News and information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools
Family WICHITA
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WichitaFamily.com MARCH 2011
Affordable Birthday Parties
Throw a birthday party without breaking the bank
Music Matters Have you hugged your music teacher today?
Show me the Love Practical ways to speak your child’s love language
INSIDE: Check out our March Calendar of Events
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Wichita Family | MARCH 2011
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editor’s note
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Publisher: For the Families, LLC 316.295.8465 Publishers Eric and Christy Clark Editor Jessica Lindsey Advertising inquiries contact: 316.295.8465 or sales@wichitafamily.com
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hat are birthday parties like in your family? With a boy and two girls, we’ve seen everything from a Lightsaber-infested backyard party, ultragirly princess tea party with a little mini bounce house, a Pump It Up jump party, a Ben 10 alien hunt party and oh, the list goes on. Personally I get a little overwhelmed and don’t necessarily enjoy party planning. Lucky for me, my friend Serena is exactly the opposite when it comes to parties. She has a slight obsession with balloons, cakes and parties. Not only has she been great to help organize and pull off my own kids parties, her own kids parties are always fun to attend and copy! You can count on having big ol’ balloon arch at any event she plans, quite impressive. There are some great parties to be had at home. With a little effort and planning (and help from creative friends!) it isn’t hard to throw a super fun bash in the backyard, basement or living room. We’ve also been to a ton of awesome parties on location. There are a great supply of party spots in Wichita for many different budgets, interests and ages. My kiddos have attended some perfectly wild parties at the Sedgwick County Zoo, Acrobatic Academy, My Gym, neighborhood pools and more and have loved every single one. We hope this issue gives you a few ideas for your upcoming birthday parties. There’s always one right around the corner! There is quite a bit of other great content in this month’s issue that you won’t want to miss, either. Our Mompreneur is a real fun one and next month we’ll run a wonderful story of a longtime teacher in Feature a Teacher. Keep the ideas coming! I’ve enjoyed hearing all the great ideas for stories lately. Keep the nominations coming for the Feature a Teacher stories and if you’re a Mompreneur or know one, submit your information to be featured!
Wichita Family Magazine is published 12 times a year by For the Families, LLC. Wichita Family Magazine is available free, at schools, stores, restaurants, libraries, retailers and local attractions, as well as other places families frequent. For a complete list of where to find Wichita Family, or for subscription rates, visit www.wichitafamily.com. Mailing address: P.O. Box 817 Wichita, Kansas 67201 How to reach us: Phone: 316.295.8465 Email: publisher@wichitafamily.com Copyright 2009 by For the Families, LLC. All rights reserved. Wichita Family Magazine is not responsible for errors, omissions or contest fulfillment from third parties. Reproduction in part or in whole without written permission is strictly prohibited. Wichita Family is distributed free of charge. The magazine’s advertisers make this possible, so support them! We reserve the right to edit submitted material. All submissions will be considered for publication, but we reserve the right to refuse material. Materials will not be returned. Any editorial content or advertising published is the property of For the Families, LLC.
Jessica Lindsey Editor-in-Chief jessica@wichitafamily.com
4 Wichita Family | MARCH 2011
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Music Matters Have you hugged your music teacher today?
Mompreneur
Tonya Wells’ Mommy Movement Fitness offers a variety of exercise classes to help moms and their families get in shape and live healthy lifestyles.
Wichita Families On the Move Show ME the Love MARCH Practical Ways to Speak Your Child’s Calendar Love Language Page 20
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While the kids splash at the Rock River Rapids water park, the older generation can stroll through the themed gardens at Botanica, or take everyone to hear the Diamond W Wranglersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Chuckwagon Supper serenades. Wichita has the unique mix of attractions to make everyone happy at your next family reunion. All at Midwestern prices. Go Wichita will assist with hotel selection and ďŹ nd the source for customized T-shirts and banners. For a free family reunion planner checklist, contact Brogan Miller, bmiller@gowichita.com or 316.265.2800.
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Visitor Information Center 515 S. Main, Suite 115 Wichita, KS 67202
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Music Mat t ers
by Lori Supinie
President , Senseney Music, Inc.
HAVE YOU HUGGED YOUR MUSIC TEACHER TODAY?
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s I write this, music educators from around the state are getting set to converge on the Century II Convention Center here in Wichita for their annual Kansas Music Educators Association in-service workshop. Along with the teachers, hundreds of young musicians from middle and high schools and universities will be here, as well, performing in their school’s ensemble, or as a member of an honor choir, band, or orchestra. These groups and musicians auditioned and were selected for their outstanding performance capabilities. The 3-day in-service workshop is the largest convention held at Century II and will involve thousands of students, teachers, and parents.
In addition to the fine performances, the educators will be attending dozens of clinics and workshops, learning how to be better teachers and conductors. Music retailers, fundraising companies, instrument manufacturers, colleges and universities will all
exhibit, as well, as a benefit to the educators. This is the Super Bowl of music education in Kansas and quite unique to the curriculum of teaching music.
reasons. Some come to hear the great performances and become inspired. Others come to share ideas and connect with fellow music educators. Some come to learn from the master teachers, composers, and clinicians who are presenting the educational sessions. Others come to get a mid-year re-charge of energy: they’ll go back to their classrooms knowing they’re in the right profession and that they’re making a difference. March is Music In Our Schools Month – a celebration and affirmation of the importance of music education. It is appropriate, then, to salute the men and women who teach music in our schools. From kindergarten up through high school, from inner cities to the small communities of western Kansas, they’re making sure our kids have the gift of music in their lives. So, have you hugged your (or your child’s) music teacher today? If you have a chance, let them know they do make a difference.
Music teachers come to KMEA for many
SENSENEY MUSIC IS A FULL LINE MUSIC RETAILER SPECIALIZING IN MUSIC EDUCATION PRODUCT AND SERVICES SINCE 1978.
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2300 E. Lincoln | Wichita, KS 67211 | 316.262.1487 senseneymusic.com | Mon-Thur 9:30a-6:30p | Fri-Sat 9:30a -5:30p
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Wichita Family | MARCH 2011
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News and information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools PVM student receives Spirit of Community Award
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arleah Mullen, eighth-grade student at Pleasant Valley Middle School, has been selected as Kansas’ top youth volunteer for the 2011 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Mullen was one of only two students in Kansas selected for the national award. She also qualified for the President’s Volunteer Service Award, based on the amount of community service she has donated to benefit her school and community. Mullen was selected for the number of hours she has committed to sprucing up Pleasant Valley Middle School. She has led a group of students to take time during lunch, on Saturdays, and during the summer to improve the looks of their school. Mullen even came to school during a snow day a earlier in February. Mullen painted a huge mural in the school cafeteria. She has planted bulbs in the school’s courtyards, trimmed trees and scrubs, pulled weeds, raked leaves, painted the school’s basketball backboards and painted designs on the school courtyards’ concrete benches. As a state honoree, Mullen will receive a $1,000 award, an engraved silver medallion and an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. for a series of national recognition events starting April 30. During that time, ten National Honorees will be named for which Mullen is a finalist. Marleah Mullen, eighth-grade student at Pleasant Valley Middle School, received the Prudential Spirit of Community Award. She is pictured in front of a mural she painted at her school.
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East High School takes State in Debate
ebaters from East High School won the 6A State Debate Championship at the end of a two-day tournament. Seniors Lucy Orsi and Kelly Redler were crowned 6A State Debate Champions in the Two-Speaker category. They defeated a team from Blue Valley West in the final round of competition. Seniors Hope Faflick and Salman Husain received 3rd place at the tournament.
8 Wichita Family | MARCH 2011
From left, East High School debaters Kelly Redler, Hope Faflick, Lucy Orsi and Salman Husain show off their 6A State Debate Championship trophies.
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Truesdell teacher receives Kansas Horizon Award
heresa Blunt, math and AVID teacher at Truesdell Middle School, received the 2011 Kansas Horizon Award from the Kansas Department of Education. The Kansas Horizon Award recognizes teachers who do an exemplary job during their first year of teaching. “This is such an honor,” Blunt said. “I am thankful I work in a district that offers me so many opportunities to grow as a teacher.” As a recipient, Blunt is invited to join the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network (KEEN). KEEN is a network of educators from across the state, allowing teachers to share ideas with other teachers and to participate in a number of professional development programs. Theresa Blunt, math and AVID teacher at Truesdell Middle School, works with students on a geometry lesson.
Mueller receives $2 million Project DREAM grant
Dodge named Distinguished Title I School
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ueller Aerospace and Engineering Discovery Magnet has received a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to support the school’s magnet theme. The three-year grant will fund Project DREAM (DiscoveRy, Engineering and Aerospace Magnet) program at the school. The Project DREAM grant will allow Mueller to provide more science and engineering curriculum, purchase more computers, and install a flight simulator, broadcast studio and weather lab over the course of the grant. Students will learn through projectbased learning, including a module time three times a week where students wear lab coats and complete science activities centered on aerospace and engineering. Teachers will also receive more training to more effectively teach students on those subjects. A kindergarten student throws a paper airplane at a target to learn about probability and Newton’s Laws of Physics.
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odge Literacy Magnet was recently recognized as a Distinguished Title I School by the National Title I Association. Dodge was one of two schools in Kansas to receive the honor. The Distinguished Title I School award is given to schools that have a poverty rate of 35 percent or higher. Eightyfive percent of Dodge’s students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. Dodge was selected for its exceptional student performance for two or more consecutive years. In 2010, 95
percent of students made AYP in math and 88.7 percent made AYP in reading. “We have staff that works hard to collaborate and find ways to make all students successful,” said principal Janet Jump. “We are a family. We care about each other and all of our students. The staff works today even after school and on weekends. That makes a difference.” Third-grade teacher Melissa Morgan works with students on a math assignment.
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Spotlighton a local Mompreneur
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n this month's Mompreneur feature, Wichita Family Magazine introduces you to Tonya Wells, a Wichita mom who is helping many other local moms get in shape through her business, Mommy Movement Fitness. Actually, to say her training is limited to moms is misleading, Tonya works with the whole family and is passionate about helping others lead an active lifestyle. Read the following conversation with Tonya to find out about her business and how it serves local families. When did you start your business, who does it serve and what are some other important details about its formation.
I purchased a franchise two and a half years ago called StrollerFit. My daughter was only 5 months old at the time. StrollerFit was bought out in May 2010 and that is when I went out on my own and created Mommy Movement Fitness. I love to think of it as a fun and healthy community for women to come and get fit plus meet new friends, be with their children and for their children to meet friends.
Tonya Wells Mommy Movement Fitness
A variety of exercise classes offered during the day or evenings in several locations around the city to help moms and their families get in shape and live healthy lifestyles.
www.mommymovementfitness.com
I pretty much work with the whole family. Not just the moms but the dads as well. We have what is called Dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Workout Day with my Stroller class (called Strollers In Motion) once a month so the dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s can come and see what we do! I also have grandmas take so me of my class formats and right now we even have a grandpa that takes StrollerFit with his daughter and grandkids! All of these classes are tailored for your own fitness level so anybody can do them. I have different host site locations around the city so it is good for moms no matter what side of town they live on. The classes offered are: Strollers in Motion (during the day with kids); Fit & Tone (a resistance training class at night without kids); CoreFusion (a core class at night without kids); Momsinmotion Running Club (Ladies only running club strollers welcome); We just got done offering Zumba but are taking a break right now; Yogamotion will start soon (at night without kids); Train Like A Mother Bootcamp this summer (no kids); F.I.T. (Forever In Training) Challenges (to keep you on track and motivated); MommyConnection (A play group that has over 200 moms in it); Tri Academy starting soon (for anyone who is interested in training for a triathlon). What made you decide to start this business and what were you doing before you started this venture?
I actually had been looking to buy a StrollerFit franchise back in 1999 but the timing wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t right. I have been in the fitness industry for 14 years and knew someday I wanted to work with moms and kids. So 3 years ago when my husband and I moved here from Dallas (I was 8 months pregnant with our first) I knew this was the perfect time to start it! Both my husband and I grew up in Wichita. 10 Wichita Family | MARCH 2011
I had been a personal trainer in Chicago and Dallas prior. I have had many different clients from pro athletes to seniors needing to walk better. I love being a trainer and a group fitness instructor. To motivate and encourage people to live longer healthier lives is very rewarding. I am a firm believer that we need to be F.I.T. (Forever In Training). Exercise and eating healthy is not something we will do just for a little bit. We have to continue it throughout our lives. We are only given one body here on earth and what we do with it is up to us, nobody else! Tell us about your family.
My husband, Justin, and I have been married for 4 years and we have a 3-year-old little girl who keeps us very busy! I like to think right now that my second child is my business but we also have two dogs.
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What are the different options that your business offers locals moms?
With MommyConnection (the play group we have) we like to try to have a play date once a week then we have a Moms Night Out once a month. This is a free service and is a lot of fun. We try to get every age of kids involved and do things for working moms as well. For example, we are going to have a Family Night and go to a Thunder game! Do you teach/lead all of the classes or do you have other employees?
I pretty much teach all of the classes. I do have one other instructor who subs for me when I can’t be there. She will also be teaching the Yogamotion for me. I did have a certified Zumba teach Zumba for me though. My instructor will also be leading the Tri Academy as well. She is also the race director for the race that we are hosting this May 15th at 3pm. It is called F.I.T. Family Run. It is a 5K and will be benefitting the YWCA Women’s Crisis Center (this is the charity we support with our Helping Others program we have in place) and a little girl named Paxten (she is 10 months and has Leukemia). I also have what I call board members. They are in charge of different areas in my company. There is a lot that goes into this business every day! It keeps me on my toes! How has being a Mompreneur changed the day-to-day life in your own family?
Well, since I started my first class when my daughter was only 5 months old, I guess my family and I don’t know any different. It takes a lot of planning and great time management skills! It is very nice to work from home most of the time but there are some days that I am really busy that I wish I did have an office to go to for a few hours so I could do some uninterrupted work! But I am very blessed to have my mom live 3 miles from me. My dad and mom watch my daughter a lot and that helps out! We are pretty much always on the go! What do you think your business offers the community and how have you seen it affect the women you serve?
I think my business offers a fun and different way to work out. It is for anybody and can be for any fitness level. I have moms that had never done a push up a day in their life and now they are doing 60 push-ups up on their toes. Or moms that say they want to start running but don’t know how to get started and 6 months later are running a marathon! It gives ladies more self esteem and confidence. We have to take care of ourselves because if we don’t and we break down (get sick or injured) then who is going to take care of the family? I don’t care if you are a working mom or a stay at home mom. Majority of the time women ‘take care’ of the family! We can’t afford to be sick, tired, moody, etc. all the time. www.WichitaFamily.com
I have seen many lives change for the better throughout these 2 1/2 years! It is fun to hear stories about how they love to workout as a family or that a mom had postpartum depression with their first child but with their second they joined MMF and they feel much better (oh yeah, I have about 10 pregnant moms that do my classes right now)! And of course to hear all the weight loss success stories is amazing. But I don’t like to focus on the number on the scale. Just that my moms are healthy and feel good! It is very important for our kids to see us exercise! It is proven that if our kids see us exercise they are 80% more likely to exercise as adults! That is awesome since the obesity rate in America is 63% and rising. It is wonderful to see the kids in Strollers In Motion do the exercises that we do at the end of class. At the end of this format we let the kids get out and play with toys while we continue to do abs and stretching. The kiddos grab the bands and tubes and start singing (like we do during class. As we do exercises we sing songs to them or count). While moms are off running or doing stairs I stay back with the kids and we do a little preschool (called minimuscle). I send out a minimuscle newsletter each month with a different theme, letter, number, shape, animal, songs, that we will talk about that month! The kids love it plus it is education for them and keeps them occupied in their stroller.
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Birthday Birthday party needs, wants and budgets are different from family to family, change from year to year and even differ between kids in the same family. There are so many amazing Wichita businesses that offer great on-location birthday parties. From the smallest kids on up to teens and even adults, there are many unique places to hold birthday parties if you're looking for a place outside your home. There's something great about being able to just head to a local business and let them do some of the work, or maybe even all of the work! No cleaning ahead of time, very little planning and no cleanup after the fact. But there are also great aspects of having parties at home. So along with ads for some local spots to hit for your next birthday party, check out the article on ideas from Wichita parents who worked on a budget and planned some awesome parties at home. It's a day to celebrate your child's life. No matter if you choose to do it with a little bitty smash cake with family at home or a huge blowout with everyone your child has ever met, have fun with it!
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Affordable Birthday Parties Throw a birthday party at home without breaking the bank by Erika Higgins
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child’s birthday is one of the most exciting days of the year for many children and their parents. It is a day to celebrate life together with family and friends and many parents put a lot of effort into making sure this day is extra special for their child. Wichita families are finding creative ways to celebrate this day with style and fun without reaching into their children’s college-savings accounts.
green card stock from their paper stash to cut out princess tiara’s to match the picture. Each girl took turns blindly trying to stick their tiara closest to the head of the princess.
Princess on a dime
Simple and fun
Debi Rohr, mother of 6, recently hosted a princessthemed birthday party for her 10-year-old daughter’s birthday for just under $10.
Maureen and Ed Armendariz have two boys and a girl in the middle. For their oldest son, Isaiah’s, birthday parties they like to keep it fun and simple. For his fourth birthday they sent out e-vites to friends and family and invited them to meet at their neighborhood park. They set out cake and drinks on a folding table and watched the kids run, climb and jump on the playground smiling and laughing the whole time.
They made invitations on their computer and saved on postage by hand-delivering each one as they saw friends on her daughter, Hannah’s, guest list. They made cupcakes at home in princess cupcake liners and let the girls at the party decorate their own cupcakes with sprinkle decorations they had in their baking cupboard. Each girl then made their own princess-themed picture frame with a Princess Craft Kit purchased at Michaels on clearance. Debi took each girl’s picture and printed it out so they could put it in their frames for a take-home party favor. For a game they played Stick the Tiara on the Princess. For this, they printed an enlarged picture from Disney’s Princess and the Frog movie and used
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Birthday parties can be expensive for the guests parents too so in lieu of gifts, Hannah asked her friends to bring a non perishable food item for a local food pantry.
This year, they plan on having a knight-themed party complete with a golden coin treasure hunt right in their backyard. The kids can trade their coins in for little prizes or candy and make their own swords courtesy of their trees’ branches scattered throughout the yard.
Tea party at the castle Janine Heinker and her husband Carl have three little
Wichita Family | MARCH 2011
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princesses 4, 2, and 2 months old. Tea parties are a big hit at their house when birthdays come around.
birthday party. Set up a tent in the backyard and roast hot dogs and s’mores over an adultsupervised bonfire.
Invited guests show up in their best princess dresses. Janine sets up a child-sized table decorated inexpensively with polka-dot wrapping paper in the kitchen and lets the kids sip their ‘teas’ and graze on crackers and cheese, veggies and other fun and healthy snacks.
If it is too cold to go outside, drape extra sheets and blankets over chairs and let the kids have their own campout inside. For the braver parents, invite the kids to bring their sleeping bags for an overnight campout inside or out. Home-made trail mix and mini flashlights from the dollar store are easy party favors for each guest to take home after roughing it in the backyard or living room.
A dress-up box spilling with tutus and tiaras and jewelry is left open for the girls to peruse and put on. Baskets of cuddly stuffed animals, baby dolls and other fun toys from around the house are set out sure to entertain any princess and her friends for a morning or afternoon of birthday delight. Each girl returns to their own castles with a coloring page and tea bags filled with healthy goodies.
Campout, or in Parents with older boys or girls are sure to score major points by having a “mock” campout
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Please the teens Parents of teenagers don’t have to work hard or spend big bucks to let their teen celebrate their birthdays and stay cool. Pizza, candy and some movies or video and computer games with their closest friends may be all a teenager needs. For some extra fun, make your own pizza dough or buy some pre-made crusts at the store. Set out some toppings, and they can experiment with their own personal pizza recipe.
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A few more ideas... Birthday parties on a budget can be enjoyable and memorable. A little bit of imagination mixed with open space, snacks and chocolate is a simple recipe for a birthday party success. Here are other fun and easy ideas for affordable birthday parties at home. Messy Party - invite young guests to come in their swimming suits or old clothes and set out a large tarp or old blanket in the backyard or kitchen with paints, play dough, food, whipped cream and chocolate frosting for mud and let the kids get messy! Pool Party - Turn on the sprinklers and fill up a small inflatable or plastic kiddie pool for a summer birthday party young and older kids are sure to enjoy. Add a water-balloon or whipped cream fight for an extra special treat. Make-Your-Own Ice Cream Sundae Party - provide the ice cream and ask the invited guests to bring their favorite ice-cream Sundae toppings. Set it all out assembly-line style on a kitchen counter and pass out small prizes for whoever makes the most creative Sundae. Spa and Dress-Up Party – Grab some towels, facial products and tell the guests to bring their favorite nail polish and let them giggle away while treating themselves to a spa day or night. Super Bowl Birthday Party – set out bowls and plates of yummy and simple finger foods on the back porch with a football or two for a boy’s birthday fun with his buddies. Exchange the football with a soccer ball for a World Cup Birthday or a basketball for a Final Four Birthday showdown. www.WichitaFamily.com
Birthdays
are a wild time at the Zoo
a fun birthday party package for your child. We’ll provide all the party basics so you and your guests can just show up and have a great time. • Call 266-8252 to plan a Jungle Birthday Party in the Plaza Beastro (all ages) • Call 266-8213 to plan a Safari Birthday Party in the Cargill Learning Center (ages 3 9)
Visit www.scz.org for more information on all birthday party packages!
Wichita Family | MARCH 2011
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LOREM IPSUM
2011 SUMMER CAMPS STEP CO-ED
GRADES 4-6! STEP GIRLS
GRADES 4-6!
JUNE 6-10 JUNE 13-17
MECHANICS & MICROCONTROLLERS (1/2 DAY) GRADES 6-12!
JUNE 20-24
GATEWAY TO ENGINEERING (1/2 DAY) GRADES 7-9! JUNE 27-JULY 1
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ENGINEERING WITH LEGO ROBOTICS GRADES 6-8! JULY 5-8 GAMEMAKER
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JULY 18-22 Wichita Family | MARCH 2011
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LEARNING TOGETHER
by Jenae Crowley | www.icanteachmychild.com
Show Me the Love!
Practical Ways to Speak Your Child’s Love Language
S
everal years ago, Gary Chapman wrote a book entitled The Five Love Language: The Secret to Love That Lasts. This book introduced thousands of couples to the idea that each individual gives and receives love in different ways, or languages. Although most of us “speak” all the languages, there is normally one specific language that meets our deepest emotional need. Chapman argues that the key to a successful relationship is identifying each other’s love language then tailoring the ways that you show love. This same principle can also be translated to the ways that we demonstrate our love to our children. Just like adults, children show and receive love differently.
Here are the five love languages as identified by Gary Chapman: Words of Affirmation: Complimenting and praising our children is fundamentally important to their feeling of self-worth. We must be careful to affirm and praise them for who they are, not what they do. Like everyone, children are going to make mistakes and need to know that we will love them regardless. Words such as, “You have such a strong work ethic” or “I
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The key to a successful relationship is identifying each other’s love language.
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love the way you show kindness to others” are much more effective than empty praises like “Great job!” Physical Touch: Children need affection in order to grow into emotionally-healthy adults. Hugging and kissing your child appropriately is an important indicator of love. When we show our child affection, this demonstrates that they are worthy of our love. Likewise, many children also show their love through the affection shown to peers and adults. Quality Time: This is probably the most important love language for most children. When we make time to spend with our children, we validate their importance in our lives. One of our most precious treasures is time…and when we choose to spend it with our children, we are therefore showing them that they are our most precious treasure. Make time to spend with your child and everybody wins! Gifts: Small tokens of love are important to a child. Not necessarily just for birthdays or holidays, but at random times throughout the year. We must walk a fine line as parents, however, because we don’t want our children
feel entitled to receiving “things”. Nor should we feel guilty because they do not have everything friends or neighbors have. We can’t buy their love, but we can demonstrate our love through small tokens of thoughtfulness. On the flip side, children who love to make crafts or cards for others are demonstrating the love language of gift-giving! Acts of Service: Though sometimes children overlook acts of service as simply “what parents should do”, these acts speak love all the same. Making dinner, taking them to soccer practice, and doing their laundry are all acts of love… whether they recognize it or not. It’s important to recognize the way that your child gives and receives love. One way to pinpoint your child’s love language is to observe how the express love to you and others. Most often, the way that we express love to others is the love language that we speak most fluently. Listen to your child’s requests and complaints. If they are always asking to play a game with you or complain about not having enough time together, they are probably demonstrating their need for quality time. Keep in mind that your child’s love language could very well be completely different from yours. Jenae is a wife, mother of two boys’ ages 3 and 1, and former first-grade teacher. She loves spending time with her family and sharing fun and educational activities for young children on her website www. icanteachmychild.com.
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Childcare Directory WESTSIDE MOM'S DAY OUT - A safe place for your children to play while you have a few hours to yourself. Friday's 9-2 at Westwood Presbyterian Church. Each mom works one Friday a month. Cost is only $15 for entire family! Call 773-9152 for more information. Kidslink Christian Preschool at Westlink Christian Church 2001 N. Maize Road, Wichita, 7221034. Excellence in Early Childhood Education from a Christian Perspective. Developmentally appropriate ½ day sessions for 3, 4, & 5 yearolds. Character Building, Christian Values, Qualified Staff, Safe Loving Environment. Enrolling now for Fall 2011 classes.
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Kids Day Inn---a quality Christian Mom’s Day Out program at Westlink Christian Church 2001 N. Maize Road, Wichita 722-1034 x121. Based on the “Bee” Attitudes Classes for 2& 3 year olds Monday, Thursday OR Friday.
Midwest Classified Network READER NOTICE: This publication will never knowingly accept any advertisement that is illegal or considered fraudulent. If you have questions or doubts about any ads on these pages, we advise that before responding or sending money ahead of time, you check with the local Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Line and/or Better Business Bureau. Also be advised that some phone numbers published in these ads may require an extra charge. This publication cannot be held responsible for any negative consequences that occur as a result of you doing business with these advertisers. WANT TO ADVERTISE TO THE MIDWEST? Place your classified ads in the Midwest Classified Network anytime online at www.midwestfreeclassifieds. com(MCN)
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WICHITA FAMILIES ON THE MOVE March Calendar of Events
March 5 Youth Orchestra Concert presented by the Wichita Symphony Youth Orchestra @ Century II Concert Hall; 7 p.m. Bill Mize @ El Dorado Iron Horse Concert Hall; 7:30 p.m. “Honk Jr.” @ Wichita Children’s Theatre & Dance Center; 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. DS Game Day @ Central Library; 2:30 p.m.
March 8 Garden Sprouts: Is it Spring Yet @ Botanica 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.
March 9 Butler County Student Art Show, Pt. 2 @ El Dorado Coutts Memorial Museum of Art through March 30.
March 1
March 3
K’NEX: Building Thrill Rides - National Traveling Exhibit @ Exploration Place through April 24.
KSHSAA State Bowling Tournament @ Northrock Lanes through March 4. Admission is free.
Parade of Quilt Yoder, KS March 1-31. Soak in the quilting tradition of this Amish community during their 11th annual event. Delight in quilts of dozens of patterns, colors, and sizes displayed at participating businesses throughout town on a self guided tour. Pick up a parade route at the following businesses: Carriage Crossing Restaurant, The Kansas Station, Masterpiece Gallery, Mercantile Shoppe, or Yoder Furniture Co. No admission. For more information: www.YoderKansas. com or 620-727-4720.
Little Explorers Workshop @ Exploration Place Thursdays and Saturdays.
Art Start @ Wichita Art Museum; 10 a.m. Tuesdays. Grandma’s Closet Interactive Storytime @ Exploration Place Tuesdays and Saturdays. March Madness @ Alford Regional Branch Library; 7 p.m. Megalodon: Largest Shark That Ever Lived - National Traveling Exhibit @ Exploration Place. 50% off memberships at Museum of World Treasures in celebration for their 10th Anniversary.
March 2 44th Annual Wichita Garden Show @ Century II through March 6.
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Stuffed Animal “Sleepover” @ Central Library; 7 p.m.
March 12 WSU Shocker MINDSTORMS Challenge Robotics Competition @ WSU’s Heskett Center. 9am-4pm Big Boys Toy Show presented by Regan Productions Expo Hall: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Great Train Expo presented by Train Expo Inc. @ Century II Exhibition Hall; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through March 13.
March 4
5th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade@ Historic Delano District; Noon.
“If You Give A Mouse A Cookie” @ Crown Uptown Children’s Theatre through March 26.
Dennis Warner@ El Dorado Iron Horse Concert Hall; 7:30 p.m.
2011 Park City-Wichita Wrestling Classic Championship @ Hartman Arena through March 5.
Wichita Symphony Classics Concerts: The Red Violin @ Century II Concert Hall through March 13.
National Junior College Athletic Association Region VI Basketball Tournament @ WSU Charles Koch Arena through March 7.
Lecture by Randy Thompson, Cardiologist, discussing his work with ancient heart disease as it relates to our mummies @ Museum of World Treasures.
Friends University Spring Ballet @ Friends University Sebits Auditorium through March 6.
March 13
“Art Show at the Dog Show” @ City Arts in both Main and Upper Galleries. Laughing Feet - A Music Revue presented by Music Theatre for Young People @ Mary Jane Teall Theater through March 6.
Wichita Grand Opera presents “Romeo & Juliet” @ Century II Concert Hall; 7 p.m.
March 19 Brush Up on Painting @ Central Library for 12-17 year old; 2:30 p.m.
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Crafts 4 Fun (Mosaics) @ Central Library; 10:30 a.m.
March 20 2011 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship @ Intrust Bank Arena through March 22.
March 21 Make & Take Craft: Bracelets @ Orchard Park Library; 1:30 p.m. Museum of World Treasures Spring Break March 21-25 will provide free activities, tours, and more all week long during USD 259’s Spring Break. All activities free with paid admission.
March 22 Spring Break Art Day – Spring into Spring @ City Arts.
March 23 Spring Break Art Day – “Zoom” Art Closeups @ City Arts.
Historical Dress Up @ Museum of World Treasures. This is an activity for 1 – 5th graders and their families. Free with paid admission; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Family Artventure @ Wichita Art Museum; 11 a.m.
March 28 Educational Program: Treasure Tales, “Ladybug.” @ Museum of World Treasures. Story-telling, mini tour and craft activity for pre-schoolers and their families; 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Reoccurring Events at the Wichita Public Library Signing Time: A Toddler Sign Language Storytime 10:30 a.m., Mondays, Jan. 10-Apr. 4, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer, 337-9456
Preschool Storytime
Craft to Go: Picture Frames @ Comotara Library; 11 a.m.
10:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Jan. 11-April 5, Central Library, 223 S. Main, 261-8500
Happy Birthday, Kansas! @ Central Library ages 5-7; 2:30 p.m.
10:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Jan. 11-April 5, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer, 337-9456
Celebrate Kansas & the Air Capital: Make & Fly Paper Airplanes @ Westlink Library ages 7-11: 2:30 p.m. Windows Movie Maker for Teens @ Rockwell Library; 2:30 p.m.
March 24 Messy Mixtures @ Central Library ages 8-10; 2;30 p.m. Go Green in Kansas @ Alford Branch Library ages 7-10; 2:30 p.m.
(children only) 10:30 a.m., Wednesdays, Jan. 12-April 6, Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas, 3038181 (English/Spanish bilingual storytime) 10:30 a.m., Wednesdays, Jan. 12-April 6, Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th, 6889361
Kansas Mural Magic @ Rockwell Library ages 5-11; 2:30 p.m.
10:30 a.m., Wednesdays, Jan. 19-April 6, Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian, 337-9119
March 25
Nursery Rhyme Time
5:00 PM Final Friday.
10:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Jan. 11-April 5, Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th, 6889361
March 26 Wichita Grand Opera presents “There’s No Place Like Home” 10th Anniversary Gala @ Century II Concert Hall. Educational Program: Discovery Days,
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10:30 a.m., Wednesdays, Jan. 12-April 6, Central Library, 223 S. Main, 261-8500 10:30 a.m., Thursdays, Jan. 13-April 7, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer, 337-9456
You load it. We move it. There’s no smarter way to move and store. Call 800-776-7637 or visit PODS.com for details, quotes, and reservations. ©2010 PODS Enterprises, Inc. PODS® is a registered trademark of PODS Enterprises, Inc. P01943_0111
10:30 a.m., Fridays, Jan. 14-April 8, Central Library, 223 S. Main, 261-8500 10:30 a.m., Fridays, Jan. 14-April 8, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer, 337-9456
Toddle Time 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Jan. 11-March. 15, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer, 337-9456 10:30 a.m., Thursdays, Jan. 13-April 7, Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th, 6889361 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Jan. 18-April 5, Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian, 337-9119 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays, March. 22-March 29, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer, 337-9456
Baby’s First Storytime 11:15 a.m., Wednesdays, Jan. 12-April 6, Central Library, 223 S. Main, 261-8500
Family Storytime 10:30 a.m., Wednesdays, Jan. 12-April 6, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer, 337-945
For our on-going calendar of events visit our website at WichitaFamily.com Wichita Family | MARCH 2011
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What Rhymes with Spring? List 10 words that rhyme with “spring.” 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10. Some answers: bring, cling, fling, king, ring, sing, sling, sting, string, thing
LION or LAMB?
Joke s and Riddle s Q: Can April March?
A: No, but August May.
Q: What did the tornado say to the car?
A: Want to go for a spin?
COLORING PICTURE
Fact or Fiction?
Weather Challenge Your teacher has probably told you about the old saying that if March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb. Here are some questions about some weather events that might make March feel like a lion and a lamb. How many can you answer correctly?
1) Snow is possible in many parts of the country at the beginning of March. Fact or Fiction? 2) Snow mixed with a light breeze can lead to a blizzard. Fact or Fiction? 3) Tornadoes can occur during a severe thunderstorm. Fact or Fiction? 4) A tornado warning means that conditions are right for a tornado to happen. Fact or Fiction? 5) Heavy rainfall over a long period of time can lead to flooding. Fact or Fiction? 6) Hail comes in different sizes. Fact or Fiction? 7) The end of March is known for scorching-hot temperatures in most parts of the country. Fact or Fiction? 8) Rain showers are common in March. Fact or Fiction? 9) It can rain when the sun is out. Fact or Fiction? 10) Rainbows sometimes appear after a shower. Fact or Fiction?
Answers: 1) Fact, 2) Fiction, blizzards arise from snow and fierce gusts of wind, 3) Fact, 4) Fiction, a tornado watch means that conditions are right; a tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted, 5) Fact, 6) Fact, 7) Fiction, temperatures are usually mild at the end of March in most areas of the United States, 8) Fact, 9) Fact, 10) Fact
If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb. The phrase describes the general state of March weather. The month usually starts out with rough weather and ends with milder weather as spring arrives. The saying is used a lot in classrooms to teach kids about the weather. How it came to be is not clear. Many say it has something to do with the positions of the constellations Leo the lion and Aries the ram at the beginning and the end of the month. Wherever it came from, the saying is a good reminder of how different the weather in March can be. You might need a coat, hats and gloves at the beginning of the month and a light jacket at the end.
Name That Weather Term You’ve probably seen or heard a few weather reports. Each of the following is a term forecasters sometimes use to describe the weather. Fill in the blanks to name that term.
1)
A R C __ I C
3)
S L __ __ T
2) 4)
W H __ T E __ U T I __ E
S T O __ M
5)
L __ W
7)
S N __ W
6)
__ __ O N T
F __ O __ T
B L I __ __ A R __
S H __ W __ R S
Answers: 1) Arctic Front, 2) Whiteout, 3) Sleet, 4) Ice Storm, 5) Low Front, 6) Blizzard, 7) Snow Showers
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