The Go-To Resource for San Antonio Families Since 1985
FREE January 2020
NEW YEAR, NEW ATTITUDE
Magazine
How to Tap into More Joy This New Year
HOOK A BOOK LOVER 10 Clever Ways to Get Kids to Read
Magazine
BABYTOTS Tips to Build Your Toddler’s Vocabulary
EDUCATION GUIDE
Magazine
APPLICATION WINDOW CLOSES JAN. 31
The International Baccalaureate Schools in San Antonio ISD Offering an innovative, rigorous education with a global perspective HIGH SCHOOLS
IB World School
IB World School
ACADEMIES
IB Candidate School
IB World School
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
IB World School
IB Candidate School
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
IB World School
IB Candidate School
IB Candidate School
Tuition-free, In-District Charter Schools PreK-Graduation Apply TODAY at www.saisd.net/apply
90% of elementary IB students are proud to be a student at their school*
79%
of Diploma Programme graduates, graduate from 4-year college programs, compared to 39% for non-Diploma Programme graduates*
Students in the Middle Years Programme are more likely to take advanced classes* *Source: The International Baccalaureate, North America
Texas SB111**
Makes it possible for IB diploma graduates to receive college credit **Adopted in 2005
Visit us at: www.saisd.net/IB u (210) 554-2480 4
Our Kids Magazine | January 2020
FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210
GREAT EDUCATION
INSPIRES CHILDREN
EMPOWERS TEACHERS
STRENGTHENS FAMILIES
CHANGES EVERYTHING
GREAT EDUCATION STARTS HERE Enrollment Opens February 1
Certified Master Teachers
• Engaged Learning • Outdoor Learning • Family Engagement
APPLY AT PREK4SA.COM PREK-853-01-Our-Kids-2019.indd 1
January 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com
5
12/13/19 11:46 AM
table of
CONTENTS
January 2020
6 8 15 16 20 24 26
volume 36 • number 1
NEW YEAR, NEW ATTITUDE:
HOW TO TAP MORE JOY IN 2020
HOOK A BOOK LOVER:
6
10 CLEVER WAYS TO GET KIDS TO READ
FRIENDS AND FRIENDSHIPS TWEETS, TEXTS, AND EMOJIS:
WHY COMMUNICATING IN BRIEF SNIPPETS IS HURTING OUR KIDS
10 TIPS TO BUILD YOUR TODDLER’S VOCABULARY Magazine
Magazine
Magazine
Magazine
16
HOW TO HAVE YOUR SECOND PREGNANCY THE FIRST TIME CALENDAR Magazine
Magazine
PUBLISHER Rudy Riojas 210-526-0312 DISTRIBUTION Taspas Delivery
Magazine
P.O. Box 1809 Castroville, TX 78009 210-305-4181
On the Cover Magazine
ADVERTISING: Pat Ramotowski 210-209-8673 Magazine
Amy Sugarman 210-987-2202
20 Photo by: TOMSICKOVA
Magazine
OUR KIDS MAGAZINE LLC is a locally owned magazine published monthly. Advertisements in this magazine are paid for by the advertisers, which allows this magazine to be free to the consumer. Limit of one free copy per reader. Unless specifically noted, no advertisers, products or services are endorsed by the publisher. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertising are available on an equal opportunity basis. OUR KIDS MAGAZINE LLC copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.
4
Our Kids Magazine | January 2020
FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210
Apparel for Dance & Gymnastics Bodywear & Shoes for Children thru Adults
Dorothy’s Dance Shop 3 Locations: 1532 Austin Hwy.
829-8454
11255 Huebner Rd. #107
January
558-4200
FIND YOUR FIT
434 N Loop 1604 W, #1102
545-4700
See our store specials online at
www.dorothysdanceshop.net
P E D I AT R I C S I M M U N I Z AT I O N S , W E L L- C H I L D V I S I T S , A D H D C A R E , C O L D / F L U C A R E , & M O R E
San Antonio
•
Helotes
•
Boerne
(210) 233-7000
CommuniCareSA.org
A C C E P T I N G M O S T P R I V A T E I N S U R A N C E S , M E D I C A I D / C H I P. S E L F - P A Y P A T I E N T S W E L C O M E D . January 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com
5
Feature
New Year, New Attitude How to Tap More Joy in 2020 by Christa Melnyk Hines
Want to bring more joy into your home this year? Try shifting your mindset. Not only can adopting a more optimistic attitude create a happier life, you’ll influence how well your kids respond to life’s daily challenges too. “Children watch their parents. They pick up on moods and beliefs. A positive attitude is contagious--as is a negative attitude,” says psychologist Dr. Kristen Hensley. Positively rewarding. A positive outlook boosts productivity, energy and motivation; helps reduce stress; enhances confidence and self-esteem; benefits health and even improves relationships with others. “A positive attitude can also help us be more flexible in our thinking and make seeing solutions to problems easier,” Hensley says. “Looking for silver linings in life can help build mental resilience and general optimism.” Practice self-awareness. Try tracking your moods to get a better sense of what you’ll need to do to better care for yourself each day. Jessica Mostaffa, early childhood mental health specialist and therapist who works with mothers suffering from depression, says this tactic helps her clients take a more mindful approach to their day-to-day emotional well-being. Make a happiness list. Brainstorm a list of activities that help you feel better when you’re feeling depleted. Your list might include taking a warm shower, watching a comedy, gardening or taking a walk with a friend. 6
Our Kids Magazine | January 2020
“When moms start working on increasing time for themselves, it not only decreases depressive symptoms, but they also report having a better, more positive relationship and interactions with their children, partners and others in the home,” Mostaffa says. Invite your kids to make lists too. When they’re angry or upset, they can turn to their list to help them manage their emotions in a healthy way. For example, shoot hoops, listen to music, draw, read or call a trusted friend. Reframe negative thoughts. Rather than trying to ignore them, work with cynical thoughts that creep into your head. Mostaffa suggests asking yourself grounding questions like: “What’s the evidence that thought is true?” “What’s the evidence that thought is not true?” “What’s the worst thing that could happen? “What’s the best thing that could happen? “And what’s the most likely thing to happen?” Watch how you say it. Notice how you describe your obligations to yourself or others. For instance instead of saying: “It’s my responsibility to make sure the kids have their homework done,” you might say: “It’s my privilege to make sure that my children are doing what’s best for them.” “It’s those subtle shifts that have profound effects on our lives,” says Carla McClellan, an ACC-certified life coach. Voice your gratitude. Foster positive thinking at meal time by inviting your family to share three things for which they feel grateful and why. Bedtime is a good time to reflect on the day too. LIKE US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA
“Daily affirmations can be powerful,” Hensley says. “These don’t have to be major things either. A five-year-old might say she’s grateful for the cupcake she got at school for a classmate’s birthday celebration because it made her happy. The purpose is to teach this kind of thinking and help it become a more natural part of everyday life.” Create a vision board. Imagine what you and your family would like to accomplish in the year ahead. Either make a family vision board or individual ones. Grab a stack of old magazines, scissors, glue and poster board. Cut out inspiring words, quotes and pictures. Ask each other questions like: “What are our dreams for the coming year?” “What do we want to see happen in our lives?” “What would an ideal vacation look like?” Set intentions. Alongside your daily to-do list, make a “to-be” list.Every morning set your intention. Ask yourself “who am I willing to be today?” Kind? Loving? Generous? Enthusiastic? “An intention is a laser focus for our energy. When we claim who we are willing to be, we can be that,” McClellan says.
We also offer: Open Jump Parents’ Night Out, Holiday & Special Jumps, Field Trips
PLANET PARTY San Antonios #1 Family Fun Center!
Use Promo Code
Northeast Nacogdoches @ Thousand Oaks 12403 Nacogdoches, 78217
$40 OFF
Summit Pkwy Callaghan @ Evers 4914 NW Loop 410, 78229
You may bring your own decorations.
New Bookings Only Book Online Expires 1/31/20
Northwest Book Your Party Now! Ingram @ 410 6450 Loop 410, 78238
You may serve any food you prefer. You may also bring Cake Cupcakes, Ice Cream Cups, Goody Bags.
“OURKIDS40” to receive
any party package
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Open on the Weekends All Year • Petting Zoo • Pony Rides • Hay Rides • Play/Climbing Areas • Birthday Parties
Gear down before bedtime as a family. Read together, draw or watch a show. This time together helps kids decompress and gives them space to express worries, concerns or stories from the day.
http://owlcreekfarmsa.com/
Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two boys. Christa’s latest book is Happy, Healthy and Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.
You may have up to 72 guests.
SUMMER CAMPS &
Owl Creek Farm
Play together. Experts agree, families who play together tend to be happier and more deeply connected. Whether you throw the football, compete in a game of cards, dance to funky music in your living room, or make up games on a car ride, play will strengthen your relationship with each other. Experiment with what works for your family. “All of these types of activities and rituals are very important because they’re modeling a positive attitude, building a healthy way of thinking and interacting with the world, and helping children understand the link between thoughts, feelings and behaviors,” Hensley says.
Enjoy private use of the entire venue Main Game Room, Toddler Zone, & Dining area Exclusively for your reservation.
210.535.7096 www.planetpartysa.com
Encourage quiet time. Quiet, unplugged time helps nurture creative thinking, problem-solving and stress reduction.
Weigh the positive and negative. If your child is troubled by a situation at school or at home, encourage him to write down a positive thought about it on a card. On the opposite side, have him write the negative thought. “Then you can discuss with your child each side, how each makes him or her feel, and what the consequences of each side might be,” Hensley says. “Remind children that it’s OK to have negative thoughts and feelings. We just don’t want them to rule our lives.”
3 Convenient Locations 210-535-7096 www.planetpartysa.com
Private Reservation Includes: We are the largest Private venue in Texas!
12355 Military Dr. SATX 78253
210-616-6585
sanantonio.madscience.org
Call Today:
210-651-1143
Dorothy Keck Dancers Register Now for Dance Classes
TAP • BALLET • LYRICAL POINTE • JAZZ • HIP HOP • CONTEMPORARY DANCE TEAM • ACROBATICS
• • • OUR 60th YEAR
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFIED FACULTY AGES 18 MONTHS THRU ADULTS BEGINNER THRU ADVANCED LEVELS
829-8489 1532 AUSTIN HWY Sunset Square Shopping Center Next to HEB www.dorothykeckdancers.com
ONE ADMISSION COUPON PER FAMILY MEMBER PER VISIT
$1 off child admission $2 off Adult admission
$5 off Camping per family per visit January 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com
7
EDUCATION GUIDE
Hook a Book Lover:
10 Clever Ways to Get Kids to Read by Janeen Lewis
One of the most important things parents can do is raise a reader. Successful reading leads to successes in academics and gives kids a solid start in life. In fact, recent research shows that kids who read at least 15 minutes a day have accelerated reading gains. But no matter how diligent parents are at supporting reading, sometimes kids resist. Books have to compete with those oh-so-scintillating devices, video games and TV streaming apps. Why not shake things up a bit and try some stealthy ways to hook a book lover? The following 10 ideas are sure to win over the most reluctant reader.
1. Free Stuff! If your kids don’t believe you, ask Siri or Google “free stuff kids can earn by reading” and oodles of free items will pop up. By merely recording the titles they are reading, my own children have earned these things free: Pizza Hut Personal Pan Pizzas, frozen yogurt, books from Barnes and Noble, and amusement park tickets. One time my son turned in the most reading logs in our local summer reading program and got to be interviewed on the radio by a DJ. She gave him a basket of goodies including movie tickets for our whole family. 2. Let the books out. Don’t cage them up on the shelves! When my son was eight, he announced that he didn’t want to read non-fiction books because they bored him. I checked out a big stack of nonfiction titles from the library and in my most nonchalant voice said, “You don’t have to read these, but I think I will. They seem very interesting.” I strategically placed the books 8
Our Kids Magazine | January 2020
throughout the house, concentrating on his favorite places. That kid read every book by the end of the week. Research shows that kids from print-rich homes are better readers, but it helps if the books, magazines and newspapers are out where kids can see them. Put bins and baskets of books in the bathroom, in the car, and spread out books with inviting covers all over hard surfaces in your home.
3. Reward with extra bedtime reading. Have you noticed that your child who has a plague-like aversion to reading during the day suddenly develops a fondness for reading when it’s time for bed? Why not embrace this motivation and let your child earn extra reading time at bedtime? If he or she reads for a specified amount of time or reads a certain number of books, extend lights out for a few minutes -- as long as your child spends that time reading. 4. Make your book nook the envy of the neighborhood. Think: tent with twinkle lights. Plump pillows. Comfy chairs. Make your child’s reading space as comfortable and inviting as you can. The most original reading space I’ve seen was at a school. It was a model of the fictional Narnia ship Dawn Treader. Kids climbed a ladder to a reading nook on top that was cushioned with carpet and pillows. But don’t think your home’s reading space has to be fancy. When my children were young they draped a sleeping bag over the footboard of our queen-sized bed. Extending it from the back of the bed, they lapped it over a chair and then curled up with their books in the “reading fort.” When reading time was over, we put everything away. Another fun LIKE US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA
EDUCATION GUIDE thing my kids have done is build a “reading cave” with old moving boxes.
5. Make it a double feature. Every year new films come out that are inspired by books. If your child wants to see a movie that was based on a book, have them read the book first and then rent the movie and watch it together. Compare the two, and have your child explain which he or she liked better, the movie or the book. 6. Get graphic. Umm. . . I’m talking graphic novels here. They may not be the conventional kind of books parents grew up with, but they may draw your child into reading. And while you are mixing it up, let them read comic books. Oh, and throw in some audio books and let them read on a device sometimes. Imagine all the possibilities that might engage your child in reading.
Apply Today! Come see why more families are choosing Brooks!
7. Let them order a magazine subscription. I let my daughter have a magazine subscription, and she chose “Ask Magazine” for science and art lovers. She reads them repeatedly, quoting facts and digging further into topics she finds in the magazine, like poisonous plants and venomous animals. Magazine subscriptions that come specifically for the kids of the house make them feel grown up and tempt them to read. Some good ones to try: Ask, Ranger Rick, National Geographic Kids, Sports Illustrated Kids, Cobblestone, Ladybug and Highlights. 8. Tickle a funny bone. From Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid, to Peggy Parish’s Amelia Bedelia, or Sara Pennypacker’s Clementine, a funny story is a good way to hook a book lover. And if you read a humorous book with your child, you might find yourself chuckling along, too. 9. Let there be light. Come on, don’t be so stuffy! Let them read with a flashlight under the covers. (Or try a little reverse psychology and forbid them to read with a flashlight under the covers -- maybe they’ll sneak and do what you want them to!) Also, there are a plethora of really cool reading lights in today’s universe. Headlamps are a unique option, and there are even book lights that keep track of minutes read. 10. Be a rock star reader yourself. Carve out time daily for your child to see you pouring over the paper, curling up with your favorite book, or discussing a tidbit from a magazine. Model a reading life, and your child will be more likely to embrace the same literature-loving values. Janeen Lewis is a writer, teacher and mom to Andrew and Gracie. When she’s not trying to tame the whirlwind that is her life, you’ll find her curled up with a good book.
Now Accepting Applications for the 2020-2021 School Year! A Tuition Free Charter School! Call to schedule your tour today! Four Locations!
Brooks Academy of Science & Engineering (PreK3-12th Grade) 3803 Lyster Rd. San Antonio, TX 78235 210.633.9006 BASE.brooksacademy.org Brooks Collegiate Academy (PreK3-12th Grade) 4802 Vance Jackson Rd. San Antonio, TX 78230 210.850.3002 BCA.brooksacademy.org Brooks Oaks Academy (K-5th Grade) 6070 Babcock Rd. San Antonio, TX 78240 210.627.6013 Oaks.brooksacademy.org Brooks Lone Star Academy (K-5th Grade) 25 Burwood Lane San Antonio, TX 78213 210.998.4452 LONESTAR.brooksacademy.org
January 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com
brooksacademy.org
9
EDUCATION GUIDE CHARTER SCHOOLS BASIS Texas Charter Schools Find one of our three Texas schools! (480) 289 2088 enrollBASIS.com
And School Meaningful education... EST. 1963
Practical - Encouraging Independence Conscientious -Blended Indoor and Outdoor Classrooms Precise -Authentic Montessori Curriculum Experienced - AMI Certified & Bilingual Guides
• 18 Months - Kindergarten • Afterschool Care 1st through 5th grades • Summer Camp 5 through 10 year olds • Located on six wooded acres with pool
Type of School: Charter. Grades Served: K–12. Before/After School Programs: Yes. Student—Teacher Ratio: Approximately 15:1. BASIS Charter Schools are consistently ranked among the top K–12 schools in the nation. Our accelerated liberal arts curriculum builds on strong foundations and organizational skills to develop independent, resourceful problem solvers who are prepared to succeed in a globally competitive workforce.
Serving Children Since 1987! Offering Infant and Preschool Programs
Brooks Academy www.brooksacademy.org Brooks Lone Star Academy 25 Burwood Lane SATX 78216 210-998-4452 Brooks Collegiate Academy K – 12 4802 Vance Jackson Rd. SATX 78230 210-850-3002 Brooks Academy of Science and Engineering K-12 3803 Lyster Road SATX 78235 210-633-9006 Brooks Academy Oaks Pre K – 5 6070 Babcock Road SATX 78240 210-627-6013 Brooks Lone Star Academy K - 5 4802 Vance Jackson Road SATX 78230 210-998-4452
4911 Golden Quail, San Antonio TX 78240 In Medical Center near USAA
(210) 696-0213
210.558.8339 www.montessorichildrenshousesa.com
www.suburbanschool.com
5409 Encino Park Rd. San Antonio, Tx 78240
• Infant Care • Pre-School Programs • Music & Gymnastics • Private Kindergarten • Karate • Spanish • Ballet • Swimming
Brooks Academy students will be self-motivated, competent, life-long learners, and prepared to thrive throughout their lives. Brooks Academy will ensure every student success at the college preparatory level of instruction by virtue of its small size; commitment to personalizing each student’s program and pace of study; the high competency reform oriented teaching staff this innovative school of choice will attract; and strong partnerships with businesses, universities, and other resources in the community.
Located near USAA and the Medical Center. 9433 Fredericksburg Monday - Friday 210-694-4622 6:15 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. www.brightideasdaycare.com
Join the Southwest Prep Family! We are now enrolling for the 2019-2020 school year!
The International Baccalaureate Schools in San Antonio ISD Nine centrally-located IB and IB Candidate schools (elementary-high school) 210-554-2480 IB@saisd.net, www.saisd.net/ib
San Antonio ISD’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Schools are tuition-free, indistrict charter schools offering innovative, rigorous education with a global perspective. IB Programmes are known around the world for their unique rigor and focus on students’ personal development. Application is open from November 5, 2019 to January 31, 2020. To apply, visit www.saisd.net/apply. Elementary Schools (Pre-K to 5th): Briscoe, Huppertz* and Woodlawn Hills*; Academies (PK/K to 8th): Woodlawn and Fenwick*; Middle Schools: Harris, Longfellow*. (*IB Candidate school). High Schools: Burbank, Jefferson
Jubilee Academies 4434 Roland Road San Antonio, Texas 78222 210-333-6227 Jubileeacademies.org
FREE Public Charter
Schools in San Antonio and Seguin
Enrolling Grades PK–12 Athletics Programs College Scholarships Small Classes Strong Core Values
A Better Approach to Public Education! Serving Pre-K(4) - Graduation; offering College Credit, Career Readiness and Character Development. There are six Jubilee locations in San Antonio – call for the one nearest you.
KIPP Poder Academy 128 S. Audubon Dr. San Antonio, TX 78212 210.888.6513 www.kippsa.org/poder
KIPP Poder provides a positive learning environment, college-preparatory academics, and character education for students in 5th – 8th grade. KIPP Poder earned an A-Rating plus 5 distinctions from the TEA. We believe that 100% of our students will go to and through college. On a daily basis, students receive time for targeted, small group intervention and/or enrichment. Students have access to Music, Art, Mexican American Studies, Journalism, Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball and much more. Call us for a tour.
swprep.org/enroll Enroll today! 10
830-549-5930
We are a college preparatory and career readiness public charter school serving students in grades PK–12. We provide a safe environment, small classes with individual attention, and an academically enriched curriculum. Northeast Campus
Our Kids Magazine | January 2020
SW Prep Ad - Our Kids Magazine.indd 1
Southwest Preparatory Schools 4 Campuses listed below 210-829-8017 www.swprep.org
LIKE US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA 6/12/19 9:08 AM
EDUCATION GUIDE & New Directions 1258 Austin Hwy. Pre-K – 12th grade; Southeast Campus 735 SWW White Rd. Pre-K – 12th grade; Northwest Campus 6535 Culebra Rd. Pre-K – 12th grade; Seguin Elementary 2400 E. Walnut St. Pre-K – 8th grade
PRE-SCHOOLS
Bright Ideas Enrichment Center 9433 Fredericksburg Road 210-694-4622 brightideasdaycare.com
We realize that each child is unique with a specific set of needs. It is our sincere desire to accept the challenge and work toward the goal of meeting each of those needs. We offer Infant and Toddler care, Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 and Private Kindergarten, with breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack provided. We also offer Swimming lessons, Ballet, Gymnastics, Karate and Spanish for Tots.
Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church & Early Childhood Center 5323 Blanco Rd. San Antonio TX 78216 210-732-7223 – Church 210-733-9444 Daycare www.christoursavior-sa.org
Sharing and teaching the love of Christ as we reach out to all people. “Viviendo,compartiendo –y- ensenando el amor de cristo mientras alcanzamos a toda persona. Our acre supplements the home by providing a place in which the child may develop in an arranged environment with trained staff. Opened all year round.
Colonial Hills United Methodist School 210-349-1092 5247 Vance Jackson, www.colonialhills.info chumsadmissions@gmail.com
At CHUMS our mission is to provide a safe, loving environment that nurtures and develops the whole child. Our curriculum and developmentally appropriate environment helps children grow emotionally, physically, spiritually and intellectually. We develop self-esteem, socialization and skills for life. Offering care for children ages 18 months to Kindergarten.
Country Home Learning Center www.countryhomelearningcenter.com Call 210-687-1002
Country Home Learning Center provides the very best in quality childcare for ages 6 weeks to 13 years, with exceptionally small classes. We offer an innovative, comprehensive educational program in a first-class facility. Students enjoy our • Waterpark • Adventure Jungle Indoor Playground • Putt-Putt Golf Course • Gymnasium • 1950’s-Style Soda Shop • Movie Theater • Computer Lab • Horseback Riding at Country Home Ranch.
Play Today Drop-In Daycare 17319 IH 35 N. Suite 302 Schertz, TX 78154 210-651-3610 Playtodaydropin.com Play Today is a unique child care facility that offers flexible drop-in care for children 12 months to 12 years. We believe that children are unique individuals who need to be respected and cared for in a safe, nurturing environment. Your child will enjoy a fun learning facility with songs, finger play, games, arts and crafts, and sensory play. After school pickup available. Mother’s Day Out available for 2-5 years with age appropriate curriculum.
Pre-K Academy at West Avenue 3915 West Avenue SATX 78213 210-407-0341 www.neisd.net/prekacademy Enroll your child in a nurturing environment designed with four-year-olds in mind. Students will participate in a full-day pre-k program following the NEISD calendar. Physical education, music, an age-appropriate library, transportation services, STEAM activities, certified teachers and meal opportunities are all a part of your child’s program.
Pre-K 4 SA https://prek4sa.com/ North Education Center 3635 Medical Dr. San Antonio, TX 78229 210-206-2800 East Education Center 5230 Eisenhauer Rd. San Antonio, TX 78218 210-206-2850 South Education Center 7031 S New Braunfels Ave. San Antonio, TX 78223 210-206-2700 West Education Center 1235 Enrique M. Barrera Memorial Pkwy San Antonio, TX 78227 210-206-2900 Pre-K 4 SA is a comprehensive early childhood program aimed at changing the educational and workforce trajectory of San Antonio in one generation. Pre-K 4 SA offers full-day and extended-day prekindergarten for 4-year-olds living in the City of San Antonio. Pre-K 4 SA has four Education Centers located throughout the city and offers a play-based learning environment that builds a foundation in concepts such as math, science, language, and art. Apply Now – enrollment opens February 1.
Rise & Shine Academy 1213 Bandera Road San Antonio, TX 78228 www.rs.academy 210-888-9393 Rise & Shine Academy is a private preschool that provides a supportive, nurturing, loving, and safe environment to 2-5-year-old children. Our focus is on the whole child, ensuring to meet the emotional, social, physical, cognitive and academic developmental needs. We provide a high-quality early childhood education curriculum with developmentally appropriate practices. Our loving, caring and passionate teachers provide learning experiences through play and our learning environments are inspired by Reggio Emilia, Montessori and High Scope.
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church School & Child Care 6914 Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio TX. 78240 210-614-3741 | shlutheran.org Shepherd of the Hills is a Christ-centered, loving, learning environment dedicated to serving children, Infants through Grade 8. We are proud to be a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, and provide a solid, faith based, fully accredited educational program and state licensed childcare. We believe that quality education and Christianity go hand in hand and have an outstanding staff committed to education. We believe in developing the whole child and offer a range of enrichment and extracurricular programs including sports, music, band, STEAM and various other enrichment opportunities.
Suburban School 210-696-0213 5409 Encino Park Road general@suburbanschool.com www.suburbanschool.com Suburban School, a place where children can learn in a unique, natural setting and are encouraged to become independent, caring individuals. Suburban School exceeds State Minimum Standards and follows national accreditation (NECPA and NAEYC) guidelines. Suburban School embodies a relaxed, comfortable learning atmosphere with an emphasis on our outdoor environment to enhance gross motor development. We believe that a happy and successful childhood with clear expectations leads to a positive self-image. Our program is designed to be age level appropriate, blending traditional and progressive styles of learning. We use hands-on experiences and learning centers to encourage creativity and a better understanding of concepts. Time is spent learning in a group setting as well as one-to-one with a teacher.
MSSA Open House Saturday, January 25, 2020 Program starts promptly at 9:00 a.m. RSVP to 210-492-3553
MSSA admits students of any race, color, religion, and national or ethnic origin. 17722 Rogers Ranch Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78258 - 210.492.3553
www.montessorisa.org January 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com
11
EDUCATION GUIDE www.cardinalma.com
We combine an authentic Montessori education with a variety of enrichment activities to offer children a premier learning experience while providing parents with peace of mind that their children are in a safe, nurturing, and quality academic environment. We offer Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten and Summer Programs.
PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS The International Baccalaureate Schools in San Antonio ISD Nine centrally-located IB and IB Candidate schools (elementary-high school) 210-554-2480 IB@saisd.net, www.saisd.net/ib
Monte Vista Montessori School 210-737-6363 237 W. Magnolia, San Antonio, TX 78212 www.MonteVistaMontessori.com
San Antonio ISD’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Schools are tuition-free, in-district charter schools offering innovative, rigorous education with a global perspective. IB Programmes are known around the world for their unique rigor and focus on students’ personal development. Application is open from November 5, 2019 to January 31, 2020. To apply, visit www.saisd.net/apply. Elementary Schools (Pre-K to 5th): Briscoe, Huppertz* and Woodlawn Hills*; Academies (PK/K to 8th): Woodlawn and Fenwick*; Middle Schools: Harris, Longfellow*. (*IB Candidate school). High Schools: Burbank, Jefferson
San Antonio ISD 141 Lavaca Street San Antonio, TX 78210 210-554-2660 www.saisd.net
Mount Sacred Heart School 210-342-6711 619 Mt. Sacred Heart Road, San Antonio www.mountsacredheart.org
International Academy of San Antonio 12500 NW Military Hwy San Antonio, TX 78231 210-638-5200
At the Montessori School of San Antonio, we guide children to be passionate learners, independent thinkers and engaged citizens. We partner with parents, guiding students to achieve their full potential in academic, social, physical, intellectual, aesthetic and moral development
Cardinal Montessori Academy 6506 W. Hausman Rd. SATX 78249 San Antonio Independent School District
Cornerstone Christian Schools 17702 NW Military Hwy San Antonio, TX 78257 210-979-9203 sa-ccs.org
The Monte Vista Montessori School is a traditional Montessori school founded by a team of Montessorians who together have well over a century of experience in Montessori education. It is an ungraded school that works with children from ages two to fourteen.
The Montessori School of San Antonio 210-492-3553 17722 Rogers Ranch Pkwy San Antonio Texas 78258 www.montessoriSA.org
MONTESSORI SCHOOLS
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Discover the premier K4-12 Christian School in San Antonio offering accessible, premium, Christian education in unmatched facilities. Cornerstone Christian Schools exists to give your student the opportunity to be prepared through education for success in this life. It will be built upon the foundation of faith to enable them to overcome all things through the power and the grace of Jesus Christ. Schedule your personal guided tour today. Where Warriors are made.
Mount Sacred Heart is a private, co-educational Catholic School offering PreK - 8th grades and San Antonio’s only Catholic Montessori Program. We are a spiritually based community committed to excellence in faith and education fostering development of the whole child.
As San Antonio’s founding school district, our neighborhood schools have served as the heart of San Antonio for more than 100 years. Today, SAISD is Bexar County’s third-largest school district. With forwardthinking academic programs at neighborhood schools and a growing list of specialized schools, SAISD students can customize their own educational experience and find what truly drives them.
from early childhood through adolescence.
The International Academy of San Antonio (IASA) is the first of its kind in the region, offering a comprehensive international curriculum for students in Kindergarten through fifth grade. The Academy emphasizes learning with a global perspective and features small classes and a nurturing environment. Our experienced faculty and staff offer multi-cultural and multi-national experiences.
Keystone School 210-735-4022 119 East Craig San Antonio, TX 78212 www.keystoneschool.org
Keystone school has been a haven for bright, motivated children since 1948. Master teachers lead small classes with an accelerated, college-preparatory curriculum. Academics, extracurriculars, arts, outdoor education
(210) 554-2660
Choice Schools & Magnet Programs
Looking for a best fit for your child? RISE & SHINE ACADEMY
RISE RISE & & SHINE SHINE ACADEMY ACADEMY
ENROLLMENT IS
ENROLLMENT IS ENROLLMENT IS NOW ONGOING! NOW ONGOING! NOW ONGOING! Let your child become a member of our family today!
Let your child2-5 become member of our family today! *Ages *low a ratios * learning through play Let your child become a member of our family today! *Ages 2-5 *low ratios * learning through play *developmentally appropriate * beautiful *Ages 2-5 *low ratios * learningpractices through play *developmentally appropriate practices * beautiful *developmentally appropriate practices beautiful learning environments * outdoor* learning learning environments * outdoor learning learning environments * outdoor learning
The CHOICE is yours!
8 3- 99 33 9 3 ( 2( 1201)0 8) 8888- 9 (210) 888-9393 ADNED 1 21 1231 3B ABN RE ARRAD .R D . 1213 BANDERA RD. SSAA NNA A N TNOTNOIN O I, OT ,X T7X8 272882 2 8 SAN ANTONIO, TX 78228
SCHOOL OPTIONS
Please official website at Pleasevisit visitour our official website Please visit our official website at at www.rs.academy Provider www.rs.academy*CCS *CCS Provider www.rs.academy *CCS Provider
Montessori
STEM
Early College
Career-focused Programs
Dual Language
Media & Technology
Single Gender
International Baccalaureate
SEWING CLASSES & CAMPS Ages 4 to adult
North Central at 281/Thousand Oaks
210-375-5241 Far West Side at Culebra
210-541-5088 www.AbbysAtticSewingSchool.com
Excellence in learning, living, and serving
SUBMIT AN APPLICATION November 5, 2019 – January 31, 2020 ONLINE www.saisd.net/apply
All Students
in Bexar county welcome to apply, regardless of academic abilities
OVER THE PHONE (210) 554-2660
IN PERSON 1931 E. Houston St., 78202
Transportation
provided from numerous pick-up and drop-off hubs around the district
After-School Care available at most Choice Schools
12
choice@saisd.net
Our Kids Magazine | January 2020
Register Now • Pre K4 - 8th Grade Near USAA & the Medical Center
www.saisdchoice.com (210) 309-3259
S . Matthew CATHOLIC SCHOOL
@SAISD_Enroll
210-478-5044 www.smcssa.org LIKE US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA
EDUCATION GUIDE and technology combine in a challenging, nurturing environment to develop academic excellence, ethical growth, community involvement, and responsible leadership. Grades PK3-12.
Mount Sacred Heart School 210-342-6711 619 Mt. Sacred Heart Road, San Antonio www.mountsacredheart.org
Mount Sacred Heart is a private, co-educational Catholic school committed to excellence in faith and education. A spiritually based community fostering personal uniqueness and development of the whole person.
Positive Solutions High School 1325 N. Flores, Suite 100 San Antonio, TX 78212 210-299-1025 www.facebook.com/ positivesolutionshighschool
Brief Description: Positive Solutions High School, chartered by the State of Texas in 1998, is an open enrollment charter school offering an accelerated high school diploma program for grades 9-12 as well as a GED program (4 hour sessions available in AM or PM). Positive Solutions High School students will succeed academically and in society.
San Antonio Academy 210-733-7331 117 East French Place, San Antonio, TX 78212 www.sa-academy.org
San Antonio Academy educates Pre-K thru eighth grade boys to succeed in life scholastically, emotionally and physically. At The Academy, boys discover that it is awesome to be smart, loving and hardworking.
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church School & Child Care 6914 Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio TX. 78240
210-614-3741 | shlutheran.org
Shepherd of the Hills is a Christ-centered, loving, learning environment dedicated to serving children, Infants through Grade 8. We are proud to be a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, and provide a solid, faith based, fully accredited educational program and state licensed childcare. We believe that quality education and Christianity go hand in hand and have an outstanding staff committed to education. We believe in developing the whole child and offer a range of enrichment and extracurricular programs including sports, music, band, STEAM and various other enrichment opportunities.
St. Matthew Catholic School 10703 Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, TX 78230 (210) 478-5044 www.smcssa.org
St. Matthew Catholic School is dedicated to the mission of educating a strong, faith-centered community through a commitment to the spiritual, moral, intellectual, social and physical development of each child. Register now for Pre-K – 8th grade.
St. Mary Magdalen School 1700 Clower Street San Antonio, TX 78201 210-735-1381 www.stmmsa.org
St. Mary Magdalen School offers an affordable Dual Language all day program beginning at ages 3 years old through 8th grade. Free morning care as well as free after school care clubs are available Monday thru Friday. Athletic programs for students in grades K4 and up are available during the school year. There is a 1:1 Chromebook program that empowers all students grades Kindergarten-8th to utilize and participate in our Success maker Program leading them on the way to higher learning. Call or come by today to schedule a tour.
Drop In Licensed DayCare Mother’s Day Out Program Now Offering – After School Care with pick up!! Open late on Friday nights for Parents Night Out
210-651-3610 Playtodaydropin.com
of San Antonio
Up-to-date styles and comfortable fabrics • All sizes in stock year-round • Alteration services • Competitive prices sanantonio.academicoutfitters.com sanantonio.academicoutfitters.com West Ave, Suite102 102 • San TX TX 78213 80558055 West Ave, Suite SanAntonio, Antonio, 78213 210.709.7214 asimone@academicoutfitters.com 210-616-2014 • •asimone@academicoutfitters.com
St. Monica’s Catholic School 210-658-6701 515 North St., Converse www.saintmonica.net office@saintmonica.net
At St. Monica, our mission is to provide all students a challenging academic curriculum within a program where Catholic values reflecting God’s love are taught, practiced and ever present.
St. Peter Prince of Apostles School 18 months - 8th grade 112 Marcia Place, SA TX 78209 210-824-3171 • stpeterprince.org
“St. Peter Prince of Apostles Catholic School offers a rigorous curriculum, servant leadership opportunities, and athletic and extracurricular programs for students in grades PreK3 through 8. The Weekday Children’s Program serves children 18-months to 3 years. Call now to schedule a tour. Excellence in Education within a Community of Faith!”
The Circle School 217 Pershing Ave. San Antonio, TX 78209 (210)822-0461 http://thecircleschool.org
This unconventional private school is a PreK8th grade family cooperative founded in 1965 and combines academic excellence with a distinctive curriculum oriented around several elements: 1) daily oral storytelling; 2) nature-based education teaching gardening and sustainability; 3) art and creative learning; 4) respectful conflict resolution encouraging compassion and empathy. We are internationally designated as an Ashoka Changemaker School in recognition of our cultivation of students with the skills and confidence to change the world.
Pre-K Academy at West Avenue 3915 West Avenue San Antonio, TX 78213 210-407-8600 www.neisd.net/prekacademy
√ Advanced instruction √ Affordable tuition √ Convenient bus hubs
CURRICULUM Enrichment including: physical education, music and library programming STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Instructional Focus Dual Language Classrooms; Social Emotional Learning
FULL-DAY PROGRAM School Hours: 7:40 a.m. - 2:55 p.m. Drop off begins at 6:50 a.m.; Breakfast & lunch available Kids’ Involvement Network (KIN) after-school care available until 6:30 p.m.; Healthy snacks provided
January 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com
13
EDUCATION GUIDE SPECIAL NEEDS
The Clowvazar Academy (210) 690-4800 12746 Cimarron Path #120 San Antonio, TX 78249 www.clowvazar.com
A school for kids with Anxiety, Autism and other special needs. We provide education to Gifted-And-Talented, General Ed and Special Ed students. Our program places students in each subject by ability not by age. In addition to academics, our program focuses on giving students tools they need to deal with social settings and anxiety. Apply online today!
Sunshine Cottage 603 E. Hildebrand San Antonio, TXÂ 78212 (210) 824-0579 www.sunshinecottage.org
Founded in 1947 by John and Dela White, Sunshine Cottage offers a listening and spoken language environment for all children with hearing impairment as well as for typically hearing children. Sunshine Cottage provides students the opportunity to excel and experience new learning adventures each day. Pre-school through fifth grade. Contact: Executive Director Dr. Belinda Pustka, (210) 8240579, bpustka@sunshinecottage.org
The Winston School of SA 210-615-6544 8565 Ewing Halsell, San Antonio, TX 78229 www.winston-sa.org
The Winston School San Antonio provides opportunities for bright students (K-12) to excel in academics, fine arts, athletics, and community service. Our small class size and targeted instruction provides success for students with ADHD, or other academic challenges in reading, math, and writing. Winston offers an outstanding college and career planning program with over 90% of our graduates attending college.
needs. We provide education to Gifted-And-Talented, General Ed and Special Ed students. Our program places students in each subject by ability not by age. In addition to academics, our program focuses on giving students tools they need to deal with social settings and anxiety. Apply online today!
AdBAnce Behavioral Health ABA Therapy 844-568-2001 www.AdBAnce.com
ABA Therapy can help students with Special Needs to maintain and generalize skills already learned. ABA can also be used as a teaching tool and a preventative tool to address challenging behaviors
Advocacy Services Education Liaison Services (210)859-0970
Education Liaison Services’ mission to help parents navigate the maze of special education services is to ensure that your special needs child receives the appropriate education geared to meet each child’s unique learning needs. Our skilled team of experienced special education teachers advocate for your child’s most appropriate educational experience.
Sunshine Cottage offers a listening and spoken language environment for all children with hearing impairment as well as for typically hearing children. Sunshine Cottage provides students the opportunity to excel and experience new learning adventures each day. Pre-school through fifth grade.Â
TUTORING Brainiac One-On-One In Home Tutoring 210-570-5611 www.mybrainiacs.com
Bullying Empowerment Center Dr. Vanessa C. Cantu 210-845-4352 info@bullyingempowerment.com
I am Dr. Vanessa C. Cantu, Ph.D. I am a licensed professional counselor. You can reach me by e-mailing me at info@bullyingempowerment.com or calling me at (210) 845-4352. I can help your children with behavioral skills (i.e., social and coping) needed to be successful with their peers and family.
The Clowvazar Academy (210) 690-4800 12746 Cimarron Path #120 San Antonio, TX 78249 www.clowvazar.com
Sunshine Cottage 603 E. Hildebrand San Antonio, TXÂ 78212 (210) 824-0579 www.sunshinecottage.org
A school for kids with Anxiety, Autism and other special
Brainiac provides one-on-one in-home tutoring services to K-12 students in all subject matter including test prep. Our purpose is to make a difference in the lives of children and teenagers, from grade school to high school and beyond. We provide more than academic tutors, we provide Mentors who empower students to maximize their potential in and out of the classroom.
Inspiring Excellence 210-509-7951Â InspiringExcellenceTutoring.com
Over 25 years experience inspiring students to excel and do their best. Tutoring phonics, reading, writing composition, math, handwriting, STAAR prep ages pre-school through 8th. ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, ESL experienced. One on one tutoring.
Do you or your child need help with:
Phonics - Reading - Writing Composition Math - Handwriting - STAAR Prep. ADD - ADHD - Dyslexia - ESL - Autism Exp. 1:1 - Pre-K to 8th Grade
“Inspiring students to excel and do their best!�
Call or Text 210-722-4947 inspiringexcellencetutoring.com
ENROLLING Kďšş5 FALL 2020 First 20 Families 50% Off Tuition! IASATX.COM 14
Our Kids Magazine | January 2020
210.638.5200
Do you or your child help with:  need Anxiety?  Depression? • Anxiety? • Depression?  Coping skills? • Coping Skills? • Stress?  Bullying? Contact Dr. Vanessa Cantu,Ph.D., Ph.D., Contact Dr. Vanessa C.C.Cantu, LPCLPC 845-4352 ((210) ) 845-4352 210 info@bullyingempowerment.com
info@bullyingempowerment.com www.bullyingempowerment.com
www.bullyingempowerment.com Be the Buffalo. Be the
Buffalo.
The Clowvazar Academy ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION • K-12 • YEAR-ROUND
General Ed., Special Ed., Gifted-And-Talented
Differentiated Education
for children with anxiety, learning challenges such as dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, or autism, or those simply needing a small class environment. We place students in learning groups based on ability not age.
Apply Online Today!
www.clowvazar.com | 210-690-4800 12746 Cimarron Path #120, San Antonio TX 78249 LIKE US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA
Feature
Friends and Friendships by Karissa Tunis
Friendships are unique. Each one looks a little different, and each offers a different connection. As you raise your own kids, you will find yourself going through different phases. This means that who you surround yourself with, will also be changing. You might soon find that you have your old friends, your new friends, your “mom” friends - who happen to be the moms of your child’s friends - the soccer moms, the dance moms, church friends, work friends, etc. But no matter how or why you became friends, there are a few important things to remember:
Surround yourself with good friends. Look for people that make you happy, make you laugh, who help when someone is in need, who would never take advantage of you, and who genuinely care. These are the friends worth keeping in your life. Everyone else is just passing through. It is so important who we surround ourselves with! And if you choose your friends wisely, they will be there for you in big ways when needed most! Pick friends that can teach you something new. It’s important to always be moving forward in life, and growing as a person in a positive way. When you can walk away from a conversation and feel that somehow you improved from it - it’s very rewarding! How wonderful to learn something new about life, hear a new tip, find inspiration, or have a good laugh! By picking friends that have dreams,
desires and ambitions, they will help you grow and achieve your goals too.
The saying is true – “To Have A Good Friend, You Need To Be A Good Friend.” Picking friends and surrounding yourself with good people might come easy for you. But how do you rate at being a good friend? What truly means the most is often times not the gifts or items that people give, but the time that is given. Whether it is to make someone a meal when they are hurting, or to sit and visit with someone that is lonely, or when you take the time to help a busy friend with their children, - these are the moments that true friendships are made. These are the moments that will be remembered and appreciated. And these are the moments that make a relationship deeper. Oftentimes when someone needs help they don’t tend to shout it from the rooftops. But a genuine friend knows when a heart is breaking, and they will show up to stand beside you during a time when you feel like you might fall. A good friend is someone who others can count on when times are tough. And if you want to be that good dependable friend, than you need to be willing and able to put in the time and commitment in order to know what is happening in their life. They say that friends are the family members that you can actually pick. Just be sure you are picking a good one, and that you are being that good friend too! Karissa Tunis is the co-owner of the parenting website, AdoreThem. com. Adore Them strives to share positive, practical advice and resources to help you find joy in your own parenting journey! January 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com
15
Tweets, Texts, & Emojis by Sandi Schwartz
Why Communicating In Brief Snippets Is Hurting Our Kids How did we get to a point in which our method of communication has gotten progressively shorter and shorter over time? One day recently on Twitter there was a hashtag asking people to tell a story in three words. Just. Three. Words. When we are limited to only 280 characters (characters, not words!), how can anyone expect to really understand what we mean? And when pre-teens and teens only “talk” to their friends using brief phrases and emoji’s, what are we left with? Here are five aspects of communication that are being sacrificed when our children grow up speaking and writing in phrases, which can only hinder their development over time:
quick option, it will impact how they express their emotions as they grow. Additionally, when we hide behind our devices instead of talking face-to-face with those who we love, we miss out on a major chance for emotional connection. According to Psychology Today, this kind of communication interferes with actual conversation and undermines our ability to connect with others. Social media actually becomes a barrier to connecting with others. As children are constantly exposed to these quick impersonal ways of “expressing” themselves, they miss out on learning how to accurately convey their thoughts and feelings both in writing and out loud.
Emotional Connection and Expression We use words to express our feelings to others about our observations, concerns, and hopes. How will our children learn to do this if they are cutting out an enormous opportunity for verbal and written expression by dumbing down the message? Researchers are assessing whether emoticons help us communicate better or hinder self-expression. They have found that on one hand it is nice to have an international symbol for certain emotions that we can easily click on to communicate how we feel about a Facebook post. However, emoticons convey a limited choice of emotions, reducing ways to truly express our full range of feelings we have on an issue. It also cuts out the opportunity for people to use descriptive words to say how they feel because they are given a shorthand option to simply click on one image that is supposed to capture their thoughts and feelings. This is unfortunately limiting opportunities for expression, and if our children grow up with this
Non-Verbal Communication Nothing beats looking into someone’s eyes to truly understand what they mean and how they feel. A huge part of our daily communications depends on visual cues like facial expressions, body language, posture, and tone of voice. In fact, studies show that only 7 percent of communication is based on the written or verbal word, while 93 percent is based on nonverbal body language. Sitting behind a screen sending a few words or images is not going to help you really understand how the person on the other end thinks and feels. As children spend more time in this world of snippets, they are losing the ability to pick up on these non-verbal expressions which can be so important in understanding others. UCLA scientists found that sixth-graders who went five days without using a smartphone, television, or other digital screen did much better at understanding human emotions than those who spent several hours a day looking at their electronic devices. Patricia Greenfield, the author of the study,
16
Our Kids Magazine | January 2020
LIKE US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA
explained that decreased sensitivity to emotional cues is lost when in-person social interaction is replaced with screen interaction. Learning how to read other people’s moods is a skill that takes a lot of practice. Sadly, children today are missing out on developing that skill.
Social Skills Children and teens lose out on a whole slew of social skills when they only communicate in short statements online. Learning how to interact in person with others and to speak in public are critical skills for future success. Our kids need to practice these skills throughout their childhood to get ready for critical moments in their lives like school presentations, college and job interviews, and making an announcement at a social event. In addition, other basic social skills are also being affected. In an article on Huffington Post, Melissa Ortega, a child psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, pointed out how children are struggling to deal with face-to-face conflict because they are used to hiding behind their screens to communicate. They are not getting enough interpersonal exposure, and Ortega said that conversations take practice. Experts are also seeing how this type of limited communication is influencing the dating world. Teens raised to just text and not hold a personal conversation are limited in how they can express their feelings to their peers. The lack of direct communication is impacting their ability to build trust and develop an emotional connection with others. Creative Language, Grammar and Spelling Another way that brief communication is changing our children’s lives is in the classroom. The way kids are communicating online is creeping into their school work, leading to sloppy grammar, spelling mistakes, and reduced creativity. The best literature throughout history is filled with embellished language and imaginative stories. If our children limit the number of words they use to tell a story or to debate an issue, the entire premise of communications changes. The Association of American Educators indicates that social media has led to students talking in “text-speak”, causing an overall trend of bad grammar, bad punctuation, and bad spelling for the sake of convenience and speed. Abbreviations used on social media are also making it into coursework, which is clearly incorrect language. The Guardian reported that a paper released by the English Spelling Society concludes that the internet has revolutionized the English language and made spelling mistakes the norm. This is not a surprise since we now rely on crutches like auto-correct that reduces the level of thought required to write. Meaning of Words How many times have you misinterpreted what someone wrote in an email or text? So much is lost in translation when we are unable to see or hear how the person is communicating specific words to us. If children are primarily communicating with friends and family by typing phrases, that leaves so many
opportunities for the message to be misconstrued. This can lead to stressful situations because the reader may jump to the wrong conclusion that the writer intended to be hurtful, when in reality it was just how the words were interpreted. Brief communication can then lead to negative emotions like anger, depression, or anxiety over how someone thinks they are being treated. As an example, an article in Forbes discussed how the instances of misinterpretation are growing in the business environment. As people are rushed, stressed, and primarily communicating with quick electronic messages, they are not taking the time to consider the nuances of their writing. This is leading to more conflicts about the tone of emails. It is only worse with our children who are gossiping and making plans with friends in group texts using symbols and acronyms. How does someone really know what it means when the writer uses all capital letters? Are they yelling, joking, or just highlighting an issue? When someone responds to you with a one- or two-word answer, does that mean they are brushing you off? With this type of communication, we are left to draw conclusions with very little information. If our children do not learn how to tell people exactly what they mean using complete sentences, how will they ever be happy and successful?
What can parents do about it? A day doesn’t go by when we hear suggestions for limiting our children’s screen time. We are all struggling to implement this in our homes. What else can we do to encourage our children to communicate more thoroughly and effectively? ■■Read every day with your children at all ages, but the
real key is to also discuss what you are reading. Ask tons of question and encourage your kids to summarize the stories. ■■Create games that involve developing a story together. For example, fill a jar with topics and then ask each family member to write or state 3 sentences. Keep building the story. ■■Teach your children how to debate and encourage them to join a debate team when they get older. ■■Ask your kids questions and encourage them to talk about how they feel. It is so important to set aside special times to have these deep conversations. ■■Encourage your children to journal so that they can practice expressing their thoughts and feelings in writing. Ask them what adjectives they used and challenge them to develop their thoughts even more. ■■Have fun analyzing each other’s or stranger’s body language in person or on television. ■■Eat meals together as a family and include your children in conversations about all types of topics from how their day at school was to current affairs. ■■Provide public speaking opportunities for your children, even if it is something as simple as ordering their meal at a restaurant. January 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com
17
BABYTOTS
10 Tips to Build Your Toddler’s Vocabulary By Denise Morrison Yearian
Every parent wants to give their toddler a head start with regard to speaking, and experts suggest it’s easier than most people think. “You don’t have to spend a bundle on DVDs or flashcards,” says speech-language pathologist Amy Nelson. “Language acquisition is birthed through face-to-face interactions, and by engaging your child in everyday activities and experiences.” Following are ten simple suggestions on how to build your toddler’s vocabulary. 1. Associate through reading. “Create an interactive experience by making books come alive for your child,” says Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, Ph.D., educator and three-time author on this subject. “When you are reading together, pick up on your child’s interest then relate the content of the book to his life. If there’s a picture of a dog, say ‘That’s like Grandma’s dog. Where else have you seen a dog?’ So he links what he sees in the book to his own experiences.” 2. Incorporate core vocabulary. “Choose books that have bright colors, simple pictures and short phrases or sentences that use core vocabulary—nouns such as animals, toys and food,” says Nelson. “Give your child an opportunity to label and repeat words. Also use what 18
Our Kids Magazine | January 2020
speech-language pathologists call ‘Expansion.’ If your child says, ‘Cat,’ you say, ‘Big cat,’ or ‘Sleeping cat’ by adding an adjective or verb to increase his length of utterance.” 3. Encourage repetition. “Children often have a favorite book they want to hear time and again, and that’s okay,” says Golinkoff. “Repeated readings build toddler’s vocabulary and story structure understanding.” Amy Vitsorek found this to be true. “Right now [my 2 ½ year old] Maggie is into princesses, so every day she carries around a suitcase that has four princess books in it. She’s memorized the storyline and tells it in her own words by looking at the pictures. Then she’ll ask me to read it to her,” she says. 4. Visit venues. “Take trips to venues that have programs specifically designed for children,” says Nelson. “Children’s museums have a variety of exhibits so toddlers can learn words about opposites such as wet and dry, big and little, up and down. If you go to other sites such as natural history or art museums, scale it down to your child’s level. Focus on basic vocabulary and point out the animals, flowers, shapes and colors you see.” “Last year when we took Conner to the zoo, I pointed out different animals such as an elephant and talked about its big ears and long nose,” says Danielle Jackson of her FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210
BABYTOTS now 22 month old. “Later if we saw an animal on TV or in a book, I’d remind him of our trip and encourage him to say its name and make the animal sound.” 5. Out and about. “Everyday outings provide opportunities to talk about what you see at the supermarket, pharmacy, park and doctor’s office,” says Golinkoff. “When you take walks, point out different things and bring back leaves, rocks and sticks so you and your child can count, sort and explore more. When he goes to the pediatrician for a well checkup, trace around his body on the table paper, then take it home and help him label his body parts.” 6. Sing songs. “Interactive songs and rhymes that incorporate movement with melodic or rhythmic patterns are captivating for children and encourage vocabulary expansion,” says Vitsorek, who teaches music to preschoolers. “Ones like ‘Head and Shoulders’ help them learn body part identification; others such as ‘Eentsy Weentsy Spider’ teach directional concepts.” 7. Tinker with toys. “Blocks and simple puzzles offer geometric and spatial language with terms like ‘above,’ ‘below’ and ‘next to,’” says Golinkoff. “Dress up clothes increase language too. Give your child old clothes and play along with his fantasy.” “Your toddler may not be ready for board games but you can use the game pieces as manipulatives,” says Nelson. “Put checkers into different piles according to colors and count them. Or adapt games such as Barnyard Bingo to work on matching, naming and counting.” 8. Interactive games. “I use interactive games such as ‘This Little Piggy’ and ‘Humpty Dumpty’ to build Maggie’s vocabulary,” says Vitsorek. “I’ll stop and leave off a word so she can fill it in. When we’re driving in the car, we also play ‘I Spy’ with colors. As a result, she knows all of her colors.” 9. Narrate routines. “Encouraging talk during our daily routines has been a great way to expand Conner’s vocabulary,” says Jackson. “When he’s getting dressed I’ll say, ‘I’m putting on your pants . . . your shirt . . . your shoes.’ He’s already starting to repeat those words. He’ll say, ‘Sock?’ And I’ll say, “Yes, that’s your sock.’” 10. Review and retell. “Before going to bed, rehash the day’s activities to cement vocabulary your child used during the day,” says Golinkoff. “Or encourage him to recount his experiences to another adult with your assistance.” Denise Morrison Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children and four grandchildren. January 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com
19
BABYTOTS Achievers Academy 210-445-3080 6002 Ingram San Antonio, TX 78238 Alamo Heights Presbyterian Day School 210-822-3213 6201 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209 Apple Tree Day School 210-509-1919 10350 Bandera Rd. STE 200 San Antonio, TX 78250 Blessed Sacrament Academy 210-532-5363 1135 Mission Rd. San Antonio, TX 78210 Block and Dreeben School for Young Children 210-302-6846 12500 NW Military Hwy. San Antonio, TX 78231 Bright Ideas Children’s Enrichment Center 9433 Frederickburg Road San Antonio, TX 78240 210-694-4622 www.brightideasdaycare.com We realize that each child is unique with a specific set of needs. It is our sincere desire to accept the challenge and work toward the goal of meeting each of those needs. We offer Infant and Toddler care, PreK 3 and PreK 4 and Private Kindergarten, with breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack provided. We also offer Swimming lessons, Ballet, Gymnastics, Karate and Spanish for Tots. Call or visit our website for more information.
Brighton School 210-826-4492 14207 Higgins Rd. San Antonio, TX 78217 Bustos Daycare & Learning Center 210-433-1580 959 34th SW Street San Antonio, TX 78237 Castle Hills Learning Center 210-342-9810 8030 Blanco Rd. San Antonio, TX 78216 Central Christian Church Child Care Center 210-226-9672 720 N Main San Antonio, TX 78205 Children’s Summit Learning Center 210-435-7022 2250 Benrus San Antonio, TX 78228 20 Our Kids Magazine | January 2020
Children’s Lighthouse Learning Ctr Stone Oak 210-495-2223 20906 Gathering Oak San Antonio, TX 78260 Circle School 210-822-0461 217 Pershing Ave. San Antonio, TX 78209 Colonial Hills United Methodist Child Development Ctr 210-349-9583 5247 Vance Jackson San Antonio, TX 78236 www.colonialhills.info
Founded in 1970, Colonial Hills provides a warm, secure and loving Christian environment for toddlers, preschoolers and Kindergarteners. Our developmentally appropriate curriculum stresses hands-on activities and discovery methods of learning. Enrichment classes include Spanish, music, computer lab, motor skills and outdoor garden (science) at all age levels. We recognize the value of play in our process of establishing a love for learning.
Crown of Life Lutheran Pre-School 210-490-9860 19291 Stone Oak Pkwy. San Antonio, TX 78258 Country Home Learning Center 8 Locations Call 210-687-1002 or nearby location www.countryhome learningcenter.com
Join us for an Incredible Summer Camp Experience! For ages Kinder - 13 years. Child approved Special Events, funfilled days with activities every child enjoys, Kids’ Choice Special Interest Clubs, and exciting weekly Field Trips. Call for location nearest you.
School & Day Care 210-655-6831 3950 Eisenhauer Rd. San Antonio, TX 78218 Eman Christian Academy 210-333-0166 903 S WW White Rd. San Antonio, TX 78220 First Presbyterian Church Children’s Center 210-225-0960 404 N Alamo San Antonio, TX 78205 Giant Steps Early Learning School 210-521-6677 7900 Old Tezel Rd. San Antonio, TX 78250 Holli-Hills Creative Child Care 210-648-7146 San Antonio, TX 78222 Hill CountryMontessori School 830-229-5377 50 Stone Wall Dr. Boerne, TX 78006
Immaculate Conception Kindergarten & Nursery 210-226-3934 2407 W Travis San Antonio, TX 78207 Jubilee Child Development Ctr, LLC 210-337-7727 2931 S. W.W. White Rd. San Antonio, TX 78222 Kiddie Planet Learning Center 210-593-0868 7326 Louis Pasteur San Antonio, TX 78229 Kid’s Day Daycare & Preschool 830-438-6732 32850 US HWY 281 N Bulverde, TX 78163 King of Kings Child Care Center 210-656-6509 13888 Dreamwood San Antonio, TX 78233 Life Church Child Development Ctr 210-674-6784 4424 SW Loop 410 78227 www.LCChildCenter.com
Children 1 year – Kinder learn, grow and pray together. Abeka curriculum, nutritious food, 3 playgrounds plus an air conditioned gym. CCS accepted.
Lil Tikes Day Care Center 210-924-8453 2710 Tortuga St. San Antonio, TX 78224 Little Treasures/Tesoritos 210-924-0354 539 Carlisle San Antonio, TX 78225 Little Wonderland Child Care 210-534-6324 510 W. Theo Ave. San Antonio, TX 78214 Montessori Schoolhouse 10711 Dreamland Dr. San Antonio, TX 78230 210-341-0731 www.mymontessori schoolhouse.com
Montessori Schoolhouse provides a stimulating environment for children beginning at 12 months. We are located in a quiet four acre wooded setting. Our traditional Montessori curriculum includes Music, Spanish and Motor Skills Programs. Before and after school care available.
Mount Sacred Heart Montessori Program 619 Mt. Sacred Heart Rd San Antonio, TX 78216 210-342-6711 www.mountsacredheart.com
Mount Sacred Heart is a private, co-educational Catholic School committed to a quality education. A faith-based community fostering personal uniqueness and development of the whole person. Montessori is a FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210
BABYTOTS system of education based on each child’s developmental needs for “freedom within limits” in a carefully prepared environment.
Our Savior Lutheran Preschool Academy 11503 Vance Jackson Rd. San Antonio, Texas 78230 210-696-2716 www.oslpa.org
Every child at OSLPA is a gift from God. Our children receive loving care and a well-equipped setting where they can play and learn. OSLPA is dedicated to assisting parents in the development of their children by providing opportunities and guidance to stimulate spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and physical growth.
Parkhills Baptist Church Preschool 17747 San Pedro Avenue San Antonio, TX 78232 210-494-9661 http://parkhills.org/
Our weekday program, for children 6 months through pre-K, prepares your child for school in a safe and loving environment using “Learning without Tears” and other encouraging and affirming methods. We offer “Big Church”, Spanish introduction, music and drama opportunities, community servant interaction, and many special events throughout the year.
Pecan Valley Child Care Center 210-333-2128 4359 Greco Dr. San Antonio, TX 78222 Play Today Drop-In Daycare 17319 IH 35 N, Suite 302 Schertz, TX 78154 210-651-3610 Playtodaydropin.com
Play Today is a unique child care facility that offers flexible drop-in care for children 12 months to 12 years. We believe that children are unique individuals who need to be respected and cared for in a safe, nurturing environment. Your child will enjoy a fun learning facility with songs, finger play, games, arts and crafts and sensory play.
Pre-K Academy at West Avenue 3915 West Avenue SATX 78213 210-407-0341 www.neisd.net/prekacademy
Enroll your child in a nurturing environment designed with four-year-olds in mind. Students will participate in a full-day pre-k program following the NEISD calendar. Physical education, music, an age-appropriate library, transportation services, STEAM activities, certified teachers and meal opportunities are all a part of your child’s program.
Pre-K 4 SA https://prek4sa.com/ North Education Center 3635 Medical Dr. San Antonio, TX 78229 210-206-2800 East Education Center 5230 Eisenhauer Rd. San Antonio, TX 78218 210-206-2850 South Education Center 7031 S New Braunfels Ave. San Antonio, TX 78223 210-206-2700 West Education Center
1235 Enrique M. Barrera Memorial Pkwy San Antonio, TX 78227 210-206-2900 Pre-K 4 SA is a comprehensive early childhood program aimed at changing the educational and workforce trajectory of San Antonio in one generation. Pre-K 4 SA offers full-day and extended-day prekindergarten for 4-year-olds living in the City of San Antonio. Pre-K 4 SA has four Education Centers located throughout the city and offers a play-based learning environment that builds a foundation in concepts such as math, science, language, and art. Apply Now – enrollment opens February 1.
Rainbow Station Preschool 210-495-5222 322 E Sonterra Blvd. San Antonio, TX 78258 Ray Ellison Family Center Palo Alto College 210-486-3500 1400 W. Villaret San Antonio, TX 78224 San Antonio Country Day School 4194 Jung Rd. San Antonio, TX 78247 210-496-6033 www.countrydayschool.net
San Antonio Country Day Montessori School is an academically rich Montessori environment for students 2 1/2 - 6th grade. Preschool programs include two, three, and five days per week. Call today to apply.
St. Anthony Catholic School Methodist Day School 210-732-8801 205 W. Huisache Ave. San Antonio, TX 78212 www.StAnthonySA.org
Located in the historic Monte Vista neighborhood north of downtown, St. Anthony Catholic School enrolls a diverse student body ages 2 years – 8th grade. For over 100 years, families in the greater San Antonio area have trusted their children to our care for nurturing, enlightenment, spiritual growth, and a rigorous education.
St. Andrew’s United Methodist Day School 210-824-8737 722 Robinhood Place San Antonio, TX 78209 St. David’s Episcopal School 210-824-2481 1300 Wiltshire San Antonio, TX 78209 St. Luke’s Episcopal School 210-826-0664 15 St. Luke’s Lane San Antonio, TX 78209 St. Mark’s Catholic Preschool & Nursery 210-494-9282 1602 Thousand Oaks Dr. San Antonio, TX 78232
St. Margaret’s Episcopal Day School 210-657-0395 5310 Stahl Rd. San Antonio, TX 78247 St. Matthews United Methodist Day School 210-826-4850 2738 MacArthur View San Antonio, TX 78217 St. Phillips College Child Development Center 210-486-2500 2207 Wyoming San Antonio, TX 78203 St. Thomas More Catholic School 4427 Moana San Antonio, TX 78218 655-2882 www.st-thomas-more-school.org
We are committed to: Living as Jesus did. Developing our Faith. Increasing our Knowledge. Our goal in Faith is to provide a superior educational program emphasizing essential academic skills that enable the student to successfully continue in his/her education while encouraging excellence and scholastic achievement.
Sunshine Cottage 603 Hildebrand San Antonio, Texas 78212 210-824-0579 www.sunshinecottage.org
Sunshine Cottage teaches students with hearing impairment (pre-K through 12th grade) using the auditory oral method. The Parent-Infant Program (birth-3 years of age) is dedicated to supporting, educating, and guiding parents help their baby learn to listen and talk. Newborn hearing screening is available by appointment.
The Montessori School of San Antonio 17722 Rogers Ranch Parkway San Antonio, TX 78258 210-492-3553 www.montessoriSA.org
The Montessori School of San Antonio guides children to be passionate learners, independent thinkers, and engaged citizens. MSSA serves 340 children from Preschool-3 through 8th grade. MSSA: Education for a Lifetime.
The PREP School of Stone Oak 24372 Wilderness Oak San Antonio, TX 78258 210-998-5900 Theprepschools.com
The PREP School of Stone Oak is an innovative, private preschool. We focus on being unique and customized. From our curriculum and building design to our menu plans and enrichment classrooms, there’s not a single detail that’s been overlooked. The PREP School ensures that children are learning in a stimulating and engaging environment.
Trinity United Methodist School 5319 Newcome Dr. San Antonio, TX 78229 684-5214
Affordable private school education for children 18 months old – 5th grade. We offer a child-centered preschool program with certified teachers who give children the desire to become lifelong learners. Before and after school available. January 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com
21
BABYTOTS
Baby Products Organic Diapers & Baby Wipes by Kyndful. Parents who’ve tried us are thrilled to have a months worth of natural baby diapers and wipes that actually work; our plant-based Baby Products are proudly made in the USA with no baddies (no harsh dyes, lotions, perfumes, or chemicals), and they’re hypoallergenic and Dermatologically tested safe for your baby’s sensitive skin. https://kyndful.com ZizzyBee Bags
One small bag...making a world of difference. The easy-zipper and loop to hang / hold your ZizzyBee Bag is much more practical and functional than a single-use plastic bag. https://www.zizzybeebags.com/
Lullabuddy Speaker
Pre-loaded with 2 hours of Mae Robertson’s award winning lullabies and lovesongs. No connecting or streaming or playlist - just press play. Bluetooth enabled, 60 minute timer and Plays for up to 18 hours when fully charged. https://www.lullabuddy.com
Easy Up
by Baby-to-Love Makes it easy for your baby to join the rest of the family and eat together at the grown-ups’ table. It is also a great choice On-the-Go. With the use of adjustable straps and buckles, Easy Up can be used on an assortment of chairs. Ranging from narrow to wide, open to closed-back, and short to tall. https://shop.babytolove.com/
WubbaNub Infant Pacifier - PJ Baby Bear by WubbaNub Fall in love with our award winning WubbaNub Pacifier, the original part plush, part pacifier. WubbaNub Pacifier allows it to remain near baby’s mouth, easy to grasp, nearly impossible to lose and may assist baby to self sooth. WubbaNub is distributed in hospitals, NICU and well-baby units nationwide and is made with a medical-grade silicone pacifier, a non-latex and BPA, PVC and Phthalate-free. The durable one-piece construction of the pacifier means no germs hiding between cracks. PJ Baby Bear is a little homebody that is perfectly happy cozying up to baby any time of the day. The unique style of the WubbaNub pacifier allows it to remain close and easily positioned by the baby. https://www.wubbanub.com/ Medibuddy First Aid Kit
by me4kidz Great for backpacks, gym lockers, purse, glove box, baby bag...the list is long. It’s a must have for on the go families and kids. Kit Contains: Kid-Friendly Assorted bandages, Knee and Elbow bandage, Junior Bandages, 2” X 2” Gauze Pads, Antiseptic Wipes, Antibiotic Ointments, Kid-Friendly Fun Stickers, Reusable and recycled Carry Anywhere Case https://me4kidz.com
22
Our Kids Magazine | January 2020
Little Buddy Wipes Antibacterial Wipes
by me4kidz Little Buddy antibacterial wipes. 32 count gentle antibacterial wipes for all kinds of owies and everything inbetween. Great for on the go, cleaning hands, dirty faces and scrapes too. Fresh scent that kids like. Kills 99% of germs without the sting and strong odor of your typical wipes. https://me4kidz.com
FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210
BABYTOTS
Other Products
Learning cubes by Baby-to-Love
Babies can learn to recognize animals, fruits and shapes while toddlers will learn to recognize numbers. The cubes are stackable: they can be assembled by matching shapes and pile up. They will develop baby’s fine motricity and coordination. Made of extra soft material, they are safe for babies and very easy to grasp. https://shop.babytolove.com
Bright Basics™ Snuggly
Brown Puppy Lovey by WubbaNub
Your baby will love to pal around with our new Brown Puppy Lovey. Our new Brown Puppy Lovey is the familiar first friend that your baby will recognize from our WubbaNub family and have tons of WubbaNub fun for playtime! Designed with an ultra-soft plush for the cozies and a playful rattle for the giggles, WubbaNub Brown Puppy Lovey is a perfect companion that your baby will Wub! https://www.wubbanub.com/
aMACEing ZERO LEAK®
by Educational Insights Adorable bedtime set including a soft blanket with 6 pockets and 6 plush animals, and corresponding bedtime story. Read the story together, then tuck each animal into their ‘’bed.’’ When they’re tucked in, it’s time for your little one to drift off to dreamland too! Blanket measures 26.5’’ x 16.5’’ Includes parent guide with nursery rhyme and activities https://www.educationalinsights.com
by Mace The aMACEing ZERO LEAK® Baby Bottle uses a patented nipple design to offer a leak-proof baby bottle. Milk only comes out when your baby is feeding on the nipple. If your baby stops, the flow stops! This reduces the chances of health-related and potentially life-threatening risks. These leak-proof nipple also has a uniquely designed anti-colic vent that helps reduce colic and symptoms like burping, gas, and re-flux so feeding is always a great experience for both you and your baby. https://www.macecorporation.com
Talking Microscope
by Educational Insights It’s the only talking microscope for preschoolers! This new, colorful update to the original GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope by Educational Insights introduces preschoolers to even more amazing animals, plants, and household items. There are 5x more images to view and learn about and 20 total prepared slides. https://www.education-
Educational Insights Bright Basics Slide & Splash Spouts: Bath Toy For Toddlers
by Educational Insights Bitty builders can engineer their very own ball runs in the bathtub using this set of plastic pipes, Spouts, and cups with suction cups. Test the distance of your run, adjust the pipes, and try again—all while learning early STEM skills. Educational Insights bright basics bath blocks make the perfect gift for boys and girls ages 2+. https://www.educationalinsights.com
ZeroWater
ZeroWater’s 12 Cup Water Filtration Pitcher with ReadyPour technology features a one-hand, push to dispense spigot that allows you to fill your cup or favorite water bottle without any lifting. 12 Cup Pitcher includes Ready-Pour technology to adhere to your on-the-go lifestyle. Ready-Pour technology allows you to dispense filtered water as the reservoir is continuing to filter. The 5-stage filter transforms your tap water into delicious, TDS-free drinking water. All ZeroWater products include a free Water Quality Meter to test your water to ensure the highest quality filtration on the market. https://www.zerowater.com/ January 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com
23
BABYTOTS
How to have your second pregnancy the first time by Pam Moore
The night before I found out I was pregnant with my first child, my biggest concern was finding an amazing restaurant where my husband and could go to celebrate our anniversary during a weekend away. We found the perfect restaurant, where I enjoyed way too much wine... At least it was organic. (I think.)The next day, I peed on that fateful stick. At the airport, instead of paging through Real Simple, I scrolled BabyCenter and nearly spit out the sushi I’d been devouring. I shuddered to think what other pregnancy laws I’d unknowingly violated over the past 24 hours. I also needed to know: Which fruit did my baby most resemble, five weeks, two days, and 17 hours into my pregnancy? Two years later, while my toddler sat on the bathroom floor with a board book, an expired pregnancy test I found at the back of the linen closet revealed a faint plus sign. I waited until my daughter was asleep that night to hit the supermarket for a fresh test. I couldn’t muster the strength to take her to the store for one lousy item. That night, I fell into a dreamless sleep. Between pregnancy and toddler-wrangling, I didn’t care if I was carrying a peanut, a kumquat, or a glazed donut. In hindsight, I wish I could have saved the energy I spent trying to have a perfect pregnancy that first time for other things—like taking my two children, now three and fiveyears-old, to the supermarket. 24
Our Kids Magazine | January 2020
It turns out, I’m not the only one who would do things differently the first time around if given the chance. I talked to a number of women to get their best tips for making your first pregnancy feel like your second.
Chill out Like many, Illinois mom Elizabeth Waterstraat grew more laid back with each subsequent pregnancy. She summarizes her three pregnancies in simple terms. “First: No coffee, no wine. Second: Some coffee, no wine. Third: Daily coffee, some wine.” Allison Schwartz is a Colorado mom who also steadily increased her coffee consumption with each of her pregnancies, noting, “By pregnancy number four [cutting out coffee] was not an option.” During the first pregnancy, there are no kids at our feet distracting us from trying to make sure our little bump is becoming the perfect baby. Joy Jackson, a Colorado mom of three, says if she could go back in time twelve years when she was pregnant with her first, she’d put down her copy of “What to Expect When You’re Expecting.” While Experience teaches us we don’t have as much control as we’d like to believe. Says Waterstraat, “[Babies] will come out the way they want to come out. Not much you do will influence that so relax, let go of ‘plans’ and enjoy the journey.” FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210
BABYTOTS Enjoy It Despite the exhaustion of pregnancy plus toddlerwrangling, Caitlin Hardy enjoyed her second pregnancy fully, knowing her fatigue would only intensify once her baby came. Of her second pregnancy, the Colorado mom says, “I didn’t have time to stop and think about how I felt or to complain about the exhaustion, backache or sore boobs.” Instead, she focused on the experiences she’d have less, if any time for, once her newborn arrived. “I went out to dinner more, hung out with girlfriends more, did prenatal yoga every Sunday, ran around at the bike park with my toddler, nabbed every date I could go on with my husband.” For Morgan McGarvey, a Colorado mom of a toddler and a newborn, enjoying her second pregnancy meant doing less, not more. “I gave myself MANY passes.” With her first pregnancy, she strictly avoided the prescribed dietary no-no’s, went to “every possible class” and had her nursery decorated well before her due date. With her second, she skipped the classes, enjoyed some brie cheese, and held off on buying anything for the nursery until after her baby arrived. “Both kids are totally healthy and each pregnancy was completely different,” says McGarvey.
Everything in moderation Many women regret taking the idea of eating for two and getting plenty of rest a little too seriously the first time around. Laura Kurian, a New Jersey mom of three, wishes she’d forced herself to exercise more during her first pregnancy. A dedicated athlete who enjoys running and triathlon, Kurian says she was glad she only made that mistake once. “I was miserable during my first pregnancy. The second and third were so much better!” Colorado mom Karli Sherwinter also says she wishes she’d had a better prenatal exercise regimen. Only years later, she realized her chronic knee pain stemmed from hip weakness caused by her pregnancies. Allison Schwartz is a Colorado mom who says she gained much more weight than was necessary during her first pregnancy. “It took me a full year and a triathlon to get the weight off.” During her subsequent three pregnancies, she found it easier to eat more reasonably and exercise more, considering she was busy chasing young children around. Any mom will tell you, you can’t recreate the novelty (or the neurosis) of your first pregnancy… and that’s okay. Massachusetts mom Liz Willey says she felt guilty about paying so much more attention to her first pregnancy versus the second. “But in the end,” says Willey, whose sons are one and four, “I shouldn’t have worried. They are both nutty, happy boys!” Pam Moore helps women push through fear to become their best selves. To get her free guide to crushing Impostor Syndrome visit pam-moore.com
1-on-1 In-Home ABA Therapy ABA Therapy for children and young adults in the Autism Spectrum Disorder and with other special needs. We strive to improve the quality of life of our clients and their families.
(844) 568-2001 www.AdBAnce.com
January 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com
25
calendar
OF EVENTS
JANUARY
November 29 Thru January 31
Rotary Ice Rink
The Rotary Club of San Antonio presents the 2019 Holiday Outdoor Ice Rink located in Travis Park adjacent to the annual Christmas tree. The Rink will open the weekend after Thanksgiving and continue daily through January 2020. Destined to become a winter tradition in the Alamo City, more than 25,000 skaters are anticipated to enjoy the rink and the beautiful winter surroundings. http://rotaryicerink.com/
January 24 - 26 / The SpongeBob Musical The SpongeBob Musical: One of the worlds most beloved characters. Turn them loose on stage and what do you get? The musical The New York Times declares, BRILLIANT! Broadways best creative minds reimagine and bring to life the beloved Nickelodeon series with humor, heart and pure theatricality in a party for the eyes and ears (Daily Beast). Explore the depths of theatrical innovation in THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, 2018 Best Musical winner of the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, where the power of optimism really can save the world. Times and Ticket Prices Vary. Majestic & Empire Theatres, 224 E Houston St. https://www.majesticempire.com/
January 25 / Parade of Lanterns
Parade of Lanterns: For two weeks, January 25-February 8, 2020 ten river floats carrying magically-illuminated enormous lanterns such as a dragon, adorable pandas, pinatas, and other objects will appear from 6:00-9:00 PM each night. The last night to take in the beauty is February 8th. Enjoy the magically illuminated floats from anywhere along the downtown portion of the River Walk. Asian-inspired music will softly play from each float. Free from 6 to 9 p.m. San Antonio River Walk, https://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/events/parade-of-lanterns
26
Our Kids Magazine | January 2020
To Advertise Call 305-4181
1 Wednesday
Astronomy in the Park: Join astronomers and other stargazers to observe the sky through large telescopes in an informational program with the San Antonio Astronomical Association. 7 to 10:30 p.m. every Wednesday, weather permitting. Free. Raymond Rimkus (Park Parking Lot), 6440 Evers Rd., Leon Valley. http://sanantonioastronomy.org/
2 Thursday
FREE H-E-B Thursday Nights at the McNay: Free general. Special exhibition access is $10 on Thursday nights. 4 to 9 p.m. McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. www.mcnayart. org San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: 7:30 p.m. AT&T Center, San Antonio. http://www.sarampage.com
3 Friday
Miss Anastasia’s Wild and Wacky PreWeekend TWIGLET Story Time: Miss Anastasia combines story time and a delightful craft each Friday. Free. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Twig Book Shop in the Can Plant Building, 306 Pearl Parkway Ste. 106. 210-826-6411. http:// www.thetwig.com/miss-anastasia San Antonio Rampage vs.Grand Rapids Griffins: 7:00 p.m. AT&T Center, San Antonio. http://www.sarampage. com ArtStrolls: Little Night/Nochecita: Enjoy a program specifically for infants, toddlers and their caregivers. Tour the museum and participate in a related playtime. Meet at 10 am for children under 12 months; 11 am for children under 2 years. Free with museum admission. McNay Art Museum - 6000 N New Braunfels Ave. www.mcnayart.org
4 Saturday
Discover Birds at Brooks: If you enjoy looking at birds or are curious about bird watching, this is the perfect monthly event for you. This bird walk is designed for the beginning birder. Travelling by foot, your guide will go over birding identification and the proper use of binoculars, then explore the Greenline for various species. This is a very family-friendly program. Advanced birders are also welcome to Camp Fair 2020 | www.OurKids.camp
attend. No binoculars? No problem! There are some binoculars to loan. Meet at the butterfly kite statue in the main area of the park. Bring sunscreen, hat, closed-toed shoes, water, and your enthusiasm. Free from 8 to 10 a.m. https://mitchelllake.audubon. org Pearl Farmers Market: Rain or Shine! In front of the historic Brewhouse Now extends through Avenue A along Pearl Parkway. 9 am. to 1 p.m. The Historic Pearl, 303 Pearl Pkwy. https:// atpearl.com/ SARR Monthly Fun Run: Kid’s run starts at 8:30, followed by the 1/2 mile, 1 mile and 3 mile runs. You can run or walk in as many events as you want. Recommended for beginning runners of all ages, experienced runners who want to improve their race pace, and track / cross-country teams. There is no charge. All events are free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome. McAllister Park - Al Becken Pavilion, 13102 Jones-Maltsberger Rd. https://www.facebook.com/ saroadrunners/ Christmas Bird Count for All - Mitchell Lake Audubon Center: Bring the entire family for the Christmas Bird Count for All! The Christmas Bird Count itself is a hundred year old tradition, so come contribute to Mitchell Lake’s own family-friendly tradition. Join other young birders, new birders, and birding families to learn about the annual community science event, and see some new birds. Free. 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 10750 Pleasanton Road. https://mitchelllake.audubon. org/ First Saturday at the Alamo - The Alamo: On the first Saturday of every month, the grounds of the Alamo are transformed back in time to the 1830s. Join us for a full day of living history fun that the whole family will enjoy. Learn about life in frontier Texas with special demonstrations and crafts. 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 300 Alamo Plz. https://www.thealamo.org/
5 Sunday
Pearl Farmers Market: Rain or Shine! In front of the historic Brewhouse Now extends through Avenue A along Pearl Parkway. 10 am. to 2 p.m. The Historic Pearl, 303 Pearl Pkwy. https:// atpearl.com/
San Antonio Rampage vs.Grand Rapids Griffins: 3:00 p.m. AT&T Center, San Antonio. http://www.sarampage. com San Antonio Museum of Art: Free admission every Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www.samuseum.org
7 Tuesday
Little Explorers: This program nurtures a sense of wonder for the natural world. Children listen to nature stories, learn about the world around them, enjoy hands on activities and games, and make a craft to take home. Themes Include: Science Lab, Nature Art, Seeds, Seasons, and Dragonflies $5 per family. 10 to 11 a.m. Cibolo Nature Center & Farm, 140 City Park Road, Boerne. 830-2494616. http://www.cibolo.org/
8 Wednesday
Astronomy in the Park: Join astronomers and other stargazers to observe the sky through large telescopes in an informational program with the San Antonio Astronomical Association. 7 to 10:30 p.m. every Wednesday, weather permitting. Free. Raymond Rimkus (Park Parking Lot), 6440 Evers Rd., Leon Valley. http://sanantonioastronomy.org/
9 Thursday
Art Crawl: Faces, Faces, Faces: Moms, dads and caregivers can put their babies in slings and take a walk through the museum galleries for a guided tour. Talks are geared toward adults while the art selections are chosen to engage the adults and infants 0-18 months. Free with museum admission. 10 to 10:45 a.m. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. https://www. samuseum.org
10 Friday
Miss Anastasia’s Wild and Wacky PreWeekend TWIGLET Story Time: Miss Anastasia combines story time and a delightful craft each Friday. Free. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Twig Book Shop in the Can Plant Building, 306 Pearl Parkway Ste. 106. 210-826-6411. http:// January 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com
27
nature’s most graceful and mysterious predators. Learn to make a pinecone owl to keep watch at home. Each Little Sprout Monday includes storytelling, kids’ crafts and hands-on explorations at your child’s pace. A parent or guardian must accompany child. Ages 3 – 5 years. Fee: $15 per adult ($13.50 member); $8 per child ($7 member).10 to11:30 a.m. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Pl. http://www.sabot.org/walks/
14 Tuesday
Wild Kratts Live 2.0 comes to the Tobin on January 19.
www.thetwig.com/miss-anastasia Friday Evening Planetarium Show: Whoever said the sky’s the limit has never explored the solar system’s ice worlds or experienced the majesty of the aurora. Observe celestial objects through a refractory telescope during this Public Scobee Planetarium program. Friday night public presentations at 6:30 (Family Showing), 7:30 The Sky Tonight live presentation and 9:00 movie presentation. Children must be 6 yrs or older to be admitted to the 7:30 & 9:00pm programs. Tickets are currently credit card, cash or check only and sold 30 minutes prior to the presentation in our ticket booth. Sorry, no debit sales at this time. San Antonio College & Scobee Education Center, 1819 N Main Ave. 210-486-0100. http://www.alamo. edu/sac/Scobee/
11 Saturday
San Antonio Rampage vs. Chicago Wolves: 7:00 p.m. AT&T Center, San Antonio. http://www.sarampage. com Pearl Farmers Market: Rain or Shine! In front of the historic Brewhouse - Now extends through Avenue A along Pearl Parkway. 9 am. to 1 p.m. The Historic Pearl, 303 Pearl Pkwy. https://atpearl.com/ Free Family Art Day - Dreamweek Edition: Come and create works
28
Our Kids Magazine | January 2020
of art inspired by some of the most influential African American artists of today all while learning their stories and the history of the journey of our people here in the United States. We will be exploring the work of Faith Ringgold, Kendrick Lamar, Kehinde Wiley, Ryan Coogler, Donald Glover, Kerry James Marshall, Jordan Peele, Issa Rae and more! We will share with one another our dreams for the world and create wonderful works of art to share with the community during the MLK day march. All ages are welcome, the more the merrier! Inspire Art, 1943 N. New Braunfels Ave. Free from 1 to 3 p.m.
12 Sunday
Elvis Birthday Bash: Fun For The Whole Family: Featuring: Rick Cavendar Band - Silent Auction Prizes & More! Proceeds Support Autism Treatment Center San Antonio. General Admission Ticket - $25 per person includes dinner, drawing ticket and open seating as available 6 to 9 p.m. La Hacienda de Los Barrios. https://www.atcoftexas. org
13 Monday
Little Sprouts: Owls on The Prowl: When the sky grows dark, everybody goes to sleep except for the watchful owl. Discover one of
Little Explorers: This program nurtures a sense of wonder for the natural world. Children listen to nature stories, learn about the world around them, enjoy hands on activities and games, and make a craft to take home. Themes Include: Science Lab, Nature Art, Seeds, Seasons, and Dragonflies $5 per family. 10 to 11 a.m. Cibolo Nature Center & Farm, 140 City Park Road, Boerne. 830-249-4616. http://www. cibolo.org/
15 Wednesday
SAMA Playdates: Terrific Tigers: Toddlers (Ages 2-4) can enjoy stories, gallery activities, hands-on art, movement and music during this event designed to cultivate, nurture and inspire creativity while developing an appreciation of art and world cultures. Participants should meet at the front desk. 10 to 10:45 a.m. Free with museum admission. Space is limited. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8183. https:// www.samuseum.org/calendar/event Astronomy in the Park: Join astronomers and other stargazers to observe the sky through large telescopes in an informational program with the San Antonio Astronomical Association. 7 to 10:30 p.m. every Wednesday, weather permitting. Free. Raymond Rimkus (Park Parking Lot), 6440 Evers Rd., Leon Valley. http://sanantonioastronomy.org/
16 Thursday
WaterSaver Walks: Come see what’s in bloom! Explore the Botanical Garden’s WaterSaver Gardens with a Master Naturalist. Learn the characteristics of different drought tolerant landscapes, including Cottage,
To Advertise Call 305-4181
Hill Country, Manicure Xeriscape, and Spanish style. Sponsored by San Antonio Water System. Fee: Included with paid admission ($12 – 9) and membership admission; registration required; WaterSaver Rewards Eligible.10 to11:30 a.m. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Pl. http:// www.sabot.org/walks/
17 Friday
Friday Evening Planetarium Show: Whoever said the sky’s the limit has never explored the solar system’s ice worlds or experienced the majesty of the aurora. Observe celestial objects through a refractory telescope during this Public Scobee Planetarium program. Friday night public presentations at 6:30 (Family Showing), 7:30 The Sky Tonight live presentation and 9:00 movie presentation. Children must be 6 yrs or older to be admitted to the 7:30 & 9:00pm programs. Tickets are currently credit card, cash or check only and sold 30 minutes prior to the presentation in our ticket booth. Sorry, no debit sales at this time. San Antonio College & Scobee Education Center, 1819 N Main Ave. 210486-0100. http://www.alamo.edu/sac/Scobee/ Miss Anastasia’s Wild and Wacky Pre-Weekend TWIGLET Story Time: Miss Anastasia combines story time and a delightful craft each Friday. Free. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Twig Book Shop in the Can Plant Building, 306 Pearl Parkway Ste. 106. 210-826-6411. http://www.thetwig.com/miss-anastasia Toddler Art Play: Little Night/Nochecita: Mini Museum visit meets creative playtime for children under 5. Wear paint clothes for a fun, messy time at the McNay! All programs are outdoors, weather permitting.Free for Members; $10 for Not-yet Members. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The McNay Art Museum, 6000 N New Braunfels Ave. https://www.mcnayart. org/
18 Saturday
Pearl Farmers Market: Rain or Shine! In front of the historic Brewhouse - Now extends through Avenue A along Pearl Parkway. 9 am. to 1 p.m. The Historic Pearl, 303 Pearl Pkwy. https://atpearl.com/
19 Sunday
Wild Kratts Live 2.0: Help the Kratt brothers save the day with Wild Kratts Live 2.0 - Activate Creature Power!, an ALL NEW theatrical stage show based on the hit animated television series Wild Kratts. Martin and Chris Kratt, zoologists by training and stars of the Emmy-nominated show, engage the audience in a classic Wild Kratts story. The brothers keep all ages entertained as they activate fan-favorite Creature Power Suits and go “off to the creature rescue!” With the help of the Wild Kratts team – and audience members – they confront a comic villain and help bring the creatures of the animal world to safety once again. 1 p.m. Tobin Center, 100 Auditorium Circle. 210-223-8624. https:// www.tobincenter.org/ Monster Jam 2020: The big leagues of motorsports competition, where 12,000-pound trucks and the world-class athletes who drive them tear up the dirt with gravitydefying feats. Engineered to perfection, the legendary Grave Digger®, Max-D, El Toro Loco® and many more push all limits in Freestyle, Skills Challenge, and Racing competitions. The Series Champion receives an automatic bid to the prestigious Monster Jam World Finals® to
Camp Fair 2020 | www.OurKids.camp
January 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com
29
24 Friday
Kerrville Renaissance Festival: Travel back in time to the middle ages, filled with adventure by playing games of skill, eating a turkey leg or by shopping the marketplace. Families can also enjoy Kerrville Renaissance Festival’s headlining entertainers and musical acts. Open Rain or Shine. Ticket prices vary. River Star Arts and Events Park Hill Country Youth Event Center on Hwy 27, 3785 TX-27 Kerrville. 214-632-5766. http://www. kerrvillerenfest.com
Monster Jam comes to the Alamo Dome January 19th. compete for the title of World Champion. This is full-throttle family fun. Ages Two and Older Require a Ticket. 3 p.m. Alamodome, 100 Montana St. https://www.monsterjam. com Pearl Farmers Market: Rain or Shine! In front of the historic Brewhouse - Now extends through Avenue A along Pearl Parkway. 10 am. to 2 p.m. The Historic Pearl, 303 Pearl Pkwy. https://atpearl.com/ San Antonio Spurs vs. Miami Heat: 2:00 p.m. AT&T Center, San Antonio. http://www.sarampage.com
20 Tuesday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) 21 Tuesday
Little Explorers: This program
nurtures a sense of wonder for the natural world. Children listen to nature stories, learn about the world around them, enjoy hands on activities and games, and make a craft to take home. Themes Include: Science Lab, Nature Art, Seeds, Seasons, and Dragonflies $5 per family. 10 to 11 a.m. Cibolo Nature Center & Farm, 140 City Park Road, Boerne. 830-2494616. http://www.cibolo.org/
22 Wednesday
Astronomy in the Park: Join astronomers and other stargazers to observe the sky through large telescopes in an informational program with the San Antonio Astronomical Association. 7 to 10:30 p.m. every Wednesday, weather permitting. Free. Raymond Rimkus (Park Parking Lot), 6440 Evers Rd., Leon Valley. http://sanantonioastronomy.org/
Miss Anastasia’s Wild and Wacky Pre-Weekend TWIGLET Story Time: Miss Anastasia combines story time and a delightful craft each Friday. Free. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Twig Book Shop in the Can Plant Building, 306 Pearl Parkway Ste. 106. 210-8266411. http://www.thetwig.com/ miss-anastasia Friday Evening Planetarium Show: Whoever said the sky’s the limit has never explored the solar system’s ice worlds or experienced the majesty of the aurora. Observe celestial objects through a refractory telescope during this Public Scobee Planetarium program. Friday night public presentations at 6:30 (Family Showing), 7:30 The Sky Tonight live presentation and 9:00 movie presentation. Children must be 6 yrs or older to be admitted to the 7:30 & 9:00pm programs. Tickets are currently credit card, cash or check only and sold 30 minutes prior to the presentation in our ticket booth. Sorry, no debit sales at this time. San Antonio College & Scobee Education Center, 1819 N Main Ave. 210-486-0100. http://www.alamo.edu/ sac/Scobee/ San Antonio Spurs vs. Phoenix Suns: 7:30 p.m. AT&T Center, San Antonio. http://www.sarampage.com
Jump Rope Team
• Team Performances • Learn Single, Long Rope, Double Dutch, & more • Improve Athletic Skills
Private Music Lessons Preschool Piano Classes Kindermusik Classes NOW ENROLLING Sinfonia Music Academy
210-465-6239
www.sinfoniamusicacademy.com 8103 Broadway Ste. 100 SATX 78209
30
Our Kids Magazine | January 2020
Be the first to hear about special offers and fun events for kids of all ages!
Jump with us at Cross Mountain Church Leon Springs Sundays 2pm to 4pm FOR ALL THE FUN DETAILS, VISIT ROLLINGOAKSMALL.COM/KIDX
Coach Bobby CoachBobby7755@gmail.com
210-269-0725
ADVENTURE
AWAITS >
www.coachbobbysports.com
To Advertise Call 305-4181
25 Saturday
Twig Costume Character Appearance - Dino: Miss Anastasia combines story time and a delightful craft each Friday. Free. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Twig Book Shop in the Can Plant Building, 306 Pearl Parkway Ste. 106. 210826-6411. http://www.thetwig.com/ miss-anastasia Parade of Lanterns: For two weeks, January 25-February 8, 2020 ten river floats carrying magically-illuminated enormous lanterns such as a dragon, adorable pandas, pinatas, and other objects will appear from 6:00-9:00 PM each night. The last night to take in the beauty is February 8th. Enjoy the magically illuminated floats from anywhere along the downtown portion of the River Walk. Asian-inspired music will softly play from each float. Free from 6 to 9 p.m. San Antonio River Walk, https://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/events/parade-of-lanterns The SpongeBob Musical: The SpongeBob Musical: One of the worlds most beloved characters. Turn them loose on stage and what do you get? The musical The New York Times declares, BRILLIANT! Broadways best creative minds reimagine and bring to life the beloved Nickelodeon series with humor, heart and pure theatricality in a party for the eyes and ears (Daily Beast). Explore the depths of theatrical innovation in THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, 2018 Best Musical winner of the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, where the power of optimism really can save the world. Times and Ticket Prices Vary. Majestic & Empire Theatres, 224 E Houston St. https://www.majesticempire.com/ Kerrville Renaissance Festival: Travel
Camp Fair 2020 | www.OurKids.camp
back in time to the middle ages, filled with adventure by playing games of skill, eating a turkey leg or by shopping the marketplace. Families can also enjoy Kerrville Renaissance Festival’s headlining entertainers and musical acts. Open Rain or Shine. Ticket prices vary. River Star Arts and Events Park Hill Country Youth Event Center on Hwy 27, 3785 TX-27 Kerrville. 214-632-5766. http://www. kerrvillerenfest.com 5K Freedom Run/Walk, Kids 1K, and Toddler Trot: One of San Antonio’s most widely attended runs- and draws over 400 of San Antonio’s families and military personnel who are passionate about recovery. 6:30 to 11:30 a.m. O.P. Schnabel Park, 9630 Bandera Rd. https://www.athleteguild.com Pearl Farmers Market: Rain or Shine! In front of the historic Brewhouse Now extends through Avenue A along Pearl Parkway. 9 am. to 1 p.m. The Historic Pearl, 303 Pearl Pkwy. https:// atpearl.com/
26 Sunday
Kerrville Renaissance Festival: Travel back in time to the middle ages, filled with adventure by playing games of skill, eating a turkey leg or by shopping the marketplace. Families can also enjoy Kerrville Renaissance Festival’s headlining entertainers and musical acts. Open Rain or Shine. Ticket prices vary. River Star Arts and Events Park Hill Country Youth Event Center on Hwy 27, 3785 TX-27 Kerrville. 214-632-5766. http://www. kerrvillerenfest.com Pearl Farmers Market: Rain or Shine! In front of the historic Brewhouse Now extends through Avenue A along Pearl Parkway. 10 am. to 2 p.m. The
Historic Pearl, 303 Pearl Pkwy. https:// atpearl.com/ Family Art Play: Last Sunday of the month. Family Art Play is a program for families that involves looking carefully at works of art and investigating a studio or performance component afterwards. No registration necessary. This program is free with Museum admission or with Museum membership. 2 to 4 p.m. The McNay Art Museum, 6000 N New Braunfels Ave. https://www.mcnayart.org/
29 Wednesday Finding Neverland: The incredible story behind one of the world’s most beloved characters: Peter Pan. Playwright J.M. Barrie struggles to find inspiration until he meets four young brothers and their beautiful widowed mother. Spellbound by the boys’ enchanting make-believe adventures, he sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers. With a little bit of pixie dust and a lot of faith, Barrie takes this monumental leap, leaving his old world behind for Neverland, where nothing is impossible and the wonder of childhood lasts forever. The magic of Barrie’s classic tale springs spectacularly to life in this heartwarming theatrical event. 7:30 p.m. Tobin Center, 100 Auditorium Circle. 210-223-8624. https://www. tobincenter.org/ Astronomy in the Park: Join astronomers and other stargazers to observe the sky through large telescopes in an informational program with the San Antonio Astronomical Association. 7 to 10:30 p.m. every Wednesday, weather permitting. Free. Raymond Rimkus (Park Parking Lot), 6440 Evers Rd., Leon Valley. http://sanantonioastronomy.org/
January 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com
31