

range of international themes and music styles.

Until Sep. 13 Harbourfront Centre www.harbourfrontcentre.com/ Car Seat Safety Clinic Have your car seat(s) inspected and adjusted as necessary, or have the Emergency Rescue Academy

Food

Arts

professionally install your new car seat to ensure that your little ones are safe.

Aug. 15, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Emergency Rescue Academy 5730 Coopers Ave., Unit 26 Mississauga www.eracademy.com For an updated list of events, visit: www.toronto4kids.com/Calendar

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TORONTO KIDS - August 2015 | 7

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summer in the city | back to school TORONTO FRENCH MONTESSORI SCHOOL

School shopping It’s one of the biggest family shopping events of the year, but not necessarily one you look forward to. Try these strategies to make this year’s back to school shopping expedition easier on you and your wallet!

Save year-round On average, families can spend in excess of $500 for back-to-school. Set up a school fund or savings plan and put money aside throughout the year. Creating this fund can help parents avoid overspending.

Make a list Have your kids make a list of all the items they’ll require for the school year, then set a budget for each item. This helps you get organized, plus it will make your kids more cost-conscious. Have them re-evaluate their list to see if there are items they can live without.

Inventory the clothing The clothing purchase may cause the most conflicts and frustrations. Have the kids try on ALL of their clothes to determine what still fits. Next, make a list of what they need.

For younger kids, buy one size bigger at the end of the season for next year. Consider purchasing at quality gently used stores. You can pick up great designer labels. Your kids won’t notice the difference.

Middle school kids will want to wait to see what everyone else is wearing at school, so don’t rush to

do your clothes shopping. Try to make compromises so your child doesn’t feel like you are saying ‘no’ to everything, but do try to stick to necessities.

For older kids, set a budget and let them purchase their own clothes with the understanding that they must stick to their list. Anything beyond the budget must come out of their allowance.

Look for bulk deals School supplies don’t go out of style, so if there’s an opportunity to buy in larger quantities to save, do it. You’ll likely need extra supplies throughout the school year anyway.

Reuse last year’s supplies Go through last year’s pencil cases and backpacks.

Chances are you’ll find supplies you can still use.

Sports Equipment If you’re looking for sports equipment, classified websites, eBay or sports resale stores are an obvious choice. Kids outgrow sports equipment so quickly that it’s not worth the investment to buy new. Trade extra equipment that is sitting in your closet with another family or members of your sports club.

Remember to get an early start to your shopping.

You always end up spending more when you wait until the last minute!

— www.Toronto4Kids.com

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learning | book nook

book nook

Your Baby’s First Word Will Be DADA Jimmy Fallon Barnyard animals are introduced one father-child pair at a time. Each dad shouts to his offspring, “Dada!” in hopes that his parental moniker Ages 0-2 might be the little one’s first word.

Over the years, a number of celebrities have put pen to paper to write books for kids. Some are semi-autobiographical, or teach valuable lessons and Others are downright silly!

Freckleface Strawberry Julianne Moore Freckleface Strawberry is a redhaired and frecklefaced 7-year-old girl who’s learning to love the skin she’s in. Because after all, the things that make you different also make Ages 3-5 you YOU.

Just the Two of Us Will Smith Smith’s heartfelt lyrics and Kadir Nelson’s vibrant paintings capture the beauty and intensity of a father’s love as his child grows from a boy into a man. This Ages poignant message will 3-5 resonate with fathers and sons everywhere.

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The Blue Ribbon Day Katie Couric Carrie doesn’t make the soccer team with Ellie, but with some reassuring words from mom, “We’re all good at something, you’ll have your time to shine,” she makes a new start, and Ages 9-12 ends up placing first in the school science fair.

The Pied Piper of Hamelin Russell Brand Welcome to Russell Brand’s Hamelin, where revolution is afoot.

You’ll be enchanted and revolted in equal measure by the host of characters you meet along the way in Ages 12+ this re-telling of a classic fairytale.

consumer feature

Has as your child come home from school with math homework involving memorizing steps and repeating them ad nauseam without really understanding what is going on? Even worse: do you have a bright child who has been turned off math because they are bored with the procedures, and find it meaningless?

Math programs with a primary focus on procedures not only turns people off mathematics, but also develops people who learn how to follow without questioning. On the other hand, a strong math program, such as Spirit of Math, that focuses on a solid understanding will produce creative, critical thin ers who are excited to learn more. think

3

By Kim Langen - CEO and Founder of Spirit of Math Schools.

The program has been developed with the intent to first establish very strong numeracy skills.

Lo ok carefully at the math your child is being Look taught – is it just rule based, or are they being taught first how to work properly with numbers and to understand all their proper ties? In Spirit of Math students are taught to work with integers in grade 1 so that they can form a concept of numbers that is not just based on manipulativ lati es.

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The program was developed over many years, in the classroom with students.

By the time they reach grade 5 their thinking and understanding is well above the typical grade 5, 6, 7 or even 8 student.

There are so many math programs out there, and many more people who think they can teach math because they know “the steps�. It takes a very discerning parent to look deeper into the program and to make sure that it is, in fact, going to teach their child how to think mathematically, and not just how to do the next uestio n.. A person who can think ques tion mathematically is able to logically put ideas together and that is a skill that can be applied to every area of life

Finding a program with good core material is tough, but essential.

These pointers will help you evaluate the core of a math program and determine if it will meet the needs of your high-per forming child,

1 The program offers questions significantly different than the regular textbook type of questions.

2 The core material goes deeper and broader in each topic.

TORONTO KIDS - August 2015 | 11

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