How Gen Z learns

Gen HOW

LEARNS

The classrooms are even very di erent from those of their millennial and Gen X parents

A“ lexa, who invented homework?”

The question—known so well by our household virtual assistants— says as much about kids’ classic disdain for math worksheets as it does about the drastically different ways our children are accessing information into the 2020s.

Instant educational gratifi cation has become the norm. Beyond a quick answer to who masterminded after-school assignments (Alexa says it’s probably Roberto Nevilis, by the way), our kids have multiplication facts, key historical dates and more at their fi ngertips.

Trying to draw a horse? There’s a YouTube video for that. Learn that dance move everyone’s doing? Just open TikTok. And current events? Forget the news; my middle schooler learned of the recent confl ict in Iran after his Instagram feed was full of memes referencing a potential WWIII.

The 21st-century learner isn’t bound by library hours, dial-up connections or even the content selected by teachers or parents. And that’s just scratching the surface. The answer to how Generation Z learns is more than “in front of a screen.” It’s in groups, with projects, by doing, through relationships—and this knowledge is key to propelling our kids forward, even if it means a mindset shift for Millennial and Gen X parents.

“There’s a misconception that different is not better, or that it might be worse,” says Gary Abud, an educational consultant with SAGA Educators.

That isn’t the case, he says. Instead, the latest ways to reach Gen Z—those born between 1995 to 2015—aim to change the school experience for the better.

An individualized approach

The one-room schoolhouse features prominently in any imagining of America’s educational roots. While today’s schools couldn’t look more different, there’s one aspect that’s making a comeback: individualized education.

“Personalized learning has grown tremendously. The students are going at their own pace, individually, even though they’re in the same classroom as other students,” Abud says. “If a student is excelling, they don’t have to wait for the next day’s lesson to be able to learn more, and a student who needs more time isn’t left behind.”

While one student practices division basics, a classmate might be working out more advanced equations. Like the multi-age classrooms of the past, teachers are increasingly individualizing curriculum to match a student’s progress.

Roycemore School in Evanston has always prided itself on personalized learning, but Elizabeth Shutters, director of curriculum and innovation, says she’s seeing the trend becoming more prevalent at other schools. It’s a trend she likes. Darren Pierre, clinical assistant professor of Higher Education at Loyola University Chicago, says one of key differences is this generation not only wants more individualized learning but also cares less about individual recognition vs. the Millennial stereotype that everyone deserves a trophy.

As he teaches the students who will become tomorrow’s teachers, Pierre’s been fascinated with the CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

“Hands down,

we see that

this is a very

social, very

communicative

generation. Part

of that is that

they’re growing

up with these

high-powered

communication

tools (like

Alexa) at their

fingertips, which

require you to

communicate

verbally.”

Gen HOW LEARNS Z CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

fi ndings in the book, Generation Z Goes to College, by Corey Seemiller and Meghan Grace. One takeaway is the challenge for teachers to fi nd a way to not only give students that individualized instruction, but to engage them through teamwork using technology and social media platforms in new ways.

“They are going to be engaged learners and driven in ways that we may have never seen before. While they appreciate technology, there is still going to be a value of face to face connection,” he says.

Teachers with classrooms full of Gen Zers will fi nd themselves challenged answering questions of how what they are teaching connects to what’s happening right now on political and social issues, Pierre says. They have to be prepared for “how students are bringing energy of the world into the classroom.”

Inspired by collaboration, projects

If there’s one thing most people understand about Gen Z, it’s that they’re always communicating—both “IRL” and online. So, it’s no surprise to see collaboration take center stage in the classroom.

“Hands down, we see that this is a very social, very communicative generation,” Abud says. “Part of that is that they’re growing up with these high-powered communication tools (like Alexa) at their fi ngertips, which require you to communicate verbally. If kids are growing up with that in their homes these days, they’re getting the message that verbal communication is important.” Even more than that, he says, educators are seeing the results of letting kids build learning and understanding through talking with one another. By working with a partner or in a group to solve a problem, students learn from each other, brainstorm solutions and gain important social and cooperative skills.

“Learning is very social, and that is probably more true today than ever before,” Abud says. “So many things are social in our culture. When students are collaborating, I think that’s a good match for how their brains are going to naturally learn things. When kids can talk through their ideas with someone else, it helps their brain to solidify that learning and understanding even better. It’s crucial.”

Student engagement is also increased through hands-on educational activities, which have been proven to help kids retain what they learn. Gen Z students know this better than anyone, as project-based learning has exploded over the past decade thanks to the growing body of research behind it.

It’s another concept that isn’t necessarily new. Project-based learning was supported by infl uential philosopher John Dewey in the early 19th century; he called it “learning by doing.”

“Project-based learning has taken on a big contribution to education over the last 10 to 15 years,” Abud notes. “Rather than just learning content by itself, students are doing real-world projects that are related to their content as

Try This at Home Understanding how today’s kids learn best isn’t only useful in the classroom. Consider these tips for supporting your Gen Z learner at home.

• Give your child concrete examples of what you expect from him or her, educational consultant Gary Abud suggests. This is helpful with household chores and at the homework table. “Find a picture of what the fi nished product should look like,” he says. “That could be a way to get parents and students working together.”

• O er your child plenty of feedback—and don’t be vague about it. “Gen Z students want specifi c and frequent feedback,” Abud says. “The frequency of the feedback they’re getting is really important. They don’t want to go very long without knowing, ‘Was this right or wrong?’”

• Keep the big picture in mind. Fretting over a

single low test score or underwhelming report card can send a harmful message. “Be aware of the language parents use to talk about academic performance. That can trigger unintentional pressure,” he says. In other words, “Don’t make such ado about grades,” but “keep them in perspective of the bigger picture.”

a way to learn things but also a way to develop skills that go beyond the content area that they’re studying.”

Shutters sees that every day. While she describes classes as still fairly traditional at Roycemore, students are given opportunities to connect what they are learning to real life through personal passion projects in middle school or January short terms in high school.

“I think that sometimes they can be misunderstood. I think sometimes we adults might make assumptions that because they are on their phones all the time or can get that information super quickly, that they won’t want to sit down and learn,” Shutters says.

“I have found, especially with our (personal passion project) program, that if you can fi nd what a kid is passionate about, then they can really buckle down and get into it and solve problems and be creative in ways that a lot of people might assume they can’t.”

Potential downfalls

While many teaching methods catering to Gen Z improve the student experience, parents should know that kids today don’t have it “easy.” Far from it. “This generation has seen more school shootings and more conversations around gay rights and immigration rights than any other generation, they’re the most connected to political issues and they are the fi rst generation born under an African-American president,” Pierre says. “Some of those things are really great things to be exposed to, some of them are very jarring. But even the really jarring things help us understand this is going to be a much more socially conscious generation than perhaps Millennials and Gen X.”

He hopes Gen Z will use the negative experiences for positive change as they get older. Of course, then there’s the pressure to do well as they manage it all.

“In some ways, the academic pressure that’s out there is even more today than it has ever been before,” Abud says, pointing to staggering rates of student stress and anxiety.

And some of today’s strategies can backfi re. Individualized learning, for instance, can come with the unspoken expectation that all students should excel even faster.

“If you’re on grade level, now you’re behind. That perception is out there, whether people want to admit it or not,” Abud says. “That’s part of the crushing academic pressure that is going on.”

With this pressure, Gen Z learners can fi nd themselves

“shortcutting”—or gaming the system to gather enough points for a good grade, regardless of what they’ve really learned—or even withdrawing completely. “Instead of making an attempt and doing poorly, they’re just not doing it. A student can then get in trouble for not doing their homework at all, or not studying and doing poorly on a test, and they can say, ‘Well, I didn’t even try.’ They can sort of protect their image,” he says. “That’s a very maladaptive coping strategy that we see commonly in junior and high school.”

Parents should watch for warning signs like habitually missing homework assignments or disengaging from school. “They’re scared of the way they are going to be perceived,” he says. “It’s no longer just a ‘you did poorly,’ it’s ‘you’re not good enough and you’ll never amount to anything.’ I do see that that’s a direct result of the academic pressure being put on students today.”

If your child is distracted with her cellphone or retreating to a video game, consider that it may be a reaction to stress rather than a Gen Z weakness. “The psychology on this is very, very clear: We procrastinate or let ourselves get distracted because it’s a mechanism to deal with stress,” Abud says. “When parents see distraction or procrastination, it’s a red fl ag that stress is going on. They need to allow their student to vocalize and name the stress and fi nd a way to deal with that.”

Ultimately, reaching Gen Z is an ongoing learning process that the best teachers and advocates are still working out—just in time to decode Gen Alpha.

25 family-friendly events you can’t miss

MARCH

Jurassic Quest

Chicago Polar Plunge. Dive into icy Lake Michigan at North Avenue Beach to raise money for Special Olympics Chicago March 1. Jurassic Quest. See life-sized animatronic dinos and go on fossil digs March 6-8 at Navy Pier. South Side Irish Parade Film Fest. See a family feature fi lm, “The Secret of Kells,” during a 3 p.m. matinee March 7 at Beverly Arts Center. Reptile Rampage. Get up close and personal with more than 150 reptiles from all over the world. March 8 at Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Center.

National Geographic Live: Adventures Among Orangutans. Learn more about the animals that share 97 percent of our DNA March 10 at Auditorium Theatre. Casablanca in Concert. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra brings "Casablanca" to life March 13 and 15 at Symphony Center. Dyeing of the Chicago River. The green is best viewed from the east side of the Michigan Avenue bridge, the west side of the Columbus Drive bridge or upper and lower Wacker Drive between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive on March 14.

30 March 2020 CHICAGOPARENT.COM Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade. This parade steps off at noon on March 14 and features more than 200 fl oats and marching bands down Columbus Drive. U-505 In-depth Experience. Quiz U.S. submarine veterans and dive deeper into the history of the MSI sub March 14. Global Connections. Welcome Spring with the Hindu holiday of Holi, also known as the festival of colors March 14 at Navy Pier. Pi Day. Join an irrational celebration of 3/14 playing with circles, shapes, puzzles and games at Discovery Center Museum.

Family Day: Museum of Contemporary Art. Take part in workshops, open studio sessions, gallery tours and performances March 14 at Museum of Contemporary Art. Jump for Justice! Make cards for U.S. troops overseas, assemble “sick kits” for survivors and knit scarves for refugees on March 15 at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie. Chicago Flower and Garden Show. Inspire young gardeners at this year’s show beginning March 18 at Navy Pier. From Sap to Syrup. Learn all about maple syrup making and eat pancakes March 21 at Pilcher Park Nature Center in Joliet. Women's History Collage Night. Celebrate the 19th amendment and women’s history March 24 at Harold Washington Library Center in Chicago. ESCONI Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show. Play games, make crafts and try to split a geode March 21 at DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton. Pot o'Gold Hunt. Kids follow the leprechaun’s trail and hike through the prairie and forest to fi nd the hidden

Dyeing of the Chicago River PHOTO CREDIT CHOOSE CHICAGO

treasure March 21 at Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm. Dragons Alive! The Science and Culture of Reptiles . Learn about dragons daily at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Castle. Let kids create their own kingdom at the new play space at Chicago Children's Museum. The Ghost in Gadsden's Garden. The Actors Gymnasium applies its unique brand of stage-craft to tell a tale with an all-new spectacularly spectral circus Fridays Saturdays and Sundays through March 22 in Evanston. South Side Irish Parade. This alcohol-free parade marches on Western Avenue from 103rd to 115th on Chicago's South Side March 15.

Teen Opportunity Fair. Teens ages 13-19 seeking volunteering opportunities can fi nd them March 14 at KennedyKing College. Red Kite, Brown Box. A live theater experience for kids with autism and their caregivers through March 21 at Chicago Children's Theatre. Homemade Granola. Make personalized, ovenbaked granola and a no-bake granola treat March 24 at Chicago Botanic Garden.

For a museum known for celebrating upstanders who do what’s right, the Illinois Holocaust Museum has chosen a can’t-miss new exhibit that speaks directly to the importance of overcoming challenges and perserverence.

“Notorious RBG -- The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg,” the first-ever exhibition dedicated to the Supreme Court justice and cultural icon, offers something for all ages, says Wendy Singer, the museum’s director of education. Younger kids will love learning about Ginsburg’s life through interactive rooms, from her childhood apartment in Brooklyn, her hobbies (baton twirling!) to the Supreme Court bench where they can try on robes.

Older kids will enjoy a deeper dive into discovering Ginsburg’s influence on America with media clips of the famous cases she’s heard and the role of the three branches of government. Parents, too, can relate to the trailblazer who balanced a demanding career and raising a family.

Everyone will be able to relate to Ginsburg as an upstander who faced challenges, yet persevered to make a difference without diminishing others, she says.

“The power of the exhibition is there is much detail about her life that people can see themselves in it,” says Marcy Larson, vice president of marketing at the museum.

At the end, you can even buy a RBG bobblehead. Tamara L. O’Shaughnessy RBG: An exhibit for our time

Notorious RBG The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg Now through Aug. 16 Illinois Holocaust Museum 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie ilholocaustmuseum.org/rbg

MCA Family Day

1 | SUNDAY

CHICAGO Chicago Polar Plunge. One of the largest fundraising events for Special Olympics Chicago takes place on Chicago’s icy lakefront. Once the dive is concluded, all are invited to a “Melt Down Party” inside the North Avenue Beach boathouse and expanded heated tents. Free; fundraising encouraged. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. North Avenue Beach. chicagopolarplunge.org.

SUBURBS Oak Lawn Park District’s Community Art Day & Competition. Artists of all ages and abilities showcase their artwork. Fun activities planned in the Art Room. Registration required for competition. 1-3 p.m. Oak View Community Center, Oak Lawn. olparks.com Sap’s Rising. Walk in the sugar maple forest to learn about the sweet history of maple syrup making. 1:30-2:30 p.m. River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook. fpdcc.com

3 | TUESDAY Diaspora Design. Kids ages 6-12 with an adult will learn and make the art of the African Diaspora and its frequent reliance on recycled materials. 4-5 p.m. Little Italy Branch Chicago Library, Chicago. chipublib.com.

4 | WEDNESDAY Stroller Tours. Caregivers discover the MCA’s exhibitions with a docent, exploring galleries without concern that their baby or stroller will disrupt the tour. Free with admission. 11:30 a.m. Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago. mcachicago.org.

6 | FRIDAY Jurassic Quest. See life-sized animatronic dinos and go on a fossil dig. $22+. 3:30-8 p.m. Navy Pier, Chicago. jurassicquest.com.

7 | SATURDAY

CHICAGO Cold Blooded Weekend. Get up close to a large collec

About the calendar The deadline for submitting listings for the April issue is Feb. 24. All events are subject to change. Please confi rm before you go. Events taking place on four or more dates during the month are listed in Ongoing Events, beginning on page 36.

■ Searchable listings updated daily ChicagoParent.com/calendar

tion of reptiles and amphibians during an immersive experience provided by the Chicago Herpetological Society. Free with admission. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. naturemuseum.org. South Side Irish Parade Film Fest. A family feature will highlight the matinee performance with an older-audience feature in the evening. Visit website for tickets. 3 p.m. matinee, 6-10 p.m. feature. Beverly Arts Center, Chicago. beverlyartcenter.org. Jurassic Quest. See March 6. Today’s times: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

SUBURBS Countryside St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade steps off on Kensington Avenue at 61st Street and proceeds one mile, ending at 55th Place & Edgewood. 1 p.m. Countryside. countrysidechamber.org

Elmhurst Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Includes more than 80 floats, marching units, Irish dancers and local team mascots. Noon. Elmhurst. elmhurststpatsparade.com.

Forest Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Features bagpipers, antique cars, Medinah Mini Choppers and more. 1 p.m. Main Street, Forest Park. exploreforestpark.com.

Lemont St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival Parade. Parade begins at 55 Stephen St., follows south on Stephen to west on Main Street to the VFW Hall. Food and entertainment planned at Lemont VFW. 1 p.m. parade, party until 5 p.m. Lemont. facebook.com/ events/517025242282511/.

Manhattan Irish Fest Parade. The parade begins at East North & Jan streets, following west to State Street, where it turns south and ends at Second Street. 11 a.m. Manhattan. manhattanirishfest.com. Sap’s Rising. See March 1.

8 | SUNDAY

CHICAGO Cold Blooded Weekend. See March 7. Jurassic Quest. See March 6. Today’s times: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

SUBURBS Reptile Rampage. Get up close and personal with more than 150 reptiles from all over the world. Featured exhibitors include Jim Nesci from Cold Blooded Creatures, the Chicago Herpetological Society, the St. Louis Herpetological Society, The Field Museum, the Madison Herpetological Society, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and the Grove Nature Center. $10, free kids 3 and under. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Center, Lake Forest. lfparksandrec.com/ wildlife-discovery-center. Sap’s Rising. See March 1. Dog Admission Day. Hit the trails with your furry friend. Fee includes a stylish Arboretum bandana for your pup. $5/dog plus regular admission. 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The Morton Arboretum, Lisle. mortonarb.org.

Tinley Park Irish Parade. See floats, community groups,

local schools and businesses. The parade steps off from Central Middle School, 18146 S. Oak Park Ave., and proceeds north on Oak Park Avenue to 171st Street. Fees for food. 1 p.m. Tinley Park. tinleypark.org.

Makin’ Music Bluegrass Jam. Make a simple instrument, then join the fun in a bluegrass jam circle. Or bring your basses, fiddles, mandolins, guitars and banjos. All are welcome to play at the jam or just listen. 1-3 p.m. Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest. fpdcc.com. Irish Tea. The Vogt Visual Arts Center will be decked out for St. Patrick’s Day with decorations, music, and traditional Irish goodies like scones, soda bread and an assortment of teas. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Vogt Visual Arts Center, Tinley Park. tinleyparkdistrict.org.

9 | MONDAY Lucky Leprechauns. Kids ages 3-4 enjoy festive activities and unique crafts, all while hunting for gold. Dress in your best St. Patrick’s Day green. $18, $12 residents. 5-6 p.m. Pat Shephard Center. Schaumburg. parkfun.com.

10 | THURSDAY National Geographic Live: Adventures Among Orangutans. Husband-andwife duo Tim Laman and Cheryl Knott have dedicated their lives to understanding and protecting orangutans with whom we share 97 percent of our DNA. In this presentation, the pair gives insight into the work that they’ve done. $42+. 7 p.m. Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, Chicago. tickets.auditoriumtheatre.org

11 | WEDNESDAY Nature Tots. Kids ages 2-5 and their adults will explore nature and nature play. Outside adventures in nice weather. Registration required. 10-11 a.m. Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest. fpdcc.com

13 | FRIDAY Movies in the Parks: Spiderman. Enjoy a viewing of. Movie is rated PG and runs 2 hours, 13 minutes. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Revere Park, Chicago. chicagoparkdistrict.com. Inflatable Fun Night at Rosedale. Enjoy a night of jump

ing and flipping as the gym will be full of inflatables. $3. 6-7 p.m. Rosedale Park, Chicago. chicagoparkdistrict.com. Casablanca in Concert. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra brings to life “Casablanca,” a movie with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Check website for costs. 7:30 p.m. Symphony Center, Chicago. cso.org.

14 | SATURDAY

CHICAGO Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This parade features more than 200 floats and marching bands. The river dyeing can be best viewed from the east side of the Michigan Avenue bridge, the west side of the Columbus Drive bridge or upper and lower Wacker Drive between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive. The parade starts at Balbo and Columbus. The parade units will proceed north on Columbus Drive and the viewing stand will be in front of Buckingham Fountain 9 a.m. dyeing; noon parade. chicagostpatricksdayparade.org. CAC Family Day. Families with kids ages 3 and older can explore the galleries to learn fun facts, find hidden gems and participate in hands-on demonstrations. Build and make a take-home craft project. Themes and activities change each month. Free with admission. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Chicago Architecture Center. architecture.org.

Teen Opportunity Fair at Kennedy King College. Teens ages 13-19 will have access to information about job readiness and connect with organizations in attendance to receive feedback and critique. Teens seeking volunteer opportunities and skill development offerings will find ample options during the fair. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Kennedy-King College. chicagoparkdistrict.com. Family Day: Museum of Contemporary Art. Take part in workshops, open studio sessions, gallery tours and performances

National Geographic Live Adventures Among Orangutans PHOTO CREDIT TIM LAMAN

all designed and led by Chicago artists. Free for families with kids 12 and under. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Museum of Contemporary Art. mcachicago.org. U-505 In-depth Experience. Dive deeper into the story of the U-505 submarine on a special extended tour before museum hours. U.S. submarine veterans will be available to answer questions and share their stories. Recommended for ages 10 and older. $40, plus museum entry. 7:30 a.m. Museum of Science and Industry. msichicago.org. Global Connections. A celebration of the diverse people and cultures that make up Chicago’s local character. This month is Holi, the Hindu spring festival of colors. 1-4 p.m. Navy Pier. navypier.org.

SUBURBS Pi Day. Join an irrational celebration playing with circles, shapes, puzzles and games. Free with museum admission. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Discovery Center Museum, Rockford. discoverycentermuseum.org.

Naperville St. Patrick’s Day. The parade kicks off from Naperville North High School, continues south on Mill Street, east on Jefferson Avenue, south on Main Street and west on Water Street to the Municipal Center. 10 a.m. Naperville. facebook.com/ events/2435184463201757.

15 | SUNDAY

CHICAGO Northwest Side Irish Parade. The parade and party have activities ranging from face painting to balloon art. Noon. northwestsideirish.org.

South Side Irish Parade. Alcohol-free parade on Western Avenue from 103rd to 115th on Chicago’s South Side (Beverly/ Morgan Park). Expect high school bands, bagpipe bands, Those Little People, Irish dance schools and more. Noon. southsideirishparade.org. St. Patrick’s Day Crafts at Maplewood. Kids ages 3-6 can get crafty for St. Patrick’s Day. $5. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Maplewood Park. chicagoparkdistrict.com. St. Patrick’s Day Crafts at Maplewood. Kids ages 6-13 can get crafty for St. Patrick’s Day. $5. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Maplewood Park. chicagoparkdistrict.com. Casablanca in Concert. See March 13. Today’s time is 3 p.m.

SUBURBS Jump for Justice! Families can enjoy exercise circuits inspired by RBG’s fitness regime, healthy snacks and hands-on activities for the whole family, including making cards for US troops overseas, assembling “sick kits” for survivors, and knitting scarves for refugees. 2-3:30 p.m. Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, Skokie.

ilholocaustmuseum.org.

Plainfield Hometown Irish Parade. The parade steps off from Plainfield Central High School, turns north on James Street, east on Lockport, south on Illinois, then west on Commercial to return to the high school. The Village Preservation Association is hosting a family area at the intersection of Lockport and DesPlaines streets, before and after the parade. Special entertainment will be provided by some of the featured bagpipe bands and Irish dance groups from the parade. Fees for food. 1 p.m. Plainfield Central High School, Plainfield. plainfieldirishparade.org. Sugar Bush Fair. An annual celebration of nature’s sweet gift of maple sugar. Free admission; breakfast is $6 for full stack and $8 for half stack. 9 a.m.-noon Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm, Schaumburg. parkfun.com/event/sugar-bush-fair.

17 | TUESDAY St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. Kids and their families learn about the origin of St. Patrick’s Day through fun activities. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Jeffery Manor Branch, Chicago. chipublib.com. Youth Mosaic Workshop. Artists ages 6-15 learn the basics of mosaics and create a square piece made of a fun selection of materials. Students will be introduced cutting techniques, materials, safety and placement and designs will be provided. $60. 4-6 p.m. The Chicago Mosaic School, Chicago. chicagomosaicschool.com.

18 | WEDNESDAY Chicago Flower and Garden Show. Features garden displays, demonstrations, seminars, kids’ activity garden and daily potting parties. There also will be cake decorating contests featuring top pastry chefs. This year’s theme is “Focus on Flowers,” inspiring, educating and motivating the next generation of gardener. $16; $5 kids 4-12. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Navy Pier, Chicago. chicagoflower.com.

19 | THURSDAY Parents’ Night Out. Kids ages 5-11 will play games, make crafts, and enjoy pizza and a movie while parents take a night out. $30, $24 residents. 6-9 p.m. Lincolnwood Parks & Recreation, Lincolnwood. tinyurl.com/uhs4wla. Chicago Flower and Garden Show. See March 18.

20 | FRIDAY Brunch with the Bunny. Includes refreshments, face painting, entertainment and the Easter Bunny for kids 6 and under. Parent must accompany child. Registration and advance ticket purchase required. $10. 10 a.m.- noon. Merrimac Park, Chicago. chicagoparkdistrict.com. Hejsan! Crafts and Story time. Hejsan story and craft program for young children to meet a different animal each month. Free with museum admission. 11 a.m. Swedish American Museum & Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration, Chicago. swedishamericanmuseum.org. Chicago Flower and Garden Show. See March 18.

21 | SATURDAY

CHICAGO

Chicago Flower and Garden Show. See March 18.

Maple Syrup Festival. See the entire maple syrup-making process and other activities. Take a walk through the sugar bush, enjoy storytelling, make a maple craft, warm yourself by the fire and taste real maple syrup fresh off the fire. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. North Park Village Nature Center. chicagoparkdistrict.com.

Spring Celebration. Kids ages 3-10 can celebrate the arrival of spring with games, crafts and music for the whole family. Douglass Branch Chicago Public Library. chipublib.com.

SUBURBS ESCONI Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show. The Earth Science Club of Northern Illinois will host dealers, demonstrators and museums for a rock and mineral show. Kids can receive a free collection of minerals and fossils, play games, make crafts and try to split a geode. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton. esconi.org.

Get Sticky! Maple Syrup Day. Discover the sweet secret of turning tree sap into syrup and enjoy samples along the way on a 75-minute guided tour. Tours start every 20 minutes until 2 p.m. $10. 10 a.m.-3:15 p.m. Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, Oak Brook. dupageforest.org. From Sap to Syrup. Learn about maple syrup making and watch tree tapping demonstrations, then eat breakfast with 100 percent pure maple syrup. $8 ages 13 and older, $6 ages 12 and

younger. 9 a.m.-noon. Pilcher Park Nature Center, Joliet. jolietpark.org. Pot o’Gold Hunt. Kids 4-7 follow the leprechaun’s trail and hike through the prairie and forest to find the hidden treasure. $10.50, $7 residents. 10-11:30 a.m. Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm, Schaumburg. parkfun.com. Pioneer Pancakes. Kids 7-12 help make maple syrup the pioneer way by collecting sap from maple trees and boiling it down in a wood fired evaporator. Afterward, enjoy some maple syrup on pancakes made over the campfire. $10, $8 residents. 1-3 p.m. Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm, Schaumburg. parkfun.com

22 | SUNDAY

CHICAGO . Maple Syrup Festival. See the entire maple syrupmaking process from tapping the tree to boiling it down into syrup. Take a walk through the sugar bush, enjoy storytelling, make a maple craft, warm yourself by the fi re and taste real maple syrup fresh off the fi re. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. North Park Village Nature Center, Chicago. chicagoparkdistrict.com. Chicago Flower and Garden Show. See March 18. Today’s hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

SUBURBS ESCONI Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show. See March 21. Today’s hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Washington Library Center, Chicago. chipublib.com.

25 | WEDNESDAY Teens DIY Wednesday. Each month will feature a new item to create with step-by-step directions for teens to make and take home, and then inspire more ideas. Cost varies, see website. This month is bath bombs. 4-6 p.m. teens, 7-9 p.m. 18+. Lincolnwood Parks & Recreation, Lincolnwood. tinyurl.com/rdeh6yw.

26 | THURSDAY Writing Club for Kids. Create a story based on a fun writing prompt. Recommended for grades 4-6. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Homewood Public Library, Homewood. homewoodlibrary.org. Bunny Bonanza. Kids 6 and under can enjoy face painting, a craft project, inflatables and egg hunt. Parents can bring their cameras to capture a special photo with the bunny. Advance tickets required. $7. 9:45-10:45 a.m. and 11 a.m.-noon. Welles Park, Chicago. chicagoparkdistrict.com.

28 | SATURDAY

SUBURBS Homemade Granola. Make personalized, oven-baked granola and a no-bake granola treat. This class is nut-free. $24, $19 members. 9:30-11 a.m., 1-2:30 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe. chicagobotanic.org.

24 | TUESDAY Women’s History Collage Night. Make collages that will incorporate the celebration of the 19th amendment and women’s history. Supplies such as magazines, glue sticks, markers and colored pencils will be on hand. All levels of art skill are welcome, though classes are for ages 14 and older. Registration required. 6-8 p.m. Harold

29 | SUNDAY

CHICAGO Sunday Morning Cartoons. Wndr Museum shows classic cartoons projected in the food and beverage space plus all-youcan-eat cereal from the cereal bar. All ages welcome. $20, Free 10 and under with adult. 10 a.m.- noon. Wndr Museum, Chicago. wndrmuseum.com.

EXHIBITS Art on theMart. Curated digital art installation across 2.5 acres of theMART’s river façade. About 4-6 p.m. WednesdaysSundays. The Merchandise Mart, Chicago. artonthemart.com. Castle Kids. Kids use their imaginations to create their own kingdom in a one-of-a-kind castlethemed play space that includes secret tunnels, a rope bridge, tower, dungeon, throne room, wizard’s room, kitchen, feasting table and market. Free with museum admission. Chicago Children’s Museum, Chicago. chicagochildrensmuseum.org. Discovery Town Stop in at the vet clinic, pizza shop, fi re station, local theater, town park, post offi ce or airport in this tiny town. Kids play as they learn about the people and places that make up a community. Through May 10. Discovery Center Museum, Rockford. discoverycentermuseum.org Dragons Alive! The Science and Culture of Reptiles. Learn about the culture of dragons, then see 10 species of reptiles and lizards with dragon-like features. Free with museum admission. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago. naturemuseum.org.

Fantastic Bug Encounters. Told from a bug’s point of view, Fantastic Bug Encounters! invites you to take a closer look at the beauty, diversity and abilities of these resourceful creatures. $6+. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The Field Museum, Chicago. fi eldmuseum.org. Maple Sugaring. Discover how sap becomes syrup as you try tapping with tools from the 1890s, check the collection buckets, watch sap thicken over the fi re and try a taste of real maple syrup. $5 suggested donation ages 3 and older. 1-4 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays in March. Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago. dupageforest.org. Nature Cat: Backyard and Beyond. In collaboration with WTTW, Kohl Children’s Museum features Nature Cat and his friends in an exhibit designed to encourage children to explore the natural world. Through March 29. Free with museum admission. Kohl Children’s Museum, Glenview. kohlchildrensmuseum.org. Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The fi rst-ever museum exhibition focused solely on the judicial icon explores her life and many roles as student, wife, mother, lawyer, judge, women’s rights pioneer and Internet phenomenon. Briefs and other writings by RBG, including some of her famously searing dis

sents, are woven throughout the exhibit. Illinois Holocaust Museum, Skokie. ilholocaustmuseum.org. On the Right Track: By Rail to Chicago & Beyond. Visitors discover how Chicago-area railroads helped create the suburban transportation landscape. Free with museum admission. 1-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays & Sundays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays. Elmhurst History Museum, Elmhurst. (630) 833-1457, elmhursthistory.org. Stunning Stories in American Indian Jewelry. For thousands of years, artisans have expressed their cultural stories in a wide range of jewelry. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. TuesdaysSaturdays, Noon-4 p.m. Sundays. Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, Evanston. (847) 475-1030, mitchellmuseum.org. The March. “The March” brings the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech to virtual reality for the fi rst time. Free with admission. DuSable Museum of African American History, Chicago. dusablemuseum.org. Wired to Wear. The fi rst-ever exhibit dedicated to wearable technology—smart clothing and devices designed to extend the human body’s capabilities. Recommended for ages 6 and

36 March 2020 CHICAGOPARENT.COM Dragons Alive

PHOTO CREDIT BUILD 4 IMPACT INC.

older. $12, $9 ages 3-11, $6 members. Timed ticket required. Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. (773) 684-1414, msichicago.org.

OTHER EVENTS DAILY Story Time. Listen to a story selected for the littlest visitors, and then keep the fun going with games and activities. Free with admission. 11 a.m. daily. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago. (773) 755-5100, naturemuseum.org. Winter Play. A self-guided glimpse into the world of outdoor play. Free with admission. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. The Morton Arboretum, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

SUNDAY Family Build Lab. Join experts in the studio for themed stations to introduce you to architecture basics, a design challenge and a take-home project. Recommended for families with kids 3 and up. $12, free members. 10 a.m. Chicago Architecture Center, Chicago. architecture.org. Fiddleheads. Join the conservatory for activities and projects that get kids and families

wondering about the plants and the natural world. Each week is a different science-based activity. Noon-4 p.m. Garfi eld Park Conservatory, Chicago. (773) 638- 1766, garfi eldconservatory.org. Weekend Crafts. Explore the Native American culture with crafts for different age groups. Crafts change monthly. Free with admission. 12:30-1:30 p.m. Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, 3001 Central St., Evanston. (847) 475-1030, mitchellmuseum.org.

Art Games. Children create art through playing games and play games while creating art. 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wonder Works, Oak Park. (708) 383-4815, wonder-works.org. Baby & Me. A chance for parents of infants to meet others adjusting to parenthood, ask questions and make friends. Free with admission. 9:30-11 a.m. Kohl Children’s Museum, Glenview. kohlchildrensmuseum.org.

MONDAY Morning Glories. Children and their caregivers can explore different areas of the Children’s Garden. Educators provide storytime, imaginative play and sensory activities. Recommended for 5 and younger. Free, donation requested. 10 a.m.-noon. Garfi eld Park Conservatory, Chicago. (773) 638- 1766, garfi eldconservatory.org.

TUESDAY Kido Books Storytime. The story time specializes in books that feature multicultural characters and encourage empathy and inclusivity. 10:30-11 a.m. KIDO, 1137 S. Delano Court, Chicago. kidochicago.com. Little Playtimes. Legoland opens early for toddlers and their parents. $10 in advance; $12 at

door; free kids 2 and under. 10 a.m.-noon. Legoland Discovery Center, Schaumburg. chicago. legolanddiscoverycenter.com.

Play Days at the Farm. From sorting pinecones to digging in smooth seeds, kids ages 1-5 can experience The Farm at Lincoln Park Zoo, including a storytime and art station. 10 a.m.-noon. Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago. lpzoo. org/play-days-farm.

WEDNESDAY Wild Wednesdays. Kids explore nature, get their hands dirty and discover new things about plants, animals and nature. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 4-7 p.m. Garfi eld Park Conservatory, Chicago. (773) 638- 1766, garfi eldconservatory.org. Arbor Reading Adventures. Interactive story time and fun crafts indoors before heading out

PHOTO CREDIT CHICAGO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM on the grounds for an adventure walk. Themes change each week. $5. 11-11:45 a.m. The Morton Arboretum, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

THURSDAY Play Late Thursdays. On the fi rst Thursday of each month, kids take center stage with programs including open mic nights with guest MCs to run the show, themed dance parties for the whole family, kid-friendly and kid-starring performances and more. The rest of the month on Thursdays, entrance late in the day is $14.95 for up to four people, $5 each additional person. 4-8 p.m. Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 527-1000. chicagochildrensmuseum.org. Songs and Stories. Attend every Thursday afternoon for songs and stories. Entry includes cost for open play. $12, free enrolled families. 3:30 p.m. Bubbles Academy, Chicago. bubblesacademy.com.

FRIDAY Juicebox. A music and performance series for the stroller set. 11 a.m. fi rst and third Friday. Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago. cityofchicago.org. Arbor Reading Adventures. See Wednesday.

Castle

SATURDAY Little Squirrels Storytime. Stories and songs celebrating classic literature for preschoolage kids. Free with admission. 10:30-11:30 a.m. American Writers Museum, Chicago. (312) 374-8790, americanwritersmuseum.org.

Play Days at the Farm. See Tuesday.

Juicebox. See Fridays. Today’s location: Garfi eld Park Conservatory, Chicago. Fiddleheads. See Sunday. Weekend Crafts. See Sunday. Saturday times: 11 a.m.-noon.

The Greatest Story Never Told. Professional improvisers take suggestions and volunteer performers of all ages from the audience to come on stage and co-create a 45-minute story. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. with coloring, crafts, board games and dress-up fun for kids on the stage. $15-$30. 3 p.m. SaturdaysSundays through March 22. Newport Theater, Chicago. greateststorynevertold.org

The Fantasticks. A funny and romantic musical about a boy, a girl and their two fathers who try to keep them apart. $40-$45. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays through March 8. Citadel Theatre, Lake Forest. (847) 735-8554, citadeltheatre.org. The Ghost in Gadsden’s Garden. The Actors Gym applies its unique brand of stagecraft to tell a ghastly tale with an all-new spectacularly spectral circus. $18-$28. Not recommended for children under 5. Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4:30 & 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m. through March 22. The Actors Gymnasium, Evanston. actorsgymnasium.org. Wake Up, Brother Bear. An interactive show that will take theater-going cubs on a fun-fi lled journey through the four seasons with a playful pair of bears. $22. 9:30 & 11:30 a.m. SaturdaysSundays through March 1. Chicago Children’s Theatre, Chicago. chicagochildrenstheatre.org. A Family Affair. An improvised show in which personal, sometimes hilarious, but always true, stories are told from the perspectives of a real-life mom, dad and daughter. $12. 8 p.m. Fridays through March 13. iO Chicago Theater, Chicago. ioimprov.com. Hit Her With The Skates. This family-friendly musical explores the magic and hope of fi nding your one true love while still being true to yourself. Stars American Idol talents Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young. $40- $79. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, Wake Up, Brother Bear PHOTO CREDIT CHARLES OSGOOD

2 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, 8 p.m. Saturdays and 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, beginning March 18. Royal George Theatre, Chicago. hitherwiththeskates.com. Grease. Join in the fun of the hilarious antics of Rydell High’s class of ‘59. $50-$60. Through March 15. Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. marriotttheatre.com. Red Kite, Brown Box. A live theater experience that leads children with autism and their caregivers on an imaginative journey where simple cardboard boxes transform into a magical world full of treasures and joyous play. $12. noon & 1:30 p.m. Saturdays through March 21. Chicago Children’s Theatre, Chicago. chicagochildrenstheatre.org. The Secret of My Success. Adapted from the 1987 Michael J. Fox movie, Brantley Foster, a young ambitious Midwesterner, moves to New York City to start his dream job at a major corporation and hilarity ensues. Recommended for ages 10 and older. $36+. Through March 29. Paramount Arts Centre and Theatre, Aurora. paramountaurora.com.

Storytown. Kids design the setting and help shape the story, and the Storytown actors, artists and musicians bring it to life. $10. 10:30 a.m. Saturdays. Stage 773, Chicago. storytownimprov.com. What the Constitution Means to Me. Playwright Heidi Schreck’s play resurrects her teenage self in order to trace the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives. Recommended for high schoolers and older. $30-$85. Begins March 4. Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, Chicago. broadwayinchicago.com. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Show features new works and timeless classics as the company commemorates its 60th anniversary. $35+. 7:30 p.m. March 4-6; 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. March 7 and 3 p.m. March 8. Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, Chicago. tickets.auditoriumtheatre.org. Evanston Dance Ensemble: The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe. This production brings the fantastical characters and the magical world of Narnia to life with music, costume and exhilarating dance. $24, $16 students & seniors. 7 p.m. March

12-13, 1 p.m. & 4 p.m. March 14-15. Josephine Louis Theatre, Evanston. tinyurl.com/lww2020. American Ballet Theatre. See the stars of the American Ballet Theatre in a mixed repertory program featuring “Kingdom of the Shades” scene from the classic ballet La Bayadère, Antony Tudor’s one-act ballet Jardin aux Lilas, and Twyla Tharp’s Deuce Coupe, with principal dancer Misty Copeland. $50+. March 19-22. Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, Chicago. tickets.auditoriumtheatre.org. Amira: A Chicago Cinderella Story. Hyde Park School of Dance reimagines the classic fairy tale as set in Hyde Park and showcases a variety of Chicago neighborhoods. $10-$25. 7 p.m. Friday; 1 and 6 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. March 27-29. Mandel Hall, Chicago. hydeparkdance.org. ComedySportz. Chicago’s longest-running, game-based improv comedy show is recommended for ages 7 and older. $25. 8 p.m. ThursdaysSaturdays, plus 6 p.m. Saturdays. ComedySportz Theatre, Chicago. (773) 549-8080, cszchicago.com.

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Dilemma PARENTING

Absolutely not. You have to step up and learn how to use the word NO. A kid should always be a kid and that’s it. Thongs are not for children. Bana W.

Because everyone else has them is a lame reason. But if she’s the only girl walking around with granny panty lines, I would feel bad for her. Dana H.

■ Thongs are just underwear. I don’t see the big deal. Wearing thongs isn’t going to make her a bad girl and just because she wears them doesn’t mean she’s going to sleep around or anything like that. Trust in your parenting skills and trust that you’ve raised her to be strong and able to make good decisions. Mandy M.

sions. Especially if she’s feeling peer pressure, all the young girls nowadays are feeling that need to dress like Kylie Jenner and look older than they need to. Jennifer L.

■ This isn’t about you. They are underwear. Buy them and pick a real battle. Kathryn J.

I would not let my daughter ever wear those, but I would also respect her enough to explain exactly why I don’t approve. It might not temper that rebellious fl are that you will no doubt encounter, but at least she will know that you care about her and hopefully use this to consciously think about future deci

At least she wants to wear underwear. If you sexualize the idea of thongs, I think that’s your own issues. None of us like panty lines ... and if you let her get thongs for that reason, then why not? I highly doubt that she’s going to show up to her friends and/or boys and let the fact that she has a thong on change anything. Nina V.

Parenting dilemma: My newly tween daughter is begging for thongs instead of cotton panties because she says all the girls in school wear them. I’m horrified at the thought! I know my mom would say no and that would be end of discussion. Should I at least consider it? Would you?

comfortable with her wearing thongs, then let her. If not, then don’t. She’s not going to die if she doesn’t have dental floss up her a$$. Rebecca T.

■ For someone that is ol’ school, the answer would defi nitely be no!!! She will continue to wear those eight-pack Hanes specials until she can buy her own things and be on her own. Candice C.

Skinny jeans are the current vogue. I don’t think that there is anything wrong with that look. However, if you are going to wear skinny jeans you will have panty lines unless you are wearing a thong. The panty lines will

Join parents at 8:10 p.m. Fridays on Chicago Parent’s Facebook page to talk about fellow parents’ dilemmas. Submit your own by emailing tamara@chicagoparent.com.

get the girl more trouble than the thong, in my opinion. But it’s time to have a discussion. If she wants to wear skinny jeans to please herself, then that’s positive. If she trying to attract boys that’s a trap. Amy C.

I was curious about thongs at 13. I stole one from my mom and when she found out I did she didn’t scold me. She took me to the store and bought me girly thongs. Sometimes when you don’t let kids do something you make it more desirable and they’re going to do it anyways. Why not know about it instead of denying her and her doing things behind your back? Estefani L.